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He poked the flower with his hand. It was a miracle it had grown at all in the icy barren wasteland, the only living thing for what was probably hundreds of miles. He thumped his tail against the ground as he stared at the plant, finding a strange amount of joy in its vibrant hue.
“What are you doing?” He looked up to see something that immediately stole his delight away from him. “You’re supposed to be searching right now.”
It was the chief-of-war, or the mayor, he wasn't sure what his name was. He surely didn't look like quite anything at the moment, his suit, or rather what was left of it, was tattered, burned, and destroyed beyond belief. A direct contrast to the shiny, spotless metal and fabric that made up his own attire.
“I was just…” He trailed off, letting his eyes move back to the flower. For a moment, he forgot what his existence had come to, until the man in front of him stomped on it, letting the fragrance be replaced by the stench of burnt leather.
“It was wilted and damaged,” He grinned, completely contrast to the contempt in his voice. “Imperfect. Unforgivable. Completely against the teachings of our lady and her soon-to-be successor.” He leaned down, “You cannot let such things distract from our goal, unless you wish to help move them to the right path so they may fulfill their destiny.”
The champion nodded, bringing himself back to his feet without looking him in the eye. Despite his best efforts, despite how much he wanted to, he wasn’t able to cry.
“Now go, unless you wish to fail them so soon.”
—
“Are you alright over there?”
He stood there, just as still as the trees surrounding him, turning a blind eye to the stares people gave him. It was a strange sight to see somebody donning armor in the middle of a public park, but he didn't have the qualms to care about social standards, at least not anymore. All he cared about was in front of him, smelling the flowers.
“You know you don't have the stand there unless I call you,” You joked, standing up, “You’re freaking everybody out.”
“But you did not summon me.” He stated, one of the many facts of his existence you’ve come to learn. He couldn't do anything without your say-so it seemed, even something as simply as walking forward.
“I know, but it’s gotta be boring standing there alone.” You gestured for him to join you, “Come over here, I want to show you something.”
He tilted his head in confusion but followed soon afterward, joining you next to the flowerbed. A friend at work had told you that they were volunteering to plant flowers throughout the park, which is part of why you asked for a very special kind to be added to the batch.
You rubbed the petals of the flower, careful not to let it break. You leaned in close to smell it.
“Why are you smelling the flowers?” He questioned.
“Because it smells nice.” You shrugged, “You don't need a reason for everything you know. It’s just nice.”
“But it's not doing anything for you. It simply lays there, without purpose.”
“Why do you follow me around?” You asked, “you could argue that you’re wasting your time with me.”
“That’s different, I was summoned to protect you, my liege.” His eyes darted towards you, “A person as benevolent as yourself is in constant danger, defenseless from the filth that may attempt to harm you.”
“So you care for me?” He became stiff. “You care for me despite being so fragile compared to yourself. Is it really so much of a surprise that I can care for something weaker than myself too?"
“I suppose that makes sense, but why are you so careful with the flower?” He asked, kneeling next to you. “You give me purpose, but it doesn't for you. If you wish to smell it, why don't you just pull it from the ground.”
“Because eventually it’d die,” You pointed to the soil it was embedded in, “It needs to have its roots in the ground to survive properly.” He watched as you removed your hands from it, just as careful as when you touched it.
“That one’s missing a petal.” He grimaced at the realization, and his words held truth. It right next to the one you first touched, the petal in question next to the base of its stem.
“I suppose it is,” You grabbed the petal and held it towards his face, “And yet this flower smells just like all the others. Just as sweet. It’s funny how that works right?”
He took the petal from your hand and hesitantly held it closer to his face. He sniffed it, and you could see the tension leave his body.
“It does smell nice, I guess I can appreciate it a bit more now.” He rolled it in his fingers, letting a faint smile come to his face, before it faded away again. “But it’s not perfect.”
“It doesn't need to be you know,” You placed a hand on his shoulder, “Not a single thing in this world is perfect. If you expect everything to be you’ll just be met with disappointment.” You shivered a bit and pulled your hand away. “Are you alright? You feel really cold all of a sudden.”
“I’m fine,” He sighed, letting the petal fall to the ground. “my liege.”
“You know you don't have to call me that.”
He looked up and for a moment, you could've sworn his eyes looked brown and full of life, only to be swallowed up by the blue you've come to know.
“Of course my,” He cut himself off. “I’m sorry it just doesn't feel right.”
“Why not?”
“Referring to you without a title feels unbecoming, you’re a figure worthy of respect, not some common person.”
“I need to eat and sleep like everybody else, I don't think I’m as special as you’re making me out to be.” You laughed, “I’m not perfect.”
“You’re more special than you’ll ever know.” He thought, but not allowing himself to speak.
“I’m serious! I mean I could probably list off tons of things I don't like about myself.” You rambled a bit, leaving him without words. The very person he devoted himself too couldn't see the importance they held to him.
“You’re perfect to me,” He said, “Even if you don't realize it yourself. You’re able to see beauty even in something without purpose and perfection.” He looked down at where the petal used to be, which had long since blown away in the wind. “And you helped me see that beauty again.”
“Oh? So you like the flowers now?” You asked, almost smug.
“Yes, I suppose I do.” He stood back up again, putting his hands out to you. “It’s getting late, it’s important for you to get home soon, the city gets dangerous at night.”
“Oh, right.” You took his hand, letting him pull you back up. “I didn’t even notice, thank you.” He smiled at the gratitude. You always thanked him for everything, even if he didn't fully understand why.
You both walked towards your apartment, letting him feel like somebody else for once, like a separate being entirely. A being capable of enjoying flowers even if they were missing petals.
“You know, we should go shopping sooner or later.” You said, snapping him out of his thoughts. “You can't wear armor all the time.”
“But how else am I supposed to be prepared for battle?”
“You’re not going to be doing much battling at all, I doubt most people are gonna mess with you anyway.” You smiled, “And orange suits you.”
It did.