A rooster-hawk screeches in the early morning light just before dawns arrival. Zero awakens with a start 'sh*t I need to make breakfast before dad arises!' he looks around and remembers the events of yesterday. He returns to laying down he holds his palm toward the ceiling gazing at the thorn covered ring. A knock comes suddenly from the door followed by a voice. 'After you get done admiring the ring come help with breakfast.'
Zero gets up and joins the owner of the voice Vivian in the kitchen. before he can say anything Vivian replies to his question. 'Yes I only asked you to help not to do it all yourself.' she turns and smiles at him. The two peel potatoes and chop onions fry beef until everyone gets up. Boros and Lillia enter wiping the sleep from their eyes. Zero rushes to try to get plates ready for them but Boros stops him 'Zero please sit, I can take over you can relax.' This takes Zero by surprise as ever since he could remember this was always something he did everyday. Almost as if Boros could read his mind he said. 'We aren't your family, the way things were shall not happen that way here. Now please have a seat I'll get everyone's plates.' Zero for the first time ever felt at home. While eating instead of the teasing and having he normally faced. he instead experienced friendly banter and shared some laughs. Zero began to cry not of sadness but of joy, never did he feel as if it would be okay, as if he were unwanted. This was home for him. This was unspoiled until Vivian bursts into tears followed by a loud bang in front of the house.
Everyone rushed out the door to find out what is going on. Outside hundreds of meters away was a crater and at its center was Septimus. his limbs mangled no one sure if from the fall or from before it. everyone rushes to his side he is alive but only just. his frail body barely maintaining life. Zero looks in the distance a massive dragon flying away. Septimus looks around and locks eyes with Boros before saying 'The wizard king has found him!' Septimus finishes just as his body finally gives out. Now Lillia is joining Vivian in crying but Boros is instead swallowed by rage. Rage against a man who should have died years ago back when Boros was friends with the Wizard king. Back when they were adventurers.