Quite some time had passed since Abell was admitted to the clinic. Astrid and Torin had gone home, and his mother had gone out with Ms. Mary to bring him food. Left alone, Abell had time to reflect on the next steps in his life. The sunset loomed over the horizon, and he couldn't help but wonder.
"I'm almost leaving, huh? I can't believe it, but it's for the best…" He thought, his head hanging low. "It's finally time. Why am I feeling like this? I've always wanted this, right?" He had built relationships here in this small town, but he'd never admit how much it hurt to leave.
"Did I come at a wrong time, kiddo?" Hugo's voice interrupted.
"Where did you come from? I didn't even hear you," Abell said, startled.
"You and your mother are the same, huh? I came to tell you that we'll be leaving soon."
"How soon?" Abell asked, concern creeping into his voice.
"I'd like to leave tomorrow, but because of your injuries, we'll go the day after tomorrow," Hugo said with a firm tone.
"I can go tomorrow. These injuries are nothing. Don't worry about me," Abell said, trying to stand, but he winced in pain. "Agh."
"Don't play tough," Hugo replied, shaking his head. "The path to the academy is dangerous. Well, no place in Eudora is really safe anymore."
"Anyway, we'll leave in two days. Rest up, and I'll come find you at the north edge of town." Hugo grinned.
"Well, where are you going now?" Abell asked.
"I told you, I'm on secret business. Can't tell you!" Hugo winked, and before Abell could say anything else, he vanished.
Left alone with his thoughts, Abell lay back, staring at the ceiling. The door creaked open. Keeko and Mary returned from the tavern with food.
"If you don't mind me asking, Ms. Keeko, why are you hiding your injuries?" Mary asked bluntly.
"I don't have any injuries," Keeko replied quickly.
"You don't have to be tough, your son's not around," Mary continued. "Your arms look fragile."
Keeko flinched, not used to showing vulnerability. "I guess you're right, doctor. My arms took a hit from Abell's trait. My bones are weak, and the pressure my trait exerts on my muscles doesn't help."
""You don't have to be tough for your son, I know your barely hanging on. Whatever happened your arms seem really fragile right now." Mary said bluntly.
"Ohh so that's why you retired at such a young age, people tend to be luminaries until very old." Mary replied with excitement.
Clearly off put my Mary's energy Keeko remained quiet as Mary examined her arms. "I'm sorry this is the first time you've opened up ever it's exciting." She giggled.
"My husband's gonna so surprised that I made friends with the iron wall." She said.
"Ugh that stupid nickname follows me here too. But yea I guess we have grown closer today." Keeko said embarrassed.
"Listen you go stay with Abell for now and I'll prepare the ointment for muscle relaxation okay." Mary said excitedly.
With a quick nod, Keeko went to check on her son. She found him already sleeping, exhausted from the fight. Rubbing his hair, she whispered, "Genevieve, I tried to stop him, but it seems like our family can't escape this life… I hope he'll be alright."
The next morning, Abell woke up feeling better. Though his body still ached, the heaviness of the battle was gone. The reality of leaving soon weighed on him, but he decided to take the day for himself, exploring the town one last time.
He wandered through the familiar streets, taking in the sights. The town felt quieter today, with many still starting their work. He passed by his usual spots: the training yard, the market, the small park near the edge of town where he used to go to think. He lingered there for a moment by the large tree that had been a constant in his life.
"Abell?" Torin's voice called out. "I heard from Astrid. You're really leaving to go to the academy?"
Abell turned and smiled softly. "Yeah, looks like it."
Torin's usual confidence faded slightly. "You sure about this? Leaving the town… and your mom?"
Abell hesitated, then grinned. "Yeah, I gotta get stronger. Don't want you beating me," he said with a teasing tone.
Torin clapped him on the back. "I'll get stronger, too. But don't forget about us, alright?"
"Hehe, whatever," Abell waved, a small smirk on his face.
As Abell continued on his way, a small group of children ran past, laughing, carefree. For a moment, he let himself smile, but quickly masked it. His life was about to change, and he wasn't going to dwell on the past.
He passed by a vendor's stall, where he used to buy snacks after training. The vendor waved, and Abell gave a brief nod but didn't stop to chat.
His gaze then landed on the town's statue of the Liberator, towering in the center of the town. It was a reminder of the past. Abell stared at it for a moment, feeling a tightness in his chest before he turned away.
"ABELL! Is it true you're leaving?" Misha's voice cried out. He ran up to Abell, clinging to his leg. "Misha, get off me! You're ruining my pants!" Abell groaned.
"But you're leaving! Are you mad at me for calling you a coward last time?" Misha asked, looking up with wide eyes.
"No, I've got to go train harder, that's all," Abell replied.
"But who's going to watch me train?" Misha cried. "You can't leave. I won't accept it!" He ran off, wiping his tears.
Abell shook his head, smiling lightly. "I'll talk to him tomorrow," he muttered.
The rest of the day passed without much fanfare. Abell wandered through town, taking in the sights and sounds one last time. As the sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, Abell retired to his room, his mind filled with thoughts of what lay ahead.
"Don't forget to wake up early," Keeko called from the kitchen.
"Yes, I know," Abell replied.
"Mind your manners," she added, her voice muffled from the next room.
The night passed quickly, and morning came. The sun rose bright over Iridius, and the town began to bustle with life. Abell sat up in bed, his thoughts clearer, but the weight of his departure heavier than ever.
Today was the day.
"So, today's the day, huh, honey?" Keeko said, her voice soft.
"Yep, I'm leaving." He tried to sound composed, but Keeko rushed over, hugging him tightly. "I can't believe you're leaving. I'll be all alone." She pulled back, tears in her eyes. "But I'll manage. I'll visit you, okay?"
"I get it, let's go already. Hugo's waiting at the north exit," he replied, holding his bag.
"Wait, before you go, take this." She handed him a broken hilt. "It's the only thing they found where Genevieve was last spotted. I know she'd want you to have it."
He examined the hilt, looking at it in awe he always remembered how she looked so cool and intimidating with her sword in hand. "Thanks mom."
As they walked toward the north edge of town, Abell couldn't shake the feeling that this was it—his moment of change. He walked alongside Keeko, feeling the weight of the goodbye.
At the edge of town, Hugo was waiting with a knowing smile.
"Let's go. I've got a few things to pick up on the way," Hugo said, turning to lead the way.
But just as they were about to leave, a familiar voice broke through the air.
"Abell, you're really just leaving?" Torin's voice was thick with concern.
Astrid stepped forward, her eyes soft. "You're not going to say goodbye?"
"Yeah, really, Abell?" Misha cried, running toward him.
Abell stopped, his gaze sweeping the quiet street. One by one, people from the town appeared, a few offering him small nods or short farewells. It wasn't a grand ceremony, but there was something in their faces that made his chest tighten. He'd spent his life avoiding moments like this, but now it was impossible to ignore.
Keeko noticed the change in him, her hand resting briefly on his shoulder. "Go, Abell."
"I'll be back," he said, his voice steady.
With one last glance at his childhood home, he turned to walk alongside Hugo.