The Challenge


I was dumbstruck.
"What did you say?" I looked at him, fiery rage soaring beneath my skin.
"Didn't you hear?" He smirked, carefully lighting up a cigarette.
"You're not fit to be a part of us. Not yet."

Clenching my jaw, I kept silent, my eyes darting along with his movements.
This man is dangerous, one has to be careful.

"What do you want?" I muttered through my teeth. He is up to no good.
"You know very well, don't you?"
A huge blade was placed in front of me.
"Kill Arthur."

Those words were a great blow to me.
"Kill him, and take over my place."
I looked down at my armour, the very armour Arthur wielded for me.
My hands would do no such thing.
Nightmare laughed when he saw my expression.
"You still have a heart. Go back to him and be a weakling forever!"
Weakling? I detested that phrase.
"Forgive me, Arthur." I knelt down to accept the heavy metal.

It was huge, twice the size of myself.
But the burden I carried and the guilt of the task seemed a thousand times heavier,
much heavier; than the weapon in my hands.
"Seigfried, you are worthy of my realm once I see Arthur's head in your bare hands."

Evil laughter rang in my ears, as he disappeared.
A tear of regret rolled down my cheek.

Arthur was my best friend, my companion, my comrade in battle, and; my brother.
Strong, admirable and wise, he sought for serene peace within our realm of darkness.
I had no obselete idea why I left his side, perhaps because of restlessness?
Hn, or just plain foolishness.

Greed; greed for power over our existence.
Yes. I am greedy. Arthur's reign would not last for another day.
My soul rests heavy.
The deed even more so.

The sword gleamed in protest.
It knew what I was about to accomplish.
Even mere weapons love him.
Smiling ruefully, I touched the blade.

It was telling me not to do such a foolish act.
There was no choice. No turning back.
Seigfried never turns back on his word.

I entered the city, everyone grinning and cheering happily on my return.
"The King's brother has arrived! He has returned!"
A complacent smile plastered onto my face.
Would they cheer when they find out who killed Arthur?

I glanced at the castle.
Still as grand and magnificent, what it held inside was more prestigious, priceless;
much much so valuable than this whole setting.

On hearing the crowd's announcement, Arthur came out of the palace to greet me.
"My brother, you have returned."
"I have, indeed, but to do something of great dishonour. Forgive me, Arthur."
I raised my blade, a peculiar glint of feeling sparkled from my eyes.
Arthur smiled.
I froze.
He knew all along!
"Aren't you going to run? Go! At least try to retaliate." I cried, knowing Arthur too well.
He would just stand there and let me kill him.

A comforting hand touched my cheek, fingers travelling up to brush my tears away.
"You never cried before, Seigfried. I am happy to know you would, for me."

I sank to my knees.
Arthur was too perfect a brother.
I had admired him since I was taught how to.
Why should I kill someone whom I admire and respect;
trust and love throughout my whole entire life?
For fame?
For power?
The weight of these thoughts gnawed into my brain, infesting my heart.
I stood up, my blade drawn from its sheath once more.
Tears of shame and regret flowed down my cheeks.

"As I vowed before, Seigfried never turns back on his words.
I always accept my challenges, and that Seigfried, I love you; 
Arthur, my brother; forever."

Why can't the pain cease?
"Forgive me this last time."

I swung my blade against the armour.
It shattered, the icy blade piercing, penetrating into the very heart.
Sinking to my knees, I whispered for the last time. "I love you, Arthur."

This was the very first time, and last, that I; Seigfried, have run away from the challenge.
Feeling my life's blood slowly draining from my heart, I smiled.

I have won this fight.

~Owari~