Now, there's something I should explain. Even while my father yelled at me constantly, insulted all gods other than Mianite, and never listened to my point of view, I still loved him. I still remembered who he used to be. I remember his warm smile and friendly hugs. I understood the pain he had suffered through, and I didn't blame him for anything. I knew the real him was under there somewhere, and I still loved him.

But it was difficult sometimes.

Steve was sentenced to jail, and, obviously, my opinion on the situation was not taken into consideration. He escaped with Tom, and was gone. I had nobody except for Sparklez, who had his own life to live. He didn't need me interfering.

My father also seemed to suspect that I was an Ianite worshipper. He was aware that Sparklez worshipped her in his previous world, and that I was spending a lot of time with him. I was hoping that he wouldn't pick up on the obvious clues, but I didn't have much hope. I learned from years of experience that things didn't typically go my way. But still, Helgrind's act to stop me from worshipping her was way worse than I had expected.

"I'd like to request a public gathering," he announced to the town one morning. "Andor, that includes you."

When we gathered around, we saw that he was accompanied by a tall, muscular man. He had a black beard, and green eyes that were filled with fury. He never seemed to smile, and glared at us while Helgrind spoke. He wore thick, golden armor and carried a sword to match.

"Citizens of Dagrun," he began, clearing his throat. "This is Allister. You will address him as Lieutenant Al. He is here to replace my son as a guard. He will make sure that all rules are being followed. Especially the worship of Mianite. He will ensure that no other gods are being worshipped. That is strictly forbidden in this land. Respect the Lieutenant, or severe consequences shall follow. That is all. Session dismissed."

I was unable to mask the horror on my face. I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw that Sparklez carried the same expression. I waited until everyone else had left before approaching them.

"Why have I been replaced, father?" Lieutenant Al snarled at me, but let Helgrind reply. His eyes hardened when they met mine, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I realized that I was being replaced, not just as a guard, but as a son. I was no longer Helgrind's son in his eyes.

Was I ever?

"You have been, ah, slacking on your job," he answered. "Especially when it comes to worshipping other gods. You know that we only accept Mianite worshippers. However, you seem to have developed a bit of a soft spot for that Sparklez guy."

"Do I not make a valid point? All gods should be respected equally. Don't you remember..."

"Shut up, Andor!" he screamed, his eyes flaming with rage. Before I could react, Lieutenant Al raised a large hand and smacked the side of my face. Too surprised to respond to the pain, I crumpled against the wall and fell to the floor, yelling in agony.

"Hasn't he made it clear enough?" the guy snarled. "You've been REPLACED. Get out. Nobody wants you anymore." He kicked me with his metal shoe, and I ran out of the room as fast as I could, even with a limp.

I was 20. I wasn't a child anymore. But it didn't stop me from sobbing the second I was alone. I had to let out my feelings somehow. I looked into a mirror and saw a scarlet handprint on the side of my face. My light brown hair was a mess, as I hadn't bothered about my appearance in a while. I had more urgent problems. My turquoise eyes were wet and bloodshot. I couldn't stand anything anymore. I couldn't stand living in constant pain. I'd have to make sacrifices. I had to stand up for what I believed in. I couldn't just give in to Helgrind and Allister.

Right next to the bridge to the town, I began sculpting a white statue.