25 Changes (1/2)
Will and the others returned after getting Jake a wardrobe to put in one of the empty rooms. Seeing his reaction when he saw the mansion was enough to put a smile on Will's face. He had almost instantly warmed up to Jake, besides his shortcomings in life, he seemed like an interesting person to have around. Having been on the streets, Jake had to have at least a little bit of fighting experience in order to protect what was his so Will decided to put it to the test within a few days.
Having settled Jake into his new room, Will went to find Michael in order to update him on what had happened. He was slightly prepared for anything that might happen. Should his uncle disagree with his actions, he would use his money in which Michael gave him to set up a rent payment per month. He would not accept that Jake wouldn't be able to stay, should it come to that.
Searching the manor, Will found Michael in the garden room. As soon as he entered, he was in awe. It seemed as though he fit a small lawn within the mansion. It was nothing but grass and trees everywhere, as if summer time only existed within that particular part of the building while outside was nothing but a winter wonder land.
Michael was sitting on a bench drinking tea when Will found him. A decent sized tree was giving him shade from the artificial sun in which kept everything green. ”William you've finally returned.” Michael said with a smile almost as bright as the room was. ”Tell me how your day off went.” Patting on the bench next to him, he invited Will to take a seat.
Will started with telling him how much shopping Bianca had put him through. Showing his clearly evident distaste for the task Michael couldn't help but laugh. Will then told him about meeting Jake.
”What exactly did you feel when you saw him?” Michael asked, curious as to why his nephew was so captivated by one homeless person. It seemed as though he was waiting for an answer that he already knew.
”When I saw him, I felt like it was my obligation to help him.” Will said honestly. ”When the men came to us and shoved their knives in his face, I couldn't exactly allow it to happen.” Will had a look of mixed feelings. ”I put the men in their place and asked Jake to join us here and help with my training,” fidgeting with his hands, he waited to see if Michael was going to say anything. After a moment of silence, Will took another breath. ”I saw strength in him,” He said as he looked at Michael. ”I saw that he would be someone I would want on my side later.” With that, he waited for his uncle's response.
”You sound more like your father than you know,” Michael said after a long drawn out sigh. ”Before you and your mother left, he was also looking for people with strong values in order to change the kingdom.” Michael looked at Will with a look of complex emotions. ”You are going to be a very important person very soon William, you need to be the one to pick out your supporters.” Michael smiled as he saw Will's face brighten ever so slightly. ”Your friend can stay as long as you wish him to, I feel like you need a change in sparring partners anyway.” He said as he got up. ”You might want to integrate Bianca into the training as well, I feel like she would benefit as well.” Will was instantly confused as he thought of his uncles parting words.
Why would he spar with Bianca? It wasn't a sexist thing, but he didn't think she had any fighting experience whatsoever. Though sooner or later she would need to be able to defend herself, so it wouldn't be too bad of an idea to get her started. Pulling out his phone, he sent a flame into it and thought of Bianca. Within moments, a picture of her in the dining room with Jake showed up.
”Bianca, take Jake outside by the pond, I'll be there in just a moment.” With that, he let the picture dim before he put the phone back in his pocket. As soon as he sent the message, he went to the gym in which she showed him before they left to go shopping and grabbed three wooden swords.
Will arrived outside first, so he had a moment to think about what he was going to tell them. He knew that sooner or later, they would be put in the same position as Maya, where the cloaks would have them surrounded. If they didn't know how to protect themselves, they were as good as dead. He could only be in so many places at once, and he was just starting to get the hang of his own power. Ensuring that they could take care of themselves would allow him to focus on the fight in front of him instead of at all sides.
Bianca and Jake appeared from the entrance to the manor. Will could tell just by the look on Jake's face that he was worried. He didn't know why he was summoned to the outside of the manor and he was thinking the worst. Will would have to apologize to him later for the misunderstanding. Within moments, both of them were in front of him, obviously confused as to why he had swords in the snow next to him.
”First thing I would like to say,” Will started his explanation with a smile. He turned to Jake first. ”You have been allowed to stay, just as I said you were.” He had to smile when he saw the look of relief on Jake's face. Will understood that what he had given the man was something no one could truly expect. ”Secondly,” Will continued, his smile vanishing, replaced by a look of seriousness. ”Both of you are going to start training alongside me.” He saw Bianca's face light up as he continued his instructions. ”Michael and myself understand the situation that we are in, unfortunately with both of you here you have also been added into the equation.” Will said as he looked at the two of whom he had been entrusted with. ”I would not be at peace unless I know you two will be able to handle yourselves in situations that call for action. Of course you have a choice in the matter, as soon as you feel this life is too hard, you can leave.” Looking at the two, he couldn't help but remember when he was in the same position, asking Michael to make him stronger.
”I told you I was in,” Bianca was the first to speak up. ”No matter how dangerous, I won't leave your side.” She gave him a serious look as she picked up one of the training swords that were sitting on the ground. Will smiled at her, he knew her resolve to stay with him. One of the things he had always respected about her was her sense of justice, she didn't even question why Jake got in the car to come back with them, nor did she complain about the money they spent on him.