Battle For the Title of Guard

Aftermath

He struggled to regain steady breath. Every muscle in his body was screaming in protest as he offered his hand to the fallen knight. The man took it, accepting Kazuichi's help. Only when they were both standing upright did Kazuichi turn to face the Queen's throne.

She was beautiful.

Her golden hair, softly curled, was flowing long past her back. She was clothed in a silvery-blue dress, the train of which nearly reached the ground. Even from the platform they had so painstakingly prepared, nearly 10 feet in the air. Delicate hands waved over the gathering to quiet them. Only then did Kazuichi notice the cheers of the rambunctious townsfolk.

Pride swelled like a sponge in his chest. He had defeated a Royal Knight. He had survived the most difficult trial, the one that would allow him into the guard! Er, only if the Queen accepts me.

He swallowed hard, a tough lump forming in his throat. What if that wasn't good enough? Tuning his focus back into the Queen, he crossed his fingers.

"Well fought. You spoke of becoming the Guard to my High Wizard, yes?" Her stare pierced his soul, crystalline cornflower-blue eyes looking right through him.

He caught his breath and dropped to his knee in a bow. "Yes, Your Majesty."

She chuckled. "No need to fall with such determination. You have won the battle, yes?"

"I- I think so, Your Majesty."

"And you showed compassion for your adversary."

Kazuichi glanced up. He couldn't help it, the words caught him off-guard. "Pardon? Er, Your Majesty."

A smile graced the Queen's face. "You assisted my Knight to his feet when he had fallen by your hand."

"Oh, yeah. Right, Your Majesty."

"Then I believe it is decided."

Kazuichi's heartbeat throbbed in his ears. Did I make it in? Am I finally gonna be a part of the Guard?

"You will..." His chest was pounding, the adrenaline of the fight yet to wear off. I will...?

"...not be joining my Guards."

His breath caught.

So... all this time, it wasn't enough? Tears burned at the back of his eyes, and he fought to stay in control. I thought I won. I trained so hard, how did I lose?

"Instead, you will join my High Wizard as requested."

Kazuichi's head shot up. "Really?!" He was beaming, smile so wide he could have cut through wood. "Er, Your Majesty."

The Queen nodded, and again, the crowd went up in cheers. He struggled to his feet, exhaustion from the fight finally catching up to him. Turning, he looked upon the knight, then the townspeople, the ones he had grown up with. The ones who tried to convince him he was nothing, so many faces who hadn't ever believed in him. And here he was. He had won.

Spinning back around to face the Queen, he bowed low. "Thank you so much, Your Majesty!"

As he exited the ring, he pushed past the crowd in the square. He had to pack. But first, he had to take a nap.