Chapter 43: Lost But Not Forgotten
Chapter's POV: Cross
Goetia's mech was tough, even to the point where I thought we were going to lose, but we managed to beat her. "I just... Why would these aliens... be THIS determined to destroy us?", Deris asked. "Honestly?" If I had to venture a guess...", Deylin said, "I'd say they're afraid. They fear humans, and by extension, us... They feel threatened." "We threaten them?", Deris asked, "WE didn't blow up their planet! WE didn't hunt them halfway across the galaxy to wipe out their whole goddamn species!" So Deylin's not the only kid that knows how to curse. "Lieutenant...", Kals said. "I'm sorry, it just... brings back a lot of emotions.", Deris said, "I'll be fine. Let's go." "If you say so.", Kals said. "Colonel, with your permission, my team will report back to the city.", Deris said, "I can't thank you enough for your support." Deris and Kals then gave a salute before walking off.
"What was that about?", Era asked. "Deris had a younger brother... He was best friends with Kals, actually.", Deylin said, "But he... he didn't make it onto the White Whale. We lost him when we lost Earth. Everyone's got a story like that... not that it makes it any easier." "You have one as well, right, Deylin?", I asked. Deylin was silent. "Marie Marina.", I said, "Your mother's cousin, right?" "Yes.", Deylin said, "While she was trying to help evacuate Inkopolis, a car flew at her and caught her leg."
"My great grandfather tried to help, but by that point it was already too late.", Deylin continued, "She told him to leave without her. My mom was heartbroken ever since she heard the news. It didn't help that my great grandfather passed away before his Mim was made. Actually, that's why I joined BLADE. I wanted to get stronger and help recover the Lifehold so that she'd never feel that pain again." It was silent for a few more seconds. "Let's go back.", Deylin said. "R-right.", Era said. The three of us then began walking back to the city.
When we got back to BLADE Tower, Tenno was outside waiting for us. "Commander, we located the Lifehold, but...", Era began. "Yeah, Deris already briefed me.", Tenno said, "I'm just glad you all got back here safe 'n' sound." "Wish we could say the same for that Archive unit.", Deylin said, "Another swath of Terra's legacy... It's irreplacable." "Yeah, well, so are all of you.", Tenno said, "So cheer up, huh? C'mon, let's get you guys fed. Dinner is on me this time." "Okay, this is weird.", Deylin said. "Very weird.", Era said. "Tatsu is suspicious!", Tatsu said. "Same.", I said. "What, a commander can't treat his troops?!", Tenno asked. "If you're trying to thank us for this job, there's really no need.", Deylin said, "This time it was Deris's team. Next time it could be my team, any BLADE would do the same for us."
"Okay, fair enough.", Tenno said. "Besides, Era cooks best!", Tatsu said. "Hey, thanks Tatsu!", Era said, "Just for that, I'll make you some dessert, today." Hearing this made Tatsu excited. "There you go.", Deylin said. "The spud's right, no one cooks like Era.", Tenno said. "Thanks, Commander!", Era said, "If you wanted to join us, maybe I could-" "Great, let's eat!", Tenno said before walking to the Barracks. "He really likes Era's cooking, doesn't he?", I asked. "Who doesn't?", Deylin said. We all then walked over to the Barracks as well.
*To be continued*
