Week 16: Javier Mercedes - All Challengers are Welcome

Full Prompt: “Link is storming Hyrule Castle only to find that the ROCK has already slayed Gannon and has put a WWE ring in the courtyard to take on all the Roody Poo Candy Ass Jabroni’s that think they can take on the People’s Champion. A battle ensues to prove who the real hero of Hyrule is” …but we had to tweak because, you know, copyright issues…

Story:

The deep blue night was warm. A cool breeze bent the tall blades of grass across the vast field. A chill ran down the young man’s back calling attention to the warmth of his face from the day’s endeavors in the sun- one of his favorite feelings. He lay in the grass gazing up at the night sky filled with dots of brightness. The stars twinkled as embers from his small fire danced with the graceful movements of fireflies. He felt peace. He hoped he’d never fall asleep in order to preserve this moment for as long as it would allow. 

He noted the stars shone especially bright this night providing a backdrop for the flirtation between firefly and ember. One insect in particular caught his attention. It was blinking its bioluminescent body off and on. Every time it dimmed its light, he found it closer  when it re-lit, until finally it landed right between his eyes. He smiled and exuded a soft chuckle before his features sank and the weight of all the responsibilities he had been shirking flooded his mind.

Solemnly, he vowed to the firefly, the night, and to himself: “Fine. At first light I will begin my journey back. I can’t avoid it forever.”

He watched the firefly take flight, this time remaining brightly lit until it disappeared from sight amidst the trees of a nearby forest. Curran took in a deep breath, closed his green eyes, and fell into a restful night’s slumber.

Three days later, as the castle came into view on the horizon, he recalled all he knew about the beast. It had taken control of the castle and all the people of its land six years ago. With the head of man, the body of a lion, and the tail of a scorpion, the dreaded Manticore had decimated all that stood in opposition.

Curran triple checked his breastplate, his gauntlets, his jambeaux, and his gorget- all defenses against the Manticore’s claws. His shield was strapped tightly to his back and in tandem with his gauntlets would provide some defense from the beast’s poisonous tail. Curran hoped beyond hope that he was ready to face what he had avoided for so long. 

“MANTICORE!” Curran screamed from beyond the castle’s open gates.

“MANTICORE!!” He yelled again, crossing the moat via the large drawbridge.

“MANTICORE!!!” He exclaimed once more as he entered the empty courtyard only to find a large, circular arena had been erected in its center. Around that, rows and rows of seating had been constructed. Encircling them, small wooden structures stood every ten paces. 

Suddenly, trumpets blew, catching Curran off guard as he stood alone in the dirt. They sounded again. From somewhere along the castle wall a huge drum began to pound. Curran took in his surroundings, holding his rock-laden slingshot in one hand and gripping the hilt of his sword with the other. He assumed a readied stance, unsure of what to expect. Chanting and shouting became audible in the distance, accompanied by what he assumed to be the footsteps of the entire village. 

Sure enough, hundreds of people began to fill the courtyard- all in conversation and revelry. Panels on the fronts of the small wooden structures were flung open to reveal ware- traders, food- vendors, and bet- takers. 

“What…?” Curran inquisitively whispered to himself.

::KABOOM:: A cannon fired from atop the castle into the adjacent field. 

::KABOOM:: Another cannon

::KABOOM:: And another 

The people clamored to exchange coins, obtain food, and acquire seats. 

“The Manticore has done all of this?” Curran thought.

Trumpets sounded yet again, only this time from a passage way directly to the North. The trumpets and their players emerged from the dark tunnel, followed by jesters and acrobats, and finally women throwing colorful flower petals up into the air. 

“There is no Manticore here!” A voice boomed from the darkness of the tunnel, followed by a hearty and enthusiastic laugh.

Curran watched sharply as from the tunnel emerged a massive man- smiling and waving to the crowd’s people as they erupted into cheers and applause. Draped about the dark and wide shoulders of the giant was a proudly displayed lion’s man. Curran deduced that mane must have once belonged to a now defeated Manticore. 

“It seems you seek a fight which has already been fought!” The giant directed toward the crowd with his arms raised, but intended toward Curran. “But do not fret- you’re in luck! For there is a different fight still to be had… A fight with me!” 

The crowd howled and clapped with delight. They shook their fists and stomped their feet. 

“Step into the arena young man.” The giant beckoned, finally turning to meet Curran’s eye line. 

Curran slowly walked toward the arena and the giant, cautioning: “It is not a fight I seek, but you’ll find I am prepared for one. I only seek that which is rightfully mine.”

“And what is that?” The giant asked

 “I seek the throne of Soaringrun Castle.” Curran adamantly decreed.

The giant broke into genuinely enthused but mocking laughter: “Oh little man… I defeated the mighty Manticore with my bare hands. I have defeated every contender, challenger, and warrior who dared enter these walls since. Who are YOU to claim right to this throne?!”

Curran began to swing his slingshot. The giant smiled and readied himself for attack. Curran’s eyes narrowed: “I am Curran Pendragon!” He yelled mightily. And the crowd fell silent. 

The giant, noticeably taken aback questioned: “A prince? Well… I’ve never killed a prince- this should be fun!” 

As last rays of the sun’s light faded, blazing torches illuminated the two warriors circling one another; edging closer and closer to battle. 

“Where did you run off to, little prince? Why did you desert your people?” The giant antagonized Curran.

“I did NOT run.” Curran defended. 

Embers from the torches began their dance in the blowing wind as fireflies partnered with them in the dawning of the night.

The crowd chanting once again, the tension rising between the two centered among them, the giant yet again antagonized Curran: “You gonna toss that little pebble you’ve been swinging around? Or just keep playing with it?…” He then cracked all the knuckles in his fingers by clenching his fists. The stars burned bright in the night sky above the combatants, embers and fireflies passed between them in the wind blowing Curran’s long hair across his view. It was then that he witnessed a firefly, blinking on and off, land atop the giant’s bald head. 

“Come on! Let’s get this over with!” The giant yelled. “I hate fighting, it’s just the only thing I’ve ever known!” Curran stopped swinging his sling as his eyebrows assumed an inquisitive look. 

“Then, what are we doing?” He asked the giant. 

“We’re fighting!” The giant snarled. 

“Why are we fighting then?” 

Through gritted teeth the giant responded: “Because I was left alone in this world. I’ve BEEN alone for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been too big to fit in anywhere… Too strong to be gentle. Too much of everything to be understood!” 

Sincerely shocked, Curran retorted: “That… must have been a hard way to grow up,” he offered and continued: “as I said, I didn’t run away, but I did avoid returning… I don’t think I’ve earned the right to rule. I don’t think I’m wise enough. I don’t think I’m strong enough. I don’t think I’m enough…” Bewildered by his own admission, Curran looked down and noticed a firefly had landed on his hand. 

“That must be difficult as well… It can be a challenging burden to rule,” the giant admitted, as he stood and relaxed from his attack position, “its something I’ve never wanted.”

“You don’t want to rule?” Curran asked, stunned. 

“No.” The giant replied. 

“Well, you’ve been doing something right- the people love you. Just look around.” 

The two paused and took in the energy of the crowd before them.

“That they do.” The giant smiled widely and confidently. 

After an eternity of a moment, Curren inquired: “Rather than rule, would you be interested in helping me with that challenging burden?”

“What do you think they’ll say of me if I step down from ruler?… Who am I if I no longer fight…?” 

“There will always be a fight.” Curran reassured him. “And we should stay prepared for one- however, I know that it is infinitely more important to know when not to fight. These people love you because you’ve cared for them. Because you vanquished the horrid Manticore and replaced his reign with entertainment! I think they’ll say you are a true champion- the people’s champion.” 

The two shook hands and the giant raised Curran’s arm into the air resulting in unanimous support from the crowd. The two fireflies took flight from the would-be- enemies, shining bright and steadily as they flew off into the deep blue night sky.