I close my eyes and relax against the tree trunk. It feels so good to be in the forest again, just to feel the warmth of the sun. After being shut inside the Order Hall for so long, I've kinda forgotten how nice this is.

A frown ruins my good mood when I think of Beacontown. I managed to get out today... but how long has it been since the last one? It could be another eternity until I get this break again.

Sighing, I try to shake these thoughts out. I can be worried and stressed and depressed tomorrow, but I need to enjoy this while I have it. But despite my efforts, those heavy thoughts keep weighing down my head.

Maybe I just need to move a bit, I'm generally sitting in one position all day, so perhaps that's just what I need. I stretch out and get up on my feet, walking aimlessly through the woods.

I spot a lake and immediately lick my lips. They are pretty dry, it wouldn't hurt to get a drink. Besides something to think about instead of focusing on this dreadful cloud following me around reminding me of all the work I have to get back to.

The lake is shiny blue and I can even see my reflection. Which is not a good thing. I don't want to be reminded that it's been awhile since I've properly washed my hair. Others say nothing looks wrong, but that's only because it's short and brown. I can still see the dirt build up.

And my eyes. I'm surprised no one has actually said anything about it yet. But they're so... so dull. I used to love looking at my eyes simply because that's all I inherited from my mother. Now it's just depressing though. I wonder if she would be happy if she could see me now?

I don't regret saving the world and so many people, not at all. I loved that. But I did that with my friends, friends I haven't seen in years. And I was so happy when we did that, everything felt so right.

And somehow it's all wrong now.

Somehow, I rarely leave the Order Hall and walk under the glorious sun. Somehow, I let my friends slip away from me. Somehow, I didn't see my happiness slowly fading away. Somehow, I lost control over my own life.

If I don't want to slave away doing paperwork all day long while longingly starring at the forest, then I shouldn't have to. If I just want to snuggle on the couch and read, nothing should be able to stop me.

And yet... every time I try to, something always drags me back. Someone tears up because they think I'm abandoning Beacontown. Or someone else expresses their pure joy that I'm their mayor and I feel so guilty to say I don't want to ruin that.

Couldn't I have what I once did? I used to have friends that would be around so much I knew them better than myself sometimes. I would laugh so hard my stomach would hurt and rivers would flow from my eyes. We would decide what we wanted to do that day and do it without a care for anyone else.

Anger flares through me and I punch the water. Because despite the fact any one of my old friends would welcome me into whatever they're doing, I won't do that. I'll instead drag myself back to Beacontown. Because despite how exhausting and depressing it is, I just couldn't live with myself if I left it behind.

I stand back up, definitely not thirsty anymore. I might as well go back to Beacontown if I can't enjoy the sunshine anymore. I stomp through the woods, imagining all the work that has already built up.

"HEY! I DO NOT!"

I freeze and jump behind a tree, trying to slow my breaths. I need to breathe slowly, get control of myself. I don't think I would forgive myself if I slipped up in front of other people.

"Suuuuure Sebby... just keep thinkin' that."

'Sebby'? I hope that's a nickname name, I'd kinda feel bad if not. I peek through the woods and try to spot these people. If they're heading to Beacontown then I'll have to find some other way to vent. If only they started their journey five minutes later...

"Now now, you promised to be on best behavior. You'll rile up Kane and I don't him barking at everything once we get to Beacontown."

They have a dog and they're going to Beacontown, just great. The moment I start having a breakdown fans show up. I'm really happy so many people look up to me, but can't I get away from it sometimes?

"Just finally being able to see Beacontown will be great..." I start to climb up the tree, worried that their voices are becoming louder and not really wanting to interact with them. I just wait until they pass and will finally be alone again. 

"I heard that it's the biggest city in all of the worlds! How cool is that!" I roll my eyes and climb higher. It's not that fun when you have to run it 24/7.

"Psh... who cares about that? I just really want to meet some of the warriors there! I bet there are some moves I've never even heard of..."

I manage to see a few glimpses of the kids through the leaves. Since I've only heard three voices, I'm assuming there's two girls and one boy and one dog. I get comfortable on the branch and continue to watch where they're coming from, maybe I'll get a few kicks out of this.

"If were going to be meeting anyone... I want it to be Jesse. It would so incredible just to see such a legend."

I wonder how they would feel if their legend was hiding from them because he didn't want to caught during a temper tantrum about how terrible his life is.

"You know what Sebby? Just for you I'll fight my way all the way up to Jesse. My thanks for enchanting my axe."

The kids finally come into complete view. There's a short redheaded boy wearing a grey sweater, one big girl with short auburn hair and an axe on her shoulder, and a slim girl that has her black hair in a braid. And 'Kane' that comes up to her waist walking right beside her.

"Uhh... Sydney?" The dog girl speaks. "I don't think its a good idea to hurt a bunch of people trying to meet someone who is heroically known for helping people." 

So the axe girl is Sydney then and the guy 'Sebby', but I don't know the dog girl's name. I feel like its rude to call her that, but I don't really know what else to call her.

"Then Kane will do it. No one can stay mad for long at him."

The Kane whines in confusion and turns his muzzle to Sydney. But then he, I'm assuming he, brings his nose in the air and sniffs. No one pays attention to this, but when they pass by my tree, he growls.

"Whoa Kane, what's the matter boy?" The dog girl bends down to sooth Kane, who is growling lightly and constantly sniffing the air.

"HEY!" Sydney swings the axe off her shoulder. "WHO'S THERE?"

Sebby whacks her shoulder. "It might only be an animal, that you just scared off. Rachel, has it been awhile since you fed him?"

"No, but he does this when he smells rotten flesh. It's probably that, he's got that guard dog streak in him."

"Shame..." Sydney relaxes and returns the axe to her shoulder. "It would've been fun to have a little skirmish."

Rachel and Sebby both roll their eyes and say at the exact same time... "I'll never understand you."

They continue walking and my heart starts to burn in my chest. Forming tears prickle in my eyes as I stare at them. There isn't any reason to be reacting like this towards them. After all, they're only three best friends and their pet excitedly talking through the woods about meeting their hero...

I let out a shuddering breath and grip the tree tightly to keep my balance that's spiraling down the drain. That group of friends down there used to be me, Axel, and Olivia. When Rueben was still alive and everything was so carefree.

Just look at them, so happy and laughing all the time. It feels like a lifetime has gone by I was so light and... and free. Free to go where I wanted and do what I wanted all the while being surrounded by the people I care about the most.

Isn't that just funny? I desperately crave for what they have even though they want to meet me. It feels like it should be the other way around.

And now I really want to talk to them. Like maybe... maybe just seeing them might make me happier. That there's a reason why I do all the work I do. That despite what it makes me feel, it's actually doing a lot of good in the world.

I climb down the tree, about to walk up towards them before hesitating. I want to talk to them, not awkwardly chase after them and then just stare at them. It has become a running joke throughout the Order about embarrassed I get when talking to fans. Well, used to be I guess.

Sighing, I look down and think. And that's when I notice a very nice large twig. So I raise foot above it and slam it down, a loud crack bouncing off of the trees.

Only a few seconds pass until a dog bounds in front of me, growling but then stops and tilts it's head. I smile and hold my hand out, the dog causiously approaching to sniff it. Nearly at once its tougue rolls out and he happily nuzzles up to him. I laugh, Lukas was always slightly jealous of how much animals like me.

"Hey buddy, you lost?" I know very well he isn't lost, but I really don't want to give the stalker vibe. That would be very awkward... knowing your hero was starring at you from above...

"Kane! Where did-" Rachel comes to a dead halt in front of me, mouth hanging wide open. A second later, the other two do the exact same thing. I smile and pat Kane before walking up to them.

"Is he yours? I got to say, I would have been afraid of him if wasn't so friendly."

"Uh... Well- n-normally he isn't... b-but I'm glad he... err... isn't attacking you?" Rachel looks at her two friends, as if silently trying to communicate with them.

I chuckle a bit, I have to get them to calm down or this is going to be weird. "I guess it's just a knack, animals just like me. Well, there was this one lama that gave me trouble, but she came around eventually."

Sebby snaps out of his daze, shaking his head. "I'm so honored to meet you Jesse. I always hoped I would, but it was... I mean, I never thought I actually would."

"What are you doing out here?" Sydney blurts, still kinda awestruck. "I thought you never leave Beacontown."

I scratch my head and smile sheepishly. "Beacontown's great, but sometimes I just need to get out. Everything gets overwhelming at times."

"But you've saved the world many times! Pressure can't get to you!" Sydney suddenly covers her mouth, and quite nervous about her actions now.

"Different kind of pressure. This is a bit more personal and long lasting, but what about you guys? Why are you heading to Beacontown?" I walk around them and to the trail, gesturing them to follow me. They hesitate at first, then quickly scurry forward and we all begin walking.

Rachel clears her throat. "No real reason..."

"Oh come on. Anything you want to know about Beacontown, now would be a perfect time to ask." I smile at them, I think I'm slowly getting them to relax.

"Is it true..." I turn to look at Sebby. "That there's a skull house with lava flowing out of it that was built by the guy who unleashed the Wither Storm?"

I give a small laugh, remembering when Axel and I both loved seeing that. "Ivor's house? Yeah, that still stands. Although only Ivor would build something as lethal as that for a home."

"And, he's uhh good right?" Rachel rubs her neck, looking stressed. "I hear so much good and bad and I don't want to misjudge him and I-"

"Whoa, calm down. Ivor's passionate and dramatic. He's a good guy, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. He's just a little extreme at times and can be hard to handle if you don't know him well."

"OOH!" I snap my head at Sydney, surprised by her sudden squeal. "Is it true that you killed dozens of ghasts while fighting a huge demon ghast mutated my the Beacon Snuffer?"

"Uhhh yes... but Beacon Snuffer? Is that what people call Romeo?"

They nod their heads, looking much more confident now. Sebby speaks though. "It's more of a vulgar term for him. But since he tried to twist Beacontown into the exact opposite of what it is, people call him the Beacon Snuffer."

"Oh I see, yeah that makes sense." I rub my chin. "Although I don't know any of your names. It's another hour or so and I don't want to refer to you guys in my head as 'the redhead' or 'the braided one'."

They all chuckle and I feel myself smile. Like a real smile. Not some fake one or one out of content. But one that accompanies such strong feelings of happiness. I've forgotten how good it feels.

"I'm Sydney."

"Sebastian."

"And I'm Rachel." She pets Kane, who's walking in between us. "This here is Kane."

"Well, I'm Jesse. Just Jesse, please don't say any titles."

"Oh..." Rachel's face crinkles up. "Do you not like that?"

"No, not really. Well I want to be called by my name, what I am. Not by a title that says what've done. I'm proud of it yes, but I feel so self conscious when people say my titles instead. As if I have to be some glorious leader all the time."

"Wait a moment..." I raise my eyebrow at Sebastian, and I'm glad his name isn't really 'Sebby'. "Isn't that your main thing? Being able to lead in a time of crisis or during anything?"

"Okay, let's get something straight. I can tell you're all really great people, but look at things from all angles. You see me as a hero right? But a long time ago, people made fun of me simply because I had a pet pig. There are a lot of aspects to... well everything. People, consequences, problems, relationships. So never assume you know it all, or something will come and bite you."

I sigh, deeply. "But yes, I can lead. And I can do it really well. I don't expect you to understand, but even if it comes naturally to me, it is really exhausting. Just think about all the worries your own life produces, and then now also worrying about someone else's, and another, and another. Then take all of those worries and add stress of what are you going to do next. And then-"

I blink and then rub my forehead. I just met these people, I shouldn't be just dumping my stresses on them. Although, I never realized how... how heavy all these things were. Perhaps it is a good thing I'm going back to Beacontown soon, I feel really tired now.

"Is... uh everything all right?"

And then, it clicks. Those words... I can't remember how many times I've asked other people that question. But I do remember how good it felt when I answered it to my friends. Whether retelling happy moments or when they supported me.

"Y'know what? Everything will be turning out great. Right now not be the best time, but it will be overcome."

I smile again, I feel so bubbly inside. When was the last time I felt this way?

"I don't know the reason why you're coming to Beacontown or what any of you plan to with your lives. But since I don't want you to make my mistakes, perhaps I should pass on some advice that honestly took years to realize."

I look at all of them, becoming more determined with every second. "Nothing matters more than your friends. Other people might want you to themselves, or you might feel pressured to leave each other. But always stick together, since you can overcome anything together but can crumble easily alone."

I let out a quiet laugh, I know what I have to do. I might love Beacontown, but it doesn't need me and I don't need it. There's only one thing that makes me happy and it's about time I go after it, because I deserve a happy future too.

It's funny though. In order to really realize that, I needed to be surrounded by the past.

****

It's done... oh thank goodness, I was starting to get worried- like a lot.

And this one... I got the idea replaying the game once and seeing the trio talking about Gabriel. Where I just thought... 'Do people also do this with Jesse?' And while a bit different than what I had in mind, I'm really satisfied with how it came out.

So I'm done, you'll have to wait a few days for Jesse and it will come later in the day.... but good things are worth waiting for. (Not that you have a choice regardless)

Bye now!