Wow. I've never double uploaded before but may as well since this is a two-part chapter. Enjoy and review!

"Was? As in past-tense?"

"Yeah. One of the greatest men I knew right there with Exio. He was the father we all wanted. He was what you would call a prodigy. Able to do anything and everything with ease. During the next five years, we learned more than we ever had before. One of the major things being how to properly defend ourselves. Pops always had these special three-pronged knives he called kunai that he used whenever he fought monsters. Believe it or not, they were more heavy than your sword here. It amazes me to this day how Pops carried so many without being even the slightest bit sluggish."

"I had chosen at the time to use gauntlets and greaves, the mere thought of using a weapon infuriated me due to my past but Cecily was a different story. She wanted to have knowledge on every weapon she could get her hands on. Guns included. Where as I resented the thought of using a weapon due to its fearful power, Cecily was intrigued wanting to understand on a much higher level how each were different. Especially rifles. I was pretty miffed when she first revealed this but after hearing her reasoning, I had more than some hesitation in the idea but seeing her conviction the same as my own, I decided to support my sister. When we weren't fighting, I was off training while she was tinkering with whatever gadgets or weapons she could get her hands on. The amount of interest we both had for our own was what one could describe as a drug. We were so focused on our own goals, we sort of fell into this repetitious agenda."

"So for years we learned, trained, and better ourselves. Whenever we were done with chore or errands, Pops would take us to the nearby highways and over watch us as we fought the local monsters or even each other. Though Pops could be considered a monster himself with how much strength he fostered inside. It didn't take much to figure that out. He was respected by the whole town, loved by us and the children, yet when he fought a monster, it was like this persona that he has never showed came to life. So serious. Focused. What amazed us both every time was the sheer speed this man had. It was why the town had given him the nicknames Yellow Flash and Thunder God. Yellow Flash because whenever he was in battle, it would be over before you could even blink. Thunder God due to anyone that dared challenge him was beaten with no effort whatsoever that people began to believe he was a God himself."

"He was that strong?"

"Yeah. To be honest, I don't think Teo, Vic and I today could hold our own against him. No cap."

"Whoa..."

"Eventually, he told us of his past and how he eventually ended up at a place called Thor's military academy. That place helped him in growing strong. When he told us that, Cecily seemed to have the same idea that I did. Together, we exclaimed our interest in going and he gave his blessing. So on top of everything, we studied. I wasn't the most academically gifted but Pops and Cecily were so it was thanks to them and the other kids staying at the orphanage that I got through. Cecily really one-up'ed me. She came first in the entrance exam with nearly a perfect score similar to Pops. The day we left for the train, everyone in Celdic had bid us farewell with Pops and the children at the center. So with one last goodbye, our 17-year-old selves departed. I had my fists and Cecily had her brains. Together, we would be unstoppable."

"I'll never forget the train ride. We had talked into the night. By then, Cecily had fallen asleep in my shoulder. My shoulder was stiff but I didn't want to move it or I'd wake her so I dealt with it. The years of training were definitely helpful so all I did was look at the night sky and awaiting the coming day. Arriving at Trista, we took in the campus in all its glory. Entering the ceremony, we were placed with the commoners. I had a few friends as did Cecily but it wasn't until later when Thors held a tournament between all of the classes did I meet Teo and Vic. There were three tournaments. One for the males and one for the females followed the next day by one with both sexes. You can guess how the first two went."

You, Lord Schwarzer and Uncle Vic ended up in a three-way battle and you all tied while Cecily dominated the females."

"That's my boy." He gives a subtle smile. "There were some nobles that didn't like us commoners beating them but they were smart to remain silent. Vic and Teo weren't like them though. They were genuine people simply wanting to better themselves as did Cecily and I. That day was the start of the wonderful friendship as well as the beginning to what we would later become. The Big Three. "

"Who was the strongest?"

"There wasn't one. We could never beat each other. Even after all of our training and the few trips we went on, we never could beat one another. Always ended in a stalemate whether it was 1-on-1 or a three-way duel. Honestly, we were never upset but rather we were filled with laughter over the outcome all the way through our years. By graduation, we all had become stronger. Wiser since that day. We had a fair share of unexpected experiences where our training was put to the test but it's because of those experiences that we grew. The four of us had made it and that's what mattered."

"I'm sure Grandpa was happy." Yujiro lifts up revealing a stunned look. One that turns to pride. "Yeah. He was. They sat in the front row with all of the orphans. I swear, not seeing them in two or three years, they really grew up but then again, so did we so I guess everyone looked different to one another. Though after the ceremony, many people were giving hysterical looks at our rambunctious family. Afterwards, we had bid farewell to Thors, our instructors, our friends including Teo and Vic, and left one home to go back to another. To Celdic. The whole train ride there was filled with Cecily and I telling the kids stories stories of our time. Man, those were the days..."

"What happened next...?"

"What came was a changing tide."

"A changing tide? Like a wave washing over a beach?" A nod comes in response.

"Some time after returning, our daily lives in Cedric returned. The city had progressed greatly in the three years we were away. Its market especially. The biggest topic though was the new park. That place was recently made and although it was fun for kids, further in was locked away due to monsters. Ones much stronger than those found on the highway. So, naturally Cecily and myself especially were curious so Pops took us in deeper into the park. The monsters were strong but too easy for the two of us. It wasn't until then that I remembered Pops had grown strong because of Thors and I could finally understand it. Cecily could as well from the look on her face after taking out a huge beetle with pike she decided to bring."

"After walking for what felt like half an hour or so, we eventually we reached a large clearing. We were ready to continue but that's when it showed up."

"What showed up?"

"The beast that would become my sparring partner."

"... Huh?"

"I'm known as the Wandering Beast, remember? The beast residing in that park would go on to help me to gain that very title. Looks like an oversized bamboo easily taller than any normal home. Had horns too. Now, we'd all dealt with monsters that size before so that was nothing new. Running from deeper in the par, the only evidence we knew it was coming was the ground shaking and the loud sounds it made against the ground. Bellowing a roar, it stood before us, smaller ape-like monster appearing around us. Honestly, I was more excited than anything. Cecily and Pops weren't in the least bit nervous and without any wasting of time, the battle started. The two dealing with the small creatures and I single-handedly going at it with the ape."

"It didn't take long for those two to finish those off leaving them to just spectate my match with the great beast. We clashed fists many times, every time neither of us refused to bend to the other. This went from trying to kill the damn thing to simply enjoying the fight. I could have dealt the final blow numerous times but I didn't. Before I realized, we had been fighting for the whole day into nighttime. When I realized, I also saw Cecily and Pops gone with a note behind saying they went home. It was such an awkward situation because the beast just stared at me as I did it. I literally asked if it wanted to pick up where we left off the next day and the only answer I got was it turning and leaving. I guess that was a yes so I went home."

"Of course I got an earful from Cecily but she got over it thanks to Pops. So the next day after taking care of my tasks, I went back into the park by myself. Though this time was different."

"How so?"

"All of the monsters seemed to simply look at me as if they recognized me. Especially the ape-like monsters. Once I reached the clearing again, the quaking ground signaled the beast's arrival and with another roar, it summoned more smaller apes. I was excited ready to fight but instead of attack, they simply sat around the area acting as spectators. That's when it hit me. The great beast before me was acting as a teacher to the smaller ones. That and it must have notified the monsters in the forest of me. It was the only thing that made sense to me."

"So you two fought each other?"

"Yeah. Day after day. Both becoming stronger. It got to a point where we both could land fatal blows but didn't. A type of friendship you could say was born at that moment. So days became months an months years. Five to be exact. So now I was 25. Nothing new aside from Vic and Teo earning their respective titles and no sooner after would their achievements prove it. When we heard of Teo taking down and entire army battalion trying to invade Ymir by himself in a blizzard no less, everyone was talking about that forever. Victor having bested his father finally after all these years. Both stories were talked about forever but there I was, just doing my thing. I didn't really care about having a title honestly. The thought of having one piqued my interest but never to the point of staying interesting."

"One thing I didn't mention was that during those five years training against the Lord of the Forest as we decided to address the beast, I began to understand their language."

"That's right, when I first saw it, I expected you to be making grunting noises but you just looked composed speaking normally."

"That's because the language of a beast is universal. It is not a specific language through words but rather body language and you essence."

"Essence?"

"Yes. During those five years, I learned more about the beasts than ever before. The way they act, what the eat, how they sleep, and what their language is. Soon hooted and hollered but for the most part, it was simply how you presented yourself. Right now, we're both calm, non-hostile. So if we approached a beast type monster and attempted to communicate, then the chances are high they wouldn't attack. But not all conversations are one-side. You must also recognize the beast themselves and what they're saying. Their body language is one thing to keep in mind."

"So how did all of Erebonia find out about this?"

"There was an incident. Some poachers had snuck into the park on night and captured some of the younger ape monsters. During their transportation, the monsters broke free and ran havoc in the middle of the night along the highway. And not far from there was Celdic where they began to run into. Thanks to the ruckus, everyone in the town woke up. Running outside, we had a front row seat to the destruction unveiling itself. Going into action, Cecily went to gather up the children and townspeople while Pops and I went to deal with the out of control monsters. Though before we could, the poachers showed up an it didn't take much to put two and two together."

"Before they could even react, Pops not only knocked them out but tied them up before they could even blink. With that, all that was left was to calm the monsters down. Lucky for me, one of the small apes seemed to recognize me as it stopped what it was doing and just stop before us. A little talking later and I had an idea. One little trip to the roof of the church and I had a bird's eye view of the rampage. Taking in a deep breath, I gave the biggest shout I could. One that not only got the attention of the townspeople, but the small apes as well. Watching them all stop, they gathered in a group as I made my way back to the ground. Safe to say, no one was injured so I took it upon myself to escort the beasts back to the forest."

"At the entrance, we were greeted by the Lord of the Forest where it took its kids off my hands. Upon my arrival, I was met with applause from the townspeople as well as the mayor. Everyone chanting 'Beast Speaker. This is what those of Celdic called me but when the day came that I decided to go on my own, Pops and Cecily mentioned the Beast Speaker becoming a wandering beast."

"So that's where it came from..." A nod from Yujiro.

"So while the Beast Speaker remained within Celdic, across Erebonia, word spread and my new title became known throughout the land as Yujiro Namikaze, The man able to speak to beasts across the land."

"What made you want to leave?"

"I simply felt like it was my time. So when I decided to venture out, Cecily decided to stay behind and help care for the kids with Pops. With that, I was left to roam around Erebonia for some time. Eventually, I ended up in Heimdallr."

"Where you met Prince Olivert." Another nod.

"It's funny. We were talking about how similar your encounter with the princess was to ours."

"He was being chased when he was younger too?"

"Yeah. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time so I made quick work of the thugs trying to kidnap the prince. At the time, I didn't know he was a prince until I ended up at the palace after the authorities took those crooks away. I was introduced to the king and queen and it didn't take long for them to recognize who I was. It was there that they gave me the job of being Prince Olivert's bodyguard. Who was I to turn down the request of the king and queen of Erebonia let alone the prince himself. This was before the Vander family became the family's bodyguards by the way."

"Skip a few years and now I'm 30. During the time I've stayed in touch with the family, friends, etc. Everyone knows who I am. Not to mention, I'm constantly dealing with the prince's behavior. Much like my own so I enjoyed it." He chuckles, Relon remaining quiet feeling the happy tone fading. "One day, me and some men were escorting his highness back from a meeting in Bareahard. Those thugs attacked and with more firepower. This time, they hired jaegers to help get the job done. Luckily I sensed them and stopped before we were in their line of sight."

"I stepped out and order the others to return to the city until I came back. The look on Prince Cedric was that of a worried child. I told him not to worry smiling the whole time. Watching them leave, I turned back to the empty highway an called out the ambushers. They weren't happy and they certainly weren't ready to deal with me. Those petty guns and blades couldn't harm me in the slightest. With how fast I took care of them, I forgot how long it had ben since I actually had a descent fight. One call to the authorities and they all were taken away for interrogation..."

"Mister..."

"It wasn't until we returned to the palace that I got a letter." He takes a unsteady breath looking up to the ceiling. "It was from Cecily." He looks back to Relon, sadness evident. "Pops had passed. I was too taken aback I didn't know what to make of the sudden news. With the main task being Prince Olivert's bodyguard done, their majesties allowed me to go. I was going to go whether they allowed it or not. They had prepared a ride but once out on a balcony, I took off. The sole idea of Pops being gone was impossible to comprehend as I raced to Celdic. Within an hour, I arrived out of breath. A large crowd of what seemed like all of Celdic stood outside the orphanage. Everyone turned to take in my appearance, some dropping into more sobs as the mayor approached me lowering his hat. He said no words, merely placing a hand on my shoulder as the crowd opened up."

"Slowly, I walked inside, the first sight were the children. Those familiar mixed with those new all crying. Some adults caring for them as one simply points up the stairs to where our rooms are. With every step I took, the more I could make out a distinct voice completely broken down... One I hadn't heard since the day I met Pops. Reaching out my hand for the door, I stopped. It was at that moment that I noticed two things. One; my shaking hand. No matter what I told myself. No matter what I did to calm my nerves, nothing worked. All I could do was open the door and see for myself. So I did..."

"Opening the door, my eye laid upon Cecily on her knees holding the hand of our bedridden father. When the door hit the wall, she jumped slightly turning to see me... For a moment, nothing, then her eyes slowly widened as she got to her feet. Every step she took towards be shouted disbelief... Placing both hands on my cheeks, I watch as the her eyes tear up before the dam breaks... She cried against my chest for what seemed like hours. That day was a day stricken with so much grief, it was suffocating..."

All is quiet for a few minutes, Relon and Yujiro letting that information settling before with a heavy sigh, Yujiro resumes his storytelling.

"It was later that we learned the cause of death was a heart disease he's supposedly had since his years as a teen. Looking back, the signs were there but the time for regretting was too late. Notifying everyone, seven days, 20 hours, 48 minutes later, the funeral was held. Aside from those of Celdic, Vic, Teo, and their spouses, and to everyone's surprise including my own, the king an queen themselves along with Prince Olivert even showed up... I don't even know how they knew the funeral was that day. I guess royal connections or something. Anyway, as we all mourned, the sounds of apes in the distance hollering their sadness as well."

"The beasts too?"

"We all are beasts inside. We simply have evolved compared to actual monsters."

"When you put it like that, you're not wrong... Mister...?"

"Yeah...?"

"Where did you bury him...?"

"In a place where he could rest easy. The heart of Celdic's Park protected by the Lord of the Forest."

"A place he can't be disturbed." A solemn nod from Yujiro.

"After the funeral, I decided to stay behind and help out at the orphanage with Cecily. Their majesties gave the okay and even told me I could return when I felt ready. They were good people back then and still are to this day. Months passed, we just kept working and tending to the children. The once laughter that had disappeared slowly became to return little-by-little. Some of the teens that had been with us for so long decided to stay as well."

"Soon, those months turned into two years. Now 32, life had returned not only to the orphanage but the town as a whole. No more mourning, but now happy stories were told of Pops. Cecily had demanded that I return to work and after a long argument. It was obvious she was doing this for my own good but I already lost Exio, my brothers and sisters, and now our father. The thought of losing Cecily scared me."

"In the end, she won and hours later I left. Back to being Prince Olivert's bodyguard. Though this was short lived."

"Really? How come?"

"I had encountered something. More so someone. Prince Olivert was scheduled to represent the family for some royal business in the Lamarre Province. More specifically down south in the Olbia Lowlands." The mention causing Relon to widen. "During our stay, nothing much had really happened. It wasn't until we were about to leave that word got out about a large amount of monsters suddenly appear on the highways. So of course, I was tasked with clearing out the problem. Didn't take long and soon enough I was done with the somewhat fun task only to told that there were monsters appearing on the other highways."

"So I headed over and took care of the problem only to be wonder why there were so many monsters suddenly. And that's where I took of whiff of it. Of smoke. Jumping into the air, I saw to the Southeast near the mountain a fire."

"And from there, you found me, stopped the forest fire earning it the name Ashland, and finally what I can only guess, you contacted the royal family deciding to take care of me... right?"

"And now you know the whole story. Twelve years later, here I am at the age of 44 and here you are. The once infant lying in the burning forest with a sword next to you now a twelve-year-old that can shoot fire and is a practitioner of the Arseid school."

"A twelve-year-old that isn't like any other kid my age."

"Which leaves your other question. The why. Want me to explain or do you have an idea?"

"I think I understand now. You wanted to prepare me for the world. You were self taught for years until you and Auntie Cecily met Grandpa."

"Auntie Cecily?"

"What? Should I call her Ms. Cecily? She isn't married, right?"

"... You know what, Auntie works."

This boy... One Yujiro, one day. He gets back to his feet.

"But yeah. That's my plan. As you've now learned, the world is not a nice place. Many of it can end up being corrupted. What my plan has been is to prepare you for any situation that's thrown at you. I want you to be capable of handling any situation when you're off on your own."

"... How am I doing so far?"

"Haven't disappointed me once." He grins. "Now then, I don't think we'll be finding anything here. At least for now so what say we do a little more investigating back in the village before we head back, Relon." He stretches.

"Sounds good. There has to be something here. We're just not seeing it." Relon comments walking to Yujiro now at the exit; unbeknownst to a narrow perforation.

"Hm?"

"Looks like I was right." Yujiro comments moving to the lantern, the two having now returned to the palace just as the sun begins to rise. "It seems that even when you extinguish your flames, whatever was caught remains hot which can explain this melted candle as well as..."

"The forest!" Relon exclaims. "Now there's actual proof that it was lit ablaze by my clan's fire! But... could I or my partner have done it? The flames were normal color like my flames, right?"

"Yeah, but that's one thing we won't know unless we find any survivors. Mainly, your actual family that left you. But, after tonight, I'm hitting the hay, Relon." He waves.

"Wait."

"Hm? What is it?"

"You haven't called me kid once since you've told me about your past. How come?"

"Does it bother you?" He replies, this momentarily taking Relon aback.

"No. It just... feels odd hearing you just now call me by my name. Usually you only call me Relon when the situation is serious."

"Oh...? Well let's say I've realized a few things from tonight. One being with how you hold yourself before others, you act like an adult. And as such, I should treat you like one. Though I'll still call you by your favorite nickname every now and then." He gives a grin over his shoulder before leaving with a wave.

"Mister..." His focus soon draws back to the lantern.

So whatever is caught by my flames burns forever. Now I'm glad we put out the fire from Mister and I's fight back on Ebel Highway. But if that is the case, what about people? Does it not affect them? When I was enraged, I blasted Mister with a literal flamethrower and he seemed unfazed. Then again, after hearing his story, his body must be equal to whatever the strongest metal is. It makes sense my flames didn't hurt him. But that leaves the question...

He turns looking to the awakening city.

What about a normal person?

Knock. Knock.

Turning back to the door away from him, he tilts his head.

"It's open."

Entering the room, Relon looks on in genuine surprise finding Alfin already dressed in her royal attire.

"Good morning, Relon."

"Princess Alfin, what are you doing here?"

"Hehe, we were curious about your little excursion last night."

"We?" He looks past her as in comes Olivert.

"Prince Olivert?"

"Good morning. I would ask how you slept but."

"Oh! I'm really sorry about the sudden disappearance." He bows.

"No need for apologies. It was urgent, no?" His question raising Relon up looking in awe before a grin begins to form.

"Yeah... Very."

"And Alfin, it's no ladylike to pry into other's lives."

"Aww, I know you're curious as well." She pleads winking at her brother.

"Oh, my beloved sister." He sighs. "Our apologies, Relon. You must be tired."

"It's fine. I don't mind. Besides, we got plenty of rest from where we went. Actually, Prince Olivert."

"Yes?"

"I want to ask you something. I didn't ask Mister this so I was hoping I could ask you."

"By all means, ask away."

"To answer the princess' question; we went to... my homeland."

"Really? Why go there?"

"I had a lot of questions and I got a good amount of answers."

Yujiro was right. hearing him, one would think this boy is already an adult. Relon, you carry yourself well.

"I would love to go there one day!"

"Oh, uh. It's pretty hot so just be sure to dress appropriately."

"That won't be a problem at all!" She cheers.

"Now then..." Relon turns to Olivert. "You probably know what I'm going to ask."

"I do."

"Good. What's out there? The meeting between Mister and you are identical to the princess' and mine. Are these groups possibly the same? And what's going on in Erebonia?"

Not answering his question, Olivert walks past out to the balcony and stares at the awakening city.

"What indeed..."

"As for your first question, we do not know. I'm sure Yujiro didn't say this but when he gave us his reasonings for dropping his occupation as my bodyguard for reasons unknown, father asked that he try to find any information on those jaegers and thugs."

So the king asked when Mister took me in. So then those times he was talking to the civilians in the local towns. That's what he was doing. Gathering info.

"But what about the jaegers Mister dealt with that was going to ambush you?" Nothing comes as Relon notes the prince grip the railing.

"So after they were taken in by the authorities, they took their own lives. The injection of a serum was the cause."

"That was the reason for asking Yujiro to do such a task."

"And the possibility that those men and the group that attacked you being one of the same if not connected?"

"... Highly probable."