"Hanks,"

Without bothering to turn around, the bearded man replied back with, "What is it, Yuri?"

"Come on, you should get inside," The swordsman began, squatting down on his feet and helping his foster father get up from his seat on the steps of the open patio. "Wouldn't wanna you to start getting a fever now, especially with Ted almost close to his sixteenth birthday,"

Hanks let out a shaky breath, causing the latter to eye him in suspicion.

"That'll be best," He agreed and as he began to stand, he found himself falling back down. Luckily, Yuri was there to catch him on time.

"Hanks!" Yuri cried, suddenly urgent.

To his surprise, the bearded man laughed the incident off like it was nothing. "I'm fine, Yuri," Hanks assured the man behind him as he proceeded to place a hand on his shoulder. "I'm good, I'm good…"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's just go," And seizing the old man's bony wrist, they entered the house.

As soon as they stepped in, they were welcomed by Eve who quickly approached them with a book in her hands. "Daddy, Daddy!"

"Yeah, Eve?"

"Mommy's putting Owain to sleep," She began, bouncing up and down. "Could you read me a story while we wait for my turn?"

Yuri grinned. "Sure, kiddo," And reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately.

Hanks crinkled his lips to form a smile as he watched his foster son took the little girl into his arms and began to tickle her, causing the latter to laugh joyously and crying out, "Daddy! Stop it! That tickles!"

Once that was finished, the swordsman walked over to a nearby couch where they began to settle down to begin the storytelling. When he noticed the absence of his foster father, Yuri looked up and upon sighting the bearded man, turned to his daughter and began to whisper a few words in her ear.

Beaming, the little girl jumped out of the couch and ran toward the bearded man. "Grandpa!" She exclaimed, taking his hand and looking up with her big, green eyes. "Daddy wants you to join us for some storytelling!"

Chuckling, Hanks nodded. "Okay then…" He muttered, "Why don't you be a good girl and lead me over there?"

Nodding excitedly, Eve pulled him along.

And once they settled him down on the couch, Eve quickly left to go upstairs, only to join them a few minutes later with a Mieu doll in her hands. "Okay, begin!" She cried with thumbs up in the air.

On cue, Yuri opened the first page of the book and began to read aloud. What followed after was Yuri's poorly constructed interpretation of the story. Despite this, he managed to successfully make Eve and Hanks laugh as he tried to imitate the sound of a Ribbit.

Unbeknownst to them, Estelle was leaning from the balcony of the staircase, attentively listening to her husband's terrible commentary and tried hard to stifle her giggle or she might be caught right then and there.

A few minutes passed and it was ten o'clock—which means that it was time for Eve to go to sleep.

"No, I wanna keep reading!" She protested as she tried to attempt to make a pouty face but failed miserably. "Please, Daddy!"

Yuri gave her a stern look. And then a thought popped into his head. "If you don't wake up early…" He began as he produced a devilish smirk, "Then you won't be able to see Ba'ul tomorrow morning,"

The second she heard of the flying Extelexeia's name, Eve gasped. "No, don't say that!" She proclaimed, proceeding to hit him repeatedly on the chest. "Daddy, please!"

Trying to contain his laughter, Yuri held his breath and continued with his lecture. "Genevieve, if you go to sleep now, you might be able to get a chance to see him,"

Hearing this, the little girl nodded. "Okay!" And leaned in to peck her father on the cheek. "Nighty-night, Daddy!" Then turned around back to face her grandpa and did the same, "Nighty-night, Grandpa!" Grabbing hold of the Mieu doll, she quickly ran up the staircase.

Both Yuri and Hanks listened intently to her soft pitter-pattering footsteps and once they heard the sound of a door banging, they finally faced each other and exchanged smiles.

"You're doing well," Hanks commented, chuckling.

Yuri grinned. "Good thing I've got you as a model," He replied, leaning back against the couch and sighing deeply. "And Estelle here to back me up in case anything happens,"

"You're a natural at this," The bearded man pressed further, "And here I thought that you were gonna screw them up or something,"

"I had my own doubts about it too," Yuri confessed, looking up to face the ceiling. "There was this one time in our journey that we happened to come across a baby in Heliord. Rita and Estelle took up the duty as its parents for a short while—and unsurprisingly, they were pretty good. But for me? At that time, I wouldn't even dare touch the baby…I was worried that with my bloodied hands, I would've tainted them and…"

He caught himself in time before he could proceed any further, and then looked the other way. "I made up an alibi that I wasn't good with babies…even to the point of distancing myself from it when Rita and Estelle decided to raise it together for a short time, and even when the mother of the baby approached us and thanked us…I couldn't bring myself to say anything,"

Hanks softened his expression. "That's all in the past now," He began, reaching out to pat him on the shoulder. "Whatever you did, don't worry about it. This is the present. Different person, different Yuri," As he said those words, he smiled. "But always the same old brat that I've come to know and love,"

"What've you been drinking, old man?" Yuri tossed back, "You sound as if today's gonna be your last day,"

Hanks stiffened, though was quick to recover as he forced out a grin on his face. "Well, I'm an eighty-three-year-old man…" He began, "So let me say whatever the hell I want,"

Smiling, father and son laughed.

"Yuri," Hanks addressed his foster son, "Promise me one thing,"

The dark-haired man turned to face him and nodded. "Yeah?"

The bearded took a moment to contemplate over his words until finally, he smiled and muttered in a soft tone, "Never be afraid to make mistakes. And don't be too hard on yourself. Don't fear the unknown and dive in. Always be open to new ideas and if you can't adapt to it, then don't worry about it—let the change gradually change you. Keep your head high and follow your dreams…but if yer dreams get too big, don't quickly discard them away and think that that's it. No, take time to reflect on your actions and from there, decide—your life is in your hands, you have to make the choices by yourself. And always remember,"

He turned to face his foster son and produced a prideful smile. "That no matter what happens from here on out or from then on, know that I will always be there to support you and watch you continue to grow…and above all, be happy,"

There was a moment of quietness between them—neither spoke nor moved.

Shuffling his feet, Yuri turned to glance over at his foster father and began with, "Hanks— "

"I better get going and sleep," The bearded man interrupted, startling the latter as he gradually rose up from his seat and reclaiming his cane at the side of the couch, began to teeter toward the staircase. "Gotta get back to Zaphias first thing in the morning and…" As he rambled off, he failed to realize that Yuri was already making his way over to assist him. "Wha…Yuri? What are ya doing?"

When he turned around, he found the swordsman offering him an encouraging grin. Swallowing his saliva thickly, he allowed for the latter to help him go up the staircase—silently abiding by his assistance.

"Don't start dying on me, old man," Yuri grumbled, though Hanks caught it and he couldn't help but feel his chest constrict. "I want you to stay with us for as long as you can, so don't start spatting garbage like that, okay?"

All Hanks could do was bitterly smile.

While he had full trust in Yuri to keep the promise that he bestowed him, he knew that deep down, he couldn't fulfill the one given to him.

And so, he replied back with a light chuckle and an eager, "I'll try,"

On the 30th day of December—and much to Flynn's frustration, another baby was born in the Fiertia, this time a baby girl by the name of Anneliese Lowell, or Ann for short. Pink hair like her mother's and striking ebony eyes like her father's—like her older sister and brother, was the perfect mix of their parents in their youths.

It just so happened that they were close to Zaphias and overwhelmed with joy, Yuri was the first one to rush into the Lower Quarter to deliver the news to the first person that came to mind…only to find out that the latter had fallen down the staircase earlier that afternoon.

It happened in a blur.

Ted and Marie, who happened to have fortunately come over to see what he was doing had found poor man lying down on the floor. Frantic, the middle-aged woman urged the teenager to quickly alert the entire community of Hanks being unconscious while she did her best to bring him over to the nearest couch and make sure that he was breathing normally.

By then, every single member of the community rushed inside the house and crowded around the poor old man. They insisted that they should find someone to contact Yuri or Flynn—but unfortunately, they were away on a mission with the rest of the guild members, during which was later escalated to another delivery and the unexpected birth of the third Lowell child.

Determined to save their foster father, Flynn instructed the nearby Imperial Knights that were stationed at the Public Quarter to find any doctor available as soon as possible. At the same time, Raven took this notion to also order the Schwann Brigade to deliver word to His Highness regarding Estelle's successful delivery.

About an hour later and the doctor arrived with her briefcase in tow, ready to help. The members of the guild, the Schwann brigade, and the folks of the Lower Quarter patiently waited for any news outside while those close to the old man—Yuri, Flynn, Estelle, Repede, and the children remained present at his side, with his foster sons the ones to seize hold of his hands.

It took another thirty minutes for the old man to finally crack one eye open and then the other. Slowly, he lowered his chin and was surprised to find the three adults and the children looking back at him with worrisome looks.

"What's…going on?" Hanks slurred, unable to process what was going on.

"You fell down the stairs and went unconscious for about a few hours," Flynn explained, gripping his hand tightly in assurance. "Don't worry, you're going to be alright. We have a doctor here to help you,"

"If you need anything, let us know," Estelle joined in, at the same time, cradling the newborn in her arms close to her chest. "And we'll do what we can to give it to you,"

"Why did you have to make us worry, huh?" Yuri suddenly cried, startling the children huddled around them. "Geez, old man! Why'd you have to do this?"

Ignoring his outburst, Hanks chuckled. "I'm sorry for making you upset, boy," And reached out to brush his hand across the latter's cheeks. He then turned his focus on the people around him and heaved a sigh. "So sorry for making you all worry,"

Something tugged him on the side of his shirt. Curious, Hanks turned around and smiled when he saw the small redhead girl look back at him with worried eyes. "Are you going to be alright, Grandfather?"

Behind her stood a smaller boy, who popped out his head and said, "…Are you hungry? Do you need food?"

At the mention of food, the eldest of the children came over and flashed him a smile. "Or maybe a story?" She suggested, "Would you like that, grandpa?"

Hanks stayed silent as he keenly observed the young trio before him. "No, thank you," He politely declined the offer, mustering a tiny grin.

Slowly, he veered his attention to the newborn tucked in the princess's arms and softly asked if he could hold her.

Smiling sweetly, Estelle happily obliged as she rose up and walked over to his side. Ever so carefully, and with the help of Yuri who was across from the bed, the baby girl was able to cuddle up into his arms.

At the sight of his fourth grandchild, Hanks chuckled. "What a beautiful girl," He commented, "Does she have a name?"

Estelle nodded. "Anneliese," She confirmed for her before looking up to meet her husband's gaze. "Ann, for short,"

"A lovely name…for a lovely girl," Hanks went on, reaching out to brush away the strands of her hair and poking her lightly on the nose. "She'll definitely grow up…to be a darling woman just like her mother and a warrior like her father…"

As he said those words, he inhaled another deep breath. "Here you go, dear," He said to the princess who graciously accepted the small bundle. "You be sure to raise her as wonderfully as you did with the other two…And take care of your husband—he may be a brat but his heart is full of gold,"

Estelle nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "I-I will…" She croaked. "I owe so much to you…all your advice and your stories, I will do my best to honor them,"

"My dear, I should be the one owing you," He replied back to which Estelle choked in her tears. "Thank you for loving my son,"

Estelle smiled as she leaned forward to peck him on the cheek. Afterward, she gracefully bowed her head before dismissing herself. As she walked away, she paused midway as she turned back to silently gesture for the children over and follow her out the door.

Sarah and Owain nodded, though leaned in and pecked their grandfather on the cheek before rushing off to join the pink-haired woman.

Eve remained in her spot and stood firmly. "Grandpa…"

Hanks cracked a smile and reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You are such an angel, you know that?" He muttered, pulling her forward to peck her on the temple. "Always keep smiling—and never lose that cheerful demeanor of yours,"

Then, he turned to Repede who gave him an intense stare.

"Be a good boy and take care of everyone for me, you hear?"

The blue dog nodded, leaning in to nuzzle his wet nose against the old man's cheek before retreating back a few steps and replying back with a loud bark. And just like that, Repede walked away, though sprawled down across the floor and keenly observed the somber scene before him.

Then, he turned to Flynn who looked back at him with glassy eyes.

"Flynn," Hanks addressed the knight, "I am so proud of what you've become. Your mother and father…they'll be so happy to see you where you are and who you are now—you and Yuri…the both of you are truly the hope of this town and the heroes that Terca Lumireis truly deserves. Continue to strive for excellence, always be friendly and kind to all…but don't overstress yourself, okay? I wouldn't want you to start growing white hairs like me,"

As he heard those words, Flynn nodded with the tears already flowing down his rosy cheeks. "Okay," He responded, his voice cracking. "I will, Hanks…and thank you for everything,"

And then finally, Hanks turned to the person that he wanted to see the most—Yuri.

"Yuri…"

"Hanks," The swordsman began, clutching tightly on the latter's other hand as hard as he could. "Please, don't do this…"

"Yuri," Hanks repeated, this time softer. "Words cannot describe how much Jiri and I were happy to have you in our lives…you've always been such a troublesome child, always wayward and indecisive during your teenage years, and even then, you remained uncertain as an adult…idly sitting near the window, thinking about what might've been. But look at you. Look at what you've become—now you've become a fine man and a working father…a secretly good one that just needed someone to show him the way." He heaved another deep breath. "And now, I no longer need to worry because you're gonna be okay—you're not alone anymore, Yuri. You have friends and a family to call your own. You did it, my boy," He congratulated the latter as he chuckled, "You finally did…and I'm so proud of you,"

Refusing to cry right then and there, all Yuri could do was say his foster father's name. But as he was about to do so, he stopped himself, bit his lip and then finally settled with saying, "…Dad,"

Upon hearing the new honorific, Hanks widened his grin. "We ain't blood, but you, Yuri…you were as close to a son as I would ever have…" And then turned back to face Flynn and continued, "And the same goes for you too, Flynn…"

Now that that was said and done, Hanks looked on to face the ceiling and smiled in content. "This old man…will finally rest in peace, knowing that his two sons have a bright future…" Inhaling another deep breath, he turned his fixation on Yuri and mustered a smile. "I'll be sure to reserve ya a seat up there,"

Yuri remained silent and slowly nodded in response. "Thank you for everything, Dad,"

Filled with joy, Hanks smiled. "No, thank you…" He responded back, with the light slowly fading away in his eyes. "For giving me a chance…to be…your…father…"

Both brothers closed their eyes as they lowered their gazes to the cold hands that they were gripping so tightly.

Everything was silent.

Everything felt dull.

Everything felt empty.

And yet—

"Daddy?"

Slowly, Yuri peered up to face his daughter who looked back at him with worrisome eyes. "Daddy," She began and then reached out to brush his slightly red cheeks. "Why are you crying?"

Hearing this, the dark-haired man quickly pulled her into his embrace, clutching her tightly as if his life depended on it. After years and years of holding in his emotions, he finally exploded, tears flooding down his cheeks as he tried to process what had happened a few minutes ago.

Even so, Eve remained still before looking over her shoulder.

From where she stood, she noticed her Uncle in a similar position as her father, except he was slouching further until his nose reached the floorboards, his crying echoing throughout the dimly lit room.

Not understanding what was going on, she looked back at her father who had buried his face over her shoulder, tightening his grip around her small waist.

Eve couldn't understand it…but something inside her wanted to scream too, but she didn't know why.

"Daddy…" She began, her eyes becoming glossy, "Please, don't cry. Because then…"

It was already too late.

Like the others, Eve also submitted to her defeat and cried as well.

30th of December.

A day filled with emotions—a day that intertwined with life and death.

The birth of a third Lowell child—with baby Anneliese opening her eyes to the world that was ready to welcome her and shower her with everything that life had to offer her.

And later that night, old man Hanks closed his eyes to the world that he knew as he had succumbed to his death…only to be reunited seconds later in a field of flowers with two familiar faces present to welcome him home.

This is it-the final stretch-well, there's the epilogue after this which would be published sometime this week)

But anyway! Here is the supposed part 2 of chapter 9

As you read further, you'll begin to understand why I decided to split them up (as foreshadowed by the ending sentence of the previous chapter, the change of mood is going to differ)

All I can say is...just prepare yourself and feel free to weep!

And the background for the title? - if you can, please listen to the song! Thank you!

And here, we finish the end of chapter nine and ten!

Now, I bet you feel miserable over this...fear not, the epilogue will help ease the fresh wound (unfortunately, I won't update the epilogue until later this week-before the weekend, hopefully)

But overall, what do you think?

It really took alot out of me, especially with the large speech that Hanks gave to Yuri.

But in the end, it was worth it (though the ending was unplanned and I ended up crying midway)

Thank you again for the unconditional support and comments!

Feel free to comment down below on what you think! (I'm open and eager to hear your opinions and your criticisms!) and in the A03 community, leave kudos if you'd like!

Until then, please wait patiently for the epilogue later this week!

Thank you one and all!

Until then!