Sparks from the welding torch reflected off the metal surface of the Dragon Slayer, which leaned against the corner of the workshop. Beneath the dim glow of the hanging lamp, Johnny worked in silence. Puck flew low, occasionally helping to pull a cable or simply observing his master, his tiny face mirroring Johnny's seriousness.
Johnny welded the joints of the steel frame for the sidecar with extreme care. Every weld had to be perfect; he wouldn't allow a single loose screw when taking Aerith across the untamed terrain of the Western Continent. His mind drifted back to his past life as Guts—to the times he had to fight through an endless darkness. However, this time was different. He had something real to protect, and he possessed greater strength to do so.
"Puck," Johnny's voice broke the silence, low and raspy. "This might be a long journey. Are you ready to return to a world full of chaos like before?"
Puck alighted on Johnny's shoulder, tugging gently on his ear as a sign that he wasn't going anywhere. Johnny smiled faintly, a rare expression on his hardened face.
By early morning, the sidecar frame was securely attached to his motorcycle. Johnny began installing the protective plating on the front of the sidecar, shaping an aerodynamic curve strong enough to withstand an impact. On the inside, he installed soft leather padding so Aerith would remain comfortable even if they had to ride for hours on end.
Yet, amidst his work, Johnny's gaze kept drifting to the workshop window that faced his parents' house directly. He could see the faint glow of the kitchen light in Garrick and Marilla's home. Tomorrow morning, he had to tell them the truth. He had to tell them that their son "was going to take Shinra's most sought-after asset out of the most heavily guarded city in the world."
Johnny wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his oil-stained hand. A heavy weight settled in his chest—not from the Lifestream, but from the sense of responsibility he felt toward the family that had given him this peaceful new life.