The Tenacious Cavaliers

Chapter 4: Blood Buddies (Part 1)

   It was five in the morning on a chilly fall day, years later. Ages seventeen and eighteen, Hau and Gladion were going to knight training almost every day for the past two years; through dedication and strength, they were able to beat the challengers, village leaders and the masterful Alolan Battle Council with their graceful fighting skills. The council had always given them a sort of pass, though. With Gladion being a former prince and Hau being the grandson of the high-class Alolan League of Knights' leader, the council couldn't help but feel the pressure of easing up on the two. They were disliked by some for being able to pass into the hardest League, but that was no problem for others who could already sense the corruption of the system. Gladion didn't care much for the hate. After all, he experienced a lifetime's worth when living in the palace, and was rarely phased. However, Hau was determined to prove to the outside world he was good enough, his smiles and games masked the intense need to make himself likable to all the villagers.

   The two lived together unofficially since the day Gladion accepted the proposal to spend the night, and he stayed there since, no discussions were had about it. It became a known fact they lived together in the same room at that point, and Hala allowed it as long as Gladion didn't pull anything suspicious. Hau didn't care much for rules; he would sneak out of the house all the time with Gladion, and they dipped their feet in the nearby lakes, sometimes lighting up beneath them due to the Chinchous and Lanturns hiding deep at the muddy bottoms. He'd never really admit it, but Gladion thought it was quite fun.

   Hau got up right when he needed to, the same time every day, without fail. He could adapt to any sleeping schedule if needed, but when it came to Gladion... Not so much. Hau always had the energy, but Gladion could never take the initiative on his own, he always needed a little guidance even when he insisted he needed no help. Hau knew better than that.

   The green haired boy sprung up, sitting next to Gladions sleeping body next to him in the same bed. His long, olive colored hair fell over his shoulders, and he brushed it out of his face quickly. He nudged Gladions shoulder gently, turning towards him.

   "Gladie. Psst. Gladie. Gladion."

   The blonde rolled over, bags under his bright green eyes, which were squinted. His hair was a mess and he looked at Hau with menace in his eyes, with the blanket pulled up to his mouth, muffling his slurred words.

   "What."

   "It's five o'clock. We have to get ready for training!"

   "Five o'clock my asshole. I don't wanna get up."

   "We can stop by the village center when we walk there to get coffee. Don't be so whiny. You always get so grumpy in the morning."

   "I'm always grumpy, period."

   "Well, at least you admit it, I guess. Now c'mon, get up, it's knight time!"

   Hau huffed a tired sigh and rubbed his eyes, grabbing Gladion by the arm and tugging him out from beneath the blankets. He made a quiet mumble whilst being pulled, but didn't have the energy to protest. After putting on decent clothes, grabbing their bags full of gear and latching their swords to their hips, they were out the door.

   Walking down the path to the center, Hau put his hair up into it's usual ponytail, and Gladion saw a figure from the corner of his eyes; it was a blonde, pale-skinned woman, with a flowing white dress and a white sun hat, carrying a large purse at her side. Lillie. He always dreaded the possibility of crossing paths with her, after all, they hadn't talked in years since the "incident".  Walking down his way, she gave Gladion a quiet nod as he gulped down the words he had planned to say, losing breath as she came ever closer. She muttered a simple two-word phrase to set him off balance, her whole face stricken with coldness.

   "Your majesty."

   Gladion paused in his tracks, his eyes trying to spot her as she glided away from his field of vision, her composure maintained, not a single part of her faultered from the smooth delivery of the line. Two words were all it took for him to shut down. It was almost beautiful, in a sick, twisted sense.

   Hau reached over and put his arm around Gladion, knowing how much it effected him due to his past. 

   "Hey just... Don't worry about it. Let's go get that coffee, okay? You always feel better after a cup."

   " But, I just, she... Nevermind. Yeah. Let's get the coffee."

   They walked into the center, waving politely at the healing lady at the counter, Nurse Joy. Sitting at the bar, they ordered their coffee: one with extra sugar and cream, one straight black. The person that corresponded to the order was pretty obvious. Hau looked at Gladion, a little bit of worry in his eyes. His voice was soft, a little more gentle than usual.

   "You're... Not still worrying about the thing, are you?"

   "No, of course not. It doesn't bother me."

   Gladion cracked his neck, hoping the silence could continue for a little longer. His face was straight, as it was ninety percent of the time. Hau could still see through him, desperately trying to get something out of the conversation.

   "You act like you can go over my head just because I'm not the most serious or smart person. Which is... Sometimes true. I can sense when you're lying, though! I know when your guard is down."

   "No, no way. You can't find my tell. Nobody can."

   "Oh trust me, I can. You'll see. Now finish your drink, it's time for training."

   They threw away their plastic cups in the pink bin, and walked on over to the palace. Hala waited, watching the two come up. He smiled and chuckled a little.

   "You boys are early, about... Over an hour early today. Why have you been doing that lately?"

   Gladion shot daggers at Hau, who clearly didn't notice.

   "Well, I've been doing it, Gladie... Not so much. I wanted to do one-on-one training with him today, if that's cool with you."

   "Yes, I suppose that's okay. Put on your gear and head on over to the gated field out towards the back. I expect you two to listen. Especially you, Hau. You never put on your gear, you need your plates on your joints and you need to wear your helmet-"

   The two were already jogging on their way to the area, barely in earshot after hearing "yes". Hala disappointedly nodded, but let them on their way.

   Hau, speeding up the pace, rushed into the the area; sword out, no shield, and hair up. The multiple thick scars on his body were nearly gleaming, especially the ones on his face, and the old one on his arm.

  The blonde couldn't deny the beauty of his dear friend, he always found him to be quite a handsome man. Maybe it was the gentle air around them, but he felt a bit touched by it. His eyes ran over the scars that connected like a river, scanning every single scratch mark and small bruise. Somehow he was distracted, so deep in thought, and it ran back to his sister.

  Was the glare in her eyes menacing and taunting as he had seen them? Was it just him? What will happen the next time they pass each other? His heart was racing more than ever. Then he snapped out of it, hearing a voice he knew.

  "Gonna start training, or what?", Hau called out.

  "Yeah. Yeah, just give a moment."