[Book II Chapter 140] DAWN: Visiting The Children
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“Zentrias has woken up.” Wise declared. “He’ll be up shortly.”
Carol let out a relieved sigh. “About time. We’re almost at Neon.”
It hadn’t been the only foreign fighters rallying to Garnen’s defense. This small cruise ship had been retained to ferry back all the volunteers from the twin cities. They were on the upper most floor, reserved for saints and immortal, relaxing in a private seating area.
Zentrias ambled in and plopped down on an armchair. “How long was I out?”
“Almost a day.” Carol answered. “Even after your injuries were healed, you wouldn’t wake. I had to have them transported you onto the ship. I knew you’d want to get back as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.” Zentrias said. “I’m not sure why it took me so long.”
“Honestly, it’s not too surprising.” Carol continued. “You were going pretty fast when you hit that wall. It’s amazing you’re alive, although I suppose Wise wouldn’t have suggested a fatal course of action.” There was venom in that last sentence, which caused her brother to shrink in his seat.
Carol had not been pleased to discover Zentrias on the verge of death, especially after their experiences in Messanic. Since Emerit had promtly fled back to Aery with Astrolis, her ire had been directed at Wise.
“Again, sorry.” He whispered.
“It’s fine.” Zentrias rubbed his head. “I’m the one who went along with your crazy plan.”
Sighing, Carol walked over and extend a hand. “Here you go.” She drop something into Zentrias’s palm.
“A wish seed?” The man exclaimed, surprised.
“The strike you landed on Blade Ruin badly shattered its right side, causing the mech to flee. The Grey Kingdom withdrew soon after.” Carol explained. “This was a reward from Garnen for your valor.”
Normally Dawn might of been jealous of this recognition. However, she’d also witnessed the state Zentrias had ended up in, which had done much to quell these feelings. “Roxanne got one too.” She chimed in.
The immortal gave a small nod. Next to her, Rose grumbled. “Thinking back on it, what Cindy was really after was Roxanne’s assistance. We were just a bonus.”
“So we won?” Zentrias asked.
“More or less.” Carol replied. “On most fronts, including Safire, we were victorious. Unfortunately, the seventh halo, which sits isolated to the west, fell to the Grey Kingdom.”
“It was the least important and least defended.” Rose added. “Cindy didn’t look too upset, and we inflicted significant losses everywhere else, so I doubt they will try anything soon.”
“And what of the operation against Mount Gull?” Zentrias demanded.
“A complete success without any major setbacks.” Carol announced happily.
“Perhaps this means things will finally settle down in the Twisted Lands…” Dawn mused. From her understanding, Kaygren’s sovereigns wouldn’t pose much of a threat until Mount Gull is fully stabilized. “What do you think, Wise?”
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Her brother shook his head. “Although it’s less bad, the crushed dark crystals still clouds the future. Ask that type of question tomorrow.”
Rose shook her head. “The Grey Kingdom wasted so many resources on this offensive… I don’t see how they can justify it, even with their meager gain.”
“No, it makes sense from a morale-boosting perspective.” Wise sighed. “To expand its military power, the Grey Kingdom attracted immortals fed up with peace. For the likes of Argon Blast, yesterday’s large scale conflict was what they really craved, the payoff for their enlistment.”
“What about the Grey King?” Rose asked. “Is he also a war-fanatic?”
“Probably not.” Wise replied. “He never takes to the battlefield himself, so another motive likely drives him.”
“I can see Edelweiss.” Zentrias commented, gazing out the window. The ship had exited the underground and was now traveling the empty space below Aery. Neon was visible not far ahead.
“They will drop us off there before heading to he main docks.” Carol explained.
“Hear that Dawn?” Rose smirked. “You’ll be able to meet your admirers again.” <
Dawn resisted replying to the unspoken comment. “Yes, that’ll be nice. Although I wonder if they’ll flock to me when Zentrias is around. I suspect they respect him even more than me.”
“Carol is the one they really love.” Zentrias laughed. “She summons jesters to do tricks and play with them.”
“The Moonlit Lands is filled with creatures capable of taking on friendly appearances to better prey on innocent souls.” Carol revealed.
“And they don’t scare the children…?” Rose asked skeptically.
“I’m the one who serves as their meal.” Carol admitted. “I know what they really look like and their true nature. Although I monitor them closely, the thought of what might happen should my attention waver fills me abject terror.”
They disembarked at the quay by the cliff’s edge and crossed the lawn towards the orphanage. As expected, a throng of children scurried out to greet them.
Dawn smiled. To be honest, she’d been quite looking forward to this. It’d be a pleasant change to hear stray thoughts filled with adoration.
Letting them gather around her, she sat on the grass and patiently answered their questions. They were fascinated by her encounters with the undead in Dark Heritage and her heroics in defense of Safire. As time went on, her good mood faded, replaced with a growing irritation. Eventually it became too much.
“I must go.” She declared, standing.
“Why?” A young boy objected. “You just got here!”
Dawn knelt besides him. “Sorry, but I need to meet Roy Siegfried to discuss an important matter.”
The boy’s eyes went wide. “Isn’t that the strongest immortal?”
“Yes, and I can’t keep him waiting, can I?” Dawn replied. This appointment was a lie, but the intent behind it was dead serious.
Bidding a last farewell, she flew down into the precipice below the orphanage and found an outcropping to land on. “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?” She yelled into the void. So this is the frustration that Lily endured for centuries.
“Siegfried, get out here now!” She called out again. “I know it’s not the Wall of Legends, but I don’t care. I’m owed some answers.”
“This is awkward.” Said a voice behind her. Siegfried was leaning against the rock with a conflicted expression. “Meeting a ‘main character’ when the story is in full swing feels wrong, especially outside the Isle. It never does this. I can’t believe you tried this gambit or that it worked.”
“I knew it would.” Dawn sneered. “After all, the HEAVENLY DAO loves me. Not only that, it’s wronged me in a particularly egregious way.”
Siegfried sighed, ignoring her anger. “What did you need from me?”
“This telepathy that I’ve developed, the HEAVENLY DOA is responsible for it, isn’t it?” Dawn accused. “Astra never had to deal with anything so troublesome.”
“I’d say yes,” Siegfried replied. “Although it will never admit it.”
“I figured as much.” Dawn continued. “I’m sure it’s having a blast watching me endure an endless stream of comments slighting and belittling me. And I was able to accept that as the price for being as wonderful as I am. However, why can’t I hear the children?”
She glared furiously. “This unatural, one-side ability which lets me hear the bad but never the good… How dare it do this! Either take it away entirely or remove the filter.”
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…
“Done.” Siegfried said.
“Really?” Dawn was almost upset she wouldn’t get to vent more. “Also, did the HEAVENLY DOA just speak to me?”
“It did. I heard it too.” There was pity in Siegfried’s voice. “Goodbye.”
With that, she was left alone. After a solid minute, she shook off her worries and took off. Let’s not overthink what we can’t control and enjoy a good bout of others fawning over me.