The Oath

Noel reached for the lovely jeweled comb perched atop the wooden shelf. It was Josie's comb, to be precise, but she was gracious enough to lend it to him, pointing out that his 'unkempt hair' was costing him potential prospects.

Not that he cared though. That was the last thing on his mind right now.

He applied some gel on his fingers and stamped his baby hairs back, leaving only a strand of hair hanging loose as a final touch to his look. Noel glances at the mirror. He had become much more masculine and fit over the years. His original crooked set of teeth magically grew together and he was happy he avoided the dentist for braces. He hated the town's dentist. He always seemed like he had something sinister up his sleeves. Noel supposes it's just the way he looked. He smiles, but only for a short while. He couldn't ignore how much of a striking resemblance he had to his father.

The slight rustling sound from under the bed brings him back to reality.

"What the-"

Noel draws his sword almost instantly, ready to strike down the uninvited intruder.

He had been anticipating this moment all his life. The moment he can make use of what he learned from his young knights training and use it for real use. No more hacking down dumb mannequinns filled with woolen straws as training fodder.

He turns around, raising his sword high as he looks at the opponent in the eye.

"Any last words?" Noel tightened his grip on his hilt on one hand and lifted the bed hems with the other.

"Meow"

It was only the town's cat. All of this bravado for nothing it seems.

"How do you keep ending up here?" Noel scowls as he lifts the cat up from beneath him.

It merely took a stroke behind the ears to make it purr like a motorized truck.

Noel couldn't blame the kitty. It sure was nice and cozy to be up here. However destiny called, and he knew he couldn't stay here forever.

He gently placed the cat back on the bed gently and waved goodbye before sprinting downstairs.

—--------------------------------------------------------

The atmosphere in the dining room was that much suffocating. Noel fidgeted in his chair as he sat there uncomfortably. He noticed his mother who was staring at her plate with a pallid expression. Noel cleared his throat in an attempt for a small conversation but that earns him a side eye from his sister.

"Why are you all being so silent"

"It's dad's anniversary, have you forgotten?" Josie reverted.

In reality, it had become stubbornly ingrained in his consciousness like a bubblegum.

Ever since his father was declared missing in action life was never the same again.

_____________________________

The last great war was a glorious memory for the Lucians. The powerful and mighty Order fought valiantly to wipe out the relentless demons of Nightfall. Their long fought battle proved the worthiness of the brave and cunning. But it wasn't an icing on the cake for everyone, especially for Noel Pierce, honorable but arrogant son of the clan, legendary knights for the Lucian kingdom.

All that remained of the battle was a horrible memory of suffering and anguish. Many knights put their lives in danger to fight the battle between light and dark; but tragically as it was, that was Noel's last farewell when his father vanished and was subsequently declared dead by the Order.

With a heavy heart, his father left him to fend for his widowed mother and little sister at the ripe age of 8.

To make matters worse, his fallen father was not honored or praised as a martyr, instead detested by everyone in the kingdom for his impetuous and rebellious behavior for disobeying orders.

Having to live with this accusation for Noel was a torment, as all this while his father had been his role model throughout his whole childhood.

Everyday was a daily struggle for his family who suffered with ridicule and dismay everywhere they went and the seeds of despair rooted deep in his heart, not being able to live life as a happy and normal family.

It was a treacherous period for young Noel. Every night he would stand tiptoed looking out at the frosted windows that were heavily covered with snow. Christmas was always so joyous and full of life only because his family would be there, laughing at silly conversations over a warm cup of hot cocoa and exchanging presents above the fireplace. Unfortunately, this Christmas was anything but that. He usually wished for a laser car or a building kit but this time he had only one wish. To wake up from this hellish nightmare, for his dad to suddenly show up one day and say it was all just a prank. Days turned into months. His hope would shrink slowly and slowly until he had to bury them and ignore those reservations.

Every family had to contribute to the deeply knitted community one way or another. This resulted in him being one of the early recruits to the knight's clan. When the other children held pencils in their palms, Noel held a sword instead. He threw any form of sentiment he had in fear of emotions getting in his way and soon became cold and rigid.

The flames of revenge burned deep in his soul as he started to despise everyone, even his father but no one can compare his hatred to anything other than the demons themselves who started the whole misfortune.

Armed with his hunger for justice, he was determined to bring honor to his family's name and annihilate all demons in existence.

"I refuse to hold an anniversary for someone who is still alive"

"Noel.. I-"

"The both of you can wallow in sadness all you want, but I promised to bring dad home several times and I do not plan on breaking said promise anytime soon"

With that in mind he exited the room and slammed the door shut with the new profound feeling of determination.