Streets busy as usual, the day is packed with many who have woken up into having a productive day; buying groceries, new clothes, with some finally buying that item they've wanted. And with that are three who have just got off a mission, seated by an area where they watch the capital city of Dragonford buzzing with life, in its waking as the day has just started, with music like the ones from fantasy games rhythmed in their ears, as one bard sings of the great Jacqawin that once lived in the era of superpowers, the man who was known to defeat the great evil, the Jackal of Verencia.

"That's who named her currency after??" Nahshon turns in surprise.

"Yup! Pretty cool, huh?" Bjørn grins, Nahshon nodding in how cool it is. "Someday, there's going to be melodies of us too. Bjørn the great! And his two sidekicks! Nahshon the chimaera slayer! And Ezek the second chimaera slayer!"

"Hm! Sounds more like you would be the sidekick, moron. You can't even do quests on your own," Ezek chuckles, leaned in his chair with his hat over his face, Bjørn arms folded to the frustration of knowing it's true.

"I'm sixteen October!!!" Bjørn declared, customers around him looking in curiosity as to what he's on about. "In one year and a couple months, I'll need no one to babysit me! One year and a couple of months!!"

"Huh, whatever you say, partner," Ezek tips his hat up at chuckling at the look on Bjørn's face. "And keep it down, don't want anybody thinking I know you"

"Wha- we're sitting at the same table, aren't we??"

"Ezek, you know sitting like that is gonna mess with your back, right? sit up," Nahshon tells him.

"Really? You learn something new every day," Ezek says, Nahshon and Bjørn expecting him to get up and sit right, only to feel like a guy that was left unread after texting someone, Bjørn hearing as an alarm on his phone goes off.

"Ah! Guys, it's time!" Bjørn gets up.

"Do we have to come? What if he's...weirded out by us coming along?" Nahshon questions, worried about what will happen.

"Huh? Why would he be, Nahshon?"

"I don't know. He doesn't know us, we don't know him," Nahshon states, scratching his head.

***

And within the hospital they are, inside the VIP section that hosts who they are to meet, Bjørn smiling all adorably as he firmly holds the hand of Nahshon, the boy feeling very uncomfortable at this situation they were dragged into.

"Alps!! You've met them before, remember? My friends, Nahshon and Ezek.

"Yo! Yeah, I remember you. You hang out with that elven gunslinger, right? How's it been?" Adrian smiles, greeting with a wave as he sits up in the bed, covered in bandages, with the television in the background of news about the soldiers and the Jacqawin finding and clearing about 7 camps of goblins around, finding many who were missing, entailing that the vice commander of Wolfgaard and princess from Joseon, has also joined in on the front lines in finding another 5 camps in her province.

"Alps!" Bjørn gets back his attention, Alps hearing the ruffling of Bjørn pulling items from out a bag of groceries. "Look what I got! It's golden drumsticks!!"

"Huh?? No way!!" Adrian sounds, grabbing one and chomping a bite from out of it. "Holy shit. That place was still going? I haven't had this in a while. Thanks, knucklehead"

"No problem, captain," Bjørn salutes. "So, Alps! You've gotta tell me about it! The battle of berserker. Kalf created a storm just through his clap? You were thrown through buildings and you brought out your trump card and defeated him?? You gotta tell me all about it!!"

"Hey, come here," Alps calls him, Bjørn receiving a sharp pain in the middle of his eyes, flickered by Adrian. "Next time, alright? Right now, I'm tired. See? As you said, I was thrown into the walls and shit. I'm all cast up right now"

"Aw, come on...! Well, I do understand," Bjørn nods. "Well, I want to say I'm proud of you, Alps! You never let anything stop you even though they were those who still believe you were on that douchebag's side. Great job, Captain! Another thousand of people saved thanks to your work!"

"Hm! Give me more of those drumsticks, knucklehead," Adrian suggests, Bjørn excitedly counting the drumstick he takes out, Nahshon happy that he's enthusiastic in supporting his friend after the fight, with Adrian looking at him as he smiles, only his heart gestures a wave of sadness and frustration as he sees him. "...Bjørn"

"Yo!" Another appears, crouched atop the window with perfect balance, no one realizing he was there as none sensed his presence nearby.

"Ten!" Bjørn greets him.

"Huh? Golden Drumsticks? Haven't seen those in a while"

"Step right up," Bjørn shares with him a piece. "Wait a minute. Nahshon, you want any?"

"No. I think I'm good," Nahshon rubs his tummy, feeling a little awkward.

"Huh? How come you don't at least have a scar, Ten?"

"I'm a demon, remember?" Zhang Li says, eyeing Nahshon who takes an interest in what he said. "Though only half"

"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting," He says, feeling as his phone vibrates aggressively, sensing danger as he picks up the phone as he knows who's calling. "H-Hey, Nora? Oh no, she's angry. Nahshon, come on! She'll skin us both. See ya guys later, Alps, Ten!"

"Bye-bye. Don't keep your little girlfriend waiting," Adrian waves him goodbye.

"Psh! Whatever, man," Bjørn chuckling, running off in wanting to hurry to Nora, with Nahshon giving a small bow as he also leaves.

"Get well, sir," Nahshon says, Adrian sighing as he lays down in his bed.

"Should we tell him?" Zhang Li brings out a question.

"No," Adrian declares. "He doesn't have to know. We'll take care of this ourselves...quietly"

"Hmm..."Zhang Li sounds, wondering how Bjørn would take the news that they have. "Yeah...I guess that's what we'll do"

About twenty minutes after the boys leave, a single soldier comes into the room, saluting to them both who look at each other, knowing that time has come. And in the backseat of a military vehicle, they ride in, Adrian's face spelling a very worrisome event that is about to happen. And by their destination they arrive, by where it was stated by Edris for them to meet by, Adrian leaving the vehicle with one arm in a cast, looking at the tall structure of the King's home glistening from the light above it.

"Guys??" One surprises them.

"Bjørn!?" Adrian turns to him, flicking his forehead. "Where are your friends? Where's Nora? The hell are you doing here??"

"Ow! I saw you guys passing by the place I was with everybody else. So...I came by wondering what you guys were up to," Bjørn explains. "But what's going on? Is it some secret mission stuff? Aw man, you guys gotta let me in, bro? Come on, come on, Alps. Please!!"

"Bjørn..." Adrian says, his eyes faltering to a brief moment of sadness that turns into his frustration. "God damn it!! Go back to where you came from. Now!!"

"Huh?" Bjørn sounds, a little scared at the change of his mood. "What's wrong? I just wanted t-"

"Bjørn!!" Adrian shuts him up, Bjørn fading to silence, his eyes going down to the ground.

"Hey there, little men," Zhang Li puts his hand on Bjørn's shoulder, breaking the tense atmosphere. "Here's the gist of it; it's a super important mission, that's true. But due to you being too young, and well not a knight, there's nothing we can do about that"

"Ten," Bjørn calls.

"But say, if you come with us inside the castle, you could explore, maybe grab yourself something fancy, and who knows, maybe a super duper awesome new sword too. So, how about it? It's now or never," Zhang Li suggests to him.

"...Alright," Bjørn nods. "Yeah. I can do that"

"Well, Alps?' Zhang Li turns to Adrian.

"Tch...yeah, he could. But bet if you cause any trouble, I'll kick your ass," Adrian turns his back to him. "Come on"

The soldiers let them pass, three of them walking through the courtyard with this being Bjørn's second time in the King's residence, to the inside of the actual castle into climbing stairs to go higher, the three of them seeing as someone leans by a wall with foot on the wall, gesturing to them as they come by.

"You guys took your time," Edris smiles.

"Yeah, well, we had some trouble. What's up? Is everybody already in?" Adrian questions.

"Only Commander Vernon left. He'll be here shortly though," Edris tells them, looking at Bjørn who hides behind them. "Bjørn?"

"Hey, Edris," Bjørn grins.

"You know this is a very important meeting, right?"

"Yeah, I know. I'll just...hang around the castle till my time's up," Bjørn tells them.

"Good," Edris nods.

"Adrian!!! Zhang Li!!!" Another appears, all three of the boys feeling as their blood runs cold, Bjørn turning to see who has done this to them, mesmerized by her beauty as she stands in fury. "Y-Your Majesty???! Princess Ingrid!" Bjørn shakes in nervousness.

"Adrian!! Why did you get into a fight if you were going to be this badly damaged?! And Zhang..." She stops, seeing as Zhang Li smiles with no wounds visible from his battle. "Oh dear, I've forgotten. Ahem! Adrian! Look at you, you look like a homeless bum!"

"Tch.." Adrian simply goes, Ingrid flustered by his attitude.

"Is that all you have to explain yourself?" Ingrid questions, looking at Edris smiling, calming down with her face getting blushed.

"Ah, you're all here," Another appears, all four boys saluting in an instance to his presence, Bjørn a little intimidated by his presence as it is the first time he has seen him up so close, inspecting his well-dressed self with his long hair with one strand braided. "Your highness, forgive them. It is all in the pleasure of protecting their country"

"Hmph! I do understand, Highsword Eirik," Princess Ingrid bows her head.

"Well, may we be excused, my lady? There is a much-needed briefing we need to attend to," Edris suggests.

"Hmph. Yes, you may be excused," She gives them permission, the little blush on her face growing stronger.

"Well, shall we?" The Highsword says.

"Yes, father," Edris answers, all their faces serious, Bjørn and the princess looking at each other, wondering what is going on as the knights and the Highsword walk off.

"I haven't seen you before. What is your name, boy?" Princess Ingrid asks him.

"Ah...B-Bjørn!!" He bows, the princess laughing at his fidgety self.

"You are quite the adorable one, Bjørn. And I'm seeing that you were named after my grandfather as well"

"Y-Yes, your highness. My Dad believed it would be a great name as he believed it would bring me great luck, strength and wisdom so he gave it to me...before..." His voice drops, the princess easily recognizing the drop of his excitement.

"Say, would you like to join me for lunch, Bjørn? Hanging around those boys all the time would do you no good, you see. So I believe it would be of good balance to you if you could join me"

"O-Of course I will!!" Bjørn regains his excitement.

***

Within the courtyard they sit, butterflies flopping many colours, servants surrounding them as the princess and the lad sit around the table eating sandwiches, Bjørn looking at her elegant way of holding and eating her sandwich, imagining how weird it would be for Nora to all a sudden eat the same way one day.

"Did they ever teach you that it is quite rude to stare at someone when they're eating?" Ingrid asks him.

"Ahh...! I didn't mean to," Bjørn scratches his head.

"I can see you are bored as well. Is it a fact that you wanted to be in the briefing yourself?" She asks him, Bjørn sighing.

"Yes, your highness. It's just that...I'd like to just help. I've often wondered what it would be like to be in a meeting like they have," He confesses.

"Aw, well that's very sweet of you, darling, it is," Ingrid smiles. "But you see, Bjørn. These meetings are held in secrecy in order to protect everyone. All of us can't be the bearers of bad news, how would anybody be happy in such a country? And I can also see you are a bright spark of a boy who is always smiling even when things are tough. Do you see why they wouldn't let you? It is people like you who give us hope. Your happiness is contagious, and they would like to keep it that way"

"Well, they're saying it's because I'm a kid," Bjørn frowns.

"Aw, don't let that bother you. They are probably boasting to each other on who has the better knights, or how much their province is stronger than the others. Look at me, I'm a princess, and I don't attend those meetings"

"Hmm...well, of course Strongcastle would be the strongest," Bjørn claims, smiling as her speech cheered him up.

"Alright, I think you are a little under-educated if you don't think Dragonford is the best," Ingrid says, both of them laughing, Bjørn closing legs to the feeling that has almost rushed out.

"Y-Your Highness, may I excuse myself? I would like to use the restroom," Bjørn tells her.

"You may be excused, my darling? Do you know your way?" She asks him, Bjørn startled at her question as he begins looking, the princess giggling at his clueless self. "One of my servants will be of your assistance. Tom?"

"Yes, your majesty. This way, sir? The servant walks with him.

***

Emptying his tank, he told the servant he could find his own way back as now he sits in another part of the courtyard, sighing as he is reminded of how Adrian became as he's never seen him get so angry to treat him that way before, his eyes to the fine-bladed grass below his feet.

"Just two more years. If you join the knights of Strongcastle by then, I'll carry to my meetings whenever you want," One says, Bjørn looking up to see Commander Vernon along with Vice Commander Gunnar.

"Lad! What has made you so broken down," Gunnar grins.

"Ah. I...just ate with the princess. I'm just feeling a bit sleepy from all the eating, that's all," Bjørn explains.

"With the princess, you say? Well then, I hope little Nora doesn't find out or you'll be dead meat, lad," Gunnar laughs, Bjørn blushed yet embarrassed at his words, shaking his head.

"I'll see you around, kid. Maybe go to the armoury and pick out something for yourself. Tell them I sent you," Vernon tells him, nodding as he goes his way.

"Best get back to the princess if she's waiting, boy. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," Gunnar laughs, going his way beside Vernon's side.

And curiously, Bjørn eyes watch them, and within the meeting room, he seems them go into as he caught the appearance of another he knows, as he can recognize her flowing pink hair from anywhere, not realizing the briefing was so close to him all along, and another place he discovers in the same light, his eyes keen on it as he sits and views from the bench he sits in. Eleven minutes exact, Bjørn finds himself climbing along with the castle, apologizing to the princess as he will not be back, sneakily jumping across balconies, finding himself a little area with he can keep himself as he begins to eavesdrop on their meeting, hearing as King Horik himself has also arrived at the meeting.

"Tell me. What is it that you found?" King Horik questions, all the commanders bowing to him.

"This file was found in what supposedly was the main office of Kalf's, founded by our fellow soldiers," Adrian explains, the projector showing pictures of various things found in there; goblins happy they have received guns, the boars being trained by them, with the appearance of men who train with them as well. "As you can see here, Kalf was trading weapons and men in exchange for the berserker flower. This file also explains that a war will be coming. And they'll be a strong army of 80,000 and counting; which includes creatures of hell in their ranks as well, who plan to strike this coming autumn"

"Strange, are you telling me he had an entire file on himself and his wrongdoings. I'm sure he also knew if it was found by us, there would be no way for him to escape. So why?" One asks, her flaming hair dimmed down in wanting to make sure everyone may see the projector properly.

"That's it. How can we trust this information? Do you not believe it could be a way to sabotage and confuse us??" Another asks, dressed in an armour of pink with carvings of roses engraved in it.

"This was a self-destruct strategy, Commander Élise. If he was to ever go down, he would want everybody else coming down with him as well. Tch..." Adrian sounds, as even in his death, he sees that Kalf could not cease his dirty ways.

"This is true of his character, yes. Those years ago, after he disappeared, many of his clients were put behind bars due to evidence that was anonymously sent to us. Of course that was his doing after they decided to give up on him. The timing seemed too right"

"I see. How despicable of a man he was, hm," Aagni says, the projector skipping to the next picture, showing an old man viewing the goblins being trained as he stands upon a balcony.

"Elvin Anderson," Vernon states, remembering this man as a bastard who would order for men and women, and even children to be hanged on a daily. "His last appearance was in the Great Depression. After Derek Walker was defeated, he disappeared, so I'm guessing he's been the one behind this all this time?"

"That's not all," Edris tells them, as the next picture rolls onto the screen, revealing a woman with bright yellow eyes, Bjørn on the outside pushing his ear against the wall. " Sierra Borgia; It is said in the file that she is a powerful witch who is also the leader of the group that call themselves the court of sisters"

"An army of 80,000, heh?" Gunnar chuckles. "I see, but our land of Strongcastle alone could easily overpower them, we could easily gather 150,000 and still have soldiers to spare, as well as the adventurers who will certainly fight for their country. So what is it? We are known as the strongest country of Auropia. What is it that makes them so confident?"

"And the keyword, 'and counting', it seems they may be gathering more and more troops as the days passed, isn't that right?" One suggests.

"I see. It may seem so," Gunnar says, grinning at her. "As expected of the princess of the east, Lady Ji Hyun"

"I see. 'With defeating the strongest. we will surely bend the world to our knees'. That's their strategy. And it must mean they have something up their sleeve," She continues, coming to realization. "And answer me this? Why are they kidnapping our citizens? What is their true goal here?"

"Well, the thing is, reviewing this file myself. I found something in particular. The ones captured, Kalf stated that some of them were being 'transformed'...into creatures," The Highsword tells them, Horik lifting his eyes to this crucial information, as the other shudders, Adrian gritting his teeth at hearing that as he sees what the projector moves onto after passing the other high ranking officials, stopping at one that some seem to be familiar with. "Aliyah Carter, otherwise known as the butcher. I'm sure some of you here recall a case back in 2009 of a massacre that happened in a particular village in the mountains. On that day, an adventurer and his party went up into the village as it was reported that monsters were attacking and the leader was a female vampire. That day, a few were saved by this adventurer's bravery and leadership as he fought on while they escaped. And from the survivors, there was also a boy who is still roaming our land in a clad of dark armour"

"I see. So it was him all along," Vernon says.

"That's right...this boy grew up to become the Jacqawin," Eirik reveals, surprising most of the commanders, with King Horik being one who already knew, Bjørn completely startled at his information, as he never knew there would be so much to intake from this meeting.

"And as for the adventurer who saved him. Even though he was permanently damaged, he's still alive and well thanks to the gods. That man is a national hero who has inspired hundreds of individuals to become great in order to serve our country as he did. And his name...Fredrik Solberg," Vernon states, many in the room knowing of his name and stories, Bjørn covering his mouth as he's frightened by what he just heard.

"D-Dad...?" Bjørn states, now putting the pieces together, understanding why he became that way as a scent of anger slithers like a venomous snake into his mind, wanting to see the picture of the person who made his father that way.

"For today, we will end this briefing. As commander, you should report to your captains so they do so for their soldiers as well," Eirik orders, all the commanders saluting to his word.

"My friends," Horik gets up. "Let us pray we may deal with this without any more lives taken. Thanks to you all and for what you've done, we've gained an advantage, therefore we will beat them at their own game. If they wish to test our strength, then they may have it, but we will not be pushed around, and they will not see to our defeat.

And by the king's words, every knight present in that room draws their weapons or hands, bringing them over the table.

"In our land, we find our home, in our people, we find our strength. Let no evil cast over us, let the light be bright as the universe and everlasting, so we may know our place. May the Gods give us their strength, and may we succeed in our challenges. As we are one, and together we shall fight!"

"Hey, Lad!" One calls, Bjørn looking down to a soldier who looks up at him, startled by his presence. "What are you doing up there! Get down!"

"D-Damn it," Bjørn's voice shakes.

Now as their meeting has ended, the commanders along with the captains gather within the hall of the castle, many of them catching up with each other with some like Aagni standing in a corner by herself as Lady Élise and Princess Ji Hyun hold hands as they bond, the fire spirit sensing as a lovely grinning dwarf comes at her side, hissing as she wishes that her commander could hurry so she may leave.

"Aagni! Don't you dare give me the cold shoulder," Gunnar laughs, startling the spirit as she jitters to a slap from his rough hand on her back. "How have you been? I haven't seen you from the last meeting"

"It's been a month," Aagni argues, suppressing the pain of his whip of a slap.

"Really?" Gunnar strokes his beard. "Feels like years, aye? And what are you doing in the corner all by yourself, eh? Loosen up! Tell me something interesting that has happened to you as of recent"

"I...have nothing to share with you, Vice Commander Gunnar," Aagni coldly tells him, Gunnar laughing as he continues to persist, Commander Élise and Ji Hyun glad yet awkward of her interaction with another person.

"Ah yes, how is your Commander? I didn't see him in the last meeting either," Élise asks.

"Ah! I'm sad to say Commander Dhonghai has not yet returned from his business trip in Qin," Ji Hyun explains.

"It must be the Emperor who has him cooped up," Élise giggles with her. "Ah, perhaps I should also take a vacation after all of this has been dealt with as well. How about we follow him to Qin?"

"Most Certainly! And let's both get handsome men and ruined their hearts," She suggested, both giggling in setting up such an evil plan, not knowing one was able to listen to everything they were saying even though they were suppressing their conversation, Zhang Li worrying about the men they will meet in their lives, already paying his tribute.

"That man, Kalf," The Highsword laughs. "A dangerous man even in his death. To his foes, and even to his allies, it seems"

"And it was really Blackshore, after all. I knew something was strange when that Chimaera showed up when it would've been seen from a long time ago over our sky," Vernon scratches his head. "They were able to build a fort there and even tames some of these monsters....and created them too"

"Aye. As Commander Ji Hyun has stated, there is definitely something up their sleeve for sure," Eirik nods.

"Then we will have to reveal it," Adrian says, clenching his fist. "I'm gonna join this battle when it comes"

"Unfortunately, you cannot," Eirik tells him, Adrian hissing to his eagerness being declined. "You've been put out for three months. Fighting Kalf was no easy task, and I know you understand this, so I suggest you rest"

"But...in three months, right? Won't I be healed by then??"

"With this information gathered, we plan to strike earlier than expected of course," King Horik appears. "And as they are closest to your Province Vernon, I will trust Strongcastle in taking care of them"

"Yes, your majesty. We should definitely be enough," Vernon agrees.

"Hmm," Horik smiles, looking over to the frustrated Adrian. "Young Adrian, I can understand how this may be frustrating to you, and I know exactly why you want to fight. We here all do"

"Huh...?" Adrian sounds, looking around at his friends along with Eirik and Vernon who nods in knowing as well.

"She will be put to justice. And the Jacqawin will want to hear of this as well," Horik nods.

"Edris, Li," Eirik calls. "Can I trust that you will watch over your friend so he doesn't do anything stupid?"

"Yes, sir," Zhang Li answers.

"Yes, father. Of course," Edris nods.

"Commander Vernon, Highsword Eirik, Your majesty," A soldier appears, and in his grasp is Bjørn gripped by the arm. "I found this lad sneaking atop the rooftops. I know he was given permission to enter, but he seemed to be up to something"

"It's alright. You can let him go," Vernon chuckles, Bjørn lets go with a dark look on his face, Adrian fearing the worst may have happened.

"Bjørn...what were you doing on the roofs?" Adrian asks him, his manner serious in waiting for an answer. "I asked a question"

"Bjørn Solberg? Son of Fredrik Solberg?" Horik looks at him, stroking his chin, chuckling as he puts his hand on his shoulder, Bjørn sensing an aura of greatness just by that simple action. "You have grown. I met you when you were just a little baby. In this very place, I awarded your father an honorary knight of Verencia. Don't you recall?"

"N-Not really. I was just a dumb baby back then, wasn't I?" Bjørn suggests, giving the King a moment of laughter.

"I wouldn't say you were dumb, lad," Horik scratches his chin. "How is your father, by the way? Is he eating well? What of your mother as well?"

"They...are both doing alright," Bjørn smiles.

"I am glad to hear that. Hmm..." Horik strokes his chin once more. "My soldiers! From this day on! Young Bjørn Solberg! Son of Fredrik Solberg! Shall gain my permission in entering my home whenever he pleases until said otherwise!"

"Ah! I'm honoured!" Bjørn bows his head.

"No trouble. Well, I can't keep you all here any longer. You all have lives to live as well...ah, do I miss my wife," Horik confesses.

"Yes, your highness. We should get going. We'll need to make preparations," Adrian tells him, Horik agreeing with a nod.

And so all the participants of the meeting go their separate ways, with Adrian, Zhang Li, and Edris accompanying Bjørn back home as they drive with him.

"I'd like to take the rest of the way on a walk...please," Bjørn requests, Adrian giving him a look of suspicion, ultimately telling the soldier to stop the vehicle.

"Are you alright, Bjørn?" Edris asks.

"Yeah...I'm fine," Bjørn sounds, turning around with a wide smile. "Later guys. See ya next time!

Quickly getting out of the vehicle, Zhang Li and Edris look at each other wondering what's up with him, and quickly following behind him is Adrian who stops him.

"Bjørn!" He calls, the boy turning to Adrian who gets near, seeing as he sets to flick his head, the boy sighing as he prepares, only to feel as his hair is pressed upon.

"Alps?" Bjørn calls.

"...Get some rest. You can talk to me whenever you want too. You know this, alright, little man?" Adrian says, Bjørn sees as he stretches out his hand, looking at a man who wants a fist bump, accepting his request.

"Later, Alps. Don't go around breaking anymore bones, alright?" Bjørn tells, running up the hill as he waves goodbye.

"Tch! Damn kid," Adrian chuckles, going silent as he wishes he could do something for him.

***

On the empty sidewalks, he traverses his way home, slowly walking back his mind full of thoughts, and by his street he reaches, seeing his home just two houses away. The door he opens slowly, greeted by the smell of a meal being prepped, seeing his mother in the kitchen, and in the living, the television playing sports.

"Hey Mom, I'm home," Bjørn hails her.

"Bjørn! You're home early for a change. How was your adventure for today?" His mom asks.

"We didn't do much," Bjørn tells her, standing between both rooms, looking at the side of his father's head as he watches the television, seeing the scar in the back of his head he thought was a simple scratch, now understanding that there is a deeper story to it.

"And Adrian? How is he? Is he eating alright being cooped up in that hospital?"

"Yeah, he's fine actually. I bought him Golden drumsticks too?"

"Golden drumstick?? They're still open?"

"Yup! And has dad been watching tv all day again?"

"Mhmm. It seems he has gotten a liking to tennis now"

"Hmm," Bjørn smiles, as he gets closer to him, looking around the family room at all the trophies and awards his dad has been awarded over the years, also looking at the pictures with many faces he knows being with his dad; Arwyn and Victor from when they were in highschool, Commander Vernon, and King Horik awarding him. "Hey, Dad! Tadaa! Look what I got!"

"Whoo! Popcorn!!" His dad turns to him excitedly, clapping, quickly taking it in, opening it in a hurry. "Thank you! Popcorn~ Popcorn~ Pop...corn~"

"Is it good?" Bjørn smiles, his dad nodding happily while hitting his head.

"Aww, boy, does he love his popcorn," Bjørn mom says, wiping her hand onto her apron.

"Gimme some," Bjørn sounds, stretching his hand out.

"Here you go," Fredrik gives him some, Bjørn joining him in eating them, looking at his dad, not being able to take his eyes off the scar on the back of his head, and around his hands go, embracing him with a hug. "I love you, dad"

"I love you too, son. Mwah!" Fredrik gives him a kiss on his cheek, Bjørn's mom watching as they hug, smiling as she's overjoyed by what she sees.

***

And within the mountains, hours later, one watches as the sun sets, rays dancing through the leaves, his fist clenched as his cape flows through the wind, reminded of memories that haunt him, reminded of the reason he fights, a goblin nearby whimpering, as by his feet he's hanged, looking at the one clad in dark armour with the helm of a beast, seeing what lies beneath, the puppeteer, the Jacqawin as the host turns, unsheathing his sword. And with fear in its voice, it screams with flopping its body, all its senses and emotion faded to nothing, as gone is its head that leaks blood by the tree that tastes its blood.