Vorden stood in the corridor, bathed in the sterile white glare of overhead lights. His gaze traced the simple black lettering that read "General Neely" on the wooden plaque of the office door. His pulse quickened subtly, a rhythm of anxiety and anticipation mixing beneath his calm exterior.
"Come in," barked a muffled yet authoritative voice from behind the heavy wooden door.
Private Smith straightened her shoulders, pushed the door gently open, and stepped inside. Her voice, crisp and precise, floated clearly into the hall. "General Neely, Sergeant Blade is here to see you, sir."
"Show him in," a deep, authoritative voice replied calmly from within.
The private reemerged, her expression professional but softened by a hint of kindness. She nodded towards Vorden. "Sergeant Blade, the General will see you now."
Vorden inhaled slowly, steadied himself, and stepped through the doorway, entering a room that was a fusion of meticulous order and understated elegance. The polished surface of the general's oak desk reflected the soft glow of a brass lamp.
General Neely rose from behind his desk, the precise creases of his uniform sharp as razors, his expression a blend of professionalism and genuine warmth. "Blade, good to see you," he greeted, extending a firm hand.
Vorden grasped the offered hand, feeling the rough texture of calluses earned through years of service. "Thank you for seeing me, General," he replied respectfully, his voice steady despite the fluttering anticipation in his chest.
"Please, take a seat," the general gestured, sinking back into his own chair with practiced ease.
Settling into the offered chair, Vorden took a quiet breath, eyes momentarily catching the glint of medals arranged meticulously upon the general's uniform. The quiet tick of a clock marked the passing seconds, underscoring the room's disciplined atmosphere.
General Neely leaned forward slightly, fingers interlaced on his desk, his calm gaze steady upon Vorden. "So, Sergeant Blade," he said in measured tones, a subtle curiosity threading through the professionalism, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"
Vorden hesitated just for a fraction of a second, stealing his resolve before he began, voice steady, deliberate. "General Neely, I have a situation that's arisen—something delicate. It involves a personal matter, and I believe your insight and authority might be exactly what's needed."
A brief pause hung in the air, thickening the atmosphere, before the general offered a thoughtful nod, his hands remained folded on the desktop as he leaned forward slightly. "Then speak plainly, Sergeant Blade. You've certainly piqued my interest."
***
The following morning, the open-air auditorium was humming with a quiet, electric anticipation as streams of students trickled in, chattering lightly amongst themselves, taking their assigned seats beneath a wide expanse of pristine sky. Jade Brightmoor shepherded her own class to their designated section, her eyes flitting restlessly over rows of heads and uniforms, searching for a familiar face.
Yet, there was no sign of Vorden.
She tugged gently at the end of her braid, brow furrowing softly as a faint knot of worry began forming in her stomach. A pair of teachers' voices drifted down from a few rows above, their words subdued yet clear enough to reach her ears.
"It's strange," one murmured. "The General never calls surprise assemblies without reason. Do you think something happened?"
"I don't know," the other whispered back, voice tight with speculation. "Whatever it is, must be serious."
Their uneasy gossip settled over Jade, intensifying her growing concern. She crossed her arms tightly, pulling her jacket closer as the buzz of conversation around them suddenly hushed into silence. General Neely strode confidently onto the stage, his crisp uniform gleaming under the sunlight, immediately commanding the attention of everyone present.
With a warm, authoritative voice, General Neely began, "Not long ago, our world teetered on the edge of an extinction-level event. We've faced trials and tribulations that should have shattered us—yet here we stand, stronger, resilient, persistent. And do you know why that is?" His eyes swept over the rapt faces of students and faculty alike. "Because our greatest strength is not merely found in military might or abilities alone—no, our true power lies within the bonds we forge, the connections we nurture, and the love that binds us as uniquely human."
A ripple of agreement murmured through the audience as Jade, intrigued yet bewildered, listened closely.
The General's expression softened with a knowing smile. "Yesterday, a young man came to me with a rather unusual request. Once he had explained his mission, however, I couldn't think of a better way for him to achieve his most critical mission yet than with the full support and backup of his military family, right here at the academy." General Neely's eyes twinkled as he stepped aside gracefully. "Now, please join me in welcoming to the stage the talented young men and women of our academy's military band and the gifted students of the Elemental Abilities Class."
A chorus of applause erupted as Jade's heart jolted in her chest at the mention of Vorden's class. Her attention snapped forward, eyes wide with surprise.
The band launched seamlessly into a vibrant, uplifting melody, notes cascading warmly through the open air. A group of students emerged, combining their abilities to weave spectacular displays—fireworks erupting brilliantly overhead, blossoming cascades of flowers intertwined with intricate arches of shimmering ice, each burst of elemental prowess eliciting awe-filled gasps from the crowd.
Then, amidst the dazzling display, Vorden stepped forward from beneath a sparkling arch of ice and flowers, breathtakingly handsome in full ceremonial dress uniform. Hair impeccably slicked back, uniform pristine and neatly tucked, his face alight with earnest determination.
Jade's breath caught sharply, her mouth falling open in stunned astonishment as her pulse quickened. Her cheeks flushed, heart thrumming erratically as confusion and delight danced chaotically within her.
Taking the microphone confidently in hand, Vorden's voice, calm yet filled with genuine warmth, filled the amphitheater. "Thank you, General Neely. And thank you all for indulging me in this. I promise, I'll be brief." He smiled gently, turning his focus fully to Jade. "Sargent Jade Brightmoor, would you please join me on stage?"
Students gasped, eyes darting excitedly toward Jade. Her class erupted in cheers, egging her on playfully as she shakily rose to her feet, heart pounding relentlessly in her chest. As she made her way forward, Vorden continued softly, sincerity resonating deeply in every word.
"You all know her as Sergeant Brightmoor—instructor of History of Human Abilities and Combat Strategy, a woman of unparalleled intelligence, strength, grace, and skill. But to me, Jade, you are my reason, my strength, my guiding light." He met her astonished gaze, eyes shining, as she climbed the steps and approached him.
Before she could fully comprehend, Vorden smoothly dropped to one knee, eliciting a fresh wave of gasps, whistles, and excited murmurs rippling through the audience. He took her trembling hand in his, his voice dropping to a gentle, heartfelt tone, yet amplified through the microphone for everyone to hear.
"Jade Brightmoor, I've loved you deeply and truly from the moment I first saw that illuminating glow in your eyes. You've been my partner, and my best friend, on my greatest adventure. Would you do me the extraordinary honor," he paused, pulling out a ring sparkling brightly in the sun, "of becoming my wife?"
The amphitheater exploded into jubilant cheers and shouts, Jade's students shouting eagerly, "Say yes, Sergeant B!" Some so bold even went further "If she says no, I will!"
Overwhelmed, tears blurred Jade's vision, a radiant smile lighting her face. She barely managed an emotional, fervent whisper, "Of course!"
From stage-left, General Neely cleared his throat dramatically, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Sergeant Brightmoor, was that an affirmative? Those in the back row may not have heard clearly."
Instantly, Jade snapped to perfect attention, her salute crisp and precise, her voice ringing out powerfully through joyful laughter. "Sir, yes, sir! I said yes, sir!"
General Neely chuckled warmly, returning her salute, his voice filled with genuine pride. "At ease, soldier. And congratulations."
Vorden gently slipped the sparkling ring onto her finger before standing, pulling Jade effortlessly into his arms. He lifted her high, spinning joyously, sealing the moment with a tender, lingering kiss as cheers, applause, and laughter swelled around them.
The noise faded gradually as the students and faculty began filtering back to their classrooms, many offering hearty handshakes and congratulations. Sergeant Flood approached Vorden, smiling knowingly. "Looks like my restaurant recommendations paid off."
Vorden shook her hand gratefully, nodding warmly. "They sure did, Sergeant Flood, thank you." She smiled, turning away as Vorden watched her go, shaking his head affectionately and muttering, "She's an odd one."
After shaking a few more hands, exchanging a few more joyful hugs and smiles, Jade and Vorden, now engaged, walked hand in hand back toward their classrooms, their future together shining brightly before them beneath the clear, endless sky.