The Royal Knight Academy

Chapter 39: A Hard Goodbye

"I've loved helping the kingdom, whether by stopping evil from prevailing, or changing beliefs to make life better for all. But now, I feel like adventure is calling me, somewhere else. I feel like out there, somewhere in the world, people need my help. I have to be there for them. I have changed one kingdom. I know in my heart, I can help others do the same. Maybe even change kingdoms further than the eye can see," I said looking at Elisia with hope that someday she could return home and be treated as she should.

I looked at the rest of my friends, all shocked with what I said.

"You are all truly amazing people and I'm going to miss you while I am gone."

I walked to each and every one of them, saying my goodbyes.

"Dusk and Dawn. Thank you for always being there to brighten up my day."

"You're welcome," they said, bursting into tears.

"Elisia, you truly are magical. Thank you for helping me see things clearly."

"Thank you for helping me too," she said, nodding, tears softly falling down her cheeks.

"Kathleen. You have been such a great friend to me, who supported me when no one else did. You encouraged me to become who I am today."

"And I have been so lucky to have a friend like you," she added.

"Blake, Owen, and Elijah. In our short time together, you helped me when I needed it the most. I want to thank you for that."

I took their hands in mine, holding each one for a brief moment.

"I wish you could stay," said Elijah, shakily. "Thank you for everything."

"I hope you don't forget about us," Blake added, with tear filled eyes behind his glasses. "I'll think about you every single day while you're gone."

"Going on adventures with you was amazing," Owen said, his brown eyes sadly looking at the ground. "I hope to do it again someday."

Then I turned to the final person.

"And Xavier. You were there for me and supported me no matter what, even when you found out who my true identity was. I am so fortunate to have had you by my side. You are an exceptional person."

A single tear escaped his eye as I gave him a tight embrace to say goodbye, knowing he was sad to see me leave. I let go and motioned to Rany to follow, going to take him along on my next adventure. I walked over to a low window and grasped the bottom edge, lifting it wide open. It let in the warm evening glow of the sun.

I leaned my head out, calling to someone, "OVER HERE!"

I could see nothing but the sun setting over the field until a noise could be heard from out in the distance.

Out of the blue, my majestic white horse appeared, galloping to the open window, neighing in delight. Her pace slowed down when she got near and when Molly was close enough that I could touch her silky white coat, I gently stroked her face.

"Hello girl," I whispered. "I've missed you."

Wanting to get my journey started, I climbed through the window, ready to climb on the horse's back.

"Wait," a voice said urgently.

I quickly spun around, my back facing the colorful sky. Standing face to face through the open window was Xavier.

"Don't leave."

"Then come with me."

"But I can't leave. I have been given the task to train new knights to protect the kingdom. If there are no new defenders, then there is no kingdom. The kingdom needs me. Please stay."

"I can't. Somewhere else, someone needs me too."

Silence blanketed the air. Neither of us had the answer the other wanted to hear.

"I guess, this is goodbye, for now," I said, looking up at him.

Sadness overwhelmed me and I started to cry.

"I don't want to leave you," I cried. "I don't."

"I wish you didn't have to go, but before you leave, I want you to know something that I never got a chance to say to you."

He leaned his head out of the window, and whispered something that I knew he'd been wanting to say and I had been hoping to hear.

"I love you."

I smiled when he said it, still sad, but my heart felt full at the same time.

"I love you too," I whispered back through the tears. "And even when we aren't together, I will still be here with you."

I gently rested my hand on his heart.

"I know that someday, we will be together again. I promise," he replied, crying. "Because I'll be by your side."

"And I'll always be by yours," I finished, taking my hand off his chest.

I turned back around sadly, made my way back to Molly, and slowly climbed onto her back. Once I was ready, I looked down at my mom's ring on my finger, reminding me of her love.

Then I whispered to my horse and Rany, "Let's go change the world."

Molly quickly moved away from the castle and started to gallop off, her hooves barely making a sound on the grass. The young dragon followed, flying right beside us. I glanced back one last time to see Xavier and all the others waving to me from the open window. I smiled at them as I got further away, the castle growing smaller, until it was no longer visible. Picking up speed, I faced forward, gazing at the gorgeous sunset ahead. It was a memorable sunset that I would remember forever, all the shades of colors bolder than ever before. Riding through the open grass filled fields of Supiria, my magnificent kingdom, I stared at the sight that was beyond me, making my way to wherever my adventures would take me next.