76 Confessions (1/2)

”Another Will?” The king rubbed his temples. Will could tell he was at the end of his wits. ”How could a son of mine who was raised by me turn out so evil?”

The king was dumbstruck. 'There can't be that big of difference between them. How can it be just my fault?' He thought as he stared at his son. ”You could have had any possibility of you were raised in your proper home.” A vein pulsated at the side of his head. Any thoughts of an evil son raised by him were like a hammer smashing into his pride.

”I know how you must feel, father.” Will tried to console him. ”I feel nothing but respect when I look at you. Your newfound unwavering strength is awe inspiring.” He allowed his suit of armor to resolve back into his cross, only leaving a black leather jacket with the royal emblem etched in gold on the back.

”Father,” Will spoke again softly. He knew what thoughts must have been circulating in his head. ”As you know, among others, my talent is unparalleled. Just knowing of Crystallia for almost two years, I've become quite formidable.” Will's words were carefully spoken. Not one trace of arrogance could be heard within his tone. ”Would I truly be satisfied growing in a kingdom with such immense power? I believe I needed to grow in a land where the mind was one's true source of power. I needed to be humbled, without this balance,” Will looked as though it hurt to say what he had to. ”I would never be satisfied.”

Jonathan leaned against an adorned pillar. His heart warmed as he listened to his son's words. 'We've raised him well, Isabelle.' He looked up and let out a breath of air.

”I believe given the time I've spent on earth, we can have a true father and son relationship in the future.” Will said with a smile in his eyes. Even though Jonathan would always be his dad, he still wished to know where he came from. He wanted to have a bond between blood.

King Ragnos's heart warmed with the honesty he heard within his son. There was no deception he could hear. ”Thank you, son.” He said in a soft tone. ”Whatever the threat, I will put you first. If this other Will dares to enter our world, there will be no rock he can hide behind.” Power poured out of the king as he resolved himself to the destined meeting. ”I will teach a lesson to the would be conquerer in his father's place.”

”I'll be there to help you with this goal.” Will said as he returned his father's gaze. No matter how long it would take, the promise between the two would be as solid as stone.

”We all will be there.” Maya said from behind Will as a pair of slender arms wrapped around him.

Feeling her touch, Will seemed to snap back to reality. ”Father, there are still so many things I need to do.”

”You've only just awoken, don't you think you should rest first?” King Ragnos looked concerned. He didn't want his son to over exert himself from pushing past his limits so soon. ”Don't forget, you are still a prince so long as I'm on the throne. We should have a feast to celebrate your return!” Worry was replaced with excitement at the prospect of having a celebration for his son's return. ”I still haven't been able to celebrate your return properly since our reunion.”

”I can agree with you.” Will nodded. ”Though, before we have our feast there's still a few things I have to do.” Will stood his ground. Though he his woke up, he wanted to see all of the changes within the kingdom with his own eyes. ”I need to go see Leo in Ember, I should be back within four days.” He looked at Maya with affection. ”We also need to move in to our new home.”

”You will be staying in Ember, then?” King Ragnos couldn't help but have a slightly dejected look. Will couldn't blame him. The old man had been alone in the castle for many years, most likely hoping to fill the rooms with his family.

”Don't worry father.” Will smirked mischievously as he slapped Maya in the rear. ”Your grandchildren will be playing in the courtyard in no time!”

”Will!” Maya yelped as she jumped five feet in the air. She rubbed her bottom as she glared at Will. Within all the time he had spent with her, Will couldn't recall a single moment where her face had been so red.

The king looked at the couple, dumbfounded for a moment. A minute passed without a whisper until something broke through the silence like a knife through butter. ”Haha...” A chuckle sounded from the throne. ”Hahahahaha!” The laughter then echoed through the throne room. ”I didn't think you had it in you!” He slapped the armrest of his throne.

Jonathan could only sigh inwardly while putting his face in his hand, his hat barely concealing a grin. 'Then again, he still has a long way to go.' He thought as he shook his head slightly.

”Right then.” Will stretched for a moment, then took Maya's hand in his. ”Could you spare a few horses and a carriage to pick up our furniture?”

”There will be no need for that, actually.” Jonathan regained his composure and openly showed a smile. ”Leo sent you a gift.”

Though Will had been around in astral form for so long, he didn't keep tabs on everyone at any given time, so even he was surprised when Jonathan told him Leo sent a present.

”Something that could rival a few carriages? Don't tell me he figured out a new method of transportation.” He knew he tasked Leo with the project before he began his training, but he couldn't have known it would take such little time.

”Yeah, that thing.” The king said awkwardly. ”We kept it in the stables for you, I guess we can have that stall back finally.”

”I know where it is,” Maya spoke up from behind Will. ”When you are ready, I can bring us there.”

”Is there anything else you need, father?” His gaze swept the king. The old man looked tired after all the information Will had given him.

”No, if you are ready to depart, then I'll see you when you return.” King Ragnos sighed inwardly. It would be some time before he would be able to reconcile with the fact that a son raised by him would turn out evil.