The Conquest of Freedom

I sat in the warm waiting room, holding my silence in my mouth. I grasp my helmet as the roaring crowd outside cheers for me. It was about to be an ultimate fight and seeing as I am the champion of tournaments in my home kingdom, they suspect a good fight. The opponent is unknown to me, never seen their face or heard their voice. Footsteps approach from the corner, the referee then appeared. He swings pass the pillar and leans on the wall. He crosses his arms and says, "How are you feeling?". I turn to him in silence, after the hundreds of battles I have fought in a single week, this will be the last, so I save my breathe. He speaks out again, "I know you probably know nothing of your opponent yet, but you will in a minute. Come on". I place my helmet on my head grab my spear and shield, then walk with the referee.

A burst of wind comes from the open door into the colosseum. I walk out the door and a rush of screams come at me. I try to ignore it and focus on my next opponent. I walk to the center, the referee started to rush back towards the stairs, leading to the upper level where the princesses, the king and queen resides. Once he got to the top, he blew a Rhino horn, calling out the opponent. The noise slept. The ground started to shake, the crowed mumbled. On the other side of the colosseum, the door opened, but no one came out. Then the wall cracked, then a bang hit it, then another, then another. One more bang and a monstrous beast, about the size of the colosseum, burst out the wall. Luckily no one was above the door. The beast let out a big roar and stood idle. I get in stance and notice something on the beast I didnt see at first. It was wrapped in chains, from the neck to their ankles. He was being held down by something.

The chains started to shake, then they fell to the ground. The beast the rushed at me, I almost couldnt see him. He swings at me from above, I lift my shield and counter his blow. The blow had enormous power; I struggle to keep my body from being smashed. I swiped his fist and jumped back and threw my spear. It aimed right at his chest. He started to bleed, but only a little. He lets out a roar and rushes at me again. I charge at him, he throws his left fist, I blocked it with my shield. It was as strong as the last blow. I was pushed to the wall, but I recovered and charged forward again. The beast took a step back and lunged at me headfirst. I jump up and dodge the lunge, but he his tail striked me from above. I land on his back as his tail keeps hitting me. I finally grabbed his tail and use my shield to chop the tip off. He lets out a large roar. He lunges back up. I fly up into the air. The beast was looking at me from above. He opened his mouth and a large light started to glow. The light turned into a beam and aimed right at me. I use my shield and block the light, but the light was too strong, it was burning through my shield.

I roll out of the beams way, and the beast moves his head to where I am. I had no other choice but to take it head on. I use my shield and started to fly towards the beast mouth. The beam burned a few holes in my shield. As I get closer, the beam becomes stronger and more powerful for my shield to handle. I make it to the beast mouth; my shield is burned out, and I sacrifice my skin to take on the beam. I land on the beast nose and slide down towards the chest. I grab my spear while I clamped on to his sticky chest. I jump back on his neck and stab him with my spear. The beast smacks his neck, making the spear go deeper. I hide behind his head and started to try and choke his thick neck. His neck muscles were extremely tight and strong. I lean back and force him to stop the beam. I almost won, but his tail grabbed me and threw me away. I hit the wall, trying to recover, but the beam really did a number on me. The beast turns around and walks towards me. Blood started to spew out of his neck and chest like a geyser. He was still walking despite all the blood loss. Then he stopped and collapsed in front of me. He was still breathing, but barely. I finally manage to get up and walk towards him. I put my hand on his nose, You did well, its time for you to rest. The crowd then cheers and started to chant my name. The referee ran down the stairs and rushed towards me with a horn in his hand. He walked slowly pass the beast and grabbed my hand. He raised it in the air and yelled through the horn, "Holding the title as champion, still, Zechariah Morlock!!".

The king, queen, and princess all walk down to present me with honorable medal, The Medal of Heroes. The king looks me in the eyes and says, "You have fought well young man, your name will be remembered along side other champions before you, even your father would be proud". My father, he was the reason I wanted to battle in the first place. I remember winning my fist match at age 7, against a Babalone soldier. My father was so happy that day, until he passed the next morning. 10 years passed since then, but I fight just to keep his legacy to be remembered. The king then speaks suddenly, "As another treat for the champion, he will accompany us later tonight at the royal banquet, to honor his achievement". The queen was shocked and turns to the king and whispers. Despite how low their voices were, could still hear them.

"Honey are you sure about letting him be with us tonight?", the queen said.

"Of course, Im sure, whats the matter with having a guest?", the king said.

"Nothings wrong with having guest, especially a nice one as he is. Its just that, his appeal is not suited for a royal gathering like this. And plus, he is a peasant".

"He may be a peasant, but he is a champion, a boy looking to recolor a fallen soldiers legacy. And were not taking him I that, well freshen him up a bit to make him fit it".

"Well, alright then".

I spoke out to them, "Its okay if you do not wish to have me at your party my queen. I am not a fonder on royal traditions".

The king spoke to me, "No you must come, it will be an honor".

I speak again, "But king I".

"To late to take it back, you will meet with the doctor after this, got it?", the king said.

"Yes, your majesty but".

"Alright lets go".

The king, queen, and princess walk back. The princess looks back at me and then turns around again. It amazes me how the king and queen as not found out about me and the princess yet.

I go back into the waiting room, and see a person sitting with a cloth bag. He notices me and speaks, "Zechariah yes?". I nod, he sits me down on a chair and starts to examine me. He rubs my burnt skin and ask, "Does it hurt?". I shake my head. He goes into his bag and takes out a jar of ointment. He opens it and scoops a chunk in his hand.

He rubs my arm and says, "You know you can speak to me, I am not much of a stranger to you".

I look up and say, "Yes I know, I have a lot to think about, with the king and the banquet".

"So, you are going?".

"I honestly do not want to, but I guess I have to go if the king demanded me".

"Why do you not want to go?.

"I am not rich; I am a fighter. If I go there, it will seem as if the king is letting even peasants enter his royal banquets".

"Your father went to a banquet once".

"He did?".

"Yes, after his 200th victory. The king really wanted him to come. Everyone from other kingdoms and counties came to see him. It wasnt because he was a peasant, it was because he and the king were childhood friends".

"Wait, what?! The king and my father were friends?".

"Yes, a friendship that lasted until this day. The king treats you well because he sees your father in you. How you strive to become the best colosseum champion and how deep you care".

"Mmm, okay, I guess I really need to go now".

"Change of heart I see; well Ill be there too".

After I left the colosseum, people started to greet me and congratulate me on my victory. I walk towards the castle and see three chariots, stopped in front of the castle. A woman walks up to me and speaks, "Sir Zechariah?". I turn and look at her.

"I am the royal dress fitter I will accompany you to the dressing rooms".

I bow back to her.

"Um miss, what is with the chariots being in front of the castle?".

"Oh, they are princes from other kingdoms. They come here to try and win the princesses hand".

I felt a rush of adrenalin when I heard what she had said. I knock it off and tell her lets go to the dressing room. I follow her to the back of the castle and enter through a large garden. I look around and, in the center, stood a large statue of the king and another person. I go around it and see my fathers face. They really were best friends. I continue to follow the dresser and walk to the dressing room. I walk in and look around. It was a circle room with royal gowns and robes all hanged up.

"Choose any you like, the dresser said".

"I have an option to choose an outfit?".

"Yes sir".

She left and closes the door behind her. I look around and see all kinds of shiny robes and pants. I notice one not so shiny and had a belt on it. It had a printed picture of a wolfs head on it. I take off my rags and try on the clothes. Moments later, the dresser walks in and looks at me. She glamps her hands together, "Ah, marvelous, you look just like your father".

"You knew my father too?".

"Well, I have seen him time to time, but I have never really talked to him. He did wear the same outfit your wearing now. You two have to same mind for clothing".

We exit the dressing room, and asked I question.

"Can I go and see the princes trying to get the princesses hand?".

"Why do care to see it?".

I could not tell her that me and the princess are in relations, so I lied to her, "My mother told me that other kingdoms do their handing differently. I kind of wanted to see it for myself".

"Well, okay then, just dont get seen".

"Yes ma'am". I bow and dash to the stairs. I make my way past the large pillars and hide behind a pot. The room was tense and filled with different kingdoms. One of the princes started to walk up and kneeled before the king. He turns his head to another prince with crossed arms.

"See this, this is how you kneel", he said. He turns his head and looks at the king.

"Your majesty, I humbly come forth today to claim your daughters hand in marriage".

The king responds, "I do not know why you are looking at me, you should be looking at her".

I chuckle a little.

The prince then turns and yells, "WHO THINKS THIS IS FUNNY!?". He turns his head at all the princes. It was about 5 of them. He then turns to the princess and speaks.

"Lovely princess of Erososs, I can offer you a lifetime of love and hope. And as for the kingdom, well, I can offer the largest metal and cloth supply".

"Mmm", the princess said.

"I can also offer you a little boy, who will...."

The king interrupted him, "Uh, what did you just say Gilligore?".

"I, I said I can offer her a prince who will one day be great ruler".

The king stands up and walks down the steps. He stands in front of Gilligore, "You say you will offer her a boy, but your shaking like a rattle snake. How can a scared little boy like you offer a ruler?". Gilligore stuttered and said, We, well, you, you, you see, I can get a, a, little intimidated by, by, strong people, sir, sir".

"You little bitch, you are not worthy of my daughter if you cannot even have a conversation with me without being intimidated, or stuttering. So, the answer is no". Gilligore stomps and rushes out, the soldiers follow him. After the other soldiers have asked and failed, they all left. I was still hiding behind the pot. The king rubs his face and sighs, "Finally thats over, it ended like last time". The princess turns to the king and the queen and speaks.

"When ever princes from other kingdoms come to win my hand, you expect me to say yes".

"Well, not really, it is your decision to make if", the king said but the princess interrupted him.

"Not you father, I was talking to mother".

"Hmph, well you have to say yes eventually. You can not say no forever", the queen said.

"All the princes want a son who is going to be better ruler than father it, but 4 out of 1 did not say what they will do for me and my needs".

"I see your point, but you will have to give in indefinitely".

"What if I do not want to marry a prince, have you ever thought of that?".

"Not marrying a prince?!Have you lost it?! What will you marry, a peasant? A blacksmith? The royal bloodline needs to stay pure as it is. We do not want to have an impure blood in our family".

The princess then stomps out of the chamber. The queen sighs and looks at the king, "I already know you will take her side".

"Well yes, she made a point on marrying someone non-royal".

"If she marries a peasant, what good will that do for the kingdom?".

"The kingdoms image and moral state will remain the same, it will not change based on who marries who".

"It is whom, and yes it will".

"What if she marries Zechariah?".

"Zechariah, he may be nice boy and a champion, but he is still a peasant. That will not change no matter how hard he tries, just like his father".

The king gets up and steps out of the chamber. The queen sits there silently. I get up and walk away quietly. She was not wrong, one of the reasons I keep fighting is to prove that I am more worth than a peasant. I still feel that way too.

Later in the day, the moon is set, and castle is filled with lords, queens, princes and princesses alike. Everyone was chatting about old times and wives. The princes were talking about the princesses, and they were talking about the princes. The king and queen were on the throne, behind a table eating and talking. I was leaned against a pillar, watching everyone. The King notices me and shouts, "Zechariah, champion of the colosseum, get over here and have a seat". Everyone was looking towards me and started mummering. All I heard was, who is he, and the word peasant repeatedly. I guess my long frizzy hair gave it away. Peasants do not really worry about their hair like how royals do. So, it is easy to spot a peasant right away. The king gets up and slaps me on the back, "How are you liking the banquet so far?".

"Well it is, very shiny".

"Ha-ha, your father said the same thing. He never really like shiny stuff, thats he wore the same clothes your wearing. He was always blinded by the lights".

"I can see that".

"Welcome Zechariah, please enjoy the feast", the queen said. I did not know what to say after all I had heard earlier. I did not want to be rude, so I thanked her. I sat beside the princess and looked at the maid who brought me a plate with a large chicken bone, some greens and squash. I pick up a fork and start to eat. The princess tapped my shoulder, "Have you told them yet?".

"No, if I told your father, he wouldnt mind it, but if I told your mother, she would lash out at me and you."

"What do you mean?".

"I...I was here when the princes were trying to win your hand. The princess laid her fork down and wiped her mouth".

"I was hiding behind a pot in the main chamber. I heard everything your mom needed to say about you, pure bloodlines, and her way about, peasants".

"I am sorry my mother was being rude, but do not take it to heart".

"How could I not, after you left, she said no matter how hard I try to fight, I will always be a peasant, like my father".

"Zechariah, you are not a peasant to my eyes. You are more royal than the blood running though me". She puts her hand on mine. We held hands as we ate.

The door slammed opened and everyone stood idle and quiet. It was Gilligore. He showed up again, in an all-white outfit and a hand full of all kinds of flowers. He walks to the steps and stands in front of the princess and me. She lets go of my hand. Gilligore hands her the flowers, "Here you are my lovely dear". She grabs the flowers and thanks him. He turns to me and gives me a grim look, scanning me up and down.

"And who is this?", Gilligore said loudly for all to hear.

"This is one of my dear childhood friends, Zechariah".

"You, my dear princess are friends with a peasant?!".

"Why do you say he is a peasant?".

"His hair is frizzy, same as a peasant. And I have heard from the locals that he won his 300th victory in the colosseum today".

"What is wrong with befriending a peasant?".

"It does no look good for your image, what will the other princes think?".

"I can care less what the others think. Image is not everything".

"Gilligore, why are you back hear?", the king said.

"I was just dropping off a gift for the princess".

"Why are you arguing about peasants?".

"Because, it does not look right, how are you okay with this?!".

"Me and Zechariahs father have been friends since we were children until his death. My daughter befriending a lower-class does not bother me".

Gilligore turns his head to the queen, "Your majesty, are you okay with this?". The queen closes her eyes and wipes her mouth. "No, I dont agree with this, not a bit, the queen spoke". Gilligore turns to me, "See, the queen does not want you here, why are you?".

I reply, "Because the princess and king insisted, why do you care?".

"Because you are ruining this maidens image with your disgraceful presence". Gilligore grabs my drink and splashes it in my face while yelling, "BEGONE PEASANT!". My hair fell over my eyes. The chamber was quiet and little whispers floated about. I stood up. "Zechariah no", the princess said. Gilligore looks down at our hands were entwined. He shouts at her, "Why are you holding his hand?!". I let go of her hand. I look up at Gilligore and punch him in the nose. Blood spilled out. I grabbed his robe before he could fall backwards. I look at him dead in his eyes, "Do not, ever, disrespect my rank or anyone in it around me, ever again!". I look up and shout, "All of you!". I throw Gilligore down the steps and hop over the table.

"Nothing is wrong with befriending someone from another background than you, regardless of anything. If you do not like it, keep it to yourself, do not show it to those who feel bad about your insults. It is one of the reasons we do not want to be part of the middle and high class. Because we are too afraid of being judged, even if we rise above our given ranks. You all think that your image is what makes everyone like you without even knowing them. If you want to befriend someone, do it! Just do not base it off appearance, rank or any other preference", I look down at Gilligore and he spits on my foot, Once a peasant, always a peasant. I have had enough; I lift my leg back and strike Gilligore in the chin. He slides across the large table in the center and hits the door. Gilligore gets up and walks out. I look back at the royals, then walk out the back door.

I run into an old man walking past the door. He looks at me as I pass by and says, "What happened in there?". I stop and turn to him, "Royals are a pain in the ass".

He responds, "I hear you their kid". And walks off. He must've been a peasant, because of his response.

A maid comes rushing out the back door from the palace and yells out at me, "Zechariah, come quick, please!". She sounded worried. I respond, "Why?".

"A person is here to see you", she said.

"Tsk, why should I care?".

"He hurt the king, and he have the princess hostage".

Once I heard that, I rush back to the Ball Chamber and see a tall man, buff as an Ox. He turns with the princess in his arms and a dagger in his right hand. He smiles at me, "Well, about time you showed up".

"What do you want?", I said.

"Woah, no need to rush things, let me introduce myself. My name is Xianock the Forceful, and I have come to exchange an ultimatum. As you can see, I tried to offer it to your dear king, but he refused, and I do not like to be refused".

"Okay, so what does this have to do with me?".

"See, word all over the country is that you are the strongest. Some say the world, for as long as you have kept fighting. So, from where I see it I...".

"Will you just tell me what it is you want from me?!", I said interrupting him.

"Wow, okay, rude. But I will do tell. I wish to claim your whole country and youre your princesses hand".

"Why come here, there are seven other countries to take over".

"See, I have already been through all seven. And they all have refused my offer. So, I killed their royals and conquered the countries myself".

"What about the royal guards?".

"Oh please, they were like pawns on a chess slate. I killed every one of them".

"But why me, you could have killed the royals and controlled this place. Why ask me?".

"Because you are the strongest in this country, and from how I see it. The strongest is the countries best defense. The royal guards do not even stand to your rank".

"But why must you want a princess?".

"Because a strong leader must have a dashing wife to rule by his side".

The princess speaks to him, "Dashing to who? Not you!.

"Oh, come now do not be like that. Xianock starts to reach his hand below the princesses waist. I rush extremely fast and push him off. I grab the princess and dash backwards. Xianock gets knocked down, he then rolls back up. He dusts some food off him. He looks at me grimly, "I do not like to be refused". He snaps his fingers and men in black plated armor appeared from behind the pillars. They walk in closer. Xianock walks to me and tries to grab the princess from me. I move back. I lift the princess and jump kick Xianock, flip over the soldiers and dash out the front door. I run down the steps. More men were coming from outside the gates. They force their way in, but I jumped on to the walls and ran. Hopping off the wall, I rush to the alleyways and jump up to the roof tops.

I keep running when I see soldiers running on the roofs, chasing us. A clock tower stood in front of me. I start to run faster, then jumped. I griped the clock tower. One hand on the wall and the other carrying the princess. I launch us up and land on the roof. On the ground level, soldier surrounded the tower, from front to back. Xianock walks towards to tower and jumps. He reached roof level and landed on top. He had his arms crossed and had a devilish smile. He kept walking forwards.

"I am going to throw you back to the palace", I whispered to her.

"Wait, what?! No!", she whispered to me.

"Fine I will throw you behind me to the next building. When you land make a run for it and try not to get caught".

"Okay, I love you". She kissed me and I started to twirl. I threw here to the small building behind us. She rolls and gets up to run. I turn back at Xianock. He punched me in the face and punched me again. I duck his punch and lower kick sweep him. I lift my leg and stomp the roof. He rolls before I could hit him. He gets up and starts to throw punches. I dodged most of them. I uppercut then spartan kick him off the tower. He fell off but he landed on his feet. I jump down and look into his eyes. I grab my robe and take it off, the belt and short gown remained. He rushes at me and we start to battle it out. I hit the tower wall. Xianock kicks straight at me, I duck in time. He kicks the wall, creating a large crack. He turns tries to kick me every way possible. I look at on of the soldiers not focusing. I grab his spear and stab Xianock with it. He freezes and looks down at his stomach. He looks back at me and smiles. He pushes his hands forward and knocks me back with pure force. I look up and see him walking towards me. He pulls the spear out and throws it down. His stomach started to close the hole I made. "I can not die, ever", he said.

"I made a deal with the devil for exchange of rage and greed".

"Wait, so, your doing this out of rage and greed, from the devil"?

"Yes, and feels so good. Now, it is time to meet your end!".

He launches a powerful punch at me. I roll and jump up. His strike created a crater I the ground. He rushes at me and continues to punch at me. He hits my stomach and pushes me back. I roll over and hop back up again. He rushes a force of powerful punches at me again. I only dodged one. Xianock grabs my neck and chokes me and lifts me up. I try to kick him in the face, but he keeps moving his head, dodging them. I was starting to faint, until a loud noise of people came from behind Xianocks soldier. The people of Erososs was rallying and marching forward. Xianock puts me down but was still gripping my neck. The soldiers were pushing the people back and were making a path for Xianock and I. We make our way to Erososs Northern Gate, Xianock throws me out through the gate. I try to get up, but all I could do is lift my upper body.

"For treason and disobeying your new King, I here by banish Zechariah Morlock from Erososs forever. Leave and never come back, peasant", he said. The citizens gasped and started shouting profound words and arguments. Xianock ordered two soldiers to close the gate, and they did. I try to get up again and walk towards the gate. The princess ran to the gate, "Zechariah, are you alright?", she said. I shake my head in disregard. I look her in the eyes and say, "I will be back soon, do not worry". She was confused. I grab the bared gate, "I will build an army and come take back our country, and I will kill Xianock". She nods and kisses my forehead. I let go of the gate. Soldier appeared behind her and grabbed her and took her behind the massive crowd. I walk towards the large forest beyond the yellow hills of Erososs. I will create an army, but I do not know where to start. Then a someone yelled out my name. I look behind me, and the maid for the palace was at the gate. I rush towards her.

"What is it", I said.

"I heard from the princess that you wish to create an army. If that is the case, then head for Pilladore, it just past the forest. Youll then meet Captain Harry of the Pilladore Army. It will not be easy, but I know you can do it. The entire country has your back".

I nod and walk off towards the forest, onward to Pilladore.