SAO:PoA - Chapter Twenty One

*''In Honor and Memory of Andy Whitfield, actor of Spartacus- 1972-2011. ''

Floor 1st, December 31st, 2023

Guinevere felt to bed next to Galant.

“That was… vigorous.”

They both laughed.

“Does this time count as first time, since we are in a virtual world.”

“No idea. In a way, maybe. You could say that your body is still virgin, but your mind is not.”

Guinevere leaned on Galant and kissed him, which he replied the same.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I should go now…the girls of my room may be worried.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Right now they should be.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The naked girl stood up and grabbed her nightgown from the floor, but Galant grabbed her hand and stopped her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If you do, my heart would break.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere liked his words and thought.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ask me to stay…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stay...”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ask me, by my name…my real one. Sakura.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant caressed her hair, and then her cheek, at last, touching her neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sakura. I really liked your name. As beautiful as the woman herself. Why of my name…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Every woman knew who you were in the real life. AND TO AVOID YOU.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “That bad I was?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. The worse.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant sat on the bed, while Guinevere left her nightgown on the chai where Galant leaved his gear, and went back to the bed with him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then why did you become the girlfriend of a man with such a reputation.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fate guided me to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Again with the same… Fate, Destiny? I thought I had proven that false today.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You still did not. Fate comes to me often, during my dreams. I showed me the man you could become.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Could…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Maybe if you set on the correct path.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She got down the pillow and covered herself up with the sheets, as Galant did the same. He placed his face in front of Sakura’s and grabbed her hand which was in the middle of the pillow between them two. As minutes passed, they two began to slowly fell asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant spoke, just before she fully felt sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“One more thing, what else did you see in your dreams about my Fate?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That you will never love another woman.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, January 20th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant sat at near the bath house. He had just finished showering himself. He also tried to shower also his thoughts, change then into other thing. Yet he could not. The blood of Ikuto, Taichi, Yamato and Sakura was still staining his hands, and would not ever leave; no matter he killed all the members of PoH, Laughing Coffin, Kamui and The Guardians of Darkness, with his own bare hands. He will not recover what he had lost; it would but serve as scale balance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard suddenly appeared from the gate of the baths, and entered. He sat next to Galant, with his back opposing his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Battle well fought. Arkadios is suffering for the beat down you gave him. He is recovering from his injuries with the Doctor, but he is unconscious.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you, I hope he recovers soon.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will go twith him once I am done here with you.You have gained the Champion’s room. A small private cell, next to the sands of the ludus.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I come here to give congratulation to my champion for his victory, yet his heart seems heavy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is heavy. The lives of all my friends… Guinevere’s…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard placed his hand on Galant’s shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There is nothing we can do to change to past. We must look to the future. You shall enter the arena in a month. You are the Champion of this Ludus. The Slayer of Cerdic. Together we will edge the name Galant, in the pillars of Aincrad and History.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard got up to leave his champion alone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Galant…That is not how she called me. That is not my name.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard left the room, and walked to the place where Arkadios was resting, next to the doctor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Doctor: “reamian still.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “do as commanded. I thought you dead after the battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “when will I fight again?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “worry for nothing aside recovery. And the crowd shall once again cheer your name.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard walked to the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Arkadios: “I will regain my position, Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard left the room, and was happy to begin a new start. With Galant as his champion, his principal gladiator. He shall mold him into a Gladiator the world has ever known. He had already defeated The King of Monsters, what may his mind accomplish once vitory is his only concern. He will become the best trainer of gladiators. And with that title, rise beyond the Ludus, beyond the prison. Perhaps, the very leadership of the guild itself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant walked back to his new cell. A small one, which was very similar to the one he and Guinevere were three weeks ago, just a day before the battle of Camlann. Ho she comforted her after Lance “death”, and the guilty of Elicia’s.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant sat against the wall of his cell and grabbed Guren which was hidden in his trousers. He began to tab it while thinking about his lose, what he should do. And if his choice of becoming a gladiator, was correct. If this is the path he should take, of he would have chosen something different.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door opened and Antinomy entered his cell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That is unwise. “

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He sat down on the bed and continued talking.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">You should have left the weapon on the armory. If the guards would see you with it…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What would they do that has not already been done? I should have never assumed the mantle of leader.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You did what you thought was right. To protect them and her. You should return Guren to the armory. Best to be done in such thoughts.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got up and left the cell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant got up and sat on his bed. He hid Guren bellow of it and slept, hopping for the absence of dreams. Long days of training were shortly upon him, and maybe, someday redemption. One day…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, February 25th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant clashed wooden practice swords with a player, went back for a brief moment. The player attacked Galant yet he managed to jump on the shield, going to the player back, he casted two quick blows to the player back, sending him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Galant!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant tuned back. A guard spoke his name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are summoned.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He left his weapons on the sands alongside the other gladiators and followed the guard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant was accompanied by the guard to the third and last floor of the Prison. They rapidly got up the stairs, an iron cell-like wall, stopped them from entering. The guard took his key-ring from his belt, and grabbed the key from for the gate. The largest of the ring and it was golden, resembling somehow, a gun. The door made a squeaking sound, while it was placed on the door and was opened. The guard pushed Galant in and showed him the way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A small corridor and they were in front of Ducard’s office. The place was surrounded by white marble stone bust those that came behind of Galant, the former champions of the Ludus.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard got up from his chair and spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This Ludus is filled by champions. One day, if you prove worthy, you will stand among them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “You honor me master.” Galant stood unfixed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Though honors do not cease here. You will step into the sands for the first time as a gladiator, in tomorrow. You will fight both the 26th and the 27 of February. The first fight will resemble yours against Cerdic, and who better to fight him than you. You will dress with an armor, and four of our gladiators, assisting you as soldiers.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Our enemy?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Two executions. On the 26th Seven of the members of the Titan’s Hand, members of an Orange Guild, clad in the force of Cerdics hordes, The next day, the 27th, you shall face no one less, than the Blade Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What? The Blade Master? Ishi? Sentenced to execution??”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes him. Why… you know of him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do. Yet, I but heard what players say. I have not broken words with him. What did he do?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know not. Yet both dates will be a grand spectacle with you in shining helm.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant did not spoke for a brief moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not fight.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You misunderstand, I do not ask, I command.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not fight players that may stand the same as I was. That would not be correct.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is already time to forget your past; you are no longer the person you were. You are destined to great and wonderful things Galant. Embrace the path you have been set upon by Fate. Your mind is still clouded by grief. Force to clear it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard looked to the guard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That is all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The guard grabbed Galant, and forced him out by pushes, though Galant did not refuse to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I not a good idea to refuse Ducard.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The man makes unreasonable demands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is your master. You should not defy him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not fight player who could stand in my same situation.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“They do not Titant’s Hand member do not share anything with you. They are Orange Players: Thieves, murderers, rapist…Their deaths are well deserved.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then let another player’s blade face them, and see them dead. Not mine.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You think as if you would have choice in the matter you are a Gladiator.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have moral compass.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Your are a prisoner!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am no slave.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are. To hold to your life and your morality from a life beyond these walls is to see your heart parted from your chest. You above others should know this. You have to accept that you are here now!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant remained silent looking towards Antinomy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sorry. I say things without thinking. I lower myself to less deserving company, I shall go to gamble.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Antinomy got up and left Galant alone in the baths. As he went with other Gladiators to Gamble. Stupid, since the reason he was inside the crowd was for it. To gamble would mean to remain here even more time paying his debts

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant left the baths to his room. And sit on the floor. He took out Guren, and began thinking once again. Those haunted memories, which would never stop following him no matter what he did.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The memory of Sakura, her laugh, her voice, her skin, her lips… Everything about her. A tear got down of Galant’s cheek. He placed his hands on his face as he began to cry. He then placed his hand to his chest and looked to the purple ribbon tied to his right hand, when a memory came back to his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 49th, December 23rd, 2023

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant and Guinevere laid by each other’s side before next day’s battle. Guinevere leaned on Galant’s chest as a pillow while Galant head was on it. He was not still dreaming. He had something in mind. A question that needed to been answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you still believe in it, Fate?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Our friends will be gone tomorrow. We may die in the battle. If there was no fate, there is nothing to shape what happens in our lives there is not meaning to any of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She turned herself, to look Galant face to face, placing her left hand on his cheek as Galant caressed her back with his left.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I cannot believe it lend me to you. To bless me with such love, only to bear witness to your grief, pain and suffering. No. There is a deeper purpose for the path you have been set upon. One that has yet to reveal itself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She was about to lay on his shoulder once again, but Galant stopped him and grabbed her from her own.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will not see you from my side, never. Without you, there is no reason for breath.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There is always a reason to live.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would be lost.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. Fate shall set you on a proper path. You have but to close your eyes. And place yourself and its hands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She got to his shoulder to sleep, as he also fell to slumber.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 1st, February 26th, 2024

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant was sat on his bed. The tears of his face were cleaned and had evaporated. He was looking to the ground beneath his feet, thinking, when the door opened.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We leave for the games. Is your decision made?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant grabbed Guren from his side and pointed to Ducard. The Army member feared for moment but then spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What sort of answer is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “A gesture.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turn around Guren’s blade to himself, giving the handle of it to his mater. He grabbed it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So that is your way for giving messages?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Perhaps my meaning is more agreeable.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then say it so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Guinevere spoke many times with me about Fate. She believed on it. I never have.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You have guts, to dear to doubt about fate.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And have suffered much for it. But no longer. From this point forward, I give myself over to her beliefs, and accept my fate.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Those words give my great joy. Enough to erase question of how Guren came to your possession. Let us put the past, rally behind of us. Let’s go, games await you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have but one condition.” He got up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Condition? You kiss my cheek, only to finger my ass… Speak, before I rip your tongue.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will step to the sands against the members of Titan’s hand, but I will face them alone, and without GHP.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Seven against one, without possibility of living if they defeat you? I will not risk my champion to such absurdity.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If this is my fate. If this is the path I have to take, I shall not fall.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what if you are wrong?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then I will give the crowd, a great spectacle. Before joining my friends and wife.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard tabbed the knife and walked a bit, thinking of his suggestion. After a moment he spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fate has brought you this far. It seems is not done with you yet. But I have a condition of my own. When you have killed the last of these shits, what was left of who you were, your real name, and other things from you relating past die with them. After this you will embrace your fate, and your destiny, as GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked from the gate the arena. He was tabbing rapidly both Guren and Balmung Blade, while he tried to adapt himself to the armor he had to wear just for these games. The crowd roaring clamoring for blood and battle. He could see the opposite gate opening as the seven members of Titan’s hand entered, causing the mocking form the multitude.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The trumpets sounded, beginning the speech from the ones in the Pulvinus, the editor, and the ones in charge of the decisions and the financial supporting of the games. Ducard got up to make the speech before the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Players of Aincrad. Today we honor the battle’s in the Cerdic’s war. A monster, unmatched in fear and ferocity.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Approbation of the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As tribute, we had prepared this fight, to replicate the most important battle. The battle of Camlann.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Applause.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Gaze at the prisoners standing in the arena, and imagine the monsters that invaded the city of Camlann. Rape, stealing, murdering all in their path.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mocks from the crowd towards the orange players. as they shouted the began throwing things towards them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Violence and madness swept the land, echoing into the sky. All seemed lost, until he appeared. Entrance!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The soldiers at the gate opened it. Coordinating claps from the people.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And which better option, than the player himself. THE ONE THAT STOOD AGAINST FOUR GLADIATORS AT THE SAME TIME. THE SLAYER OF CERDIC. THE CHAMPION OF THE PRISON LUDUS, I PRESENT TO YOU, GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd cheered, as Galant walked towards the prisoners in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “Thinker, you should give the command now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “Begin!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">One of the prisoners got the front, looking towards Galant. The Slayer of Cerdic briefly looked at them, and turned his sight to Ducard, who nodded to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“All you have to do is close your eyes, and place yourself at its hands.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant closed his eyes, while his sword pointing to the ground diagonally and his face diagonally upwards. The prisoners looked at him with madness, asking themselves what was he doing while the entire arena was silent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player at the front tossed his spear. The spar flew toward the player, pointing directly to Galant’s face. Yet it but caressed, next to Galant’s left eye cutting a bit of his hair and then sticking to the sands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant tuned his sight back to the player and his sword’s next to his feet. The prisoners began running towards Galant almost in a line as Galant did the same, ready for the excitement of the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“RUUUUUUUS.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They clash. He continued advancing, while he parried the axe of the first one, the sword of the second one, the sword of the third one, getting to his back and dual slashing the back of the player both Crescent Stardust Slasher and Stardust Slasher. The player body was divided in half, felt to the sands and shattered into polygons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The forth one tried to cut him while swirling his spear as other first one with two axes tied to slice his face, but Galant  managed to avoid the two weapons, lowering his face, as the two weapons passed slowly at centimeters from his face. He parried the spear, but the player span once again and hit Galant’s back. He was kicked back with a strong hit to the chest by the one with two axes. He rolled in the ground, and the next one with the hammer bypassed with it just a few inches from his face. He then manages two get up and blocks the next one’s sword as the last one tried to stab him but Galant parried again the move grabbed the player and he bypassed his back to the ground. Yet, the one with the hammer smashed Galant’s body, sending him to the ground in just one move.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player joyed and shouted to the crowd as if they were already winners, as they shouted back at the players.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As he was trying to get up, other of the players kicked Galant’s belly, once, then twice, and also hit his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “you do realize he won this battle?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard touched his hand hn sight of he should not worry, yet Kibaou spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Perhaps history will not respite itself this day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The one with the hammer rammed his hammer at Galant, ready to stab him at the eye with hit. But Galant shielded with Guren, avoiding being killed by the weapons durability. Galant managed to elbow the player at the face and then kick him. He then rolled eluding the hammer ram to the ground, getting up and pushing the player alongside other two player coming throwing the group to the ground, though they quickly got up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant and the group separate for a brief moment as he looked towards the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There is always a reason to live. Fate shall set you on a proper path.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked back to the player and attacked them, full of energy and courage due to the remembering of Sakura’s words. The first one came, Galant parried the short spear tow times the managed to make it slip from the player fingers, throwing him towards the sand, and slicing his leg of with Guren leaving it stuck on the ground. Other player with a short spear appeared, but Galant grabbed the spear backwards, span and cut the player’s throat killing him. Other appeared to Galant’s left, he managed to stab him with the Spear, piercing the body, and then slashed the player’s body with Stardust Slasher, killing him. Four to go, as other came Galant turned around his spear and impaling the player though the mouth. The one with two axe threw one to him, Yet Galant shielded with the players body, and as other came he kicked the player on his lance to him, then span, while turning the spar backwards impaling both player at the same time Galant span once again and sliced both player at the same time. The one with an axe attacked Galant but he parried the attack and using Shimmer Spike, stabbing him repeated time thought the belly, and finally throwing him away with Balmung still on his body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard was amused as his Gladiator fought like being possessed by a demon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant faced disarmed the player with the hammer; he avoided the attack to his face, by banding his body. The player then tried to smash him, but Galant grabbed the hammer, hit the player back of the knees, sending the player to the ground. Galant got the hammer to his back, rammed it and the smashed the face of the player.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd roared and was amused by Galant’s showing. Indeed. They have never had seem something alike the spectacle they had just precenced.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant dropped the hammer which shattered into polygons seconds afterwards. He grabbed Balmung, which was stuck to the ground, and walked towards the remaining player without his leg. The prisoner tried to get up, but he could nearly be at his knees. He then tried to grab Guren, but Galant placed his blade to his neck,

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd roared, and got their finger down on the player, as the ones in the pulvinius expected the same, thought Kibaou was disappointed since his enemy did not die on the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant forced the player upward with the point of his blade, and with the eye contact they made, he saw the unbelievable. His face, his own face, instead of the prisoner’s. Galant eyes widened, shocked by the noticing of this.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not do it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned the blade to the other side as the prisoner closed his eyes, and the crowd continued to shout. Ducard got up to see.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He recalled all his past, in his memories, the first day on Aincrad. The creation of the Royal Knight, the fight Aginst Belpehor, his first time with Sakura, the war against Cerdic, the death of Dagone,t of Galahad, The battle of Ayre, Elicia’s death ,Lance’s, Tristan’s, Gawn’s, Bors’ Percival’s, Guinevere’s, battle against Laughing Coffin his execution,  the battle against Arkadios,  the entrance to the brotherhood, the acceptance of his fate, and that phrase:

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A man must accept his fate, or be destroyed by it.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant shouted and sliced the throat of the player killing him, much for the crowd’s amusement and the joy of Ducard as he laughed. Galant turned back of the player letting his sword to the ground. He looked back to the Pulvinus with an appearance of being satisfied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thinker: “great show.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ducard: “an honor to be of service.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT! GALANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd began cheering Galant name once again, as Galant lifted up his right hand, while inhaling slowly with joy, and nostalgia in his eyes, Ducard laughed and lifted his own hand mimicking his own gladiator.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant turned to the crowd, while he lifted up both of his hands to his sides and released a powerful scream from deep of his soul, echoing on all of Aincrad.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I… AM…GAAAALAAAAAAAANT!”