Chapter Text
Departing his old estate, Jonathan Young quickly rode his bicycle towards the forests and to where he could start his new life. He had spent many years cooped up in his estate’s library and going on occasional quests, but at the same time, had been studying music and the ways of becoming an upper-class butler. Yet, what he really wanted was exploration, and now, he was allowed to set off on his own to search for a new beginning. As he continued forth, Jonathan began to wonder if he could finally start a new club or exploration team, as he’d always dreamt of finally having friends.
As he continued on the route towards the East Coast, Jonathan began to hum a lively tune that he’d learned during one of his many piano lessons. He’d decided to wear a formal jacket, grey dress-shirt, black trousers and dark cleats contrasted with his short, scruffy brown hair that was gently being blown back by the wind, brown eyes and a clean-shaven complexion. And on his back was a large backpack full of supplies that he would need for this new life.
But what he wouldn’t realise was that it wouldn’t be long before he would encounter his first adventurer, once he arrived in the village and settled down, that is.
Coming to the top of the hill, overlooking the East Coast, Jonathan commented. “That’s the… place, right? Due east from the old estate, and continue until you meet the horizon. Be sure not to go north, or else you’ll end up in a town over where the elite upperclass YouTubers are. That’s not a good starting point; this place is a good one.”
Cycling down the path and towards the village, Jonathan immediately spied a small cafe, where he could obtain something to drink. Residents of the small village watched on as this scruffy-haired butler entered their ranks and the cafe. Jonathan soon opened the door to the smell of coffee beans and new life as he walked over to the counter, ordering his coffee in the process.
As he waited, Jonathan looked out at the window as he contemplated which of the cottages he should settle down in. Holding onto his backpack with one hand, Jonathan rested his chin on the other. Yet, it wasn’t long before he felt a tap on the shoulder, followed by how his hot coffee had been placed on the table.
Jonathan looked up and smiled. “Thank you.”
The waiter nodded his head at this before retreating, leaving Jonathan to drink his beverage before it was time to head off again. As Jonathan drank his coffee, it had a flavouring he’d never tasted before. It didn’t taste of his own craft, nor did it taste of what his fellow butlers and even his mother used to craft during his early years at the estate.
On finishing the beverage, Jonathan accurately held the cup, spoon and saucer together as he walked towards the kitchen area, still partially feeling like he was being watched. Approaching the counter, Jonathan placed the beverage down before bowing formally, earning himself some claps and whispers of who this strangely dressed American with the formalities of a British adult was.
Turning around, but not before putting a tip in the jar, that was when Jonathan picked up his backpack before walking out into the square, ready to find out where he could settle down and start his new life.
Walking through the village, the atmosphere felt strangely lively as Jonathan looked around for a suitable place to remain. Some time went by, and soon, Jonathan had spied a freshly-built two-level European cottage. Which was what Jonathan precisely preferred as he opened the mailbox and pulled out some keys and a note before approaching the door.
Jonathan briefly read. “Welcome to the village, situated on the grand East Coast. We had a feeling someone like you would come along; hence why we were inspired by history and crafted this special cottage! Enjoy!”
Pocketing the note, Jonathan proceeded to turn the lock and jiggled it with the key before opening the door. Walking in, he was shocked to find that it had already been furnished with everything that he would need to settle into this small village. Slowly, he walked through the house before making his way to the bedrooms.
Gently unpacking his backpack, Jonathan commented. “Well, this is very… unexpected for a new quest. Encountered one of the best cafe services and had one of the best bicycle rides through the forest and into this village. Kind of makes you wonder… if anyone lives nearby and… would like to join me.”
Packing away everything, Jonathan headed towards the kitchen before starting dinner, watching as the sun set behind him. Yet, what Jonathan didn’t know… was that he wouldn’t be by himself for too long…
***
Rushing through the village, Caleb Hyles had just embarked on a new journey to find a new home after he was offered the chance to move on from his old life. He was known as one of the most enthusiastic, charismatic adventurers from where he’d grown up. And now, he was rushing through the East Coast in search of a companion to share his newest idea. Which was to start a new exploration club after departing his childhood group. But what no one knew was that Caleb had heard a certain song… that would inspire the name of the new club.
As the sun rose higher, Caleb felt relieved that he had just spent most of the evening and into the new dawn. Even if soon, lack of sleep would overwhelm him. But still, it wasn’t long before he’d spotted Jonathan’s home.
Dusting off his bright shirt and open vest and readjusting his satchel, Caleb soon proceeded to jog towards the cottage. His brown eyes widened at the exterior of the cottage, despite the appearance of tiredness being evident. Enthusiastically, that was when Caleb ran up the small steps before charging up to the door, bouncing from left to right as he was ready to greet his soon-to-be fellow leader and co-founder of the club. Pressing the doorbell, Caleb waited impatiently as he tidied his short brown hair and made sure he’d gotten his supplies packed into his satchel.
Minutes went by, and the door soon opened to reveal Jonathan. As it’d been some time since Jonathan had moved in, his hair was slightly longer, and he’d started to attempt to pull it back, and a hint of brown stubble was starting to form on his pale face.
Jonathan greeted, holding a cup of coffee in his hands. “Good morning. Who might you be…? I’m Jonathan Young, that’s it. What brings you to my cottage, mister…”
Caleb saluted as he beamed. “The name’s Caleb Hyles! A top theatre lad who wants to form an expedition team and finally be able to express myself the way I want!”
“Heh, nice to meet you, Caleb. And do come in. I’ll get you something as… you’re tired, aren’t you?”
“No… Even though I’ve just travelled for many hours on foot, and… is it morning or afternoon…?”
“It’s 8 in the MORNING. Now…” Jonathan sipped his coffee before gesturing to the couch. “Would you like to have a seat and… we can talk about this idea of yours?”
“Okay, Jonathan!”
Jonathan chuckled at this as he walked up to the linen press before pulling out a pillow and blanket, as he knew that soon, Caleb would be asleep from all that adventuring he’d done during the previous night. Walking back downstairs, Jonathan was amused to find that somehow, Caleb was still fighting sleep - yet still wanting to tell Jonathan of his new idea.
Pulling his arms behind his head as he got comfy on the pillow, Caleb looked up and explained. “You know, I have a feeling that we almost want the same thing: To go on a new adventure and… form a club. An exploration one, at that. What do you think of… this?”
Jonathan responded, moving over to sit on the blanket, as he placed his mug on the table. “I’ve never been too far from my home before, yet this is the furthest I’ve been. Even though I have been wanting to become a leader… I’ve just been a butler for those close to me. I would like to… expand my horizons, Caleb…”
“Really? I’m the same. I’ve always been told that I shouldn’t be too dramatic and expressive. But, it’s nice to see that you’ve… accepted me in. Now, about that club… would you like to…” Caleb proceeded to sleepily sit up before holding onto Jonathan’s hand. “Start an exploration team with me? We just need to come up with new quests, a name for this club and… maybe recruit some more members! I checked the inn on my way in and… too many fair maidens and not enough gentlemen. And if there were… too rowdy.”
Looking down at how Caleb had a firm hold on his hand, Jonathan’s eyes widened as he questioned. “Are you alright there? As you’ve managed to…”
Putting his hands up like a startled cat, Caleb exclaimed. “Sorry! I was also known for being overly-affectionate! Well… what should we call this then…?”
“Since you’re into theatre and… songs… Why don’t you name it after a lyric? As your captain, founding leader, and butler, I’ll let you do the honours.”
Caleb’s eyes sparkled in delight as he blurted. “Wellermen! We shall now be known as the Wellermen Club!” He then suddenly clung to Jonathan’s arm. “What do you think of this?!”
Jonathan smiled. “Wellermen Club… That’s a perfect name and… Are you… okay?”
Strangely, Jonathan got a rude shock when he’d found that Caleb had blacked out and fallen asleep, clinging onto Jonathan’s arm, not wanting to let go. Knowing that he shouldn’t disturb Caleb, that was when Jonathan leaned back on the couch and smiled, knowing that this was only the beginning of a long friendship and tales of adventure as the Wellermen Club.
***
A few years went by, and just up the East Coast, a small ferry was making its way towards the village’s port. Inside, a young adventurer by the name of Anthony Vincent was trying to keep his focus on the horizon as he attempted not to show any signs of weakness, despite his light-tan complexion having paled from the seasickness that was threatening to overwhelm him. His short brown curls were neatly tied back into a short, messy ponytail, leaving a few strands to frame his face. He’d heard of a certain club forming down south, but because he didn’t want to go through the forests where the upperclassmen were; decided to travel via a ferry. Zipping up his jumper, he soon looked towards the ferry team, as if to ask something.
Wearily, Anthony asked. “May I please have the bucket…? I don’t know why, but I can’t keep anything down… Sorry that I had to choose this form of transport, but there is no way I’m crossing those wretched upperclassmen!”
One of the sailors approached before sitting down and handing over a bucket. “We ALL dislike them for how overly flamboyant they are… But this boat was the only option for transport. Even if it does contain… hints of magic and your hatred of sea travel.”
“It’s not that I don’t like sailing… I just feel like I’m just cursed to be sick whenever magic is involved, as well as… the sea…”
Suddenly, Anthony threw up most of his food again, making him lightheaded as he collapsed back, his brown eyes unable to focus on a single point as the sailor felt Anthony’s forehead before running off. The ferry’s nurse soon rushed to give Anthony some medicinal juice before wrapping a blanket around him and handing him a water.
The nurse sighed. “We'd better dock soon… your levels are almost critical… Sorry, this had to happen, but… your hometown’s residents are a bit strict about where some musicians travel to…”
Drinking the juice, Anthony felt slightly better as he drank the water next and clung to the blanket. “Yeah, I know… Do you think I would look better without my hair bunched into a ponytail? Like if I’d just… let it grow out a bit…?”
Taking the scissors for no reason, the nurse then snipped Anthony’s hair tie before continuing as she readjusted Anthony’s jumper and grabbed his hood. “Much better, although I DO recommend…” The nurse then spoke as she pulled the hood over. “THIS. Does compliment how your short curls are starting to frame your face. Grow it to… your shoulders at LEAST, or further. Just not past your armpits, got it? Nurse’s orders?”
“Heh, nurse's orders.”
Minutes went by, and soon, the ferry had docked at the port on the East Coast. Carefully, the nurse helped Anthony up before guiding him outside. The sea breeze and morning light were hard for Anthony to adjust to as the nurse soon led him onto dry land.
The nurse sighed as she admitted, letting go of him. “Are you going to be alright…? As… this is as far as I’ll go.”
Anthony nodded sadly as he responded. “I… guess.”
Noticing Anthony’s sad look, that was when the nurse rushed up before hugging Anthony, making him smile once more. And after that, the nurse soon left to board the ferry and head back north.
After the nurse had left, Anthony decided to attempt to walk through the village. And by attempt, he’d only walked about ten meters before blacking out and falling onto the dock, much to the shock of onlookers as a crowd soon rushed for the cottage - the home of the Wellermen Club. Yet, it wouldn’t be too much longer before a certain duo would find him on their front porch.
Tying his hair up into a ponytail, even if it looked partially off, Jonathan asked, hearing a THUD. “Caleb! Did you drop something?”
Caleb called out as he left the bedrooms, now in better attire that complimented his tidy brown fringe and consisted of a striped shirt and open hooded vest. “Likely came from outside, Jonathan.” On noticing Jonathan’s hairstyle, Caleb suggested. “Try a half-up design, Jonathan. Less pressure on your neck.”
Understanding this, Jonathan then pulled out his ponytail before switching it to a half-bun design, which now greatly complemented his short beard even more. Caleb clapped at this as he then led Jonathan towards the front door eagerly, thinking that they might have an expected visitor. Jonathan gestured for Caleb to wait as he then gently opened the door.
Much to the duo’s shock, they had opened the door to find a fellow adventurer asleep on their porch. Jonathan’s eyes widened at this as he gestured for Caleb to boil the kettle, and he decided to jump into action to see who this adventurer was and where they’d come from.
Checking for a pulse and breaths, Jonathan was relieved to find this adventurer was casually asleep and not straight up DEAD on their porch. Shaking the adventurer’s shoulder, a soft groan could be heard as Jonathan soon shuffled back, ready to greet this young man.
Anthony opened his eyes as he looked up. “What… happened…? Who… are you? Drat, blacked out from that ferry ride… from up north…”
Jonathan’s eyes widened as he spoke, watching as the adventurer sat up. “A fellow adventurer… Oh, I’m… Jonathan Young. Caleb Hyles is just preparing a healing beverage for you. What’s your… name?”
“Anthony Vincent. I’m from up north. Past that damn upperclass estate…”
“And you sailed this far… Do you normally have… these sickness moments?”
“For as long as I could remember… Yet… are you the well-known… leader of the Wellermen Club?”
“Yes…?” Jonathan shouted. “I think we got one!”
Suddenly, Anthony clung to Jonathan as he squealed. “At LAST! I’ve heard so many stories of your adventures and quests!”
Anthony then stood up and brushed himself off just as Caleb walked out with the tea. “Morning. Here, you needed this.”
Anthony beamed. “And you must be… Caleb, right?”
“That’s me. Nice to meet you, Anthony.”
Jonathan smirked, folding his arms as he helped Anthony take his supplies inside. “And so our team of two has officially evolved into a team of three. Welcome to the Wellermen Club, Anthony.”
Anthony smiled and nodded as he drank the rest of his drink, knowing that he’d been accepted as a member of this club.
***
Another couple of years went by, and on the western edge of the East Coast, Nathan Neito Han Sharp quietly sat in the carriage as he gazed out at the forest. He’d been travelling as a Pokémon Trainer and musician for years and recently had defeated the Regional Champion to take their title. Across from him were his friends, who were there on the day that he’d beaten the Regional Champion. Before all of this, he was a young, introverted emo lad who travelled a lot due to his family’s work, hoping that one day he would finally find his true calling.
One of his friends who’d joined him - Hunter Hughes - spoke first, breaking the silence as he held onto a box. “Nathan? You seem a bit… distant? I know we were invited to move. But don’t worry! At least you’re with us and not… being dragged across the country and even across the pond by your father!”
Next to Hunter was Nathan’s wife, Anna Prosser. They’d met in amongst the Pokémon journey, even if she was Nathan’s second chance at love after Hunter’s first suggestion: a high-pitched lass from France, failed, making Nathan fall into a brief era of being overly emo.
Anna calmly asked. “Nathan… you can talk to us about it now, if you want to… that is. But… would you like to see what Hunter brought with him?”
Hunter had fluffy short brown hair and constantly had his sunglasses equipped on his shirt; his brown eyes were full of life as he was ready to see what his friend was going to comment. Anna was slightly older than Nathan and had curly red hair tied back into a ponytail and a polite smile that complemented her pastel blouse.
Nathan nodded. “It’s just… It’s a big shift in my life, even bigger than the frequent travels that I did, as well as our Pokémon journey. And I kind of thank you both for being there for me. Even though… Arin Hanson chose to move up north instead, to where the upperclassmen were - and the last I heard, he found a friend, didn’t he? Also, Hunter… what’s in there?”
Anna responded, leaning forward to take Nathan’s hand. “Yes, he sends us messages all the time, as well as your music editor, Shawn. Arin found that Wanderer called Leigh Daniel Avidan and formed the Grumps duo. Shawn’s remaining behind, vowing to email you constantly and to keep editing.”
Hunter lit up, shifting the mood entirely as he announced. “I wanted to give you this on your last birthday, but I’d forgotten. Here, just a little something that I think will serve your purpose on your journey. Anna, it’s under your seat, my OTHER gift.”
Nathan’s brown eyes widened as he whispered. “Hunter… Anna… what’s going on?”
Suddenly, Anna pulled out a large new guitar, placing it in Nathan’s lap. Nathan laughed briefly as he ran his hand over it. This was followed by how Hunter handed over the box, making Nathan place the guitar to the side as he accepted. The colour of it complemented his black messy emo fringe, green shirt and jeans, while contrasting with his pale complexion, despite a pink blush appearing on his face as Nathan couldn’t believe what was going on.
Opening it, Nathan was shocked to find that there was a new black leather jacket, a few PokeBalls, with one having a note stuck to it, small gauge earrings in a special sterilised case and a pair of glasses after he’d lost his old ones during his previous expeditions. But the thing that caught his attention the most was an eyeliner kit.
Covering his mouth, he had to stifle a shout as Nathan mouthed. “Thank you.”
Carefully, Hunter stood up, yet crouched as he helped Nathan put on his new accessories, discarding the button earrings and contact lenses in the process. Nathan hadn’t worn gauges since the champion battle, and it had been a while since. Taking the glasses momentarily, Hunter carefully tidied Nathan’s fringe before picking up the eyeliner pencil.
Hunter softly stated. “Hold still, after this, you can put on the jacket.”
Nathan nodded once as Hunter proceeded to apply the eyeliner for the first time. Minutes went by, and Hunter borrowed the box to allow Nathan to put on the jacket. After this, it was time to deal with the PokeBalls. Even if it meant, by the look on Hunter’s face, that Nathan would have to read the note before sending out the Pokémon in the attached PokeBall.
Anna whispered as she borrowed the box with the PokeBalls in it. “That one… is from both of us. We chose which one you could quickly reveal… Hard one as there was your favourite one that you battled with and then the one that… brought you and Hunter closer together.”
Reading the note, Nathan smiled as he recited. “Congratulations on becoming the Regional Champion and entering the Hall of Fame. In this PokeBall, there is one of the very first Pokémon that you were gifted. Just press the white button and… you’ll find out!”
Carefully, that was when Nathan pressed the white button on the PokeBall, and in a flash of light, the empty PokeBall fell to the floor as a small Magikarp now bounced about on his lap. Holding it as if he’d just caught it during a fishing tourney - Nathan smiled as he silently thanked them. Hunter bent down and picked up the PokeBall as he briefly watched to see his friend’s reaction.
Hunter admitted. “I caught that for you. After that silly parody we made, as a result of you seeing how hurt the Magikarp felt being rejected by other Trainers. So, I caught one for you, and I waited… until you became the champion, to give you this.”
Anna leaned on Hunter’s shoulder as she commented. “How sweet. Yet, I have a feeling we’re getting close to the… East Coast’s village.”
“You’re… right.”
Nathan smiled, eyes glistening as he thanked. “Hunter… Anna… these gifts are… the greatest things. But… You guys are actually the greatest things… that have happened… to me…”
Noticing this, Hunter and Anna immediately summoned back Magikarp before running forth to hug Nathan, to which he was immediately overwhelmed. And on top of this, Anna kissed Nathan on the cheek before gesturing for Hunter to do the same.
Hunter scolded. “Only because you let me be the best man on your wedding day! And because you saw us as BROTHERS!”
With an embarrassed look, Hunter closed his eyes before reluctantly doing the same. This resulted in laughter from Anna as they both noticed how they had arrived at the outskirts of the village.
Noticing this, Hunter shouted for the coach to stop before standing up to open the door and help Nathan out. Anna remained inside as she handed over the guitar, eyeliner kit and assisted with attaching the PokeBalls to Nathan’s belt.
Climbing back in, Hunter saluted. “To our best friend, we wish you luck.”
Anna then joked, grabbing the door. “And as they say in Unova - BEST WISHES!”
Hunter echoed with the same words as the door closed, leaving Nathan on the outskirts by himself, waving as the carriage disappeared into the forest.
Clutching onto the guitar and eyeliner kit, Nathan proceeded to slowly walk into the village, remembering that there was a legendary exploration team that lived in a cottage. He’d heard of them during his adventures, but had to focus on becoming the very best first. As he walked along, the clouds turned grey, echoing the silent darkness that he held in his heart. Soon, rain began to fall, echoing how he felt scared of the unknown and if this was going to turn into a proper storm.
Nathan whispered as he looked up. “I’ll do this… for you, my friends…”
He didn’t care if the rain soon drenched his new attire, hairstyle and made his eyeliner run. All he wanted now… was to find that cottage that was said to hold the Wellermen Club.
Walking up to the cottage, Nathan took one last deep breath before marching onto the porch, immediately knocking on the door. Standing back, Nathan couldn’t believe that he had gone from perfectly presentable to almost as if he’d been crying like a depressed emo teen who had been left in the rain after a harsh break-up or rejection. Yet, it wasn’t long before someone had answered the door: Jonathan Young.
Jonathan took one look at Nathan before commenting. “Are you alright? Would you like something to… drink?”
At this point, Jonathan had fully committed to full-time wearing his brown hair in the neat half-bun, with the rest now reaching his bearded chin. His outfit was now fully that of a 19th-century butler, and somehow, he had almost designated himself as the official landlord of the cottage.
Nathan sighed. “I… guess. But who are you? Is this the home of the… Wellermen Club?”
“It… is. I’m Jonathan Young, the founder of the club. Welcome and…” He then called out. “Caleb, can you please come here?!” Jonathan proceeded to ask. “Those PokeBalls… are you a trainer?”
Nathan nodded. “More like… a Regional Champion. I’m Nathan Neito Han Sharp. I used to travel a lot when I was younger, and I soon started my journey with some… friends. They’ve gone off on their own quests for a bit, and I feel like they’ll return to move in. Once they check on someone else, that is… Forgive my… appearance. Rain and the fact that…”
Jonathan understood this silently as he guided Nathan inside with a hand on Nathan’s shoulder as he carried in the eyeliner kit.
Noticing this, Caleb Hyles’ eyes widened as he rushed over with a towel and announced. “Oh! Are you the Regional Champion? But before we get into specifics… would you like me to… restore that?”
Taking the towel to sit on, Nathan sighed. “Yes, and you’re… Caleb, right?”
“The one and only. I’m Caleb Hyles. Now if you’ll excuse me…” Caleb shouted. “ANTHONY! Get another towel and some coffee for our new member!”
Nathan blinked once. “Member? Does that mean…?”
“Heh, you’re part of us now, Nathan.”
Jonathan added, helping Nathan take off the jacket, glasses, gloves, guitar and PokeBalls. “From this day forth, you’ll be adventuring with us. Also…” He then took notice of the cherry blossom sleeve tattoo on Nathan’s left arm. “When did you get that done?”
Nathan smiled. “Around when I started my Pokémon journey. For some reason, they said it was to remind me of where I come from. Even though cherry blossoms aren’t THAT common in Korea or America…”
Freezing with the kit in hand, Caleb exclaimed alongside Jonathan just as Anthony walked in. “YOU’RE PART KOREAN?!”
“Heh, yes. That is correct. The tattoo took hours to do, but the sleeve came out great. Although I prefer to wear the jacket… more comfortable.”
Jonathan smiled at this as he went to dry off Nathan’s supplies while Anthony walked in. Now, Anthony Vincent’s curls went to his shoulders and were neatly tucked into his hoodie, which he left slightly undone to reveal a graphic shirt and in his hands was the towel that Caleb had asked for. As Caleb held onto the eyeliner kit, that was when Anthony began to briskly scrub at Nathan, knowing that it was time for his introduction.
Anthony began. “You must be… Nathan, yes? I’m Anthony Vincent. I joined only a few years after the founding of this club. Heh, your hair is very scruffy. What style do you normally have? And…” He then turned to shout. “JONATHAN! Get Nathan a drink, please!”
Jonathan called back as he ran in. “Got it!”
Nathan sighed as Anthony pulled out a comb and patted the last bits of rainwater off. “Side fringe. And that’s correct. Sorry if the eyeliner gets onto the…”
Anthony shrugged, combing Nathan’s hair into place after wiping Nathan’s face of the ruined eyeliner. “I don’t care, as long as you look normal again before we make you perfect.”
“Thanks.”
After that moment, Anthony soon went to sit down as Jonathan retrieved the cup of healing beverage, as well as Nathan’s dry jacket and glasses. Jonathan watched on with a smile as Caleb opened the eyeliner kit before gently repairing Nathan’s look. And this was followed by Nathan finally getting back his glasses and leather jacket.
Nathan whispered as he stood in front of the trio. “Thank you. That meant a LOT.”
Jonathan beamed. “Anything for our newest recruit?”
Caleb quickly hugged Nathan as he commented. “And you look perfect. Just remember - I’m here if you need a hug and if you need that eyeliner to be fixed!”
Anthony nodded seriously. “Guess this means that we’re officially a family of four.”
And from that day forth, Nathan had officially gone from being a Regional Champion to being a casual member of the Wellermen Club. What they didn’t know was that within the next year… they were going to retrieve their fifth and final member…
Besides the return of Anna and Hunter to the village, as well as the start of Arin’s regular visits.
***
One year later…
Across the Atlantic and the Northern Seas, in a mountain village, was a small family governed by two of the most well-known leaders in this part of northern Norway: Matthias and Lukas. Long ago, they were both surprised when a small family clan known as the Åsly family had arrived from a certain fantasy kingdom that was strangely allowed to co-exist with the kingdom that King Harald V ruled over. And from that day forth, Lukas and Matthias decided to train the parents’ son and treat him as their own, Per Fredrik. Now, it was the day that Per Fredrik had long awaited - when he could finally set off across the Atlantic in search of new adventure.
Walking into the town hall, wearing a silver helmet that complemented his short auburn mid-parted hair and auburn eyes, as well as a beige tunic, brown cloak, trousers and hiking boots, Per Fredrik knelt as he asked. “Lukas… Matthias… I would like to thank you for taking us all in on that day, even if I don’t remember the moment due to how young I was… Now… I believe that the day’s finally come… where a young Viking like myself must venture out to discover new lands… Thank you for everything.”
Lukas stood up first, his platinum blond hair complemented his blue sailor uniform as he spoke. “Per Fredrik. We shall give you our blessing… on behalf of the mountain village. I still remember the moments and milestones, and now… this is a new one as you depart…”
Matthias added, wrapping an arm around Lukas as his voice cracked. “This village has grown so much since your arrival… we didn’t think you would make a statement while with us… but - you have…”
Per Fredrik then grabbed his battle axe before rising to his feet. “Thank you both for serving my family. I don’t need a grand farewell. Especially not from EMIL… His sport match introductions will continue to haunt me… Anyway, send my well wishes to Berwald and Tino. As remember: There is only one lad in this country who wants to fight those who cross their path incorrectly, and that’s me! Per Fredrik Åsly!”
Matthias chuckled as he remembered. “Right! As you would never use your ice powers, Lukas!”
Lukas smiled. “Correct… At least I have restraint and the ability to be very trusting… isn’t that right?”
Per Fredrik nodded as he farewelled them in Norwegian before rushing out of the town hall and through the caverns. Where waiting at the bottom of the cliff… was the designated Viking boat that Per Fredrik was about to embark. Stepping back a bit, he held onto his helmet with one hand and kept his grip on the battle axe on the other.
And as he bolted, Per Fredrik shouted, mimicking the battle shout that appeared in a certain anime’s opening. “No longer will I be held back; as I shall charge straight into the fight!”
Just like something out of an anime opening, Per Fredrik ran forth before leaping off the cliff, landing precisely onto the ship as he undocked it, ready for this adventure. But what no one realised was that on the horizon, a storm was brewing and was about to send him off course…
Night fell, and that was when the storm struck. Determined not to let ‘Odin’s wrath’ overwhelm him, Per Fredrik grabbed the helm, shouting stuff in Norwegian as he bravely fought against it, despite the lightning strikes attacking the ship, one compartment at a time. As the waves grew, so too did Per Fredrik’s temper as he shouted against the high winds and sideways rain. During the fight, Per Fredrik lost his helmet and discarded his cloak for better physicality as he witnessed the loss of BOTH masts and the crow’s nest. All of which he nimbly avoided.
Charging up to the bow, as the helm’s wheel broke, Per Fredrik shouted over the storm. “YOU WILL NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE STRENGTH OF THE GREATEST NORWEGIAN VIKING, PER FREDRIK ÅSLY, ODIN YOU TYRANT!!!”
The storm seemed to get even more violent, as if Odin was really testing Per Fredrik and his capability of being a Viking. Suddenly, a large bolt struck the center of the ship, followed by a large wave that bashed the deck, sending the ship vertical. Using whatever skills he had, Per Fredrik parkoured his way to the bow, holding on as he shouted in Norwegian. Roughly translating that Odin should remember that - Per Fredrik Åsly always comes back.
This was followed by how Per Fredrik leapt off the bow, diving into the icy waters as he somehow avoided the debris as he swam through the storm. But even with his strength, Per Fredrik knew that his escapade would come at a cost.
Per Fredrik thought as he swam, kicking off his boots. “Crap… Bad evening, but at least I survived that. Ah… Ignore the Nokk, as that’ll take you to a mystic version of ICELAND and KILL me… Just keep swimming, damn it.”
Only a few hours of swimming had gone by, and soon, he flipped onto his back as the storm cleared. Closing his eyes as he let the ocean carry him to the shore after that fight.
Dawn broke over the horizon as Per Fredrik remained unconscious on the beachfront. Out for a peaceful morning stroll was Nathan Sharp. He hummed a gentle tune as he walked along the cobblestone and towards the coastline, yet was unaware that someone had washed up on the shore at this hour. Or had been there since the previous night. Or longer.
Looking across the coastline, Nathan commented. “Seems too still… after that storm last night…”
Nathan had only walked a few more meters before noticing someone - Per Fredrik - collapsed on the beach. Looking around, Nathan knelt before turning the unconscious body over, shocked to find that it was a fellow adventurer, battered and bruised by the sea. Covering his mouth to stifle a scream, Nathan quickly investigated the mysterious visitor to make sure they were alive.
Pulling the visitor up, Nathan proceeded to turn them over before delivering a few hard blows to the visitor’s back, making them vomit and cough up water. Noticing how the visitor was faintly breathing, Nathan smiled as he’d just saved a stranger’s life. Helping the visitor sit up, Nathan sat nearby as he watched them wake up.
Per Fredrik grumbled as he regained consciousness. “What the… Who are you? Thanks for… saving me, I guess…”
Nathan responded, jumping to his feet. “Nathan Neito Han Sharp of the Wellermen Club! Heh, you’re welcome! You look like a… Viking from the books that are in the… library. Where are you from?”
Staggering to his feet, Per Fredrik responded. “Norway.”
“WAIT?! You’re from across the pond?! What’s… your name then?”
“Per Fredrik Åsly. And that’s… correct. Sorry if I look like… trash. Lost my helmet, boots, cloak and battle axe in the storm. Can you please guide me to… your friends? If you have any…”
“Okay, follow me closely.”
Per Fredrik nodded silently at this as he then walked slowly behind Nathan. His body still ached, but he was glad that he was alive despite what the storm had done to him. Nathan made sure that Per Fredrik was right behind him as he soon made it to the porch, where Jonathan Young was waiting.
Taking a sip of his coffee, Jonathan sighed. “You managed to drag in a… Norwegian Viking. At least it’s not that dumb Swedish one from up north. Too much of a crybaby. Anyway… I’m Jonathan. What brings you here, mysterious visitor from Norway? I’ll… get Caleb to help heal you, I guess.”
Nathan explained. “This is Per Fredrik. He survived an intense storm and lost everything in the process.”
Per Fredrik nodded solemnly. “They used to call me the greatest Viking in northern Norway. But, I’m ready to start anew in this village… Once I heal, that is… Mind if I… join you guys?”
Jonathan nodded. “I’ll allow it…”
Nathan explained as Jonathan walked inside. “Caleb’s a great healer and emotional support. He’ll know what to do to get you back on your feet. I promise. And, I can get Anthony to assist with getting you some better attire than… THAT.”
“...Thank you, Nathan…”
And it wasn’t long before Caleb Hyles had emerged, quickly asking. “Nathan, go in and get Anthony. I’ll deal with our newest member.”
Nathan nodded before rushing in as Caleb revealed the healing beverage, even though Per Fredrik was already alive thanks to Nathan. Accepting the drink, Per Fredrik slowly drank it, feeling his energy return to him. As well as his bruising and cuts fade away.
Caleb softly asked. “Are you feeling any better? It’s a special concoction I only ever made for like one other person - Anthony. Also, I’m Caleb Hyles. Want me to… hug you? I only do this for Jonathan and Nathan.”
Per Fredrik sighed as he handed the empty mug over. “Guess so…”
Per Fredrik allowed Caleb to briefly hug him before Anthony exited the cottage. Noticing Anthony’s arrival, Caleb immediately bolted in as Anthony emerged with freshly washed clothing.
Anthony asked. “And then comes me, Anthony Vincent, at your service. Well… want me to… guide you to the bathroom so that you can clean up? Sorry for being late - I… overslept as that storm made me unwell, even though we weren’t… on a ship or anything. Caleb’s a great emotional support healer. Anyway… come with me.”
Nodding at this, Per Fredrik thanked Anthony before walking into the cottage. This meant that the Wellermen had their fifth and final member - locking themselves in as a quintet and as the East Coast Wellermen, ready for future adventures.
***
And that brings us right up, a year later, to now - with the Wellermen getting ready to successfully embark on an ocean adventure of a lifetime.