Only Skeletons Remain

Chapter 5: Name Change

The camp was bustling with activity. Banditos moved about, tending to their daily tasks, sharpening weapons, and preparing food. The sight of Clancy emerging from the forest drew immediate attention. Whispers and excited murmurs rippled through the camp as word spread of his return.

Juan was the first to approach, his eyes wide with a mix of concern and anticipation. "Clancy! You're back!" He hurried to him, his expression softening as he took in his weary form. "Did you find them?"

Clancy nodded, a tired but triumphant smile spreading across his face. "I did. All four of them. Fenrir, Runeheart, Starling, and Trua—they've agreed to help us."

A collective gasp echoed through the camp, and the Banditos gathered around, eager to hear more. Clancy took a deep breath, recounting the trials he had faced to find each bishop. He spoke of the treacherous swim across the Paladin Strait to reach Trua, the eerie silence of the cave where Fenrir had resided, the ancient runes guarding Runeheart, and the haunting melodies that had led him to Starling.

As he finished his tale, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Juan placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes shining with pride. "You did it, Clancy. You've given us hope."

Clancy felt a swell of emotion. For the first time in what felt like ages, he allowed himself to believe that they might actually succeed. He glanced around at the faces of the Banditos, each one filled with renewed determination. "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice steady. "With the bishops on our side, we have a chance to turn the tide against DEMA. But we have to stay strong, stay united."

As the camp began to buzz with preparations and plans, Clancy felt a sense of peace. He had found the bishops, and with them, the hope that had been missing for so long. The journey was far from over, but for the first time, he truly believed they could win.

Lara stayed by his side, her presence a comforting anchor. "You did good, sleeper," she said softly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Maybe you really can save us."

Clancy squeezed her hand, gratitude filling his heart. "We'll save each other," he replied, looking out over the camp with a renewed sense of purpose. "And we'll save the world."

The firelight flickered around them, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in anticipation of the battles to come. But for now, there was hope, and in that hope, Clancy found strength.

"Clancy, you have done a great thing for us." Juan said, dipping his head. "Tonight, you will be changing your name, as a way of shedding off your old life in the City of Neon Lights and as an oath to the Banditos."

Clancy felt a rush of excitement go through him. His eyes widened. An oath? Was he becoming a Bandito? "Thank you so much."

Juan gave him a kind smile. "Be ready by sunset. Get some rest, you've earned it."

Clancy thanked Juan again before he went to his tent. It had been such a long day. He laid down on the cot, and he let out a soft grunt. His body ached so much, but he didn't really care. This was more than he could ever ask for. He would have to go back and get his siblings. They shouldn't be in DEMA, not with the rise of the new leadership.

He wouldn't think about that right now. Right now, he just wanted to take a nap. It didn't take long before he fell asleep on his cot.

The evening sun cast a warm, golden hue over the Bandito camp as Clancy walked towards the central fire. The air was thick with anticipation, the Banditos gathering in a circle around the fire pit. Juan stood at the center, his weathered face illuminated by the flames.

Clancy's heart pounded in his chest. The journey had proven his loyalty and dedication to the Banditos, and now, Juan had called for a special ceremony to honor him.

Lara stood beside her father, her eyes shining with pride. She gave Clancy an encouraging nod as he approached. He took a deep breath, stepping into the circle. The murmurs of the gathered Banditos quieted, all eyes now on him.

Juan raised his hands, signaling for silence. "Tonight, we gather to honor a man who has proven himself to be more than just an ally. He has shown bravery, determination, and a heart that beats for our cause. Clancy, step forward."

Clancy did as he was told, standing before Juan with a mixture of nerves and excitement. He felt a pang of anxiety in his stomach, but this was what he had waited for. He wondered if he would have to do any more tests before he officially became a Bandito.

"Clancy," Juan began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and respect. "You came to us as an outsider, but you have earned your place among us. You have brought hope to our people and fulfilled a prophecy long spoken of. It is only fitting that you be given a name that reflects your new identity, your new purpose within our family."

Juan turned to Lara, who handed him a small, intricately carved wooden box. He opened it, revealing a simple silver pendant in the shape of a phoenix—an emblem of rebirth and transformation.

"From this day forward," Juan continued, holding up the pendant for all to see, "you shall be known as Miguel, a name that signifies strength and resilience. Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes, you have risen to become one of us."

Juan placed the pendant around Clancy's neck, the cool metal settling against his skin. The name "Miguel" resonated deep within him, a symbol of his rebirth and acceptance into the Bandito family.

The Banditos erupted into cheers and applause, the sound echoing through the camp. Clancy—now Miguel—felt a surge of emotion, gratitude, and pride swelling within him.

"Thank you, Juan," Miguel said, his voice thick with emotion. "I will wear this name with honor and continue to fight for our cause, for our family."

Juan nodded, a rare smile breaking across his stern features. "Welcome home, Miguel."

Lara stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "You did it, Miguel," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "You truly belong with us now."

Miguel hugged her back, feeling a profound sense of belonging and purpose. As the Banditos celebrated around the fire, he knew that his journey was far from over. But with his new name and newfound family, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The night was filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie as the Banditos welcomed their newest member into their fold. Miguel stood among them, no longer an outsider, but a brother, a warrior, and a beacon of hope for their shared future.