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Chapter 16 (Part 2): First Flame
The winds were warm that morning — not sharp like the usual sea breeze, but laced with something softer. Almost reverent.
The docks stretched out like an altar, and at the end of it, something awaited. Not just a ship, but his ship. And Allen, now standing on the edge of this moment, couldn't move for a heartbeat.
Selene tugged on Serena's hand, her eyes gleaming with awe and impatience. "Mama… is that it? Is that really his ship?"
Serena chuckled, brushing a hand through her daughter's silver hair. "Yes, little flame. That's the one your father's been building in secret."
Hades stood nearby, arms crossed, silent but proud. He didn't need to speak — the grin on his face said enough. This was his gift. A father's legacy, forged from love, fire, and ambition. For his son.
The ship gleamed in the morning light like a sleeping god. Dark wood, smooth and polished to mirror-like perfection. Along the sides were glowing etchings — ancient, almost runic — pulsing faintly like embers trapped in time. Its figurehead was a dragon with wings outstretched, carved with soul. From its open maw spilled a swirl of golden crystal that formed the bow, like it had once breathed divine fire and now carried its remnants.
Allen took slow steps forward. His fingertips brushed the hull, and warmth greeted him. Not just from the sun… but from the wood itself. As if it recognized him.
He turned to his family, blinking in disbelief. "This is… you built this?"
Hades gave a small nod. "For years. In the deepest forge beneath this island. Only the finest wood from the Yomi trees, reinforced with sea-stone veins. She's meant to withstand the storms of gods — and carry one."
Serena stepped forward and kissed Allen's cheek. "This vessel isn't just wood and fire. She's part of our dream… yours too. A legacy to carry your flame wherever the sea dares stretch."
"Can I come too?" Selene asked innocently, already trying to sneak past Hades.
"You can visit," Hades said with a smile, plucking her up by the collar with one hand. "Not sail."
"Aww!" she pouted, flailing her arms. "I wanted to be the little sailor!"
Allen paused. His gaze drifted to the golden sky, then to the ship again. Slowly, he walked a few steps away from it, admiring its grandeur. The way the sails glinted. The way it breathed.
Then, softly, to no one in particular:
"I'll name her…"
Serena, Hades, Selene — even Boro, sitting by his feet with tail wagging — turned toward him.
Allen smiled faintly, fire catching in his eyes. "First Flame."
For a long breath, no one spoke.
Hades' proud grin twitched wider, while Serena's expression melted into something soft and warm. "It suits you," she whispered.
Selene's mouth dropped open, then she squealed, hugging Boro tight. "He named it! He named it! First Flame! That's the prettiest name ever!"
Boro gave a small yip in agreement, tail slapping the wooden planks.
Allen walked up the gangplank, placing a steady foot on his ship for the first time. The deck greeted him like it had been waiting, a soft gust of wind swirling around him, brushing through his coat.
"Welcome home," Serena said under her breath, hand clutching her heart.
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Final Moments at the Dock
As the sun began to climb higher, it was time.
The sails unfurled with a divine whoosh, catching fire-kissed wind. First Flame stood ready — no, eager — to chase the horizon.
Serena hugged him long and tight, then placed her palm over his chest. "No matter where you go… you carry us in here."
Hades offered no words, just a heavy hand to the shoulder — a nod that said: Go make the world remember your name.
Selene wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "You better come back with treasure. And a hat! A big captain hat!"
Allen laughed, ruffling her hair. "Aye aye, sailor."
As they stepped back, Allen stood at the helm. Boro took his place at his side, wind whipping through his fur.
And as the ship pulled from the dock, golden foam parting beneath its hull, Allen looked toward the horizon…
Eyes glowing.
Fire rising.
And whispered, just loud enough for the sea to hear:
"Let's set the world ablaze, First Flame."
Interior Scene: The Wolf and the Flame
The ship's interior was just as majestic. A large main cabin, carved with ancient markings along the beams, let in sunlight that scattered like gold dust through glass-panel windows. There were training rooms, quiet chambers for meditation, and a special hidden den tucked away beneath the deck — a place Hades had left unmarked.
Allen followed Boro's nose there.
The wolf pawed at a large stone embedded in the floor. Curious, Allen knelt and tapped it.
It shifted with a click.
Inside, a small altar. Upon it — a parchment sealed with Hades' crest, and beneath it… a sword wrapped in black cloth.
Allen blinked.
The letter read:
> "For the days when your enemies don't fear your name. Let this remind them of the father who walks in shadows… and the son who bears the light."
A guardian left behind. A hidden hand from his father — watching. Protecting. Silently ensuring Allen would never walk truly alone.
Allen smiled. "Even when I set sail… you're still watching me, huh?"
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Let me know if you want me to update anything else or move on to Chapter 17!