It was a quiet afternoon in the city of Crystal Paw, mainly in the Residential District, at the McPaw house. Xoray, a determined 10-year-old boy, was hunched over his books in the living room, his brow furrowed in concentration as he prepared for his upcoming final exams. His uncle, Sion, the Chief of Police, had just returned home early from his daily gym training on his day off from the force.

Sion strode into the room, a warm smile spreading across his face as he laid eyes on his beloved best friend's son. "Hey there, Little Buddy!" he bellowed, his deep voice booming through the house. "How's the studying going?"

Xoray looked up from his books, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hey, Uncle Sion," he replied. "I'm doing alright, just trying to make sure I'm ready for the finals."

Sion chuckled and plopped down onto the chair next to Xoray. "That's my Little Partner," he said, ruffling Xoray's head affectionately. "I know you're going to do great. But don't forget to take a break every now and then, yeah? Can't have you burning yourself out."

Xoray nodded, his gaze drifting back to the history book open on the table in front of him. "Actually, I just finished up my studying for the day," he said. "I was just reading about the history of Crystal Paw and the McPaw family."

Sion's eyes widened. "The McPaw family, eh?" he said, leaning in to get a closer look at the book. "That name sounds familiar to me somehow," Sion said with a chuckle.

Xoray giggled before he said, "That's your family, uncle. You know, the original founders and protectors of this land."

Sion stuck out his tongue. "Do you enjoy reading history?" he asked.

Xoray gestured the answer with his head. "Not really. History is a boring subject to be honest, but..." Xoray gazed at the book in front of him. "The history of Crystal Paw and the McPaw family is so exciting. Especially this part here." Xoray began reading the chapter from his book out loud to his uncle.

As Sion listened to Xoray's enthusiastic tale about how the McPaws were the original founders and protectors of the land that eventually became Crystal Paw, and how they defended their people from invaders, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The stories of his ancestors, which he had heard from his late father and grandmother, now took on a new meaning for him.

After Xoray finished, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Wooow!" Xoray exclaimed. "Your ancestors were heroes, just like you, Uncle." He gestured to the book, his voice brimming with admiration as he looked at his uncle.

Sion felt a wave of pride wash over him, and he couldn't help but chuckle bashfully. "Y-You think so? Hehehe," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I suppose they were pretty impressive, weren't they?"

Xoray nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely," he said, matching Sion's bold energy. "I'm really glad I got to learn more about your family history. It's so cool to know that you come from such a long line of brave and noble people."

Sion felt a warmth spreading through his chest as he listened to Xoray's words. "Well, Little Buddy, I'm glad you're interested in our family's legacy," he said, boldly wrapping an arm around Xoray's shoulders. "And you know what? When you're done with those exams, I'll tell you even more thrilling details and secret stories about my ancestors that my late grandma had told me about. If you are interested."

Xoray gasped with excitement. "For real!…" but his excitement had turned into a determined frown. He gazed down for a bit before he looked at his uncle again, his eyes burning with curiosity. "Uncle Sion—can you one day tell me about the Great Invasion War? I—I'd love to hear about your heroic acts and how you were given the 'City Savior' title. If… that's ok."

Sion blinked, taken aback by the boy's bold request. The young lad was eager to know more about him; about his actions during that horrific war. So many questions went through Sion's head, why was his little partner wanted to know about the war? To feel even more proud about him? Or was it because Xoray wanted to hear more about his biological father, Xean? To know more about his father's legacy?

For few years when Sion had to adopt Xoray after his father, Xean, Sion's best friend, suddenly disappeared and left Xoray all alone on Sion's doorstep, the boy never mentioned, or talked, or asked about his father. But maybe he was now interested all of a sudden, Sion thought, yet he wasn't sure if that was it. But he knew one thing for certain; he must tell Xoray everything, about the events of the war, how Xean saved his life, and how they fought together, and how he saved his life once more. But those topics would have to wait for another time.

Sion gave Xoray a warm, confident smile. He placed his paw on Xoray’s shoulder, squeezing it gently, and nodded his head. "I promise you, my boy. When you get a bit older, I will tell you all about it. For now, I can tell you one of my late grandma's secret stories. What do you say, XP?”

Xoray's face lit up with a huge, enthusiastic grin. He knew his uncle so well that whenever Sion made a promise, he always fulfilled it and never broke it. "Sounds like a plan! Thanks, Uncle Sion!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Sion was glad that his little partner was so understanding, despite his young age. And without saying a word, Sion promised himself that he would show Xoray that group photo; a photo that was taken when he, and the other soldiers, all had received the City Saviors title, including Xoray's father, Xean.

End Of Chapter


*Sion McPaw
*Xoray Pansar

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Art made by: