A True Hero

12 - Of Wishes and Dreams

"So...are you nervous?" Magolor pressed.

"Not in the least," I answered sarcastically. I had almost given up trying to avoid his bombardment of questions over the past few weeks. I put on my warp star and smoothed out my cape.

"Oh come on! This is your big moment! You're graduating!" he cheered, flitting about me. After the visit to Minoa, we were all sent back to the Enterprise, including Blizzard, who was actually a regular soldier and a native of Minoa.

He joined the GSA at a very young age when his small village was attacked by NME, leaving him the sole survivor. The army came to help, but it arrived much too late. Using his knowledge of the geography and secrets of the snowy planet, the GSA was able to set up a base in a previously unguarded, but frequently attacked, system. He came with us for the sole purpose of making sure Arthur and Nicolette made it back safely, having become good friends with them, but I suspected his underlying want to explore the universe around him. Despite not being a Star Warrior, Blizz was a master with any weapon put in his hands. He was standing out in the audience now, next to Garlude and Chrystal, watching as a healed Arthur was given his title of "Sir."

Something alarmed me, however. After the battle, which was bigger than anyone could have guessed, NME became strangely silent. Either his legions had suffered many losses as we did, or he was planning a major attack somewhere. The war had come to a standstill with little to no activity being reported from either side.

"You gotta look spiffy for your lady," Magolor said, interrupting my thoughts, and played with my cape. I wrenched it from him after he had wound it around him like a blanket and almost became lost in its folds. Ignoring his puzzled look, I peered out onto the stage. Or rather, a line of cafeteria tables bunched together to look like a stage. The Captain, after decorating Arthur first for being the best warrior of those of us graduating, was still giving his usual speech about growing up and becoming a true hero, mainly to raise the moral within the recruits. I had listened to these words many times.

For this noble cause, you were chosen. For this noble cause, you may die...

"She'll like me no matter what," I retorted.

"You know, I haven't seen her wearing that sad-orable little necklace you made."

"Just to ease your elementary mind, it wasn't for her. Besides, my personal life is none of your business. Stop meddling."

"I don't meddle. I simply...invest emotionally into your well being!" The names were now being called for the remaining graduates. Amai, Jecra, Falspar, Nonsurat, Dragato, Galeren, Joanna... "Who was it for then?"

"My emotional well-being is none of your concern. Now hush!" I hissed, just as the Captain called my name. Taking a deep breath, I walked out onto the tables. Lights instantly blinded me, so I squinted as I slowly approached what I thought was the Captain. Once I had reached him, I stood erect and saluted him.

"Meta Knight," the Captain bellowed, "your courage and bravery have brought you a long way. You have shown impeccable skill with a sword and loyalty towards your brethren. It is a great honor to pronounce thee Sir Meta Knight!" He saluted me, the shook my hand. "It's been great training you. I can't wait to see what power you will bring to the army!" My eyes turned a light blue as I smiled and acknowledged the audience. Chrys cheered loudest of all, but I didn't see Nic. Where was she? I turned back to leave, but the Captain caught my arm as I passed.  "Meet me in my office asap," he whispered. His urgent tone was wildly out of character for the occasion. I bewilderedly stumbled down off the tables and met up with my friends.

"Sir Meta Knight!!" Falspar yelled, pulling me into a tight hug. I grunted and fought my way out; I was NOT a hugger. Especially if it was Falspar hugging me.