Chapter 8: Goodbyes and The Start of a New Journey

Later that day, Ace regained consciousness in the local clinic of the village. He was covered in bandages and at his side was Chris in the same condition sitting on a chair. After realizing that he had awoken, Chris bore a wide, gentle smile emanating with the sentiment of how proud he was of his son and with tears of joy Ace also bore a smile.

"You should rest for tonight and have a good night sleep." Said Chris where after Ace nodded in agreement. The next morning Ellie accompanied by Shaw visited them, they shared sandwiches, talked and laughed while also sharing their resentment and relief that they were okay.

[2 months later]

The father and son duo had recovered from their injuries and were enjoying their family time together. As days passed and became weeks the family shared their last meals with their son who was on the verge of departing for his journey.

Before leaving the village, Ace first went around the village greeting and paying his respects to the other villagers, his friends, acquaintances among others. This would be the last time that he would see the other villagers and the village that accepted him when he first came to the village.

In the afternoon after going around the village he went back home, there was a feast of fresh vegetables, boar meat, fruits and drinks. Chris, Ellie and Shaw were waiting for him to start. He was so moved that it brought him to tears, he thanked them for everything they had done for him, all the things they gave him as he was only a lost kid with nowhere to go.He bowed his head repeatedly telling them thank you.

The family also told him many things, Ellie told him with a joyous teary face how much she loves him and in her eyes he was the closest to her own flesh and blood, Shaw with a bright smile told him that he had fun with him and that he wanted for him to comeback one day, and last but not least Chris told Ace that he had grown stronger both as a warrior and as a man "No matter what difficulties you face stay safe and come back home safe and sound." Said Chris.

The family sat down and enjoyed the delicious feast. The next morning before leaving as Ace was preparing to go Chris knocked on the door "Here are some equipment you might need on the journey." Said Chris giving his son a bag full of things and then left the room. "Quite the family you've got." Said Ryu, "Yeah I know they're the best." Answered Ace facing Ryuugetsu with a bright smile.

At the doorstep infront of the house the family was present to say farewell to their son who was leaving the nest. He was given money, packed food, a bottle of water and a necklace as both a souvenir and charm. With a warm hug, Ace proceeded to depart "Goodbye everyone, I promise to return one day." he said with a waving of the hand. And thus began his adventure and exploration of this new world and its mysteries with the objective of growing, evolving and seeking-out strength.