Chapter 39: The Secret Told

"The day has come! It has truly come! Today, we shall witness a one time history that happens once in a blue moon! So what are you all waiting for? Come one, come all and see the Trials of Dawn!" A commentator said as he gleefully held the trophy and spoke up like an excited one about to witness a cool thing.

That's right! The Trial of Dawn is now happening and everyone from everywhere near Dawn Empire was at the palace. The trials will be held there, and every child is getting ready to face off the challenges. But two children seemed to be lost.

"Excuse me? Do you know where the entrance is?" Daisy asked embarrassingly as she said those words to one of the viewers.

"Oh? Everyone is up front. I see you two are also taking the trial eh?" Asked the old man she asked and both her and Granger just nodded at this. "Good luck with the both of you then! But also, be careful there! It's not easy as you think it is." He warned before they both bid their goodbyes to walk up front.

"Before we begin, a message will be given to us by the king himself. Let's all hail his majesty!" He said and everyone bowed as a sign of respect. Even the participants did.

"Thank you for coming all the way here to witness this once in a lifetime trial. You may now all stand straight." He said making everyone look at him silently. "To our beloved challengers, today is the day we fight! Today is the day we show them our strength! Today is the day we show them who the real winners are! There is no turning back, once you enter, it's your own choice to make, if you want to survive or not.

But I know that all of you have trained very well to finally be able to stand here in this place and become a fighter for victory. So without further adieu, do your best out there and show us what kind of training have you been through for all those years!" As he said those words, a loud cry was heard from the crowd. Everyone was actually excited but at the same time, nervous about what might happen.

"That was really an opening remark! Gave me goosebumps! Anyway, before everything went on, the queen wants to say something too. Let us pay our respect for her highness!" As the trumpets blow, a silent tap was heard from the queen's shoes, making everyone bow in respect. After standing in front of everyone, she motioned her hand to make everyone stand straight, to which they followed.

"I know that all of you are nervous about all this. But don't worry, for I know that this will be your battleground. No one can control you in your own playground. Also, my daughter here have something to say." She said and looked at her daughter and nod. The princess on the other hand nodded back as she exhaled.

"As you may all know, Dusk Empire have already destroyed Northern Dawn." With what she said, everyone gasped in horror, while few who knew the news gave a sad expression. "Only nine to ten people survived, and worse of it, they are all children. So I will not be surprised if I see those children here, because I know that they have a reason for doing so. All I just want to say is... Goodluck and do your best out there. Show them how to be a warrior, show them what it feels like to be angry. To have revenge on those who made you feel weak." As she say those words, Daisy can't handle it anymore. Her tears started to fall from her eyes as she remember her family being killed one by one. Her fist clenched as she gritted her teeth in fury. "I also wanted to tell you about the secret in our family. We three have talked about this and decided to tell everyone today, for I know that you also need to know this." She said and looked at the now silent crowd.

"I was the second child of the king and queen." Hearing this made a buzz from the crowd. People started to talk to each other about it. But with just one raise of her hand, everyone went silent again. "The first born was a boy. My brother, who I didn't laid my eyes on ever since I first opened them, was kidnapped on the day of his first birthday. And up until now, we are still searching for him." Tears began to fall from her eyes as she metioned the last words. "I sometimes wish I could at least see him in my dreams, to talk to him and ask where he is. But I know it's impossible." She said and wiped some of her tears. "This message is for the challengers... I want to ask a request to all of you. If you survive the trial and be victors... Will you please help me find my brother?" She said and pleaded as she both clasped her hand in front of everyone.

She also thought that everyone will disagree with what she said, but after seeing everyone raising their hands and shouting yes, she smiled happily and thanked everyone.

"Well that was unexpected." The commentator said as he went back up front. "But now that everyone is ready, let's not waste any more time and get started!" He said and another loud shout was heard.

Everyone was accompanied by one of the soldiers, and upon entering the palace gates, they were led to a room. A lobby perhaps. There, they were instructed to wait for their turn to face the trial. As usual, Daisy and Granger seated next to each other.

"Are you ready for this?" Granger asked, without any expression.

"Might as well be... How about you?" Daisy then said.

"As long as I don't die yet, then yeah." Was all he could answer.

"Promise me you won't." She said as she look at him with a serious look. "Promise me that we will still be together after this. If not, I will kill myself right here, and right now." She said, and even if she knew that she is overreacting, she still did it. Just to make him feel better. She can tell that he's nervous to be precise, even if he doesn't express himself.

"Tch! Do I have a choice?" He asked and looked away, nervousness starting to fade.

"Nope." Daisy giggled making both of then laugh silently.

But before one of them could talk again. A palace guard approached them and said.

"I have orders sent by the princess. She said that everyone can pair up with someone they know, and have the trial at the same time." He said, and with a glint of hope, happiness was felt by everyone inside the room.

"I guess I can make a promise after all." Granger said, and Daisy may not have heard what he said, but he just smiled at the thought.

I can't be cringy in front of her. That'd be weird.

To be continued~