A Knight’s Farewell

Three days had passed since Dan's astonishing victory in the preliminary exams. The early morning sun peeked through the thin curtains of his modest bedroom, spilling light across the wooden floorboards and onto the slightly wrinkled futon where Dan lay. His eyes fluttered open, followed by a long yawn as he stretched his sore limbs.

"Ugh… what a beautiful morning," he groaned, sitting up slowly. "Ouch. My body still hurts…"

The door suddenly slammed open.

"Hi hi! How are you doing?" Sofia's cheerful voice filled the room before she smacked him hard on the back.

"Agh! Ouch! Sofia!" Dan winced, turning to see his older sister grinning playfully.

"I'm doing good… well, except for that!" he added, rubbing his back.

"I still can't believe it…" she said, eyes growing glossy. "My little brother's leaving today to become a knight…"

Dan gave her a gentle smile. "It'll be fine. I'll come back to visit. You have my word."

Sofia sniffled, then smiled through her tears. "Oh really? You better!"

He stood and began changing into his formal training clothes. "I have to leave for the award ceremony now."

"Don't forget to be back in time for your goodbye party!"

"Of course," Dan replied over his shoulder.

Downstairs, as he adjusted his red scarf and stepped into his sandals, he stopped short. Waiting by the gate were three familiar faces: Ruby, Alexander, and Eugene.

"Guys? What are you doing here? The party's tonight."

Eugene shrugged. "Yeah, I didn't want to come—was Ruby's idea—"

Smack!

Alexander slapped the back of Eugene's head. "We just came to congratulate you personally and walk with you on the way to the dojo."

Dan chuckled. "Thanks, guys."

Alexander gave Ruby a nudge, urging her forward.

Ruby shifted nervously, clutching something in her hand. "H-h-hi Dan."

"Hey Ruby," Dan said with a warm smile.

"Congratulations on winning," she said softly, cheeks pink. "I… I hope you pass the main exams and become the knight you've always dreamed of being."

Dan's amber eyes glimmered with emotion. He stepped closer and gently patted her head.

"Thanks for all your support," he said, pulling out the necklace she had given him. "With this… I know I'll overcome any difficulty."

Ruby's face turned bright red. "Hehe…"

They reached the town square, now decorated with banners and golden streamers. Townspeople crowded every inch, clapping and cheering. The scent of roasted chestnuts and fresh bread filled the air. A large wooden stage stood at the center, flanked by guards in crimson armor.

Behind the curtain, Dan peeked at the crowd.

"Wow… so many people."

"Hey there, lightning kid," came a voice from beside him.

Dan turned. A tall boy with dark brown hair and sharp grey eyes leaned against the wall casually, arms folded. He wore a leather vest with the insignia of the Fire Nation etched onto his belt.

"Yo. Do I know you?" Dan asked.

"Nah," the boy replied. "Name's Ulys. I watched all your matches. Gotta say, I was impressed—for someone two years younger than me, you fought like a seasoned warrior."

Dan blinked, caught off guard. "Oh… thanks."

"But," Ulys added, "I did find it strange you were here alone. No family?"

Dan looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "It's… a long story."

Ulys gave him a soft smile. "It's cool. You don't have to talk about it."

Just then, trumpets blared and the mayor of the town—Mr. Richmond, a portly noble in an embroidered burgundy robe—stepped onto the stage with a microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Today, we present to you the winners of the preliminary exam who are moving on to the main knight exams!"

The crowd erupted.

Behind the curtain, Dan steadied his breath.

Mr. Richmond raised his hand for silence. "But before that… please give a round of applause to the man who oversaw our tournament: Greg Denver, of the 13th branch of the Fire Nation!"

A tall, lean man in a perfectly tailored black suit stepped forward, his fiery red hair slicked back. His jawline was chiseled, his smile smooth.

"Wooooo!"

"That's one hot man!" someone in the crowd yelled.

Greg smirked and raised a hand. "Thank you, thank you. Honored to be here."

Dan whispered, "He looks good in a suit…"

Then, one by one, the names of the winners were called. Each contestant climbed the stage, received a small bag of gold, and bowed as the crowd applauded.

Finally, Mr. Richmond raised a hand dramatically.

"And now… our final contestant. A surprise entry who delivered the most intense matches we've seen in years! Give it up for… Dan Mori!"

The crowd went wild.

"Dan my man!"

"This boy made me rich!"

Dan stepped onto the stage, stunned by the cheers. He accepted the gold and certificate from Greg, who leaned in with a grin.

"Nice matches, kid."

Dan nodded. "Thank you."

Later, Mr. Richmond announced a party at his mansion for the winners. Ulys whooped with excitement.

"Let's go!"

Dan stepped back. "You guys go ahead. I've got other plans tonight."

As he exited the podium, he spotted someone leaning against a lamp post—a man with a bamboo staff slung across his back.

"Yo, Bamboo Man."

"Lightning boy," Daki replied with a nod.

Dan smiled. "Nice match. You really pushed me to my limits."

"Hmph."

"Why do you want to be a knight?" Dan asked.

Daki frowned. "What kind of question is that? To protect those weaker than me… and to uphold the honor of the knights."

Dan's eyes widened. Freaking cool.

"So, will you try again next year?"

"I might."

"No. I want you to. The world needs a knight like you."

Daki paused. For a moment, he said nothing. Then as he turned to leave, he glanced back and said with a slight smirk, "Sure."

Dan wandered the cobbled streets alone.

"What a day… Maybe I'll visit Damon—"

"Dan."

He stopped. Greg Denver stood across the path, loosening his tie.

"Let's have a little chat."

Dan shrugged. "Okay… What could one little chat hurt?"

Hours later – A Bar in Town

Laughter rang out from inside a bar filled with music and lights. Greg sat at the center, completely drunk, surrounded by three flirtatious women. His suit was now disheveled, and his cheeks were flushed red.

"Haha! Keep the girls coming!" he yelled.

Dan, seated at the edge of the booth, sipped his juice awkwardly.

"Uh… Greg, haven't you had enough?"

"You talkin' to me like that?" Greg slurred.

Dan flinched. "Eek, sorry!"

Greg laughed. "I'm just messin' with ya, boy. You're fun!"

Dan chuckled nervously. Why did I agree to this again?

"So tell me," Greg leaned in. "What do you want to achieve as a knight?"

Dan stared into his cup. "At first, I just wanted to be a regular knight. But now… with my chi powers, I want to do what no one has ever done—I want to become the Lightning King."

Greg roared with laughter. "You're a funny one. Do you even know the ranks?"

Dan nodded. "Private, Vice-Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Vice-Captain, Captain, Vice-Commander, Commander, Vice-General, and General."

"You forgot the Imperial Knights. The princes and princesses of each nation. They're the only ones allowed to challenge for the throne."

Dan's eyes widened. "Wait—what?!"

"Yep," Greg said, now serious. "Since the Five Nations were formed, the rulers of Air, Ice, and Fire have changed. But not the Weapons and Lightning. Those kings have never been replaced."

Dan swallowed hard.

"I'm telling you this because I like your spirit," Greg added. "But if you want to change history, you need to master your powers."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll find out… at the main exams." He stood and staggered out the door. "I'm off to the next bar! Let's party!"

Dan watched him go. This guy… I feel bad for his liver.

He checked the time.

"Shoot! I'm gonna be late!"

That Evening – At Dan's Goodbye Party

Streamers lined the noodle's shop walls. Tables were loaded with fried rice, chicken skewers, dumplings, and fruit juice. Sofia clapped as Dan ran in, panting.

"Yay! You made it!"

Damon grinned. "Welcome, knight boy."

Dan collapsed into a chair. "Almost didn't make it… let's eat!"

He laughed and feasted with his foster parents, karate classmates, and Sensei. The room buzzed with laughter and the clinking of dishes.

Later that night, Dan and Damon stood on the roof under the stars.

"What a day, huh?" Dan said.

Damon nodded. "Can't believe this'll be the last time we do this."

Dan frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well… you're off on your knight journey. And me? I'm traveling the world."

Dan groaned. "You saying it like that makes it sound sad…"

"It is sad," Damon replied, smiling.

"I'll still visit," Dan said. "We can write letters. Once I'm drafted to a branch, I'll write to you."

"But how will you find me?" Damon teased.

Dan blinked. "Darn. Didn't think of that."

Damon laughed. "Don't worry. I'll write you. They publish all the new knight recruits in the papers, remember?"

"Oh yeah… forgot about that."

"So write me the moment i get drafted," Dan said, sticking out his pinky.

Damon linked it with his. "Promise."

"And always remember…" Damon grinned. "I'm your biggest fan."

Elsewhere – Edwin Household

In a lavish room lit only by a flickering fireplace, Ezekiel sat slumped in a velvet chair, fists clenched.

"Damn him… Damn him! I deserved to be there—not him! He just beat me by luck!"

A voice whispered from the shadows. "Anger. Hate. It reeks off you."

Ezekiel sprang to his feet. "Who the hell are you?!"

"I wouldn't attack if I were you," the voice continued. "My master sees something in you."

"Who the fuck is your master?!"

A third, more childish voice echoed through the room. "Hello, Ezekiel."

Ezekiel's eyes widened. "You…"

The soft voice giggled. "Shhh. I have a proposal for you. Something that will reshape this world… and create a new one. I want you to be part of it. A new world order. If you want to take what's rightfully yours—if you want to be king—you'll join us. You have one week to decide."

Ezekiel stared at the fire. His lips curled into a smirk.

"I… already know what I want."