The Rustler stepped into the quaint little shop, the lousy bell above the door announcing his arrival with a resonant chime. The wizened shopkeeper, with spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, glanced up from behind the counter. "Welcome..." he began, but then his voice trailed off as he caught sight of the familiar figure. "Welcome back," he corrected himself, a glimmer of recognition in his eyes.

"You're saying that, but did you ever have someone else make it past that door besides me and Rae?" the Rustler inquired.

The shopkeeper paused, stroking his white beard thoughtfully. "Customer, maybe not, but it happens once in four moons and a half that some lost, penniless soul stumbles upon this place. I was, in fact, half-expecting one of them when I heard that bell. But it seems fate had other plans for my day.”

"Sorry for breaking it, I suppose. Good morning," the Rustler greeted, before making his way to a corner of the room where a sturdy wooden table stood. As was his habit, he pulled out a chair, then a second one for him to settle upon.

"Good morning," the shopkeeper responded. "Do you want to drink something? I have tea."

"No, thanks. I'll pass," the Rustler declined politely. The Rustler paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on a distant memory before starting to scan the room not because he was searching for something in particular but rather because he, at the sight of it, reminisced as to what the room was once like the first time he entered the shop.

Though he never took the time to actually, now he had to admit that it has changed.

"I see," the shopkeeper acknowledged, pouring himself a cup of tea and taking a seat opposite the Rustler. "Well then, since we'll skip that part, what brings you here so early in the morning? Actually, my question is, what brings you here at all?"

Am I not welcome?" he finally asked, his voice laced with a touch of vulnerability.

The shopkeeper leaned forward, his aged hands clasped together. "Not at all. It has nothing to do with that," he reassured the Rustler. "It's just that this would be your sixth visit to my humble shop this month alone. So I believe you can understand that I'm a little curious, if not somewhat troubled, considering the fact that you usually visit at best twice every two months."

“I do.”

“The last time you were, you mentioned being annoyed by the Dae Odoe girl who squatted out in the Den and also mentioned planning to take action to deal with her, since you’re here can I assume that your visit is related to that.”

“It is.”

“I see, so… are you here for your tools or has the problem already been taken care of?”

“It’s the latter.”

To these words the shopkeeper's eyes widened in surprise and shock, ones that he was, with coughs, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance,“So she’s…”

A smile taking shape on the corner of his eyes, the Rustler revealed, “She’s fine. We talked and thus the problem was taken care of.”

"Oh, like that... I see. That's new. It's very new and unexpected," he gently applauded, "coming from you. In five years I’ve known you, that would be a premiere."

“Spare me your sarcasm.”

“I was genuine. In fact I’m interested, what could’ve you two talked about to have arrived at this peaceful consensus.”

"We just talked and told her what she wanted and needed to know," the Rustler explained, his voice trailing off momentarily. Then, with a determined look in his eyes, he continued, "And I agreed to come with her."

The shopkeeper's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Come with her? To where?"

“To her homeland, the southern continent.”

This time, the shopkeeper didn't bother to hide his astonishment. He remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the Rustler as if searching for answers in his eyes. Finally, he spoke, "I see, so that's what it is. I suppose that's a very understandable decision. After all, there wouldn't be much for you to do after the last of them is gone."

As he uttered these words, a realization seemed to dawn upon the shopkeeper. His eyes widened with a mix of understanding and acceptance. "Oh, so for the last one, you're here for your tools, aren't you?"

The Rustler shook his head. "Actually, no," he confessed before standing up. He slid the two chairs back into their place before approaching the counter. "I've actually come to bid my farewell."

"I see, so it was for that," the shopkeeper said, a hint of understanding in his voice. Leaving the counter, he made his way towards the Rustler, closing the distance between them. “Your tools, you’re sure you’ll be fine without them?”

“Yeah. I am. Besides, I doubt the last one will pose any form of resistance.”

A smile on the corner of his mouth, the shopkeeper smiled, “I guess you're right. But then I guess this will mark the end of our partnership.”

"I guess you're right," the shopkeeper mused, a bittersweet smile forming on his lips. "This will then mark the end of our partnership."

With a sense of finality in the air, the shopkeeper extended his hand towards the Rustler. The Rustler met his gesture, clasping the shopkeeper's hand in his own, their hands briefly intertwining. They exchanged a firm, heartfelt handshake, a silent acknowledgement of the bond they shared.

"Yes, it will," the Rustler replied, with in his voice, a hint of subtle but genuine gratitude.

The shopkeeper chuckled, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I wouldn't say it has been a pleasure, but at least I can say that I'm genuinely happy that this partnership ended with a handshake rather than one of us tragically dead," he joked, the humor taking the edge off the somber moment.

"Me too, I suppose," the Rustler replied, playing along for a final time. "But I think I should go now then," he added.

The shopkeeper nodded.

He turned towards the door, ready to take his leave but two steps in he was stopped by the shopkeeper's voice, “say, I’m curious how did the sisters react to your departure, they aren’t coming along are they? How are they holding onto the new?”

“They are holding up great.”

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow skeptically, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Are you sure about that?" he probed, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Rae perhaps, she is quite the resilient girl but the other sister, I've heard she was quite fond of you."

It wasn’t his first time hearing this remark. He wanted to deny this acclaimed fondness Rae had for him but, no matter how much he was trying to play blind to it. He knew it was there.

“She’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.”

“Well then.”

The shopkeeper nodded understandingly, silently acknowledging the farewell that lay before them. As the Rustler turned towards the door, ready to take his leave, he was once again interrupted by the shopkeeper's inquisitive voice.

"Wait!" the shopkeeper called out, causing the Rustler to pause and look back.

"What is it again?" the Rustler asked, curiosity coloring his voice.

The shopkeeper's expression held a mix of intrigue and concern. "Are you sure you don't have anything else to say? A message, perhaps, that you would like me to pass on to someone?"

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

The Rustler's thoughts momentarily drifted, and amidst the flurry of emotions, one name resurfaced in his mind.

"Dainvald?"

“Yes,” he nodded. “Don’t you have something you would like to say to him?”

A fleeting moment of contemplation crossed the Rustler's face, memories and unsaid words intertwining in his mind.

With a firm resolve, he spoke. “Actually I think I do.”

The shopkeeper leaned in, his eyes fixed on the Rustler, eager to receive the message.

"Tell him," the Rustler began, thinking about it twice, "tell him that while it took some time, I’m finally withholding the promise I made to him to leave the continent.”

“That would be all?” The shopkeeper asked, seemingly surprised by how short the message was.

“Yes, that would be all.”

The shopkeeper made no further comment and simply nodded, a sense of solemnity enveloping the room. "I will pass on your message."

A moment of gratitude passed between the Rustler and the shopkeeper as they locked eyes, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air.

"Thank you," the Rustler said sincerely, his voice filled with appreciation.

With a final nod, the Rustler turned once more towards the door, opening it and allowing the bell to chime for the last time as he entered or exited the old-looking shop.

***

Seated in a corner of the room, the Rustler observed with keen interest as Men'ma found himself surrounded by the exuberant children of the Den. They swarmed around him, their energy palpable.

"Eh? Do you really have to leave?" one of the children inquired, a hint of disappointment evident in their voice.

"Yeah, I do," Men'ma responded with a touch of wistfulness.

"Nah!" one of the children protested, their objection resonating with the sentiments of the others. "Nah."

"We don't want you to leave," their collective plea echoed, revealing their genuine attachment and reluctance to see her go.

That was just how smitten she somehow got the children of the den in less than a couple of weeks

With a calm and steady voice, she began to address the children, acknowledging their heartfelt sentiments. "You know," she said, her words carrying a sense of appreciation, "it means a great deal to me that you don't want me to leave. The time we've spent together has brought me immeasurable joy."

Summoning her odo out, she lifted all the children around her up in the air. The children's faces instantly lit up, their eyes filled with anticipation. Men'ma's voice remained gentle yet resolute as he continued, "But sometimes, there are paths we must tread alone… which means that I must go alone.”

A collective sigh resonated among the children, mixed with a touch of understanding. The Rustler watched as their expressions shifted from disappointment to a quiet acceptance, tinged with lingering reluctance.

"But," Men'ma interjected, a spark of reassurance in his voice, "when you get bigger you can always follow me to where I’m going. Do you know where it is?”

“To the Southern Continent,” one of the children earnestly replied.

“Exactly, that’s where my home is, and it’s calling me home, so I must answer it.”

Kae chuckled, a bittersweet laughter escaping her lips. "Though I always knew this day would come, it still feels unexpected," she admitted.

The Rustler sighed, his gaze meeting Kae's understanding eyes. "It was sudden, I must admit. I can't blame you for feeling that way."

Kae nodded, a mixture of emotions flickering across her face. She reached out and gently touched the Rustler's arm, her gesture conveying a sense of understanding and farewell. "Take care out there, Rustler."

"I'll try," the Rustler replied. "Now, there's something else. When I'm gone, could you check my room? I left something in there for the Den and the children."

Kae's brow furrowed with concern. "I can't accept that," she said, hesitatingly.

"You don't even know what it is," the Rustler countered.

"It's surely something valuable, isn't it?" Kae reasoned.

The Rustler paused for a moment, contemplating his response. "Well, I would be lying if I said it wasn't," he admitted.

Kae shook her head, her expression resolute. "See, I can't accept it."

The Rustler's voice softened as he spoke. "Please, accept it nonetheless. As I said, it's not for you but for the Den and the children. I already feel a little guilty about leaving so suddenly, especially after what I did to the Rats gang. Though they won't come looking for trouble for some time, I have no doubt they'll eventually forget about it and cause problems again. Use the money from what I left in my room for whatever you feel is appropriate. Consider it a fee I have to pay for this sudden and poorly announced departure."

Kae seemed hesitant, but the Rustler pressed on. "If you can't accept it, then I'll have to visit the Rats again to make sure no incidents like the one from the other day ever happen. I mean it, 'ever'."

Kae's eyes widened, realizing the gravity of the situation. "No need for that," she said, relenting. "Fine, you win. I'll accept it."

A small smile tugged at the corners of the Rustler's lips. "I'm glad you do. I'm sure the Rat King would be, too."

His eyes then landed on the little girl, Lei'lah, who was holding onto the leg of Sarah. Sarah had grown in these past few years, blossoming into quite the young lady. In many ways, she had become the mother figure of the Den, even surpassing Kae.

"It's goodbye then," the Rustler said to Sarah, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for everything you've done, Sarah."

Sarah's eyes shimmered with a mix of emotions as she looked back at him. "Well, ya don't gotta go 'n' thank me none. We're sure gonna miss ya, Rustler. Do take care of yerself out yonder, ya hear?

"I will, and in exchange, please continue taking good care of..." the Rustler trailed off, crouching down to Lei'lah's level and gently patting the little girl's head. At first, he hesitated, fearing that he might frighten her. But as he shifted to his left arm, which he laid bare for her to see, and noticed her lack of fear, he mustered a smile.

"Continue taking good care of Lei'lah," the Rustler resumed, his voice filled with a mix of affection and gratitude.

"Don't you fret now, Rustler. Lei'lah gonna be in mighty capable hands, ya reckon. No need to worry none."

"I never doubt that," the Rustler smiled, his gaze shifting to the person standing right next to her.

It was Rae, the little sister

The Rustler approached Rae, a sense of finality in his eyes. As awkward as he felt it was going to be, it was time for him to bid her farewell.

"Rae," he began. "It's time for me to go. Take care of yourself when I’m gone."

Rae looked at him, her eyes brimming with a mixture of sadness and understanding. She nodded, silently acknowledging the truth in his words.

Feeling the atmosphere a bit too morose, but not knowing what else to say, the Rustler, with a gentle smile, reached out and took her hand in his. "I want you to know," the Rustler continued, his voice filled with sincerity, "that, while really messed up at showing it, I am grateful for everything you've done for me."

Rae's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling as she tried to maintain her composure. "Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

A small smile played on Rae's lips, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes.

Rae's grip tightened, her voice attempting to sound cheering. "If you say so then I believe it.”

The Rustler nodded, gently squeezing her hand, offering her a small measure of comfort, gratitude, and farewell in his eyes. "Take care of yourself, your sister, and the Den. They will need you."

As they released each other's hands, they stood in silence, sharing a moment of unspoken understanding.

Men'ma approached the group, her presence bringing a sense of finality to the moment. Her voice carried a gentle tone as she addressed them.

"You guys are finished."

"Yes," the Rustler replied, his voice steady and resolute. He understood the significance of this moment, the closing of a chapter in their lives.

Men'ma took a step forward, her eyes meeting each of their gazes. "Well then, I guess we can go now," she said, a tinge of melancholy in her voice. "Take care, everyone, and thank you all for taking me in." She took a moment to look at Rae, "And Rae, I... I'm sorry for what happened that night. I would never apologize enough for that."

Rae, still grappling with her own emotions, spoke up, her voice lacking its usual genuineness. "No... no worries, Men'ma. It's all in the past now."

Though clearly noticing it, Men'ma nodded it off. She then turned to the Rustler, seeking his confirmation.

"We can go now, right?"

The Rustler glanced back at the others, exchanging a final nod with them. Then, he turned his attention back to Men'ma. "Yes, we can go," he affirmed, a sense of determination in his voice.

As Men'ma and the Rustler made it past the den’s door, they paused, taking a final glance back at the familiar faces and bustling energy behind them. The Den's denizens had gathered to bid them farewell, forming a lively crowd that filled the air with a mix of excitement and melancholy.

Men'ma stood tall, her black hair catching the sunlight, as she soaked in the affectionate waves and cheers directed her way. The children, who had grown fond of her during her time in the Den, called out her name with youthful exuberance.

"Goodbye, Men'ma! Don't forget us!" cried one of the children, her voice tinged with both sadness and hope.

“Bye,” waved another.

With a smile she waved back, her voice carrying over the crowd. “Bye everyone.”

Amidst the chorus of farewells, the Rustler, being the least popular if compared to Men’ma, heard his own name being called out. Surprised, he turned his attention toward the voices. He saw Kae, Rae, Sarah, Benji and even saw Dylan and Toby, the two kids jumped by the Rats, “waving bye at him.”

The Rustler's lips curled into a soft smile, raising his hand he also waved back before.

On these, Men’ma and the Rustler exchanged a gaze before turning away from the Den, the farewell chorus behind them growing more and more silent with each of their steps, until it completely shut off. And as it did the Rustler came to a halt.

“What? Having second thoughts,” Men’ma asked.

“No,” the Rustler resolutely replied. “I just wanted you to know that before we go, there is a place we have to stop at.”

She looked silently for a moment at the Rustler before replying, “I see, okay I guess, but first I think I’ll have to introduce you to the one I arrived into this city with, after all they’re going to be accompanying us to the slithering sea.”