To never come back

Go back to where you held armor against your skin

Don't sink, just swim towards the storm

And once again, you'll be reborn

Daughter

The Hawk's festival

I dressed up in front of the mirror. My hair was stuck in a ponytail. I wore my mother's order, a blazer, a white dress shirt, dress pants and my non-dress shoes but who cares? I still don't understand why my mom decided to be so kind and not give me a hideous dress.

People from all kinds of kingdoms started to fill the streets. Each, with their own ostentation. Bards cheered the streets and the smell of food from the stalls rose on my porch, making my belly growl.

Until i leave, it was going to be a long day.

I was watching the crowd for a while and enjoying the Sun, when Pogo with Hal and Draneve called me down. I went downstairs and opened the door.

— What do you guys want?

— We managed to triangulate Cardallamith's position. — Said Hal. He wore a black suit along with a white dress shirt. It had a ponytail like Aldren. — Maybe your friend is there, do you want to come?

— After yesterday's failure? No way. — I was already closing the door when Draneve put his foot preventing.

— Look, what happened it's not your fault! Everyone screwed up.

— And you were the first to find out what's going on! — Said Pogo.

I started to consider that. It was kind of a dream adventure. But then i remembered my father. I would prove that i would be able to get far, by going around the world. And with proves.

— Not yet interested. And even with all this shit going on, i will, travel.

— Well, we're only going out at night. Want to have some fun before? — Said Hal, offering his hand.

I looked at his hand and then at them. I ended up giving in. The next few hours would be filled with a lot of dance, theater and other things that only one of Erlee's majors festival could offer.

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— It is with great pleasure that i announce the 45th arrival of the Hawk!

Polite applause came from the people around. Being above all of them was a strange feeling, all eyes were almost on me.

— For the first time, we have the exclusive presence of Lincoln Light, King of Light Sea everybody! — Continued my father. In the spotlight he even looked like a nice guy. Across the square, Lincoln waved while drinking a glass of some drink, accompanied by more applauses. — I will be straight. We will have a rare event today, the plankton current that will shine the entire sea at Erlee!

This time, celebrations and cries of happiness filled the place.

— For more information, just talk to my assistant. Enjoy the festival! — Zella took the microphone from his hand and my dad came over to me and Phely. — We have to make a good impression for Lincoln. Earn his trust while… Hey! Beatrice! Come back here, now! Argh, whatever…

I went downstairs and searched for Brassara. She was with her parents, wearing a soft blue dress with some ice crystals. Knowing, she was forced to use that. Andrei e Groman wore suits in the same color as Brassara's and were matching.

When she caught my eye, she looked at her parents and covertly, out of their reach. I started to go after her.

— Heeeeey! — Called Brassara from behind some barrels.

— Hi, what happened? — I asked, hugging her. — I haven't seen you in two days!

— First of all, where did you get this outfit? You are so cool!

— Believe it or not i went through a lot to get this here. So, you're still coming with me, right?

— Of course, you dummy! Did you think i would let you down?

— Albion just did.

— WHAT!? — She looked around and spoke quietly. — I'm going to break this guy's face. But first, i need some clothes, let's go to your house!

— Wow, won't you even buy me a dinner before!?

She rolled her eyes.

— Come on, we'll leave after i get dressed! — She took a peek at the crowd in the square. — All clear, let's go!

She took my hand and we started walking, avoiding bumping into people. We opened the mansion door and went up to the bedroom.

— Have you already put the supplies on the beach? — Asked, as she took off her dress and dressed in some of my black shirts. Brassara being Brassara, i turned my face to the wall.

— Yes, like two weeks ago! — I said.

— Okay, take my hand, your journey begins, this time for real, now!

She was wearing my beige pants and my other pair of boots. I took your hand and we teleported to the other side of the island.

Ships were moored off the coast, on the horizon, however, i didn't see the usual Erlee ships, passing by. The moon touched the ocean.

On the beach, people seemed to be preparing for war. Dwarves, Elves and others diversour races assumed their positions, most of them, in fact, all, wore different armor. Coincidentally we fell close to the guard.

— What the hell is happening? — Me and Brassara asked, at the same time.

— THEY TOOK ZOE AND KILLED ROY! WE GONNA KILL THEM! — Shouted Indigo, being accompanied by others around.

— Wait, do all these people know Zoe?

— And Roy?

Blue fire came out of the Albion dragon's nostrils. Your pet wore a red pirate bandana just like its owner.

— Well, some were friends of Roy and others are the ones who have a fight with the people who took Zoe. — Said Albion. — But i can't say who is who's who, this is a real mess…

— So Cardallamith's soldiers are still here on the island? Where's Heaven?

— Woah, hang on there, who is ''Cardallamith''? — Asked Brassara. — I can't even go out for 2 days and you have a lot of trouble!

— And if my calculations are correct… — Said Erin, checking the the watch. — He will attempt a direct attack in 5… 4… 3… 2…

Everyone was silent, waiting. Time passed and everything still looked as it was.

— Oh! Well… Guess i was wro…

Screams started to come from the village and it started to get really hot out of nowhere. An orange light appeared from behind the mountains. War cries echoed from those present and began run towards the village.

— Will you come? — Asked Erin, adjusting the katana holster.

— I can't, i'm leaving now with Brass… — A hunting knife was between her teeth and she had her sleeves rolled. She looked at me a little guilty.

The knife handle froze when she pulled it out of her mouth.

— Look, i really want to go with you but everyone knows that this a journey that you must take alone!

— And are you changing your mind just because an Elf Lord wants to destroy the world?

— Wait, so this is what is happening? Holy crap!

Part of me already knew that, yes, this was a journey to go alone. Dragging my friends would only cause problems for them, more than it already did.

— Ok. Go freeze some of those rascals for me.

— You can count on it! — Brassara sided with Erin and looked at me. — Good luck!

She put her hand on his shoulder and disappeared. I looked around. Now i was the only person on the beach.

My boat was the smallest of the ships around. It had a white screen and was attached to the sand by a rope. I climbed on it and started to check if everything was in a compliance. When i finished, the sea started to shine in a shade of various colors. I pulled the strings and hoist the sail.

I was happy to finally be leaving Thunderville and sad to not be with my friends.

While handling the wheel i pulled out my passport. The first stop was Aerileon north of Erlee. I checked the compass stuck in the wood. I was going to the right direction.

I didn't even bother to look back.

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I was sleeping in the lamplight when i felt a nudge. In fact, several nudges.

— WAKE UP, THEY FILLED THE SHIP WITH EXPLOSIVES! — Screamed Heaven. Wait, what Heaven is doing here!?

— WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT????? — Time passed more slowly as i smelled gunpowder and flew into the air. I couldn't tell if i was dead or passed out.