Crestfallen

Lance

Lance was practically jumping out of his skin by the time the gate opened, the captain standing behind it as a sea of men raced towards the front. He ran up to the gate, pushing past people to get to the front of the crowd. Behind him trailed Hunk, bumping and knocking into people. There was plenty of screaming and shouting, vulgar words being spat at them from every corner. Hunk grabbed onto Lance's arm, a death grip on his bicep. "Scared, buddy?" Lance teased, looking up at the man with a smirk. Hunk frowned, eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm only here for you. I'm not planning on fighting for a spot in the Guard."

"Oh come on, Hunk!" Lance whined.

"Do you see these people, Lance? That guy just crushed a rock." Hunk said, whispering in Lance's ear. "With his bare hands."

"Hunk. I've seen you cut down a tree in one swing. You'll be fine."

"I haven't wielded an ax in years!" Hunk yelled, shaking Lance. He opened his mouth to speak when the captain interrupted him. 

"Hello, gentle...men. It looks like we have quite the line up this year but don't think you'll get off easily. Only a small handful of you will be accepted into the Guard. The rest of you scoundrels will be put into the lower ranks." The captain growled, stepping down from the stairs he had been standing on and parting the now silent crowd with a hand. "Now, this year will be a little different. The soon to be queen of Altea will be watching you all as you fight. What for? I do not currently have that information. The only person, other than Princess Allura herself, who knows the reason for her presence is her adviser. Today, you will be put up against your rivals and your allies as you fight for a spot in the Garrison Guard. I am not expecting much from any of you but this is required of our generals." Lance was surprised by how blunt the captain was but everyone else just grunted in agreement. Most of them were there because it was required of them to try out for all possible positions before they were allowed into the army.

"Lance, we're leaving right? You've seen the guard so let's go." Hunk whispered, starting to tip toe away. Lance grabbed the back of Hunk's shirt, pulling him to his side. "Are you kidding? It's just getting started." Lance squealed in excitement as the captain moved, waving a hand for them to enter. "Hey Hunk. What do you think the princess looks like? I bet she's hot. Allura sounds like a hot name." Hunk rolled his eyes as they were pushed along to the first station: sword skills.

This was definitely not Lance's strong suit so he was disappointed he wouldn't be able to show off from the very beginning. They were all put into pairs and given weapons. The swords were blunt so they couldn't injure each other severely but still show that they could handle a real sword.  Lance was a little worried but his nervousness quickly lifted when he saw who he was paired up with. "A little small for the Guard don't you think?" he asked, smirking at the tiny boy. He was met with angry eyes. "How do you think the Guard will feel about your attitude?" He replied. Lance frowned as they were called up to the ring. "Hm. And what might your name be?" Lance stepped over the line, uncrossing his arms and getting into a fighting stance. The boy smiled in response, crouching down as well. It was almost as if he had to think about it. "My name? It's Pidge." Lance's brows furrowed. "What's a Pidge?"

"I don't know. Why don't you ask my parents?"

"Well...Pidge. The name's Lance! Nice to meet you. My apologies that you happened to end up as my partner. Don't worry. I'll make it quick." Lance was cocky, he couldn't deny that but he actually felt like what he said was the truth this time. This guy was going to be a piece of cake. Pidge just kept smiling, a glint in his eye. 

When the residing knight gave them the okay, Lance lunged forward, only to find that the guy was gone. Lance stood up, looking around. Pidge was no where to be found. When he turned his head behind him, he was met by the sword of his opponent. His eyes went wide and he immediately dropped his weapon, losing in the first twenty seconds of the match. Lance hung his head, disappointed in himself. Pidge walked over to him, slapping him on the back. "Sorry. I should've gone easier on you. I already knew you were at a disadvantage with me as your partner. I tried to make it quick." Lance narrowed his eyes, Pidge skipping off to the next station. "See you never, Lance!" With that, he was gone.