A few days had passed since the village suffered its attack. The burial of one of their esteemed citizens had caused a great mental strain on the city that was already suffering from The Long Night.
But, the final week was about to begin. And along with the final week came the event Fishy had been planning for since the start, Christmas.
Despite the cold weather from the eternal night and the challenges that came with it, the village was lit up in festive lights of blue, green, red and white. Magic flames darted around and illuminated the walls of the houses and the faces of those happily dancing around the street as they celebrated a day that was new to them.
In the centre of the city, a large pine tree stood tall, decorated in tiny little magic wisps that gave it its gentle glow. Of course, the tree was protected in magic to stop it from being caught on fire.
People gathered around as they drank hot chocolate and shared presents with their loved ones, all opening and cheering.
As that was the day Fishy had intended it to be, a day for everyone to do their own, celebrate their own way.
The damage done to the city was quickly being repaired. The festive mood had caused the residence to forget the events that previously occurred, and Voged was helping Silmor repair the damaged meeting hall.
But, once he was finished and Silmor could complete the rest, a problem occurred.
"I will leave at once," Vogef said as he stood across from Fishy in his house, who looked at him whilst trying to hide his disappointment.
"I understand, they are after you… I wish there was more we could do to help," Said Fishy.
"The best help is me leaving. I know the truth of King Dean, they probably suspect you also know the truth."
"You're right, they probably do know about us, but I believe we are safe. They took over Va through its king, and I'm not like King Dean who'd slip up like that. If they wish to try, let them."
Fishy was unlike the first time Vogef met him or even the second time. He saw the magic Fishy possessed, but now, it was confidence, something Vogef himself wanted.
"I wish you luck with your fight. Tell Clara I'm sorry about what happened with her grandfather."
"I will do." Fishy smiled as he shook Vogef's hand, "We'll have someone watch over you for a while, they won't interfere. But, as soon as you step foot in Va, you'll most likely be executed for treason."
"I know that well, this is the honourable way to go."
It was a code Fishy himself didn't understand but from his times of injecting media, watching films and reading books, he felt it was sadder than he believed it would be. He wished he could just scream out and shout 'screw being honourable' but he knew it wouldn't do anything.
"I wish you luck."
Those were their last words before the two of them departed. Vogef left to head back to Va, as Fishy watched him ride through the forest on horseback.
Once the clanging of the horseshoe vanished into the distance, Ena and Ziu appeared behind Fishy.
"What's our plan?" They asked.
"Keep protecting this city, although I don't believe they'll directly come for me, I can't be certain. And if they do come for me, protect the city first. If you put everyone into a list of priorities, I should always be last."
Ziu and Ena were shocked at Fishy's words that seemed filled with confidence in his own abilities, but they didn't question it and bowed down onto one knee before vanishing into nothing.
"Now for the hard part," Fishy whispered to himself as he was now alone, his body shaking from the cold and fear as he knew what he had to do next.