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"Oh my three, look at your face!" Tana yelled after opening the door to the throne room.

"I...donf efen wanffa know," Stella mumbled as her swollen cheek barely allowed her mouth to open.

"Don't strain yourself." Tana awkwardly smiled.

The sunrise embers tinted the white roofs, edging the cool blue snow in the shadows. The fighting of colours felt familiar but uniquely beautiful as they stared out the hole in the throne room. The snow had stopped falling for probably an hour now, but quite a couple had passed since Ace told everyone Stella had won.

The time up to now was spent getting everyone back home, and making sure everyone was safe. Two of the kingdom's doctors checked on the citizens, the students and the 20 guards that vanished for the entire coup but insisted they were knocked out by someone. The other one had her hands filled with looking after the injured warriors. Stella and Wall took most of the time, and she tried to get them both to rest immediately but they insisted on seeing everything through.

Now the throne room is filled with guards, students and castle workers gathered to a side. Those that planned the rebellion stood in front of them and Darius, Wall, the king, and princess were tied to chairs at the table.

"Why haven't you killed us yet?" Maio snapped at Jack that took a seat opposite her.

"They are heroes that don't kill." Meo reminded everyone.

"Then throw us in the dungeon, or something, because I annoyed at seeing all this. Hurry it up."

Jack sighed. He locked eyes with the princess. Her eyes were sharp, and fire burned in them. Everyone else had their turn to fight and this looked like it was hers. "I don't know what it takes to run a kingdom, so you two can keep Kofka, but we want better conditions for the people."

"Say that again," Maio growled.

"We want better—"

"The first part."

"I don't...what are you trying—"

"I am showing you that you don't know. You don't know anything, but want to talk about the conditions."

"I know the conditions are wrong! Anyone can tell when people are suffering." Jack looked around the room. The children's expressions were mixed but the overall look was that of confusion.

"If anyone can tell, then why can't you?" Maio's tone was low. Painful. "This kingdom was on death's door, and no one came. No one. I brought it back. No one has to work anymore, and they get meals every day. Every day. Now you want to claim you are helping when things are the best they have been!"

"The best for you! You and him! You eat lavishly and everyone else get scraps. Anyone can understand if the entire kingdom is down, but that isn't the case, is it!" Jack slammed his fist on the table as he stood up. Everyone besides the team took a step back, even the princess looked like she wished she could do the same.

"Ha. That is what your precious ledgers are huh. We don't have those luxuries. Our kingdom is small, and it works that way. We are out of the way of the pyramid idealism that you all follow, and the people are happy. Everyone doesn't eat all we have because there isn't enough for everyone, but how much energy does someone need to exist, and doesn't the staff get to eat that way. Don't they enjoy the luxury for their hard work." Her tone dropped in volume. Her eyes looked out the makeshift window.

"I never forced anyone to be here. Not once did I try and bring others or keep anyone here. They share an ideal that my brother shares and they have some stupid connection to this forsaken place. Huh, it is forsaken. Maybe this is for the best. You take over and run this place to the ground like the dumb idealist before. Heroes that don't kill. You won't say that for much longer as you kill almost everyone here in your path for recognition and misguided self-worth."

"This place will flourish. I may not be able to run a kingdom but together we can. Stella," Jack looked around for his friend. "she knows about being royalty. She can run this place."

"I amf fe muffle," She said from the crowd.

"She says that she is just the muscle." Ace laughed. "The doctor gave her some stuff for the pain, and I am not sure how she is feeling."

"I can do it." Quinn walked up and took a seat. "I can run this place. I learned of many connections the princess kept."

"Lamebrain...you were after this all along. You villain!" Meo struggled in his chair.

"You really think you are in the position to call me that King." Quinn's beady eyes were almost covered by his eyebrows. His tone brought the same chills as it did when Jack first faced him.

"We don't need pathetic rulers anymore." Jack's tone seemed not to far off. "Those who abuse their power. The power they can use to protect, but instead they turned people into servants. I take back my offer, you all can just—"

"Stop it!" Tana walked forward. "Stop all of this!"

"Tana! You heard them." Jack turned to his friend.

"Jack, stop it. I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. You handled this weirdly. I don't know the answer, but this doesn't feel like you. I thought of you as the one that inquired, not condemned."

"Tana. If you don't know then why are you—" Ace raised his hand before Jack could continue.

"I just want to say that I believe everyone should be able to speak their mind. Even the children and guards and especially Stella. Stella could talk as much as she wants right now." Ace giggled. "Tana if you would continue."

"Thank you. Mr. King highness. These children are grateful for your ideals. They are grateful for working with Mr. Wall and getting to feel like heroes of legend. I got to hear all of this while the doctor checked on them. They were happy to talk about it, especially after getting to fight Jack. I also got to talk to some of the children that weren't in the program. They were so proud of those that got in, but they only inspired to be like them. It felt heart-breaking. They didn't have any other ideal to look forward to than trying to be someone that bears the burden of others. It is sad.

"Miss Princess, it isn't a stupid connection, but there is a love for your parents. You parents gave their lives for this place. I know how much that hurts you, and I know how much you all suffered yourself. The citizens know that just as well as you do, and I can't blame you. I probably would have done the same, I am actually chasing a dream like that myself, but you could ask for help. You can do it with the help of the citizens. Miss Princess. Mister King, will you continue to rule the kingdom with help?"

"I had no idea. You make great points," Meo said. His face flushed but his eyes showing embarrassment. "We can do better. We can make this better and still accomplish our dreams. Right sis?"

"No. No we can't." Maio stared out at the buildings. Her eyes unwavering but Tana could see a slight tremble in her lip before she bit it.

"Maio! Why not, we can—"

"No. I said no. I refuse for my brother to be a scapegoat for when this all crashes down. This kingdom has punished us enough."

"You don't know that. You are being—" Jack stopped when Tana raised her hand this time.

"There is a kind old lady that said the same thing. She also said that you might walk away. She wanted to let you know that it is okay. All of us will figure this out. You did what you could, so you can go back home with your head held high. You belong in the capital, and no one can tell them otherwise. Princess Maio," Tana walked close to her. The princess was still fixated outside. "It is okay to go home, you have earned a place back there."

Tana placed her hands on Maio's face, with her palms covering her eyes. There was no struggle from the princess, but curiosity from her brother.

"Hey, hey. Everyone is talking to her and forgetting that I am the oldest. I am the king." All eyes gathered on him. Jack felt on edge, he was the one that agreed. What happens if one agrees and the other doesn't? "I will not be your scapegoat for when all this fails! We are going back to the capital!"

"Shut up!" Maio turned to her brother a bit to quickly as some tears were still formed in her eyes. "You don't know what you are—"

"No, you shut up. I am older and for too long you have let me chase my dream. I forgot how much your eyes lit up in the capital. I am deciding that it is time to go back home. Wall can still help me with my dream."

"I am sorry your highness, but I don't think I can do that." Wall chuckled. "This is the weirdest take over I have ever seen. There is so much talk of dreams and hope and this table is surprisingly absent of blood."

"I know right." Ace reinforced.

"It isn't too bad. I had it nice here and I am curious as to what it will become. I also care about those little dreamers too, so I would like to stay back and teach those that decide to stay. If that is allowed Mr. Hummingbird."

Jack was silent for a while now. The words shared across the table made him realise how lost he was. He was a bit stunned but caught enough of the conversation to give Wall a nod of approval.

"Well Darius can help me then. He can get us to the capital." Meo looked over to the other tied individual.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Me? You aren't leaving me here to be punished?"

"I am not sure if you paid attention, but I am a villain too. I can't get rid of my strongest ally, although you will have to keep it up after we become spoiled in the capital."

Darius looked completely stunned. It seemed too sudden for him to argue the points. Maybe, it was what he wanted to an extent. Jack still didn't like him, but maybe he will be good once he gets the life he aims for.

"Fine. It seems we all have an agreement." Jack stood up. "You guys can take the ground gliders and the staff will pack you enough supplies to last you till you get to the capital comfortably. Untie them and organise everything. Soon will be the time to tell everyone that Kofka is theirs."

***

They let most of the day pass so everyone in the village could get rest. Even Meo and Maio slept under supervision until they left a couple hours ago, the aim of making it to a nearby village before sundown.

The evening sun barely peaked behind the castle to light the people leaving their homes. The students and guards took the task of informing each household that there would be an announcement. The crowd gathered just like when they arrived, but there was no path dividing them. Jack was also at the opposite side than the day he arrived, as him, Noa and Quinn stood on an earth wall taller than the nearby homes. He asked the others to join him, but Tana and William would rather be in the crowd and Stella felt embarrassed and found a place on Ace's back to Luna's dismay. Tenny found a place on Noa's shoulder, but they all decided that he shouldn't make any announcements today.

"Today marks the day of change." Quinn talked into the green orb in his palms. "King Meo and Princess Maio will no longer lead Kofka, but in its stead, we shall all fulfil our roles in making it a kingdom in which we are all prosperous."

Quinn signalled Jack to say some words into his palm. "I know this is really shocking, but you are all free now. Free to pursue and create lives that you want. There is so much possibilities, but it will—"

"Why!" A voice called from the crowd.

"Why did you do this!"

"Who asked you for this."

"We thought you guys were heroes!"

More and more voices raised, until it seemed like the entire crowd was in a frenzy. Jack saw Tana and William trying to calm the masses with the aid of the bearded family and the old lady. It found no success as the looks on the faces continuously grew to greater expressions of rage. Jack jumped down into the snow with Noa in tow. His head bowed.

"Why did you do it?" An older man stepped forward into the crowd. Red beard tried to say something, probably in defence, but he was stopped with the raise of a hand from the gentleman.

"We wanted a better life for you all," Jack said calmly.

"Why is that your decision to make? Did you talk to anyone about this?"

"No, it was of my own will."

"So you know that fighting is just forcing your will, but you forced your will onto us and now we have to work towards a goal you set."

"They are villains!" A shout from the crowd stung Jack's ears.

"Many of the people in this kingdom don't know trades. Our skills haven't been honed due to the long period of being like this. We all accepted that as our price of being comfortable. It was our life, but your ideals didn't fit with ours did it. Now those poor kids have left this place. All that their family has done, and all those kids have suffered was just disgraced by your will. Leave. Leave and never comeback. Someone, go and try to follow the king and princess. We will try and fix this mess."

Jack felt his heart fall out of his chest. His entire blood felt chilly, and an emptiness in his stomach helped him fall to his knees. His head facing down, there were no tears, but he felt broken. He didn't think he could cry because he would be feeling sorry for himself. He didn't deserve that pity. He made things worse. What was he really fighting for?

"Yea they were good kids," mummers from the crowd echoed.

"We have to work now. I don't know what I can do."

"This is too much. They are going to fix this."

"Who is going to go?"

"Raymond! This has gone too far. I want to talk to you." The old lady from the house stepped forward.

"Not now Cho. I will talk to you after this is addressed."

"Now!" Cho grabbed the old man by his shirt.

"No!"

"I am sorry." Jack caught their attention. Raymond silenced the crowd a bit. "I caused everyone trouble."

"Good, now leave if you understand. The reporter and the lady that helped us can stay. You should feel bad for dragging good people into your selfishness. Have some shame."

"Hey—" Tana walked up but Jack grabbed her wrist. His face still looking at the ground. "Jack..."

"It's okay. They are right. Stella just needs to rest so we should be on our way now anyway. We should try our best to get to another village." Jack raised his head. The corner of his eyes was reddened slightly, but he wore a big smile on his face. "I am really sorry again for all the trouble. I hope everything gets fixed soon, I will learn from my mistakes. I am sorry again."

Jack walked forward causing the people in the middle to push their way to the side. A clear path opened up to the exit, as Jack and his team slowly made their way through.

"I will go through the castle's back entrance so I can get the glider and our stuff," William announced. Jack nodded while continuing forward. He messed up, but he hoped all this burden would be carried with him. He couldn't take back the fighting, but hopefully they could return to how they were. It feels wrong, but it is probably because he is wrong. They would have to take this loss and move onto Tellacules, this was just a detour anyway. From now on, he is just going to get stronger to defeat Ira and only help those that ask. No more getting side tracked. This was his mistake, and he would learn from it.

***

The night just joined the team as they watched Kofka from a nearby hill. The fire made would signal William to find them. Stella was wrapped up in Ace's and Noa's jackets, everyone sat around the fire. Luna held her sister's hand while she remained asleep on Tana's lap. Ace walked towards Jack, who found himself staring at the kingdom from his own little bubble away from the team. Noa stood up to follow Ace but was quickly grabbed by Tana and forced to sit back down.

"You here to give me a lecture...I know I made mistakes." Jack still had his eyes fixated on the orange glows behind the walls.

"No no, nothing of the sort. I came for a smoke and to answer any questions you might have." Ace lit a cigarette.

"You smoke a lot less now."

"Tana has been on my case, but I don't mind. It feels weird having someone worry for me again, but I can't say I dislike it."

"She really is something...I was shocked at today's discussions." Jack paused. He brought up the topic he wished Ace wouldn't. There was no going back now, it was time for a lecture. "Questions, huh. I can't let your walk over here be wasted. What did I do wrong?"

"What do you think was wrong?" Ace exhaled a large cloud of smoke while looking at it. Neither of them made eye contact with each other yet, but they knew each other well enough to imagine the expressions on each other's face.

"You enjoy answering questions with questions huh. Making me answer my own questions isn't answering my questions."

"Sure it is, and it beats telling you what you want to hear."

"What do I want to hear?"

"You want to hear anything. You want anyone to understand where you are coming from and tell you if it was wrong or right, but I'm not here to give you that bliss. Reliance on it will break you the time it doesn't come. That is the burden of being a leader."

"Am I fit to be leader? This is the second time I have been run out of a place. How can the dream of being a hero take me down the opposite path? I keep failing and failing." Jack chuckled.

"Well one time that was your plan. This time it must sting beyond compare. It isn't even a little easy to have words flung in your face like that when you tried your best, but why do you think you failed."

"How could you not call it a failure!" Jack turned to his mentor that still calmly stared into the distance. "I forced my will on all of them. I fought to be a hero and practically destroyed a kingdom. Even last time...last time I didn't think things through. I lead everyone down terrible paths."

Ace laughed loudly in a sudden. This prompted Noa to stand up again before being pulled down again. This time it was reassured by a head shake from Tenny.

"What? What could you possibly be laughing about?" Jack felt a vein form on his forehead.

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. I just tried to imagine you getting someone from this team to do something they didn't want to do. That was good." Ace quieted down to a more chipper tone than when he arrived. He might have needed that laugh. "It is good that you know that fighting is a force of your will. I am glad you pay attention to me, but I am confused in why you think you failed. What were you trying to do?"

"I wanted to do good. I wanted to help the people of Kokfa and give them a better life."

"That makes no sense. What you think is good might not be what I think is good. What you look at as a bad life might be what someone is content with. Time exists because things are moving, things are happening. Some of it by decisions, some of it by the existence of time itself, but none of these things are good or bad to time. It is just things happening, and who we are and what happens is what people define as good and bad. So, tell me again, what were you trying to do?"

"I wanted to create opportunities for them to have more food. To live in houses with more space. To give them a chance to choose other paths than fighting."

"Aw, I like that. That sounds good to me, but I guess it's not too good for them. Too bad they lost, but now I am a bit more confused to why you think you failed."

"Because I am up here. I was not wanted."

"I don't see why that means you failed. Have they talked about why they wouldn't want those things? I must have missed that part."

"Are you trying to tell me I didn't fail Ace? If this is some round about way of making me feel better for it, then it doesn't make sense. I failed because I couldn't do it. I..." Jack felt tears flowing down his face. "I just wanted to help. To help them find other ways to happiness."

Ace snuffed the rest of his cigarette under his feet and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Jack, clashing swords doesn't build houses. Tying down royalty doesn't teach trade. You keep telling me you failed before you even tried. Failure can be decided by a lot of things, but most of the time it comes down to when you give up. Have you given up?"

Jack's mind paused. He felt his tears easing, and his nose feel a bit clearer. They didn't want help, but did they know what they were refusing? Did they even have the option to return to the way things were? He was abandoning them because they hurt his feelings. How unheroic.

"No. I don't think it's time to give up." Jack wiped his face clean. "Thanks mentor. I give that pep talk passing marks, but I still am not fully sure what to do. How do I do this? What do I do?"

"Everything...you simply do everything you possibly can, and we will help."

"Isn't that the answer to all problems?"

"No, if you wanted to forget all this and find peace then I would have told you to do nothing."

"Boss!" Noa ran over with Tenny on his shoulder. Tenny tugging on his hair. "I kept trying to come over, but they kept pulling me back. I don't understand what was happening but I'm excited."

"I will give them a long lecture on being nicer to new members. I don't know why they would do such a thing." Ace gave the green haired swordsman a high five.

"Good, show them who is the boss, but what is next. What are we going to do now?"

"We are going back to Kofka. We are going to help them become a new kingdom." Jack's words held no waver.

"Ha. I just pictured the look on William's face," Ace said. "He is going to be pissed since he had to pack the stuff."

"Guards probably helped him, but thinking about it, I am not really a good teacher. Boss I am going to be your bodyguard. Moustache! Fight me. Help me be a better bodyguard." Noa jumped up and down.

"No way, I want my own bodyguard."

"Oh! I can be your bodyguard. I am sorry boss, but I just got another job offer. I am going to bodyguard the moustache."

"The moustache is my bodyguard." Tenny had a smug look on his face.

"I have a name. Well, a nickname." Ace sighed.

"I am the bodyguard of a bodyguard. Does that make me a super bodyguard?" Noa had a sparkle in his eye.

"It makes you hopeless." Jack laughed.

***

"How did it feel packing and repacking?" Ace chuckled.

"He is such a wonderful attendant." Tenny chuckled.

"Shut it both of you. You are terrible, but I was glad to hear that he was coming back here. He had unfinished business. How did you convince him?"

"It was a long lecture," Ace replied.

"So you have come back here boy. I am sure I made myself clear last time."

"I am sorry. I know I messed up and I know that I am unwanted here, but I can't take that back. I can only offer our help in restoring Kofka. We can give our all." Jack bowed his head.

"And what makes you—"

"Stop it Raymond!" Granny Cho walked up with a smile on her face. "The students, guards and workers at the castle came and explained the conversation you had with the king and princess. It put a lot of people's minds at ease."

"Yea, but it was all thanks to that kind lady. She expressed our feelings instead of you fight happy buffoon. It doesn't look like we are getting the royal family back, so you better fix this mess." Raymond walked away after saying his peace.

"Thank you very much sir. We won't let you down." Jack's words caused a momentary pause in the old man. He carried on to the group of on lookers waiting for an explanation.

"He had close ties with the former king. They were great friends, and most of the people here can't imagine what other places are like. It is hard to get them on their side with the promise of something they never thought about, but you are back to show us that idea, right? Show us young one. Show us what you saw in your head."

"I will try my best. I won't give up."