The dust from above sprinkled through the ceiling as the people above stumped and cheered on the bleachers. The arena became alive… The Sagen people roared and clapped as they waited for the fight of the century to begin. People gathered from all over to come see who will be the next Star Lord. The city surrounding the kingdom prepared for the celebration afterwards. Food vendors and all the stores opened up as people came for the experience. Normally nothing goes before the Warrior’s Solstice festival. This time the king had a better idea. Instead, the celebration of the two will top off any festival Sage has ever had.

Cashius looked up as the dust clouded the air underneath the arena. It was so loud he felt like he couldn’t hear himself think. He looked through the workers who were wrapping his hands with tape and cloth to find Iya. She was standing in the back watching Cashius get prepared. Lastly the workers greased up Cashius body and made sure the cloth covering his privates was wrapped around him right. His bare chest, arms and legs were open game for his opponent Kendle. The red sun was blazing hot that day, it was too hot to have anything on.

As the workers left after finishing the job, Iya walked over to Cashius kneeling down in front of him. She grabbed his tightly wrapped hands making sure it was secure to her standards. Iya was no stranger to the whole process. She has been wrapping her hands with tape since she was ten. She patted his hands twice and nodded. Cashius didn’t take his eyes off of Iya the whole time she sat in front of him. When she looked up she met his staring gaze. Iya smirked as she stood up. The horn sounded off the start of the event, Cashius grabbed Iya’s arm and yelled, “I’m glad you made it today… I didn’t see you yesterday!”

With the crowd roaring with excitement, Iya had to put her head close to Cashius to hear what he was saying, “I’m here now… you got this!”

Cashius stood up tall and strong. The workers standing nearby were admiring Cashius muscular physique. The grease made his ripped body look more defined. Cashius resembled a gladiator without the armor and that made the female workers go wild. He stood close to Iya so she could hear, “He’s probably going to kick my ass! Wish me luck!”

“Remember all your trainings!” Iya patted Cashius on the back as he made his way through the tunnel into the bright light of the sun. The sand was steaming hot and it was hard to see with everything was so bright. Cashius walked up to his opponent Kendle and shook his hand. They bowed to one another then turned and bowed to their king. The same people from yesterday sat on the podium as they looked down at the fighters. Jayce looked down at Cashius secretly with a smug expression hoping he’ll lose.

As the fighters picked their choice of weapon from the referee, Iya made it back up to the podium. She sat next to Patrisha and her other brother Jaron Jr. Jayce sat up front as close as possible, he wanted to see every move. Iya too was excited to see how this fight was going to turn out. Although the fight isn’t till the death, a knockout was definitely preferred. The people wanted to see a good and bloody fight. Patrisha asked her siblings who they thought was going to win the fight. Jaron Jr. said his money was on Iya’s friend, Cashius. Jayce quickly turned around and said, “My money’s on Kendle…” He glanced over to Iya and they made eye contact. Iya rolled her eyes and thought, no surprise there…

Cashius and Kendle got into their ready positions. Cashius chose a long wooden staff and Kendle two fighting sticks. The referee looked at King Jaron to see if he had any last words. The king nodded his head no then waved his hand upward approving for the fight to begin. The referee turned to both of the opponents and swung his hand downward, chopping the air. “Begin!” He yelled out to them.

Kendle lounged at Cashius kicking up sand behind him from moving so fast. The grease on Kendle’s body made his dark complexion shine. He braided his long black hair in straight cornrows specifically for the fight. Kendle was just as ripped and muscular as Cashius. Standing them side by side the fight was actually evenly matched. Cashius stood still as he waited for his opportunity to counter his attack. Kendle then lounged at Cashius swinging both of the sticks one after another. He managed to counter each of Kendle’s attacks. He then twirled the staff around his back swinging it back around and hitting Kendle in the face. The blow made Kendle fall to the ground dropping one of his sticks.

The crowd stood up and roared as the first encounter was explosive. The energy in the arena was hype and alive. Cashius stood back to let his opponent get to his feet. As Kendle walked towards Cashius he picked up his other stick on the way. Both stood a good distance from one another in their ready stance for the second time. People in the crowd cheered and whistled as they watched the fighters get ready for their next attack. Cashius and Kendle walked slowly in a circle facing each other, waiting for one to attack.

The two went at it for a while… Exchanging good hits and knocking one another to the ground. Both getting back up and coming back hard to defeat their opponent. There was a moment where they stood in the stance just to catch their breath. The heat from the blazing sun was getting to them. Both were ready for this fight to be all over.

Finally, they both decided to attack at the same time. Cashius held his staff with both hands in the middle, swinging the ends. Kendle countered some of the attacks but got hit in the right side of his torso and on the back of his thigh. In return, he swung his sticks towards Cashius sheens making Cashius drop to one knee. Kendle then hit Cashius in his face dropping him to the ground. He quickly ran behind him and cupped his arm around his neck. Kendle pulled back as hard as he could falling to the ground while still choking his opponent. Cashius tried grabbing Kendle’s arm to release his grasp, he had it cupped under his chin perfectly. Doing the rare naked choke move on Cashius, Kendle thought for sure this would be the end. As he pulled back harder arching his back, the grip around Cashius’s neck got tighter.

Cashius knew he could only hold on to Kendle’s arms for so long before passing out cold. Kendle tried to finish his submission by locking both legs around Cashius’s lower torso and hips. Doing so, all Kendle had to do was continue to pull back until Cashius lost consciousness. Cashius knew he didn’t have much time left.

Iya, Jayce and everyone on the podium stood up on their feet to get a closer look. The only one who remained seated was the king, who was front in center anyway. People in the crowd started screaming finish him. Everyone thought this fight was about to be over. Cashius tried one more time to pull his head through Kendle’s grip. Instead of pulling his arm down, Cashius started pushing Kendle’s arm up. The sweat around Cashius’s face got all over Kendle’s arm. It was just enough to loosen the grip.

Cashius freed himself and elbowed Kendle to the side. He then quickly sprung to his feet before Kendle had the chance to get to his. It’s time to finish this, Cashius thought. He ran over and kneed him square in the face while Kendle was on one knee. The blow finished him knocking a few teeth out. He laid there on the sand with his face covered in blood. People gasped in shock at Cashius’s brutal finishing move. The referee dashed over to check on Kendle. He then looked up at the king to see if the move Cashius used was legal. King Jaron slightly waved his hand giving the finishing move an approval. Cashius didn’t care though… he was going to win by any means and he did.

Cashius screamed in his victory, roaring like a beast for coming out on top. He turned to the podium looking for Iya. She was standing and clapping along with the others around her. When their eyes met, he grinned and screamed, “I did it! I am the new Star Lord!” Cashius walked in front of the king and kneeled. King Jaron lifted his arms and made the announcement of Cashius being our new Star Lord. From all the excitement people from the stands started jumping down into the arena. They ran over to Cashius and lifted him into the air.

Cashius was carried straight out of the arena. Crowds of people followed as he was bounced around on people’s shoulders. They walked the city streets of the Sagen kingdom where fireworks shot off and bands played music in a parade to celebrate. Everyone danced following the band. Almost every street was filled with people from all corners of the world. It was a once in the lifetime event for everyone. A legendary event occurred in the past few days, the Trials of the Chosen. The story of how Sage chose the next Star Lord will go down in the history forever.

The celebration of the new Star Lord lasted all day and all night. The Sagen people got the most out of that experience and everyone wanted a piece of Cashius. He had to sneak away just to avoid taking anymore alcohol shots, congratulating him. In the mix of all the partying, it dawned on him that Iya wasn’t around celebrating along his side. He looked around for her everywhere he visited.

As the day turned into night, Cashius still haven’t laid eyes on Iya since the announcement was made. The only place she would be at this time of night is in her favorite spot, the Garden of Ospice. She enjoyed sitting on a certain bench looking up at the Sagen moons and the night sky. The stairs from the palace led down to a small straight balcony. There were two sets of stairs on each side leading to the bottom half of the garden. There were flat long flower beds that were covered in beautiful luminescent medical flowers. Iya’s favorite spot was sitting on a small bench by the balcony. It was the perfect view of everything. At night it’s the best perfect spot to sit and relax.

Cashius was right and saw Iya sitting alone drinking a glass of wine. She was leaning back on the bench with her legs crossed. She looked like she was lost in thought when Cashius walked up. When Iya saw Cashius she stood up to her feet and curtsy, “My Star Lord… oh I mean my Star Master or Lord of the Stars.” Iya smiled at Cashius as he bowed laughing.

“All corny names…” Cashius smiled as he sat down on the bench with Iya. “I had to get away… I was going to die of alcohol poisoning before my first day.”

Iya laughed and said, “I know, I can smell the alcohol off of you. Don’t go near any fire. And your face doesn’t look so beat up anymore.” Iya grinned looking at Cashius’s bandages on his face. He touched the bandages smiling back. “You knew where to find me… This is my favorite spot in the garden.”

Cashius looked at Iya for a moment before looking up at the moons. “It is beautiful… Blackius especially. When I was little I used to ask my mother about the people that lived on the moon. As a bedtime story, she used to tell me that the Saijerians on Blackius came from all corners of the universe. Anyone who was seeking refuge could find it on the Sage moon. The SaijerianEventually over time all the refugees became one people, one colony instead of several.” Cashius scooted closer to Iya filling in the gap between them. He turned to look at her as he continued his story, “She said they merged different languages together to make one and it became a symbol of their freedom and unity. ‘Every corner of the universe we come together as one’. She used to tell me that…” Cashius stared at green and brown Sagen moon. It made him sad thinking about his mother.

“She would have been very proud of you, Cashius. I’m sorry she passed before her time.” Iya felt bad that Cashius didn’t have much family. After he was taking for his family to join the rest of the star children, they became his family. Iya placed her hand on Cashius’s hand and gave him a smile. Iya was showing empathy to her friend but Cashius took it another way.

Iya knew this was the perfect opportunity for Cashius to make a move. She didn’t want to be a jerk and break the guy’s heart on the day he became the ‘peacemaker of the universe’, literally. But she didn’t want to lead him on either. Coming up with the right thing to say was the tricky part, either way this wasn’t going to be easy.

Cashius grazed Iya’s hair, tucking one of her braids behind her ear. “You are so beautiful… I would give anything to make you mine.”

Iya slowly turned to look at Cashius, “Cash…”

Before she could get anything out, Cashius put his arm around Iya pulling her in. He took her by surprised and planted one on her. Iya’s eyes stayed open for a second because she wasn’t expecting that. The kiss felt forced and not passionate. His lips were sour from the alcohol as the stench seeped out of his pores. Iya gently pushed Cashius away and slowly wiped her lips with her fingers. She definitely knew now that Cashius wasn’t the one. The kiss did nothing for her. Iya was also a little pissed he thought he could get away with something like that. Only one person can… Kal.

They were still inches away from one another. Iya looked at Cashius and said, “Cashius… I love you as my friend but I don’t think I can cross this line with you.”

Cashius looked a bit confused, “Did I do something wrong? Iya, I will do anything for you. Please just give it a chance.” Cashius didn’t want to take no for an answer. He leaned in again trying to kiss Iya once more, thinking that would change her mind. Instead Iya got up from the bench and looked down at Cashius. She knew he was drunk and all ambition are down. This was Cashius’s true self. However, Cashius would be stupid to try anything dumb towards Iya Star Lord or not.

Iya heard footsteps and looked up the stairs. Jayce was coming down accompanied by some royal guards and Kal. The whole time Kal was walking down the stairs he was looking at both Iya and Cashius. She was surprised to see him with the group. Iya kept her eyes on Kal and whispered his name under her breath, “Kal…” Cashius never took his eyes off Iya. He heard her whispers.

The royal guards stopped on the stairs along with Kal as Jayce finished walking down to balcony. “Iya.” He nodded as he turned to Cashius, who looked upset that he was being interrupted again by Jayce. Cashius swears Jayce follows him around.

“What’s going on?” Iya asked Jayce, “Something wrong?”

“No, everything is fine. I’m here on the behalf of our father, the king. He wants the newly appointed Star Lord to stay in a different quarters tonight.”

Cashius stood up from the bench stretching and looking at the guards. “And that required a whole cavalry for a message?”

Jayce quickly responded to Cashius’s comment, “I’m here to relay the message and the guards are here to escort you to your room.”

Iya looked between Jayce and Cashius and decided she there was no reason for her to be around anymore. “Well boys, brother and company. I think I will retire for the night.” The royal guards thumped their spears at the same time on the ground acknowledging their commander. Iya walked up the stairs and slowly walked passed Kal. He followed her with his head, watching as she made her exit. Before she got too far, Kal quickly turned around and dashed up the stairs trying to catch up to her.

Cashius watched as Kal went after Iya. He wished it was him running after her and not Kal. Watching Iya and Kal reaction to one another perked his curiosity. Maybe there was someone getting in the way, he thought. Cashius was furious although he didn’t show it. He felt like he was getting babysat by the guards. They were there blocking his way from getting what he wanted. Nothing will get in his way. Nothing. He will have Iya all to himself one day, by any means.

As Cashius started walking up towards the guards he had to walk around Jayce. Jayce sensed Cashius irritation from being interrupted again. He knew Cashius was drunk and he knew he tried something towards Iya. He felt like it was his secret duty to expose Cashius for what he was. It was too late now, Cashius was virtually untouchable.

Jayce turned to Cashius and said, “You know when you get into full swing with your Star Lord duties, this thing with my sister will be fruitless.”

Cashius huffed and grinned at Jayce’s choice of words, “And I have the ability to make it fruitful.” He winked at Jayce and continued walking behind the guards. Jayce did not like his response for he knew exactly what he meant. He wished so bad that Cashius wouldn’t have been the winner of the trials. No matter who he was, Jayce had to protect Iya from him.

Kal had to jog a little to catch up to Iya. She was speed walking down the hall. Kal grabbed Iya lightly by the shoulder. “Hey, hey… wait up. Iya what happened?”

Iya was hoping to avoid this conversation with him. “It was nothing, he was drunk. Nothing I can’t handle… I just want to go to my room.”

Kal looked at Iya’s wore out face and nodded. “Let me walk you to your room. Come on.” Together they walked down the hall to Iya’s bedroom. Once they reached her door Iya slightly opened it and turned around leaning on the side. “You know your father didn’t ask Jayce to get the guards to escort Cashius, that was all him. He said and I quote, ‘I’ll be damned! What do I look like, a servant?’ Not towards your father of course… he waited till we were down the hall. Your brother is too funny sometimes.”

“Yes that brother of mine is one of a kind. Gotta love him for that.”

“We were on our way to Luca’s get together. You wanna come?”

“As tempting as that sounds, I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day. Besides if I drink anymore I’ll surely pass out on his floor.” Iya laughed at the thought. She wasn’t lying though.

Kal could care less about Luca’s party if that meant having a nightcap with Iya but he knew it wasn’t the right time. There were lots of service people and maids in the hallway passing by. They were hustling around trying to get things ready for tomorrow’s festival. There was a lot going on at the moment on Sage. Plus Jayce popped out from the garden steps looking for where Kal had went.

Iya saw Jayce looking down the hall in their direction. “Speak of the devil, there he is looking for you.”

Kal turned around and saw Jayce waving his hands towards him. Jayce yelled down the hallway, “Come on! We’re missing out!”

“He always has perfect timing doesn’t he? Well I wish you would come with us but I understand. I’ll will see you tomorrow. Good night Iya.” Kal stood there for a minute really wishing he didn’t have to hold back any intimacy with Iya. He wanted nothing more than to give her a kiss good night or other things before leaving with his friends. Tomorrow he thought, tomorrow I will make Iya mine. Cashius cannot win Iya nor will he.

Iya looked up at Kal and softly replied, “Good night, Kal.” Then she slowly closed the door behind her.