CHAPTER 20: It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
The guitar disappeared as I looked down at my empty hands. My fingers were wet with blood from the violent strumming and my intense grip on the neck.
Zack was passed out next to the fire with Mina and Roger attending to him. I looked over at Eli and Jared.
[Eli Rawlings]
[Native]
[Jared Hill]
[Native]
“Did it work?”
“Ye—Yeah! You did it bruh!” Jared shouted in excitement, his eyes glossy.
“Yeah. Thanks again man.” Eli said as tears started falling down his cheeks as if the curse was in his eyes.
“Roger, you good?” I asked.
“Yep. Thanks kid. I can’t begin to explain the relief. Zack should be better but we won’t know fer sure ‘til he wakes up.” Roger said as he tossed a blanket over the sleeping boy.
I received 2 notifications, one as soon as the last notes rang out and the second as Roger spoke.
You have successfully performed Sheet Music—“Grand Cantors Lament” Buff takes effect for 24 hours. With your skillful rendition you have cured status effects from the following, Jared Hill, Eli Rawlings, Roger Moreau, Zack Smith
Roger Moreau has accepted your request for Co-Mayor of Safe Zone—Conviction
“Glad to hear it Mister Mayor.” I joked.
“Bahh don’t start that!” He scolded me with a smile on his face.
“Mister Mayorrr!” Both boys said together, razzing the new Mayor.
Jared continued, “I just got a notification that you’re the Co-Mayor with Amy.”
“Same.” Eli said.
We stood there laughing and chatting for a bit. I looked around as they spoke and felt like I could finally see who they really were. Not the shelled version they have been, but a true sneak peek into who they were before this.
Stars passed overhead with the moons as the night grew long. Mina and I decided to spar more.
I guess I’ll stick with the wooden sword through this session since the Claw will be my main damage dealer for a while.
I had Mina shoot blunted arrows at me that left golf ball sized welts all over my body and hurt like hell until my timing improved and I actually started parrying some of the arrows. She didn’t protest to my request. I think she wanted to practice her bow at first but I swear she was getting a kick out of it until I parried more arrows.
We finished training for the night and were walking back to check up on the guys.
“Still going it alone?” I asked, trying to create conversation as we walked through the woods, Arthur trailed behind us sniffing everything on the way and snagging a random stick that he liked.
“Yeah, I need to head straight down. But if you ever pass through V.A. come by the base. I think you would have fun there. I imagine there’s lots of new training that my father is working to implement since there’s no more guns,” She said optimistically
“Yeah, if I swing down I’ll make sure we say Hi. Thanks for helping with that earlier, I don’t think I would have been able to make it through if you didn’t restrain him.” I said as we closed in.
“It was my pleasure, you’re crazy with that little guitar. It was nice going to a show on a Tuesday. Or, whatever day it is.”
“Eh thanks I guess, I used to play but a lot of that was system nonsense boosting my abilities.” I tried to think of what the actual day was then looked to Mina.
“Regardless, it was great.” She whispered as we approached three sleeping forms around the fire.
“Monday?”
“Mmm, no. Pretty sure it’s Tuesday.”
“Guess I’ll stay out here with Arthur to keep an eye on ‘em, Thanks for the spar.” I whispered back, adding, “I’m sure these guys would like to say bye and thanks before you leave tomorrow, if you’re okay with making the appearance?”
“Good night and, thanks again.” Was all she said smiling as she walked back to her camp on the hill.
“Well cowpoke, finish the stick then get some rest. I’ll take first watch. If Zack wakes up we just want to make sure he’s okay. I know what my notification said but I want to hear it from the heidels mouth. If he wakes up while I’m out, please nudge me awake.” I told Arthur as he laid beside me snapping his stick then taking his nap, doing his doggy snore within a few minutes.
I brought up my class selections again to read through choices, I noticed a new basic class almost immediately.
The Bard class.
That would be a fun class but I don’t know about fighting off Mutated Zombie fucks and giant demon dinkbags with an acoustic guitar and basic bitch voice.
I scrolled down to one of the Epic classes that caught my eye earlier and inspected it.
Arcane Herald—The Arcane Herald is focused on Magical and Physical Defense, Bonus while wielding Spears and/or Shields. Power your weapons with magic. Defend yourself and allies from those who seek harm. [3 Extra Spell Points Upon Selection]
Too focused with the weapon type. That’s annoying.
I kept reading through.
I was passing things like Spellblade, Battlemage, and Warlock. Not sure what the difference would be between them but I kept scrolling until I saw a familiar Unique class.
Tempest—The Tempest uses the power of the wind and storms to deliver high damage to foes and deals wide area damage. Bonus while wielding Spear, Khopesh, and Wind Magic. Become the Wind. Destroy your enemies in the wake of your storm. [5 Extra Spell Points Upon Selection]
A lot of Wind and Storm specialty classes along side the normal Mage and Warrior classes. Other than Tempest, nothing was catching my eye. The only reason the Tempest class resonated with me was due to the power I felt in the dungeon.
What about all of the other types of magic? Plus, my new weapon is not a Khopesh but a Longsword, again too focused.
I scrolled up and down reading about different classes and trying to take note in case I ever have to fight anything similar in the future. I spotted some of the less pleasant classes such as Lich, Necromancer, Basic Witch, Bad Witch, and Grave Weaver.
There were also more systematic “Heaven” type classes, such as ‘Wind Warden’, ‘Holy Vanguard’ and ‘Halo’s Anchor’. I read up on them but it sounded like they made you more subservient to the system and whatever the Heavens are.
Some sounded powerful like ‘Frontier Juggernaut’ which was a speed tank with light magic, then ‘Apostle of the Seraphim’ which sounded somewhat like a summoner class with high damage light magic.
I’m not picking anything that makes me “choose a side” in whatever the fuck is happening.
After hours of scrolling and no classes feeling right, I was about to give up when I focused on what I really wanted in my head.
I scrolled through the choices once more, let down as there wasn’t anything that really grabbed my attention, it was all too specific.
As I read through the list yet again, set on Tempest since it complemented my wind magic, I imagined a new class in my head. One with no specific weapon or magic specialties, something that would let me be what I am, a Jack of all, Master of nothing.
I felt an odd haptic sensation around my chest then noticed another class at the bottom of my selection screen.
The class was barely legible, written in a nearly transparent font.
Well, let’s see what this shit is.
*CORE_AWAKENED_NON-SYSTEM_CLASS*
Jackknife—Growth Class—Across all space and time this starting class has been offered to only three candidates including yourself. One was able to locate and select this class but died before understanding it. Will you fall as well? This class has no inherent bonus while using specific weapons or magic.
Class starts at Common
Swap Armor/Weapon sets instantaneously [No Inventory Drag]
May master all magic types. Fewer Class Skill/Spell choices.
The Jackknife does not rely solely on Class Skills and Spells, but their ability to master weapons, the elements, and magic itself.
May use multiple Professions and change at will
Weapon Proficiency Levels Introduced
Jack of all, Master of?...
I read over the class, it set off every red flag there is.
It starts at common, I can already switch my weapons pretty fast. It’s not instantaneous though. Maybe choosing another class would slow that option down? Less spell choices sounds pretty bunk, plus there’s no extra class spell points to begin with like every other class. One would think that a jackknife would have more options, No? I suppose it’s about keeping options open and figuring it out myself.
The one thing that really called to me was the Non-system bit.
I’m thinking this is all some sort of power move, they want control. The powerful always use the disenfranchised to their desire.
Yeah, fuck that noise.
“Select.” I said aloud with the Class covering my line of sight.
The world went black.
Initializing…
Initializing…
Loading Non-System Class…
Processing…
Upload Complete.
I woke to Arthur tucking his nose under my arm before flipping me onto my back.
“Yeah, yeah... I’m up!” I said feeling groggy and discombobulated.
I shook my head then looked around, the sun was still tucked behind the mountains but it was morning. My memories of the previous night returned slowly.
I remember looking through classes then, “Oh, I selected a class!” I said accidentally waking Roger.
“Graggle rassum frassum… Erm. Heh? Whatta, HYUUAK, POOFFT, Whazat now?” He mumbled incoherently, hacked a bit, then finally asked an almost intelligible question.
“What are we swearing in cartoon now?” I said stifling a belly laugh before continuing, “Sorry to wake ya, I just remembered what I was doing before I passed out unexpectedly. I selected a class finally.”
“Oh that. Bout time innit? What was it?” He asked.
“Now we’re Brrrritish, are we?” I said in my best pompous British accent mocking his use of Innit. “It’s called Jackknife. It seems like a jack of all trades class but sounds hard to master. There’s no real guidelines. All the other classes felt too specialized or focused on using one weapon. I was always taught, bring the right tool for the right job and it’ll make life easier. So it sounded good to me. I don’t remember anything more though, I just passed out cold. Guess the ole guitar rock-a-thon took more out of me than I thought.”
“Sounds like a smart choice fer yuh.” Roger said.
I stretched, “Weeell, Ahh. I’m gonna go see Mina off, wanna tag along? She said something about heading out this morning.”
“Yep.”
We walked through the meadow, the wet mountain dew created a lifting haze to greet us on another beautiful morning. As we climbed the hill Arthur tailed us, picking up sticks, snapping them with a bite and chewing what remained in his mouth before trading them in for bigger sticks as we went.
“Here Buck.” I tossed him a piece of jerky saved from the previous day, “You don’t have to eat wood ya know...”
We reached Mina’s camp, ashes were stomped out, shelter broken down. We took a quick look around but there was no one to be found.
“Guess she didn’t wait.” I said, only slightly bummed as I had a load of beast jerky prepared for her travels.
“Here,” Roger pulled a letter off one of the trees.
I walked up and grabbed the paper reading it out loud, “Conviction, Thank you for allowing me to camp within your zone. This is a special place, I hope to find many more like it on my way South. I’m no good at saying bye, I hope this does not offend. I am going to Virginia where I intend to meet up with my Father and take the fight to these demons. Grow stronger, level up, get a profession, and build defenses to keep this place safe for those to come... If I run into any trustworthy people on the road I will send them your way with the code phrase, “Rick is a Rock God”. If you see this Rick, Which I’m sure you are now, Thanks again. Here’s the address of a safe house we have in the Appalachians. It’s about 60 miles outside of Quantico – 4122 Blue Ridge Road, Paris VA. Signed, Mina.”
“Dang, that’s a hike. Kinda wish she came down before leaving, good kid.” Roger said.
“Yeah right, but I have always wanted to walk the trail down to Springer Mountain, Georgia. Maybe some day eh?”
After looking around to make sure we didn’t miss anything, we set back. Arthur picked up the pace while leading, unsure if anything was wrong, we mirrored his speed.
He led us behind the barn where Zack was sitting up on his blanket with his legs kicked out in front of him, eyes closed and head turned toward the rising sun. He took a deep breath with a big smile.
I broke the silence, “I take it you feel better?”
“Ha, yeah thanks! I haven’t felt this good in a long time.” Zack said.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Great, ya gave us a scare last night kiddo.” Roger said, his voice full of optimism.
“Yeah, the relief is insane. It’s like being able to breath for the first time after drowning... I don’t know how to repay you.”
I interrupted, “None of that, its getting old.” I said only halfway joking, “Just get stronger. Level up, get a class, and help Roger and Amy protect this place. Me and Arthur need to get moving so they’ll need help here.”
“I will. I swear on it.” He responded with fierce determination in his voice mirroring his eyes.
“Good. Keep them safe,” I said gesturing to the camps behind us.
I held out my hand to shake his then turned to the next item on the checklist.
Me and Arthur moved to the workshop.
We walked past a pile of hand carved boards and piles of nails that were to be used in making actual cottages for everyone.
I told Arthur to go say goodbye to all of his new friends while I put together one last piece before we leave.
I removed my Apostates Ironwood Jo Staff, all 4 of my Feathers, and a tincture of the Sap.
I set 3 of the feathers to the back of the table, then spur of the moment decided to remove all of my crafting material other than one tincture of sap which I kept for myself.
I neatly stacked everything on the back of the table next to the feathers and wrote a note that read,
“Here is some gear to get you all started. Maybe you guys can make something out of it. Put your heart into it (And some Mana?) and I know the items will turn out great. Maybe one of the women likes sewing or would like to learn how to be a garment maker or is it, leathersmith? Idk. Good Luck guys. You got this. I’ll see you all again.”
I drilled a hole through the base of the feather, then another down into the top of the staff with the last hole going through the diameter. I dumped the tincture of Sap into each opening then covered the stem of Ba’s Feather with the remaining residue pushing it into the top hole. I took a handle pin that Jared whipped up for the occasion and popped it through the diameter, hammering both sides until the pin expanded to hold everything tightly in place.
I put the staff in my inventory and took a look.
Apostates Ironwood Jo Staff – Unfinished Crafting Project.
Huh, that’s new… I wonder if I have to use the Tuning Fork? I don’t understand this magic shit but let’s give it a hwhirl.
I removed the Resonance Tuning Fork, bopped the bench, then held it to the staff.
I focused on my core again as I felt my Mana stir.
I cast Retaliating Wind covering my hand with the condensed energy as I pushed Mana from my core, turning the pure Mana into a violent gale as it traveled into the weapon.
The staff acted as a black hole, swallowing the cyclone. I paid attention to my Mana Bar this time, damming the flood before it was able to overwhelm me and knock me to the ground again.
I put the weapon back into my inventory and that’s when Roger chirped up behind me, “Why do you keep doing that?”
“Huh? What?” I asked.
“Puttin’ the items in your inventory.”
“Well, that’s how you have to inspect them...”
“You still haven’t picked a profession?”
“Nah, I was offered some but I haven’t accepted anything yet. What does that matter?”
“Well, as soon as we picked a profession we were able to inspect items just by looking at ‘em. I can inspect anything made out of wood, the boys said they can do the same with metal or anything forged. But magical items like this show a pop-up when prompted.” Roger answered.
“Well, I’m a super noob apparently, it took me forever to realize we have a map.”
“We have a map?” Roger asked. Then a moment later, “Well, would ya look at that... Just look at it.”
“I guess we both have a lot to learn. I wish this shit came with a tutorial or guide.” I said now looking through the few choices I received for professions since this all started.
I thought “Class” and a new menu popped up. There were multiple tabs to choose from, one was “Weapon Proficiency” another was, “Skills/Spells” next to it was the number 3.
At the bottom, “Professions”. I selected the new menu.
There were 2 available slots and a few choices. My options were,
Blacksmith
Woodworker
Sage
Survivalist
Makeshift Guru
Musical Theorist
Leader of the Broken
The last choice really pissed me off.
Nothing about these men, women, and children is broken. They’re all survivors who showed the grace and resilience of diamonds. So, FUCK that profession. Another religious nut looking down on those it deems less than, just because they had a rough go of it for a bit?
They will show their strength and put this system to shame.
First I chose Survivalist. Once it was entered as a profession I could view the benefits.
Survivalist—Level 1—This profession gains a +10% resistance to Poisons and Earth Magic, and +3 to Vitality at level 1—Identify anything in nature, showing if its edible or poisonous also what materials from each plant can be salvaged for use. Makes creating structures and items from nature faster and more durable.
I really wanted to choose Blacksmith because it’s a trade I’d always wanted to learn but I wouldn’t be around a forge for who knows how long so I went with my gut and selected Makeshift Guru.
Makeshift Guru—Level 1—This profession gains a 10% Quality Increase to weapons and armor that have been tinkered with and a +3 to Will at Level 1. Identify Weapons and Armor via visual cues. Automatically View Resonance Between Crafting Material. Craft Stronger Items with a Bonus to Suffix Modifiers. Higher Chance that Crafted Items will Gift Skills.
Well, I love that profession. Wish I chose it before crafting all of my weapons but, it’ll be aight.
I removed my staff, a tiny little question mark formed above the item. All I had to do was focus intent and a small box popped up showing the items information in a much more familiar view.
I wanted to scream thank you to the universe for the change, but yeah, the system can go fuck itself...
Scoffer’s Iron-Gale Assegai
Legendary
2 Sockets
+29 Piercing, Slashing, Blunt Damage
+25 Wind Elemental Damage
20% Chance to Knockback
15% Chance to Cause Bleeding
+10% Wind Spell Damage while Wielding
Wind Affinity Grows with Weapon.
Once a Jo-Staff wielded by the Apostate known as Ahmose, This weapon has since been Upgraded using the wing of the Dimensional Guardian ‘Ba’ by the Scoffer known as Rick Weston to fight against the Heavens and Hells and whoever else stands against the Zephyr of Earth.
“Such a better view,” I said out loud, not realizing Roger was still waiting behind me to get to the work bench. I put the description out of my head for now.
I don’t even know what scoffer means but I’m guessing its something like a heretic?
“Idn’nit?”
“Hell yeah. A little bummed I didn’t do this sooner but that’s alright, live and learn. I guess it’s bout time to head out. Innit?” I said joking with Roger before taking a deep breath to mentally prepare myself for the long road ahead.
“When you head, go south ‘til you hit Mount Holly that’ll keep you in the safe zone longer. Follow the Long Trail to stay away from the towns, even though there’s only a few.” Roger said.
“Good idea, I have to swing into Manchester though.”
“How far in do you have to go?” Roger asked.
“The Equinox Hotel.”
“Yeah, makes sense it’d use a historical traveling hub. Hmm... Well, I would still stay up on the trail. Safer is probably faster now’days. Then take 7 down from there.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Pretty straight shot on 7.”
“Well kid. Thank you for everything you’ve done. We’d all be dead or worse without your help. I’ll take care of it from here ‘til you get back.” Roger reached his hand out.
“Thank you Roger.” I took the offered hand, shaking it and exchanging smiles with the changed man.
I left barn to see all of the women and children gathered together with Zack, Eli, and Jared at the front next to Amy and Oliver. Everyone presenting their best smiles, Arthur walked up to sit beside me and look out at all of the happy faces.
I looked down while petting Arthur, “I wish I could take a picture.”
“Woof!” He agreed.
“We all want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you’ve done for us.” Amy smiled approaching us both for a hug, “You have gifted us with another chance at life and we intend to live it.”
“Woooop!” The crowd began to hoot and holler in agreement.
“Speech! Speech!” Eli and Jared shouted to my horror.
“Jesus, I’m no good at speeches guys. But I do wanna say, thank you everyone. I haven’t felt welcomed or like I was part of a community in a long time.” I was unsure of my words but they continued to pour out anyways, “I’ll be back to visit someday and I can’t wait to see what you make of this place. I know it will be great. I guess if you guys want a speech then... Grow strong, it won’t be easy and trust that there is strength in companionship. Be there for each other, cultivate this land, nurture these children and teach them to be brave and smart. And, every time you go out into the shit and fight... Always show them your Conviction.”
I finished to applause. Not really feeling like it was much of rallying cry but rather just words to encourage. Maybe a little corny at the end, but she did always call me a cornball.
I looked around and noticed one face missing. Oliver ran to me and Arthur.
“Hey guys! I made these for you!” Oli said, his little hands holding 2 thin braided bracelets, made from thick white rope surrounded by a looping rainbow of colors.
“Ah man that’s so cool! Thanks bud!” I said as the boy tied the bracelet on Arthur’s leg. His mother walked up behind him to help as they tied it above Arthur’s front right paw.
“I made it so you guys always know where the other is, and so you can always call to each other through the bracelet!” Oliver said, his mother smiling behind him.
“That’s a great idea, thank you buddy!” I said then looked up to his mother and mouthed, “Taylor?”
She whispered, “She’s upset, she was hoping you guys stayed around longer so she could level up and hang out with Arthur more. She reeeally likes your dog.”
“Yeah, he’s a good boy... Is she back at your place?”
“She better be.”
“Which arm?!” Oliver shouted, stealing my attention.
“Hmm. Let’s go with the right, same as Arthur.”
“Good choice Mister Man!” Oli said goofing around as he hopped to his feet.
His tiny fingers started tying the bracelet on my wrist. His mother showing him again how to create the surgeons knot.
“There ya go Mister Dude!” Oli said before taking off into the meadow to meet a few of the other kids where they attempted to kick a ball through the tall grass.
I looked down at the bracelet feeling a new sensation and a box popped up.
Oliver’s BFF Buddy Bond Bracelet
Unique
Allows the wearer to see exactly where other Bonded is located at all times, even if not in a party together.
Allows the wearer to view the Health of Bonded Buddy.
One Time Use—May snap this bracelet to teleport to Bonded Buddies location.
Holy shit Oliver!
I don’t think he even knows what he did. I brought my attention away from the present and looked off into the field.
“Kids...” I said laughing at the little goof trying to kick a ball through tall grass, “I have one more little present. I just got the idea. We’re going to find Taylor to say good bye, while we do that can you get everyone on one side of the meadow? Hopefully she’ll go easy on us. Arthur! Want to help me find Taylor.” I stood back to full height and hollered to Arthur who was playing with a few kids.
“Good luck with that.” Amy said with a cunning grin growing across her face.
“Oh yeah! Have you thought about going out?” I asked before setting off.
“Yes, and we will be going out in parties of 5-10 at a time and dealing with small packs to level up. Always keeping one of the men in each group. And yes, I will let Taylor go out as long as I’m in the group.”
“Have you told her yet?”
“No! And don’t you dare!” She yelled as I took off.
Arthur ran to follow as I shouted back, “Sorry I can’t hear you!”
We ran off laughing like children as we passed through the field, Arthur led me past their shelter into the woods. It wasn’t long until we reached the river where Taylor was sitting on a rock with her Scepter lying across her lap as she wrote in a notebook.
“Hey! Didn’t want to come send us off?” I yelled, quieting my voice as I approached the calm waters to find my own rock.
“Nope.”
“Why not? What are you writing?” I asked in a more concerning tone.
“I’m writing a song, I’ve always liked writing poetry and songs, it’s my release I guess... I thought you would help me level up and get a class. Now I’ll have to wait years until my mom will let me get out of here.” She said letting all of her teen angst out on me.
“I don’t think you’ll have to wait that long… Ya know, I used to do the same shit when I was your age. Thought I would be a rockstar someday.”
“Why, are you staying? Rock star? Ew... But you were really good on the guitar the other night,” Her attitude was slowly becoming more upbeat.
“No, but your mom is going to put together parties to go out daily and level. She told me you would be going when she goes.” I said with a shit eating grin on my face, then feigned outrage, “And what do you mean EW?!”
“No she didn’t.” Arthur was at her side gladly receiving pets.
“Yes. In fact, she did.”
“No way! She was so against it,” She said visibly growing more excited by the second, her attitude leaving like a plane lifting off the runway.
“Yeah I know right... I’m sure more happened behind the scenes but I spoke with her about getting parties together to level. It’s the best way for everyone to survive. Make sure your mom and Roger keep at it. You’re our spy while we’re gone. Apparently, you’re really good at it if you managed to see what happened last night.”
“Yeah, I almost ran in with my Scepter when Zack started screaming, but that other lady handled it... I’m sorry I didn’t show up, I was upset. I still am... I like this dog of yours.” She said stretching her arms around Arthur’s neck and pulling him in for a big hug.
“It’s alright, we just wanted to say goodbye and let you and everyone else know that everything will be fine in the end.” I stood back to my feet, “Come on. Let’s go back Carmen San Diego, I have one more thing to do for the little ones before heading out, I think you’ll like it.”
“What is Carman San Diego?”
“No, where is Carmen San Diego.”
“Huh?” She looked confused as I took off running. She quickly followed, running side by side with Arthur with impressive speed and agility for her age.
We approached the meadow for the last time and I drank it in like a tasty health potion.
The sun was now shining down on us, casting shadows to the Earth. The trees were covered in leaves and a brilliant array of flowers grew throughout the meadow which was the size of 3 or maybe 4 football fields.
Amy had everyone gathered on the far side, I ran up in front of them and removed my new spear or assegai, which apparently is a type of spear?
“Okay everyone! Stand back a bit, it might get windy!” I waited for a bit to make sure everyone was out of range behind me.
I took a few steps lowering myself to the ground as a burst of wind expelled from my core to travel through my arms before transferring seamlessly into my weapon. I slashed a large arc an inch above the ground.
A wide blade of air traveled out of my assegai, crossing the meadow while cutting down the weeds and tall grass. I repeated the process a few more times to clear out a third of the meadow before jabbing out gusts that carried the clippings away in a vortex. The breeze crossed the field dying down as it hit the hill on the other side and leaving us with the smell of fresh cut grass.
I looked back to wide eyes and mouths agape. I grabbed a soccer ball and kicked it into the air yelling, “Game On!”
The boys and girls, young and old all ran into the field, laughing and screaming as they kicked soccer balls and playground kick balls between each other, Oli and Tay Tay joined in.
One older boy tossed a football to another who was ‘going long’, while some smaller boys and girls ran out and fell on the grass, facing up to look at the perfectly clear sky.
One boy just fell over and started steamrolling through the grass, which made me howl with laughter.
Some yelled thank you as they passed but I could tell they were all happy as the sounds of the meadow were pure joy.
I drank in the laughter and watched them play, Arthur joined my side and I took a knee, “We did a good job here, didn’t we?”
He pushed his weight into me as I gave him an awkward hug, “Jeez you’re getting big!”
I took a deep breath, “Well... I guess it’s time to go. Sorry Puck... You can stay here, if you want.” I offered, not wanting to take anyone away from this paradise.
With his intelligence being what it is I can’t command him to follow me, he deserves to live the life he wants.
“Rrruff, Rruff!” He jumped up pushing me with his two front paws like always.
“Alright buddy, you and me then.”
I walked to the adults behind me, shaking everyone’s hand. Jared gave me another awkward bro hug and Eli as well, although I think he did it because he got a kick out of seeing me awkward and out of my element.
“Take Care!”
“Woof Woof Woof!”
I yelled out with Arthur, waving my arm overhead as we disappeared Southbound into the Green Mountains.