Now that was a good nap. One of the best ones I have ever had.


    Maybe after yesterday talk about me and Zero joining a school together.


    Mom was more strict with her homeschooling. Despite me knowing maths well, I must say that history and language is were I struggle the most.


    She teaches until you are so exhausted that a four nap become the best thing that has ever happened to you.


    After pushing myself off the bed and doing a couple of stretches.


    Today feels like a good day to head out. Maybe I should visit Zero and see what kind of trouble we can get into.


    Just as I reach for my door, I hear voices.


    "…I know it’s sudden, but we don’t have a choice." my father’s deep voice says.


    My mother sighs. “It’s just… moving to another country? Henry, this is a big change. Nero has friends here. What about Zero?”


    I freeze, my hand hovering over the door handle.


    “We’ve already discussed it. I’ve been assigned to a new village. The kingdom needs knights stationed there to safeguard the border. It’s safer than here.” father mentioned.


    A new country? A new village?


    I slowly step back from the door, my chest tightening. I don’t want to move. This is my home. Zero is here. My whole life...this second chance...is here.


    Without another sound, I throw myself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    What about Zero?


    The idea of leaving him behind doesn’t sit right with me. He’s the only person who truly understands me. He’s the only one who makes me feel like this life is different from the last.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I sigh, rubbing my face. There’s nothing I can do about it. If my father is being reassigned, then I have no choice but to follow.


    Just as I start to overthink everything, a faint tapping noise comes from my window.


    I sit up and glance over.


    A small, sleek-feathered messenger bird is perched on the sill, a tiny rolled-up letter tied to its leg.


    I quickly open the window, and the bird hops inside, tilting its head at me expectantly. I untie the letter and unroll it.


    Nero,


    I have big news! We’re moving. My dad is being reassigned. I don’t know where yet, but I’ll find out soon. I hope we’re not too far from each other. Meet me at our usual spot.


    ~Zero


    I blink. Then I read it again.


    He’s moving too?


    I don’t waste another second. I toss on my boots, grab the closest jacket, and rush out the door.


    ---


    By the time I reach our usual meeting spot. A small clearing near the village square I see Zero.


    But something’s wrong.


    He’s backed up against a wall, his fists clenched, facing off against three older boys.


    Roddy and his gang.


    One of them shoves him roughly, “Where do you think you’re going, huh? Leaving town so soon?”


    Zero grits his teeth, “None of your business.”


    Roddy laughs, “How about you give us some your dad''s gold and we will leave you be.”


    Zero has always been a weak against the bullies in town.


    Have to admit, one thing I love about my past me.


    “HEY.” Is that I was fighting for more than four years.


    The boys turn.


    I crack my knuckles, “YOU F***ER!!!” I dash towards them.


    One of them scoffs, “Oh look, the knight’s brat is here.”


    I don’t give them time to say anything else.


    I close the distance between us in a heartbeat and drive my fist into the Roddy gut.


    He gasps, stumbling back.


    The second one tries to swing at me, but I duck and sweep his legs out from under him.


    The third takes a step back, eyes wide.


    Zero doesn’t waste the opportunity. He lunges forward, landing a solid punch to the last guy’s jaw.


    The bullies scramble to their feet and take off without looking back.


    Zero dusts himself off, “Thanks, it sucks you are always staving me.”


    I smirk, “Get better than you will start saving me.”


    “Yeah, yeah,” he mutters, rubbing his arm.


    “So… you got my letter?” he asked, little guy looks sad now.


    I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets, “Yeah. I heard my parents talking about moving too.”


    Zero kicks a rock, “Guess that means things are changing.”


    Yeah... kinda hope that we can stay longer. But six years was a ride.


    “We’ll see each other again. We’re both going to be knights. Our dads are sending us to the same school anyway.” I said


    Zero glances at me, then nods, “Yeah. And besides, I still have to prove I’m stronger than you.”


    I smirk, “Keep dreaming.”


    He laughs, then holds out his fist.


    I bump mine against his without hesitation.


    No matter what happens, we’ll keep moving forward.


    And one day, we’ll stand side by side as knights.