The Orphanage Protector
Chapter 1
The Silent Companion


From that day forward, Tygex found himself juggling an array of responsibilities at the orphanage. In addition to his main duty as the protector, he became the go-to guy for various tasks. He would tirelessly carry heavy food boxes, showcasing his strength, and would skillfully catch fish from the nearby lake, proving his resourcefulness. Tygex was also entrusted with the crucial task of keeping a watchful eye on the children while they played in the field, ensuring their safety at all times.

But amongst all the tasks, one thing remained constant—Jace’s unwavering presence. Like a shadow, Jace followed Tygex's every move, observing him silently and intently. It seemed as if Jace had appointed himself as Tygex's fierce watchdog, ensuring that he fulfilled his role as the protector of the orphanage to the best of his abilities by observing him from a distance. Jace’s unwavering commitment even led him to trail Tygex as he was heading to a nearby town so he could gather the crucial information about a group that posed a threat to the orphanage's safety.

Jace made sure to remain hidden from Tygex’s sight as he continued to tail him.

"Come on out, Jace! I know you're there," Tygex called out, his voice firm and commanding. He abruptly halted his steps, fixing his gaze on a tree that concealed Jace's hiding spot. In a matter of seconds, a young orphan boy emerged reluctantly from behind the tree, making his way towards Tygex with a disgruntled expression.

Taken aback by Jace's anger, Tygex scratched the back of his head with a puzzled look. It dawned on him that the boy didn't appreciate being called Jace. "Right— Ace... care to explain why you've been following me all the way here?" he inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
Ace averted his gaze, remaining silent, creating an air of mystery around him.

Tygex, scratching the back of his head once more, stared at Ace thoughtfully. He couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness, recognizing that something had undeniably caused Ace to become withdrawn and hesitant to speak. Despite this, Tygex's fondness for the boy only grew stronger, and he was determined to unravel the mystery that surrounded Ace's past.

After a moment of thought, Tygex let out a resigned sigh, turned around, and resumed his walk. Within a few steps, he added, "Just make sure you stay close, Ace, and don't wander off while we're in town." Tygex continued moving forward, trusting that Ace would dutifully follow behind.


For hours, Ace observed Tygex silently, his keen eyes fixated on the orphanage protector. He watched as Tygex interacted with the townspeople, their reactions causing curiosity to stir within Ace. Some gasped and hurriedly walked away as if they knew Tygex and wanted to avoid any contact. Ace wondered if the protector of the orphanage was a well-known figure around these parts. But what truly captured Ace's attention was the way Tygex operated with an air of confidence when asking questions, as if he had done it a thousand times before.


As the afternoon sun hung in the sky, Tygex decided it was time to make their way back to the orphanage. Along the path, Tygex was lost in deep thought. His eyes were closed, and he absentmindedly tapped his pendant with his index finger, walking in silence. The information he had gathered so far wasn't particularly helpful for his investigation, leaving him disappointed. He glanced at Ace and noticed the young boy was walking right beside him this time.

"Did you notice anything strange while we were there, Ace?" Tygex didn't expect much from his question, he simply wanted to break the silence and encourage Ace to speak. Yet, Ace shook his head in response.

"I see," Tygex replied, appreciating Ace's company and knowing he could keep the young boy safe from harm. But he longed for Ace to open up and share his thoughts, to reveal a bit of his past. He needed to find a way to make him speak up.

"They were afraid of you— Why?"

Ace's sudden question caught Tygex off guard, momentarily surprising him before his expression turned to curiosity.

"Who? The townsfolk?" Tygex asked, seeking clarification.

Ace nodded, and Tygex felt a spark of happiness ignite within his chest. He couldn't believe that Ace was attempting to engage in conversation. Overwhelmed with gladness, he answered honestly, "Well, I suppose they've heard of me because I am an 'Elite Mercenary,' after all." Tygex's tone carried a hint of pride, hoping that this revelation would encourage Ace to open up more. "Perhaps my legends have traveled far and wide. With my strength and power, I can easily overcome any foe and accomplish any mission." Tygex began boasting about his physical abilities, flexing his bicep, unaware of the annoyed expression on Ace's face.

“Wait…” Suddenly, Tygex halted his self-praise, realizing something. He slowly turned to face Ace, no longer flexing his muscles. "Are you, perhaps—afraid of me? Is that why you've been so quiet? Because I'm around?" Tygex asked, a concerned tone underlying his words.

There was a brief moment of awkward silence, until Ace's grumpy expression revealed the truth. With a grumpy face, he responded simply, "No." While the answer was straightforward, Tygex could read Ace's facial expression, especially his telltale eyes. Ace's face clearly conveyed a message: "Afraid of you? Don't make me laugh."

Tygex exhaled in relief, but at the same time, he was amazed that Ace wasn't afraid of him unlike the rest of the kids. Without thinking, he put his right paw on Ace's head and began to rub it gently. "Good. You don't have to be afraid of anything while I'm here. I'll make sure that you and the other kids are safe. You can count on me from now on." Tygex expected Ace to reject the head rubbing, but surprisingly, Ace just stood still, looking directly into Tygex's eyes.

Tygex was smiling, yet Ace remained serious, as usual. "But not Ms. Mara..." Tygex removed his paw and placed it on the back of his head, making an annoyed face. "That woman is 100% capable of defending herself. In fact, I'd feel sorry for whoever tries to lay their hands on her," he continued.

"Pfftt..." Ace quickly turned around to hide his face as he was about to laugh at Tygex's joke about the housemother.

Tygex couldn't help but laugh at Ace's reaction. It was a moment of pure joy that echoed through the quiet path. He was grateful for the unexpected humor that Ace brought.

As the laughter subsided, Tygex looked down at Ace with a renewed sense of hope. He realized that even though Ace may not open up easily, their bond was growing and could get stronger with each passing day. Tygex knew that building trust took time, especially with the quiet types, but he was willing to be patient.

"Hey, Ace," Tygex said, his tone now gentle and reassuring. "You know, being afraid is natural sometimes. We all have our fears. Even me. But I want you to remember something important. You're not alone anymore. We're a team now, and as long as I'm here, I'll help you face any obstacles."

Ace turned to face Tygex, his serious expression slowly softening. It was as if Tygex's words were finally sinking in. The young boy nodded ever so slightly, his eyes shimmering with a newfound understanding.

Tygex reached out to ruffle Ace's hair one more time, feeling a surge of affection for the resilient child. From that moment forward, he vowed to protect and guide Ace with all his might until he completed his mission of illuminating the group that was disturbing the peace of the orphanage.

"Now, let's head back." Tygex declared.

As they continued their journey back to the orphanage in silence, a new sense of connection slowly began to build between them. Together, Tygex and Ace would face the mysteries that lay ahead, forging a bond that would become a beacon of strength, not just for Ace but for Tygex as well. It was the same hope that had saved Tygex once, when he was on the verge of ending his own life on the isolated, uncharted island he had visited after leaving the orphanage upon completing his mission.

To Be Continued

*Tygex Legstrong
*Jace (Ace Maximus)

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