71 A Test of Power (2/2)

Jake looked at his own pendant for a moment. The design was like a shadow of Will's own cross. ”I suppose you will share with the class later?”

Will nodded. ”Thank you for sparring with me.” He raised an eyebrow wittingly. ”Not the same result as last time, huh?” He lightly elbowed his brother's arm.

”I would say that.” Will heard a familiar voice from behind him.

Jonathan walked towards the crater from the city gate. ”That was cutting it a little close, don't you think?”

Will looked over to his dad and wore a sheepish grin. ”I didn't know what the damage would look like outside of my own mind.”

Will took in his dad's features. He had only seen him for a brief time during the war with Aremesis. Though he had seen Jonathan from time to time giving advice and orders in the king's stead, it was the first time he could actually talk to him since that moment.

Jonathan wore the usual brown leather duster and cowboy hat he had since Will had first seen him in Ebonhart. He had seen that same outfit countless times hanging up in his dad's study. He had always thought it was just inspiration for his novels. If he ever wore it in public, Will may have denied they knew each other.

”Good to see you again, dad.” Will said as he patted Jake on the shoulder and flew down to meet Jonathan. ”Glad to see you in a leadership position, like you were meant to be.” He said as he landed.

Jonathan was surprised for a moment. ”How did you know about that?” It wasn't a secret that he had taken over the training of the Crimson Knights, yet he didn't think Will had enough time since waking up to do the research.

Will waved his hand dismissively. ”I may have been asleep, but I've been keeping up to date with what's been going on.” He smiled slightly. ”You did well with the rioting citizens, I wouldn't have done anything differently.”

Jonathan had known Will was special since an early age, but he never would have guessed astral projection was one of his techniques. ”I guess there isn't much to catch you up on then.” He chuckled. He then knelt to the crater and put both hands on the edge.

Will watched with interest as his dad's hands glowed green. In moments, the green aura blanketed the crater. Dirt which flung itself over the training field from the blast came flying back to the crater. He filled the hole in a matter of moments, then grimaced as he poured more energy from his fingertips, restoring the lush green grass of the field. ”I'd appreciate it if next time you think before blowing a hole in the kingdom.” Jonathan said as he stood from the newly restored patch of earth.

”Right.” Will scratched his head sheepishly. It had been a while since he was scolded by his dad. ”I suppose you didn't just come to see the fight?”

Jonathan smiled slightly. ”I can't just come out to see how strong my son has become?” As he said the words, his smile dropped.

Jonathan looked at Will as if he were contemplating his next words. A pensive look appeared on his face.

”Dad,” Will said as he looked at the new patch of earth. ”It's okay, you know.” He too seemed to be trying to find the right words.

Walking to the earth sage, Will placed his hand on the brown duster clad shoulder.

”You should probably call me Jonathan now.” Jonathan said with a pained expression on his face. ”You know who your true father is now. My work is done.”

Will's expression softened at Jonathan's words. ”It's true.” He nodded his head. ”I am Prince William Ragnos the Second. The true heir to the throne of Ebonhart. The Crimson Prince.” His eyes bore into Jonathan's as he spoke his title. ”My father is the King of Ebonhart, Crown Capital of Crystallia.”

Will allowed the silence to sink in. No one dared speak out until he was finished.

Will saw a look of resignation within Jonathan's eyes. He was prepared for Will to announce what he had. It was only normal for royalty to return to the throne.

Will felt a tug on the jacket as Jonathan tried to turn and leave, but Will's hand kept him in place.

”You taught me to tie my shoes.” He said simply. ”You showed me the perfect cast. You brought me to my football games.” His grip tightened on Jonathan's shoulder. ”You were there for every birthday, and you were there for every heartbreak.”

Will saw his dad's eyes light with pride as he turned them back to him. ”It's true that King Ragnos is my father. He and my mother gave me life.” Will nodded as he spoke. ”But you are the one who taught me how to live life. You showed me the path to become the man I am today.”

Will embraced Jonathan for the first time in almost two years. ”It's easy to be a father, but much harder to be a dad.”

Jonathan felt tears welling up as his fears crumbled at his son's words.

”You will always be my dad.” Will released Jonathan and looked into his eyes. The same eyes that smiled upon him, scolded him and taught him almost his entire life.

”You will always be my son.” The earth sage rustled Will's hair. His face beamed with pride. ”And what a son you have turned out to be.”