Chapter 12
The night passed giving way to the morning. Kira was looking forward to finding out which unlucky fool she would be cutting down today. She took the time to casually eat breakfast and then walked quietly down the hall. She didn’t make it far when she was snagged by the arm and pulled into a dark corner of another hallway.
“We need to talk.” Michalei growled as he pinned her up against the wall.
“What the hell.” She growled back as she gave him a shove.
“I can’t keep pretending that I don’t feel for you Kira.” He said seriously.
“You need to drop it Michalei.” She sighed. “There’s not going to be an us.” She stated and started walking away.
He followed her all the way to the training room. “Don’t walk away from me Kira, please.”
“I said drop it.” She snapped.
“You’re making me do this.” He said as he drew his sword.
“Kira of Avalon, I challenge you. It is my right under the law.” Michalei called out loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Son of a bitch,” She growled and drew her weapons as the crowd gathered around. “Name your terms, Michalei.”
“Should I win, you yield to my wish and give me a chance. If you win I will back down and let you choose your path.” He stated.
“If I do not wish to fight, then what?” She demanded.
“Then I win and you yield by default.” He stated and her blades snapped open.
“Fine, you want it? Then take it.” She replied as she brought her blades up.
Michalei growled as he raised his sword. It sparked as it connected with Kira’s blade. She spun loose and kicked him in the stomach as he raised his hands to strike again. She dodged and swung her arm into his ribs cutting his shirt and freeing a thin line of blood. He didn’t even notice he was wounded. He saw that she was off balance and brought his sword down onto her shoulder blades.
The wound did little more than anger Kira as she ducked away. Michalei swung down and connected with her blades again. She swung them forward catching his sword in-between the arches. She held him locked there staring into his eyes with animosity.
“What do you have that’s worth losing your life for?” He asked sadly.
Kira pushed Michalei away and took another swing at him with her blade. He blocked it from connecting with his cheek. He brought his sword around again swinging upward. She responded with a twirl of her blades. His sword bounced right off her guarded forearms. So he took a step back and waited.
“I love him.” She replied defensively.
Michalei released his sword and let it fall to the floor. He took a step back in awe as he stared at her. He could hardly believe the words as they passed his ears. Kira, queen of Avalon, was in love with a stable boy.
“I yield,” He said grabbing his wounded side.
Kira put her blades away and just looked at Michalei for a moment. He was more than defeated, he was broken hearted. He took his sword and walked away without finding the courage to look back.
Kira hit her knees and the room began to clear out. Blood poured down her arms and across her chest. She fought back the tears as they threatened to flow from her eyes. She looked up as the master approached her.
“To hell with you people and to hell with this place.” Kira said as she stood and looked the woman in her black eyes.
“I’m going home.” She stated coldly then turned and limped away.
Kira stepped through the portal and stumbled out into the light. Ein looked up just in time to see her falling. He dropped the brush and reached out catching her as she fell into his arms. He eased her down and cringed as he realized they were both covered in blood.
“Dear goddess, Kira. What happened to you?” He asked terrified for her.
“I was challenged by my elder. He wanted the place by my side.” She winced as it became harder to breathe without the pain.
“Barbarians,” He cussed. “Come to me. Let me help you.” He said as he lifted her up in his arms.
“I fought for you Ein. I fought for us.” She stammered.
“Shut up and kiss me.” Ein demanded and pulled her into his chest.
Ein held Kira close and pressed his lips to hers. He poured his soul into her, caressing her wounded back and forced it to heal. As the power built between them her strength returned. She sat up and looked at him stunned.
“How?” She managed to ask.
“There’s a lot I never got the chance to tell you Kira.” He sighed.
“Then tell me now.” She smiled and rested her head against his chest.
“I know a lot about magic.” He began.
“I even made you this.” He said pulling a copper bracelet from his pocket.
“It’s beautiful,” She admired as she looked through the thin open weaves.
He placed it on her left wrist and said. “It’s a spell, designed to restrain your magic so you won’t get in trouble for using it when you’re not allowed.”
“That’s amazing.” She admitted.
“As long as it’s on, your magic is bound. When you take it off you’re back to full strength.” He explained.
“Thank you.” She kissed him softly.
“You’re welcome.” He kissed her back.
“I don’t think I want to go back Ein. I hate that place.” She sighed.
“Well, come with me then. We can go hide out in the woods until you feel like going home.” He smiled.
“You’re so good to me.” She smiled as he helped her to her feet.
“There is more you don’t know that I really want to tell you.” He sighed.
“I don’t care. We got all the time we need to figure it out. I won the fight.” She laughed.
“Let’s just go relax and we’ll worry about it later.” She said.
“Alright,” He said happily and they walked hand in hand away into the woods.