Chapter Thirty-Six: Forged in Fire

The formation of the Vanguard of Avalon had brought a tentative peace to what had once been two warring factions. But peace was fragile, and old rivalries simmered beneath the surface.

Firebrand paced in the corner of the Vanguard's temporary base, his flames flickering erratically. "This is a mistake," he growled. "Putting him in charge? He doesn't know this world, doesn't understand what we've been fighting for."

Lumina, standing nearby, folded her arms. "And what have we been fighting for, Callum? Because lately, it feels like it's just been about proving you're stronger than The Vanguard."

Firebrand's eyes flared with anger. "We've been fighting for freedom, for the right to decide our own future. I'm not going to bow to some ancient relic with a shiny sword."

On the other side of the room, Swift Angel overheard the exchange, his wings twitching in agitation. He turned to Alora, who was adjusting her bowstring. "This isn't going to work," he said quietly. "Arthur's ideals are... naïve. The world isn't built on justice and compassion—it's built on strength."

Alora glanced at him, her expression measured. "And how's that been working out for you so far?"

Angel frowned, his grey eyes hardening. "It's kept people alive. That's more than his speeches can promise."

Arthur entered the room, the weight of his presence quieting the murmurs of dissent. His gaze swept over the group, lingering on Firebrand and Swift Angel.

"We cannot afford to let our differences divide us," Arthur said, his tone calm but commanding. "If we are to stand together, we must trust one another."

Firebrand crossed his arms, his flames flaring briefly. "Trust works both ways, Your Majesty. You haven't proven you're worth following."

Arthur met his gaze steadily. "And how would you have me prove it, Callum? By wielding power as a weapon? By forcing my will upon others?"

Firebrand scoffed. "Maybe we should start by recognising the reality of the world we're living in. Power is the only language anyone understands anymore."

"And it is a poor language for building a better world," Arthur replied firmly.

Angel stepped forward, his wings unfurling slightly. "Better worlds aren't built without sacrifice. Do you think you can talk everyone into following your vision? You'll fail. And when you do, it'll cost lives."

Arthur's expression softened, though his voice remained steady. "I have seen the cost of failure, my friend. I have seen the cost of war. I will not sacrifice the people we claim to protect for the sake of pride or power."

The tension between the three leaders reached its peak during a training session meant to foster unity among the newly formed team.

Firebrand, frustrated by Arthur's measured approach, challenged him openly. "Let's settle this right here, right now," he said, his flames roaring to life. "If you want to lead, prove you can stand against me."

Arthur hesitated, his hand resting on the hilt of Excalibur. "This is not a battle we need to fight, Callum. We are on the same side."

Firebrand advanced, his voice rising. "Are we? I don't follow leaders who hide behind words."

The group watched in tense silence as Arthur finally drew his blade. The room seemed to hum with its presence, the ancient steel glowing faintly in the dim light.

"If this is what it takes to earn your trust," Arthur said, his voice steady, "then so be it."

The duel was fierce but restrained. Firebrand's flames roared and surged, his attacks relentless, while Arthur moved with calculated precision, deflecting each strike with Excalibur's gleaming edge.

Despite Firebrand's raw power, Arthur's calm demeanour and unwavering resolve began to wear him down.

"You fight with anger," Arthur said, his voice carrying over the clash of flames and steel. "But anger alone cannot win this war."

Firebrand gritted his teeth, his flames flaring brighter. "It's kept me alive!"

"And what has it cost you?" Arthur countered, his blade striking Firebrand's flames with a resounding crack.

As Firebrand faltered, Arthur lowered his sword, extending a hand. "You are strong, Callum. But strength must serve something greater than itself."

For a moment, Firebrand hesitated, his flames dimming. He looked at Arthur's outstretched hand, his expression unreadable.

Watching the duel, Swift Angel felt a pang of recognition. Arthur's words echoed the ideals he had once believed in but had buried beneath years of pragmatism and sacrifice.

As the duel ended without a victor, Angel stepped forward, his wings folding tightly against his back. "You talk a good game, Arthur," he said, his tone neutral. "But words won't be enough when the next fight comes."

"They are a beginning," Arthur replied, his gaze unwavering. "And from them, we build something stronger."

Angel stared at him for a long moment before nodding curtly. "You'll get your chance. Don't waste it."

By the end of the day, both Firebrand and Swift Angel had agreed to remain with the Vanguard of Avalon, though their doubts lingered.

Arthur addressed the team that night, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. "This is not an easy path we walk, nor will it ever be. But if we hold true to our purpose, we can create a world worth living in—not through fear, but through hope."

Firebrand watched from the edge of the group, his arms crossed. Lumina stepped beside him, her glow faint but warm. "Give him a chance, Callum. You might be surprised."

Firebrand didn't reply, but for the first time, his flames seemed to burn just a little less brightly.