New sounds from the factory purred around me. Nice machinery covered my workplace, along with a mug of black tea.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, putting the newly made prosthetic down. It took forever to get the right measurements, because Penny kept moving, but it was finally done.

After a while of searching I found her sitting on my bed, cat hair everywhere.

Carefully I picked her up. Pulling the small prosthetic up over her little arm numb. She wiggled a little as I set her down but she seemed to enjoy having all her legs again.

A knock came from the door and I scratched her behind the ear before heading to get it.

"Be there in a second!"

I pulled on a pair of shoes and opened the door. Stopping dead in my tracks.

"(Y/N)?-" my voice broke as I wrapped around them. "You're back... You're finally back."

"Yeah, old man, I missed you too. Here's your hat, I told you I'd bring it back."

I felt the soft material on my head, but I didn't open my eyes.

"Why are you covered in hair? What happened when I was gone?"

Finally I took a step back, the kid actually looked a few years older.

"A lot's happened... I got a cat, come on and meet her." I led them inside the fully built factory, wiping my face.

Penny was right where I left her, sprawled out on my bed. Surprisingly she hadn't tried to get out of her new prosthetic.

It didn't take long for the kid to be covered in cat hair too. The black jeans they were wearing had a blanket of orange hair.

"This place is so nice... I guess, I missed a lot. Anyways I think I'm gonna stay for a while."

A giant grin covered my face and I didn't even try to cover it.

"Yes! Have you seen anyone else yet? Let's go see 'em!"

I pulled them up, Penny jumping out of their lap and curling up on my pillows.

We basically raced down the paved roads, down the the middle of town.

Alcina stood in the middle of town, a small boy on her shoulders and a girl hanging from her arm. A grin covered her face as she carried the kids around the center of the village.

Her mouth hung open when she saw us, quietly setting the children down without breaking eye contact.

After the children were gone she walked over.

"I didn't think you would be back to soon, (Y/N)..." She looked like she was about to cry.

"So soon? It's been, what...? Three years? Don't tell me you missed me that much..."

She shook her head, but immediately picked the kid up in a hug.

"I will gather all the people from the village... this deserves a celebration. A party, that way you can see everyone."

A soft smile covered both of their faces as the kid was set down.

"That sounds... wonderful, but I have someone I have to go see first."

Their hand went to the pocket of their sweatshirt, I heard the crinkle of paper before it was quiet again.

"Perfect! That will give me time to plan. I will invite everyone and we'll have every meal imaginable."

She turned to leave but didn't take a step. Quickly she turned around and swept (Y/N) into a hug, again. Whispering something in their ear.

Before I could ask what it was about she left. After a few awkward seconds the kid took my arm and led me down the path.

I quietly followed, not asking any questions.

Just on the outside of the village I saw a familiar wagon.

"Lord Heisenberg, young (Y/N)... it is a pleasure to have you tonight."

"Oh actually, we're not doing the whole lord stuff anymore. I don't know what we're doing but it definitely not that."

The Duke nodded, but seemed not to interested in talking to me.

"My guess... you haven't opened it yet, correct?"

I looked at (Y/N), they nodded but I didn't know what was happening.

Slowly the kid took out an envelope. The edges bent and torn, but it was still closed.

Finally, I met the kids eyes and gave them a confused look. They shook their head and sighed.

"This... this envelope is from my parents. I don't know what's in this, but they wanted me to have it."

They sat down on the dirt, the envelope laying in their lap.

I didn't really know what to do, but I knelt down next to them.

"Listen. If you want to open it, I'll be right here with you. If you don't, I'll still be here. It's your choice."

They nodded and I thought I saw a small smile on their face.

With a sigh, they opened the envelope. The old paper tearing easily.

I watched as they pulled out a small necklace. A small metal sun hand from the chain.

I extended my hand and they hesitantly dropped the necklace into it. With a bit of difficulty I did the clasp around their neck.

The kid reached back into the envelope and pulled out an old paper. Unfolding it to reveal a letter, written in black ink.

"My, dear, (Y/N). It's been hard without your father, but I wouldn't ever regret spending this time with you. You may not understand this now, or ever, but nothing... nothing that happened is your fault." They read, voice breaking.

"We tried our hardest to keep you safe, but in this world... this village it's been more than hard. I hope this place can be your home as much as it was mine. I hope... you can make this place home for all the people that come acrost it.

"I love you my little sun, don't let anyone ever dim your light... always and forever, mom."

The ink smeared as tears hit the page.

I lowered the envelope to the ground and pulled the kid into a hug. Their face buried deep into my shoulder.

"I'm right here, I've got you."

The Duke shut his ledger and pointed at something on the ground next to me.

Without pulling out of the hug I looked to where the envelope was sitting, the corner of a picture stuck out from inside.

"Kid, look..."

Slowly I untangled one of my arms from the hug, reaching down to grab the picture.

(Y/N) wiped their face, reaching for the small picture.

Their mother stood infront of a small house, which looked newly built. A man stood behind her, hands on her stomach, a large grin on his face.

The two looked so happy together.

"I- my parents... they deserved so much better than what they got."

"We can't change what happened to them, but we can make sure that it won't happen again."

I gave a small smile and stood up, offering my hand.

After a second the kid took it and I pulled them off the ground.

"Thank you Duke. For keeping this for me..."

He didn't say anything, instead giving a small nodded, putting his fist out, like he had something.

The kid walked up and put out their hand. I heard the clink of metal, but whatever it was they shoved it in their pocket.

(Y/N) turned back to me, a uneasy smile on their tear streaked face. "Shall we go then? I believe we have a welcome party to crash."

I nodded and we walked back down the roads toward the village.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the glint of the setting sun of the kids necklace. Reflecting multiple shades of red. Almost as if it were shining itself, and I would just about believe that it was. I needed that little bit of hope.

Note from Author

I can't even right now. I have the biggest grin plastered over my fave whole writing this. I don't know when I started it and I don't think I ever thought I would finish this. Hopefully this story was good enough for you guys, I certainly enjoyed writing it and telling this story.

Anyways, I really, really hoped you guys enjoyed this. I'm so glad I get to switch this story from ongoing to completed! I love you guys and thanks for reading.

Love your Author :) <333

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Date finished: 10/14/22