The night has come down on the kingdom's crown jewel, the royal city that is the heart of the Victoria kingdom.
The city lights were dim but still managed to light the now empty streets as the moon was ascending slowly into the skies. The citizens were at their houses, tucking their kids into bed, and the guards were doing their duties. The sounds of steps were heard across the streets as a lone man in his 50s walked down the roads, holding a toddler wrapped in a red blanket.
Every step was like an alarm going off in his head. John kept thinking about what he'd decided while he looked at his sleeping 7-month-old grandson, Akira, in his arms.
"Hush, little Akira, everything is going to be alright," John said, telling himself he was trying to calm the sleeping baby while he really was trying to calm himself as he remembered his son's and daughter-in-law's last wish.
Tears began to form in the former strict and cold man who once was one of the most respected men in the kingdom. John was so fixated in his thought he didn't notice the man who waited for him and Akira near the kingdom gate.
"You've really gotten old, my friend," the man said, getting John's attention as he heard a familiar voice. He quickly returned his face to the usual stoic face to greet his friend,
"Gai, why are you here? Don't try to stop me; I'm doing the right thing," John got into a defensive state.
"My friend, I've come to bid you farewell," Gai stated definitively. "Are you truly departing with Akira? You understand that fate will inevitably draw this child back here."
John gazed at the sky, and it seemed as though the moon was observing the scene as well.
"I'm well aware that that boy will come back, and I won't stop him. Akira will probably come here to find answers and maybe even get to the academy, and I hope you will be here to help him."
"John, as you are aware, the situation is complex. The Academy maintains stringent regulations concerning commoners. Ren's admission was facilitated by your previous position, and now, following your departure, the nobility's sentiments towards you mirror their disdain for commoners."
Gai's words served as a stark reminder to John of the harsh realities within this troubled kingdom.
The two men stood in silence as the wind breezed through the streets.
Gai broke the silence, "I have an idea," he said with a face full of confidence and resolve, which was so rare for the usually jester-like man.
"I'm also returning to my mansion tomorrow, so when Akira grows up, come with him to me, and I will get him into the academy under my name. Consider it a favor to my friend and to your son that saved my life."
John was moved by Gai's gesture, though he would likely deny it if questioned. He proceeded past Gai, promising to be in contact and extending well wishes for his future.
John knew that the boy's blood would not let him escape this path, the same path the boy's parents took, but he needed to try so maybe, just maybe, Akira will live an honest and happy life.
Departing the kingdom under the cover of darkness, the man and his grandson commenced a journey into an unknown future, anticipating potential challenges.
For the first time since his birth, Akira cried, a sound that made John feel the weight of the boy's fate pressing harder on his shoulders.
The moonlight, illuminating their path, provided comfort to baby Akira, as if a divine presence guided John and Akira toward the future they rightfully deserved.
Over several weeks, John successfully arrived at his intended destination, a remote village situated far from the influence of the kingdom's nobility.
Years slipped by, and Akira grew into a curious child. His story begins as a scream shattered the village's peace.