-2-

Bringing Honour to us all

-Toorak travelled the galaxy, to answer the conscript of the council each planet holds a tournament to determine their best warrior. Toorak came to the planet Eltar; a beautiful planet where live and technology life in balance. No pollution, no war, no hate and no hunger. From his carradge Toorak travels through the green lush land to tell all who were able to stand for their world.

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A man was in his garden to his family home, he leaned in a smile across his face as he held a blossom branch to his nose and smelt their sweet scent. "My... my, what beautiful blossoms we have this year.' He paused his smile not so prominent. 'But look, this one's late. I bet when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all." He bent down to pick a watering can, and as he leaned in heavily on his cane the Eltarian attend to the blossoms.

"Father,' The gentleman turned and saw his son standing by the garden's furniture; Zordon is a young Eltarian male of 16, who's handsome, bright and very humble in heart and spirit. 'I brought you some tea..." His son smiled kindly to his father, placing the tray down on the table before him; on the tray was a tea pot, a milk jug and a set of cups, sorcers and tea-spoons.

"Zordon… Zordon..." He placed his cane by the chair and rest well in the seat.

"Remember now, the doctor said three cups of tea in the morning...'

"Zordon, I'll be fine please stop worrying about me."

'And three at night." ended Zordon, not paying any attention to his father's dismissal of pain.. He had see for himself that he was in pain these pasty few months and would do anything to see his father better.

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The sounds of drums where then heard, both Zordon and his father turned to their left, Zordon's father looking more worried about this than his son. "What is it father?" asked Zordon, seeing the concern on his father's face.

"It will be fine... Nothing to worry about Zordon, your father will take care of everything!"

Imperial soldiers and Toorak come riding over a hill. Zordon had ran down to the gates to their home. Zordon's father placed a hand on his son's chest as he was ready to open the gates. He looked into his eyes. "You stay inside Zordon, as I said I'll handle it... None of this concerns you!" Zordon missing the worry and concern in his father's voice.

His sister clouded "Ahem!" and Zordon saw that she was pointing toward a low roof of one of the families garden outhouses.

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Zordon runs over and calmed upon the low roof; from up hight he peers over the roof, to see the councilman standing in the main street.

Toorak needed his voice to be heard by all. "Citizens of Eltar, I bring a proclamation from the Imperial Halls... Ayden Specter posses a grave threat to our galaxy and plans to concur Corsma... So we come to Eltar by the order of Minister Roseman and ask for one from every planet to aid us in our time of need... To become one of the defenders!"

He held up a list of names and Toorak began to call out the names of the families in this district; father's and son's walking out from their homes and businesses as they heard them. "The Choyee Family!"

His boy stepped forward from his father, the boy's father bowing in respect of his son's willingness to answer the call to arms. "I will serve the Emperor for my family. I shall be the one to win the Eltar tournament!"

Toorak nodded a smirk to his face. "One so confident I like that, report tomorrow to the Hom-Gunhus arena; there you will prove your worth." and then he pulled out a royal scroll, before handing it to the boy.

Toorak called out the next name on the list. "The Talase Family!"

Zordon heart was pounding and sweat drew from his brow as he heard the councilman call out his family name, he observed his father step forward, he couldn't stay in hiding and just let this happen, his father was to ill to fight for Eltar now. "No!" gasped Zordon from on the roof top.

His father walks over to Councilman Toorak, with each step Zordon could see again that without his cane he would find it truly difficult to walk. "I am ready to serve the Emperor." stated his father.

Zordon pushed by his father and looked into his eyes, his father merely dismissing the sorrow deep within them, as he could welcome his son's disregard. "Father, you can't do this, please let me stand in your place!"

"Zordon no I can't allow it!"

"Is there a problem?' questioned the councilman. 'Will someone from the Talase household step forth!"

Zordon turned to address the councilman, hoping to make him see that his father at this stage in life had done all that he could for Eltar. "Please, sir, my father has already fought for...'

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Toorak didn't welcome the boy's utter disregard for his standing, someone from their household must enter the tournament and that's all he was concerned with. "Silence!' snapped Toorak, as he merely looked by the boy to address Zordon's father. 'You will do well to teach your son to hold his tongue in a Corsma's council members presence."

Zordon looked into his father's eyes, only matching it for a second before looking away, "Zordon. You dishonour me... I sir will serve Eltar in my families honour!"

Toorak nodded. "Then report tomorrow to the Hom-Gunhus arena." then he hands Zordon's father his scroll.

"Yes sir." Zodious nodded as he took the scroll from the councilman's hand.

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Toorak turned his back on Zodious and Zordon as the made their way back into their garden, his wife came to his side. "Zodious please, your son was only doing what he thought best!"

"We will talk about this later. I have much to prepare."

Zordon walked by as his mother came to talk to him, he looked into his mother's eyes, but couldn't find the words. He heard the councilman continues to call out further names of father's and son's to enter the tournament. "The Hular Family!" "The Ganlee Family!" and then finally "The Guyon Family!"

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Zordon standing behind the open door to his father's bedroom; he see his father walk on his cane to the large closet to yank open the double doors, revealing a grand suit of military armour, placing the cane to one side Zodious held his sword in his hand once again and with a smile reminiscing the days of battle's past he unsheaths the sword.

Zordon watches on as he seeing his father practices techniques, but his leg gives out and he falls against a pillar, panting. Zordon wished above all else that he could run to his father's aid, but didn't want his father to feel bad.

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At the dinner table as the family sat around for evening meal Zordon pours the tea, then sets his cup down with a bang unable to stand the silence and the constant looks his parents gave each other. "You shouldn't have to go!"

"Zordon please no at the table." stated his father coldly.

"There are plenty of young men to fight for Corsma, I would fight in this tournament if you just let me!"

"It is an honour to protect my country and my family."

"But only if that is you hey father." snapped Zordon, as he got up from the table. 'So father are you willing to drive yourself to the grave for this fine honour."

His mother looked away from the table, Zordon seeing that he had said what she had been thinking, Zodious however looked up at his young son and said in reply, "I have seen the art of war my boy... I have learnt first hand what it can do to a person... I am will to die to do what's right, I am willing to stand in this tournament to protect you."

"But please if you would...'

His father Zodious held up his hand to silence his son. "I know my place. It is time you learned yours." Zordon stares at his father for a moment, then runs outside crying.

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Zordon is sat before the stones of his family before the families temple, it was raining that night, the rain hiding the sorrow that rested heavily on his heart. Through the window of his house, he can see his mother and father talking. His father walked off, his mother looked right at her son, but shows no expression. She turns and leaves the room, switching off the lights.

Zordon stood up and walked back into the Family Temple, where he lights a fragrance stick and placed it in a hanging scent bowl. He takes a second to stand there and taking in the properties of the fragrance. 'It should have been a day where I should have been celebrating... A time to have all my closest around me...' Zordon thought, a cold feeling resting in his heart. 'However, today hasn't gone according to plan... I hope to leave my families home in hopes of doing good... To answer in his name the call of the great council elders for noble warriors... I just can't believe all that as happened and the true strength of Specter. And now these enemy must be defeated...'

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Thinking for a minute Zordon had made up his mind, about his future and how he could aid his family. He up then runs into his parent's room, taking the scroll from their beside and took his father's Blade Blaster, he placed a hand on the armoured chest plate; 'This will be my response ability now, as now I must stand in my families chambers ready to take my father's armour,' and then he puts on his father's armour. Zordon runs through his family house and quickly goes out to the stable, once inside he mounts Canock the families rid and saddled up.

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The eyes of a statue in the temple flash and his sister wakes up and came running to her parents bedroom. "Zordon, he is gone!"

"What? It can't be...' cried his mother, 'Zordon! No... You must go after him Zodious."

Zodious heads out of the house in hopes of stopping his son. He stops Zordon by the main gates. "Please son no!"

Zordon turned to his father, looking back over his shoulder. "Please father let me do this, this is something I must do."

They looked at each other, Zodious wanted to protect his son, but knew that his son would only grow by doing this. "I..."

"Let me fight in your place...'

Zodious pads the side of the ride, Canock rocked his head back. "We're counting on you to... Please being honour to this house... uphold the family honour."

Zordon smile, glad to have his families approval. "I am ready for this, you truly don't have to worry, Father. I won't let you down."

Zodious felt the hand of his wife in his, "Hurry now child! My our ancestors watch over you."

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As Zordon heads out on Canock making his journey to the Hom-Gunhus arena, Xaldean Zordon's young sister sits before the halter of their family, she looked at the stone's of her ancestors. Xaldean help she had to ask for their aid, she took a deep breath this was the first time she had come before the ancestors to ask something of them, but saw the digger picture. "Ancestors, hear our prayer. Watch over Zordon." Within the Family Temple, smoke from her candle passing over the characters on the temple wall.

From the stands Zodious watched on as his son fights vigilantly moving on through the tournament, he turned to his wife and kissed her brow. "He will win this... Zordon will do right for his planet. May he being honour to this house."

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To become Eltar's defender Zordon would come to fight Gosei in the Eltar final, the two fighters turned to their planet's king. "I swear an oath to fight with honour and to prove above all else my might and will."

They turned and bowed to each other before Zordon and Gosei took their fighting stands, Zordon waiting, buying his time in hopes of Gosei making the first move. Gosei made the first move, a quick sharp right followed through with a left; Zordon had his covered, he blocked the first right, ducked the left and then followed through with a draw in right, "Huh!" called out Gosei as the punch hit is side, the blow forced him to stand on his back footing.

Gosei did try to recover and to gain his equal footing a hard right, which Zordon had to leap back to avoid. Their breathing was sharp and heavy, sweat on their brow; they were trained for this, but the tournament had taken a lot from them. This was the final; their final chance to move on and each opponent knew that and wasn't about to go down so easily.

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Each blow hit its mark hard, thud and thud and fist hit on skin and bone. 'Got to take him out, don't want to hurt him, but the longer this fight lasts the more chance of me leaving damn.' Zordon thought as he came in again, he fought for now offensively as he had the upper hand, but knew on a moments notice to come in offensively if needed.

Zordon and Gosei had been friends all their life's and there was no one the pair had hoped to be fighting for this honour. Zordon saw his father and family in the stands, he had taken his father's place, in the knowledge that Zodious had once served his country before. "Oh!" panted Gosei, as Zordon came in his a upper-cut gab to his stomach, Gosei was winded forced to hold his chest as he tried to catch his breath.

Zordon couldn't give him time to recover and came in with two hard kicks. "Ah! Uhh..." called out Gosei, as he landed hard on his back. Gosei still had enough energy to roll over from his back, hoping to get air into his lungs. 'Stay down... stay down!' Zordon thoughts as he watched crawl on his hands and knees.

Gosei hit the ground with his fist, anger and frustration taking hold. He looked up at Zorodn the crew in the arena silenced by what they were witnessing, all to find their champion for Corsma.

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Zordon did not expect Gosei to stand. Zordon wanted to finish it and so came in with a wing of his axe, Gosei had that one second to duck the swung, he came at Zordon a hard shoulder to his side, then with a hard punch to Zordon.

Zordon groaned hard, it was the first time he felt pain in this fight. He dropped his axe; Gosei came in with another hit. "Oh!" called out Zordon; who then moved back to gain so space and time to think.

Gosei was not going to let Zordon regain the upper hand and move in with his weapon, "Yah! Hah!" Zordon was hurt after Gosei's attack with his weapon.

Zordon was on the back foot now, he checked his nose for blood, he looked Gosei in the eye; as he came in once again. This time Zordon rolled underneath Gosei's attack and managed to pick up his Axe. He came back at Gosei, this must be his last offence; the fight was being drawn out much longer and much painful then he had planned.

Gosei moved in, this time too aggressive, Zordon times it just right and came at him with the blade of his power-axe. The edge of the axe cutting into Gosei's battle armour. He then took Gosei up and over his shoulder and then down hard onto the ground below, "Huh!" called out Gosei as he felt his back hitting the ground hard; Zordon then moving in for the final blow.

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The crowd in the arena clapped their hands together and called out their champion's name; Zordon looked to see the crew and saw just how pleased his father was; Zordon had won be was now Eltar's defender. Zordon smiled and helped Gosei up to his feet. "Back there I thought you had me..."

Gosie smiled and thanked Zordon for a good clean fight. "You my friend are destined for your own greatness, I can feel it. Never give up and never faultier; remember to take your own path!"

Gosei bowed showing respect both to the victor and his friend. "Thank you my friend, I am glad to have lost out to you... Fight with honour and lean them regretting ever making their stand!"

"I will!"

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Zordon stood before his family, he knew it was time to say goodbye he truly hoped he would see them again. His father Zodious turned to his son, as he held his hands and looked into his eyes he spoke about strength and responsibility. "You have shown great strength my son... Out planet will forever be in your debt. Zordon smiled through the tired and sorrow. 'I am counting on you to bring honour to our humble family."

"Father I promise you, that I will do all that I can, please don't worry the day I bring dishonour to our family will never come!"

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Zordon boarded his ship and left Eltar, he turned to look out of one of the ship's windows; watching on as Eltar faded to nothing. His shuttle travelling through space, travelling past distant stars and planets that hung in the vast darkness of the galaxy.

Here he was heading onto a once in a life time adventure; a great opportunity to stand as a defender. This was his dream, Zordon a hero to others, to help defend the good and to stand strong against their enemies. 'But first things first; I've got to prove that I've got what it takes.' he thought. 'I've gotta start from the bottom, learn from the masters; father one day I will return. I will bring honour to our name.'

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Back at the Talase household Zodious goes to the family temple to ask the ancestors to guard over his son. He lights a candle before lowering himself down on one bended knee, bowing in respect to the ancestors. "Honourable ancestors please send my son on his way. Protect him and see him safe to a noble victory."

-Toorak landed on Axelrod; a once great civilisation of nine fair cities. The people who rules there were fairly powerful, all however feared change. They were easily divided and in time they warred amongst themselves for power, for land, for control until only one city served. Axelrod as a chance now that is why they agreed to answer the council's calling, they wish to be great once more to regain what they once had.

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The day of the tournament dawn was clear and bright; everyone who was anyone had been brawn to the heart of Axelrod, the arena standing tall. Now the capital of Axelrod Apimulo was pack, some had travelled for weeks, from all corners of Axelrod, all stood ready in the sacred place of battle and combat to bare witness to a fight that would crown their defender; their royal rulers even in attendance.

On every slope around the surrounding grove was filled by those who couldn't pay or get hold of a ticket sat or stood with squinted eyes in hopes of catching sight of the action; as the sun bathed down on Apimulo.

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Zedd; a Axelrian male tall, brave and ready to fight, stood now waiting in the wings to enter the arena, after taking their oaths to the king and queen; then an oath to obeyed by the ancient rules.

Finally, in one long line, the combatants stepped out in the sunlight, winding their way around the arena floor heading to the royal box. Then they stopped and turned to their rulers, a man tall and bold; in gold and ivory. Cheers echoed around him from the stands as the king took to his feet, he waved a hand high in the air to command silence. There was an instant shush. "Standing for your worlds honour the bravest and toughest... The winner will fly to Corsma and stand for might and power! There can be only one!' were the lasting words of his king. 'The faint of heart will rise to this honour and we will cheer his name! That is what brought them here!"

To his side sat his beloved the queen; who was being fanned by man of youth and good looks holding hight fans of feathers. A glass in her hand as she shared in the toast to crown an Axelrod defender.

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Zedd watched on the fight before him; he had moved through the tournament as soon he knew he would fight the winner of the final heat. An echo of cheers and shouts met his ears as another rounded ended. At this Zedd heard laughter over his shoulder, "Get him out of here! This guy is done!"

'Not really the way I want to go.' he thought, not wincing as they dragged the last defeat by them. Zedd not looking to fazed or impressed by this standing; so now it was him and Beta Corrah in the final.

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His opponent turned to him as Zedd pulled down his mask. "So then white mask what really brought you here?"

"This tournament could make me or break me, you see I want more to life than the streets, I was born with nothing no spoon in my mouth. My mother died when I was a youth and I never got to learn of my father... So like I said this will make me or break me!"

"Mmmm.' nodded his opponent. 'I get that!"

"And what of you!?"

"I have a pulse and a drive... The faint of heart would never come here; there is too much blood-lust!"

It was there turn to step forward, as they heard the ref-judge's voice state. "Man and woman of Axelrod... For your rising pleasure! A fight to move on in the standing;' the crowd cheers as the light of the evening sun glowed down on Zedd's mask. 'Please give it up for Beta Corrah!' The larger of the two held up his head and lifted his arms in the air to screams and echoes of cheers. 'Yes the great Beta everyone!"

"A-a-a-and now for Zedd Phuna... Zedd!" again the crowd was mixed cheering and shouting for both combatants; Zedd looking around at the arena feeling the moment.

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Beta showed his strength and standing over Zedd, flexing his arms, pounding his chest and letting out a sharp firm roar; all in hopes of unsettling Zedd. Zedd held his silver staff in both hands; he was not about to back down. "This is my fight Zedd no better life for one as you!"

"Come on!' the opponents stepped close together, they banged each other's fists together and stepped back; each one taking their stands. The ref-judge stood between them; nothing really holding them back. 'Fight." Neither man wasted any time to make their first move.

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Beta charging in with a swinging hard right, which without a second thought Zedd managed to duck out of the way from and connect with his own hard hit. Beta quickly turns on his feet to once again face Zedd, who steps in close and delivers three rights in quick secession. "That was a good strike, Beta!" said Zedd in admiration.

"Ah thanks, that was a bloody good dodge, Zee." replied Beta laughing it off.

However, the crowd straight away showing their appreciation by shouting out encouragement for Zedd. This rallied Zedd on to strike again, Beta enraged by the crowd who at this point no longer called out his name; Zedd picked up on this and used Beta's need for a strike against him.

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Zedd moving quick and sharp out of the way; almost paying with the bigger guy. "Come on... come on!" called out the ref-judge as the two hadn't come to blows for a few seconds.

Zedd was the one who answered the ref's calling and stock with a hard punch to Beta's jaw. Again the crowd cheering and clapping as Beta held his jaw. Beta shook the pain from his mind and came for Zedd a few hard hitting fits to the mid-section and one clear to the side of Zedd's face.

Zedd straightened up his mask and tweaked his neck and head. "This isn't over yet pretty boy, it's a good job you wear that mask as your going out of here black and blue and I want these fans to still be able to look you in the eye was you lower your head!"

Zedd pushed down Beta's sixth hard right, giving him the chance to strike an elbow to the side of the big Axelrod's head, then blows to the chest with two good spin kicks and then coming in close as he moved in with a power kick.

Caught for now on the back footing Beta wanted to gain some space, so his pushed Zedd back. This enabled him to rush for his weapon; with his blade in hand and came back at Zedd. "Give it to him." Zedd heard the ref cry out to his left, Zedd was just luck enough to duck the swinging blow, as if it would have connected Zedd knew that the fight would have been over.

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The crowd laughed. "Ha-ha-ha!' and let the competitors know that they liked what they were watching calling out. 'Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Looking around he saw where his weapon of choice had been placed he rolled twice and took up his staff; as Beta run to catch him with a rumbling roar Zedd acted first hitting him pretty hard in the chest with two central blows rocking Beta backwards, then he spun and connected with the side of Beta's body sending him down to one knee. "Oh... Zedd have you got what it takes to finish this!?' To which Zedd nodded. 'Then finish him! Finish this fight and take your victory."

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Out of breath Beta was too slow to get back to his feet give the faster and more agile Zedd time to move in with a kick taking Beta Corrah to the floor. "Yes all right just lovely...' The ref-judge then took the count. '1... 2... 3..." holding his hands up in the air with each number, Zedd taking a defensive stands just in case Beta was able to get up, but the big guy didn't move and Zedd was the winner.

Beta looking up at Zedd getting out a grunt. "Look you be lucky in your fight against the forces of Specter, don't go easy on them!"

"Don't worry on the score, I'll show them what the Axelrod's are made of!" were Zedd's words in reply, as he stood now victorious, the crowd now solely calling his name and giving him the fan-fair he deserved. A well needed refreshing breeze was blowing through the arena cooling the heat of his sweat covered skin.

-When Airtimid heard from the her sister about her decision to step forth and fight in the tournament; the lady in waiting wasn't all too please. Airtimid stood ready to stop her persuade her other wise. "What about us, my sister?"

To which Dimitria shrugged her shoulders. "This is for you my sister..."

"Not if I don't want you to do it it isn't! Please now promise me that you won't enter their tournament!"

"Airtimid... I'm sorry I can't... I appreciate your concerns I truly do, but this is something I have do to!"

"Look rethink this, your home is here and what about...'

Her younger sister just didn't understand how she felt how this was what she must do. The princess turned to face her sister and the other ladies of the courteous. "And what Airtimid, don't leave to defend my home, don't leave to defend my honour, don't leave to defend you... The people that matter to me! No thank you...' Airtimid heard her sister's words and came to realise the true nature behind Dimitria's disc ion to enter in the council's tournament. 'Basically... don't become a better me, it isn't about training any more, I must enter the tournament go through the competition! Go up against another competitor to be the winner, or am I going to be the greatest trained warrior the world will never see... I've got to prove my worth prove my standing as a member of the Sungo dynasty!"

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Airtimid nodded, knowing how she felt. She held her sister's hands and smiled. "I never thought about it like that..."

"But I knew you thought about me and Airtimid for that I am truly grateful." She hugged her sister tightly.

"Go Dimitria, earn your place as a defender. I just want you be safe sister, and when you are off on the battle friend remember home is where the heart rests, as I want you to return to Inquieis and lead us." stated Airtimid in the end.

"I will return my sister... Once Specter as fallen Inquieis will be free and I will return home to take my place as queen."

"Then it is settled, a banquet will be held the night for the tournament, to honour all who enter... Only the best shall honour us in battle."

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Later that day Dimitria walked through the halls of the palace with the son of the palace guard Visceron; he turned to the princess. "I do get it you know; when I first took my strips... the need to be something bigger takes over; it feels like my heart's going to erupt into flames."

"The first time I trained I knew that same thrill, ah, that same drive... Visceron when I take rule I want it to be because of my own merits not because my father hands me the thrown."

"You know, she thought she was helping."

"I know now she wishes me luck... I hope that my actions pay off, that I become our defender and that I am here to help us all!"

They turned together to the left and walked down a set of stair to the next leave. "I knew my father had the same drive to fight too... And he was good, actually Visceron he was great!' Visceron nodes in agreement, him knowing all too well what a great man Dimitria's father was. 'We would spar every day... but then he made me promise that I would give it all up the moment I am their queen." As they walked through the palace slowly the music of her banquet could be heard, echoing through the halls.

"Why?"

"I think... I think something happened years ago; before I was born when my father first took crown... He won't tell me the full story, but apparently someone tried to hurt my mother and he lost it. He had to change laws and everything to make it right, and then I was born!"

"Like father like daughter, eh?"

"He encouraged me to learn... but always made me promised to give it up after my coronation...' she turned to face Visceron. 'I feel there's more too... As now he must live his life with that burden. No doubt he doesn't want me to go through the same thing! If I become our defender thing of the buzz I'd get..."

"Hey, it's going to be all right, you'll be fine Dimitria... Whatever happens you'll stand proud and all will respect you."

"Sorry, I've killed the vibe."

"It's fine trust me..." and with that said Visceron leaned in to kiss her, something she stopped the moment she realised what she was allowing to happen. "Come on we batter get to my sister's party or she'll have father having the guards after me."

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He backed away and she walked on. "Hey, you know what would be good though Visceron? After my coronation maybe we could head out of the capital and spar together, just you and I, no one would have to know!' He just stood there, hands now in his pockets and looked to the floor. 'We can still get our thrills... the way it should be."

"I can't... I sorry!" he sighs.

"Please come on."

"No, I can't I love you Dimitria... I love you more than I've every loved someone. I had hoped you felt the same."

"We have been friends since the day your father brought you to the palace... We ran around the palace killing dragon and chancing dreams, Visceron I never want to loss that... But love I'm sorry I don't!" The was silence, the moon of Inquris hight in the sky above them, but love that night wasn't meant to be.