"Bit excited today aren't we?" Heskins grinned, as he moved around the snow with ease.
"Of course, my son's third birthday and I'll actually be home this time." Jamal grinned, flashing his recently cut beard.
They were both engaged in a private sparing session, and it seemed that Heskins had the upper hand, but for now, Jamal was keeping up.
"Beat your record yesterday?"
"Engulfed for one hour and fifty-six minutes." Jamal said proudly.
"Getting stronger I see. You've been able to hit that other form from the city battle again?"
"The closest I've gotten was expanding my fire's aura, but that's about it. I need some insane boost to reach that form again."
"Heh, the sun is coming up now, so I'll probably let you get on you way." Heskins noticed.
"You aren't coming?" Jamal said, before remembering.
"No, I got to do a report of the latest attack from Yodenia. Still can't believe your nation fell man, after all these years."
"Yeah, it's a shame, just like how conditions in yours is still bad there too."
"But hey, it's all good cause one day, both of them will be safe again, we just got to wait."
Jamal assumed so, but he didn't think it was really true. From what he's seen, even the tarrs, which he discovered were the strange vehicle's name, looked much bulkier and heavier than even the largest one he could recall. It would only be a matter of time before even the Guardians with the Defense Core's help wouldn't hold.
Jamal waved him off, as he began the trudge to Termia. Conditions were well for what was normal in Suthurum. The temperature was still chilly, but with his power it was nothing, and plus it wasn't snowing at all, so it would be good with him. As he began moving closer to the town, he remembered that he needed to get a gift. But what would be fine for him?
Several minutes later, he reached the edge of town, as he went to the market, which compared to this day three years ago, looked much better. The economy was finally picking back up, and so higher quality goods finally made their way up here as he looked around for something of value. Jamal found something of interest, a large toy soldier. As he got out his wallet to pay, he remembered what he had in mind to do. He was going to propose to Ula after he came back from his next mission. Where to get the ring, he was still figuring out, but it'll be worth it.
Getting it wrapped, Jamal held it passionately, as he made his way home. Before he did, he walked up the stairs to a quiet apartment complex recently put up, as he knocked on a door on the top floor. He waited, until he saw Fonda and Brat inside, with Hops yawning.
"Jamal, you need something?" Fonda asked, a bit curious.
"You guys know I place where I can get a ring?" he asked, scratching his head.
"Ah, you're finally going to do it, aren't you." Hops smiled, even though he was still tired.
"Yeah, I'm not going to wait any longer once I come back from my next mission, so in about three days."
"There's a store down the road, local jewelry. Might suit your needs." Brat recalled.
"We're also coming later in the afternoon. I need some sleep man." Hops yawned again.
"Okay, thanks. I'll get back to you guys later." he waved to them, as he walked back on the road.
The walk home was comfortable, especially with them moving into the complex so it would be better for the three of them now. Jamal couldn't wait to see his reaction. As he could see it in the distance, he turned around, to see a bit down the road in the other direction the store Brat was talking about. It would be a good week for him.
He finally reached the steps of the cabin, as he climbed them quickly. Grabbing the key from his pocket, he opened the door. Ula was cooking something for breakfast, while his son Laken, was sitting down, waiting for the meal to be made until he saw Jamal.
"Pa!" he cried out.
"Jamal, you're back already?" Ula turned around in shock.
"Yeah, I made sure I could come here today. But I got a gift for you!" he walked up to his son.
"What?"
"Look!" he said with joy, giving him the box. "You got to open it!"
He watched, as he struggled to get a tear, until he finally got his finger through an opening, and for it to reveal the soldier. Laken giggled with joy, as he began to open the box.
"You think that's a bit to violent for someone his age?" Ula asked, before kissing him.
"Nah, nothing more than fiction." Jamal said, watching him move the soldier around the table.
"You'll be here for the whole day?"
"Yeah, but I got to leave early or by the morning. Got another mission to do, investigating some of the weapons and vehicles left behind in the raid some days ago. Honestly, it gives me something to do, so I'm not bothered, and I get a bit of money to help."
They continued to watch as Laken pretended to be in a field with the soldier until Jamal noticed something burning and looked back at the food cooking. He quickly turned the stove off, as the smoke slowly dissipated.
"Got to be watchful, Ula."
"I know. I'll make a new batch." she grumbled, throwing it in the trash.
He took a seat by his son, as Laken pretended to attack Jamal. He almost jumped back from his seat faking the attack, as Ula whipped up some eggs and toast. Delivering it to him, Jamal quickly ate his in delight, while his son was still on his eggs and toast cold.
"Mmm, you got to eat quicker than that if you want to be like me." Jamal said, "And I want to show you something once you finish."
This caused Laken to eat quickly in a hurry as Jamal quickly read the latest report for the next mission. Once again collecting weapons and checking the vehicles for their own use. Just another easy mission.
"Pa, I done!" Laken cried out, waiting for Jamal to see.
"You did it! Alright, I'll show you it now. Then we'll go see Hops and the others. Say bye to mother."
"Mama!" he cried, hugging Ula's leg.
"Don't worry, Papa will be with you." she said, putting his hand into Jamal's.
"I got him." he told her, before he walked out the door with him.
He led him to the front yard, as he had him sit on the steps.
"Now I know you probably don't have them yet, but I think it's time you learn about powers." he began to explain.
"Powers?" Laken tried to say.
"Yeah, like this is mine." Jamal lit his hand with ease.
"Your hand is on fire!" Laken began to cry.
"Hey, it's good. I'm okay, see." he instantly extinguished the flames and moving to him, but nothing changed.
Sighing, he lifted him up to his shoulders, as he moved back to Hops and the other's apartments. He knocked on their door again, as he waited for a response.
"Yeah, who is it? Oh, you again?" Hops answered the door when he opened it, only to realize it was Jamal.
"Um, can you do me a favor? I'm going to get that ring right now, and I need you to watch Laken for me. Thanks!" Jamal said, putting Laken in Hops's arms, then hopping over the ledge in a rush.
"Hey!" Hops cried out, as Jamal landed on his feet and made his way to the store.
....
Several hours later, and Jamal had a shiny diamond ring on him, deep in his pockets and well protected. Of course, it was hidden so no one would know or try to steal from him, but it was good. He didn't plan to be there for five hours, but there were several options to choose from and he had to think carefully.
As he made his way to the house, he avoided a frozen puddle, thinking about Laken's abilities. A mixture of fire and darkness would get what, he tried to assume, as he reached the steps. He took a deep breath as he opened the door again.
Inside was everyone that Ula wanted to bring, who really was just Hops and the others, and Heskins, who was a good friend. But he could tell she was a bit disappointed.
"You've left Laken with Hops and not let me know that! What if Hops got injured or anything like that?" she began to berate him.
"I had to get something from work, and he was fine with it, right?" he looked at Hops, who was talking to Heskins, then realized he was called upon to which he nodded.
"You could have left him here, we don't need him to be in danger." she began to say.
"Ula, you think I would put my own son in danger? I know better than that."
"Ok, I'll take your word. Anyone it's time for the cake." Ula commented, getting it out.
Cake was a rarity in Suruthum, especially since the supplies were hard to come by, but Ula was well prepared and was stocked, and it was the best in town, literally. Jamal took a thin slice, as he still had to stay fit, while watching his son take a thickish slice and laughed. The day went well afterwards, with games and fun to partake in, and he was just glad Laken was enjoying it all.
Eventually nighttime had reached, and many of them, including Jamal had to go.
"When you coming back?" Laken asked him, when he was about to leave.
"Two more days, I promise. Unless if I don't then it's your mother's fault." he laughed, which caused Laken to laugh alongside him.
"Funny, Jamal." she said sarcastically. "But seriously, stay safe out there okay?"
"I will." he said, before kissing her and his son. "Be careful."
As he walked out the door, he could feel the crunch of the ice on his boots and he walked down the steps. He turned around one last time, to wave at Laken and Ula who were watching him, before continuing his way to his division meeting place.