Chapter 38: Reminisng

As John and Angelica walked hand in hand, their hearts tingled with nostalgia. They had been walking towards this destination, their beloved park, since they were young children. The park had witnessed their laughter, tears, and the development of their deep friendship.

As they strolled along the familiar path, they continued their light-hearted conversation, reminiscing about their shared memories. They spoke about their early years as junior high students, where their friendship found its roots. It was at the school's annual picnic that fate brought them together, along with John's younger brother, Vincent, and his girlfriend, Alexandria.

John vividly remembered the moment he laid eyes on Angelica for the first time. She was the new transfer student, shy and reserved, but with the most enchanting smile. Despite his initial nerves, John approached her, introducing himself with youthful eagerness. Angelica's warm nature instantly melted away any apprehension, and they formed an unbreakable bond.

Vincent had always been the lighthearted mischief-maker, the perfect complement to John's stoic personality. Together, the four of them formed an inseparable quartet, laughing and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Their discussions from that day were filled with laughter and anecdotes from their shared experiences. John recounted the time when Vincent tripped and fell into a puddle during a field trip, causing the whole class to erupt into laughter. Angelica smiled, her eyes twinkling with delight, as she recalled the time they all snuck out of school to watch a movie during lunch break.

But as they walked deeper into the park, a touch of melancholy colored their conversation. They couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since their junior high days. Vincent and Alexandria had moved away, pursuing their own paths, leaving John and Angelica to navigate the complexities of adulthood.

As they reached their favorite spot in the park, a cozy bench nestled amidst blooming flowers, they sat down together. They let out a sigh mingled with both joy and wistfulness. Though their lives had taken different directions, their friendship remained steadfast.

John reached for Angelica's hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "You know," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion, "even though Vincent and Alexandria are no longer part of our everyday lives, our bond remains unbreakable."

Angelica nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Yes, John, you're right. The park may have changed, and so have we, but the memories we made here will always be a part of us. They've shaped who we are today."

As the golden rays of the setting sun bathed their faces, casting a warm glow over their memories, John and Angelica felt a renewed sense of gratitude. They had cherished their junior high years, their friendship, and the love that had grown between them.

As they sat on that bench, basking in the serenity of the park, John and Angelica knew that their journey together was far from over. With hopeful smiles, they vowed to continue making new memories and cherishing the old. And as they stood to leave, hand in hand, they knew that their love had stood the test of time and would continue to flourish for years to come.

After hours of talking, John and his girlfriend still at the park. Basking in the warm afternoon sunlight. They were engrossed in a deep conversation about John's extraordinary life, where he and his brother Vincent sought justice for their grandmother's killer afterwards.

As they sat in the park, hand in hand, John and Angelica vowed to honor Eron's sacrifice by fighting bravely, not just for their own lives but for the peace and future of their world. They would carry on the legacy of the Arisato Clan, drawing strength from the memories of their training and the unwavering spirit of his fallen friend.

On the next day, the sun poured through the windows, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table where John and Vincent sat. They had gathered to learn the secrets hidden within the ancient scrolls their dearest friend Eron had left behind before his sudden disappearance.

As they finished eating, their minds buzzing with anticipation, it was time to tend to the old house they now called their own. Suddenly, a sound interrupted the quiet morning. The doorbell rang, echoing through the empty hallways. John and Vincent exchanged puzzled glances as they realized that no one had visited them in a long time. Their paths had diverged from their friends, family, and loved ones.

John mustered the courage to break the silence, "Shall I open the door?"

Vincent chuckled nervously, "Who else could it be? Let's see what awaits us on the other side."

With a feeling of trepidation mixed with excitement, John swung the door open. What greeted their eyes was beyond their wildest imaginations - it was their girlfriends, Angelica and Alexandria, standing there, beaming with joy.

John was taken aback for a moment, his eyes widening, before he let out a hearty laugh. "Well, well, what a pleasant surprise! Did you two plan this?"

Angelica playfully rolled her eyes, "Oh please, John. I have better things to do than coordinate a surprise visit. We still missed you guys and thought we'd drop by."

Vincent, still recovering from the shock, shouted from across the room, "Well, you're in luck! We were just about to do some house chores. Care to join us?"

The girls exchanged amused glances and shrugged. "Why not?" Alexandria replied, following Vincent into the living room as they all settled down on the worn-out couch.

As the four friends caught up, stories flowed like an untamed river. The girls asked about John's mischievous younger sister, Diana, wondering what she had been up to since their last meeting.

Vincent's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Oh, you won't believe what Diana has been doing lately. She's been super busy with the last days of her college life. Fun times. She's acing her exams, but the real adventure lies in the pranks she's been pulling on her professors."

The room erupted with laughter, echoing off the walls and filling the air with a sense of camaraderie. For the first time in a long while, John and Vincent felt like they were part of something bigger than themselves, surrounded by loved ones who understood them completely.

As the day drifted on, the sun sank lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the room. The laughter continued, the jokes grew wilder, and the bond between the friends grew stronger. In that moment, John and Vincent realized that even in the midst of their separate paths, they were never truly alone.

From that day forward, John and Vincent vowed to bridge the gap between their old lives and their newfound friendship. They learned that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, friendship and love could find their way back into their lives, creating a home within their hearts that extended far beyond the walls of their static house.

After few hours of catching up their missed days together, John and Vincent were found themselves gathered in their study, surrounded by the musty scent of ancient parchment. They had inherited a collection of old scrolls from their dearest friend, Eron K. Arisato. These scrolls held the key to their current predicament - the battle against the ancient demons that now threatened their world.

As they carefully unrolled the first scroll, their girlfriends, Angelica and Alexandria, curiously peered over their shoulders. They had heard whispers of the Arisato Clan's heroic past. Now, they were eager to know the stories behind the battles Eron had fought and the wisdom he had acquired throughout his lifetime.

"The journey began when we met Eron K. Arisato," John recounted, his voice tinged with both admiration and sadness. "He walked outside of a portal, coming from his homeland in another universe. Eron was a member of the Arisato Clan, a lineage of warriors who fought for justice and peace."

Angelica listened intently, her gaze never wavering from John's face. "And what happened next?" she asked.

"Eron took us under his wing," John replied, a hint of nostalgia creeping into his voice. "He trained us relentlessly, pushing us to our limits. It was the Arisato Clan's most extreme and hardest training regimen they had in their entire existence. We knew that an upcoming war threatened our lives and the future of our world."

As memories flooded John's mind, he couldn't help but recall a conversation he had had with Eron and Vincent years ago, discussing Eron's past life before he appeared in their world.

"Eron told us stories about his homeland," Vincent continued, his eyes glistening with the weight of the memories. "He led his people to victory, showing them the path to freedom and prosperity. But as a great hero, he eventually paid the ultimate price." John paused, his throat tight with emotion. "Eron led his people to fight their foe towards extinction with all of they have. Next, he sealed the three fortresses, sacrificing himself to all the universe, including us. After the seal was finished his enemies consumed him, eating him alive."

Alexandria's eyes widened in realization. "That's why Eron fought so fiercely - to protect the realms from destruction."

John nodded. "Indeed. Eron left us these scrolls as a guide, revealing his past encounters, strategies, and the hidden weakness of these demons. He believed that together, we can continue his mission and keep both worlds safe."

"I can't help but think about that conversation now," Vincent murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "The same foe he faced all those eons ago are the ones who threatening our lives once again. It's as if fate has brought us full circle."

Alexandria reached out and gently squeezed Vincent's hand, understanding the weight of their past and the burden that they carried.

Angelica leaned closer, her warmth soothing John's troubled heart. "But remember, John, Vincent" she said softly, "you are not alone this time. You have us, your friends, loved ones, and the world were listening to you. Together, we will face whatever comes our way." Alexandria nodded in agreement, as she kissed Vincent's cheeks.

John looked into Angelica's eyes, his love for her fueling his determination. With her by his side, he knew that they would conquer any challenge. John and Vincent were ready to face the darkness with their girlfriends rooting for them, they will do anything to make them happy as ever.

As determination settled in, the two poured over the scrolls, discovering the intricacies of Eron's battles, the beings he encountered, and the secrets he unearthed. They trained tirelessly, learning the ancient techniques passed down through generations of the Arisato Clan.

Little did they know that their journey had just begun, and the war they were about to face would test them in ways they could never have imagined. But they were ready, armed with the love, power, and determination that had brought them together. And no matter what dangers lay ahead, they knew they would face them, side by side, because that's how legends are made.