“Damien!” Mercy ran to him and jumped into his arms. He caught her and swung her around.

“So, she has a type,” Tallow said under her breath.

“Uh… Mercy?” Now it was Hector’s turn to look incredibly confused. “What’s happening?”

“Guys!” Mercy cried out as the man put her down. She led him to her group by the arm.

“This is Damien,” she introduced. “He’s Junwata’s nephew.”

“You guys have met Uncle Jun?” Damien asked. “Is he alright? Did he give you hell? Did he kill anyone?”

“He didn’t kill anyone,” Mallory said. “But, I think he wanted us to know that he could.”

“That sounds like him.” Damien wiped his brow. “He’s always trying to act so tough. I’m glad you could meet him.”

“That’s not a good thing to be…” Hector muttered more comments under his breath, but Mercy was already introducing Damien to everyone.

“That’s Jon!” she said. “He helped me and gave me a place to stay.”

“Hi, Jon.” Damien held out his hand.

Jon grabbed it. It was nearly as tough as Luther’s grip, but Jon didn’t feel like Damien was trying to hurt him.

“And, this is Hector!” She brought the men together.

“Hi.. uh…” Hector shook the man’s hand.

“You the guy who was trying to marry my big sis, huh?” he asked.

“I.. uh… not anymore I guess…” Hector was astounded.

“Oh yeah, before I forget.” Damien pointed back to his light-skinned companion. “That’s Ricky. He’s my patrol partner.”

Ricky lifted his helmet, showing another a friendly face.

“Hello!” he waved.

“Well, why don’t they call you Rocky?” Tallow asked from afar.

“Ha-ha-ha!” Damien pointed at her. “'Cause we live with a whole bunch of rocks. Good one! You have some funny friends, Mercy!”

Ricky threw back his head and laughed as well.

“That wasn’t that… whatever.” Tallow crossed her arms and looked away.

After Mercy finished introducing him to everyone, she explained to him most of what happened with Helia and Stewart.

“Uh-huh. Okay.” Damien nodded. “A Ninja got into a fight with a whole bunch of people? I can bring that back home as an explanation for what happened.”

“Damn,” Tallow muttered. “Even in the clans…”

“So, we want to see if you guys were willing to let them in,” Mercy said, gesturing to the twins. “Is that possible?”

Damien sucked his teeth. “Of course, it's possible, big sis. Anything for you. Besides, they got an invitation, right? They’re already in. They just had to make it here.”

“Really?” Hector asked. “Did they have to make it that much of a hassle?

“I’m sorry, bro,” Damien said with a shrug, “but that’s how it be in the clans. They have to prove their strength. If they can make it with a probable bounty on their heads, then the village leaders will be happy enough to accept them.”

“And how long are you gonna keep calling her ‘big sis?’” Tallow asked. “You’re starting to hurt my head with the logic you’re presenting.”

“She’s right,” Mercy said. “I’m not that big anymore… and you’re so tall now. How long has it been?”

“It’s been a while.” Damien tipped his head towards her knowingly.

“Oh.” Mercy looked down in shame. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Damien replied. “That’s just the way these things go. You had to make your own way forward, and now, you’re back.

Mercy sighed and turned to the rest of the group.

“Junwata hails from the Sharktooth clan,” Mercy said. His mother was from there, and his father was from the Ninja clan.”

“So, is it the Ninja Highlander Sharktooth clan now?” Hector asked.

Mallory sucked his teeth over Damien’s chuckle. “I’ll explain later, fool.”

Mercy continued her explanation.

“Junwata, when he got older, married someone from the Sharktooth clan himself, even though, it's a bit weird. They-”

“They don’t like each other that much,” Damien said simply. “Actually, he’s married to my aunt, and I have to hear about it all the time. That’s how Mercy and I are related that way.”

A look of realization flashed across Hector’s face. “So that’s why they’re not the same col-”

Mallory elbowed Hector before he said anymore.

“How are your parents doing?” Mercy asked.

“My father’s the leader of the clan right now.” Damien shrugged. “Ya’ know.”

Mercy was riveted by the knowledge. “When?”

“Not too long ago. It was in process for a while, but they didn’t want to make anything official until-.”

“Wait, wait wait!” Mallory pushed himself out from the center of the group. “You’re the son of the leader of the Sharktooth clan?”

“Why don’t you just say prince? Tallow asked.

“Cause he’s not the prince,” Mallory said. “In the clans, at least from what I can assume, the families don’t determine who's the next leader is. They don’t really have princes and princesses in the way we think of them.”

Mercy threw her head back. “Exactly!”

“There is massive amounts of nepotism and shuffling along in the massive bureaucracy that is the governing body.” Damien grimaced. “So, Mercy is probably gonna take over her father’s job anyway.”

“Ha!” Tallow pointed at Mercy.

“So, how does that get determined?” Hector asked.

“Uhh…” Damien cocked his head in thought. “A mixture of committee, aristocracy, and trial by combat.”

“So, it's pretty much the same as out here!” Mallory said.

Damien nodded with a grimace.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“You can’t solve everything by fighting,” Hector said. “The power system would collapse! It’s dumb! Even in Resden it’s always reserved for specific situations. Still dumb but-”

“It’s different because we’re composed of almost all families,” Mercy said. “Everyone can trace their bloodline back to someone in the clan.”

“And there’s a system to it all!” Damien said. “Believe me! There’s a whole-”

“Uh, D!” Ricky called. “We can’t spend too long out here! Not that I mind, but, you know, your Dad might not like it.”

Damien nodded in acknowledgment. “You’re right," he called back.

“We won’t keep you long,” Stewart said. “We just have to figure some things out.”

Damien nodded. “Aiite'. I’ll let you guys figure out what’s happening. I may not be next in line, but I do have some privileges as son of the leader.”

Mallory pointed at Damien. “Nepotism!”

Damien winked. “I’ll make sure you get taken care of.”

“Thanks,” Mercy said.

“Th… thanks…” Both Helia and Stewart stammered.

Damian walked back to Ricky.

“Is everyone on that side of the mountain that confident?” Tallow asked. “They make all you guys look like morons.”

“I can’t believe I used to look after him,” Mercy said. “Granted, he’s only a couple of years younger, but look at him."

“Yeah, look at him go,” Helia added.

“Alright, let’s figure this thing out before I throw up,” Tallow said.

The attention was put on Helia and Stewart.

They looked at each other for answers.

“What do you want to do?” Helia asked.

“I will do whatever you’re willing to do,” Stewart said.

“I know, but…” Helia shook her head, “I think we’re at the point that we shouldn’t be deciding things for each other anymore. We stopped being kids a long time ago. We’ve taken care of each other… but I think we should learn to stand on our own two feet.”

“You’re quite right.” Stewart held his head up. “I’ll let you choose. I’m done determining your fate for you.”

He turned. “I’m going.”

He walked up to the front, leaving his sister with the rest of the group before turning back around.

“Despite what you say,” Stewart said, “I still want to take my sister’s happiness into consideration. I see that you’ve found happiness here, and…”

He gestured to everyone.

“...I think that-”

“Stop saying I think, Stewart,” Helia said, tears forming in her eyes even with the large smile.

Stewart sighed and took off his glasses.

“I know the saying it's the journey and not the destination that is most pertinent,” Stewart explained. “But, I think… I see that, the journey must be completed. I’ve learned that I must take responsibility for my actions, even for the ones that affected my sister. I’ve asked all of you, even her, to accompany on this journey, and to turn back now… would be in such awful distaste.”

“Stewart,” Mallory began, “you don’t have to-”

This time, it was Hector that prompted Mallory from talking. Mallory accepted the suggestion.

“I will take all of the sacrifice that has been given,” Stewart continued, “and I will continue to forge my own path through the mountains, into the lands beyond. I see my path, and-”

“Stewart!” Helia shouted. “I’m coming!”

“H- Helia?” Stewart stuttterd out his sisters name.

She turned to Hector, who was still at her side and was regarding her sadly.

“I can’t stay here anymore,” she said. “There’s too much that’s following me.”

“We could protect you,” Hector said. “You could come with me-”

Helia shook her hand. “No, Hector. You have too much you have to focus on.”

“You could stay in the castle,” Hector suggested. “I wouldn’t let that guy-”

“You need to focus on your friends,” Helia said. “Your life, your job.”

“You are my life,” Hector said. “And you’re my friend.”

Helia smiled.

“We know that’s not as true as we wished,” she said. “And I don’t think… I could ever share you… the way you need to be shared…”

She kissed him on the cheek.

“I’m sorry… but I know you’ll find the right person. Until then you belong here, with these people. And maybe… you already have found the right person… but… you’ll always have a place in my heart…”

With that, she left a dour Hector and turned to Tallow, who was trying not to appear emotional.

“You’re so tough and strong and protective,” Helia told her. “I hope I can do that one day.”

“Since when did you get all thoughtful and stuff?” Tallow asked, her arms crossed in an attempt to appear tough.

“Me and Stewart did grow under the same house,” Helia said. “I think you’ll find that I’m not completely classless, especially when I get emotional. But I hope that beyond those walls, I’ll find the same power within myself that I see in you.”

“With all the men and woman looking like that?” Tallow pointed to the two Sharptooth members. “I’m sure you’ll-”

Helia tossed herself around Tallow. Tallow, after some awkward repositioning of the arms, returned the hug.

“Don’t die before we train again,” Tallow said, “you hear?”

“Of course.” Helia pulled away from Tallow and turned to Mallory.

“You’re so sweet,” she said. They hugged.

“I hope you and Hector take care of each other,” she said. “Your bond as brothers shines beyond any light.”

“Sometimes, it’s a little too bright,” Mallory said. “Gets in my eyes.”

She caressed his face and smiled at his small joke. Then went to Mercy.

“You’re such a good role model,” she said. “Like Tallow, you’re so surrounded by the mess, it makes people hard to see who you truly are underneath it all. I wish people could see you for who you are.”

“I don’t need anyone to but you to see who I am,” Mercy said.

Helia giggled and squeezed Mercy.

“I’m a Ninja,” Mercy explained. “I live in the mess.”

“Yes,” Helia said, “but you’ve been found by the people who consider you treasure.”

When Helia pulled away from Mercy, Jon could see Mercy wipe the tears from her eyes.

“If you scream loud enough, I’ll come running,” Mercy promised. “I don’t care what borders or clan treaties separate us. Just send word.

“I believe you,” Helia said. “But don’t worry about me. Until then I’ll try to stand my own and you try to solve whatever it is you need to.”

She pecked Mercy on the cheek. “We’ll keep in touch.”

Jon was last. Helia put a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re so kind and caring,” she said.

“I try,” Jon replied.

She smiled. “Oh, if you weren’t so genuine all the time, you’d be a joker.”

She finally hugged him. It was softer than the other hugs Jon had gotten recently. He quite liked it.

“I know the world is dark and scary,” she said, “but don’t let it snuff out the light that shines deep inside of you.”

“Okay…” Jon hugged her back. It was poetry that he had trouble understanding, but something about it helped him feel settled in his heart even if he couldn’t explain it word for word.

She kissed him on the cheek before letting him go and going to her brother’s side.

They held hands and looked at the group.

“I supposed, it wouldn’t be fair to leave without an invitation,” Stewart said. “Anyone want to come with us? Leave your troubles behind?”

“My father would find me and kill me if I did anything like that,” Hector said, finally picking his head back up. Plus, I have my own business to take care of.”

“I’m not going if he’s not,” Mallory said.

“Same here,” Tallow said. “Business, not Hector.”

“Same with me,” Mercy said.

“Family,” Jon replied.

Helia gave a sad smile. “Godspeed, then. To all of your ventures. And tell Genevieve that we’re sorry she couldn’t send us off, but we owe her everything just as much. For helping us, and for meeting you guys.”

“I think…” Stewart wiped his eyes. “we’ll not waste the clan’s time any longer…”

They turned around and walked back down to the Stonetooth warriors, hand in hand.

Damien, upon noticing the oncoming couple, ran back up to Mercy.

“It’s time?” he asked her.

“It’s time,” Mercy said. “You can take them back.”

He looked up to the sky. “Did you see-”

“Yeah.” Mercy held her hand out. A blackbird flew onto her hand, landing on her finger. It didn’t seem to mind that both she and Damien watched it with foreboding.

“The one they sent us told us to tell you about if and when you would arrive, and if there was any trouble,” Damien said. “What should I tell them? Trouble?”

“No more trouble,” Mercy responded. “I’ll be back within the borders by the end of the day..”

Damien nodded.

“I’ll try to keep in touch,” he said.

“Yeah.” Mercy nodded. “Good luck, Damien.”

“You too, Mercy.”

They shared one last warm hug.

He pointed to the rest of the group as he let go.

“Better take care of my big sis, ya hear!” He called out. “Though, it looks like you’re doing enough of a job as it is.” He winked, then knelt down and picked up all of Helia’s and Stewart’s luggage and brought it back down with him.

Helia blew kisses and Stewart waved back at them.

Then the two warriors pulled back down their skeleton helmets and led the two siblings back towards the mountains.

The group watched them all disappear into the Stonetooth territory.