Avery took her position with all the other new guards and listened to them chatting. This was the usual for Avery
Everyone was absolutely buzzing with excitement.
The sound of drums beating filled the air and soon it became the only sound in the area. The old guards marched up to the platform at the center of the square in unison. Then the new guards began moving and joined the old guards on the platform. The two groups seemlessly became one and they all turned to face the sole guard standing away from the group. Alister Kashiwagi.
The captain then spoke in a loud booming voice " Today we celebrate those who have passed the difficult trials that have empowered them to stand where they stand today. These people have proven that they are fully capable of protecting those they have sworn to protect."
He then spoke to the guards, " Your journey has not ended with this advancement but rather it has just begun. You will face many adversaries on your righteous path. You might even need to lay down your life for the sake of protecting the innocent for that I commend you on your bravery . I hope that you all strive to become stronger in order to protect owr humble community."
Then addressing everyone, " And now we shall have a few moments of silence in honor of those who have lost their lives protecting the innocent. "
Everyone's gazes fell on the various torches that were ablaze even during the day, I'm memory of someone who they had lost.
Avery's thoughts wandered off to her species their final thoughts had reached her only after she had reached the safety. Which was also when she became the demon queen, the only use the title had to Avery was making sure that Avery didn't forget the pain that the demon race felt when they were ruthlessly slaughtered.
" That concludes the ceremony. The new recruits will start tomorrow and the veterans will return to their assigned tasks. May the dragons protect you." A voice rang out unknowingly preventing Avery's thoughts from turning dangerous.
The crowd slowly dispersed back to doing whatever they were doing before. Avery was left standing in alone as soldiers with their arms slung across each other walked away in a celebratory fashion.
"Avery!"
She looked in the direction of the voice to see her two best friends jogging towards her.
Casper a tall dragonkin with light brown scales and Irisa a hakuturi with a pair of magnificent wings.
She was about to call out to them when they tackled her to the ground in a hug. The familiar scent of mint and ashes engulfed her.
" We are Soo proud of you." Caster nearly whispered.
" This calls for a celebration." Irisa squealed.
"I would prefer some BBQ ribs and fresh to."Avery wheezed breathlessly from the weight.
Irisa immediately began pulling the both of them towards their favorite stall.
As they ate the BBQ ( Irisa has the vegetarian wonder meal) Avery could not help but think that maybe she should forget all thoughts of vengeance and live a peaceful life .
But the world had other plans for her.