*At San’s house.
San has newly renovated his home from the damage incurred from his standoff with Punk Riot. He slips himself into a rocking chair, letting out an alleviating sigh. “Aaah~...” While his body laxes in the chair, he felt something was missing. “I could sure use some tea now…Fletcher ought to be back soon…” Nothing could beat the arousing aroma of brisk morning tea. Just not too long ago, he had already sent Fletcher on grocery errands. They wouldn’t be in this predicament if Fletcher had remembered to get everything from his last trip to the stores.
A knocking could be heard coming from his door. Either it was Fletcher returning with a few items that he had overlooked, as per his usual habit – or it was the officials from Argonaut again crying to him for help about city issues. Just when he had gotten into his chair.
San lets out a weary sigh, standing himself up from his comfort. From looking after Jayce’s bois and babysitting officials, the cozy, quiet retired life that he envisioned seemed out of reach for him. He walks himself through the aisle to the doorway. He pops his door open, only to be greeted by an unexpected surprise –
Before him at the entrance was the famed figure Bruce…The guild leader of Grand Orion.
For a moment San was too stunned to speak.
San: ...B-Bruce…!
Bruce: It’s been a while.” – Bruce greeted back warmly.
Bruce: May I come in?
San takes Bruce, guiding him through his house. Bruce politely apologizes to San for his abrupt visit.
Bruce: Sorry for barging in here without giving you a notice.
San reciprocates back with friendly gestures, telling him that it was ok. The two seniors sit down together in the living room, with San delivering his efforts in making Bruce comfortable. He was ashamed that he could not provide any tea for Bruce, to which he also politely dismisses.
San: So to what do I owe the pleasure of someone like you to grace me with your visit? – He inquired jokingly to the prestigious figure before him.
Bruce lets out a soft chuckle.
Bruce: Ha…ha…ha…! I was just in the area, and thought I’d pay you a visit is all…So how are you? You seem to be doing well.
San: I am. Though, things were hectic quite a while ago…But it’s mostly been resolved.
Bruce: That’s good to hear. I’ve heard that something happened to Heymlir.
San’s eyebrows twitched when he heard the name.
Bruce: I spoke to some of the people during my stay here. That’s quite sad. Although I've only met him a couple times, he seemed like a good, hard working man. Very earnest…
Bruce: Sorry about what happened…
San: No…It’s okay. It’s fortunate enough for us that things happened the way they did in the end…
Still…Lingers of regret and sorrow dwelled within San. In spite of everything that happened, he still missed the company of the friend he admired.
A smirk sneaks up on Bruce’s face.
Bruce: I’ve also heard from the folks that you’ve become their new mayor…
San: NO!
San: Do NOT say that!!
Bruce: I guess with the absence of Heymlir, you’ve gotten a lot more busy, huh.
San puffs out a heavy sigh.
San: I do not wish for it to be mentioned, or acknowledged… – He grumbled with a dead expression.
Bruce: They’ve also told me you’ve been training some recruits…?
San: Yeah…I’ve been taking care of a bunch of brats…Most of them are currently out at the scrapyard training their forms…While I have a couple others running errands for me…I’m waiting for one of them to come back with my tea.
Bruce politely sat quietly to think about San’s words.
Bruce: ……
Bruce: ...Aren’t you just making them work for you?
San: It’s discipline! DISCIPLINE!
San: It’s just how society functions, so those ruffians need to have it beated into them so that they understand it…!
Bruce: Hmm. That explains why you seem to be a little on edge.
San: Yeah, well…It doesn’t help that one of them rascals is currently having his job interview…
San releases a bit of air from his mouth to relieve his stress. His leg began to shake. He promptly proceeds to shift the topic to take his mind off his distress. He proceeds to reverse the situation onto Bruce.
San: How about you? You doing alright yourself, my successor? Eh? Mr. number 3?
Flustered, Bruce tells San to stop with his chaff. However, San continues to prod further.
San: Oh, come on…! You should be proud of yourself! Your guild is ranked third, just like we were!
Bruce lets out a low, dissatisfied groan.
Bruce: We used to be number one…
San: At least you got to be ranked one. If you’re down that much about it, then just get it back then.
San’s words suddenly triggered Bruce.
Bruce: No…!
Bruce: I know you're not active anymore, but even you should know that's a goal no longer within our capabilities…Or anyone else for that matter…It wouldn’t be possible even if I was still in my prime.
“The top two guilds in the overall rankings…They’re in a league of their own…!”
San: Oh yeah…That’s true…I’ve heard about that…Isn’t that why they call you guys the gatekeeper? Or more so specifically, you?
Bruce: Ah…! That’s just baseless prattle among the common people…! We’re just simply doing the best we can. But I’ve heard the talks myself – How Grand Orion basically sets forth the pinnacle standard for guilds.
San smugly rubs his nose.
San: Heh, heh, heh…It’s because of the technique I taught you.
Bruce: Not everything is about you San.
San’s mouth gaped in appall, stunned by the words uttered from his mouth.
San: Huh? What do you mean?! If it wasn’t for me teaching you my signature move, you wouldn’t have come up with the Grand Orion!
Bruce adjusted himself to respond back to the statement…But after reassessing what San said, Bruce concedes to him.
Bruce: ...I suppose that’s fair.
It was then the room came to an abrupt halt. It almost felt as if time stopped. San patiently waits for Bruce for a follow up, but his acquaintance made not an utter. Bruce’s eyes waned down, before shifting them back up again to confront San.
Bruce: I’m thinking of retiring.
The surprising news left San speechless. Though it was abrupt, San was already familiar with where this was going.
Bruce: As I mentioned before, I’m getting too old for this…But rather than disbanding it, I’d rather have its legacy continue.
“I’m looking for a successor. It’s the reason why I’m here.”
San looks at his companion with a bittersweet gaze. From one predecessor to another, it was already that time for Bruce. He is reminded of his departure from when his guild Forest Grump disbanded.
San: Sorry, but I’m retired already.
Bruce: Not you! You old goof!
San: Oh please, you’re not that old yet. You can keep it going for another 20 years or so. Can’t you just pass the guild down to one of your other guild mates? There’s plenty of talents in your guild whom you could pick from.
Bruce: You’re right…There’s a lot of qualified individuals to pass down the position to…But I'm not just looking to pass down the title, but Grand Orion! Before I get too old, I want to find someone to inherit it.
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San: Ah…If that’s the case, then none of them really fits that condition…
San briefly ponders to himself, revising his thoughts on Bruce’s predicament.
San: Ha! You’d have to look for someone who’s young and talented for that…!
Bruce: I’m aware…I’ve spoken with the rest, and they’re okay with my decision as well.
San: That’s pretty stubborn of you.
San: ……
San: You’re taking a huge gamble. It’s not as simple as finding someone talented and training that person.
“But they need to at least measure up to you.”
Bruce: Feh. You seem to be taking this more seriously than me. I’m not too interested in how well the guild will fare in the rankings once I’ve retired.
In response to the lack of Bruce’s inconsistency, San blows up in front of him.
San: Then just go take the first person you find and train them then! In fact, why don’t you go take one of the bois I’m currently training!
San promptly regains his composure after his quick outburst.
San: Well…I knew someone that could’ve fit right in that role…He has more talent than me and you –
San’s sentence gets interrupted by a knock coming from his door again.
*Knock! Knock! Knock! A voice muffles from the other side of the door.
Door: “Hello?? San–!! I mean – Sir…!! I’m back! I’ve returned with your things!
San: Oh. That’s Fletcher.
San lets out a tired groan as he lifts himself off his seat.
He opens the door for Fletcher to invite him back into the house, who appears strikingly different from how he was before. His pompadour was now neatly combed to look more like a slick back. His black leather vest and T-shirt has been replaced by a formal dress shirt and slacks.
The dashing chap chugs behind San with shopping bags sagging like ornaments from his arms, and another held tightly with both his hands.
Upon their arrival in the living room, Fletcher takes a surprise notice to Bruce sitting on the sofa.
Fletcher: Oh. You had a guest?
San: Yeah, he’s an old time acquaintance.
Fletcher and Bruce exchange quick looks at each other.
Fletcher: Sup.
Bruce: Why, hello.
San swiftly bonks Fletcher on his dome.
Fletcher: Ouwch…! What!? – Fletcher yelped back with tears in his eyes and nearly dropping the groceries in his hand.
San: So rude.
Fletcher: Huh?! How was dat being rude?! We talk like dis ta each other all ta time!
San: It’s different when it comes to guests. You have to be more polite to them. Greet them properly first. Introduce yourself.
Fletcher grumbles and sighs to himself before turning to face Bruce again.
Fletcher: Hey, my name is Fletcher.
San takes a couple steps forward and flicks Fletcher on the head.
Fletcher: Hello. My name is Fletcher. – A red bruise formed on his forehead.
Bruce: Hello Fletcher, my name is Bruce. It’s nice that the two of us could meet.
Bruce extends his hand out for a handshake.
Fletcher looks down at the open hand, observing it.
Fletcher: Yo… – Fletcher’s face sparkled.
Fletcher: My man…! You’s is cool my guy!
Fletcher proceeds to do an overly complicated handshake, involving several motions of slaps, backhands, and obscene wacky arm motions. Bruce amusingly watches the entire handshake play out until it ends with their fingers hugging tightly together, and their thumbs kissing each other.
The next moment, Fletcher finds himself inside the bathroom with a mop in one hand, and a bucket of water in the other. Immediately the door slams shut in his face.
San: Sorry. I’m still working on him, you see…
Bruce: Oh, I didn’t mind it. I found it to be entertaining. Seems like a nice lad.
San instantly goes straight to making themselves tea. The therapeutic aroma lifts itself, spreading throughout the room scenting it. The two of them indulge themselves to the delightful fragrance, sniffing the air.
A muffled voice exclaims from the bathroom door.
Fletcher: Sir! Are you making tea?! I’d like for a cup too!!
San: You’ll get your tea when you finish cleaning the bathroom! – San shouted back with a silly smile.
As San is pouring a cup, the phone in the room begins to ring. San breaks off from his task to tend to the phone call. “Hello?” San says over the phone. A mess of gibberish replies back from the speaker. At first his face froze in seriousness…Until it slowly uplifted itself in dummy elation.
San: That’s…That’s great…! Well done!
San: Congratulations Connor! …I’m proud of you!
“I’ll let everyone know! We’ll all celebrate together!”
San calmly puts down the phone.
The bathroom door flings open and Fletcher’s top half of his body flies out of the bathroom.
Fletcher: WAS THAT CONNOR?! DID HE PASSED?!
San: Yeah…! Yeah he did…! Quickly, Fletcher, let the rest of the bois know so that we can celebrate together! He should be coming back soon…!
Fletcher turns his attention back to the bathroom.
Fletcher: Uhm…But…The bathroom though…
San: Don’t worry about that! You can come back to it later! It’s not like there was much to clean in there anyways!
The two of them scramble about in excitement as Bruce watches silently in the background. He smiles to himself. Maybe one day, he too, will find himself still stuck in these moments even after his retirement. But even so, it was moments like these that had both San and Bruce realize…
That the times are changing…
***
*Port Victoria.
The hermit that the group had met calmly sits atop a grassy cliff, savoring the glorious view in front of him. The houses’ roofs of the port town located below blotched in bright patches of orange, red and blue patterns. Wreathed above is the border between the diamond colored ocean with an azure sky dashed with clouds of white that seemed to be infinitely spanning. It looked as if the hermit was viewing a life-sized painting in front of him.
A cool breeze brushes by the man, dragging the fresh, salty scent of the ocean up to him. His hair and tattered hood soothingly flutters against the soft breath of nature. In the very far distance, the whale that Tatsuo and his friends had boarded can be seen taking off, appearing as a small speck parting through the ocean into the boundless horizon.
The man hears the sound of grassy footsteps approaching from behind.
A blonde woman wearing a white summer hat and sundress creeps up behind the disheveled man. Twinkles of light gleamed off from her elegantly flowing hair.
Mysterious Women: Oh? You came to see them off?
Disheveled Man: I’m just admiring your beauty. – He said with a slip of jest.
Not a change was made from where he sat and his laxed expression as he continued to stare into the horizon.
Disheveled Man: The same could be said for you. I’m surprised that you appeared.
Mysterious Woman: My, I was the first one to meet the boy. Did you find yourself coming around to them?
Disheveled Man: Hmm…You could say that. Despite my crude impression I displayed and my refusal of their offer, they still decided to share their money with me…And I also got to see a dear old face. So I gave them a reward. It’s my farewell gift to them.
Mysterious Woman: Oh my. All of them? You must be in a very happy mood.
Disheveled Man: Why do you act surprised? it’s nothing like what you’re perhaps thinking. It’s just a simple blessing.
Disheveled Man: At the very least…The five that departed from this land will come to find themselves graced to have a fortunate journey from here on out…Besides maybe Mahlong’s boy since he’s special…His very existence muddles with the rules of this world after all….not that he needs any more blessings anyways.
Mysterious Woman: Hmmm…That’s good then. Brother would be livid if you were to do such a thing. Giving him more headaches like that.
Disheveled Man: Right. The poor thing. As if you’re one to talk though. Between you and Mahlong, the two of you are quick to hand out blessings compared to the rest of us.
Mysterious Woman: It can’t be helped. They are my children. It’s natural that I would develop an attachment to them. It’s the same as how you used to play with your pets.
Disheveled Man: Don’t say that. Else, you’ll have me tempted to change my mind. Although I may be carefree, I know to stick to my boundaries appropriately enough. Unlike Mahlong and you, Leefe.
A mischievous grin forms on his face as he nudges his head at her.
“Or should I call you…”
“Irene?”
Disheveled Man: One of your old companions is back. Why don’t you go and visit him–?
“Please stop.”
Leefe cuts off the man from speaking any further. The tone of her drastically changed from her usual delicate voice to serious – Yet, she still remained calm in her composure…Her soft smile still yet to be disturbed.
Disheveled Man: Hm? I thought you enjoyed your days back when you traveled as a human?
Leefe: I did…I cherish them so…But I would like for it to not be brought up. For beings like us…The boundless emotions that we experience within the temporal limits of mortality…It’s best for us to let go of that and to move on. Me and Irene should be treated separately, as rightfully so.
“I am not Irene.”
The disheveled man ceased to press any further on the subject. Though, knowing her, the benevolent fondness she had for humans in particular led him to doubt that she truly meant what she said. Or maybe it wasn’t that. It could be the influence of her sister Mahlong. Perhaps both.
Leefe: How about you? Aren’t you doing the same thing right now?
Disheveled Man: Well…I didn’t go as far as to reincarnate myself. I’m just traveling. So far, I’ve come to slowly realize things…Things that I was never aware of about myself – like a sense of self discovery. I feel like I’ve changed a little.
Leefe: Indeed. You do seem to have changed. You blessing those folks is already something I didn’t expect you to do.
Disheveled Man (mildly irritated): I already said, it’s not a real blessing. It’s just good luck! A small, auspicious parting gift!
Leefe giggles to herself.
Leefe: Even so, you interfered with them.
The hermit rests his chin on top of his palm, sighing to himself.
The two of them continued to watch Tatsuo and his group depart on their next journey.
Leefe: It’s a shame though…I even gave him a clue when he first arrived.
The disheveled man paused himself in his thoughts. He wondered if he should tease his sister further.
Disheveled Man: ….
Disheveled Man: Do you miss Mahlong that much…?
Leefe: Oh? Whatever do you mean?
Disheveled Man: The reason why you met him first. Why you went out of your way to help him…It’s because you want to see sister again, don’t you?
Leefe: ….
She took a small pause. Though they were siblings, it always felt that they were more like strangers to each other…An enigma. For them, their facial expressions hardly changed, compared to other ‘living things’.
Leefe: My…You’re overthinking it. I just so happened to be in the area is all…What do they call it again? A coincidence? Mahlong favored the boy, didn’t she? The boy asked me a question and so I answered back in kind. Though, his journey didn’t turn out as fortunate as it could’ve been. Had the winds of fate blown in his favor, It may have been possible for him to figure out the puzzle.
Disheveled Man: Be as that may, I don’t think Mahlong would’ve wanted for that to happen…His journey has barely begun.
The disheveled lets out a slight, whimsical scoff.
Disheveled Man: What a troublesome thing we’ve brought back into this world…
image [https://i.imgur.com/dMatFjU.jpg]