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Zach
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Zara made the decision years ago to drop out of her heir training, so it only left one guy for the job, me. Zara's reasons were after going through it the first time she realized it wasn't really for her, she'd rather be out fighting with no responsibilities and starting a family of her own.

I had just turned twenty years old.

"Zachariah." My father started. "It's recently come to light that you've come of age."

The crowd laughed gently. I smiled and swallowed dryly.

"I am old, Arietty and I have been through a lot in our day. We've had a good run, and our fair share of adventures."

From the front of the crowd, my mom smirked in approval.

"We've watched you grow up, Zach, both your sister and you. We've watched you run off on countless unapproved of adventures, you've gone through hardships, and braved them. I'm sure everyone today will agree there is no other ice-claw now fit to take on the burden of leadership than you my son."

There was a collective nodding and agreement from the crowd. Zara grinned at me in support as she leaned on Jay's shoulder. Eliza was there too, her smiles were softer but she was just as proud. I felt myself blush ever so slightly.

"Which is why today, I'm passing along my title of chieftain to you, may you carry it well." Nepal purred in approval.

The whole crowd gave a Laois cheer and started chanting my name. I grinned at them all and stood up straight.

"Thank you! I'll try me best!' It came out more nervous than I wanted but that was okay, they laughed.

I was going to be a great leader.

Afterwards there was a feast in celebration and we all ate until we were bursting at the seams. Zara had been putting on weight lately, I had been waning to bring that up with her, but not now, now was for celebrating.

"So Zach." Jay shot a weird look at me, and I braced myself. "now that you're chief and all, when are we going to see you bring home a fellow chief to accompany you in your chiefyness."

Zara rolled her eyes, the green on was paler these days after she lost sight in it in the battle with Tenebris. "Honey you know he's pining after Eliza."

My jaw dropped. "Zara!"

She shot me a cynical look. "It's not a secret Zach, at least not from me."

"Ah yes" Jay smirked. "I wholeheartedly approve."

"Shut up." I glanced over to where Eliza sat, happily chatting with my mom.

She laughed at some joke my mom told and I felt my heartstrings being plucked accordingly.

"Am I right though?" Zara asked.

"Yeah." I admitted. "I really think she could be the one."

Jay nodded. "You think you're going to start a family an all that?"

"I hope so." I admitted.

"Cause that's definitely what we need." Zara laughed. "Little version of us running around."

"I don't know." Jay shrugged. "I think it would be nice. I mean... kits? It's a little much to think about but I think I could handle it."

"Oh yeah." I agreed. "You? You'd be great."

Zara smirked and laughed to herself quietly. We both turned to her with looks of confusion.

"What?" Jay asked, blinking.

"Well honey, I was going to wait until after to tell you but... you might be getting that chance here pretty soon." She smiled.

Jay blinked, and his mouth made a little 'o' shape. I laughed at him, and then went to congratulate the happy couple.

There was one more thing I wanted to do before I finally settled into my role as chieftain.

"Are you absolutely sure you want it do this?" Xanthos asked.

"Yes, you of all people should understand my request." I insisted.

Xanthos nodded. "Absolutely."

He touched two fingers to my forehead and I began to rise ever so slightly. My body grew and elongated until I was standing on two legs, surprisingly tall, with a mop of dirty blonde hair and a very small amount of facial hair.

Xanthos nodded to me. "Good luck, don't be any longer than an hour or I swear on Suka's left ear I'll make sure you stay dead this time."

"Sure thing." I rolled my eyes at him.

I made my way into town of Port Angeles, Washington. It was exactly the same as I remembered it seven years ago. The pet shelter was still there. My school and my street was still there. My house was still there.

I knocked on the door. It opened and I was staring at the face of a middle-aged man who really hand't changed all that much. Same relaxed expression and scruffy haircut. He looked a lot more settled and maybe... happier? I hope so.

"Hey Jack." I greeted.

He looked me up and down, confused for a second. "I'm sorry I think must have the wrong-"

He looked into my eyes and suddenly stopped mid-sentence. his eyes looked watery and he let out a shaky breath before opening the door all the way to hug me tightly.

"Z-zach? Is it really you?" He gasped, wiping away his tears.

I looked down at myself. "Yep, last time I checked."

He laughed. "God, I missed you. I missed you so much. They... they told me you dead, that was years ago but now... I don't understand."

"Me neither, but I swear it's me, in the flesh and I'm defiantly not going anywhere now."

"Honey who is it?" I heard a female voice call out from inside the house.

I smiled, glad to see that he had put himself out there.

"Do? Do you wan to come in? Maybe have lunch?" He asked.

I rubbed the back of my neck. "No, sorry. I shouldn't even be here. I just wanted to let you know that I was alright and doing fine, and check on you, how are you doing?"

"I'm doing great!" He smiled. "I'm married and we have a little girl Zach! You kind of inspired me to adopt and I love her so much."

I patted his shoulder. "That's what I wanted to hear."

We stood awkwardly on his doorstep for a moment before he pulled me in for another hug. I patted his back gently, really taking it in.

"I'm going to go now, but I just want you to know you don't have to worry about me anymore, okay? Go and live your life. I'm fine." I assured.

"Okay." He sniffed again. "Same goes for me."

"Of course."

I backed up and he let go. I descended down the sidewalk and looked back one more time to see he was still standing there, and waved as I walked away.

I waved back, feeling wholly complete in myself, then I started heading back home. Everything was okay. Everyone was safe and alive, and I was home at last.