Air Warrrior

Do you trust me?

Claire helped up pack the picnic and supplies on the horses. Two guards accompanied us following a few feet behind us. We rode for a few minutes through the forest when we slowed down. Christopher climbed down from the horse helping me down.

 "Take the horses and tie them to the tree over there." He ordered the men who bowed and took the reins from his hands and lead the horse away. "Shall we?" He offered me to arm, and we proceeded towards the lake. I helped him lay the blanket down and take the food out. Claire had packed up some fruits, ham sandwiches and little cookies in the shape of ovals. He poured me a glass of wine and we enjoyed our food. We sat in silence as we ate. It wasn't an awkward silence, it felt nice. I liked being around him, I felt like I could be myself. As we finished eating, we packed up the dishes and I saw him tuck the basket beside him.

He broke the silence, "The Royal Guard trials will be challenging but, I know you are ready." He gave me a soft smile that gave me butterflies. "It will be a dual of three guards, each a one-on-one fight. It will be close combat, to make it a fair fight you will not be allowed to use your powers from a distance. You can use them to power your punches and kicks just as they can use their strength. They will use swords; you are welcome to use your staff... or a sword." He let a laugh escape his lips as he said it.  "The last fight will be against myself."

"I am going to fight you?" I said surprised. 

"Every warrior must fight the prince. They are my guard; I must train them. They have to prove they are the stronger fighter. I am the best fighter we have." He said proudly and I believed it, he was strong. Even with my powers he was able to hold his own against me during our training. I had to admit, I was a little terrified. What if I failed... this would have been for nothing? What would happen to me after? I took a deep breath. "Hey. Don't worry. I wouldn't recommend the test if I wasn't sure, you were ready." I felt his hand gently brush mine as he leaned in toward me.

I gave him a nervous smile. "Oh. I almost forgot, thank you for having Claire make me this holder." I said as I ran my finger along the stitching. 

"I didn_" He stopped as I tilted my head shooting him a look of 'don't even try to lie'. He laughed at my attempt to intimidate him. "You're welcome. It looks good on you." His eyes glistened in the sun as he looked at me.

I broke our eye contact as I spotted a cliff that stood by the water. It wasn't super high maybe 100 ft or so but, it reminded me of the fun I used to have with Judy when we were kids. I could feel the tear in my eyes forming and I forced them back. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, I could hear the concern in his voice. I got to my feet quickly and turned to look at him.

"Come with me. I want to show you something." He wrinkled his brow and stared at me confused. He hesitated a little but reluctantly got to his feet. I grabbed his hand and giggled as I pulled him behind me running up the cliff. We reached the top the cliff and I stopped, slightly out of breath.

"What are we doing?" He asked laughing slightly. 

I walked towards the edge of the cliff and looked down; I could see the sun simmering of the top of the still water. I turned back and met his eyes; his face was riddled with confusion and a touch of fear as he watched me stand so close to the edge. I slowly walked back to him; I placed my hand gently grabbed his hand. "Do you trust me?" I asked devilishly.

He searched my face for answers as he tilted his head, "with my life." He said sternly. 

I reached back and pulled my staff out giving it a hard flick causing the fans to expand on the ends. I saw his eyes expand as he admired the folds of the fan. 

My staff was also a glider, when it expanded folded fans opened on both sides. The top of the glider had large purple fans that stretch out a few feet that snapped into place, a wooden bar that connected them. The bottom had smaller fans and a bar to rest my feet. I used to fly around with Judy when we were kids. 

I put his hands on the wooden bar. "Hold on tight to these." I smiled. I figured the best way to do this was to probably have him run and jump off the cliff with me on his back because he was taller and bigger than me. "I uh_" I didn't know how to ask him this... "In order for this to work, I need to be on your back." He smiled as he took off his cape, placing it on the ground gently. He crouched down without hesitation allowing me to climb onto him. He stood up slowly, making sure I was secure. I wrapped my arms around his neck placing my glider on his shoulder and he reached up and grabbed the wooden bar. I smiled and whispered in his ear, "now, are you ready to jump off a cliff?"

"What?!" He shouted snapping his head back towards me. I couldn't help but let out a giggle. I placed my hands next to his, so they were slightly touching. 

"You said you trusted me, right?" He took a deep breath in.

"I do, but_" He looked out towards the edge. "Okay, fine." He said as he shook his head.

"Now, run." I said with a slight smirk. He took off running and jumped off the cliff, a small yell escaped his lips as he jumped. I let my legs release from his waist and placed my feet against the wooden bar at the end. Christopher dangled from the front, he looked up at me shaking his head with a giddy smile on his face. I let the wind carry us around as we circled around the lake, flying above the trees. I felt the wind blowing through my hair and I could hear Christopher laughing like a kid as we glided through the sky. 

As we approached the cliff I lifted the glider up slightly, slowing us down as his feet connected with the ground, he released the bar. I closed the glider, using the air to float to ground. I landed in a crouched position with one knee on the ground. The dust flew up as I whipped my staff, bring it to my side. I slowly stood up, steadying myself.