I blink my eyes open, not really looking at anything though. Grogginess and my drowsy mind trying to persuade me to close my eyes again, to feel the content when the two puzzle pieces fit together. I burrowed into my covers during the night, no light even reaches me. I'm all wrapped like a mummy, the comforter protecting me from the harsh stressful world.

But there are things to do! I will not allow myself to get lazy, I'll never hear the end of it. And I am not letting Lukas toy with me again, he won't be getting that satisfaction this time!

Thinking of Lukas, where is he? I might not be able to see, but I can sense his absence. I peek my head out of my cocoon, and sure enough, Lukas is not in the bed. He's not in the room at all.

I shed the covers and get up, deciding it would be wise to finally change. I go with blue suspenders today, just because the all the red ones are really dirty. I've forgotten to do the laundry for the last couple of days.

I look at the hole in the wall, curious to why the door is gone. How did I not notice that? I keep spare wood in chest, so I should just fix that up now. The chest, as always, creaks upon opening. And I quickly craft a new door and complete the room.

Room, who am I kidding? This is an office with a bed in it. I let myself get so consumed with running Beacontown, and left myself slowly fade away. I remember making the decision to get rid of my bookshelves, the first change I made. The moment when I let myself get thrown out so I could be a better Hero in Resident.

It made so much sense at the time. I wasn't reading at all, I never had any time, so I thought it would be better to have supplies in my room. They were useless siting here, and didn't have any practical reason to take up my time. If I were to read now, my mind would be plagued with everything else I should be doing and I wouldn't enjoy the story at all.

Then I couldn't go out fighting anymore with all the stuff people needed me to do. The walls kept monsters out just fine, I didn't need to go out every night to swing my sword when there is always papers for me to work on. Why would I need my armor stand to practice if I never went fighting anymore. It seemed so much more practical to have a desk, where I could work more effectively.

It was so hard to remember things too, and people were storming in complaining that I never showed up. The posters and pictures weren't actually doing anything, and I really needed a calendar. So I took them down, all those memories I covered up. I discarded them as if they meant nothing so I could be a better mayor of Beacontown.

Were those really the right choices? It was so obvious at the time, so crystal clear. Now though, now I've felt the consequences. I took out the walls I thought were holding me back, and I ended up getting flooded. My home has been flushed out, do I even have a chance of rebuilding? And will I just get flooded again if I do?

Petra, if only I went with Petra. But I was the reason Beacontown got razed by the Admin. All the chaos Romeo caused, it's on me. If I never touched that gauntlet, then none of that suffering would have happened.

I did take away Romeo's powers, but there was still all that damage. It would be such a jerk move to just up and leave. The town wouldn't have a leader in their time of crisis and rebuilding, so someone else would have to take all of that burden I left irresponsibly.

Wouldn't that be a great title for the headlines: Legendary Hero and Leader of the Order of the Stone Abandons Beacontown and Leaves the City in Turmoil.

I hope that one day I can leave, that I will be able to cut off the invisible chains that bind me here. I still would help people, I can't deny I love to do that. However it would be like the time in the Portal Network. Traveling around, seeing all the beauty in all of the worlds, and assisting any people we come across.

A warm hand glides onto my shoulder, wakening me from my daze. And there is Lukas, worry swimming in the oceans his eyes hold.

"Jesse... you doing okay?" I smile in response, knowing words will never satisfy Lukas completely. He smiles back, and lets out a small sigh of relief.

"I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately. I'm surprised you don't get fed up with me constantly hovering over you." My eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"What? Not at all! First off, I'm shocked you can't feel how grateful I am for you. And second, I haven't even considered that you might be hovering over me. So go ahead Lukas, I am giving you full permission to be worried about me."

Lukas chuckles. "With or without your permission I'm going to worry about you."

"And that's why I'm proud to call you my best friend." His face shines brighter than the sun in that moment. Absorbing the praise and beaming joy at my words.

"Now come on, I want some breakfast." I stroll past him and into the hallway, meandering my way to the kitchen. I notice Lukas is only wearing sweats and his white and purple shirt; I wonder why he took off his armor.

"You do realize it's lunch time, right?"

"WHAT!?" I snap my neck to Lukas, who has a broad smile plastered on his face. "Why didn't you wake me up? I bet there's so much work that has-"

"No, there isn't. I did most of it." He holds his hand up for silence when I open my mouth. "And you can't expect yourself to be able to do anything if you got only about two hours of sleep."

"Two hours?" I raise an eyebrow at Lukas. "I did not go to bed at four in the morning Lukas."

He scrunches his face up, as if my words gave him a bad taste. "Do you not remember what happened that night? Or earlier today?"

"I was working, and I fell asleep..." What did happen after that? I remember pain, followed by a humongous relief, determination, and finally darkness; all of that revolving around a golden bliss... or was it a brilliant comfort? I'm desperately trying to grapple more memories, but all that provides is a need to keep Lukas safe at all times.

"That's a no then. I guess it's better you don't remember, you were pretty shaken up."

"I can remember my feelings, which are pretty weird." I stop, excepting Lukas to explain further, but only silence follows me. "So uh... Lukas, are you going to tell me any more than that?"

"You want me to? Uhhh, well you got a nightmare, it really..." Lukas sighs, looking down and depressed.

"It was bad, you were acting possessive of me since I err... died in your nightmare. You're emotions were just everywhere. I'll spare you the details, but it was as if you were drunk. Rapidly moving from one state to another with no control or thought behind what you were doing. I... Don't ever let yourself work after nine. Maybe we can restore a proper sleep schedule, you aren't some teenager Jesse."

"I'm twenty four years old, most people at this time have wacky sleep schedules and are going through a bunch of stuff."

"Key word: most people." I huff and roll my eyes, yet I know Lukas is right. "Not a lot of people have killed Wither Storms, defeated Admins and Old Builders, saved a floating city, shut down giant computers, and revealed a murderer. And, y'know, get out of it alive."

"Whatever, I'll make sure I'll go to bed at a reasonable time tonight."

"Good, 'cause I was going to drag you there if you weren't going to yourself."

I shake my head, having no words for Lukas. I stride into the kitchen, although not particularly hungry. I rummage around the fridge, not really knowing what I want. I spot a cluster of carrots, and my stomach rumbles.

"Okay, since you've already taken it upon yourself to start handling today's new paperwork, can you keep doing that for me?" He nods and I chomp on a carrot, waving it around while I speak. "Thanks. Now then, I'm going to check on Stella to make sure everything's going smoothly down by the gates."

"By yourself?" Lukas starts to get uneasy and rubs his neck again. "You sure about that Jesse?"

"I'll only be doing a check-up." We both exit the kitchen, walking back to the Order Hall. "I should be back within the hour, and if I'm not, it only means that I've probably stopped to help someone out."

"And if you're still not back by then?"

"Well, then you can freak out."

"...great..." Lukas's mutterings are barely audible. Although I do hear it, I won't tease him about it. There's this strong gratitude suddenly swarming my mind. I can't explain it, but I find it immoral now to take Lukas for granted or allow him to be disrespected in anyway. I shouldn't think about it though, those are all things a friend should want.

"Are you going to take a coat or something though? It's been cloudy all morning, and probably going to rain soon."

"Like I said, I'll be quick. If it starts to rain, well, that just means I'll get back faster."

Lukas only grins and shakes his head at me. "Only you can hear what is widely considered a bad thing, and instantly say a positive that'll come out of it."

"And you Lukas need to stop flattering me. Or some day you won't be able to control my ego."

"Hmph. If that day comes, you're name is no longer Jesse. I know people change over the years and stuff, but you have never been anything except the kindest person I know. If THAT changes, then I'd be dealing with a whole new person."

"There you go again, fluffin' up my pride." I peel off his side and trot down the steps. "Have fun with that paperwork and I'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah, sure." Lukas pauses, and I'm just imagining him performing an extravagant eye roll. "Tell Stella and Radar I said hi if they're there."

I wave good-bye and open up the Order Door, greeted by the beautiful gray skies and the rejuvenating shade it brings. There is a breeze ruffling my hair and blowing a few leaves, but the constant air gliding past me is purely relaxing.

People generally think I'm someone who loves bright weather and sunshine, and they aren't entirely wrong. I like that weather just fine, but I'm not excessively happy about it. It's actually this cooler and more darker weather that I enjoy the most.

Maybe it's because life seems highlighted differently when there isn't a shiningly bright sun glaring down on you. Or perhaps it's because what happiness springs from the day feels well-earned and much more amplified. It could even be both of those things and more. All I know is that I love this type of weather.

I stroll down the streets, waving hello to the citizens who stop to look at me. A couple of teenagers are running in the road, battling each other with sticks as swords while the adults bustle around them. As I approach, one of halts in his tracks, starring at me with his jaw hanging to the ground. The other turns to see what has his friend so preoccupied, and does the same thing at the sight of me.

All I do is smile and walk over to the closest one. Gently, I grab hold of his chin and push it back up to the rest of his mouth.

"There. That's where that belongs." This one is still in shock at my presence, but the other regains his wits and closes his mouth on his own.

"Y-you're Jesse! THE JESSE!" The teenager's arms are shaking, as I'm sure his brain is turning into mush while its freaking out.

"What are your names?"

The boy who's jaw I lifted snaps out of his daze. "I-I'm Eli, sir."

"Uhh... I'm called Willy." The two teens' eyes are still bulging out of their sockets. All I can do is smile at them, their behavior reminding me of how I, Axel, and Olivia looked up to the Old Order of the Stone.

"Do either of the two of you want to become warriors when you grow up?" They both bob their head furiously.

"Well Eli and Willy, there's something you need to know." They both hold their breaths and lean forward, as if what I'm about to tell them is the secret to eternal life.

"Your names are just as important as mine. But if you want people to know the person behind that name, then go and don't let people hold you back. If want to be known as warrior, then learn how to hold a sword. And if you always want to stay friends, learn how to always be able to shield them."

The two gaze at me star-struck. I was planning to say more, but they already look like they're about to faint. So I rub their hair and continue to walk. I don't really know why I told what I did, and the more I think about it the more depressed I become.

What do you think you're doing? A voice hisses with venom. Do you want the entire world to know you're feeling down? Smile, and people will be happy. Smile, and no one will have to worry about you.

So I beam at other people while walking down the streets. My steps light and bouncy when I wave to citizens. They smile and wave back, before continuing on their way walking lighter than earlier. Their responses making me more determined to imitate happiness, rather than revealing my depressing moods.

I reach the gates, and can already see a frame going up. Men swarming around the area, darting back and forth placing blocks and informing each other. Overseeing all of them is Stella and Lluna, watching them as they work.

"Good afternoon Stella!" At least I think it's after noon. I can't see the sun and Lukas said it was lunch time, so it could be like 11:54 or something.

"Oh hello Jesse!" Lluna prances over at once, and I laugh while petting her.

"Lluna did you already miss me?" She huffs and throws at spitball at him. I dodge it, grinning victoriously. "That's clearly a yes."

"My dear Lluna will always miss you Jesse, although I'm very thankful that you told me to keep her. I just couldn't imagine what I would do without my darling llama."

"Hey no need to thank me, you guys are good for each other. I don't even I could handle Lluna when she gets in a bad mood. By the way, Lukas says hi."

Stella shakes her head. "I will never understand you Jesse."

"Yeah, I get that a lot." I sweep my gaze across the frame for the new wall, progress looks like it's going smooth. "So how's things going here?"

"We had to calculate how far out we could build it at first, but at this pace we will be done in a couple of days at the latest."

The sky rumbles, the clouds finally releasing the water inside them. It's already a pretty heavy shower, my clothes getting soaked. I reach up and sweep some hair out of my face, the stuff becoming limp with water and dripping the liquid into my eyes.

Stella reaches into her inventory and pulls out an umbrella, a huge one that Lluna can, and does, get under. It doesn't seem to bother the workers, but now that I'm starring at them they were prepared for this. They all are wearing waterproof vests, and hats keeping the rain out of their faces.

"You're getting soaked Jesse, do you want to come under the umbrella?" Stella gestures to come closer, but I just shake my head and turn away.

"I only came out to make sure things are going well. Since they are, I'm gonna head back to the Order Hall." Stella looks at me worried, since most of my cloths are already soaked. The rain coming down harder and harder every moment.

"Don't tell me you're becoming a worry-wort Stella." I start to walk away from them, waving good-bye as I renter Beacontown. The moment I'm out of Stella's sight, I rub my arms to try and restore warmth.

This rain is freezing, my cloths drenched and the wet fabric now a frigid vine wrapped all around my body. I shiver, the cold prickling my skin. I'm relieved that everyone has retreated into warm dry buildings and won't be seeing me trudge through the downpour.

My teeth chatter, rattling my numb skull. The water sticking to me and leeching the warmth from my body. My chilled muscles jerking with every slow step I take through the rainstorm. I bitterly realize that I should've listened to Lukas, the clouds did end up unleashing their watery wrath.

The icy water stops sucking my heat. My face scrunches up, completely confused to why the cold just stopped. I'm still wet and shivering, but I'm no longer getting colder or more miserable.

In fact, I'm only mildly cool now. The rain hasn't stopped pouring, if anything it's only gotten worse. It's like it isn't even touching me even though the droplets still run down my face.

I continue walking, baffled and starring at the droplets as if some answer will pop out of them. I'm not even cold anymore, a toasty sensation blooming throughout my body. My clothes are soaked, my hair is drenched, and streams of water are running down my limbs, yet I am warm.

If I wasn't wet, I'd think I'm in a sauna. Everything is so nice and relaxing, stress and worry melting away. I can even see white wisps of steam circling all around me.

Steam!? I raise my arm to get a good a look at it. Sure enough, steam is floating off the limb. I stare at it, wide eyed and in shock. Barely noticeable, like threads of string floating off of me and disappearing amidst all of the rain.

Now my temperature rapidly climbs, the heart pounding in panic boosting the obscure heat. The steam is steadily becoming stronger, becoming more like clouds than wisps. Now I am supremely grateful that no one is on the streets, but someone only has to look out at a window to see me.

Which means I have to get off the streets, like right now. Good thing I know the town like the back of my hand, the rain and clouds blocking any light to see. My feet slash against the cobblestone, and I'm going to have to change again. At least when I wore my armor all the time I didn't ruin my clothes every other day. I really need to do some laundry.

Now that I'm running, I can't see the steam anymore. All that I can see is mist gliding off my arms. That, and the shape of the Order Hall slowly becoming sharper. I really, really, want to just start bursting towards it, but the ground is too slick. If I start sprinting, knowing my luck, I'll fall into the river.

Finally, I reach the doors. Not slowing down for a moment, I fling the doors open and slam them shut behind me. Releasing a huge breath, I lean on my knees. My eyes flutter close, basking in the relief that I'm now safe.

"Oh my gosh!" I hear the pitter patter of Lukas rushing to me. "What's happening to you?"

I open my eyes, only to find a cloud swarming me. Trying to breath results in a fit of coughs, this stuff is like breathing in water. The inside of my lungs, that aren't suppose to be wet, are wet and starting to burn with the lack of oxygen.

My arms wrap around me, an instinct to support myself. Although my clothes feel dry, when moments ago they were drenched. That water... it's all gone. It evaporated into the thin air.

"Okay... okay, okay. What was that?!" The fog surrounding me has disspated, and there is Lukas. Who seems to be trying not to freak out. "All of a sudden I felt a waft of warmth, confusion, and then panic. I thought-"

"Slow down Lukas, I'm still catching my breath." I suck in a deep refreshing breath, the normal air relieving my lungs. "I was just walking back, cold and bitter in the downpour, when I just started to heat up. Almost as if there was an oven in me."

"Oven? That's definitely your fire..." Lukas takes a few steps closer, his thinking face resting on his features. "Don't you normally heat up when your fire activates?"

I scoff, shaking my head at his leap in logic. "Like if I'm mildly exercising, yes. But the water on me was evaporating. Do you normally dry your clothes with your body heat in about 10 seconds?"

"Noooo..." Lukas looks away, probably in shame at his ridiculous question. "Yeah that was a stupid question, but did you even feel your fire activate?"

"Nope, not at all. It just happened, I didn't even feel it turn off. I mean, IF it turned off."

Lukas groans, tilting his head back. A moment before, Lukas looked beyond his years. Dealing with stress that wasn't his and the light shadowing the positive features of Lukas's face. Yet now, even though he's groaning, the light now highlights his face. Lukas's hair, sparkling brighter than gold and stronger than the rays of sun that hit it.

"Lukas..." My hand, seemingly on its own accord, reaches up and fulfills its desire to run my fingers through his silky strands of gold. "You look pretty stressed out... perhaps you're the one who needs a break."

"Uh... well sure. W-well, if that's, I-I mean, if you're feeling better that is." Lukas stampers and his fingers fidget, yet makes no move away from me.

"Of course Lukas. We're friends, partners, I am not going to allow you to become my babysitter."

Lukas's eyes sparkle at the thought. "Well... uh great! I could continue to sharpen up my archery then! I should also probably familiarize myself with this place again... I forget what exactly is where and what I kept here."

"It's your turn to relax buddy." I, unfortunately, remove my hand and pat him on the back. I walk away from him, making my way back to my desk.

Once I get to the door I turn back at Lukas, who is still lost in thought and gazing at nothing. "Remember Lukas..." A smirk spreading across my face. "Don't let yourself stay up past nine. Wouldn't want to mess up your sleep cycle now would we?"

****
Do I make my chapters too long?

I start every chapter with one scene that has to happen. After that, it gets filled it up with support for further chapters so there isn't anything that seemingly comes out of nowhere. Unless it really is something that no one was expecting, then it's fine.

And I HATE it when stories have have a time skip then about two paragraphs and then another time skip. Not only do you become detached as a reader, but it makes it seem like the writer doesn't care about the story. You kinda lose track of time, the characters aren't getting emotional at all, and the plot no longer has meaning.

So if most my chapters seem like fillers, then you gotta wait until the plot really starts moving. This is still pretty much the beginning and everything you think you know is a very very tiny part of the entire story.

I got some big plans, and decided to keep most of it in the dark. Hence why I got rid of the prologue.

So bye y'all!