DAWN OF DEPARTURE
Three days had passed.
The wind was cold, and the morning mist crept in like a whisper of what was to come.
Wooden ships lined the snowy shore, their sails tight and ready. The knights, armored and silent, stood waiting. The clang of swords and the creak of wood filled the air.
Akio, eyes half-asleep, spotted the knights through the window.
"Dad! Dad! The knights are outside!"
He rushed to his father. Varnok was adjusting the straps of his armor. Mizuki, already awake, handed him a small bag of packed fruits with trembling hands.
"Where are you going? Are you going to fight?" Akio asked.
Varnok knelt, his voice soft. "I'll be back soon, son. There's a place I need to be."
He placed a large, warm hand on Akio's head.
"I love you," Mizuki said, her voice shaky but loving.
Varnok smiled gently. "I love you more."
He turned to Akio again, his voice steady.
"Take care of her, alright? She's gonna need her little warrior."
"You mean take care of Mom? Oh yeah, I will. But Dad... be honest. Do you really think she needs protecting? Last time she chased a bear off the porch with a spoon—a spoon, Dad, a spoon."
Mizuki laughed in the background. "He wasn't that big!"
"True," Varnok smirked. "That bear's still in therapy."
They all laughed. But the laughter faded as Akio's expression turned serious.
"Dad... please. I wanna go with you."
"No, my love. You can't come with me."
"But I can fight, Dad! I know my way with the sword, I've been practicing every day. Please!"
"Akio!" Varnok raised his voice.
Akio's face crumpled. "You... You said you'd never leave me. You said we're a team. You said you need me..."
Varnok knelt again and pulled him close.
"I know... I know. And I'm not leaving you, okay? I'm coming back. But I can't afford to lose you, son. Not you."
"But…" Akio said
"Look at me. Come on, boy. Look at me."
Akio looked up. Varnok wiped his son's tears with his thumb.
"Your mom… she's gonna need someone strong to protect her. You think I'd leave her with anyone but the fiercest warrior I know?"
"I know." Akio replied
Varnok smiled. "Now… look around you. No one out there can beat us, right?"
He flexed his arms in a goofy, exaggerated way.
"We're strong."
"Untouchable!" Akio answered.
"And with you by my side—"
"—And Mom too, making those amazing dishes!"
They both burst into laughter. In the kitchen, Mizuki sneezed.
"Yes, her too," Varnok grinned. "The true weapon of the house."
"So what do you say, Team Viking?"
"Team Viking!" Akio wiped his nose and nodded.
Mizuki walked out, holding a bag. Everything Varnok needed was packed inside.
"Wait! Don't forget this!"
Akio rushed in, dragging a sword and a folded paper with a drawing—him, his mom, and his dad, with a little song written at the bottom.
"Here, Dad—ugh—take it!"
Varnok chuckled. "Hmm. That sword's not really my style."
He pulled out his icy double-bladed axe with a dramatic thunk. It gleamed with a faint blue light.
"Whoa! Then who uses the sword?"
strapping on his axe "Ask your mother." He says
"Wait… Mom?!" Akio shocked
"Guilty," Mizuki laughed. "I told you not to judge me by my soup ladle."
"No wonder Dad keeps buying new knives. You break them chopping onions!"
They laughed again, even as the tension of war loomed.
Mizuki leaned down to Akio. "I'll be making your favorite today. Wait here, okay?"
Akio stood, quietly watching his father walk away.
"Come back soon, Dad…"
The door closed gently.
Varnok marched toward the ships.