The Crimson Champion

Prologue: An Eventful Birthday

On the morning of my sixteenth birthday, I wake up and I change into an everyday shirt and sweatpants before I leave my room and head into the small kitchen. As I walk in, my sister looks over at me.

"Good morning, Brutus! Happy birthday!" Kara says. She puts a plate of pancakes and bacon on the table. "I made your favorite breakfast for you. Hurry up and eat before it gets cold!"

I smile at her and sit down. "Thanks!" Kara sits at the table as I eat my breakfast. "So, what role do you think you'll get at your ceremony?" Kara asks. "I want something that'll help protect the village. I want to help as much as I can. If I can defend everyone, maybe they'll stop treating us like intruders."

Kara smiles. "I'm sure you'll make everyone proud, especially a certain friend of yours..." I nearly choke on a bite of my breakfast as she says that. "What're you talking about?!"

Kara laughs as my face turns red. "You know who I'm talking about. You should have an honest talk with her today."

I nervously stare at the table. "I don't know... Lorelei's my best friend. I don't want to make things weird." Kara gives me a serious look. "Brutus, she was going to leave the village after her birthday ceremony last year, but she didn't because she wanted to stay so she could see yours. She wouldn't have stayed if she didn't care about you, but she's going to leave tomorrow. You should talk to her today. Trust me, you shouldn't let things go unsaid."

I finish eating and stand up. "You're right. I'll talk to her after my training session with Master Yuri." Kara gets up and gives me a hug. "Good luck. I'll be waiting for good news!" Kara then takes my plate to the sink. I smile and wave goodbye as I grab my wooden training sword from our living room and head out the door.

I silently walk past everyone I see on the way to Yuri's training area, a large shed-like building on the outskirts of town. As I get there, I see him standing by the door looking at his watch. "You're right on time. Let's start." Yuri says. I bow to him. "Yes, Master!" Yuri opens the door and heads inside.

"Today is your final lesson. You are to use everything I have taught you against me. You will only pass if you can defeat me. Do you understand?" I nod and ready my sword. "Yes. I will use every ability I have. I won't hold back!" Yuri grabs his training sword and gets into position. "Good. 3... 2... 1... Begin!"

Yuri immediately slashes at my side, but I easily block it. I respond with a stab at his left leg, but he quickly dodges away. "Surely, you can do better than that, Brutus!"

I fake a slash at Yuri's throat, and as he falls for it, I quickly roll past him and viciously smack him in the back of his legs with the flat of my training sword. He staggers a little, but he doesn't fall. "You must be getting old already, Master! You can barely stay on your feet!"

I laugh as he quickly spins to face me. He glares and attempts to hit me with a flurry of slashes. "You should not underestimate me, Brutus. I have participated in many battles, and I have never lost."

I stumble backwards as I barely block his combo. Seeing an opening, Yuri attempts to stab my shoulder, but I manage to duck and use all my strength to stab at his stomach. Then he grunts and falls on his knees as I quickly knock his blade out of his hand, pointing mine at his throat.

"Do you yield, Master?" Yuri laughs and holds out his hand. "Yes. You've passed your test." I smile and grab his hand to help him up, but he suddenly uses his strength to pull me onto the floor. He then immediately stands up and pins me to the ground with his boot.

I struggle and glare at Yuri. "What the hell was that for?!" Yuri smirks. "You're far too trusting, Brutus. Never let your guard down, even for a second, or you will meet your demise." He puts his boot back on the floor and holds out his hand to help me up, but I smack it away and stand up by myself.