SOD: THIS IS FOR ALL THE HIDING YOU MADE ME DO THESE LAST FEW DAYS! PIDGEOT, USE HYPERBEAM AND NOIVERN, USE YOUR MACHINE GUNS!
ANDREW: HOW DID YOU GET POKEMON?!
SOD: THE WORLD OF FANFICTION AND BULLSHIT IS LIMITLESS. EVEN A GOD ISNT ALMIGJTY HERE! ESPECIALLY WHEN THE POWER OF AMAZON IS AT MY DISPOSAL!
ANDREW: Wait, can we talk about this?!
*BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG*
*SCREEEEEEEEE*
ANDREW: RUN FIDO!
Over the span of two years, a number of things occured.
One being a major addition in Relon's arsenal; he could fly. More so fly using his sword as a sort of hoverboard but nonetheless still fly. This being useful for many things from simply transportation to assisting in his unique style of fighting whenever he chose to attack from afar with his fire.
Speaking of fire, he has gotten a much better grasp thanks to the guidance of Lord Victor and Klaus. Now able to use his abilities more through his sword training, he still lacks any diversity. Due to this, he hasn't gained any new fire techniques instead opting to get an understand of the ones he did have.
Crescent Strike and Clustering Cinders. Although a low count, Relon found many battle tactics with the assistance of Victor. Choosing to use Clustering Cinders as a means to distract, incapacitate, or another means against his opponent. While relying on Crescent Strike to cancel out long range attacks or simply a tool to deliver devastating damage should he choose to do so.
One thing that didn't happen relating to his fire was his transformation. Throughout his two-year training, he never became angry enough for his odd markings to appear. After explaining to Victor verbatim of everything that happened that snowy day as well as his encounter with Nameless as well as his night at the castle, the Radiant Blademaster couldn't make much of it but would assist in helping the boy grow stronger without resorting to his rage. Which nevered happened since staying in Legram.
Something else that had happened wasn't with Relon but rather Laura. She had finally reached the illegible training to own her own greatsword. One her father modeled after his own. Silver edge, blue design with an amber above the handle. She took great pride in accepting the masterpiece and right after, she challenged Relon to a spar. One which she served him on a platter. One comment leaving Klaus' lips after the beating. "Truly in the hands of a fearsome maiden. Never anger such a warrior."
Words Relon not only took to heart, but certainly didn't need to be told twice. As for the young duo, their two years training together had done much for them. They've become stronger for one thing. But aside from strength, something else had happened. They had become the best of friends and proper rivals. They would always be together doing anything and everything. From playing around Legram to flying together albeit at a low altitude for both Victor's, Klaus', and Laura's own sake, to sparring everyday for hours. Their bond only grew stronger as did themselves when Victor Arseid left them to fend for themselves in a secluded area off of Ebel Highway for a week. That's for another time.
Now, both looked to each other not as siblings to any degree but rather close comrades able to rely on one another. An instance being when they were told to fight together against Klaus and later an excited Victor having watched the intensity of the fight decoded to join in. Although the two couldn't beat either adults together, their teamwork was one all four marveled with pride. All of his adventures he was sure to tell Rean and Elise through letter they exchanged. Relon finding out Rean too was beginning his training under his father's watch.
Then the fated day came. The end of Relon's two year training and also the bidding of Legram and all its inhabitants. The day Yujiro Namikaze was supposed to come for him.
So there he sat atop the manor, his partner hovering next to him overlooking Legram. After learning to fly, he gained the habit of sitting atop the manor instead of the castle. Though that didn't stop him from making weekly visits there. Although the monsters remained the same with the addition of large wolf-like monsters, he remained cautious even bringing Laura on occasion.
One time, all four traveled by boat and scaled the dark castle. Victor wanting to see Relon's special training as Klaus too was curious. That was a fun night of work for all when the same armor monster reappeared but four times larger. That was the first and only time Relon, Laura, Victor, and Klaus had fought together and it was a time they all enjoyed.
Alas, the joy had come to an end as walking up the staircase, Relon spots Klaus. Mail in hand. Stopping at the top, he looks up seeing Relon to raise a hand up, envelope in hand. Relon nodding3 his head to hop off the roof, his sword already below him as they float down follow the butler inside.
Gathering in Victor's office, the three look at the 12-year old awaiting what it could say.
"Apart of me wants to open it but another part of me fears it will hold what I fear."
One thing Relon inherited from his stay was some of their English. Though only some. More of a on-off thing.
"But no matter what, like a stead, you must press on, no?" Laura smiles to her best friend.
"Laura..."
"Even in the face of a mystery, whether it is a hunch or truly a mystery, one can only press forward." Victor reassures with a calm smile from behind his desk.
"Uncle Victor... You two both realize you basically said the same thing, right?"
"Yes, but they are not wrong, Mater Relon."
"Klaus... Heh. I suppose you're right." He gives in opening it.
"What does it say?" Laura asks.
"... It's from Mister. He says to meet him... in Bareahard... at a pub..." A single twitch escapes the young swordsman handing it to Victor for the three to read before a sigh comes from Relon and Victor simultaneously.
"This is is just like him." Victor facepalms.
"Yeah..." The three glancing to Relon, his eyes slightly open and a wry smile visible.
"Relon..." Laura calls somberly for him to bow suddenly.
"Thank you each very much for all you have done for me. These last two years have helped me surpass my previous self many times over and I am forever in your debt!" He speaks, his voice emotional as he raises up straight, tears visible.
Laura and Klaus at a loss of words while Victor nods standing up.
"If you wish to repay this debt then you need only do one thing. Become strong. Strong to which we can have a proper duel with neither of us holding back." His words shifting the stunned look to Relon.
"Uncle Victor..." Laura and Klaus nodding in appreciation. "Yes, sir!" He nods firmly.
Heading out of the office, everyone seperates to take care of their small tasks leaving Relon to stop in his room glancing around with his bag over his shoulders.
"I'm going to miss this place. He brushes a hand against the table he had stayed up late during Klaus' lectures.
Bidding farewell to his room, he walks out glancing to Viscount Arseid's office and then to Laura's.
Time to go.
Bidding goodbye to the maid, he gets to the bottom seeing Klaus cleaning.
"Thanks for everything Klaus."
"It has been an honor, Master Relon. I shall await your return."
"Don't worry. I'll be back before either of us realize it. Oh, and Klaus?"
"Yes?"
"Keep on taking care of Laura for me." He walks out, the door closing behind him.
A small chuckle escaping the butler.
"You needn't worry about a task I already know."
Stopping at the top of the staircase, he takes in the sunny weather. The castle in full view.
Glancing back at the manor, he looks ahead beginning his trek. Unaware of Victor and Laura looking out through a window. Within minutes, he enters the gate to Ebel Highway.
"Partner." His sword popping from its sheathe to hover next to him. "We'll be on our own for a little while. You ready?" A nod comes as they head out.
Enjoying a leisurely walk, Relon notes the common passive monsters along the side of the road.
"I wish I could have said a proper goodbye to Laura. I kinda got caught up in the moment with Uncle Victor." His sword nodding in agreement. "Oh well. Before long, we'll see each other once more." Reaching the third gate indicated by the cliff to the left, Relon takes sight of a large hooded figure in the distance coming his way. "Partner." He mutters, his sword snaking back into its sheathe before it can be noticed.
They grow closer, Relon's eyes steadied ahead refusing to eye the man. With every step, the tension grows until they're face to face. A grin noticeable from under the stranger's hood. Time seems to slow as they pass each other, Relon's eyes narrowing. His left hand radiating a heat as the man's smirk grows.
In a split moment, they both turn clashing. Relon catching he man's fist directly. Gripping tighter, his hand heats up forcing the man to break from his grip.
"I thought we were going to meet in Bareahard." Relon mentions with a grin.
"Can you blame me for being impatient? Damn, you've gotten good with that fire of yours." The stranger jokes brushing his hands as he removes his cloak revealing himself. "So, have you figured out who I am after all these years?"
"To be honest, I had an idea before you left but I was still unsure whether I was right or not."
"Oh? What made you confirm your suspicions?"
"Only the Wandering Beast could understand animal speech. For instance, say... talking to a lost pup years ago for a field study. It's been a while, Mister. Or do should I say Yujiro Namikaze." Relon points to the man.
"Bahahaha. It seems Victor told you some stories of our school days. Well done, kid. But tell me. Now that you know my name, what do you plan to do?" A red aura swelling from around him.
"Isn't it obvious..." Relon closes his eyes, his sword escaping its sheathe to hover in front of him. "I want to test myself against the legend himself." He takes ahold of his partner, flames coming to life.
"You know you don't stand a chance. Do you honestly believe two years have made you strong enough to best me?" He crosses his arms, that confident smirk remaining.
"No. But I do believe that these last two years have made us strong enough to put up a fight at the very least."
"Hmpf. I'm liking this new attitude of yours already. Alright, kid. Let's see what you've learned. You should know how strong I am through your research so I'll make it easy. Land one visible scratch and it's your win. But don't think I'll be pulling my punches." His aura bursts allowing Relon to take it all in.
"It seems you're still treating me like a child that doesn't know anything. I may only be twelve but..." A heat wave begins to float around him cancelling out Yujiro's aura. "If you're not careful, you'll get burned."
"Then by all means... show me!" Yujiro lunges forward readying a fist.
He's obviously way stronger so its best to avoid direct contact. That also means I can't use my reverse grip.
Dodging to the side, Relon is already in the motion of swinging his sword. Yujiro sucks in air spitting what Relon can only describe as a tiny air bullet point-blank. Luckily, Relon blocks it with his blade but is shot back a few yards skidding off of the road.
Such lung strength!
He looks up seeing Yujiro with that smirk of his once more, his arms crossed.
"Too much for you?"
"No where near enough!"
"Good to hear!" He shoots a volley of air bullets as if he was spitting out seeds.
Slashing at each, Relon gradually closes in. With the last slash, his vision is full of Yujiro in his face with an incoming uppercut. One he can do little but block as he is launched skywards high above the clouds.
Catching his breath, he rights himself just has he reaches his highest point. Standing on his sword, he catches his breath.
"Damn it, he waited until my vision was blocked to move." Unconsciously clenching his left hand, he calms himself. "I can't waste the flame I have. He could easily just blow my cinders away. How should I-
"What's taking so long?!" A familiar voice shouts making Relon widen as turning around.
"No way! Gak!" He coughs out, Yujiro's fist embedded in his chest shoots him down the cloud.
How did he...?!
"And we can't forget about you!" He roars grabbing the handle as they both fall, the sword trying to break free to no avail. "Don't think I forgot that you can't catch your handle on fire!" He roars as he draws nearer to Relon still hurtling down to the ground. "Down you both go!" He laughs chucking both further down.
Free, the sword quickly places itself against Relon's back attempting to slow their descent igniting its flames only to feel a force collide sending them down even faster crashing into nearby trees. From afar, it looks like a crash site. Dirt pushed into a mound with trees and bushes sticking out.
"Ouch..." Relon groans wincing from the pain. "Ack." He twitches slowly recovering. "Partner... you good...? Partner...?" Getting to a knee, Relon looks around at the crash site.
The tree he crashed through burnt and destroyed leaving only the trunk up standing.
And not far from him his sword against a tree.
"Partner!" Shaking his fatigue, though still panting, he shakily heads over inspecting. "Wake up! Come on!" His pleas only fall on deaf ears as his shoulders slump, eyes beginning to tear up.
At the edge of the destruction with a mighty thud lands Yujiro.
"Phew, I got tired of waiting so I came to you guys. Hope the punch of air didn't hurt too much. Can't believe you two can fly though. Lucky."
"How dare you..."
"Hm? Speak up, kid. Couldn't hear you."
"I said... How DARE you?!" He bellows, a flare of red heat expelling in all directions.
Reaching out, Relon takes his sword before fully facing Yujiro.
A red hot aura surrounding him as red-purple markings form across his body and his eyes dilate into slits.
"So, that's it. Your real fire. Are you mad that I hurt your friend? If so, what will you do about it?" He readies himself.
"What do you think?!" Fire explodes from where Relon is.
Peering down to find nothing, Yujiro looks up seeing the boy.
"Wipe that smirk off your face!" He punches down at the man, fire expelling like a current.
"Hmpf!" Yujiro meets it with a punch of air.
Both clash the wind easily overcoming the flames.
Seeing this, the enraged boy clenches his hand on the sword's handle. His eyes look past the colliding elements to Yujiro himself. The man having resumed his onlooker stance, his arms crossed carrying that smirk. Widening his eyes, the boy's blood begins to boil as more power comes to the flames. The fire suddenly overcoming the wind to Yujiro's surprise as he jumps away from the flamethrower.
Landing, Relon doesn't relent punching at Yujiro, another blast of fire erupting for the man to spit a single air bullet towards it piercing through. In a single motion, Relon cuts the air attack in two with his sword before continuing his assault launching blast after blast.
Standing his ground, Yujiro meets each with a punch of air. Cancelling out the last, his senses ring causing the large man to tilt his head out of the way as the sword flies past him. Looking back, Relon's fist meets Yujiro's face. Surprised, Yujiro's eyes relock on Relon still in the motion of punching the man.
"Not bad." Yujiro utters gripping Relon's fist moving it away from his face. "You might be able to give me a little workout after all." He grins to deliver a mighty punch of his own shooting Relon clear through the forest and over the cliff.
Grinning maniacally, Yujiro snaps from his excitement.
"Shit. I got too excited." He jumps to the edge of the cliff looking to spot Relon to no avail.
Swoosh.
Cutting back around, he catches the sword in between his fingers.
"Huh. Deja vú. Good to see you're awake though." He comments, the sword coming ablaze though Yujiro squints his eyes. "You know that never really bothered me." He grips it once more by its handle to raise it over him before throwing it clear down into the water. "Now then, back to sensing the kid." He closes his eyes to snap them open not a second sooner turning back around.
"You're mine!" Relon snarls, crouched low raising his fist as Yujiro brings his hands to stop the boy but Relon beats him to it punching his abdomen.
Fire expelling from his fist covering the man whole. Eventually, Relon stops to glare breathing heavily at the shirtless man before him. Not a scratch on Yujiro Namikaze to Relon's angry confusion.
"Man. It's been a while since I felt something that hot." He grins glancing down at the still boy. But tell me, was that it?" His finger, unnoticed by Relon, flicks the boy shooting him through the forest back out onto Ebel Highway.
Making a sound between a wheeze and an animalistic snarl, Relon begins to catch his breath raising to his feet shooting a hand to the air.
Out of the forest comes Yujiro landing away from Relon.
Looking up, both take sight of the sword shooting down instantly stopping in Relon's hand.
"Abla-
Sudden images of his time in Legram bombard his mind as he falls to a knee panting. His markings receding to give a one-eyed glance to Yujiro, his eyes having returned to normal.
"No...! I refuse... to allow that power... to represent all that... I've worked for these last two years!" He proclaims getting to his feet.
"Good to see you're not having a repeat of three years ago. Now, think you can land a scratch on me?"
"Honestly, after shooting a fist full of fire and seeing not a burn on you, I don't know."
"I'm sensing a but."
"But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna try still." He grips the sword in both hands with a renewed vigor.
"Oh? That stance..."
"I'll show you the might of the Arseid school. Here I come! Ablaze!"
"Show me what all Vic taught you!" He lunges at Relon.
Still fast!
He ducks swiping the sword across Yujiro's abdomen as they pass one another.
Turning back, he looks on in annoyance at the man's bare chest not even holding a hint of a burn or cut.
"Your skin really is something else."
"You wanna throw in the towel yet?"
"Yeah, right. If anything, this just makes my soon-to-be-victory just that much more worth it."
"Ha! We'll see."
Yujiro rushes towards Relon. The boy evading each swing to bring his sword to block a knuckle slam overhead.
Slidding out of the way, Relon slashes at the side which proves fruitless.
"Tch. There has to be a weakness somewhere. But where?" He jumps away as Yujiro punches the earth leveling the small area.
Landing on an upper level, Relon eyes the man from the bottom of the new hole.
"Analyzing your opponent for a weakness. Good. Let's see if you can think straight when I'm constantly on you!" He leaps up throwing a punch, his fist clashing with the blade. The force pushing Relon back.
The two engage in a series of punches and dodges, Yujiro switching to an axe kick. Relon blocking overhead sinks into the ground.
Gritting his teeth, he fails to notice Yujiro's other foot reel back kicking him off the high leveled cliff and down to the bottom.
Coughing some blood, he slowly gets to his feet resuming his poise breathing heavily.
"How much more you got in you, kid?" Yujiro kneels looking down.
"More than you can imagine." Relon retorts giving a tired smile.
Grinning, Yujiro gets to his feet. A large amount of power exerting from the man.
"That's what I wanted to hear! Show me what these two years have taught you!" He tucks in a fist.
I'm too beat to move!
Flexing his left hand, he feels a faint hot sensation.
I have fire but not much. After my mini rampage, I'm surprised I have any left. Does using that power refuels it?
Readying himself, he keeps his eyes locked.
Think. No point in using my fire. He'll just blow it away let alone it won't affect him. My blade even with fire can't cut his skin. I'm too tired to move around like before. What can I do?!
Desperate for an answer, his eyes scan over every detail of the man.
Can I really do nothing...? Does he really have no weakness?
Falling into despair, he feels his hands move.
"Partner? What are you...?" Its fire ignites brighter than before, its flame seeming to enlarge taking the shape of a greatsword. "Whoa... Since when could you do this...?" He whispers in disbelief.
Again, it rattles in his grip seeming to point directly at Yujiro. Relon understanding exactly what its referring to as at the corner, his lips rise.
"Thanks, partner.
It doesn't matter if he has a weakness or not. I just need to do the most I can! And there's one thing that can help here...
He lifts the sword and back like he's readying a hammer.
Uncle Victor and Laura are naturally stronger than me. It's one of the reasons why greatswords work so well for them. But this technique revolves around not only power but precision as well. I can't perform it like Uncle Arseid and Laura but I can do something similar!
"You ready to try this?" He grins, the flame on his sword burning its bright red. "Wandering Beast!" He shouts. "I thank you for this opportunity, but our match shall have to end here!"
"Oh? Why is that, young Arseid disciple?!" He shouts back.
"Because this... is our win!" He jumps, gripping his sword's handle with all his might.
Flipping in midair, he brings it down slamming against the ground.
"Flame Cleaver!" He roars, the very ground itself splitting as pillars of flames erupt in a line towards Yujiro as they rise level after level.
Unable to move, he redirects his powered-up punch towards the oncoming fire breaking away the small platform he is standing on as he falls to the bottom. Looking to where Relon is, he widens seeing the boy being pulled by his sword having reverted to normal towards him.
Punching at them, the air knocks away the the debris but misses the duo. The sword having risen over the attack closing in.
"Tch." Yujiro punches at them as the sword they clash, the abrupt halt knocking Relon out and up like a ragdoll. "You two are really something, you know that!" The man grins with excitement fighting back the sword landing at the bottom.
Opening his eyes, Relon finds himself right over Yujiro. Righting himself, he begins to fall.
"We're... not done yet!" He calls making Yujiro look up to see Relon throw out dozens of cinders landing directly on his face. Yujiro wincing as he breaks away from the sword wiping his face. He looks up, irritation evident as Relon grows closer, sword in hand.
"Bring it!" Yujiro snarls readying a punch, the raw power creating a small crater beneath him.
Releasing the punch, a cannon of wind expels, the sheer amount knocking over nearby trees.
"Got you!"
"What?!"
Relon angles himself releasing his sword to jump rotating his body over the air punch readying a fist. Time slows as Yujiro realizes what he's fallen for as he tries to correct himself but from the other side of his air punch zooms the sword. Knocking it away he turns back to Relon mere inches away. All he can do is throw another punch. One Relon tilts his head away from as he stops spinning, his fist is engulfed in flames visible.
"You're mine!" Relon roars slamming directly into Yujiro, a ring of heat pulsating as Yujiro flies off his feet across the hole and into the earth wall resulting in a cloud of dust and dirt.
As it clears, it shows Yujiro Namikaze embedded in the ground wall. His eyes soon snap wide as with a loud "HA!" the wall bursts freeing him. Hunched over, he raises up dusting off the falling dirt.
"Not bad kid. Not bad at all." He says calmly looking up to find said boy lying on the ground.
Over the hole flies in the sword. It hovering in front of Relon defensively.
"Oh, call down. I'm done fighting for the day." He groans causing the sword to seem relieved falling to the ground next to the boy. "Great, they're both done." He cracks his neck sighing.
Walking over, he picks both up tossing Relon over his shoulder.
In Vic's letters, the kid picked up on holding the sword in a reverse grip. Must have realized that would have been easier to knock out his hand. That sucks. I wanted to see it.
Crouching down, he jumps from their hole and back onto Ebel Highway. Looking at a cliff overlooking the whole area, he jumps landing before two figures.
"So, would you grade your nephew a passing score after seeing all of that?" He asks laying Relon on his back.
"To be honest I was worried all of our hard work would be for nothing once he transformed. But, I am relieved to see he took control. As for your question, need you even ask? He was able to perform a signature technique of the Arseid school albeit alternated."
"Hmpf. I had to ask, Vic. And you missy, still want that fight?" He grins.
"I... no. I shall refrain for now. But in the future, if the offer still stands, I would much so." Laura says, her eyes having not left Relon.
"There were instances throughout your fight you got serious if only for the briefest of moments, no?" Vic says surveying the destroyed landscape.
"What can I say. The kid got me excited. Hard holding back once your blood gets going. He gave me exactly what I waited all these years for. A decent fight even if I had to hold a majority of my strength back for most of it."
"If he hadn't evaded that last punch, what would you have done?" Vic questions, visibly upset.
"I would have either went and caught him, the sword would have caught him, or the kid would have took it like a champ like all my other hits." Yujiro shrugs stretching his legs. "An not to worry kid, your boyfriend is just fine."
"H-Huh? We're not-
"Disregard him, Laura. He is just trying to avoid my berating."
"What? Can't hear you." He pretends to dig earwax out.
"I swear." Victor sighs. "Now I wish Klaus was here to see this."
"Why wasn't he?" Yujiro asks.
"He had given Relon a proper send off. That and he believed Relon would be... victorious." Now Victor Arseid smirks as a loud groan escapes Yujiro.
The man rubbing his cheek.
"Sure enough, the kid left a small bruise. Damn, I thought I made my resistance to fire high enough." He mutters.
"Looks like I win this bet. But let's be honest, you're just as happy and proud as I am."
"I... cannot deny that." He sighs picking up the resting child. "I don't suppose we could crash for the day."
"You don't suppose I saw this coming?" Victor laughs.
Dream World
Where am I? Is this my subconscious?
Opening his eyes, Relon's vision is blurred.
"We need to go! Hurry up and say your goodbyes!" A upset-sounding male teen calls.
What's going on...?
"I know! A young woman's voice respond. "I just need to finish... Done! I'm done with Relon. Now for his sister!"
His sister...? Wait, I have a sister?!
A light appears around the woman as an explosion goes off.
"Damn it! He don't have much time left!" The male curses.
"Just a little more!"
Looking next to Relon, he sees the other infant's eyes go from purple to green. Suddenly another explosion occurs much closer knocking the woman away, the infant's eyes now being one green and the other purple.
"We're out of time!" The man calls helping her up and running over placing the two on what can only be Relon's sword tying them.
Relon watches as the teen stuffs two pieces of paper inside the clothed weapon.
Back on her feet, the woman caresses the infants' cheeks.
"Please forgive me. Kanade, Relon. I'm sorry for everything." Tears falling down the woman's face. "You two must live. Protect each other. Kernviter, please watch over them. No matter what, you must stay alive so that one day we can be reunited as a family. I love you both. No matter what." She kisses his cheek then the othet infant's, the sight of fire suddenly visible.
"You two better live for your brother, ya hear?!" The males voice barks.
"Kernviter, go!" The woman commands as the sword flies off, both babies looking back stretching out their arms as the teen and mother are surrouned in a light before they're engulfed in fire.
Real World
"Mom!" He cries out huffing looking around.
Away from his hand leaning against the wall is Yujiro looking concerned. Laying back down, he covered his face with a hand.
"What was that...?" He hears Yujiro walk over taking a seat on the bed.
"Wanna talk about it?" He asks looking away.
"I had a dream about my family... I think."
"What did you see?"
"I dreamed I was a baby again. I didn't know what was going on but I heard her talking to someone. A male. I think my older brother. It sounded urgent as he kept saying they had to go. She did something to me and then I think my sister my age but was interrupted. Something with our eyes I think because her eyes changed to one green eye and the other purple. Then all around us was a village in fire. Before I could make sense of anything, fire covered my vision and here I am." He lifts up hugging his legs. "Was that a dream? Or was that actually real...?"
"Anything else?"
"Yeah." Put off by the sudden question, Relon thinks for a moment. "I think my mom called my sword Kernviter."
"I see." He stands. "I'll say this. Don't ever forget that dream." He walks to the door.
"I don't think I could if I tried... Hey, Mister."
"Yeah?"
"You know something. Don't you?" The slightest of tension rises. This all Relon needs for confirmation. "I'm guessing whatever it is must be bad if you didn't want to tell me. Thanks for always looking out for me, Mister."
"... Anytime kid. Get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us." He leaves closing the door behind him.
Looking up, he finds Victor, Laura, and Klaus all sporting worried expressions.
"I'm guessing you overheard."
"How could we not after hearing such a loud shout?" Victor responds.
Sighing through his nostrils, he opens the door.
"Laura, go keep the kid company." Yujiro says. "I'm sure the company will do him good."
She looks hesitant but nods heading in.
Yujiro leads the men outside as he eyes the night sky.
"A few days after I found the kid, I left him and the sword out as I entered a cave. I wasn't expecting to find anything in particular. Maybe a clue or two. What I found was an incinerated village filled with corpses."
"What made you believe it to be related to Relon?"
"I found in one of the homes a journal. In the the few notes, all of the people refered had their surnames listed as Lucinance." Both men widen. "For some reason, someone committed near-genocide on the kid's village. I knew at least one survivor was out there but now the kid says there are possibly three. One supposedly his mother, one an older brother, and a sister the same age. We don't know for certain. What I know was that dream he had was no dream. That was all real."
"Were you ever planning on telling him?" Vic questions not eyeing the man.
"Yeah. When I felt like he was ready."
"Has that time arrived?" Klaus asks.
"I thought so, but now I'm unsure. The kid seems to have took the mere thought hard. I don't think he can handle the truth now though."
"Show him." Victor speaks up, Yujiro looking directly at the swordsman. "We do not grow strong by hiding from the truth. We embrace it. We have planted the seeds of the next generation and it is our duty to watch and help them grow. This is but one example."
"My Lord has a point. We have watched over Master Relon and I too feel he should see the truth. At least, what of it that remains."
Lifting up from over the cliff, Yujiro faces Victor. Both maintaining a neutral expression before a sigh leaves Yujiro.
"Sometimes, I forget how thankful I am to have a friend like you. You too, Klaus."
"Think nothing of it. As Relon's teacher as well as his uncle, I only want what is best for him."
"Sir, it is fine to claim you thought of him as the son you always wanted."
"K-Klaus?! Whatever are you talking about?"
"And there goes the denial. Same old Vic." Yujiro shakes his head chuckling as Yujiro looks at the moon.
Now then, when is the best time exactly?
The rest of that night was filled with laughter and relaxation. Before long, morning had come.
"Thanks again for everything, Vic. You two, Klaus." Yujiro states standing in front of the manor with Relon next to him.
Relon is wearing his new travelling attire given by Yujiro consisting of a black and red jacket with black pants and a red under shirt. Both the jacket and pants have black stripes going diagonally. He has knee-high black combat boots. And finally, his trusted partner at his waist. The handle of the sheathed weapon hidden behind his coat.
"As I said when I took the boy in. Think nothing of it. Relon, remember to keep a clear conscience and have faith. Do that, and the way of the sword will never fail you."
"I will. Thank you, Uncle Victor."
"You look well, Master Relon."
"Thanks Klaus, honestly I've taken a liking to this outfit rather quickly."
"Kid, I've been meaning to ask. Why do you talk all eloquent one moment and then sound like me the next?"
"Just kinda happens. Hearing Laura, Klaus, and Uncle Arseid so much just rubbed off on me." He shrugs.
"That we did. Now then Yujiro, where do you two plan on going now?"
"Heimdallr. Me and the kid got some business to attend to."
"What do we have to do there, Mister?"
"That's a surprise."
"Seriously?" Relon deadpan.
"Hahaha, I love your excitement." Yujiro ruffles the boy's hair.
Sighing, he looks ahead at the three.
"I guess this is-
Interrupted, he's tackled into an embrace by Laura.
"L-Laura?"
(I knew this day would come. I accepted that fact. We are both practitioners of the sword as well as fellow students. But I say this not as either but rather as your best friend; Be careful out there.) Her grip tightening.
Easing up, he returns the embrace.
"I will. First chance I get, I'll send a letter once I know where we'll be staying for an extended time. The world is big and I'm sure we'll run into each other. So until then, stay true to your path and someday ours will once again intertwine." He bids, the two stepping away.
"You have my word, Relon Lucinance."
"As do you, Laura Arseid."
"You know, sometimes with how they act, I forget they're only 12." Yujiro whispers watching the scene before them.
"Age is but one of the many traits that doesn't determine everything." Klaus happily smiles.
"Spoken like a true wiseman. Alright, we're gone. Next time, let's you amd I go a few rounds for old times sake."
"Oh? Would you like to wager another bet while we're at it?"
"Aw hell no! Let's go, kid." He leaps into the air, Relon getting on his sword.
"Thank you all for everything." He gives one last bow.
"No. Thank you. And don't forget what I said" Victor says.
"I won't. Laura, the next time we see each other, let's have a friendly sparring match. I can't wait to see how much we've grown."
"You have yourself a deal."
With that, he ascends into the air flying after Yujiro. Flying over to the gate, he notices the civilians waving to him.
That's right. Yesterday I left earlier than the shops opened so no one could say goodbye. Well, this is one way to bid farewell.
Waving back, he spots Yujiro at the gate.
"What are we doing here?"
"I was thinking of whether to walk the way or if we should take the train."
"Does this have to do with the surprise?"
"Yeah, I was told to be there within a certain time but..."
"You're itching to race us, aren't you?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"A little. Then again, so am I. I'm sure anyone would be excited to race the Wandering Beast! Try to keep up!" Relon takes off into the sky.
"Damn it, please don't start calling me that!" Yujiro jumps after him.
The two laughing throughout the whole trip beating the train by hours.