I remember waking up and staring at the ceiling. It was just a day ago that my world turned upside down. Thank Bahamut I have my friends helping me but shit, what else am I suppose to think about it. I now know the truth about what happened to my parents. What happened to my family.

Infernis.

A true monster. A beast whose only purpose was to torment my family bloodline for generations. How many members of my family were murdered, killed, tortured, eaten, maimed, destroyed because this beast only cared about making sure the Hornraven's never saw another bright day again. Seipora, bless her, eased my mind when she told me that I still have family out there. All my friends helped me ease this shit. Without them, without my god, damn, I don't think I would handle this mess. Whatever was left of my family bloodline is still out there, maybe hiding from that monster. Or maybe they don't want to reach out to me. If it wasn't for us helping our friends in Bloodstone, I would ask Leora a way to get us to Redwall and seeing if we can find out more about my family. But I'd rather help my friends like Elizabeth and the other enforcers. I'd rather just, live my life right now and enjoy it. I missed out on so much that I have a lot of catching up to do. Maybe find someone to share the happy memories.

I got out of bed and walked towards the mirror and stared at my reflection. I still remember the last talk I had with my dad, just before he and mother went away. Just before I would lose them forever. When my father took me to his favorite fishing spot.

*13 years ago*

"Come Stor, I can sense the fishes are ripe today!"

My father, a mountain of a man, was always ready to fish whenever he had a chance. It was something we can do together and it felt peaceful. I remember trying to catch up to him as he stopped at his spot and sat down, pulling out the Pole of Angling and speaking his name. Within a moment, his fishing pole appeared and started getting everything together to begin another fishing session. He started humming to himself as I looked at my reflection in the water, curious at what my father will tell me today, what advice this man was going to tell me today. After a few moments, he flung his lure into the water and leaned back with a smile.

"Stor, your birthday is coming up next week. I know your brother is out training but he did mention that he'll be back to celebrate with us. Something came up that me and your mother need to take care of but it's only to Brook Road. It shouldn't take that long." He told me as I fixed my attention to him.

"I know! I'm excited to celebrate with you guys. I know sis hasn't been feeling well but I know when my brother gets here, she'll get her strength and beat whatever is affecting her!" I said as my father stared at the water.

"Ay me son, your right. I don't know how she got sick but I believe it will pass within the next few days. No need to worry, I know that you will take care of her while me and your mother are away for a bit." He said. He then took a deep breath and looked at me. "Me son, there's a lot of things in this world that someday you will have to face. It's scary out there and things can get bleak. But always remember where you came from."

"Of course father, I know that." I said but he quickly shook his head.

"Stor, I remember when I asked your mother's hand in marriage, she told me that she had a secret that would make me reconsider asking her. But how, when I love her with all my might, my soul. I told her that no matter what happens, no matter what she might think, nothing in this world will ever change my mind about asking her to be my wife. She told me and still, all these years later, my love for her has never died. It has only grown."

I tilted my head to the side. "What was her secret that would make you want to reconsider? She told me before that love was the strongest form of magic there is."

My father chuckled and patted me on the back. "Perhaps soon we can tell you proper then. Your old enough to that I think it's time that we can tell you. But, that will be when me and your mother get back and celebrate your birthday."

I looked at him with a smile on my face as he continue to stare at me. I wanted to ask what was going on in his mind but I knew never to question him when he was in deep thought. A fish jumped out of the water and made my dad laugh.

"Stor, some words of advice. This world, as I said, is scary. But, it's also filled with amazing places and beautiful people. From the vast trees of Cronos to the humble towns inbetween. Hell, even Bloodstone is nice once you get used to the paperwork. But never forget where you came from. Hard times breed better men. Hard times breed better women. Hard times will breed a better you. Hold who you love close and never let go. Bahamut has blessed you, my son, as a chip off the old block. I can't wait to see what you accomplish in this world. Remember that bad times don't last either. They will pass."

I looked up at him and gave him a hug as he hugged me back. As he did, he hummed the same tune again. A tune I didn't know the words to until now, after all this time. In moments when I catch my dad alone, the cheery face replaced with one of deep thought. Singing, humming, a tune.

"You can run on for a long time, run on for a long time, run on for a long time. Sooner or later God'll cut you down."

*Present Day*

I opened my eyes as fresh tears spilled on my face. I remember how happy I was when I saw my parents off and wishing they would hurry back so that we can celebrate my birthday. Only, my birthday was spent crying as I saw the bodies of my family. But I know that they're looking down at me, proud that I was able to get out of this funk I was in but I know, it was still there. The beast is out there, somewhere, probably enjoying the trophies he's collected over the centuries of my family. But Bahamut, my words ring true as well as my fathers. With everything that has happened, my father was right. Hard times breed better people because I had to hide the pain, the anguish of what happened but it took my friends.

It took Feyted to help me regain what I thought would be lost. Without Aagvar's constant laughter, without Allie's caring nature, without Seipora's fun and trickery, without Vara's insightfulness of knowledge and without Leora and her caring words, truly, I would be lost. It's hard for me to open up but I want to change that and I know with them, I can do anything this world has to throw at me. Together, we will become stronger. I'm not going to allow some dragon to control my life. He's controlled my family legacy for far too long but now, I will enjoy my life right now. I'm happy. Truly.

I wish my parents were here. So many times do I wish but even the mightiest spells can't get them back. My legacy was written by a monster but now, I'm going to take it back and make sure that my legacy is Feyted!

Hmm, better get dressed and head downstairs, I know Seipora likes to get first dibs on food. As I opened my door, I took a quick glance at the crosses of my family and smiled. I'll make you proud, by the sign of the cross, I will make you proud.