The King And His Goddess Of War

Chapter 10: Leaving

I packed my things, the King already giving me the papers so I could leave the country for the camp. I placed my obsidian sword on my hip and my daggers inside a storage pouch on Mighty's side. My clothes were stuffed in another duffel bag that was attached onto Mighty's back, along with all of my valued possessions. That was it. All I had.

The armor had already been secured on Mighty's chest and underside, enduring safety, and a small padded blanket rested over Mighty's back to sleep on or to make sure my behind doesn't get sore from the three day trip. I mounted, rubbing the griffin's feathers slowly before we left.

Then I saw Tyson, Colby, and Zuka at the entrance to the stables. They were running- well, Colby and Zuka were. Tyson, was trying as hard as he could, to make it before I left that it hurt my heart watching him.

"What are you guys doing up so early?" I asked, raising a brow. I couldn't muster the courage to look into any of their eyes, so I looked down at my hands fiddling with the strap on my waist that held my sword. Maybe I'll convert it to a backstrap for the sake of this trip. 

"Tyson and I have come to say goodbye, and Zuka is here to plead," Colby explained. "I hope you win the fight, Guardian. You are so powerful, even Zuka falls at your feet."

"So did you, dumbass," Tyson snorted. He waved goodbye to me, and blew me a kiss like we used to do. This became a thing when he meant to blow a kiss to a girl in our class, but it was actually me without him knowing. Apparently from behind we looked very similar. "Bye Ari. I'll tell your mom that you love her."

They backed away and Zuka came into the picture. "Kleine Rose, please, I am not commanding you or pleading, but begging for you to stay," he said, a desperate tone lacing his voice. "I love you too much to let you go. You can't do this to me."

"I told you what would happen if I stayed, Zuka," I said sternly. I wasn't going to break down today. I did enough of that yesterday and I'm done with it. "I would be depressed looking at you and your betrothed. I would be forced to watch her be happy in my place for the rest of my life."

"At least come back," he said, the muscle underneath his shirt tensing. "Please come back and I'll be here waiting for you."

"And if you aren't?"

"I will always be here for you."

*** 

I flew quickly, Mighty excited for the trip ahead. He let out a screech as we reached the ocean quickly, his huge wings propelling him forward. I let my hair blow in the wind, my arms spreading to feel the air pass through my fingers. I took a deep breath in, leaving all my problems behind me in that castle. 

Zuka, the only person I let near besides Tyson and my mother, my only one I had actually loved more than a friend, the person I pictured myself with when someone said love. My newest battle partner.

Colby, the jealous brother, but one of my best friends with what little time we had together. 

Tyson, my bro. My partner in crime. The one who pranked me constantly at the Academy, by helping me get past the General in training. He supported me through the good and the bad ever since that day in the training room.

They were carrying me forward, but I had to leave because of old people and their traditions that made me miserable. Because of them I lost the one I loved within the week I got with him. They took away what was actually making me happy. Zuka.