As the victorious army marched forward, Jason walked with his gaze lowered, his mind lingering on Dreagon's words. The weight of them settled heavily on his shoulders, like an echo refusing to fade.
A gentle tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts.
"Hey, Jason."
He turned to see Anna smiling beside him. "Oh. Hey, Anna."
"You… okay?" Her gaze searched his, concern laced in her voice.
Jason hesitated for a moment before looking up. "I'm just… glad everything's over. I hope things stay this way."
Anna grinned and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Don't worry, delivery boy. Dreagon's gone, and we're at peace with the dragons now. If you ask me, today's been amazing."
Jason managed a small smile. "Yeah."
She studied him for a moment before smirking and punching his chest lightly. "Hey, when we get back, could you teach me the first steps in the arrrtttt of baking?"
Jason raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "The 'art of baking'? Is that what you're calling it now?"
"Come on. Are you going to show me or not?"
Jason smiled, a warmth returning to his expression. "Sure. I'd be happy to."
They shared a brief, lingering glance before a voice called from behind.
"Hey, brother."
Jason turned to see Adam approaching. "Adam. Glad to see you're alright."
Adam ruffled his hair, grinning. "You too." Then, he turned to Anna. "Hey, you don't mind if I steal him for a second, right?"
Anna waved a hand dismissively. "Sure. No problem." She turned back to Jason. "See you at the bakery." With that, she leaped into the air, soaring above the marching soldiers.
As she flew, her gaze drifted downward. Spotting Connor and Jack, she maneuvered to fly beside them.
Connor glanced over and smiled. Anna returned it, the two flying forward in silence, the wind carrying them ahead.
Later that evening, Jason pushed open the door to the bakery, the familiar scent of flour and warmth wrapping around him like an old friend. Inside, Grandpa Mark wiped his hands with a cloth, but upon seeing Jason, he dropped it without hesitation and embraced him tightly.
"I heard the news from the others. Are you alright, Jason?"
Jason smiled faintly, returning the hug. "I'm fine, Grandpa. Sorry for coming late. I hung out with Adam for a while."
"That's alright, kiddo. I'm just glad you're safe."
A moment of silence settled between them, then, at the same time, they both spoke.
"Can we talk?"
They both chuckled.
"You go first, Grandpa," Jason said with a grin.
Mark shook his head, crossing his arms. "No way, kiddo. You first. I insist."
Jason hesitated, then took a breath. "I know I said we should move forward for Stacey… but it's so difficult. The thought that I could have saved her—hurts every time."
Mark remained silent, listening intently.
Jason continued, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his chest. "Ever since I discovered these powers, I've learned so much—the strength they bring, the responsibility that comes with them. I thought I had to carry the burden alone, but I've realized… I don't have to."
He looked into his grandfather's eyes, his voice softer but resolute. "I have Anna, Connor and… maybe Jack, to help me on this journey. But more importantly, I have you to look after me."
He placed his hands on his grandfather's shoulders, his gaze firm. "Grandpa, I need you to promise me. No more secrets. I know you want to protect me, but I can take it, no matter how much it hurts."
Mark's expression softened, and he nodded. "I promise, Jason. No more secrets."
They embraced once more, the bond between them unbreakable.
Then, the door burst open. "Aye, Jason!"
Boris strode in, wrapping Jason in a bone-crushing hug. "Come here, you little lad!"
Jason coughed, laughing as he pried himself free. "Nice to see you too, Boris."
Mark's attention shifted to the noise coming from outside. "What's going on, Boris?"
With a grin, Boris threw open the door. As Jason and Mark stepped outside, they were met with the sight of a massive crowd gathered before the bakery, their faces beaming with excitement.
"What's happening?" Jason asked, puzzled.
Boris clapped a hand on his shoulder. "We heard that the king is holding an event to honor our heroes tomorrow. But before that, the people wanted to honor you first! Isn't that right, everyone?!"
A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd. Jason stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sheer gratitude radiating from them.
Nearby, Anna, Connor, and Jack stepped outside, eyes widening at the gathering.
"Whoa! Look at all these people," Anna whispered in awe.
Boris stepped forward, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Tonight, we celebrate these four individuals! Not only is our kingdom saved, but dragons are no longer our enemies! Let the festivities begin!"
The streets erupted with music, dancing, and laughter. People clapped, cheered, and embraced, their joy infectious.
Jason watched in amazement, shaking his head with a soft smile. "This kingdom… is truly wonderful," he thought.
Anna suddenly grabbed his hand. "Come on, delivery boy. Let's dance!"
She pulled him into the crowd, and they spun into the rhythm of the celebration, their laughter blending with the music.
From a distance, Connor watched the scene, a satisfied smile on his face. Then, he noticed Jack quietly walking away.
"Hey, where are you going? Everyone's celebrating."
Jack glanced over his shoulder. "No thanks. I just want to head somewhere. I'll be back tomorrow for the event."
"You sure?"
Jack looked ahead. "Don't worry. Besides, I've never been a party person anyway."
With that, he soared into the night sky. Connor watched him disappear into the horizon before glancing up at the moon, its glow bathing the kingdom in silver light.
The next morning, the kingdom of Camelot stirred with excitement. The streets leading to the castle overflowed with people, banners of gold and crimson fluttering in the wind. Cheers rang through the air as anticipation built for the grand ceremony.
Jason, Anna, and Connor stood by the castle gates, watching the sea of people grow larger by the minute.
"This really is a special event, huh?" Anna mused.
Jason spread his arms wide. "I mean, look at all these people! It's incredible."
Connor chuckled, his eyes scanning the crowd. "I wonder when Jack's going to show up."
As if on cue, Jack landed smoothly beside them, dusting off his shirt. "Hey. Just in time."
Anna grinned. "Great timing. Alright, let's head inside. I heard there's lots of chicken."
Jason shook his head at her excitement as they made their way forward—but Jack didn't move.
"Actually… you guys go on ahead. I'll… catch up." His voice was steady, but a bead of sweat trickled down his temple.
Jason paused, glancing at him. "Oh. Alright then."
Anna and Jason continued into the castle, but Connor hesitated, casting Jack one last look before following them inside.
Moments later, Jack found himself wandering the empty hallway of the castle. The grand paintings lining the walls stared down at him, their eyes holding untold stories of past rulers. He exhaled, his breath unsteady. His fists clenched at his sides.
Then, he turned a corner and collided with a maid carrying a tray of plates and glasses. With swift reflexes, he grabbed her by the waist before she could hit the ground and steadied the tray with his other hand, miraculously keeping everything intact.
The maid blinked up at him, stunned. For a moment, neither spoke.
Then she groaned, whispering to herself, "Stupid Helena. Stupid, stupid."
She adjusted herself and bowed slightly. "I am so sorry. I was careless."
Jack handed her the tray. "No, it's my fault. I wasn't paying attention."
She studied him for a moment. "Wait… aren't you one of the Elementiels?"
Jack nodded, shifting uncomfortably. "Yeah. I was just… looking around before joining the others."
"Oh, I see. Well… the event's about to start. You'd best be going."
Jack took a step forward, then stopped. His fists tightened before he turned back to her. "Hey."
She looked at him, surprised.
"No matter how hard things seem right now… eventually," he hesitated, then gave her a warm, charming smile, "everything's going to be alright."
Her eyes widened, a faint pink dusting her cheeks as he walked away. "Huh…?"
At the entrance to the throne room, Jason, Anna, Connor, and Alina stood waiting. Jack approached just as Anna turned to him.
"Jack, what took you so long? The king is about to announce us!" she said, bouncing with excitement.
Alina fidgeted nervously. "I… I don't know about this, guys. I shouldn't be here."
Connor smiled reassuringly. "What do you mean? Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to separate Darius and restore peace. You deserve to be here as much as any of us."
Alina hesitated, looking at Jason and Anna. Their smiles held nothing but encouragement. Taking a deep breath, she managed a small smile in return. "Thanks."
Then, the king's voice boomed through the chamber. "And now, let me call forth the ones who made our victory possible…"
Anna lit up. "Alright, guys! This is our moment."
"The Elementiels!"
The grand doors swung open, revealing the throne room bathed in golden light. The hall was packed with nobles, knights, and citizens. A wave of applause and cheers erupted as they stepped forward, the sound almost overwhelming.
Grandpa Mark's voice carried over the crowd. "That's my grandson!!"
As they approached the throne, they took in the sight before them—a regal white-and-gold throne, the kingdom's counselors standing beside it. Next to the king, Princess Emily sat, her gaze filled with admiration.
King Arthur smiled as they kneeled before him. "Today, we honor these fine individuals for all they have done for this kingdom. Words alone cannot express our gratitude."
A knight stepped forward, presenting a velvet-lined box. Inside, five gleaming golden medals rested.
"To show our appreciation, we award you these medals, symbols of unity."
The king took the first medal in hand. "Come forth, Alina Layla."
Alina's cheeks flushed as she stepped forward.
"Thank you for the potion. I am certain Merlin himself would be proud." Arthur placed the medal around her neck.
Alina bowed slightly. "Hopefully, Your Majesty."
As she stepped back, Anna eagerly took her place.
"Annabelle Wayra! The Chicken Lord!"
Laughter erupted through the hall. Anna puffed out her chest proudly as the king chuckled, placing the medal around her neck.
"I hope we can still have our rematch?"
Anna smirked. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'm ready when you are."
Connor, meanwhile, stole a glance at Jack. He noticed the sweat on his friend's forehead, the slight tremble in his hands..
Before he could say anything, the king turned to him. "Connor Aman Adetokunbo."
Connor stepped forward, bowing respectfully. Arthur placed the medal around his neck. "I trust you are enjoying your time in Camelot?"
Connor smiled. "Camelot is an amazing kingdom, and its people are truly blessed to have you as their ruler."
The king nodded, pleased, as Connor returned to the group.
Then, Jack hesitated before stepping forward.
Arthur took the medal in hand, but before placing it, he looked at Jack curiously. "Forgive me, I did not catch your full name."
Jack stiffened. His eyes darted left and right, then he sighed. His voice came quiet, yet firm.
"My name… is Jack. Jack Griffith."
The hall fell into a stunned silence.
Whispers erupted among the nobles. "What did he just say?" "He's a Griffith?" "No way!"
Jason, Anna, Connor, and Alina stared at him, eyes wide with shock.
Anna's jaw practically hit the floor. "What?!"