Ch: 8 [Breakfast]

Jack quietly sneaked into the attic where Jax usually had his breakfast, making sure not to disturb the other children in the orphanage who were not aware of the magical world. He placed a tray with a sumptuous breakfast spread, complete with warm pastries, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of tea, on the table.

"Enjoy your breakfast, Jax," Jack whispered, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I made sure it's extra special today."

Jax's eyes lit up with delight as he surveyed the delicious spread before him. "Thank you, young master. You always know how to brighten my mornings."

With a pat on Jax's shoulder, Jack made his way to his room, to see if Sara is up or not.

---

Jax sat at the table, marveling at the sight of the delectable breakfast. As he picked up a warm pastry and took a bite, his thoughts drifted to his young master, Jack. A wave of gratitude washed over him as he reflected on their relationship. 'How fortunate I am to serve a young master who truly cares for me,' Jax thought, his heart swelling with appreciation.

Jax gazed outside the small window, at the sky, his heart swelling with gratitude. 'Young master Jack is truly a remarkable child, he thought to himself. He treats me with such kindness and respect, unlike the other household elves I've encountered in my long years of service.' Jax considered himself fortunate to have found a place in Jack's life, where his efforts were acknowledged and appreciated.

Jax couldn't help but compare his experience with other household elves he had heard about. Their masters often disregarded their well-being and dismissed their thoughts and emotions. But Jack was different. He saw Jax as more than just a servant; he saw him as a friend.

'I am lucky,' Jax thought, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. 'To have found a place where my service is valued, where I am considered a friend rather than just an object of utility.' The bond between him and Jack had grown strong over the years, and Jax cherished every moment they spent together.

The simple act of preparing a special breakfast for Jax reminded him once again of the bond they shared. It was in these small gestures that Jax felt truly lucky to be in Jack's service. The elf savored each bite, not just the flavors but the love and care that went into the meal.

As Jax savored each bite, his thoughts lingered on the memories of his past. The days when he had served unappreciative masters, enduring their harsh commands and neglect. But everything had changed when he became a part of Jack's life. The young master had shown him compassion and understanding, treating him as a trusted companion rather than a mere servant.

Jax cherished the moments they spent together, their conversations filled with laughter and shared dreams. He knew that he had found something rare and precious—a true connection with his young master.

As Jax enjoyed his breakfast, he couldn't help but wonder how fortunate he was to be a part of Jack's life. The elf silently vowed to do everything in his power to support and protect Jack, to be the unwavering companion that Jack could always rely on.

Gratefulness filled Jax's heart as he continued to savor the delicious food. He knew that their journey, both in the mundane world and the magical one, would be filled with challenges and uncertainties. But with Jack by his side, he felt invincible.

With a contented sigh, Jax finished his breakfast, his heart overflowing with warmth and admiration for the young master who had shown him a different kind of life—a life filled with love, friendship, and true companionship.

---

As Jack made his way back to his room, he paused in the hallway, noticing a familiar figure rubbing her eyes near the sink in the kitchen. It was Sara, just waking up from her slumber and brushing her teeth like a sloth.

A smile spread across Jack's face as he approached her. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he greeted, his voice filled with warmth.

Sara blinked her eyes, still adjusting to the light. "Morning, Jack." She spoke with a mouthful of toothpaste foam.

As Jack approached Sara, a voice echoed through the kitchen, drawing their attention. It was Mike, a muscular teenager known for his dedication to fitness and his boisterous personality. He was the oldest among the children at the orphanage, and at 19 years old, he had taken it upon himself to become a role model for the younger ones.

"Hey, sleepyhead! Looks like waking up in the morning is not your thing, huh?" Mike teased, a playful smirk on his face.

Sara blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious under Mike's playful scrutiny. She quickly rinsed her mouth and turned towards him. "Well, some of us need a little extra time to get fully awake," she retorted, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Mike chuckled and flexed his muscles, striking a pose. "You should join me in my morning workout routine, Sara. It'll get your blood pumping and give you the energy you need to tackle the day! And maybe one day, you could join me and earn a big golden championship trophy."

Sara quickly rinses her mouth and clutched Jack's shirt, "Bleh~" She sticks her tongue out at Mike.

Jack chuckled at Sara's playful reaction, stepping in to join the conversation. "Now, now, Mike. Let's not overwhelm Sara with your intense workouts just yet. We don't want her to collapse before breakfast."

Sara nodded, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Yeah, you heard him. I will collapse. So, I think I'll pass on the morning workout for now, Mike. But I'll cheer you on from the sidelines!"

"Cheer me on, huh?" Mike raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, I guess I'll take what I can get. But mark my words, Sara, one day you'll see me on that championship stage, hoisting that trophy high above my head!"

Sara giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I know you can do it, Mike. With your big muscles, you'll be the star of the show!"

Jack joined in the banter, his voice filled with playful encouragement. "And when you win that championship, Mike, we'll throw the biggest celebration the orphanage has ever seen! Imagine all the food, games, and fun we could have!"

Mike's eyes lit up with excitement, his competitive spirit fueled by their words. "You're right, Jack! We'll have a grand feast, and I'll show off my award-winning poses to all the kids. They'll be in awe of the champion!"

Sara clapped her hands in excitement. "I can already imagine it! The music, the food..."

As the banter continued, the other children in the orphanage began to join in, their voices adding to the cheerful atmosphere. Each child shared words of encouragement and support for Mike's dreams of becoming a champion. They spoke of their admiration for his dedication and how they believed in his ability to achieve greatness.

Emily, a bright-eyed girl with a passion for art, chimed in, "Mike, if you win that championship, I'll paint a beautiful mural to commemorate your victory! It'll be a masterpiece!"

Lucas, a boy with a knack for storytelling, added, "And I'll write an epic tale about your journey, Mike. It'll be a legendary story that will inspire generations to come!"

Sophie, a shy girl with a penchant for drawing, stepped forward. "Mike, even if you don't win the championship, you're still a winner to us. You inspire us to chase our own dreams and give our best, no matter the outcome."

Daniel, a young boy with a knack for storytelling, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Mike! You're our hero, whether you win or lose. Your dedication and hard work motivate us to believe in ourselves and never give up."

As the other children chimed in with their words of encouragement, Mike's eyes shone with gratitude and determination. He was touched by their support, realizing that their faith in him went beyond winning a trophy.

"LOSE? ME!?" Mike stood up, holding the big glass filled with a mixture of his own creation, which he drinks daily. He chugged it all in a single breath and slammed the glass on the table, "I WILL WIN!!! ARGGGG!"

He dashed outside for another run.

"Really now, you guys just had to do that," Jack chuckled as he watched Mike's enthusiastic departure, his competitive spirit on full display. "Well, I guess he's off to conquer the world again," Jack remarked with a grin. "But let's hope he doesn't scare away neighbors' children again."