Chapter 45
Violet Comes Clean
System Note: User is accessing Violet's Journal.
Date: The night of the first invasion.
Violet, the resolute 19-year-old girl turned dungeon core on the treacherous world of Mors, finds herself amidst a chaotic assault within her domain. As an agent of the Huntress, she knows that action is necessary to protect her realm. With a resolute determination in her eyes, Violet looks to the horizon. Though challenges may lie ahead, she is ready to face them head-on, for she is the dungeon core, the chosen champion of the Huntress, and the protector of her domain on the beast world of Mors. With determination in her eyes, Violet assesses and reflects on the situation.
Journal Entry:
It's been a night of chaos and terror. The first invasion on my domain took place under the cover of darkness, catching us off guard. The bugs and wolves swarmed in, threatening the humans we vowed to protect. The battle was fierce, and the air was filled with the sounds of roaring beasts and clashing weapons.
As the insect clan and wolves regroup, I take a moment.
While the onslaught rages on, I try to remain vigilant, reviewing, reflecting and analyzing the enemy's patterns and weaknesses but for the Ladybugs, there wasn’t too much to think about. They just kinda charged in without thinking. I already adapted my strategies accordingly, aka the traps, to try to exploit their vulnerabilities. Alex is also trying to orchestrate a coordinated offensive. I wish I could inspire my citizens, I feel like they have unwavering courage and that is urging me to fight with unstoppable loyalty for my people and with a ferocity I never had back on Earth.
I am more worried about the wolves on the other side of the hedge. Goliath is currently dealing with the wolf called Hunter.
In the midst of the chaos, in the break between waves, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. It seems like a lifetime ago when I was just a regular girl in another world. A world where the troubles I faced were confined to the hallways of school and the dramas of teenage life. As I faced the challenges of my new life, Dear Future Reader, this whole clash in the dead of night brought forth the memory of my mother's words. I imagined my mother's gentle presence beside me, after one difficult time for a young teenage Violet, aka me.
Back in middle school, why is it always middle school? I know a tons of movies where there are bullying flashbacks are always middle school. Shrug. Anyways. I faced some intense bullying at school.
Whatever reason, waiting for the next battle made this conversation between me and mom spring forth into my dungeon core brain.
Start the flash back music.
I was sitting at the kitchen table, my head was down and I could barely speak, “Mom, I don't know what to do. School has become unbearable. The other kids are so mean to me. They make fun of the way I look, my interests...everything. It's like I don't belong anywhere.”
It felt at the time mom just said the standard mom crap as she was making dinner. “Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Remember, you are unique and special just the way you are. Sometimes, people can be unkind out of their own insecurities or lack of understanding. But don't let their words define you. You are my little rockstar.”
My teenage self just whined and could see what tomorrow might bring, “But it's so hard, Mom. It feels like I can't escape it. I'm starting to believe what they say about me.”
Mom stopped her work in the kitchen and came over to the table and made me lift my head up and said, “Listen to me, my dear. Their words hold no truth. You are strong, beautiful, and deserving of respect. It's important to surround yourself with people who appreciate and uplift you. True friends will see your worth beyond superficial judgments.”
I feel that now. My scions are part of me, but they are also my friends. Maybe, we might grow into a new family? Like Jack and her people are doing here.
“What if I can't find those friends, Mom? What if I'm alone in this?”
In her soft motherly voice, as she started to rub my back, “You're never alone, Violet. Remember that. You have me. But also keep in mind that friendships take time to develop. Focus on finding activities and hobbies that bring you joy. When you engage in things you love, you'll naturally meet like-minded individuals who appreciate you for who you are.” This was all before I became friends with Sam and Kevin.
I finally stopped crying and said, “It's just so hard to stay positive when everything feels so overwhelming.”
“I understand, my Vi. But always remember that you have the strength within you to rise above these challenges. Keep your head held high, believe in yourself, and don't let their negativity dim your light. You are capable of great things, and this difficult time will only make you stronger. Trust in your resilience, and remember that I am here for you every step of the way.”
I need to listen to her words now. I need to believe in myself, or everything will fall apart.
"My dear Vi," my mother's voice echoed in my dungeon core heart, filled with warmth and wisdom. "Remember, life is an unpredictable journey. Embrace the twists and turns, for they will shape you into the person you are meant to become."
Is the Huntress sending me a message from my mom? Or am I just remembering what my mom instilled in me. A smile tugged at the corners of my heart. I cherished the familiar guidance. I could almost feel mom's reassuring hand on her shoulder, urging me to press on.
"In the face of uncertainty, trust your instincts," her mother's voice continued. "Listen to the whispers of your heart, for they will guide you towards what is true and right."
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I took a deep breath. I started to do my deep box breathing that I learned from Mrs Stacey. Allowing the memory of my mom’s words to wash over her like a soothing balm. In the midst of my battles and the trials I face, I will hold onto the essence of her mother's advice.
But here, on Mors, everything is different. I've been reborn as a dungeon core, bound to this new existence and charged with the duty of protecting others. The weight of that responsibility is immense, but it's a burden I willingly carry.
Amidst the chaos of the raid, with my mom’s voice filling me with courage. I made a choice in this moment of respite. I am going to open up with my trusted companions, Grace and Oliver. As they stood together, safeguarding the humans from the relentless onslaught I felt was amassing all around me, I sensed a bond of trust and understanding between them. I know it's time to reveal my truth, to share the extraordinary tale of my journey from another world.
Grace was looking down at the sight of her rifle. Her rabbit ears were pulled back, and I could hear her robotic eye zooming in and out. She took a deep breath and talked to my skeletal body, “Violet, we will need something more to hold them off! They're relentless! Those bug riders.”
Oliver, the strong Elk-man with his hammer over his shoulder bellowed a cheer, “Hang in there, Violet! We won't let them breach the defenses!”
My voice box crackles from the bare bones body, “I... I can't thank you both enough for being here. From everyone. It's time I share something with you, something I've kept hidden until now.”
Grace spoke softly, but didn’t remove her eye from the battlefield below, “What is it, Violet? You can trust us. What's on your mind?”
Oliver flexed his muscles as he readjusted his hammer and said, “We're here for you, whatever it is.”
I pause, gathering my thoughts and it starts to come out, “I... I didn't originate from this world. I know this may sound crazy, but I'm not from this world. I was a human, but I died and came back as a dungeon core on this beast world of Mors. I came from a different realm, a place so different from Mors. It was a world of wonders, with advanced technology and no magic anywhere.”
Grace and Oliver exchanged a confused look before Oliver spoke up. "You're right, that does sound crazy. How is that even possible?"
"I don't know," I said, my voice trembling. "But it's true."
Grace says wide-eyed, “Another world? That's incredible! How did you end up here?”
“It's a long story. But I was given a second chance at life, reborn as a dungeon core, a guardian of this realm. I serve the Huntress, tasked with restoring balance and protecting the humans.”
Oliver with his jaw almost hitting the floor, “So that's why you have such incredible powers. It all makes sense now.”
I nod my skeleton’s head, “Yes, my abilities are tied to my origins. But it also means I have knowledge and experiences that could help us in this fight. We need to find a way to use them to our advantage.”
Grace smiling ear to ear returned Oliver’s excitement, “We're with you, Violet. We trust you. Whatever you need, we'll do our best to support you.You have our Oaths after all.”
I could feel the connection of life energy that connects me to them, through our Oaths growing stronger.
Oliver followed up by saying, “Absolutely. We've seen what you're capable of, and we believe in you.”
"That's a lot to take in," Grace said, her voice soothing. "But you're still the same Violet we know and trust. And right now, we need to focus on defending the humans from this raid."
I could have cried, if I still had tear ducts. “Thank you, both of you. Your trust means the world to me. Together, we can protect the humans and bring peace to Mors. We'll make sure no harm befalls them.”
Grace looked back down her rifle, “We'll fight side by side, Violet. No matter what comes our way.”
Oliver said, “Count on us, Violet. We're a team, and we won't back down.”
I made my basic model give its best smile gratefully. “Let's show them the strength of our unity. For Mors and for the humans we protect!”
Both Grace and Oliver as one said, “Can you tell us about your world?”
I take a deep breath, I gather my courage and open up to Grace and Oliver. My voice carries a mix of vulnerability and determination as I begin to unravel my story. I want to share my life before Mors, of my untimely death and miraculous resurrection as a dungeon core. With each word, I try to paint a vivid picture of the strange and wondrous realm I once called home.
As I continue, I try to describe the vast landscapes of Canada and the diverse cultures living together in my home city. I talk about the fantastical animals and creations that populated my previous world. I try to explain the importance of technology because of our lack of magic, and how we don’t use this steam power, anymore at least. I follow up my little rant trying to justify the intricate tapestry of existence that defined my former existence. Grace and Oliver listen intently, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity, wonder, and empathy.
With my voice filled with both nostalgia and longing, I recount my fateful encounter with the Huntress in the Void. My transformation into an agent of divine purpose, and my arrival on the beast world of Mors. I share the trials and tribulations I have faced, the battles fought, and the resilience I have discovered within myself.
As I bare my soul to my companions, I find solace in their understanding and acceptance. Grace and Oliver, in turn, offer unwavering support, their presence a comforting anchor amidst the turmoil. They assure me that I am not alone, that together they will face whatever challenges come are way.
In that moment, I felt a bond form between us, forged in shared experiences and a mutual sense of purpose. I realizes that I can trust Grace and Oliver with my deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. They have become not just allies, but true friends, united in their quest to protect the humans and bring stability to my chaotic new world.
"Grace, Oliver," I began, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Do you ever miss your home? Your old life, before Gungrave?"
Grace paused, her eyes flickering with a hint of nostalgia. "Sometimes, I do," she admitted, her voice tinged with longing. "I miss the familiar streets, the bustling city, and the sound of music playing in the background. But here has become our home now, and we have a purpose here."
Oliver, catching his breath, chimed in. "I won't lie, there are moments when I think about Gungrave and the people I left behind. But being here, fighting alongside you both, it's given me a sense of purpose and a new family."
I nodded, understanding their sentiments. "I feel the same way. This world may be strange and dangerous, but it has also given us a chance to make a difference, to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Grace smiled, her determination shining through. "Exactly. We may miss our old lives, but we're here now, and we have a duty to fulfill."
The sounds of battle resumed, drawing their attention back to the present. Grace tightened her grip on the communication device. "Let's focus on the task at hand. We'll make this world a safer place, not just for ourselves, but for those who call it home."
With renewed determination, I plunged back into the fight, we have a shared purpose. I am forging a bond that surpassed any homesickness we might have felt.
I watched as Grace and Oliver fought side by side, their weapons clashing against the raiders. I couldn't help but wonder.