This is the warm, distant memory of a certain knight’s past…-.
Within the courtyard, bathed in sunlight, echoed a child’s shout and the sound of wood smacking wood.
Avi: “…ha! Ya!”
With each swing of the wooden sword, two heads of red shone amidst the green landscape.
Avi’s downward swing of his sword was blocked, knocking him onto his back.
King: “You won’t be able to protect anyone with that kind of technique Avi.”
The King spoke words of encouragement to the winded Avi.
Avi: “ …! I’m not done yet! I’ll beat you Father… and gain recognition as a great knight!”
King: “That’s the spirit.”
Avi gripped the sword in his hand and bravely declared his intentions.
The king looked directly into Avi’s violet eyes, seeing the strength shining there.
King: “But I bet you’re getting tired. How about we take a break?”
Avi: “I can keep going! I want to hurry and get strong like you Father, so I can be strong enough to protect everyone in this country.”
Avi shook his head and spoke seriously, and the king smiled slightly.
King: “I know how you feel. But it’s important to rest too. If we practice a little longer, then you have to take a proper break.”
Avi nodded in agreement and the king turned back towards him, however he then suddenly seemed to get lost in thought.
King: “ ‘Enough to protect everyone’ huh…”
Avi: “? Father…?”
King: “I wonder if you too will someday have that special person that you want to protect, beyond the kingdom and its people.”
Saying as much, the king’s eyes focused on something beyond the overflowing green of the courtyard.
Avi: “Special person…?”
??: “Woof!”
Avi tilted his head in confusion and followed his father’s gaze, then he saw a fluffy white dog galloping across the courtyard lawn.
Avi: “Wha… Lala!”
Avi smiled and called out cheerfully as Lala jumped up excitedly, her tail wagging.
A gentle laugh was carried on the wind and reached Avi’s ears…-.
Avi: “Mother!”
Avi’s eyes lit up immediately as he excitedly waved his hand at the figure on the other end of the courtyard, smiling gently.
As if watching over the young knight, the warm sunlight fell across the yard.
END