Chapter One

"So, when Afen's a little older, you'll educate him, Hunk?"

"Well, yeah. Not unless you want your character stay at home and I'll go out to work…"

"Ha! Not a chance. You'd make a much better stay-at-home Dad than I would a stay-at-home Mom. I'll provide for us by working as a woodcutter. Meklavar is the best axe-fighter in three lands, you know…" Pidge put her hands on her hips and looked proud.

She and Hunk were sat on one of the sofas in the lounge. Allura, Shiro, Coran and Lance were hanging around the sitting area, unable to help hearing the pair's conversation. Since their last Monsters and Mana game the day before, Hunk and Pidge had really taken a shine to the thought of their characters raising a child and had been talking about him near incessantly ever since. They had now planned that Afendorn – or "Afen", as they had started calling him – would be home-educated (did schools even exist in the Monsters and Mana universe?) and that they'd take him to visit his extended family on occasion (which unsurprisingly included Jiro, Pike and Valayun). They were so enthusiastic that if a stranger had eavesdropped, they might have supposed the two friends were indeed married with a son…even if that said son was nowhere to be seen.

Lance walked behind back of the settee. "So, I take it you're a happy family now."

"Well, yeah, our characters are," responded Hunk.

Lance slid down and seated himself between them, crossing his legs and resting his head on his palms. "Have you and your kid got any plans to visit 'Uncle Pike' from time to time?"

"Sure we have!" replied Pidge, "There's lot of stuff our characters could do together. Hey! What if we all went swimming in the creek? That's the sort of thing I loved doing as a kid."

"Do you need someone to teach your characters' son how to swim?" piped up Shiro with a smile, whom they hadn't realised was on the platform right behind the sofa, "I'm sure Jiro could help you out there."

"Sure, UNCLE Jiro…" answered Pidge.

"Man, I still can't believe I'm an uncle…" Lance looked dreamy before suddenly sitting up as a revelation hit him. "Wait…I already am an uncle!" He slapped his forehead. "Man, I almost forgot I'm not Pike for a moment."

"Does Pike not have a niece and nephew too?" asked Hunk.

Lance paused. "I actually hadn't thought about that. Hey! Maybe Pike has a family just like mine, except they'd all have cat ears and live in a cave."

"Aww, your niece and nephew would be kittens!" Hunk's eyes glittered over. "I suppose since my relatives are sorcerers we'd live…wherever sorcerers live."

"I guess my character's family must live in a dwarf mining village," said Pidge, "After all, Meklavar IS a dwarven miner, not to mention the best axe-fighter in three lands…" She looked proud.

"Yeah, about that…" said Lance, "How exactly do you know you're the best axe-fighter in three lands? Was there a competition or something…?"

"Hey! That's a cool idea! I'll bet Meklavar fought off brutes in the arena four times her size!"

"That sounds like quite a story," remarked Shiro. Having seen little Pidge in battle before, it didn't even sound like an unbelievable one either! Despite being 4"9 and built like Twiggy, the green paladin was a force to be reckoned with.

Allura was now at his side. "I suppose if you put all your ideas together, you could make rather a good story. I'd love to hear it."

"I might be of assistance…" said Coran, suddenly appearing beside her, "I've heard quite my share of stories in my time!"

He, Allura and Shiro made their way off the platform into the seating area.

"I'll start us off," Coran cleared his throat, "Jiro, Valayun and Pike are on their way to visit your characters and Afendorn after recently completing a minor quest. They have plenty of adventures to tell them about…"

"Wait…we're actually making up a story now?" said Hunk.

"Hold on a minute…" said Lance, "My character went on a quest with Jiro and Valayun? What exactly did we do?"

"You'll find out in the story." Coran winked.

"OK…so this quest isn't from a game we've played…"

The others weren't quite sure what he was doing, but were more than willing to join in, giving suggestions and asking questions, as Coran started them off on what eventually became a surprisingly complex yarn…

…

It was the seventh month of the year and the heat was sweltering. Valayun could feel beads of sweat on her face and wished more than anything she could take off her armour and bodysuit. However, she was not tucked up inside her cosy treehouse where she'd be free to change into her summer nightie and flop onto her bed, cooling herself with her hand fan. Rather, she was trudging her way through the forest, her feet aching from hours of walking, trying to find the nearest place she knew that she and her companions could rest after their journey and possibly stay for the night before their trek home – Block and Meklavar's cottage. It was currently approaching dinnertime and she could imagine her sorcerer friend pouring his little son some pottage out of the trusty bowl that could never run out of food (unless it got broken, but that was another story…)

She hoped that maybe he would serve them some supper, as she, Pike and Jiro were worn out after their quest. Pike seemed to have the same idea.

"Man, I'm starving! I sure can't wait to get to Block and Meklavar's place. At long last, I can sit down…have something to eat…maybe take a bath…" He wiped the sweat off his forehead. Despite having many cat-like qualities, at least aversion to water wasn't one of them!

"I'm with you, Pike," agreed Jiro, who was sweating profusely himself due to being clad in his full armour, albeit without his usual cloak, "We all deserve a rest after a long quintant."

"I do hope they won't mind us coming," said Valayun, "It must be difficult enough getting Afen to go to bed without us staying over as well!"

"I don't know…" Pike scratched his chin, "Maybe a few bedtime stories from old Uncle Pike will help him drift off…"

"Or keep him awake even longer…" Valayun added with a chuckle, "But whatever you do, please don't tell him about how I fell over while trying to defeat that troll. That was embarrassing…"

"I can keep a secret…" Pike looked proud. Indeed, he was very good at keeping secrets. In fact, there were quite a lot of them that his team-mates had seemingly no idea about...

There was that one time, only a few weeks ago, when Afendorn (wearing an off-white tunic, a mahogany waistcoat and brown leggings) had been messing around in the garden, now in full bloom, and accidentally knocked over the washing line, upon which were Block and Meklavar's freshly washed clothes (which, to make matters worse, included their undergarments…) The couple had no idea that Pike had been hiding in the nearby bushes while it happened and had quickly beckoned to the toddler boy, who had run through the gate and joined him in his hiding place. Block was busy studying his spell books indoors but Meklavar soon came out of the house, wearing her short-sleeved green day dress with the peasant blouse underneath, and went through the roof when she saw what had become of her laundry. She called out for Afen crossly, certain this mischief must be his doing, but Pike put a finger to his lips and the little boy copied, not letting out a peep.

Eventually, Meklavar had to admit it must be the result of a very strong gust of wind and set about collecting up the soaking wet and muddied items of clothing, grumbling about how she'd have to wash them all over again. She carried the pile back into the cottage and Pike poked his head out of his hiding spot.

"Looks like the coast is clear!" observed Pike, "Whew! That was a close one, little fella! Trust me – you really don't want to get on Meklavar's bad side, especially when she's your Mom."

Suddenly, Afendorn burst into tears.

"Wait? Why are you crying, little guy?" The rogue reached over and embraced the small boy.

Afen tried to say something, but his already unclear speech was muffled even more by sniffles and sobs.

"Aww…there's no need to worry. I've got you, little buddy."

The toddler let go of him, but still had tears running down his face.

"What's wrong?" Pike tried again.

Despite sobs, he was just about able to make out, "I…want…Dad."

"Oh! You want your Dad?" Pike placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I can take you to your Dad." It was then he noticed a figure emerging from the house. "Oh look!" He pointed in the direction of the door, though the bush was concealing him so well Block didn't notice. "There he is now!"

Afen turned to look and then dashed straight out of the bush, through the gate and into his garden. "DAAAAAD!" he cried all the way until he arrived at the hem of Block's tunic, wrapping his arms around his father.

The sorcerer was rather upset to see his son in tears and quickly scooped him up. "What's wrong, Afen?" he asked, resting the infant on his hip.

The little boy didn't reply. "Did you knock down Mom's washing?" probed Block. It was the only reason he could think of.

Afendorn nodded.

"Well, that's actually kind of good as your Mom was worried there might be a naughty wind sprite about, which I would have to track down and defeat with my magic…if I could actually catch it first. Man, those wind sprites are tricky…" Afen looked a little more cheerful and Block smiled in response. "Come on, little guy. Let's go find your Mom."

He carried the boy back into the house. Pike didn't hear much of the conversation that followed, but he was certain Meklavar didn't shout when he told her what happened. An hour later, he saw Block coming out of the cottage with an armful of re-washed clothes. He was going to put them on the line before realising the pole was still knocked over. Pike thought now would be a good time to make himself known to his old friend. He slid out of the bushes.

"Hey, Block!" he cried, surreptitiously strolling through the gate.

"Oh, hi there Pike!" responded Block, not taking his eyes off the fallen pole. Pike went over and propped it back up again. He proceeded to help Block place the clothes over the line (though he was careful to leave him Meklavar's underwear!) before they both stood back to admire their handiwork.

"Thanks, buddy," said Block, "I was exhausted after washing all those clothes. Afen knocked over the washing line and they got muddy, so I offered to wash them again…Meklavar's been under a lot of stress lately. As much as I love our little guy, he's a real handful sometimes. I'd never seen her get so cross before the last couple phoebs…" His voice trailed off for some reason.

"I'm happy to help!" Pike slapped him on the shoulder, which seemed to perk him up. He followed Block into the house and spent some time catching up with his pals and messing around with their son, who was now looking a lot happier.

In the present, it was amazing to think he hadn't seen any of them since that little visit.

Valayun was dusting herself off for what seemed like the millionth time, trying to get rid of the dirt that had accumulated on her outfit after she fell over while fighting a troll. She couldn't wait to be able to wash it again and was quite tempted to jump in the nearest stream, clothes and all. Indeed, she knew there was a river not far from where Block and Meklavar lived, as she had gone there before with her friends less than a year ago.

Afendorn had been a little over eighteen months at the time (it had been the height of summer – perfect for a day of swimming) and had gone in the water stark naked, not that anyone batted an eyelid. Block had worn his pyjamas and Meklavar her old oversized blouse and maroon leggings, her hair worn down, now reaching long past her shoulders. At first, the toddler had merely paddled at the edge, but before long Block had eased him into the deeper area of the creek. Afen had taken hold of his father's big strong hands and began kicking his little feet, giggling with glee at his freedom in the water. Meanwhile, Pike – clad in nothing but an old pair of trousers – jumped out of a tree into the river, landing with an inelegant belly flop. The others were all splashed! Normally, Valayun (wearing just her bodysuit) would have been annoyed, but since she was only bound to get herself even wetter as the swimming session progressed, decided to shrug it off. She teasingly splashed Pike back once he'd arisen from the depths.

Jiro (dressed in a navy tunic and black trousers) played for a little bit with Afen next, trying to teach him how to doggy paddle. Block had fun with Meklavar, letting her ride on his back as he swam, and playing games in the water like "hunt the rock" and "catch the stick". Though the couple were adults in every sense of the word – living together in marital unity, working together to make ends meet and bearing the responsibility of raising a small child – it was still good to be able to have fun on occasion. They were still so young in many ways, just twenty-one and twenty-three years old…

Pike and Valayun joined in their games, which turned out to be considerably more challenging than one might think at first. Elves and anthropomorphic beings, as it turned out, had no advantage over dwarves and humans when it came to holding their breath underwater (Pike actually asked if they could use the bubble helmets they'd had on their underwater mission but Meklavar wanted to make the game more challenging). Block tossed a suitably large rock into the water and the others looked as fast as they could on the river bed for it…which turned out to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The water was perfectly clear and there were few obstructions from plants, but the entire riverbed was almost completely comprised of stones (indeed, that was where Block had got the rock from in the first place!) After a fruitless search (with some assistance from Block himself), they gave up and moved onto the next game, which involved chasing after a twig released into the current.

"On the count of three…" began Block, holding the small branch above the running water, "One…two…three!" He dropped the stick into the water and it was swiftly carried away. After a few seconds, he then cried, "GO!"

Pike, Valayun and Meklavar swam after it speedily. The dwarf girl was annoyed when she saw her two rivals were quickly getting ahead of her. Come on, Meklavar, she thought, You haven't started working out again for nothing!

Jiro stopped what he was doing and said to Afen, "Let's go catch that stick! I'm sure we can beat the others."

The boy squealed in delight and Jiro gave him a piggyback. "Hold on tight…" he advised the toddler.

He then pursued the twig, careful to swim on his front as to not drown his passenger. He was a pretty strong swimmer and soon caught up with the others. Pike desperately thrashed for the stick, but just missed and the movement of his hands swept it further away from him. Meklavar tried to grab it next, but the powerful current kept it just out of reach. Curse my short arms! she thought. She made a lunge for it, but only ended up under the water, the branch being tossed further by the wave she'd created. Valayun and Pike ended up in a match against each other, clawing the water, determined to reach just a tiny bit further…when Jiro suddenly pushed right past them and snatched up the stick, right before either of them had a chance to blink.

He got to his feet and held the twig high above his head. The others also found their footing and cheered. Afen was especially excited that his "team" had won the game.

Jiro soon squatted down again though and let Afen get down from his back. He supported the little boy's body with both his hands and said, "Go find your Mom."

He turned the infant around until he was facing Meklavar and then let go. The dwarf woman's jaw dropped in delight as the boy swam towards her, propelling himself with his back legs. Once he was near her, she took hold of his torso and pulled him into an embrace. "Oh my gosh, you can swim! You're turning into a little merman." She turned to Jiro. "I can't believe he's learning so fast."

Jiro smiled proudly before the group swam back to where Block was standing, Afen riding on Meklavar's back. It was a surprisingly long distance – the five hadn't noticed how far downstream they'd gone during the tense pursuit of the twig.

As soon as she was beside Block, Meklavar handed their son to him and said, "You're never gonna believe what just happened. Jiro taught him how to swim!" She ruffled Afen's sodden hair. "Isn't that right, little guy? Uncle Jiro's a great teacher!"

Block lifted him up, so that the toddler was sat with his face directly in front of his. "Man, you're growing up so fast. It wasn't that long ago you were still in your Mom's tummy, those little legs of yours getting strong. You're becoming so smart and agile, just like her." He kissed the boy's forehead, which made him giggle.

Then suddenly Meklavar started laughing. Block was about to ask her what was so funny when he heard something go, "Plop!" He looked in the water and saw something brown slowly sinking. The others fell about laughing when they realised what it was.

"Aww, nuts…" Block looked his son in the face. "We should have made you wear a diaper! Do they make diapers you can wear in water…?"

"We really need to get you toilet trained," said Meklavar to the baby, "You can't just go anywhere!"

After their swim, Block carried Afen onto dry land and wrapped him up in a blanket. The group had brought several bags with them containing snacks and dry clothes. As soon as Afendorn was taken care of, Block draped another blanket around his shivering wife's shoulders. She was really feeling the cold from the breeze now she was out of the water, not that it had been particularly warm in the river. Block would have been quite happy to magic her a wetsuit, surfing shoes and goggles…if he actually had any idea of what those things were. However, he did know all too well what a cuddle was and gave her another one of his famous embraces to try and warm her up. Meklavar was more than willing to accept it.

The group walked to the cottage, which wasn't far away. There was no need for Block to start a fire, as it was still a pretty hot day, so Meklavar sat in her rocking chair with her little son on her lap, rubbing him dry. After she'd changed him into his pyjamas (and her into her nightgown), she sat at the table and Block conjured from his bowl some bread, cheese and berries that everyone had for dinner. Afendorn, however, had his meal from Meklavar's breast. Now that he was bigger, she had him sit on her lap as she fed him. Valayun watched her as she shared this tender intimacy with her child.

"It's wonderful seeing you grow into motherhood," she commented, "I must admit, it's something I could never do."

"I know it's gonna sound crazy now, but when I was pregnant with this little guy, I was the same. I guess becoming a Mom came naturally once he popped out."

Afen finished drinking from one breast and Meklavar moved him onto the other.

"Block and I have really grown up a lot these past couple years. Being a Dad's changed him a lot too."

"I wouldn't exactly say that…" responded Block modestly.

Meklavar laughed and Block picked up some cheese from her plate, which he fed her. He continued to help her eat, ignoring his own supper, until Afen had drained her milk. He continued to suck though, hoping for more.

"It's all gone now, little guy," said Meklavar, prising his head off her chest and handing him to her husband. She proceeded to do up the drawstring of her nightie.

Afen grizzled and tried to escape from his Dad's lap. "Are you still hungry, little fella? Here – have some of my food."

He popped a berry into the boy's mouth. The toddler liked it so much Block fed him a few more, careful to pick away any stems or large seeds.

"We really need to wean you onto grown-up food," said Meklavar, having covered herself up, "You're not gonna be a baby for much longer."

"Is he talking yet?" asked Valayun. She'd heard him babble and laugh over the past year or so whenever she visited, but hadn't yet made out any understandable words.

"Sure, you can talk, can't you, little guy? Say, 'Aunt Valayun'." She looked at Afen but he just giggled. "Say, 'Dad'…" she tried instead.

Afen was silent for a few seconds before turning his head to face Block. He began to form a noise. "Da…da!"

"Good boy!" Meklavar ruffled his hair.

Now Afen was looking at his mother, he began to say a different word. "Ma…ma!"

"That's me!" Meklavar laughed.

Valayun saw that Block's expression had become particularly tender, as it always did when he felt a deep sense of love for his wife and child.

"Hey, little guy! Do you think you could say, 'Uncle Pike'?" The rogue flashed a charming grin.

Afen didn't reply.

"Do you think you can say that?" Meklavar addressed her son, "Uncle…Pike? What about just Pike?" Afen only smiled. "Pike?" his mother tried again. She then leaned a little bit closer. "Pike?" she repeated.

She waited a little longer before saying the word once again.

Afen took a few more seconds before saying, "…Pite?"

"Good boy, Afen!" Meklavar gave her son a high five.

Pike looked really proud as well, even if the toddler had mispronounced his name (as was to be expected – it was the first time he'd heard Afen talk as well).

In the present, he, Jiro and Valayun were getting nearer to their friends' house. Pike could even make it out through the trees and boy, was he glad to see it!

"I can already taste one of Block's home-cooked meals!" he cried, throwing his arms in the air.

Jiro was rather looking forward to that as well. He was very fond of food made from scratch, but not a very good cook himself. Block, however, was a superb chef and he always enjoyed what he created – whether it was using real ingredients or his magical bowl – but sometimes he missed the simple meals cooked for him by someone he used to know…

Pike made his way through the gate. The bushes of summer berries and a great variety of flowers were in bloom in Meklavar's garden, creating a bright and colourful scene. The three walked up to the door and Jiro knocked. For a few moments, nobody answered.

Pike and Valayun were just beginning to worry that their friends might not be in, when the door slowly opened and there was stood Block. Instead of his usual jolly demeanour, he looked rather tired and there wasn't a smile to be found on his face. "Hey, guys…" he said, barely able to look them in the eyes, "Do you need to stay the night?"

Jiro sensed something wasn't right. "Block? Is everything OK?"

Block didn't reply. Tears were forming in his eyes, though he was trying to fight them away. He wiped them with his sleeve, though his mouth was still trembling.

"Come here…" Valayun went over and hugged him. Block closed his eyes and let his tears flow freely. The embrace went on for half a minute before he felt secure enough to let go. Valayun took hold of his hand. "Block, what's upsetting you? I've never seen you like this before."

He was barely able to choke out the words. "It's…it's my son." He put a fist to his mouth.

"What's happened to your son?" asked Valayun softly.

Block composed himself. "Well, he seemed perfectly OK a few quintants ago but then one quintant he said he had a headache and Meklavar thought him eating dinner might make him feel better, but then he got dizzy and fainted and we had to put him to bed, and when he woke up he was too weak to do anything and then the next two quintants after that he kept coughing and throwing up and now he has a high fever and he still keeps being sick and I don't know what to do." He started to cry again and Valayun gave him another cuddle. "I keep giving him medicine," he continued, "But it isn't working! None of my potions have any effect on him. He's going to die and there's nothing I can do about it!"