Chapter Text
The Guardian Masters had already informed Cross that he was going to be permanently assigned to the heir of the throne, Prince Epic. However, identity of who he was going to be bound to left the guardian wanting. The other nobles and other powerful individuals he had served were spoilt and ignorant of the lengths a guardian went to keep them safe.
For one final time, Cross looked over the compound that he had called home for the last 20 years. He had arrived here at the tender age of 5 after his family sold him off to pay of their debts. The boy was exactly what they had been looking for. Even at his young age, he demonstrated quick wit and an aptitude towards violence that every guardian needed. From there, the Guardian Masters had broken him down like they did to every other slave they acquired. The real training only began when he was nothing but a malleable young mind and body. Just like those before him, Cross learned the way of the Guardians and would abide by their ways until the day he died.
Cross passively watched a Guardian Master force two young human slaves off the wagon that would later be taking him to the Castle. The boy with white hair bristled with anger and almost daring the Guardian Master to try him. The other dark-haired boy seemed more subdued, but his eyes clearly glinted with calculating patience. They could be his possible replacements if they made it through the process of becoming a Guardian. Once the boys were ushered into the compound, the Guardian Master pointed to Cross to get onto the wagon so they could begin the journey.
The prince had been informed that he was going to receive a guardian. The royal advisor, Gaster, had explained the basic capabilities of a guardian and what the ceremony to receive a guardian entailed. Gaster also detailed the various feats that Cross possessed and the high marks from the Guardian Masters. Only the best were ever assigned to the royal family.
By the time the Guardian and Guardian Master reached the castle, it was late afternoon. The castle still bustled with activity and there was an air of excitement for the upcoming celebration of the prince’s 18th birthday. The pair were quickly escorted deeper into the castle to wait, and it gave Cross the brief chance to observe those who worked within the depths of the castle.
Finally, they were in the heart of the castle. Cross stood at attention besides the Guardian Master as he waited for his charge. When the King, the king’s guardian, royal advisor and prince finally arrived, the sun had set long ago and the torch's light flickered in the room, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Just like always, Cross quickly took in as much information as he could about the four individuals who just entered the room.
The King, Asgore, was a large goat monster with a warm smile, who seemed to tower over his guardian, royal advisor and son. He seemed to try to hunch into himself in a futile attempt not tower over them. The King’s guardian, Retold, was another skeleton monster. He easily positioned himself to be in a strategic location that would easily allow him to protect the king upon an attack. The fact the other Guardian was watching him just as carefully as Cross watched others made the younger guardian feel exposed. The royal advisor, Gaster, was a thin skeleton like ghast with cracks on his face, wearing a luxurious cloak and a disapproving scowl.
Finally, the prince was a young skeleton monster and did not look like a spoilt royal that Cross was expecting. Epic was wearing a long purple jacket with black sleeves and hood that had the emblem of the royal family stitched onto the back. He kept his right eye closed and his overall posture spoke of uncertainty. In fact, besides his eye being closed, the thing that stood out most was the opulent obsidian crown he wore.
Epic stepped forward toward the Guardian Master and took the ceremonial knife. He quickly glanced back at the other skeleton that had been silently observing him.
“Are you Cross?” He asked.
“Yes sire.” Cross answered automatically.
“The Guardian Masters said you were the best…” Epic pauses before issuing his first command to his guardian. “Kneel Cross.”
Cross quickly fell to his knees, his mismatched eye lights respectfully remained on the ground. Epic evaluated the weight of the knife that lay in his hands. He could not help but hesitate now that he was about to bind Cross to himself, but the scowl deepening on Gaster and the Guardian Master’s face had the prince swallowing his nervousness.
“In the name of my father, King Asgore, do you swear to protect me and serve the throne unto death?” Epic asked.
“I swear, sire.”
“Very well…” Epic said, slitting his hand so his purple magic bubbled up and dripped to the floor.
Epic supplied his magic to the new runes that had been carved into Cross. The magic shone brightly before being absorbed. Cross no longer needed to worry about another claiming ownership over him now that he was Epic’s. The runes and magic demonstrated Epic’s ownership and Cross’s status as Epic’s Guardian.
“Cross, you are now mine to command until our deaths.” Epic spoke, using his injured hand to tilt the other’s chin to look up at him.
“Yes sire.”