My Story

 Leo found out that, apparently, keeping you mana flow open really was a bad idea. It took him over a week to fully recover. Much to both Zen and Sophia’s chagrin, but they settled. He wasn’t allowed to leave the medical tent in that time, but everyone kept him company. Lupa and Zen visited him the most. Sophia came by one time to reprimand him and apparently wanted to know the name of the plastic piece at the end of his shoelace(the aglet) confirming his suspicions that she indeed stole his shoes. Even the warriors from the hunt also stopped by. He tried to tell them that Lupa probably embellished some of what he did.

Finally he was out. Fully recovered and Healer approved. He thank them for their time and went to go look for his friends. He didn’t have to look for Zen though as she was already ready for him. He decided not to embarrass her about him being called “Dad” and all that. Still it really has been a wild ride with the assassin girl. What started as an obligation really felt personal when she was kidnapped by Tiberius. He lost his cool, but was intently focused. Enough to personally kill the Demon. Sure he didn’t get “Mom strength”and all that, but it solidify one thing. It was going to be him and Zen till the end during this journey… Well, until she discovers boys. He really hopes he doesn’t become a stereotypical overprotective father.

Speaking of which… he had to confront Lupa. During his stay in the medical tent he realized she stayed with him the first night. Then all the other times she visited she seemed extra happy that he was awake to talk to her. They talked about her travels and other things. She even said that she might have to triple his training when he got out. He wanted to deny that she could have some feeling for him, but apparently the mana awaking was very intimate, so he really wanted to confirm.

They found her back at her house in the training area and she waved them over.

“So you’re a free man now huh?”
Leo laughed, “Yeah, looks like it.”

“You got what you came for right? Guess you won’t be staying for the ceremony then huh?” She asked a little down.

“It’s tonight right?” He looked to Zen who nodded agreeing to what he was thinking. “I’m sure we can convince Sophia that we can stay one more day.”

“Good, cause I don’t give out invitations to just anybody!” She said laughing.

“I’m sure you don’t.” Taking a deep breath Leo ask, “Say Lupa… if you aren’t going to stay in the village would you… like to join our party? We could use the help since I will probably need to face more demons.”

Lupa stared for a hard second, then looked towards Zen. “You really asking me to join your party?”

Zen nodded and Leo confirmed, “Well yeah, an A-rank like you. Who wouldn’t want to travel with you?”

“A lot of people Leo… a lot.” She said looking dow before smacking herself in the cheeks, “But if I do you have to fulfill one condition.” She then pointed at him.

“Uh… sure… what condition?”

“I don’t do things in half measures so… I like you! You have to go out with me if you want me to travel with you!”

The blood then rushed to Leo’s face asking, “Whhhat? Seriously why me?”

“That’s easy Leo, cause I like fighting with ya! You don’t back down when you think you can win. You stuck out my training that everyone I ever train runs away from. You listen to what I say and like that I travel and love my village. You are even willing to travel with ‘Lunatic Lupa’ because you fight just as crazy as I do. So don’t doubt yourself while I’m around ya! I’ll keep wiping you into shape!” There it was the ever fiery passion of Lupa. Leo than began to laugh, “Hey! I’m pouring my heart out here!”

“Sorry, sorry. I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at myself. Because a couple months ago I might have ran away. But yeah Lupa, I’d be honored to go out with you.” Yeah Leo had changed. If it doesn’t work out in the end, well at least he said he tried.

“That’s the spirit Leo!” Lupa said still red in the face before she pulled him into a hug. Despite her bravado she was only willing to go this far.

“Do I have to call her Auntie?” Zen asked.

The two then looked at each other then to themselves and began to laugh.

XxXx

That night the open theater was packed with the people of the village. Sophia and Zen were actually invited to join after everything they did to help. Luckily they repaired the damage. Leo looked up to see the full moon shining down. He was then approached by Lucius.

“My daughter informed me that you would be courting her.”

Leo let out a nervous laugh, “It seems so. Honestly she tells me, but I still don’t get what she sees in me. But if it is her, I want to see if I could prove her right in choosing me.”

Lucius nods, “You don’t have to go down there. There is no reason now. You have the shard and Lobos vouches for you.”

“I know…” He looked at the crowd and at the Great Spirit Lobos waiting in their wold form. “This is something I have to do. Something I want to do. If I want to save this world I need to prove that I am here, not just for my sake.”

“And for who’s other’s sake do you do this for?”

“As a father you probably already know.” His eyes land on Zen in the crowd. “That’s who I personally have to do this for. This is my story and I will tell it.”