Guardian Knites
                                                  Protectors of Aflamina

Chapter 5: The Life Changing Decision

  The day soon ended and dawn approached. The next morning, Wil, Chris and Lauren met up in front of Mr. Zinnia’s house. When they knocked on the door, Brittany came out and greeted them.
“Brittany, how are you feeling?’ asked Lauren.
“Never better” said Brittany. “Please come in, I’ll show you to my father.” The three followed Brittany up stairs to Mr. Zinnia’s office. Mr. Zinnia was sitting behind his desk looking over some paperwork.
“Oh, hello” said Mr. Zinnia. “Have you made a decision?”
“Yes” said Wil. “We have talked about it and it has been decided. We will get that scroll back for you. Our parents give their full approval.”
“Excellent” said Mr. Zinnia. “I will give you a day to get ready and say your farewells.”
“Thank you” said the three.
“But before you go I have something to give you” said Mr. Zinnia. “The forest outside of town is vast and you will need a map to get through it.” Mr. Zinnia opened one of the desk draws and pulled out a map. “This will get you through.” He gave the map to Wil.
“Thanks” said Wil.
“One more thing” said Mr. Zinnia. “You will need some money for the long journey.” He took a small bag out of the same draw. “Here is 500 afla, this should cover you for a while.”  
“500 afla, Wow!” said Chris.
“Here you go, Wil” said Mr. Zinnia.
“Why are you giving everything to Wil?” asked Lauren.
“Because I trust him and I know he won’t misplace the money or spend it all on clothes” said Mr. Zinnia “I’ll see you three tomorrow.”
The three left Mr. Zinnia’s house and went home to pack.
“Dad, I’ll miss you” said Wil.
“I’ll miss you too, just be safe” said Mr. Talli. “Are you almost packed?”
“Yeah, I just need to pack some socks and I’m all set” said Wil.
“That’s good” said Mr. Talli. “Get to bed at a reasonable time tonight, you need all the rest you can get.”
“Sure thing” said Wil.

“Mom, I’m going to miss you” said Chris.
“I’ll miss you soo much” said Mrs. Palani. She ran to Chris and gave him a big hug.
“And dad, I’ll miss you the most” said Chris.
“Thanks son and remember I love you” said Mr. Palani. Chris then turned to Brenna.
“Brenna, I’ll m…mi…miss you too” said Chris.
“I’ll miss you too” said Brenna crossing her fingers behind her back.
“I guess I’ll go to bed then” yawn Chris.
“Goodnight” said Mrs. Palani. “I packed your clothes already and I made sure to pack an extra pair of underwear.”
“Thanks mom” said Chris. “Goodnight”
“Wait!” shouted Mr. Palani. “I have something to give you.” He took out a huge package from under the table and gave it to Chris. Inside the package was a full set of leather armor. The armor was red and even had a cape.
“O My God” said Chris. “Thanks Dad”
“It was your great grandfather’s” said Mr. Palani. “It will keep you safe”
“Maybe I should try it on right now” said Chris.
“No, you have to go to bed you need your rest” said Mrs. Palani.
“Okay, Goodnight” said Chris.

“I’ll miss you so much Lauren” said Mrs. Mimosa. “It seems like yesterday you were running around the house naked. Time sure goes by.”
“Thanks for that memory” said Lauren. “Dad, I’m going to miss you the most”
“Thanks Hun” said Mr. Mimosa. “Just be careful out there”
“I will, Goodnight” said Lauren.
“It’s only nine o’clock” said Mrs. Mimosa.
“I need my beauty rest, looking like this every day takes at least ten hours of sleep” said Lauren.

The next morning, Wil and Lauren met by the front gate. They were all packed and ready to go. Chris on the other hand was still sleeping.
“Wake up! Wake up!” yelled Mrs. Palani pulling the covers off of Chris.
“Uh, what do you want?” asked Chris still half asleep.
“You overslept, it’s past noon” said Mrs. Palani.
“I overslept” said Chris.
“Yes, Wil and Lauren have been waiting for you by the front gate for a couple of hours now” said Mrs. Palani. “So get your armor on and eat your breakfast, it’s getting cold.”
“You should have waken me” said Chris putting his armor on.
“You looked like a little baby, I couldn’t disturb you” said Mrs. Palani.
“Well thanks a lot” said Chris munching down his breakfast. “Wil and Lauren are probably pissed at me.” He finished attaching his armor and then got all his stuff together. Chris then ran out of the house and headed for the front gate. When he reached the front gate he saw Wil, Lauren and Mr. Zinnia standing there.
“What took you so long?” asked Lauren. “We’ve been standing here for hours waiting on your fat ass.”
“I slept in, I’m sorry” said Chris gasping for air.
“You slept in” said Wil.
“Well next time go to bed early!” screamed Lauren.
“My clock’s broken, the minute hand doesn’t work” said Chris. “It keeps saying it’s 7 a.m.”
“Well, at least we’re all here” said Wil.
“That’s right, you better start moving out” said Mr. Zinnia.
“Are we ready to go?” asked Wil.
“Yes!” shouted Lauren and Chris.
“Goodbye, be safe” said Mr. Zinnia waving his hand. They headed out and walked towards the nearby forest.
“By the way, nice armor” said Wil.
“Oh thanks” said Chris.
“Why are you wearing that fashion disaster?” asked Lauren. “We’re not going to war”  
“My father gave it to me” said Chris. “It’s been in my family for many years”
“I can tell” said Lauren.
“Watch it, I’ll knock your block off” said Chris making a fist.
“Now children, play nice” said Wil. “Let’s keep a move on.” They continued on and found themselves at the entrance to the forest.