Hunter
As soon as Luz was done reuniting with her mom and hugging Amity, I went up to Luz. I had to know. I mean, I was pretty sure, but I had to hear it from her.
"So, is he really gone?" I wanted to know. She looked at me. "Is Belos really and truly defeated?" Luz smiled at me.
"Yup." She told me. "He's really gone. He will never hurt you ever again. Eda, King and Raine stomped him into oblivion."
"So, he's dead?"
"Yup!" I was so overjoyed that I sniffed back tears. I ran up to her and gave her a big hug.
"Thank you!" I sobbed. "Thank you so much!"
"Sure thing, Hunter. I did it for you and Flapjack. Your trauma days are over. Although, I think you should have fought him. Sorry about that." I looked at her, wiping away my tears.
"No, the main thing I wanted was him gone and justice for Flap. Don't be sorry about that at all."
"Oh, good." A terrible thought occurred to me. Luz was concerned. "Hunter, what is it?"
"Are you absolutely sure he's gone?"
"Yes. I saw it with my own eyes."
"I know. It's just that we were all pretty sure he died when the Collector splattered his guts over that wall before we got trapped in your world and he wasn't. I'm worried that he might come back."
"You have every right to be paranoid, but I wouldn't think about it. If he does somehow come back, he'll be defeated."
"Are you…" I then thought this though. "You know what? I don't want to think about this either. I trust you. If you say he's gone, he's gone."
"Great! I'm going to go. See you later, Hunt!" I was puzzled by what she just called me.
"Wait, Hunt?"
"Yeah, Hunt. I figured that could be like a nickname to you like how Flap is for Flapjack and Gus is Agustus. Do you not like it? Because, I can…"
"No, I like it." I smiled. "Hunt." This time, Luz smiled.
"See you!" Luz then left. I clutched my chest.
"Well, Flap. Belos is no more. I wish you were here to see it, but now, you, Caleb, Evelyn, and the other Golden Guards before me got the justice you deserve." I then saw Raine come over to me.
"Hey, kiddo." They said to me. "I heard that Belos possessed you." I frowned, but nodded.
"Yes. He made me fight my friends and…and crush Flapjack with my hands in front of me when I was unfortunately back in his mind." They frowned.
"Oh, I'm so sorry about that. That's terrible!"
"It was."
"I know how you feel. He possessed me too, and the heart of the Titan." I was surprised by this. Titan! Since when did Belos start possessing witches and the Titan?
"Yikes! I'm so sorry about that."
"But he's gone now. I helped stomp him…"
"I know. Luz told me the details. I'm glad." They smiled at me.
I was talking to Willow. She was of course worried about her parents. I felt sad about that. I had a thought. Since no one's waiting for me, I decided that I'd want to be there for Willow and make sure that she is reunited with her dads and is happy again. Plus, I kind of wanted to spend more time with her. It will kill two birds with one…I frowned. Man, I hate that human analogy now. I hated it when I first heard it, but I hate it more than ever now. Too soon, Hunter. Too soon! So, I told Willow that I'd accompany her. She was shocked, but overjoyed. I'm sure that my other friends can reunite with their loved ones too.
As I watched the Captain reunite with her two dads, I couldn't help but smile. It was a beautiful reunion. You did good, Hunter. But my happiness was short-lived as I frowned, wishing that I had someone waiting for me like my friends. I clutched my chest.
You knew that this was coming, Hunter. All of your friends had loved ones to get back to. You have no one. Well, you did have Belos, but he was nothing more than a genocidal monster that murdered his brother. He didn't love you and he never has. You're better off without him and life at the castle. Still, why did I miss him? I don't understand it.
I then felt a hand rub my hair. What the heck?! Who has the audacity to touch me without my permission? I turned around and was about to yell at whoever rubbed my head when to my surprise, it was Darius. Eberwolf hopped onto his shoulder.
Darius pointed to my shirt. I grew excited as I understood. So, I showed him my shirt and told him about my masterpiece. I also growled as I pretended that my hands were wolf paws. I also explained to him the awesome wolf facts I learned from the library book about wolves in the Human Realm.
"Sounds like you had quite the memorable experience there." Darius said when I was done with the explanation. I nodded.
"It was! Most of the time, I had no idea what I was doing, but luckily, I had my friends with me. They had my back 100%. I felt more happy there. It was like home to me." I then frowned. "I liked it better than this place, to be honest."
"And I don't blame you." Darius said. "You had such a toxic life, that being in the Human Realm was like a refreshing fresh start for you." I nodded again.
"Exactly!" I then frowned. Both Darius and Eberwolf were concerned.
"What is it, Hunter?" Darius asked. "I heard that Belos is gone. He won't hurt you anymore. Aren't you glad about that?"
"Yeah, super." But Darius didn't buy it with my tone of voice.
"Then what's wrong?" I looked at him.
"I'm very glad that Belos is gone and out of my life now, but I'm going to miss him. Isn't that stupid? To miss someone that lied to you your whole life and caused you trauma as a result?"
"Not at all." I was confused. I didn't expect him to say that.
"Huh? I don't understand. What do you mean?"
"He raised you. Even though he turned out horrible to you and everyone else, and was an evil monster, he was the only family that you had."
"I guess that makes sense." He then changed the subject.
"Say, Hunter, I've been thinking." I looked at him.
"Thinking of what?"
"I must admit, I hated you at first. I thought you were a spoiled brat of your uncle's." I was a little annoyed at this. Does he think this is comforting me somehow? Where is he going with this?
"And your point being?"
"I don't think that way anymore. I actually came to like you. You're one awesome kid. In fact, I like you so much and felt absolutely terrible when you cried your eyes out when you found out the truth about the emperor. I wish you didn't find out the truth that way. In fact, Raine, Eberwolf, and I were supposed to go inside Belo's mind, not you and Luz. But, it's good that you went in the end, even though it made you super upset. You needed to find out the truth."
"Yeah, being in Belos' mind and finding out was my worst living nightmare, but I'm glad I went and found out before it was too late." He then said something unexpected.
"I think that I want to adopt you." I was shocked.
"Adopt me? As in, I can be part of your family?" He nodded.
"If you'll have me that is." I was so overjoyed that I felt teary-eyed. I ran to hug him and the tears just exploded out of me.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! I can't believe you just said that. You are like a father figure to me."
"Of course. I'll be happy to call you my son. You deserve to be happy after everything that you went through." I then thought of something. Titan! Camila! I told her and Luz that I was thinking of letting Camila adopt me, so that I can be with her, Vee and Luz. What was I going to do? I can't live with both Camila and Darius, can I? I better tell Darius of my predicament. He'll know what to say. I backed up from him, wiped away my tears, and told him.
"I can't tell you who to choose, Hunter." He told me after I told him. "That's up to you."
"Oh." I frowned. "I had a feeling you would say that. I don't know why you had the answer."
"It's good that you have options, Hunter." I looked at him.
"Yeah? How so?"
"It shows that you have people who you feel safe around and can trust in."
"I guess, but I just don't know who to choose. If I choose someone, I don't want to let the other person down."
"I know it's hard, but trust me, no matter who you choose and what you do in the next chapter of your life, I'll support you. I won't be offended by who you choose to live with. You deserve happiness no matter what."
"Camila says that she won't be offended by who I choose either and just wants me to be happy."
"I don't know who this Camila is, but she sounds like a smart person."
"She is. Like how I imagine you as my father figure, she's like the mom I never had. She made me feel safe in the Human Realm and made it more enjoyable." I then groaned. "Ugh! Why is this so hard?!"
"Hunter, calm down. You just need to think this over. You can do this. I believe in you."
"I wish I could choose both."
"I wish this decision wasn't so stressful for you."
"I do too." He then changed the subject.
"So, where is your palisman? I noticed that little guy isn't on your shoulder like he usually is." I frowned. I knew that this was coming. I suppose everyone will ask this eventually and I will have to tell them whether I want to or not. I told him. He frowned.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." He said when done. "I know how much that bird meant to you."
"Thanks. I'm glad we got justice for him, but it still hurts. I never thought losing a loved one can hurt so much. This is what Luz must have felt when her dad died."
"I bet. The pain is very overwhelming when someone or an animal that you love dies. They were a special part of your life."
"Very special. I loved him with all of my heart, which is funny because I never expected to love him at first, but I did."
"And he loved you. He loved you so much that he was willing to give up his life in order to save yours. If that's not a special kind of love, I don't know what is."
"I agree with you there." I changed the subject. "I was so worried about you when I went to the Human Realm, Darius."
"I was worried about you too, kid."
Darius and I talked and talked. I told him more of my experiences with my friends in the Human Realm and once again, he and Eberwolf listened to my every word. I told him that I came out as bi, tried to learn how to drive and failed miserably (driving a car was a lot harder than I thought. I wonder how humans do it), learned a little Spanish, among other things. He then left me alone so that I could think about my huge life-changing decision.
Ugh! Both Gus and Willow asked if I could live with them, so now I even have more options. I love them and I love the fact that everybody wants to adopt me, I really do. But with the more choices that I have, the harder this decision is! I can't take it!
I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Relax, Hunter. You can do this. Everybody believes in you, so should you.
A few days after my friends and I were all on TV with Gus' dad, we had a feast to celebrate our heroism.
Willow wore a lovely dress, and what did I wear? My wolf shirt! I should have worn a tux. This was a fancy event. Why did I wear my wolf shirt? I didn't have a tux, so I should have brought one.
After I got my food, I walked around to find all of my friends. But my friends were all sitting and talking to their families. I was glad that they were all reunited again, but if I sat with them, will they include me in their conversations? Probably not. I would feel like a third wheel if I sat with any of them. So, I walked to Darius' table instead.
However, Darius was talking to Raine. I didn't want to interfere with that either. So, I walked on.
After a little bit of looking where to sit, I decided to sit on the floor by a pillar, isolated from everyone else, despite me dreading to do so. I sighed as I saw everyone talking to one another, having a good time.
I sat alone a lot while eating back at the castle, so I should be used to it. Yet I was sad. I wished I could talk to my friends instead. Me, sitting alone on the floor, isolated from everyone else must have looked pathetic and sad. I hope no one sees me like this,
However, I didn't sit alone for long. WIllow came and invited me to eat with her parents. I picked up my food from the floor, and followed her.
I was going to meet Willow's parents. Her parents! I was so nervous and asked Willow some pretty dumb questions like if my hair was okay and if they would like my wolf shirt. Why was I so nervous all of a sudden? It was just her parents after all. They know that I redeemed myself, right?
Another thing that bothered me is Darius called Willow my future wife. I like Willow and all, but does she feel the same way? I don't know, and why did I almost call Darius, 'Dad'? Darius isn't my dad just like Camila isn't my mom. I have no parents whatsoever.
"Yo, Yo, Yo, Mr. And Mr. P!" I greeted Willow's parents, sounding like a complete idiot. However, I wasn't done being a complete fool just yet. "What's sup?" Ugh! Seriously?! What was wrong with me? Why are you a complete mess today, Hunter? Now, her parents are going to hate you and forbid you from seeing WIllow for the rest of your life.
But luckily for me, they didn't seem to mind. They both stood up. Willow's dad, Gilbert, offered me his hand, I just looked at it like there was a bug on it or something. Come on, Hunter! What are you standing around for? There's nothing to be afraid of. Shake! Finally, I shook his hand.
Next up was Willow's Papa, Harvey. I wasn't a doofus this time. I shook his hand right away. We all then sat down.
When they asked me about Flapjack and after I told them, I thought of something else. Flapjack was much more than my palisman. He was loyal to me. He was my best friend. He was the first real friend ever had. He was supportive to me, always listened and was always there for me. That little guy meant the whole world to me. He deserves something special.
He deserves a funeral or a celebration of life. But do witches do that to palismen? I know they do it to fallen witches, same as for humans, in the Human Realm. So, will holding one for a palisman be a little weird? I decided to tell them.
Fortunately, I didn't have to worry. Willow and her parents were on board with the idea and that it wasn't weird. What a relief! If they said no and laughed at the idea, I don't know what I would've done. And since Willow was on board, I was confident that my other friends would too.
We all quieted down when Principal Bump came up to the mic and spoke his speech into it.
This was it! Any moment now, he would call my name to the stage and award me by placing a gold medal around my neck along with Luz, Amity, Willow, Camila, Raine, Eda, King and Gus. But Luz was the real hero. She, along with Eda, King and Raine. We just helped out in the archives. But, whatever, I guess.
I applauded with the others as Bump called my other friends on stage. My name will be last since he didn't know where to put me since I don't have a last name. Maybe Witterbane? If it was that, I would've been last anyway. But no matter how long I had to wait, I was just proud to be included into something special. And I know that Flap, Caleb, Evelyn and the other previous Golden Guards are too.
It took everything in me not to jump out of my chair and cheer loudly as Willow went onto the stage. Instead, I just nudged her when her name was called.
"You go, Captain." I just said to her. "You got this!" She smiled at me and walked to the stage with our other friends.
After Principal Bump awarded Raine with their medal, he called my name. I stood up and walked towards the stage. As I walked to the stage, I saw the ghosts of Flapjack, Evelyn, Caleb and the other Golden Guards. Evelyn, Caleb and the Golden Guards were all clapping and smiling. I smiled back at them.
After the award ceremony and while the dance floor was being set up, I wanted to talk to all of the ghosts, but they all vanished. I frowned. "I'm so proud of you, Hunter." Darius said to me, rubbing my head again. But I wasn't mad this time. "You have come a long way."
"Thanks, Dad." I thanked him. I realized what I just said. Titen! Did I just call Darius, 'Dad'? Why did I do that? Darius isn't my father. I was about to apologize, when Darius spoke up instead and said something that I never expected.
"Dad?" Darius asked. "I didn't expect you to call me that, but, I like it." I was surprised by this.
"Wait, really?"
"Yeah, really. Although, since I guess I might have been a father figure to you all of these years, I shouldn't be too surprised. Is this a hint of you wanting me to adopt you?"
"I, uh,…" It took me a second to think this over. It took forever for me to decide, but I finally knew what I wanted. "Yes, I would like that very much. That is if you still want me." He smiled.
"I'd like nothing more, Little Prin…I mean, Hunter." I smiled as well.
I then told Gus my news. He was disappointed, but understood. I was about to tell Willow and my other friends when Camila approached us.
Sci-Con! I just got invited to my very first Con. I didn't know what that was, but I was excited just the same. It was for Cosmic Frontier, the greatest thing ever! So, no doubt it was going to be exciting! Plus, I was going with Camilia and Gus. What couldn't be better? Things were starting to finally come my way! Before Camila left, I ran after her.
"Wait, Camila!" She stopped and looked at me. "Thank you." She smiled.
"You, Gus and I are going to have a great time at the Con next summer. Manny and I used to go all of the time." I shook my head.
"No, not that. I mean, thank you for everything. For taking four complete strangers into your home. You made us all feel welcome and loved…especially me. You were like the mother I never had." She smiled at me again.
"No problem, Hunter. I was happy to help." She was about to leave when I spoke up again.
"Wait, I know who I want to live with now!" She stopped to listen. "Sorry, it's not with you, Luz or Vee. Even though I enjoyed my time in Connecticut and I felt safe and at home there. In the end, I chose Darius as my adoptive father. He was like a father figure to me, comforting me when I found out about Belos, along with other stuff. I hope you're not too mad." She smiled yet again.
"I told you before, Hunter. I am just happy that you are going to someone that'll love you and feel safe. I'm not offended at all."
"Oh, that's good. But, I still want to travel in between realms if you don't mind."
"Not at all, Hunter. You can visit anytime, I'll be happy to have you for company and I know that Luz will too."
"Good. Oh, and I'll study for that driver's exam again and ace it. I also am thinking about going to therapy in the Demon Realm. If I do it in the Human Realm, the human therapist will think I'm crazy and think I'll need another one. And that therapist will say I need yet another one, and the cycle continues and will have no end." Camila chucked.
"True."
"I'm going to tell Luz now."
"Ok." She then left. I did as well.
I saw Gus by the corner of the room, sitting down and gloomy looking. I felt sad for him and went over to him. I sat by him.
"Gus, what's the matter?" I asked him. "We all were awarded by Principal Bump for saving the Isles, you and I are going to go to Sci-Con with Camila next summer in the Human Realm, and you will most likely graduate early from Hexside. You should be ecstatic. Why aren't you?" Gus looked at me.
"I think it's awesome that I will graduate early and go to University. And along with missing my friends from Hexside, I'm also scared." I was a bit confused by this.
"Of what? The Gus I know will be fine and will excel at University." He smiled.
"Thanks." He then frowned again. "But it's not just that."
"Then what is it?"
"Most of the students at the University are several years older than me. I'll be the youngest one there. No one will take me seriously there. They will all think I'm just a dumb, annoying, immature kid that shouldn't be there." I felt bad for him, but I understand his words, every single one of them.
"Gus, I get it. Back in my castle days, I was the youngest one living there, so I had to go above and beyond to impress Emperor Belos and the others and prove to them that I could do it and rise to the occasion and do what was expected of me. It was hard and the others didn't take me seriously because of my age. But Belos did. I was the youngest of the Golden Guards, so when Belos chose me after Lilith left, I did everything in my power to impress him and make him proud. And that's why it really hurt when I discovered the truth about him and my origins. I looked up to him, but he disappointed me and made me upset and now I never want to be like him. But Flapjack, you and the others really opened my eyes to how I should be really living my life. But enough about me, this is about you. You may be scared now, but give it a shot. You're smart so you'll figure it out. And if any of the students do push you around, don't let them. If I survived being the youngest at the castle, so can you at University." Gus smiled.
"Thanks. I know I can too." He changed the subject. "So, next up is the dance. Are you going to dance with Willow?" I was taken aback at this.
"What? Gus, I can't do that. I don't dance."
"Are you going to kiss her then like you did when we all went on that river raft back in the Human Realm?" I got a bit annoyed at this.
"No! That was an accident! I thought you knew that. The waves were too bumpy and I just so happened to fall into the Captain's lap, lips accidently touching." But I could tell that Gus wasn't convinced.
"Sure, whatever you say to make you feel better, dude."
"It's the truth! She and I have nothing going on with each other! It's just an advanced friendship. That's all it is."
"Aha, so you admit it. You do like her."
"Stop it! And even if I did, she'll never go out with a guy like me. She's pretty. And with my scars, maybe slight lisp, the notch in my ear, my eye bags, the gap in my teeth…no, she'll never go out with me, never in a billion years. So, just drop it." But he gave me a sly grin.
"Just go and tell her how you truly feel." I sighed. He was right I did love Willow. Ever since I first saw her when we played Flyer Derby with her, Gus and a couple others at Hexside. But, did she like me back? I'd do anything for her. We did hold hands on the Skull and I told her that she, along with my other friends, meant the world to me after her meltdown in the Detention Pit, but was that enough?
"I can't. I'm scared. What if she rejects me?"
"And what if she doesn't? You won't know unless you try."
"I don't know."
"Do it! Kiss her at the dance or something. If I can be brave at my University, you can be brave with Willow." I sighed once again.
"Alright. I'll do it." He cheered.
"Alright! You won't regret it!"
"I seriously hope not."
I was dancing with the captain on the dance floor. After seeing the other witches dancing, I copied their moves and did what they did. I wasn't a pro by any means, but I think I got the gist of it and was comfortable with it. Plus, it helped that I was dancing with the prettiest dancing partner in the Isles. I was a pretty lucky guy. Nothing could ruin this moment!
When I dipped Willow, it was like magic! It's like she and I were the only ones in the room. And also, it was like she was more beautiful than ever before, if that was even possible. Maybe it was the lighting? Then, without thinking, I kissed her…on the lips! I was embarrassed! But, I didn't drop her. I stood her back upright before withdrawing from her. I cursed and apologized. I then proceeded to scold myself in my head. Bad, Hunter! Bad, bad, Hunter! What in the Demon Realm were you thinking?! You just can't kiss a girl without her permission. Now, she'll think that you are a creep!
But to my surprise, Willow didn't seem to mind. I calmed down. What a relief! Crisis averted.
"Did you kiss her?" Gus asked me after the dance was done and witches and demons were going home.
"Yes." I told him with a blush. "And I think that she liked it? She didn't seem to mind, so that was good."
"Oooh!" Luz squealed, who was next to us. "A Huntlow moment! I like it! Way to go, Hunt!" I was about to tell her to knock it off, but didn't.
"Did she kiss you back?" Gus wanted to know. I frowned.
"No." I answered him. "She did not."
"She will." Amity spoke. She was also with us.
"I don't know." I told her. "If she didn't kiss me at the dance, what makes you think she'll kiss me now? Besides, I think she and her dads have already left."
"Then why is she coming this way?" Gus questioned. I was shocked at this.
"What!?" I looked. Indeed, Willow was coming towards us. "Willow? I thought you left with your dads."
"I did." Willow answered. "But, I couldn't leave without giving you something special. I wanted to do it at the dance to make it more memorable, but didn't for some reason. So, here, right now will do just fine." I was confused.
"What?"
"This." She kissed me…and this too, was on the lips. I couldn't believe it. Was this a dream? She withdrew from me. "Now, you can say that we are officially boyfriend and girlfriend. I told you that you mean a lot to me. Well, see you later!" She waved to us as she left. But as my friends all said goodbye, I couldn't because I was still speechless.
"See?" Amity spoke up again. "I told you that she would kiss you." She sighed in content. But I never heard the rest because I gathered up my courage and ran after Willow.
"Willow, wait!" I called after her. She stopped to look at me.
"What is it, Hunter?" She asked.
"Thank you for the kiss. Look, the truth is, I love you, Willow Park! I have loved you since that day I played Flyer Derby with you, Gus, and a couple of your other friends. I would do anything for you. You are pretty, smart, an awesome and fearless captain, among other things." Willow blushed.
"Well, thank you, Hunter. I love you too. You're funny, cute, and an awesome guy."
"Wait, you don't care that I have scars?" She shook her head. "A notch in my ear?" She shook her head again. "Maybe a little lisp? A gap in my teeth? My eye bags? My annoying voice?" She was surprised by that last thing.
"Hunter, you don't have an annoying voice."
"I don't?" She shook her head again. I sighed with relief.
"Why would anyone say that to you?" I could only shrug.
"I have no idea."
"Well, I love you for you, Hunter. I don't care about your past at all or your looks. I love that you changed and that you are away from that awful Belos." I smiled.
"Me too."
"Well, I'll see you at the funeral." She then left. Why didn't I kiss her again? Should I have kissed her again? While I was thinking this over, Dad walked to me then. I still can't believe that I'm calling Darius, 'Dad'. now. It feels really nice.
"What were your lovebirds talking about?" He wanted to know. He then chucked to himself. "Just kidding!" He realized something. "I hope I didn't offend you when I said 'birds.'
"Not at all."
"Oh, good. Anyways, are you ready to go?"
"Just about, Dad." I answered. "Just let me say goodbye to my other friends first. And yeah, Willow and I are officially boyfriend and girlfriend." He smiled.
"Somehow I knew you two would. Congratulations! I'll let you say goodbye to your friends." He left then. I didn't know if Willow was still here or not, but I just walked back to my other friends.
The day that I never wanted, but knew that he deserved, arrived. It was Flapjack's funeral. My friends all come to the funeral, as well as others. I went to the store and even got a tux for myself. Dad wore his too. Everyone wore black. An eyeball was playing the organ. When the priest told us it was time to begin, demons, witches, and the only two humans went to their pews.
When it was time for the eulogy, I stepped up to the podium and talked into the mic. I tried hard not to cry as I cleared my throat.
"Thank all of you for coming today." I began. "Flapjack was my friend. He was the first real friend I ever made outside of the castle and my best friend. I didn't even want him in my life at first, I wanted nothing to do with him, but I guess Flapjack saw something in me.
'Even though I kidnapped him, along with Luz and a few other palismen. Flapjack still chose me. Even though I was doing what Belos wanted me to, he still chose me. Even when I did awful things, he still chose me. He turned my life around. He was always there for me, even though I didn't want him to. After I found out the awful truth about Belos and I was at my lowest point, even so bad that I wanted to end it all, he was there for me and didn't let me. He knew I still had a life worth living, even though I was a clone." Now comes the hard part. I started choking on my words now.
"Even after Belos severely wounded him, and I was either dying or dead with my friends at my side, he didn't want that and knew I still had a life to live. That is why…" I sniffed sadly. "That is when he made the ultimate sacrifice, risking his own life just to save mine. That's what love is, what true love is." I wiped away my tears before continuing.
"I miss Flapjack and I always will and I know all of you will too. I came out as bi because of him. I know where I belong because of him. But most importantly, I know what love is because of him.
'You may be gone, Flapjack. But you are never forgotten and you never will. Even though you were little, you had a big heart. Thank you for finding me." I ended my speech and walked off. The priest got back up onto the podium and spoke into the mic once again. As I got to my seat again, I wiped away another tear. I then felt a nudge. I looked at Dad.
"Great speech, kid." He told me. I could only smile. He then conjured up a tissue and gave it to me. I looked at it, confused. "For you to dry your tears and blow your nose." I nodded, took it from him and blew my nose.
At the feast, Eda went up to me. Someone was with her. I looked up at them. A yellow cardinal, also with a scar, was on the elderly man's shoulder. The man also had a beard, walked with a staff and had scars. What is it with these scars lately? It's kinda sad.
"Hey, kid," Eda spoke to me. "I would like you to meet my father, Dell."
"How do you do?" Dell asked me, reaching out for a shake. "Great speech, by the way."
"Thanks." I thanked him, shaking his hand.
"Luz told me that you want to carve palisman." Eda began. "And I think Dad can help."
"Really?" I asked him with interest. Dell nodded.
"I am a palisman carver too." He began. "And as you see, I am getting up there in age. So, I might need a successor someday. What do you say?" I was shocked at what he was telling me,
"You mean, you would be my mentor and I would be your apprentice?" He nodded.
"Do you want that?" I looked at Dad.
"Do what you want, kid." He told me. He looked at me and smiled. "It's your life." I looked back at Dell, smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I would like that very much."
"Then it's settled then." Dell said. "I hear you are also going to attend Hexside soon. Whenever you have free time from school, you come to my shop and I'll teach you all I know. You'll be a palisman carver in no time."
"Golden Guard, wait!" I heard Steve yell after me as Dad and I were about to leave. I turned to him.
"Steve, I'm not the Golden Guard anymore." I told him. "I haven't been The Golden Guard for a while now."
"Oh yeah." Steve responded. He chuckled nervously. "Sorry. That was sort of awkward."
"It's alright."
"So, Gold…Hunter, I've been looking for you since you and your friends came back from the Human Realm. I've been meaning to tell you at the award ceremony, but…" He chuckled nervously again. "I forgot." I was curious about this.
"Tell me what?"
"Since we don't have an emperor now, and we might need one for you know, for society not to collapse, the scouts and I were talking and we all came to an agreement that you might be the perfect candidate for the job." I couldn't believe what I just heard.
"You want me as emperor?" Steve nodded.
"We never had an emperor as young as you before, but, yes. You were Belo's right hand man, always by his side. So you know what's expected on the job, probably more than anyone. So, will you do it? Will you be our emperor? You'll be way better than Belos." I didn't hesitate with my answer.
"I would be better than Belos, but sorry, but no."
"No?"
"I've been in the castle since Belos cloned me as a toddler. He manipulated and brainwashed me so much that I didn't get the chance to be a kid. And since he's gone, I want to live the life that I want. I have plans already. I'm going to attend Hexside and I'm going to be a palisman carver under Dell Clawthorne. Thanks for the offer. I appreciate it, really, but I don't have the time to rule the entire land."
"Oh. I get it. Still, it was worth a shot, right?" I then thought of something.
"You know what, Steve? I think you should be the next emperor." He was surprised at this.
"Really?" I nodded.
"Yeah. You, too, know the castle really well. That is, if you want to. I don't want to force you." He smiled.
"Ok, yeah. I'll go tell the other scouts, my little brother and think about it." With that, he walked away. Dad smiled at me as we resumed our walk as well.
"I'm very proud of you, Hunter." He told me. "Choosing what you want instead of having someone else telling you. You have really changed in a short amount of time."
"Although being an emperor would be an awesome job,…" I told Dad. "I'm still a teenager and I want to do things that normal teenagers do and just be a kid for as long as I can."
"I want that for you too, Hunter."
With all of the plans I have with rebuilding the Isles with my friends, attending Hexside and training to be a palismen carver, I can say that my future will be pretty bright. I don't have to fear Belos anymore and probably never again. I can do what I want when I want. I finally can choose the path that I want in life. And I know Flapjack and the others are looking down on me and will for the rest of my life. The future is in the palm of my hand!