[scene: Colt walking around the royal capital, watching life unfold, people walking in the streets, merchants selling their wares]
It's so peaceful, so calm. I'm starting to think what happened yesterday was a dream. *Smiles*
Though I sure am glad it wasn't... it's these little moments... that we should cherish the most.
*Colt stops to get a meat skewer*
For at the end of the day those who lose themselves in pursuit of power, will wake up one day to find they missed out on a lot... (not that I'm one to talk)
I'm very grateful for this life... being able to see the light and yes, the darkness, so clearly, it's much easier here.
*Eats the last of the meat*
I know my enemies, unlike before, and I'm not helpless, and I won't let this world take anything from me. Not my peace, not my family. Anyone who gets even close won't have time to regret it.
*The next day*
[scene : Alexander standing next to a wagon with yet another group of adventurers]
Alexander: "Did you have fun on your days off?"
Colt [smiling]: "Yes, I had a lot of fun, I learned a lot of things too, thank you Alexander."
Alexander: "Good, then prepare yourself for a long journey... we're heading home."
[scene : Colt is asleep in the wagon, his eyes open, yawns, the scene shifts to show some red dots about 300 meters from the wagon, heading towards it]
Those are just goblins, no need for me to interfere.
Sure am glad "search" is now capable of detecting what kind of creature I'm sensing.
*As soon as the dots reach a 50 meter distance from the wagon, they hear the goblin call*
*Three adventurers wake up, the fourth puts his head inside the wagon*
The guard : "Goblins!!"
*The other three rush outside, Colt, not even bothering to look, waits for it to be over.*
*The four enter the wagon after a while, the healer uses her healing magic to heal the other three.*
*Colt goes back to sleep.*
[scene : Colt wakes up again, this time it's three red dots ,300 meters away, heading towards the wagon]
Oooh, a challenge ..NOT.. just three orcs?
It won't be so easy on these guys.. and I need to flex my muscles.
*Colt turns invisible, exits the wagon, floats towards the orcs after turning visible again.*
*The three orcs stop to assess the power of the approaching opponent like any wild animal.*
*Colt does nothing until one of them moves to attack.*
*Activates "static"*
Colt [with a bored expression] : "Did you really think you had a chance?"
*Colt creates three big earth bullets, aims them at the orcs' chests with a smile*
*Launches all of them at the same time, the bullets pierce the orcs simultaneously*
Colt [smiling] : "A triple kill ..always wanted to say that."
*Puts the bodies in his item box, heads back*
Maximum efficiency.
[scene : They finally reach Colt's town]
It took three months, but we're finally here.. Alexander is safe and I had fun.
*They exit the wagon.*
Alexander : "Colt, we'll be staying for a month, it's a vacation for both of us, time for you to head home."
Colt [nodding] : "I will, thanks."
*Walks away.*
Mark should be done working by now.
[scene: Colt reaches his house standing right at the door, hesitant]
How should I react? What to say? It's been a year and three months, I don't know what to do in these situations.
*Opens the door*
Colt : "Mom, dad , I'm home"
Damn, I think I blew it.
*Hears Mark running.*
*While Clarissa is coming slowly.*
*Mark hugs his son tightly and Clarissa joins in.*
Mark [ tender warm voice] : "Welcome back ,son."
Clarissa [ in a bit of a teary voice] : "We missed you."
Colt : "I missed you too."
Wait… I actually did miss them… for the first time in ages… I felt something good.
[In the void small pink and violet flames appear]
*Colt closes his eyes, slowly raises his hands and hugs back*
It was the first time I hugged back.
I hugged back, at last.
*After the hug, Colt has a surprised look on his face*
I didn't see this one coming.
*Clarissa was pregnant*
[ flash back]
Let them enjoy their lives a little.
[ end of flash back ]
Guess they did.
Careful you two, this one won't be as easy as me.
This one's gonna put you through the ringer.
Enjoy the sleepless nights.
Colt : "Have you decided on a name yet?"
Mark : "Oh, you noticed, well , if it's a boy Clarence, if it's a girl Clarice"
Both names relate to light and brightness.
If Mark knew what I was doing he couldn't have come up with better names.
If I didn't know better, it would seem like he's referring to the future I'll create.
Are you kidding me???
[scene : Clarisa and Mark are in their room, Clarissa's holding a baby, Colt is just standing at the door]
Fifteen days later Clarissa gave birth… it was Clarice.
Thankfully, there was no need for me to step in.
[scene : Colt watching Clarice while Clarissa prepares food]
I spent the next fifteen days watching over my new little sister.
One thing to know, the old domain lord has retired again and now his son is in control, luckily, he's just like his father.
This place is going to be safe for a while longer.
Now, it's time for us to leave again.
[scene : Colt placing a finger on Clarice, a faint white glow envelopes her, then fades]
[scene : Colt, talking to Mark and Clarissa around the table]
*Colt puts 2 large gold coins on the table*
*Mark and Clarissa look at Colt with awe*
Mark : "How did you-"
Colt : "Working with Alexander is very profitable, and please, tell no one about this."
Clarissa : "But-"
Colt : "Don't worry mother, are you doubting your son?"
Mark : "We would never b-"
Colt [smiling] : "Good, now I can leave in peace."
*Heads to the door*
A huge risk? Yes.. worth it? Yes.
This should be enough.
Be back in 1 year 9 months.