Wonder’s Turn

The trip to Wavebourne was relatively peaceful. Sadly, everyone was vacationing or celebrating the end of the Hoseki war, so it was more crowded than Wonder preferred. But the kids had fun playing in the sand and in the water, so that was a bonus. Wonder also got the chance to Tame more Beasts and train them, so he’d be better prepared against Highrise.

Before they hit Wavebourne, Wonder and Rose decided to go on a date. They may have been bonded, and the lifemate sense never failed, but Wonder did feel bad about not taking Rose somewhere special once in a while. The small town they had boasted a small café overlooking the water, so once the kids were settled, Wonder brought Rose there.

They got an overseas one, which Wonder appreciated. The place was crowded, but the balcony tables were outside the main crowds and quiet. Rose smiled softly, seeming to be in memory. Wonder looked out over the water, watching the dark waves for a minute. His mind was composing a story to possibly turn into book later when Rose said, “Dear?”

Wonder broke out of it. “Yes, dear?”

Rose said, “You didn’t need to do this.”

Wonder smiled. “I will always accept a cheat with social interactions, but I do feel like I was cheating you out of something. You jumped on right with kids… which I do appreciate, don’t get me wrong, but…”

Rose kissed his hand. “You are a romantic, dear. Nothing wrong with that.”

Something nuzzled into Wonder’s hair. Wonder chuckled. “What the…?”

A wolf nuzzled him. A familiar one. “What the…?”

Highrise said, “RINSE! BACK HERE!”

The wolf whimpered, but shuffled back. Wonder saw that Highrise in a chair with sliders and a Lightwraith with the stance of a butler. Highrise waved. “Apologies. He gets excited when he sees someone he knows.”

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Wonder smiled. “Most puppies do! I’m surprised to see you out here, Highrise. I’d thought you’d gotten to Wavebourne by now.”

Highrise said, “There was… a complication. I’d rather not get into it.”

Rose looked over. She scowled. “Has to do with your butler?”

Highrise said, “You mean my doctor? No, thankfully.”

Highrise looked critically at Rose. “You seem to have a low opinion of your species.”

Wonder said, “I have a low opinion of your species, Highrise. It isn’t that hard. Most decent people don’t advocate child abuse.”

Wonder sighed. “Rose, sweetie, want to head out? We didn’t pay or order yet, so we can evacuate the dance floor.”

Rose got up. “Please.”

They walked out. Rose said, “Please tell me you’ll total him.”

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Wonder rubbed Rose’s back. “…sorry, I didn’t know we’d run into him.”

Rose sighed. “No… I lost my temper. Seeing… ugh. He probably is just a doctor. Not… a slave.”

Wonder felt cold. “Hoseki has slaves?”

Rose said, “Only the Lightwraiths. And mostly the ones living in civilization. I just got sick when I heard of it, and for a lot of City Lightwraiths… well…”

Rose looked at Wonder. “I believe on your world, there existed a people called the Vikings. They believe they’d only go to heaven if they die in battle.”

Wonder said, “Yeah… do the Lightwraiths believe similar?”

“Yes. Actually, all of the Light people do. You can only go to the Eternal Sunlit Fields if you are a warrior of honor. However, Lightwraiths are unique in a certain aspect. When someone becomes ‘weak’, they are forced to become slaves to ‘regain their honor for the Afterlife’.”

Wonder shuddered. “The more I hear of the Lightwraith culture, the more I hate them.”

Rose nodded. “Yes. Many City Lightwraiths and Lightwraith families are rich due to this. But there is constant competition, because no one wants to wear a slave collar. Many Lightwraiths don’t make it to adulthood.”

Rose sighed. “When I learned that, it was the only time I was thankful to be born in a Wild Tribe. At least no one forced me to be a toy and tool, and I had a chance to survive.”

Wonder hugged him gently. “…and no one will do that to you or Sakura.”

Rose smiled and hugged back. “Thanks, Wonder.”

“Now you want me to go shoot Highrise?”

Rose laughed. “No… just humiliate him so bad, he cannot show his face.”

Wonder cracked his knuckles. “Luckily, my Pokemon days gave me a few tricks to use, especially now I have a proper party.”