Time to come home for a bit.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

A few minute later the boy of the family was home. At the door you were greeted by your mother, Aunt Darla, and Gram Phebe. They smothered you with a hug as you put down your luggage. They were so happy for you. Growing up, traveling, and of course you combat with Sune and soon to be your father. 

"Welcome home."

"Great to be back." You smile and now it is time for some hugs before filling everybody in. It has been a few months since you have been home. All they know if you're in combat school, fighting, and then have a woman. Which the last one is going to be surprising on all ends. 

"Sit down Hun. Are you okay? Hungry? Tired? Anything?" Asked an old woman.

"I'm good Gram. A little wore out but that's why I wanted to be here a few days before the fight."

"I can't believe how fast you got." Gasped your Aunt.

"Well I used wind blazing too but that's besides the point. It's to beat Erick Von."

The woman a little bit younger than your mother was filled with joy. "He's challenging a guard."

"A Royal Guard Darla. And yes I think he could beat him. Especially if Erick Von is training just to keep his muscle mass with mead and fried chicken being his prep. He's a man but he has gotten worse with time. You're running how many kilos a day (FN)? He does none."

"Assorted meathead. That is all. I think I have an idea on how to break that all up. But I will get used to the battle field and go from there. Also does he want to see me or is he too good for me?"

"I haven't heard a thing. Though the media has asked and we have declined to comment. I saw you on the news and you speak very well. Better than any man of the family. Maybe even us. Your mother would get choked up."

Your grandmother shook her head. "He would have to sign the contract on the terms tomorrow. Then in two days there will be the battle. Also they aren't allowed to do anything outside shake hands at the signing. I imagine everyone will make it a primary focus."

"Contract eh? Well I guess I can say a few words. But I'm not calling him Dad. I'll shake his hand. Fine. But I know what I need to do. I need to go to the place and see if I can perfect the spider web."

"Spider web?" Gasped everyone.

"I have a Kurogane as a classmate. Lives with my girlfriend. Of all things, we were going through anime and I found myself a technique. Picture what I did to soon but ten times the greater lengths. The only problem is endurance and catching my feet. On the rock I should be fine but need to practice. And tomorrow morning will be doing my routine. I'll do my run and head to the market afterwards. I got a routine set and then we can all have lunch together."

"Better than your father." Praised your grandmother.

"Speaking of, you're telling me about her. You know, this woman." Your Aunt smirked.

"Oh boy..."

~~~~~

Erick Von had got off the first shift this time around. After work he went straight to his regular pub. The drinking establishment where almost everyone knew him by name. All it did was boost his ego.

The barman was cleaning a glass. "E.V. good Sir. The usual?"

"Yeah." Erick Von sat on a stool.

"One sec." The barman put everything down to give his regular customer a mead. "Here you are."

"Thank you Evan."

Behind Evan the barman, there was a television highlighting the news of the day. Erick Von took a look up. Wanting to see if there was anything he should be aware of. If it involves the palace he needs to know.

{ Good afternoon everybody. Titus Goro on DDN. We have much to cover but first we have an exciting visitor coming back home to Demark today. }

"Some celebrity. Ugh." Groaned Erick Von.

{ (FN) welcome back to Demark. }

"Son of a bitch." He put his forehead down on the bar.

"Come on E.V. I just cleaned that counter." Complained Evan.

"I'm tipping well jackass. Give me a minute."

"Sure..." Sweatdropped Evan.

{ The loser will suffer more being alive. } You said on the screen.

Lord. He's my son. That's philosophy his old man came up with. He knows it well. Why do I feel unwell even though I am much stronger than him. He admits Sune is stronger. And I am much stronger than he. So I don't understand. Why is he really doing this.

{ Thank you for your time. }

"Aye. Shut up Karen." Boomed Erick Von.

Jesus Christmas man! You're the worst!

"Eh?"

Shuddup. Back to dialogue.

"Aye..."

Evan looked over at his customer. "You need a phone call?" He asked. "Medic? Whores? Pour you a glass of water?"

"Fine. Fine. Though I wonder if he will talk to me when we sign the fight contract." Pondered Erick Von.

"He's probably the thinking the same. Thinking might just scoff and decline a handshake."

"I'm a man. Do I look like a whimper to you?"

"No sir. But there is such a misunderstanding on both sides. Shake his hand and let him speak. Then do what you do."

"Aye. I'll beat him anyhow. After this have myself a good lunch, split wood, and I'll be back later this evening."

"What's your wife think about all of this?"

"Her son is little better? As if I know." Seems like communication sucks. Typical meathead Viking.

"Aye. Another mead E.V. before your lunch?"

"Why not? I'll be fine before splitting wood. The wife wants to be by the fire pit." Though I feel like I'm missing something. Oh well.

~~~~~

Maybe lay off the mead for a bit ya chooch. Ugh.

-Rel