Chapter 3: True Meaning of Friendship
Time and place: 0634 hours, Nearby park
We just finished jogging and I must admit that Clair seems to be running faster than me. I started at her and she noticed.
"What are you starring at, Nel?"
"Oh, nothing…it's just that--"
She placed her fore-finger on her lips. A signal which we used as a meaning to keep silent. Normally, she would only do this when danger is near, but I can't sense anything at all.
"Is it about the change of plans that have been bothering you?"
She must have read my mind! "Yes. Sending only one full-out offence force is suicide! Not to mention that I am the one leading this group. And if I failed to lead them, I… I… Ugh! I'll put the whole Kingdom of Aquaria in danger, including my Dad!"
"I understand, but there must be something that urged His Majesty to do such a thing."
"No, Clair! I understand my Dad better than his advisors does! He never puts his own daughter's life in danger! No, he NEVER put his ONLY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS' LIFE IN DANGER!! NEVER, I TELL YOU!"
"Nel… I just--"
"Tell me Clair, has my Dad ever neglected me after my mom died?"
"No…"
"Then, what did Dad risked his life for just to protect the country?!"
"……………"
"ANSWER ME CLAIR!"
"………For you, his only daughter, Nel Zelpher………"
Suddenly, I found no other reason to deny my Dad's unusual behavior, and to think that I took it out on Clair… She's crying now, crying to herself…
"Oh, Clair…please stop, don't cry… I didn't mean to…"
I placed her head on my chest, trying my best to calm her down. This has been the second time she cried, after her family was murdered by Airyglyph. Few minutes later, she started to calm down.
"You okay, Clair? I'm really sorry…"
"I'm fine, and there is nothing to feel sorry about. Your father's attitude passed down to you, he never back down about his reasons. Those are the people that should be leading Aquaria, strong and brave. If you've led the full-out offence force, I'm sure that we will claim victory!"
"I know…"
"Hey, don't feel bad. Anyway, let's go home know. I'll forget everything you say just now to make you feel better, how's that?"
"Clair… you truly are a good friend… Thanks."