After the emotional conversation between Leon and Paul, Leon took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
"Father, I have so much to things to share with you, the recruitment test was far more interesting than I could have ever imagined and there is something important I need to tell you," Leon began, his voice filled with excitement.
Curiosity sparked in Paul's eyes as he leaned forward, eager to hear more. "You can tell me everything, Leon. I purposefully didn't interfere in your test since you didn't want to do anything with me so I don't know anything about what has been happening?"
Leon proceeded to recount the events of the recruitment test, describing his encounters with Mako and Bill, how their first encounter went, and how they forgave him, after all, he had done.
He explained in great detail about their first major battle together which was the Terra Beetle King battle in the cave.
He went on and explained how they met Erin and Iris and the five of them formed a group together to survive for the remainder of the time left on the island.
He explained the different military tests and other fights they had with cadets and finally finished off by explaining all the different challenges they faced in horde night and how they managed to beat it.
Paul listened intently, his interest growing with every word. He saw the fire in his son's eyes and realized the importance of these newfound friendships.
Leon continued explaining how they located the golden crate and finally, the most important event of them all which happened after they were extracted from the island and transferred over to the military base.
This was when Commander Sable had offered them to join the special task force and Leon was one of the people alongside his friends who took the opportunity and said yes.
This was definitely very important news and Paul was very surprised and proud of the decision that Leon had made.
Times were different from when he was a kid where he had to resort to becoming a gang member as that was the only way to survive and take control of his life, But Paul never wanted Leon to follow his dark path.
He wanted to let Leon decide on his own what he wanted to and he was pleased to learn that his son was going to be part of something so great and noble.
Paul thought back to the time he had made the deal with Mako and Bill about protecting and looking after Leon during the recruitment test and definitely did look like they kept their end of the deal, but with the way Leon was describing things, Paul quickly caught on that that the things those boys did for Leon weren't because of a deal or anything, but they did it purely from their hearts, becoming true friends.
Paul was quite impressed with the bond they had formed. Leon spoke so passionately about their shared goal to protect and serve, to make a difference in the world, that he knew his son was in a good and honest company that could push him much higher than he ever could.
By the time Leon wrapped all of what had happened in the last two weeks, the sun had already risen with the clouds still drizzling rain, forming a beautiful rainbow in the sky that could be viewed from all over the city.
"Mako and Bill, they have become my friends, Father," Leon stated with a sense of conviction in his voice. "I believe that together, we can definitely go far and make a difference while in this task force."
Paul nodded, impressed by Leon's determination and his ability to form meaningful connections with others. He saw the potential for a powerful team, united by a strong bond.
"Leon, it seems fate has brought you together with these individuals for a reason," Paul responded keeping the part about his deal with Mako and Bill a secret for now so that Leon wouldn't get the wrong idea again, his voice filled with a newfound sense of hope. "I support your vision, and I believe in your ability. Together, you can accomplish great things."
"Do you have a way to contact them? I want to meet them before you three head back and begin your new journey," Paul said to Leon.
Leon nodded yes and pulled out a device from his waterproof bag that was given to him by the military which was a portable teleportation tracker which could be used to send and bring people from anywhere within range without them having to be in a teleporter room.
This was how they were able to teleport them to their home directly and could call them back after they had finished their business with their families.
The portable teleportation marker also acted like a communication device and Leon used it to send a message to Bill and Mako to head over to the Dark Raven HQ after they had finished their business.
***************
On the other corner of Emerald City, the sun rays were breaking through the windows of an exquisite Japanese-looking home with a completely destroyed training area and courtyard.
This was of course William Johnson's house and right now William and his son were back outside in the courtyard with William teaching him yet another lesson.
"Always remember, the core 5 elements may seem weak and uninteresting compared to other abilities, but there is a reason they have been called the core 5 elemental abilities. They are the most versatile and powerful abilities out there, it just depends on how well a user can use it." William explained as he manipulated several small rocks to float around him in an orbit.
"Never forget, everything originated from the earth itself, and being an earth user you will feel a connection to it if you form a strong enough bond with your ability. Even haven't been able to master these skills and neither were your siblings, but now it is your turn." William said to Bill as he brought out a case full of different books.
Not all of them were skill books as there were regular textbooks in there on many different topics as well.
"You are my youngest son and the last person who is left to inherit all of my knowledge and techniques that I have gathered over the years. Seeing your fast rate of growth, I am confident in my son becoming my true successor," William said with a big proud smile leaving Bill absolutely speechless.
There was nothing else left to do but just give his old man a big old hug. The two embraced each other and shared a moment of true love and peace which was quickly interrupted by something beeping in his front pocket.
It was his portable teleportation marker and he had just received a message from Leon asking him to come over to the Dark Raven Headquarters.
Bill had already explained everything to his father regarding Leon and the Dark Raven which he was quite interested in.
Bill thanked his father once again for all the tips and resources he had provided him and promised to make the best use of them.
He carried the case out the front door where a black cab with tainted black windows was waiting for him William had called for Bill so that he could get out of El Diablo's territory safely.
Bill said his goodbyes to his father and proceeded to get inside the cab that quickly sped off the docks to meet up with Leon.
"Goodbye, my son. Now that I know what happened, I will be sure to give you the good news soon." William said quietly as he watched the cab speed off.
******************
[Back at the bakery]
Mako was helping Sir Derek serve items to customers during the morning rush. Many people stopped by Sir Derek's bakery especially because of the excellent food items and calm and soothing environment, but with only two people running the whole operation, it was one of the most stressful morning rushes of both of their lives.
By the end, Mako and Sir Derek were both very tired. Mako wasn't tired much physically but he sure was mentally exhausted as the voice of the angry lady was etched into his brain who made him remake the order 3 times until it was exactly to her liking.
"Thank god, I worked in the kitchen and only had to deal with Sir Derek, If I had to deal with all of this on a daily basis, I might have just gone completely insane," Mako said to himself, and just then something buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled out his portable teleportation marker and read Leon's message. He knew it had to be something important and most likely regarding Paul so he tried to finish the shift and leave as soon as possible.
Mako had no idea how Leon's encounter went with his dad and he was eager to learn about what the situation was now so he quickly hurried up and finished his shift in the next half an hour.
Mako said his goodbyes to Sir Derek and explained that had to meet up with his friends before leaving; however, before he could leave, Sir Derek just had to give Mako a parting gift as he dropped 3 boxes full of delicious treats for Mako and his friends to enjoy.
Sir Derek was very adamant about Mako taking the treats with him and Mako knew he couldn't refuse so he just thanked Sir Derek for the kind gesture and exited the bakery to start heading over to the docks where the Dark Raven HQ was.
Just as Mako left, Sir Derek hung a portrait of him and Mako that he took last night as they were eating together right next to the main counter with the caption, "Employee of the Year" under it to honor the young boy who was moving on to greater and better things.
"Stay safe, Mako." Sir Derek said as he made a silent prayer for Mako before packing up and getting a well deserved rest.
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