Chapter 5: We Thought He Got You

If you remember nothing else, then remember this. Always treasure your time with your loved ones with wild abandonment, If not for their sakes, then for your own. You never know how precious such a thing is until you’ve lost it.

Ryan watched Éclair as she made her way to her vessel and met with a kindly-looking old man in silver armor and white robes. The old man in silver armor ran to Éclair, scooped her up in his arms and embraced her. Ryan didn’t even sense any frustration or judgement in the old man’s demeanor, just benevolent concern. Ryan expected the man to scold her, but he never did. It was as if the man had known all along what Éclair had just been through, and he reasoned that her ordeal was punishment enough.

Oh, what am I thinking, that’s just silly. Even Elementals don’t know everything, right?

Ryan was still puzzling over the exchange as the man led Éclair to the ship’s ramp followed closely by an entourage of guards. Éclair looked happy to be with the man that Ryan could only guess was her godfather. More than happy, she seemed ecstatic. For some reason, the two of them complemented each other, like twin stars shining so bright, everything seemed dark in comparison. Ryan wondered if Éclair had been wrong about the man not being her real father. But then again, with his large, white beard, the old geezer looked far too ancient to have sired a daughter so young. And yet at the same time, his agile movements made him seem ageless, as if time had no hold on him.

Ryan awakened from his contemplations as the ship’s engines roared to life, and he realized with a growing sense of depression that this would be the last time he would see Éclair. He watched the back of her silver head as she stepped across the threshold to the vessel on the verge of takeoff. She turned right to the bush where he hid and waved at him with a smile. He waved back at her as a tear rolled down his cheek. And then the portal closed. The vessel vanished into the sky just as quickly as it had come. She was gone.

            Ryan quickly pushed back any feelings of despair. No! It won’t be forever! We’ll see each other again someday…someday when we’re both Elementals of the Tarrus Empire just like we promised each other! Then Ryan remembered the fact that it was now nighttime and that he’d stayed out most of the night. His parents weren’t going to be happy. I only hope they let me live long enough to become an Elemental!

Miraculously, he survived. As soon as he walked in the door, Brianna grabbed him frantically, nearly tackling him. Ryan could tell from the red in her eyes that she’d been crying for hours. He felt so bad, he wanted to crawl in a dark hole somewhere and die. She got on her knees and hugged him fiercely, all the while sobbing even more fiercely. Ryan had never seen his mother so miserable in his life. Plus, he thought he could hear her saying something funny in between sobs. It sounded like, “We thought he got you! We thought he got you!”

            Right at that moment, Richard came through the door with the scariest look on his face that Ryan had ever seen. Ryan’s father had been replaced by a creature of such deep intensity that he actually seemed a little frightening. As Richard focused on Brianna and Ryan, his expression changed to utter relief. Richard fell to the floor, wrapping his large arms over the both of them.

They stayed like that for a while; mother, father, and son embracing each other in a triangle of intimacy. It might’ve been awkward for Ryan if he hadn’t been so thankful to be alive. Then the moment ended as Ryan’s father broke the contact and looked at him sternly. Judgement day had come at last. 

            “Where were you? Your mother and I were driven half-mad with worry. I had the whole colony going crazy looking for you. Do you realize what could have happened if you stayed away too long … if you went past the border? Don’t you know that-”

            Ryan’s mother raised a hand to shush Richard. Ryan’s father visibly cooled a little, but he didn’t seem any less intimidating. His father then fixed him with his piercing red eyes, and Ryan thought that not even an Ogre Clown could’ve been scarier.

            “What do you have to say for yourself, young man?”

            Ryan gulped. How could he put something like this into words? His father had disciplined him before when he was bad, but never angrily. But this felt different somehow. The sheer emotion emanating from his father seemed palpable.

He almost looks scared, which is almost as bad as ‘Mount-fall-to-your-death.’ Not only is dad just about the toughest guy in the universe, but he’s also pretty much the toughest guy in the universe! I just can’t imagine dad being afraid of anything or anybody, except maybe mom.

With an alarming sense of foreboding, Ryan carefully explained his little misadventure into Pinnfar Woods. He thought his mom would faint when he skimmed through the part about the cliff; he toned it down just a little so she wouldn’t have a heart attack. Ryan’s father listened objectively with an indiscernible expression. As Ryan finished his story, his parents visibly sighed, as if nearly falling to one’s death was just some run-of-the-mill kid mischief.

His father then turned to his wife with his serious, grown-up face. “It wasn’t what we thought it was.”

 “So, young man,” started Brianna wryly. “What were the words you used to describe this mystery girl of yours? Oh, yes; the ‘silver-haired princess’.”

Ryan started turning purple again. “I-I didn’t say that. What’re you crazy, woman? I’m nine years old for crying out loud.”

Instead of coming to his aid, Ryan’s father only laughed at his despair.

TRAITOR, Ryan wanted to tell his dad.

“Heh, heh, heh! Nine years old and already a heartbreaker! That’s my son for you! Chip off the old block!”

Ryan’s mother punched him in the shoulder playfully. “Oh, stop it, Richard! If I remember correctly, you were no Casa Nova. It took you forever to ask me out, and even then, I had to practically spoon-feed you every step of the way.”

Richard grinned sheepishly, much in the same way that Ryan did. “What can I say, dear? You do whatever works for you. Am I right, kid? Huh … huh?” Richard shoved his son playfully as he and Brianna shared a laugh.

Ryan had absolutely no idea what either of them were talking about, but since they seemed to be in such a good mood he thought he might as well try to milk this cow for all its worth. “So, does this mean we’re good? You know, I feel like I’ve learned soooo much from this experience, and punishment would only deter my spiritual growth and wel-being, don’t you think so too?”

            The parents both stopped laughing. Ryan’s father lost a bit of his human quality to take on a more lizard likeness. “Oh, we’re always good, son. But every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You disobeyed us and almost got yourself thrown off a cliff. Do you really think you can just sweep that under the rug?”

            Shoot me in the face! If I’d just kept my mouth shut, they might’ve forgotten. Put that down as a future mental note. Never tell the truth to parents!

            As Richard beckoned Ryan, the boy shuffled forward like a man facing his executioner. The spanking that followed was worse than Ryan thought it’d be. He didn’t think he’d be able to sit right for a week after the pounding his dad gave his backside. And if that wasn’t enough, his mom brought out the wheel of pain just to further his torment.     

That’s not fair! Usually they gave me one or the other; dad’s wrath, or mom’s creative will of torture that promises an indeterminate fate!

The wheel of pain was an old dart board with different words taped to each of the colored sections. They balanced the board on a nail, and whichever section pointed to Ryan would be his punishment. Father held the special privilege of writing down his most diabolical torture schemes, from making Ryan eat wild troll-cat liver to massaging his father’s feet. Ryan preferred the former considering that his father’s toenails were sharp as knives. Plus, the weird toe jam that got stuck in between his old man’s toes gave Ryan the willies.

This time, the wheel of pain landed on a special item that was one of mom’s more devious creations. Enough sentences to last him a week. As terrible as his dad’s toes were, Ryan knew that the sentences were by far the worst fate that he could endure. At least with dad, he could get it over with quickly. Writing sentences was prolonged punishment.

That’s just inhumane! I know they must have it rigged somehow! Ryan spent several hours after that writing over and over again the sentence, ‘I will not sneak out.’ It may be short, but try writing that about five thousand times in one sitting, thought Ryan despairingly. Oh, well. It’s really not that bad. Mom usually lessens my load of sentences if she sees that I’m working diligently.

            Despite everything that happened, his mother came to Ryan’s bed just like she always did every night. Ryan and his mother had struck up a deal years ago. She promised him that if he could stay awake after she finished singing, then he could stay up as long as he wanted to. Having inherited his father’s competitive nature, he always accepted her challenge. So far, she had won every night for as long as he could remember, but Ryan didn’t mind. Though he had the sneaking suspicion that she was cheating somehow.

            As Ryan’s mother settled into her position, she started to sing. From what Ryan had heard from some travelers around the colony, his mother was once considered famous for her singing. He even heard a rumor that her voice was so enchanting, enemies would stop in their tracks and surrender.

Brianna’s songs were always different every night. Some of them were in basic, but many were in languages that Ryan didn’t recognize. It felt like she weaved a spell of safety and contentment over him. Even though her songs were always different, there would always be this one verse towards the end that she would sing every time, and then he would always fall asleep shortly after.

The angels sing in heavenly chorus,

Deep in the grounds of ancient forest,

Oh dangers that misdeeds do bring,

And yet the angels still sing,

Death is stayed, love is found,

In the forest of ancient ground.

As Ryan slept, he dreamed of his dad coming into his room right after mom had finished her song. His father looked down at Ryan and smiled contentedly.

            “Is he asleep?” he said carefully.

            “Yes,” she replied softly.       

            “Good. I hope I wasn’t too hard on him”

            “Have no fear. Our son loves you just as much as he did yesterday. I can at least feel that much from him.”

            His father exhaled in relief. “I just hope he knows that anything I may do or say, it’s only because I love him so much, and that I just can’t stand the thought of losing him.”

            His mother caressed Richard’s knuckles sympathetically. “I’m sure he does. Don’t forget that he inherited his brains from me.”

            His father sniffed at the jest. “As well as your humility.”

            They both chuckled at that part. This was quite a realistic dream. It got all the details right. Ryan had often wondered what his parents talked about when they thought he wasn’t around or not listening. They were oddly secretive sometimes.

In the dream, his mother then became sad and forlorn. “We had a close call today. He almost died and we weren’t there to protect him. Even though a visit from the Sacred Vessel is enough to throw just about anyone off, I still feel awful.”

“It could have been worse, honey. A lot worse. And you know that I’m not just talking about him falling off the cliff.”

Ryan’s mother suddenly seemed on the verge of panic. “Do you think that ‘he’ saw Ryan? He’s always looking, always searching the stars for the slightest trace of our presence. I can still feel it. What if Ryan crossed beyond the boundary of protection that Zand erected around Pinnfar Woods.”

Ryan’s father sounded equally shaken. “I doubt it, dear, or he’d be here by now. You know who we’re up against. That creature is just as powerful and cunning as Zand is in every way. Besides, Zand would’ve said something if his protection field was breached.” Richard paused a few minutes before speaking again. “Zand’s words have me disturbed. Political unrest … talk of an uprising against the Royal Family. The line of Hamashe may be in danger, and I have a feeling that ‘he’ is involved somehow. Zand might have to call us back to protect the Royal Family, threat or no threat.”

“I know,” said Brianna darkly. “Either way, I have a feeling that this universe is about to go through a great season of change. But whatever we do, we must make sure that Ryan is well looked after.”

“Why must he plague us so?” said Richard in a shaky voice as he clenched his fist. “He used to be my mentor … my friend! He and Zand were like brothers. They both meant everything to me! And now, all I can do is wait and dread. If I hadn’t failed to stop him all those years ago … if I was a better man, I would have-”

Ryan’s mother traced a finger across Richard’s lips. “No one blames you for the past, so please, don’t blame yourself. It hurts me to see you torture yourself so.”

            Ryan’s father sighed and took Brianna’s hand into his own. “It’s just that … everything is so wonderful now. For the first time in my life, I have everything I could ever want. I have you and I have Ryan, and I’m terrified of losing it all. I’m terrified that our past will catch up to us and will tear us apart like it has before. I’m scared for you, my love … and I’m scared for our son … for what the future may hold for him.”

            At this, Ryan’s mother reached up and kissed Richard on the lips. She then stroked his face gently as she spoke in a melodic voice. “You know that I will always be there for you, just like we will always be there for Ryan. Do not create troubles where none exist. Just stay here with me and cherish the time we have together, just as I will cherish the time we have with our son.”

His father hugged her close to himself, bringing her scarlet head under his chin. They just stayed there for a while watching Ryan as he slept. Then they started for the door, but before they left, Ryan’s dad appraised his son one last time.

            “To think that our boy actually met the daughter of light herself. We best keep a close eye on him from now on, Brianna. Clearly, there’s more to our child than even we can see.”

            And then Ryan woke up and it was morning. What a weird dream.

“Waaaah,” cried Ryan with as much gusto as he could muster. “Fraka shiga.”

            Whenever Ryan was with Henry and he wished to display his displeasure for something, he would make an obnoxious noise reminiscent of a baby crying, though slightly more annoying. Henry referred to it as one of Ryan’s many peculiar quarks. He’d also occasionally curse in his nonsense language.

“I find those noises you make 30% endearing, and 70% aggravating,” commented Henry.

“I find your face 100% aggravating,” replied Ryan scathingly.

The reason for Ryan’s sudden noise of displeasure was due to Henry’s suggestion that instead of sword fighting, that they play a game with his uncle, Kazz, called Universal Theory. A strategy game created many thousands of years ago and a best-seller among aliens, especially the pointy-eared kind.

“My uncle doesn’t visit that often, you know. Besides, strategy games are fun, Ryan. So stop complaining.”

            “Look, it’s not that I don’t like Uncle Kazz. In fact, he’s one of the nicest grown-ups that I know, at least when he’s in town. But you know that tragedy hurts my brain.”

            Henry huffed his special I-know-everything-and-you-don’t huff. “Ryan, even warriors can’t just focus on building their muscle capacity. Sometimes you have to exercise the most important muscle. And by the way, it’s strategy, not tragedy.”

            Ryan then flashed his famous no-you-don’t-know-everything-cause-I-do smile, and he said, “Oh contraire, my little pointy-eared one, for it is a tragedy to use strategy when my guns can get the job done.”

            To insinuate his point, he kissed his right arm on his special knot which he liked to call Phil. Ryan had already named almost all of his body parts, but that’s a secret he would take to his grave.

            Henry shook his head in mock sympathy and said, “I swear, you’re worse than Uncle Kazz. You know, just because it rhymes doesn’t make it true.”

            Ryan then grinned wolfishly. “What is true and what is poo, all I know is it makes me blue. When I look at you, it reminds me of goo that I found on the bottom of my shoe … and it really smelled, pee-you!” Uncle Kazzerin enjoyed rhyming when he talked, so Ryan thought he’d imitate him.

            Man! I think I may watch too many shows on the network, Ryan thought with alarm as Henry’s pointy ears went red with rage. 

After much debate, Henry finally managed to convince Ryan to go play a game of Universal Theory with Uncle Kazzerin. Needless to say, Ryan was bored out of his mind because the two Elves always took forever before even making a single move. As for Henry and Kazzerin, they seemed to be having the time of their lives, which didn’t do much to help Ryan’s mood.

Henry always seemed to be in high spirits when his uncle came for a visit. Kazzerin, or Kazz for short, was tall for an elf, and unlike his mild-mannered relatives, he behaved much more roguishly. Ryan had always thought that Kazzerin would make a good pirate, but the cool, heroic kind that he saw on the network and not the kind that killed people.

Kazzerin also ate meat much to Henry’s vexation. One time, Kazz and Ryan enjoyed a nice, juicy sirloin steak, and Henry fainted. While Henry was passed out, Kazz and Ryan stuck a piece of steak to the tip of his nose. There were few people in the universe who understood Ryan’s propensity for humor like Uncle Kazz. He called Ryan the “little scaly human dude,” but Ryan took it as a term of endearment.

That being said, Ryan just couldn’t understand why a cool guy like Uncle Kazz would be so obsessed with such a boring game like Universal Theory, but then, nobody’s perfect. The game had about fifteen blue holographic boards that floated around the combatants, and on each board were fifteen pieces. The game had been designed for three, five, or fifteen players. On the occasion that there were only two people playing instead of three, five, or fifteen, which actually happened more often than not, five of the boards were discarded as well as all the pieces on them. Each board represented a territory that a player-controlled. The goal of the game was total annihilation of the opposing pieces and dominion over their territory. 

There were classifications for each of the pieces on each board. Eight of the pieces were called Runts and they were like  expendable foot soldiers. Four of the pieces were called Marksmen and they were a slightly stronger version of the Runts. There were two special pieces called Lancers, and when paired next to the Runts, they increased their chances of winning in battle.

The last piece was called a Shogun, and it acted as commander for each board. The Shoguns were the strongest pieces, but the game would still go on even if a player lost all his Shoguns. The game was set up so that under certain circumstances, the players could capture their opponents’ pieces. If a player captured a Shogun, he would also take control over all the pieces that Shogun commanded.

There were also conditions where they could upgrade their pieces to the second level of power, and even conditions where they could regenerate new pieces entirely, but only if they were already missing a piece. Henry said that this was why Universal Theory was so interesting; theoretically, a game could go on forever, but only if all the players were beyond genius.

Ryan had already lost all his pieces, and as usual, it came down to a stalemate between Henry and his uncle. Ryan tried to watch closely so he wouldn’t lose again, but it was just really complicated. All the moves they made and the strategies they employed; it just didn’t make any sense to him.

“I just don’t get this game, guys. It’s too complicated,” complained Ryan. “Uncle Kazz, what’s your secret? How’d you get so good?”

Kazzerin laughed his dazzling I’m-the-coolest-guy-in-the-cosmos laugh, and said, “Peace, little scaly human dude. The secret to Universal Theory is not something that can be put into words. Think of it like a wave that washes over you on the beach while you’re napping like a leach. And while you’re sitting there snoring, the water is gonna start pouring up your nose just like a hose. Before you know it, you’d better stow it, ‘cause you’re in for a rude awakening dude. It’s not something that you can learn; much like a sunburn, it just comes to you in your dreams while you’re taking a nap on the beach as it seems. You dig me, dog?”

Ryan couldn’t understand how Uncle Kazz sounded so cool and yet said words that just didn’t make any sense to any sane sentient being. For one thing, who would be dumb enough to take a nap by the beach without taking into account the tide, or even sunburn? And what did all that even have to do with the game?

Ah! He’s just messing with me, as usual. But then again, that’s why I like him so much. Plus, rhyming while carrying on a conversation is totally sweet!

“You Elves don’t do anything small, do you? I guess that goes for acting weird, too.”

Uncle Kazz laughed at that and rubbed Ryan’s head playfully, but Henry huffed, mumbling something under his breath. Just as Uncle Kazz prepared his next move, his wrist communicator started vibrating. Most people had one. His dad often said they resembled digital watches from Ancient Earth. Kazz put a finger to his head, a little trick to receive a call privately without using a hologram or the speaker.

“This is Captain Kazzerin. Couldn’t this wait till later, Eramar? You know I’m on leave with my nephew.”

            Kazzerin’s face seemed to pale a little. The Elf suddenly got up and packed his things to leave.

            “Sorry, Henry, and you too strange little scaly human dude,” he said, “Something just happened on Tarrus … something bad, not rad. I’m going to have to call my visit short, if I don’t, it could mean court!”

            “What do you mean, what’s going on?” asked Ryan.

            The look that the tall Elf-man gave Ryan was such a contrast from his usual, cavalier nature. “Look, this doesn’t involve you, kid, or at least it shouldn’t, or I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, but then again … oh crab-heads. Just tell your folks ‘heads up’ for me, alright? Actually, better not say anything to them at all. And don’t you dare go off-world no matter what. You hear me, better your parents just stay out of this one.”

            And with that, he bolted from the room. Ryan didn’t know why, but he decided to keep the Elf’s promise and not tell his parents about what happened. He eventually forgot about the whole thing, for the troubles of adults were never the trouble of children.

Ryan watched eagerly as his favorite hero, the great Elemental, Sifudus, fought relentlessly against his arch nemesis, the evil Mystic, Pious. Ryan’s father was a bit of a connoisseur of ancient stories, and nothing gave Ryan more pleasure than spending his free time filling his head with their contents, that and pranking of course.

Ryan had seen all the heroes of the Elementals, whose history spanned hundreds of thousands of years. Sifudus fought with a staff and used water. Pious fought with a sword and used fire. Ryan’s favorite part was when Sifudus disarmed the bad guy and punched him in the face. Whenever that happened, Ryan would always jump into the Sifudus hologram and pretend like he was the one doing it.  

            As Pious fell to the ground and Sifudus stood victorious, Ryan mimicked his hero’s stance and repeated his lines. “Sorry, Pious, but the days of Mystic tyranny are done.”

            “Someday, you will pay for this,” replied Pious sinisterly from the ground while shaking his fist. “You and all the Elementals will burn one day!”

            “But not today.”

            But then, before Ryan could watch the part where Sifudus uses water to fly off and rescue the girl, Richard walked in and snapped his fingers. The city pavement disappeared. The white-robed Sifudus and the dark-robed Pious vanished into pixel dust. Ryan’s whole fantasy tumbled back into reality. 

            “Come on, dad! It wasn’t over yet! There’s still a few more minutes left!”

            Richard’s expression told Ryan he had something serious to say. “You’re about to turn ten years old. It’s about time you heard it.”

            “Heard what?” asked Ryan, his excitement slowly rising as he sensed his father on the verge of revealing something momentous.

            “The ‘every man’s legacy speech’,” replied Richard.

            This confused Ryan. “Every man’s legacy?”

            “Yeah,” said Richard as he scratched the back of his head and turned away uncomfortably. “It’s a speech that was told to me by a very dear friend of mine. I didn’t know my father growing up, and from what I heard of him, it’s probably best that I didn’t. But the man who gave me this speech was just as good to me as any father. So I promised myself that if I ever had a son, I would tell it to him someday, or at least a piece of it. I was a little older than you are now when I heard it, so I figured that now is as good a time as any.”

            Ryan assumed his natural cross-legged stance on the floor, waiting impatiently in starry-eyed anticipation.

Richard seemed to relax a little at Ryan’s childlike innocence. Taking a deep breath, Richard took a knee beside his son and began thusly. “You see, son, a man is defined by many things. His words, his actions, even his thoughts and feelings. No one individual is alike in that regard. Every sentient being in every corner of the universe is unique. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve been through, there has never been a person exactly like you in looks, personality, or experiences. For all intents and purposes, you are the only ‘Ryan Uruks’ that will ever exist in this world; a completely independent and special lifeform that the universe will never see again.”

            Ryan pointed to himself and said, “I am? Really?”

            Richard laughed a little and ruffled Ryan’s hair. “Yes, really. And that’s why your legacy is so very crucial to your life.”

            Ryan liked repeating the big words that he heard his dad use, but every once in a while, his dad would use one that left him stumped. “Dad, what is my legacy?”

            Richard blew a sigh of relief and said, “I’m glad you asked that. It’s kind of the main point of the speech. If you hadn’t asked that question, I would’ve probably just sat here awkwardly until you did ask it, and that wouldn’t have been very wise-looking.” Richard’s face then became so hard that it became difficult for Ryan to meet his father’s gaze, and he didn’t know why. “Before I tell you, I want to ask you something. Do you still want to be an Elemental one day?”

            If his father had asked that question on any other day, Ryan might’ve been too nervous to answer. However, since his encounter with the silver-haired princess, Ryan felt emboldened. “More than anything than I’ve ever wanted to do in my life!”

            Richard’s face contorted strangely, equal parts of both pride and sorrow. “Then if you’re serious about becoming an Elemental, your legacy is the most precious possession of your life. The Elementals live by a moral edict … a code, if you will. That code is that no matter what happens, no matter if you succeed or fail in your endeavors, you must protect your legacy with your life, your soul, and your heart. Only then can it be left behind for future generations to glean guidance from it.”

            Ryan had never heard his father speak like this. He sounded like nothing less than a warrior king giving a royal decree to his knights. Ryan slowly leaned forward on his elbows as his excitement escalated.

            “To put it simply, your legacy is what you leave behind. It’s what you’re remembered for, what you remember yourself for. From the time that you are born to the time that you die, your legacy is what will define you as a man, and that’s why it’s so precious. Do you understand?”

            Ryan was taking in so much information at once that he felt his head would explode. His father sounded so serious and surreal, but Ryan found himself rubbing his cheeks in confusion. “I don’t think I understand, dad. I want to understand. I want to so much … but I just can’t wrap my head around what you mean. I’m sorry, dad. I’m not smart like you and mom. I’m just a big dummy.”

            Ryan half expected a scolding for not paying attention, but Richard bellowed loudly in laughter. “That’s just about how I felt the first time I heard it. I didn’t give you this speech so that you could understand it. I gave it to you so you could think on it.”

Richard smiled gently and spoke in a softer tone. “And you’re not dumb. You’re probably smarter than I was when I was your age. In fact, I’d say that you gave the best answer that you could at this point; an honest one. There’s more wisdom to be gained in pondering what we don’t know than simply assuming we know everything. Think about my words and when you can tell me what your legacy means to you, I’ll give you the rest of the speech.”

As Richard stood, he looked so strong and noble. Even if Ryan met the great rulers of the universe, or the powerful Elemental heroes throughout history, he doubted any of them could be as majestic as his own father.

“Oh, yes! That reminds me! You wanted to know about Maranu Torimir, right?” asked Richard hesitantly.

Ryan jumped up excitedly. “Oh, yeah! The princess told me about him! This colony was named after him! He was the greatest Elemental that ever lived!”

“Well, on your birthday, I might have something to give you that relates to him.”

“What is it? Is it something cool, like his sword or his armor?”

Man, what am I saying? Even though dad likes old stuff, no way would he have those things.

Richard patted the air to calm Ryan down. “Let’s just say that it has everything you need to know about the man. Your legacy alone is not all that matters. There’s much wisdom to learn from the legacies of others, especially him.”

“Say, dad,” started Ryan tentatively. “Since I’m turning ten soon, does that mean you’ll teach me how to fight?”

“Son, it’s my deepest wish that you’ll never have to pick up a real weapon in your life. But according to the traditions of our ancestors, you will come of age to be trained as a warrior on your tenth birthday. On that day, I will train you. Now, how about another Ancient Earth movie marathon!”

“As long as it has Chuck Norris in it, then I’m game!"