Parting Promises

Bobe snarled, pointing a finger at Eleo. "Get him, boys!"

The Dirt Cheap Group sprang into action, their weapons raised. One particularly massive thug, towering over the others and wielding a giant hammer, stepped forward with a menacing grin.

"You're done, bunny boy," the big guy growled, swinging his hammer toward Eleo with enough force to crack the ground.

But Eleo grinned back, crouching low. "Too slow!" he taunted before leaping high into the air, his ears flapping dramatically behind him.

The big guy looked up just in time to see Eleo coming down like a missile. With a resounding WHAM, Eleo's foot slammed into his face, sending the giant thug flying backward into a stack of crates, which exploded into splinters.

The group froze in shock as the big guy groaned, knocked out cold. Eleo, however, didn't stick the landing. He flopped to the ground with a loud thud, sprawled out like a ragdoll.

"Ugh… I meant to do that," he muttered, rubbing his head as he scrambled to his feet.

Bobe's face twisted with anger. "What are you waiting for, you idiots? Attack this kid!"

The rest of the gang hesitated for a moment, glancing nervously at the groaning pile of muscle that was their strongest member. Then, with a collective yell, they charged toward Eleo, weapons raised.

Eleo dusted himself off, cracked his knuckles, and grinned. "Alright, who's next?"

The rest of the gang rushed at Eleo, weapons swinging wildly. But in a blur of motion, Eleo darted between them, his small frame making him impossible to hit.

One thug swung a bat, only for Eleo to duck and deliver a spinning kick to his shin, sending him toppling over with a yelp. Another tried to grab him from behind, but Eleo twisted out of his grip and slammed his elbow into the thug's stomach, leaving him gasping for air.

Within seconds, Eleo had taken down every single one of them, their groans filling the air as they lay in a heap.

Bobe stared in disbelief, his jaw practically on the ground. "God damn, why do I even pay you guys...?" He paused, rubbing his chin. "Wait a minute—I don't!"

Eleo dusted off his hands and looked at Bobe with a triumphant grin. "Alright, sir, I'll give you a choice: Either one, run away like a coward, or two, fight me like a man!"

Bobe's face twitched as he weighed his options. If I run, that means I ran like a kid from a kid!? His pride screamed at him not to back down, even if every other part of him knew he'd lose. With a resigned sigh, he muttered under his breath, "I guess I have no choice."

Bobe straightened up, pointing a shaky finger at Eleo. "Alright, kid. I'll fight you!"

Eleo smirked, raising his fists. "Finally, a real challenge!"

Bobe charged forward, swinging a rusty pipe with all his might. Eleo sidestepped effortlessly, his light feet bouncing across the dirt.

"Too slow!" Eleo teased, leaping into the air and aiming a quick jab at Bobe's arm.

Bobe grunted in pain, stumbling back but refusing to go down. "I ain't done yet!" he roared, hurling the pipe like a spear.

Eleo ducked, the pipe whizzing past his ears. "Whoa! That was close!" he said, sticking his tongue out cheekily.

Seizing the moment, Eleo darted forward, delivering a rapid flurry of punches to Bobe's midsection. The older man staggered, his pride and balance both crumbling.

With one final, dramatic leap, Eleo spun in the air, landing a playful but firm kick to Bobe's chest. The force sent the gang leader tumbling back into the pile of his unconscious goons.

Bobe groaned, raising a feeble hand in surrender. "Okay, okay, kid! You win! Just... don't kick me again..."

Eleo grinned, striking a victorious pose. "That's what happens when you mess with Eleo, the future strongest in the world!"

Bobe groaned as he rolled to his feet, glaring at his unconscious crew. "Get up, you fools!" he barked, kicking the nearest thug in the leg.

One by one, the groaning gang members staggered to their feet, clutching their bruises.

"Ugh… my back…"

"Is my nose broken?"

"I think I saw a bunny-shaped blur..."

"Shut it!" Bobe snapped, stomping his foot. "We're leaving!"

With one last glare at Eleo, Bobe waved his crew forward. They limped and stumbled away, muttering curses under their breath.

As soon as they were out of sight, Lucy and Abby ran up to Eleo, their faces lighting up with relief and joy.

"You did it, Eleo!" Abby shouted, throwing her arms around him.

Lucy followed, wrapping them both in a warm hug. "You actually did it! You saved us!"

Eleo stood proudly, his chest puffed out and his arms crossed, though his face was bright red from the sudden affection. "Of course I did! I'm Eleo, the future strongest in the world!"

Abby pulled back, her hands on her hips. "Well, I guess I was worried for nothing... even though you're still reckless."

"Reckless?" Eleo said, feigning offense. "That was pure skill!"

Lucy laughed, ruffling Eleo's ears. "Skill or not, thank you, Eleo. You really are something special."

Eleo beamed at her words, feeling invincible. "Alright, who's hungry? I worked up an appetite!"

Abby groaned. "You just ate all the carrots…"

"And now I need more!" Eleo said with a grin, already bounding back toward the house.

The next morning, Eleo stepped out of the house, his small frame bathed in the golden glow of the rising sun. The soft chirping of birds filled the crisp air as he stretched his arms high, pretending to grab the sun between his fingers. A gentle breeze ruffled his fur, and for a moment, he stood still, taking it all in.

"Eleo, wait!" Lucy called, running out with a small backpack in her hands. "Don't forget this!"

Eleo turned, smiling sheepishly. "Oh, I almost forgot," he said, taking the bag and slipping it on.

Abby walked up to him, her footsteps hesitant. "Hey, Eleo…" she started, her voice wavering.

Eleo turned to her with his usual grin. "Oh, Abby—" Before he could finish, Abby threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

Eleo froze, wide-eyed and unsure at first. But then, he relaxed, wrapping his arms around her in return. He felt her tears soaking into his shoulder, her small frame trembling against his.

"Abby…" he whispered, his voice soft, almost apologetic.

When she finally pulled back, her cheeks were streaked with tears, but she forced a smile. "Here," she said, holding out a small object.

Eleo tilted his head. "What is it?"

"It's a necklace," Abby said, her voice breaking slightly. "It's shaped like a fox… so you'll always remember me."

Eleo stared at it for a moment, his hand trembling slightly as he took it. He slipped it around his neck, the small pendant resting against his chest. He looked at Abby, his own eyes glistening. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Abby tried to keep her voice steady, though it cracked. "Promise you'll take care of yourself, okay? And don't forget us."

Eleo smiled, raising his fist toward her. "I won't forget. You're my best friend, Abby."

Abby's lips quivered into a small smile as she bumped her fist against his.

Lucy stood nearby, watching the exchange with misty eyes. She cleared her throat to hide her emotion. "Eleo, there's a dock nearby. Abby and I can walk you there, say our goodbyes properly."

Eleo nodded, his usual energy dampened by the weight of the moment. "Okay… let's go," he said softly, his voice lacking its usual spark.

They walked in silence, the three of them. The journey felt longer than it should have, every step heavier than the last. When they reached the dock, the salty air of the ocean greeted them.

The shop owner greeted them with a curious glance. "A boat? That'll be 50 coins."

Eleo's ears drooped. "Wow, that's a lot…"

Lucy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Eleo. You saved us. And you're a family friend. This one's on the house."

The shop owner smiled and nodded. "Fine by me. You can take one of the smaller ones."

Eleo grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks…"

The small boat creaked as he climbed in, his movements slow, almost hesitant. He turned to face Abby and Lucy, his backpack slung over his shoulder and the fox necklace glinting in the sunlight.

Abby wiped her eyes, sniffling. "I'll miss you, Eleo."

Eleo looked at her, his usual confidence faltering for the first time. "I'll miss you too, Abby," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Lucy stepped forward, her smile warm but sad. "Stay safe, Eleo. And don't forget—you'll always have a home here."

Eleo nodded, gripping the paddles. "I'll come back one day. I promise."

As he began to row away, Abby and Lucy waved, their voices breaking as they called out, "Bye, Eleo! Goodbye!"

Eleo turned back, waving with one hand while the other clutched the paddle. "Bye, guys! I'll see you again one day!"

The boat drifted further from the dock, and Eleo watched as the figures of Abby and Lucy grew smaller and smaller, their voices fading with the wind.

For the first time, Eleo felt the weight of what he was leaving behind, but he clenched his fist, his resolve hardening. "I'll make you proud," he whispered to himself, his eyes fixed on the horizon.