She opened her eyes, and she looked around, she was in the kitchen, she saw herself holding flowers as she was standing in the side of the table. She shook her head and looked at her hands that was holding the flowers. She placed the flowers in the flower pot. She heard laughing behind her.

???: Mama?

She turned around and saw a boy, holding a toy. Sucking on his thumb.

Rheyna: Eric?

Eric: Mama.

The boy ran up to her legs, and hugged her legs. Rubbing his face on her legs. She felt her heart thumping loudly against her chest. Tears prickling her eyes.

Eric: Up. Up. Mama....

He cutely muttered, raising his arms up, trying to say 'carry me'. She picked him up and took him in her arms. The boy wrapped his arms around her neck, swinging his legs slowly side to side.

Rheyna: Eric....baby....

She softly sobbed and closed her eyes and hugged him tight. Making him giggle cutely and lay his head on her shoulder and play with her hair.

???: Love?

She gasped and snapped her eyes open towards the person who spoke.

Rheyna: F-Felix?

Felix: Did you eat already? *Chuckles* Ahh looks like you both are having sweet hugs without me. *Pouts* I'm sad now.

Rheyna right now was sobbing. He looked so different now. His hair was short now. But his face didn't change. He still had his warming smile on his face. Felix was concerned by now. He dropped the bag of potatoes down to the table first.

Felix: What's wrong? Are you hurt? Tell me I'll make you something-

He was caught off guard when she ran up to him and hid her face in his chest, sobbing very loudly. Felix was confused. He wrapped his arms around her, while she cuddled herself close to him.

Felix: It's okay, it's okay shh, you're okay.

Rheyna: Felix, I missed you.

Felix: What are you talking about? I'm right here. We've been together for years now. I'm right here. Are you okay?

Rheyna: I'm sorry, I'm just...I don't know I thought you...I thought you were dead....

Felix: 'Dead'? You think I'm dead? *Laughs* Rheyna, are you having bad dreams again?

Rheyna: I don't know...I....

Felix: Okay okay let's just, let's not talk about this okay? Come here.

He hugged her tightly and kissed her head.

Felix: Everything is alright. Everything will be just fine.

Rheyna nodded and smiled softly. Nuzzling her face closer into his chest while he places his lips on her head. If this was a dream, she doesn't wanna wake up. Not anymore. Not now, never again.

(Meanwhile)

They were both on the couch, both just cuddling with their baby Eric on her chest. Sleeping soundly. She kept caressing his hair, while her other hand is intertwined with his large ones. He was leaning his back on the couch, while she was leaning her back on his chest, and their baby Eric laying on her chest, sleeping.

Felix: We should definitely put him to bed.

She agreed, she carried him to his room and place him on the bed, tucking him in she placing a kiss. Before walking out of the bedroom then closing the door behind her. They both walked into their bed and laid down. Facing each other while cuddling. She placed her hand on his cheeks, to which he signed softly and closed his eyes.

Rheyna: If this was a dream, I don't wanna wake up.

Felix: Love this isn't a dream. Okay? It's real. I'm here.

She nodded softly. He placed his hand on her cheek before kissing her lips. Please don't let this be a dream.

~~~~~

She opened her eyes, only to end up broken again, and disappointed. When the moment she opened her eyes, she didn't see Felix anywhere. No Felix, no Eric, nothing. Her lower lips trembled and she clenched on the bedsheet tightly. She sat up from the bed, and cried softly. Wrapping her arms around her. Imagining it's his arms that's wrapped around her. But it wasn't. Making her cry, brokenly, and devastatingly.

(Garden)

Rheyna was in the garden, watering the flowers. Checking if the flowers were still okay. She heard footsteps behind her making her look behind.

Rheyna: Draken?

Draken: Your Majesty.

He bowed his head.

Rheyna: May I help you?

Draken: I have news.

Rheyna: News?

Draken: Yes.

Rheyna: Good or bad.

Draken: Bad.

Rheyna: I expected that. So what is this, 'bad news' about?

They both began to walk.

Draken: I don't know how to say this....

Rheyna: Take a deep breath, then calm down, and start talking.

Draken signed heavily.

Draken: It's about Skye.

Rheyna: Skye?

Draken: Yes.

Rheyna: What about him?

Draken: He uhh...he....he left.

They both stopped in their tracks.

Rheyna: Left?

Draken: He said he didn't wanna be here anymore. Saying this place was no longer home for him, but a place full of sadness.

Rheyna: Did you talk to him?

Draken: I tried. Even tried to convince him. I thought at first I succeeded in convincing him but, he left. He even left a letter.

He gave it to her and she took it.

Rheyna: What does he mean he'll be back for everyone?

Draken: I don't know. But something inside me is telling me this won't end well.

Rheyna: Did you tell his brother?

Draken: I don't know how to.

Rheyna: You have to. He's his brother. And he has the rights to know about his whereabouts.

Draken: I'm just....worried, if I tell him about this, he'll be broken. I don't wanna see him broken because, he's young.

Rheyna: I know. But hiding the truth from him, will hurt him even more. Everyone is already broken and hurt because Felix is dead. Let us not add more pain in his heart. Be honest to him, and maybe if you will be honest to him, he won't be broken way too deeply.

Draken: I understand. And...to be honest, I wouldn't blame him. It's clear Skye is not over by the fact that he is gone. It's not a surprise if everyone is by now, feeling very down.

Rheyna: My husband died because he tried to protect us, but he couldn't. And everyone is hurt by that, we all are. Even me.

Draken: How do you even endure all of this?

Rheyna: Crying won't bring him back. But sometimes, all we need is a good cry, to let the pain in our heart leave, even if it's just a moment.

Draken: I just wish i could bring him back. Even if that means selling my soul to the devil.

Rheyna: He wouldn't like that idea.

Draken: I know. I don't want this pain to pull me down to the core. I don't wanna breakdown. I'm trying to stay strong. But I can't. I'm trying to use myself as protection for everybody. But I can't. But I'm trying.

Rheyna: You've done enough.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and pat it softly. This war all way too damn much.

(Author's POV)

Rheyna entered the bedroom. She was surprised when she saw Valinrina. Looking at the big painting of Felix drawn into her canvas.

Valinrina: I never knew you could paint.

Rheyna: Queen Valinrina, how may I help you?

Valinrina: I am okay. I just thought you were here.

Rheyna: I apologize. Do you need anything?

Valinrina: Do you mind sitting down for a moment Rheyna?

Rheyna: Of course.

Rheyna sat down, Valinrina turned around to face her and walked towards her and sit beside her. They both sat in silence.

Valinrina: For so many years, I thought nobody could ever harm my son. I thought I protected him very well. All of my years I never took my eyes off him. I watched him raise up. Grow into this magnificent man. I thought that, we were all safe now. But....I lowered my guard. I lost focus. I miss his warmth. I miss his voice. I wish I could've been a better mother to my son before he died.

Rheyna: You were a good mother.

Valinrina: No. No I wasn't. I didn't show him love. The love he wanted. I gave him strictness. Taught him discipline. Manners. But I never showed him the love and attention he wanted.

Rheyna: He loves you either way.

Valinrina: Very much. I loved him. More than life itself.

Rheyna: Everybody knows that. Even he knows that.

Valinrina: *Sniffs* I miss them. I want them back. My husband. And especially my son. My son....

She sobbed softly. Rheyna placed her hand on her back, feeling the tears prickling her eyes.

Rheyna: I should've protected him.

Valinrina: No. You're pregnant. It's you who should be safe. You are pregnant with his baby. He wouldn't like it if you are put in harm.

Rheyna nodded softly in understanding.

Valinrina: How old is your pregnancy?

Rheyna: 8 months now.

Valinrina: I wonder if it's gonna be a girl.

Rheyna: I had dreams.

Valinrina: Dreams?

Rheyna: I'm guessing it's gonna be a boy. Because I dream of them. My husband, and my son.

Valinrina: Have you picked a name for him then?

Rheyna: Eric. Eric Ackerman.

Valinrina: A beautiful name. May I?

Rheyna nodded and Valinrina touched her baby bump. Smiling softly when she felt it kick.

Valinrina: Rheyna.

Rheyna: Yes?

Valinrina: Promise me, you will love this child no matter what happens. Protect him from harm. Do what Felix will do. It's you, who Eric will be relying on.

Rheyna: I know. And I promise.

Valinrina: Good. Very good.

She caressed her baby bump.

Valinrina: It's just you and him now. This time, it's you who needs to face a new challenge. But this time, without Felix.

Rheyna nodded.

Rheyna: No it's okay. I will do anything, to protect him. Without my husband.

Valinrina: Then you need to be ready.

Rheyna nodded, and signed softly. Face a challenge, without her husband. Let's just see if she can handle it or not.

(Draken's POV)

Draken was walking towards the training ground. Where he saw Nathaniel, Jonathan. No Skye. He signed heavily.

Draken: Nathaniel.

Nathaniel: Draken? Do you need something?

Draken: Do you have a moment?

Nathaniel: Uhh, yes of course. Why? Do you need me for something?

Draken: Let's talk outside.

He whispered. Grabbing Nathaniel's hand and pulling him inside.

Nathaniel: Okay, what do you need?

Draken breathed in deeply.

Draken: Nathaniel. I have some....news for you....

Nathaniel: News? For me? What is it?

Draken: Please, promise me, you will not breakdown by this news okay?

Nathaniel: You're freaking me out for a little bit, but tell me what is it?

Draken: It's....It's Skye....

Nathaniel: What happened to him? Is he okay? Is he hurt? Where is he?

Draken: He....he....

Nathaniel: What? What, what is it? Tell me!

Draken: He left.

Nathaniel: L-left? W-what do you...what do you mean?

Draken: He left us. I don't know where he went but....he just left....

Nathaniel: No....h-how could he....? W-why....?

Draken: He said this place was no longer home for him. He felt suffocated. He needed to leave for a while but he promised that he'll be back, for everyone. For you.

Nathaniel: Where did he go? Where? I have to find him!

Draken: No Nathaniel no! You can't.

Nathaniel: I cannot just leave him I need to find my brother!

Draken: We will find him. But not now! It's not worth the risk. Zardoz won't be happy about this. We cannot let him know.

Nathaniel: My brother might be in danger!

Draken: Stop Nathaniel listen to me! Don't. You know how cruel Zardoz is. We cannot let him know!

Nathaniel: How are you gonna hide this from him? Sooner or later he will know!

Draken: We cannot let him know he left Nyland. I'll make up an excuse. But please, do not go. That's not what Skye would like. He doesn't want you to be in trouble. So please, don't put yourself in trouble.

Nathaniel: But Draken-

Draken: We will find him. I will find him. You stay put. Don't put yourself in trouble. Please....

Nathaniel was breathing shakily. Fists clenching.

Nathaniel: I...I have to go....

He said and walked away.

Draken: Nathaniel, Nathaniel!

He called out but he ignored him. Draken sighed softly.

'Skye, wherever you are, please be safe.'

(Author's POV)

The sound of the horse' footsteps was heard. Horse huffing every now and then. He got down from his horse and decided to stop for now. It was getting late anyway and he is cold.

'Great job Skye now you're here freezing in the cold. Idiot.'

He signed heavily. He decided to stop and make a bonfire and call it a day for now.

(Time skip)

He was sitting down peacefully and enjoying the warm bonfire. Munching on a fruit. He signed softly and closed his eyes. He gasped when he heard a sound. He took out his dagger and waited. He signed in relief when he saw a bunny hop out. He calmed himself down and put his dagger back. He decided to have some rest for the night and continue to his journey tomorrow. So he laid down, used his bag of clothes as pillow and wrapped his thick jacket into him even more. Warming himself up.

(In the middle of the night)

He was sleeping peacefully when he heard something that made him snap his eyes open and immediately sat up and take out his dagger. He closely watched his surroundings. Hearing footsteps running here and there.

Skye: Who's there?! Show yourself!

More footsteps running. Then silence. But he gasped loudly when a bag was wrapped around his head and arms hold his arms. He tried kicking, punching, but none were working. That's when he felt something hit the back of his neck that made him unconscious. He fell down on the ground. With a loud thud.

(Meanwhile)

He groaned lazily and opened his eyes. But all he saw was darkness. The sack was still on his head. That explains it. He felt his two wrists tied together behind his back. As he was hanging upside down.

Skye: Ugh....hello....? Any....anybody there....? Help me....please somebody help me!

He yelled. But no one came. That's when he heard footsteps coming towards his way.

Skye: Is somebody there....? I can't breathe in here....take it off....

He said weakly. He heard footsteps approaching him and took off the sack off his head. Now he could see but his vision was blurry. His vision was upside down which made it even harder.

???: You found him near our territory?

Man: Yes sir. Oddly resting.

???: So! Who are you?

Skye: Who are you?

???: I, am Isaac Alberforth. And you are?

Skye: Skye Lockwood. Look, I am not a threat to anybody. I'm just looking for someone. I need to find him because Nyland is in danger.

Isaac: Who are you looking for?

Skye: Felix Ackerman. 

Isaac: Who are you to him? Why are you looking for him?

Skye: I'm his friend. And it's because Nyland is in danger. Everyone's lives are on the hands of our enemy. Innocents are dying. I need to find him. Please....

Isaac: Why should I trust you? You're a stranger. A trespasser. You trespassed into our land. And how should we believe that you really are, Felix's friend?

Skye: I know to my own self I'm not lying. Because I am his friend. Bring me to him. He'll prove to you that I am no threat.
I'm not your enemy. I'm just like you. A person. Zardoz is destroying Nyland.

Isaac: Zardoz? Zeke's brother?

Skye: Yes! Zardoz! He's got his hands on the Kingdom and its in really bad shape! Children are starving! Women are being enslaved! If we don't do something now then there's no doubt Nyland will fall. There will be no more future. For the people of Nyland. So please....

Isaac stared at him. Skye looked genuinely sincere. Making Isaac sigh heavily.

Isaac: Untie him.

The man got out his dagger and cut the rope, and let him fall down on the floor with a grunt.

Isaac: Bring him.

He said and walked away. The man forced him to stand up and pushed him to walk.

(Meanwhile)

Felix hissed in pain when he gently removed the bandage around his stomach. He placed the bandage aside and stared at his wound in the mirror. His two nasty stab wounds. Along with a few bruises around his abdomen and rib part. Signing heavily in pain he took a wet warm cloth and wet it by dipping it in warm water. Then taking a deep breath before wiping the wound, it stinged for a little bit. But he got the hang of it. He continued to clean his wound before grabbing a mashed medicine herb. Grabbing a perfect amount of it in his finger tips before wiping it on his wound. It stings. Making him closed his eyes shut and bite his lips in pain. The passion lasted for a couple of seconds before disappearing. But still, it stings for a little bit. But, just a little bit. He signed in relief and took a new clean bandage and wrap it around his stab wounds. When he was done, he cleaned up the mess. He heard a knock on his door so he looked at the door and saw Vanessa standing there.

Felix: Yes?

Vanessa: We have company.

Felix: Who?

Vanessa: See for yourself.

(Author's POV)

Vanessa and Felix got down. Where they heard sounds of angry grunting.

Felix: What's going on?

He asked. Isaac turned around.

Isaac: Boys let him go!

He commanded. Felix saw that the two men throw a body towards him. His wrists and ankles tied.

Skye: Ow! Have you ever heard of the word 'gentle'?! Goodness sake!

Felix: Skye?

Skye: Felix?

Vanessa: You know each other?

Felix: Untie him. Now!

Isaac: You heard him. Untie this man.

The men untied him and he stood up, dusting his clothes. He grumbled under his breath.

Skye: Felix?

Felix was stunned. So was Skye.

Both: What are you doing here?

Skye: What is going on?

Felix chuckled happily and hugged him tightly. Skye wrapped his arms around him even more tightly.

Skye: Please tell me I'm not dreaming right now.

Felix: No. No you're not.

Skye: Oh thank God.

Felix: Wait.

They pulled away.

Felix: How did you get here? What are you even doing here?

Skye: It's a long story. I'll tell you later.

Skye looked at his wounds.

Skye: How...did you...survive?

Felix: I don't know. Let's just say this was a miracle.

Vanessa: Uhh....sorry for the interruption but....I think you both should talk inside.

Felix: Right. Follow me.

(Meanwhile)

Vanessa placed the cup of tea in front of them.

Skye: Thank you.

Felix: Uhh, do you mind giving us a moment?

Vanessa: Of course.

She left them both. They both engulfed by silence.

Felix: How did you find me?

Skye: I didn't. I just coincidentally passed by. I never thought I'd find you here.

Felix: Did Zardoz send you?

Skye: No.

Felix: Then how'd you find me?

Skye: I left.

Felix: What?

Skye: Yeah.

Felix: Why?

Skye: Tried to look for you.

Felix: This is dangerous. You know that.

Skye: I know. But I just had to.

Felix: You could get punished for this.

He didn't say anything and just lowered his head.

Felix: Does your brother know?

Skye: No. But Draken knows.

Felix: Draken.

Skye: Mm-hm.

Felix: But not your own brother?

Skye: I was scared. If I told him, he would probably stop me.

Felix: I'd do the same. Running away from your home-

Skye: It's not my home. Everything