The sword of lies [ONGOING]

the journey begins

Cover made by Devilish_Psycho

It was late at night when the entire family was celebrating Tom's birthday. Tom was alone in a room with a fire place and 2 chairs apposing each other. It was time for his annual advise talk. Every year on his birthday he would get people to enter one by one and give them advise. They called it: the talk.

He didn't follow the original order of starting with the youngest. This time he started with the oldest, his wife, and ended with his grandson. His conversation with his wife was the same as always, but he ended it differently. He usually ended it with saying he loved her, but this time it had a certain ring. A different tone, like it was his last time. But it couldn't have been, right?

After some talking it was time for the youngest's talk. His name was Greg. The family loved simple names so that's what they used for their kids. "Sit down."
Tom said.
"So, how's your school?"
He asked.
"I'm actually doing quite good! It's not going bad at least. I'm not failing any subject so far and for my first year in middle school it's really nice."

"Do you have any friends?"

"Yeah, 2. They're Richard and Dick."

"That's the same name... But would anyone notice if you were to, say, disapear?"

"Uhm. . . No not really, why?"

"Were leaving tonight. No questions. We're gonna have a journey and it might take a while. Pack the necessary and I'll get you during midnight precise."

"What!? No! I have school!"

"Oh please. You have 1 month left so it won't effect your grade."

"But my friends! They'll miss me!"

"That's not what you said."

"I- god damnit. No. I refuse. I'm not going."

"Midnight, I'll explain later."
Greg stood up angry and stomped to the door. Before he closed the door he said:
"You're crazy and old so leave me alone!"
He slammed the door.

Greg was 13. He was the definition of an average kid. But he doesn't know better. He just did what he was told and that's why some people find him, boring. This was the first time he didn't listen to a demand from his family. He wanted to go, but he knew his family wouldn't agree. Tom knew this as well. He knew it all. He was that same guy but, his results lacked. The time he stood up to Azar was the first time he stood up for himself and now, well. He's married at least.

Tom went to bed and so did everyone else. His house was big and they slept over on his birthday.
11:55

It was time.
Tom snuck out his bed and put on protective clothes as silent as possible.
He grabbed his pocket watch, kissed his wife and went to Greg's room.
12:00
Exactly on time he opened the door. Greg was dressed up and had his backpack.
"let's go jiji."
Greg whispered to Tom. That was his nickname. jiji. It meant old man. Greg slipped past him and quickly but quietly ran down the stairs. Tom smirked and followed him.

Before Tom left he walked to the kitchen to grab a picnic basket from the counter. It was full. Loaded. He looked proudly at it and walked towards Greg. The door opened. Greg stood still for a bit... And walked out the door. Tom didn't leave a note. He didn't need to. He knew that. Because he didn't prepare the basket. Greg and Tom went on to adventure the wilds. Both to have a good time and for another reason Tom is holding a secret...