"Milady," Darryl acknowledged her with a nod and handed her the children carefully. As soon as he did, the tears that Willow and Wolfe had been holding crept out of their eyes and they sobbed quietly. The girl buried her face on her Imma's neck, not wanting to watch Darryl leave while Wolfe, even when he was crying, chose not to hide his face and bravely watched his father's departure.

"Darryl," Xhemin herself was teary. She heard what he said to their children and it was evident he was leaving them those words of farewell. She had long been suspecting Darryl's unusual actions the past few days and her suspicions were only confirmed then. The Lagdameo heir was leaving and her heart, like the heart of her children, suddenly felt a strange loss that was never there before. "You are leaving right? Why?"

​​

"I am no longer needed here," Darryl smiled at her as if he was greatly at peace with everything. He saw the hesitancy and resentment in her eyes as if she was demanding more explanation for his unannounced departure.

"They will all look for you," Xhemin turned to the door, referring to all the people he left in the grandhall without an ounce of idea their well loved Lagdameo heir were leaving for good. "What am I going to tell all of them?"

"Lawyer Yu will be there soon to tell them everything," He simply answered. "Don't worry,"

Xhemin wanted to say more, wanting to hold him a bit longer. She even panicked and her children could feel her shaking as they both clung to her. However, right then there was nothing she could anymore do to make him stay. He had thoroughly decided his fate and all she could do was watch him leave.

"Goodbye milady. My heart will always be with you and my children," Darryl turned his back, paused a bit as if there was something he wished to do but chose not to before he slowly descended into the stairs.

Each of his steps were like a sharp metal crushing his family's heart that all they could do was cling toward each other—Xhemin and the children—savoring the pain and hoping they could find comfort in each other's warmth. Willow and Xhemin suppressed their cries while Wolfe balled his fists.

With the last of her courage, Xhemin called on helplessly, "Darryl where are you going?"

There was nothing she could do to make him stay anymore but at least she wanted to know where he was going so she asked the question for her own peace of mind.

Darryl paused in the middle of the stairs and looked up to give his family one last glance. With a smile that meant everything, he answered "Home. I've got to relearn how to make ropes this time.Its been a while,"

That's the last word he told her and he went on and walked away.

***

Par line, Puente De Amor

Dannah and Darryl hold each other's arms as they walk together toward the forbidden line. As soon as they reached it, the Gunta's who were guarding it tensed up and lined up at the center.

"I am the Hero of Somer Isles, I demand entrance," Darryl shouted as if he was commanding the flock of Guntas ready to defend the line with their lives.

"The Hero of Somer Isles can enter, but only he," The leader returned his demands. They all did not recognize Darryl as it had been a very long time since he had made a visit and the Guntas were all new breeds. However they were all aware of the tales of him and in case he enters, they were all willing to accommodate him but would of course have him well guarded until Baruk Tam can confirm his identity.

Dannah turned to Darryl and raised a brow, "What a good welcome. Are you sure you still wanted to enter? They all look scary,"

"Don't worry, I'll be safe here," Darryl assured her but the sarcasm in Dannah's eyes softened and turned emotional a moment after. "What's with the look?"

"Nothing, I'm just gonna miss you," Dannah sighed.

"You know I can always get out right? I'm the tribe's ambassador, I can get in and out," He reminded her trying to lift up her spirits.

"I know. However I also know you won't be getting out for a while," Dannah pointed out that deep within her heart she knew Darryl will not come back, or if he does, it would be far too long. Thinking about it immediately fired tears in her eyes. "I'll miss you brother. I really hate it that you choose to come here but what can I do if this is the thing that you wanted now. I'll just bid you goodbye and wish you good fortunes hoping someday I'll see you again,"

"Dannah thank you for supporting me. I could have never done it without you," Darryl kissed her sister's head out of gratitude. "You know I have accomplished so many things already. I have long finished my childhood dream—look how beautiful Puente De Amor is, my legendary masterpiece. I have already accomplished our family's dream for me—to become the President of L'Empire. As for the love of my life—I finally was able to give her the peaceful life she deserved. Now, as you once told me, since I no longer have dreams left, I am going to make new dreams again and chase them. This time I dream something for the Manggan Tribe and so here I am, finally coming home after so many years,"

"I belong here Dannah," Darryl told her and gave her a smile that meant sincere happiness. "This is the only place I felt I so belong,"

"Then be happy here," Dannah held his face and kissed him on the cheeks. She then wiped her tears away not wanting to make things hard for him.

"Be well on your journey. I wish you'll find somewhere where you belong too," It was Darryl who gave her wishes this time. "Take your time exploring the world. If you ever get tired, know that you can always come to me. Just send a word,"

"That's a very tempting offer but no thanks," Dannah refused. "I don't think being an island girl suits me,"

"You'll never know," Darryl gave her one last smile and headed off. "Goodbye sister. I love you,"

Just that and Darryl crossed the par line and soon his silhouette got drowned around the many Guntas that surrounded him. That then was the last time the Darryl Lemmuel Lagdameo, the Lagdameo heir was seen.

The end.

Just kidding.

Keep reading. There's still a few more chapters soon!