LEGENSEEKERS CATCUP 3-4 + OVERCOME

Elation rushing through hym, Glory waits patiently as Hush excuses themself to have a telepathic conversation regarding hys knighting.

It was really happening, hy had really earned a rank as a Royal Knight! Recollections of xynlethood fantasies of the fanfare of the knight ceremony, of being knighted by the queens themselves, flooded through hys mind. And now it would no longer be dreams, it would be reality.

After some time, Hush returns.. Glory can’t help but notice their apologetic but firm expression, an expression that generates a pause in hys enthusiasm– but no, surely it is just a result of the current troublesome circumstances, surely–

Thoughts cut off as Hush conveys into hys mind: “After discussion with Samson and the queens, we have agreed that as much as you deserve to be honoured for your achievements there is naught time or resources for a ceremony at this time. You have still officially been declared a knight by Queen Ryu and will report to Samson to be presented with your telestones, but the officiation celebration will have to be postponed so that energy can be focused on battle and defeating the villain. I am sorry, brave one; we hope you understand.” 

A sinking feeling in his chest, a sour taste rising to the back of hys throat, Glory nods and maintains a respectful expression. Hy was not so selfish as to not understand the postponement; hy recognized that battle was joined, danger was upon them, attention was needed elsewhere.

But it was still disappointing.

The dissonance between hys expectations and this reality reverberates in hym as hy turns and flares hys wings to take off, soaring to Samson to receive hys telestones.

***

Many thoughts raced through the vexyn’s mind as hy flew, a battle of pride and insecurity. Hy had accomplished hys assigned task, one supposedly ‘above what would normally be asked of a knight-in-training,’ hy had acted bravely without prompting. But times were dark, the threat at its climax– more was needed. Hy hadn’t done enough– hy had to do more. If civilian, non-knight xyns were being forced into battle, then hy had to go above and beyond, push to the limits of hys abilities; hy had to be braver, had to vanquish the darkness. The noise of hys reasoning remained persistent even after finding and entering conversation with Samson. 

Caught up in hys thoughts– fidgeting with the telestones that had been presented to hym, presented briskly as if a transaction and not a reward– the sound of Samson giving hym hys first assignment as a Royal Knight only distantly reaches Glory’s ears. Something about delivering high-energy moon potions to knights ranked fighters deep in the midst of battle, about providing them with combat support as well if needed.

“Do you understand?” Finishes Samson, causing Glory to snap to attention.

A nod of affirmation, accepting the satchel of moon potions. “Understood, Samson, sir.”

“Then get to it, I trust you will do well, Knight Glory.”

Knight. A title hy had aspired to, but now seeming so lacklustre. As Samson takes off, Glory turns and stalks toward the battlefield.

Hy would prove that hy earned the title, hy would imbue it with value. Hy would seek victory, prove that hy can be a hero worth celebrating.

***

Gliding along the edges of the battlefield, Glory had intended to make hys way to the heart of the enemy through a roundabout route. Hy hadn’t planned to make any stops, but at the sight of a haggard looking xyn, hy couldn’t help swooping down to assist.

The other xyn bristles at first, still alert despite their exhaustion, still prepared to fight– but relax upon recognizing that the newcomer is not an enemy. Glory notes the insignia in its fur marking it as a knight.

Before asking any questions, Glory is quick to offer him one of the high-energy moon potions from hys satchel– which the other accepts gratefully, drinking it immediately. Though it doesn’t revitalize them entirely, it visibly improves their energy.

“... thank you,” a mild, soft voice– Glory gets the sense that it doesn’t speak much. “I am Hiemal.. I have been defending xyns on the outskirts of battle, trying to guide them to safer spaces..” He shakes his head, staring into the distance. “.. there are so many, taking them out one by one will wear us all out… I think the heart must be dealt with.”

It’s almost like they know my plan, thinks Glory. Hy feels a rush of energy at knowing that this stranger, this fellow knight, agrees with the exact tactics that Glory had in mind. Pride swelling, hy feels even more determined to continue onwards.

“You should head back towards where everyone else is gathered, facing the army together,” insists Glory, “Report your battles and your observations.”

Hiemal bows its head in agreement. “.. you plan to continue onwards then? be careful.. we do not know everything this villain is capable of…”

Filled with determination, Glory stands tall and spreads hys wings, readying hymself to take on whatever faces hym ahead. “I will do my best. We will overcome this villain, Lunerest will not fall.”

With that hy takes flight, continuing hys path toward the center of the battle.

***

Flying high to avoid being seen, approaching what hy approximates to be the center of the opposing forces, keeping a keen eye out for the main villain.

Seeing nothing of note, considering turning in a different direction– then Glory spots him, the villain themself. Not only that, but an uncorrupted xyn engaged in a fight with said villain– it seemed maybe there had been some sort of ambush?

Glory circles lower in order to better assess the situation, remaining just high enough to stay out of perception range…

What seems to be the best course of action? Hy thinks with exhilaration, hys heart pounding. Would it be best to join the other xyn in direct combat? Or was there some other way to help.. What tactics is the villain using? Are they relying on that artifact he carries, could that somehow be taken out?