Sakura’s Turn

“FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!”

Sakura threw her mace as hard as she could into the boulders. She was angry. Not only was her dad down there, but a ton of innocent civilians! These assholes were really going all-out, and they didn’t care fucking shit!

A different Lightwraith suddenly appeared, using his spear as a spell-cannon. Sakura looked in surprise. The Lightwraith said, “I had a ton of slaves down there! They’re gonna be…” The fear in his voice was evident.

Sakura snapped, “You care?”

“Sweetheart, that is why I don’t live in Fasis! And by the way, your STR buff is wearing off!”

Sakura looked, and saw indeed her spell was wearing off. She was going to feel tired and in pain in a minute. “Thanks!”

She bounced back, and started recasting the buff. But her limbs were already burning and starting to shake. Dammit…

Rose ran up. “The town and this part of the mines have been secured! The Guardians are… well, I don’t wanna know where they are taking the survivors of the enemy force. The civilians are still being kept at the safety zones until everyone is cleared out, though.”

He looked at Sakura. “Sweetie… go get some rest. These cave-ins are not gonna be cleared out soon.”

Sakura said, “D-Mom… Dad! The civilians!”

Rose said, “I know, baby girl. But you’re about to collapse. And what is it that your dad says about the Villains that he considers great?”

Sakura sighed, “They know their limits and take time to recover and regroup.”

Rose nodded. “I’m sure we’ll need your help. But now, you just need to rest.”

Sakura nodded. “Okay…”

Aunt Susie appeared and patted her shoulder. “Eat, get a nap, and then come back. We’ll get you if we need you beforehand.”

Sakura nodded, and slipped into the shadows. Rose said, “Don’t you need to recover your mana?”

Susie said, “One of the dwarves gave me a refill potion. I’ll be good for a few water spells to help make the rocks brittle.”

Sakura had to smirk. Parents tell but not do, huh? Well, technically Susie was an aunt, but she could see the humor all the same.

**********************

Wonder’s Turn

“Dad!”

Wonder turned, and hugged his son. “Izuku! You’re okay! I was getting worried… the others?”

“Tired, but fine. It looks like levels 2-10 are completely collapsed.”

Wonder’s gut dropped. “That… so many dead…”

Izuku nodded. “We have rescue crews digging people out, and many Tamers including myself are having people dug out. But it’s not high expectation.”

Wonder rubbed his eyes. The Myzune medic offered a cup of hot cocoa. Wonder whispered, “Thanks…”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Izuku looked around. “So the Myzune have warriors?”

“Yep. Probably the reason I haven’t gotten ambushed yet.”

Wonder sipped it, shaking his head. “We’re around Level 75. And there’s undoubtedly a lot more enemies between here and there.”

Izuku gave a droll look.

It took Wonder a moment.

He slapped his head. “I’m a dumbass!”

Izuku could teleport!

“Yeah, but you’re still Dad.” Izuku smiled.

******************

“Daaaaaaaaaaaad!”

Wonder hugged Sakura as she ran up. He stroked her head. “I heard you went full Hero for me~.”

Sakura blushed and chuckled. “Uh… yeah.”

“I’m proud of you, baby girl! But maybe next time, bring more backup than your aunt and Crisis, okay?”

Sakura chuckled. “Lesson learned. I will.”

Wonder looked around. A rescue camp had been set up in the main cavern of the mines. Multiple medic tents, minecarts systems dumping rock, and… Endermen? Did he just see a Minecraft mob, or was he going crazy out of exhaustion?

Could be both.

Wonder said, “Where’s your Mom and Aunt?”

Sakura indicated a nearby tent. “They found a school field trip. Susie is cheering the kids up with magic tricks. Mom is sleeping in the carriage, which is parked right outside.”

Wonder nodded. “Blood?”

“I think he’s searching the former Deputy’s office. While some of his crew is helping with the rescue efforts, most of them can’t so are doing what they can with finding out what happened.”

“I think I know, and her name is Light. What about Kat?”

Sakura said, “Went god mode and vanished a while back. I… think he’s trying to make the dead transition a bit easier by being there personally.”

Wonder bowed his head. “…that’s fair. Fuck…”

Wonder yawned. “I need some ZZZZs myself. Are you about to head back?”

Sakura nodded. “I’m a good smasher. I can do some digging as long as my buffs hold out.”

“I’m gonna make your job a little easier. Garados!”

Garados appeared, and saw Sakura. He quickly wrapped around her shoulders and waist instead, nuzzling her. She laughed. “Hi again!”

Wonder said, “As long as you’re careful, his water attacks will soften rocks and dirt. And some punching.”

Sakura nodded. “Good idea. Thanks, Dad.”

She ran to help. Wonder looked at Izuku. Izuku said, “I’m controlling as many Beasts as I can at once. I even have the bunnies from below doing what they can.”

Wonder nodded. He smirked. “It’s sad… we came to Talcini to cut time, and thanks to some assholes we’ll be even longer.”

Izuku smiled sadly. “It’s the curse of Heroes, isn’t it?”

“Of all types. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Sure, Dad.”

“Don’t forget to rest yourself.”

“I won’t. PAL!!!”

Pal emerged, looking exhausted and wet. Apparently she had the same idea. Izuku waved her over, then picked her up in a hug. Pal was asleep in seconds.

“She’s not blaming herself for this?”

“No. It was clear it was not Oracle City, though a few took advantage of the chaos. Most are actually trying to help with the rescue efforts.”

Wonder nodded. “Good. And I see… well, maybe I shouldn’t presume how things are going to between you two.”

Izuku smiled softly. “I think her selfless actions are helping bridge the gap a bit. Now you’re delaying a nap.”

Wonder chucked. “True. See you soon.”

He walked back to the carriage, and climbed in. When he opened the door, Rose suddenly looked up. His eyes misted over. “Wonder…?”

“Alive. Izuku warped me out.”

Rose jumped up and hugged him tight. Wonder hugged back. Rose said, “I’m so glad you’re all right…”

Wonder said, “So am I. And I’m glad all of you are all right.”

Rose nodded, then sighed. “Blood called for help from the RDF, but they may not be here in time.”

“RDF?”

“Rescue Defense Force. It’s the one exception to Lightwraith asshole culture.”

Rose moved some of his hair. “It is considered beyond honorable, almost holy, to work as a rescue force. To protect those who cannot, or get caught in natural disasters beyond their control. They’re a highly specialized group, and are very picky about the attitude of those who join. It’s also why no one blinks an eye to Lightwraith Adventurers… it’s the closest 90% of the Lightwraith population can get to being an RDF member.”

Wonder said, “Mama mia… I wonder if we can use that to our advantage at some point.”

He smirked, already thinking of an idea. “No, we could. But after the Fasis Plan. First things first.”

He smiled at Rose, feeling exhaustion go into his bones. “I need a nap. Cuddles?”

Rose smiled. “Of course.”