Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 240: The Next Generation

"Peter."

Peter glanced off to the side. It was rare for Sawyer to call him for an outing. He couldn't even remember the last time they were alone together.

How many years has it been since we've stood together like this?

Peter recalled their youth. He remembered standing along the laguna coast when the Fujiwara ships first docked. Peter wished he was sterner back then. If he had been more strict, maybe Peter could've prevented Sawyer from falling under Homura's hypnosis.

Peter and Sawyer stood on top of the building that would later become the Hero Association headquarters. Peter saw a world ready to be rebuilt from the on top of the roof. Vermillion city was his kingdom now, and Peter was the knight there to support the king.

Peter watched civilians pass by. He felt proud, knowing it was his blade that kept them safe.

Is this what it feels like to stand above everyone else?

Peter dimly smiled. It felt good knowing he was making a difference.

But at what cost?

Peter cursed his level of power. He knew if he were stronger, then Yue wouldn't have died. Peter felt his shoulder. His phantom arm would act as a constant reminder of his shortcomings.

"Hey, Pete. Earth to Pete." Sawyer pulled Peter out of an endless abyss of guilt. His voice was like ropes pulling him into the comfort of reality. "I didn't call you out here just to watch you mope around like some pansy."

Peter tried to smile. It was difficult to do even that much these days. "Then why did you call me up here?" he asked. "I hope not to lecture me."

Sawyer felt compelled to laugh. He had the laugh of an older man.

"No of course not." Sawyer laughed. "You've known me my entire life. You know damn well-giving advice isn't my style, neither is nagging, that's more up your alley."

Peter threatened to sigh. Sometimes he hated how carefree Sawyer was. He never seemed to put much thought into anything, which allowed him to jump into situations blindly.

"Screw you." Peter said jokingly. "I don't nag I'm cautious there is a difference. You should be grateful that you have a friend as cautious as me. My skepticism kept us alive. If I wasn't always bitching into your ear you wouldn't be here right now to complain."

"Haha I suppose you have a point," Sawyer chuckled. "I'm glad I have a friend like you looking over my shoulder."

Peter tried to remain optimistic. But the tone of Sawyer's voice worried him. Sawyer didn't sound as lively as when they were young. What Peter heard was a failed attempt to resuscitate Sawyer's youth.

"You don't have to pretend for me, you know." Peter frowned. He walked over to his friend, put his hand on his shoulder, and sat down. He knew Sawyer well enough to tell when he was hiding something.

"How much time do you have?"

"A few years, maybe a little more." Sawyer shrugged. He accepted his fate as soon as he decided to save Maija. Maija's life was more valuable than his vow to Homura to Sawyer. More than anything, she was his greatest treasure.

"I broke a vow," Sawyer scratched his beard. "It was a small price to pay for what we got in return."

Sawyer glanced at Peter's right arm. It was a shame Homura cut off his dominant arm. Losing his right arm forced Peter into early retirement. With the death of Homura, the retirement of Peter, and the eventual death of Sawyer, that left only Ryuto as a capable warrior among the four heavenly deities.