"Traz~ " This is the first word Monika said after waking up: "Please make me breakfast~" Monika is having a face of endless happiness. One of the reasons is that she finally managed to sleep on a bed after God knows how long.
"Okay!" Trazyn is always up before Monika, probably due to the fact that he doesn't need to sleep technically but accompanying Monika does play a really big role for him to ever lying on a bed. Soon, Trazyn came in with a nice sandwich on a plate with a fork and knife.
After making a cute smile with her lips together, Monika digs in with her hands.
"Honey, what are you doing?" Trazyn asks.
"?" Monika looks at Trazyn confusly.
"Why are you using your hand? I got you a plate, a fork and a knife."
"Because...this is how you eat sandwiches?" She tilts her head curiously.
Trazyn throws in a book called: Table manners, a study on high society behavior: "A high standard person would use a fork and knife. I've seen people eating hamburgers like this."
Monika kept munching while looking at Trazyn in an entertaining way: "Because the burger has meat juice and oil. If I use my hand, it will get really nasty afterwards. But this is a nice clean sandwich."
"But you should definitely have class." Trazyn insisted.
Monika still made eye contact after finishing the entire sandwich: "Oh yea, absolutely. But...I've already finished it." She has an evil grin on her face: "Besides, people in high society wouldn't do that as well. They are also human. The people who would use a fork and knife for sandwich are either people pretending to be high class or simply trying to make up stories to confuse other people." Monika isn't even slightly annoyed about this, she misses this little conversation between her and Trazyn: "But~ i do like that you think i should act like a person of high class."
"You are from an esteemed family from this planet, it wouldn't be good for your image if you don't act like one."
"That's more like Nova's job, for me? I just do what i want." Monika is such a carefree spirit about these vanity things: "Anyways~ are you ready for our surprise date?"
"We are having a date?"
"That's why i said it's a surprise!" Monika is in an unusually good mood today.
Trazyn thinks about this: "Can we go to the local museums?"
Monika nods happily: "Yes! Anything you want to visit! Although, i did hear something great about the 'museum of history'."
"Fair enough, let's go."
Not after long they arrived at the museum, it has just opened, so there really isn't a lot of people yet. Suddenly, Monika sees a young lady is chasing someone while the other guy is holding a girly style wallet. Monika immedieatly dashes in front of the guy and push him on his chest, making him sits on the floor.
"What the hell?!" He lies on the floor seemingly confused.
"You. What did you do?" Monika points at the wallet.
"None of your damn business." He pulls out a knife and stabs Monika. But Monika just simply slaps away the knife with her hands, leaving the guy confused on the spot.
Finally, the girl managed to chase up while looking seriously tired: "T-Thank you!" She thanks Monika.
"My pleasure." Monika gives her a wink.
The girl's cheek blushed, then she took the wallet and walked away. while looking really... interesting.
"Now." Monika is still holding the guy's collar: "What is your story?"
"Let me go!" The guy's hat suddenly dropped on the floor while struggling, Monika finally realized that this guy is actually a child that happens to be a bit tall.
"Are you a kid?" Monika asks curiously.
"I am a grown up."
Monika chuckles: "Sure you are." She then dropped him on the ground: "Look, I know life might be hard, but the astra militrum could use someone like you." She then gives him a card, which has no special meaning: "Go to the recruitment center and give them this."
"What is this?" The boy asks.
"Just go and give them this, they will surely look kindly on you." Monika's smile is still heartwarming and as beautiful as ever. Then she let the boy go.
"You do know that the boy tried to stab you on first instinct?" Trazyn said.
"I know, this is why i sent him to the army. His reflexes were good. Given some time, he might be in the special ops." Monika then puts her arms behind her backs: "Now, shall we continue our museum date? ~"
The museum is one of the bigger one on the planet. historical figures and events in both painting and sculptures. But one of the more interesting ones is the historical bones from the creatures that existed on this planet. Monika is deeply interested in bones, especially the dragon-like creature. The one that was almost the same size as a bus. Monika had heard that this creature was extremely strong, fast, and could breathe fire.
"This is the skeleton of the ancient dragon." Trazyn says.
"Wow, its huge!" Monika is astonished by the scale of the beast.
"It is believed to be the largest predator on the surface of the planet. But I'd say it was hunt till extinct because the early expansionist ate them."
"That can't be true." Monika turns at Trazyn.
"Well, it is. It is said that the dragons used to live in the mountains far from the imperial capital. There are many legends of the beasts attacking the imperial army, and the empire eventually decided to send armies to exterminate them." Trazyn looks unimpressed: "I should know, i was there."
"So you're telling me the imperial army killed the legendary beast?"
"Yes." Trazyn answers.
"Aw." Monika looks seemingly sad: "I'd like to have one as a pet."
"Why?" Trazyn is curious.
"They are so cool, right? And their scales are so pretty and shiny."
"But it would probably kill you." Trazyn teases.
"Nah, I'm sure I'll survive. Besides, riding dragons for traveling? Now that's cool." Monika's eyes is sparking with light.
"They can't go to space, honey. They will be frozen into crips in an instant."
Monika gives a cold stare at Trazyn, making him immediately change his words: "Ah yes honey, it would be wonderful."
"Yea right?!" Monika grins, then they arrived at the gallery of the past heroes on this planet.
"The heroes of imperium." Trazyn has an evil grin on his face.
"Traz, please don't bring those people in... May they rest in peace. Except Minka of course, may she live a peaceful and healthy life. " Monika crosses her fingers.
"Aw, since when you're so sweet about this kind of things." Trazyn pats Monika's head.
"I'm always nice." Monika pouts.
"But you are not very good at lying. You are very honest, and that's what makes you cute." Trazyn slightly pinched Monika's cheek.
"You're just saying that cause it's fun to see me get mad."
"Maybe. But I do not lie. I always tell the truth, even if it is painful or hurtful."
"Traz, you sound too much like a robot." Monika giggled, but she quickly stopped herself.
"I am a Necron. I do not need to speak. I communicate through my actions."
"Yeah, sometimes i forget about that. How do you like the human world so far?" Monika blinks rapidly.
"It is fascinating. I never thought there would be so many interesting observation opportunities." Trazyn sounded really pleased with his experience as a human so far.
"I think we've been here long enough. Let us move on to the next place. Come, follow me." Monika takes Trazyn's hand.
The two of them went to the museum of the future. The museum is filled with inventions and gadgets: "Huh, interesting." Trazyn observes the 'futuristic stuff'. For him all of this is very primal. Monika looked around, trying to find something specific. Suddenly, she found a certain thing and grabbed it.
"Here!" Monika shows a small box to Trazyn.
"What is this?" He asked.
"It's a computer, a very old model." Monika holds the device.
"I don't think you can just take it out from the display... this is a museum." Trazyn then pats Monika's head.
"Don't worry. We're not stealing. This is just a display model, the real one isn't even in the museum." Monika then turns the device on, a video of somewhat good quality popped up explaining the device.
"This is the latest version of the V-Cube. It is an artificial intelligence that can run any program written by the user. With the help of the internet, you can access the information of the entire universe." Monika is really seemingly interested in this.
"Woah, that sounds... average?" Trazyn really doesn't want to hurt Monika's feelings without showing clear superiority.
"No, it is amazing! The possibilities are endless. If you use this, you could make a new world in this reality. Or you could create a virtual world where you could visit different planets and meet aliens." Monika is still very enthusiastic about it.
"But you can already do that in real life." Trazyn smiles.
"I..." Monika pouts again: "Whatever, it's a fun gadget!" She then put the device back.
"Let's go to the last stop of the day." Trazyn said.
"Okie dokie, let's go." Monika smiled.
The final destination was the library of the history of the galaxy. Well, at least the human version of it: "Now this is the place where it gets interesting. Trazyn dropped a small token on the ground, soon, it evaporated into the air."
"What did you do?" Monika puts her hand on her hip while looking confused.
"Just learning some knowledge." Trazyn answered: "Woah, the stories are interesting?..."
"How do you know? You haven't even opened a single book." Monika then realized something: "Hey! We are here for the experience! Stop cheating!" Monika lightly punches Trazyn's shoulder.
"Shhhh!" A librarian walked by and stared at the couple.
"Sorry!" Monika bowed a little while apologizing.
As the librarian walked by, Trazyn was finished learning everything in this place. When he looks at Monika, she is staring at him really furiously. She then turned around and left while looking angry.
"Honey! wait!" Trazyn ran after the girl.
"Why do you always do that?" She asks.
"I wanted to learn more. I'm sorry." Trazyn replied.
"Well, you learned quite a lot today. I'm impressed." Monika said sounding clearly sarcastic.
"Are you mad?" Trazyn asks.
"A bit. I'm also disappointed. I expected more from you, Traz." She pouts and then let out a sigh: "Whatever, let's forget about this. I'm hungry."
"Sure. What do you want to eat?"
"Anything will do. Just pick whatever is available." Monika answers, even though she said she's has gotten rid of her anger. But she still has a grumpy tone.
Trazyn noticed that he then grabs Monika by her waist while they walk past an alley when there's nobody around. They arrived at the Solemnace Galleries of this world: "I don't think he is able to sense us here."
It's been a while since Monika has been here, seeing the room where Monika first woke up from, she couldn't help but let out a relaxed gasp. Honestly? Monika was only a bit mad because Trazyn was to result oriented. She just wanted for a casual study date or something that's very cliche. But a tour of remembrance wouldn't be too bad as well.
"Honey, i'll go get you something for food." Trazyn then headed to the kitchen.
"Thanks, Traz." Monika sits on the bed then lies down after taking off her shoes; it is still as soft as she remembered. Suddenly, she felt a surge of tiredness invading her brain. Just a little nap before Trazyn is done... She thought. But soon, she fell asleep while curling like a cat.
"Monika, wake up." Trazyn shakes her awake.
"Huh, what time is it?" She yawned.
"It's almost noon." Trazyn replies: "I didn't want to wake you up because you're too cute while sleeping." He then shows a bundle of picture Trazyn took.
Monika's face is peach red: "Don't you dare show them to anyone else!" She then takes over the bundle and selects a few pictures that she likes.
"You look really beautiful in these photos. You clinch your fist while sleeping like a fetus" Trazyn is smiling.
"Don't you have anything better to say than that? I'm hungry!" Monika says, snatching' the pictures.
"Here, eat this." Trazyn hands Monika a rose cake, she takes the treat and eats it greedily.
"Mmmm, so sweet and delicious!" Monika licks the cream from the cake. Then finished it as a whole.
"So, how do you feel?" Trazyn asked.
"I'm fine." Monika responds: "It's just that, sometimes, maybe we can enjoy the moment more rather than seeking the result?"
"Sure, anything for you. Honey."
"Thanks, Traz, you're the best."
Then they teleported back to the city. Monika is walking with Trazyn through the streets of the capital city. The sun is setting, and the sky is turning dark. The night is coming, the cold wind is blowing, and the stars are shining brightly.
"Traz, can I ask you a question?" Monika looked at Trazyn who was wearing his black jacket that was supposedly made of nano scarabs.
"Sure, what is it?" Trazyn responded.
"Do you remember that day you told me about the different worlds?"
"Yes, I do."
"How many worlds are there?"
"There are thousands. Some of those worlds are very similar to our own, others are very far from it. There are worlds where magic is their main source of energy, worlds where the people are immortal, worlds where the gods live, worlds where humans are slaves, worlds of darkness, worlds of ice, worlds of fire, and worlds of metal. In some, the people were created by the gods, in other, the gods themselves came from another world. There are worlds where the land is full of monsters, worlds of demons, worlds of elves, worlds of dragons, and even worlds of angels. And in the end, there is even a world where the people can fly after birth."
"Woah, that's amazing. How do you know all of this?" Monika is surprised by the words Trazyn describes.
"Because I've been to those." Trazyn said: "After seeing all of those, i decided to come back."
"Why?" Monika was curious.
"Because I love you." Trazyn answered: "I want to be with you forever."
"Traz..." Monika tips her toe and gives Trazyn a kiss on the cheek: "You're being too cheesy... But i like it." Monika is blushing again.
"I'm serious, honey." Trazyn said: "I won't change my mind. I will always be here for you."
"Traz..." Monika then hugged him tightly.
"Aw, look at these two~" Nova's voice came from behind them. She has a smirk on her face.
"What do you want, Nova?" Monika snapped.
"Nothing, nothing at all. It's just that, you guys are so cute together, so romantic, so precious, such cuteness, so adorable, so sweet, so pure, so lovely, and so very, very wonderful." Nova said while pulling Maverick closer.
"Oh shut up." Monika said.
"I'm not kidding. I'm actually jealous of you. I wish I could experience the same thing." Nova said.
"Well, you should stop acting like an idiot and leave us alone." Monika replied.
"Man i can never get enough of these two bantering against each other." Maverick chuckles.
"Shut up, both of you. We're not in the mood right now." Monika said.
"Okay, okay! I'm sorry." Nova apologizes and then went away with Maverick.
"I'm not letting anyone ruining today...Not anyone." Monika buries her head in Trazyn's chest. Her voice sounded a bit shaken.
"I'm sorry if I ruined your special day, for being a kill joy." Trazyn apologized.
"It's not that...I mean, it's not that big of a deal, anyway." Monika smiled: "Besides, spending time with you is good enough. Good or bad, it doesn't matter."
"Really, honey? Even though I did something stupid and hurt your feelings?" Trazyn asked.
"Yeah, because I trust you, Traz. That's why I'm here, isn't that so obvious?" Monika kissed Trazyn on the lips.
"That's what you think of me, huh?" Trazyn then kisses her back.
"Of course, silly. You're the one I care about the most. The only person that matters to me."
"Good to hear." Trazyn then gave her a warm embrace.
"I don't see any reason to worry about the future, either. All that matters is that we're together, that's the important part." Monika has never been so happy before: "Traz... you want to settle down somewhere, find a quiet place to rest, and spend the rest of our days in peace and tranquility."
"You're talking about marriage, aren't you?" Trazyn asked: "If that's the case, then yes, I do want to marry you. If that's what you want, then I'll do anything for you."
"You already have, Traz. You saved me, you protected me, you comforted me, and you loved me. I'm not asking you to do more than that. I just want you to stay with me. I'm not going anywhere." Monika held Trazyn tight in her arms.
"I promise I will." Trazyn promised.
"Trazyn, I'm scared. What will happen to us tomorrow? To the next day? Will we still be alive? What will happen after we merge the timeline?" Monika asked.
"We will." Trazyn reassured me: "No one has done it before, but I promise you that we will survive. You will do anything for it as well, right?"
"Yes." Monika nodded.
"Then we will make it. Trust me." Trazyn took Monika's hand.
"I believe in you, Traz. I know you will do everything to keep yourself safe "Monika's eyes are glittering like the stars.
"Thank you, Monika." Trazyn squeezed her fingers and they teleported.
They landed in the house, before Trazyn could say anything. Monika dragged him into her room without any explanation. The rest is up for anyone's imagination.
While everyone is out, Minka gets the baby-sitting duty of little Monika. Actually, Minka is having some trouble regarding where they will be sending her. Emilia came to help out, well of course there's also the reason where Emilia thinks little Monika is cute. so, she wants to hangout a little.
"Minka, where will we send little Monika?" Emilia asks.
"The best choice would be the orphanage. They will take better care of her there. She will also be able to learn and grow. Also, she will be able to meet other children who are in the same situation as her. Then she will be able to build new friends and gain a sense of belonging." Minka is reading some books about parenting but soon she throws the book aside as if she collapsed due to boredness.
"But the problem is, Minka. Where will you go?" Emilia is concerned.
"I will be fine." Minka said.
"You will be fine? But how will you live, with a goal in life?" Emilia was confused.
"I'll manage, maybe you should worry about YOUR life?" Minka clearly isn't in the mood to have a nice conversation today.
"I am worried, I'm just trying to understand you. Maybe you will be lonely, you know?" Emilia tried to explain herself.
"I will be fine. I always had ways to cheer myself up." Minka checks her nail, she really isn't in the mood to argue with her sister about some useless things.
"I'm not sure, but you might not be the type to enjoy solitude. I don't think you will be satisfied by living alone."
"I will be. I'm used to it."
"Minka..."
"Emilia, please. Don't try to force things onto me."
"Fine." Emilia sighed and sat on her bed. She is not really interested in the subject of her sister's life, but she couldn't help but feel curious at the fact that her sister is not enjoying her company at all.
Emilia is the only family Minka had left in this world. Honestly, she wants to get all close with Emilia but eventually every time she is about to make a close-up conversation, she is embarrassed for some reason.
"Minka, you should talk to me more often." Emilia said.
"I'm fine. I'm not the kind of girl to chat and stuff. I prefer to do my own thing." Minka is still doing her own things.
"But I'm your sister. I'm the closest person to you, right?" Somehow it is the little sister who decides to break the weird silence between these two.
Minka finally decide to put down what she's doing and sits across Emilia: "Dad is dead, i killed him."
"What!?" Emilia's eyes widened in shock.
"Sorry that i didn't tell you immediately, he has done enough harm in the world. I can't let him continue." Not even a little bit of sorrow in her voice.
Emilia remained silent, but from her expression everyone could tell that she was in deep pain.
"I thought that killing dad will bring you happiness, but now I realize that it doesn't. I'm sorry, Emilia." Minka suddenly said.
"It's okay." Emilia smiled weakly: "I don't blame you. It is the truth. Dad is a monster. He deserved to die."
"He is not a man; he is a devil. I will do anything to protect the world from his evil." After they exchanged their mutual hate towards the archivist. They simultaneously let out a long sigh.
"But... he was still our father..." Emilia leans back on the sofa: "I wonder when we will feel regretful for his death."
"We will never." Minka replied.
"Whatever you say..."Emilia then packs up her bag: "I am going to take little Monika to Lynine, do you want to come? You know, get some fresh air."
Minka nods, but she is still very grumpy about everything that has happened. She has that what Emilia calls the resting bitch face. Which by her translation, it is similar to the face you have when some people owe your money: "Damnit!" Minka kicks the tree stomp and made a clear print.
"Sis!" Emilia holds Minka's hand. While little Monika is terrified by the sudden anger burst from Minka. She hugs Emilia's leg for protection.
"Don't worry, Monika." Emilia patted Monika head: "Everything will be alright. By the way, can i call you Moni? it's cuter ~"Emilia is showing endless patience.
Moni nods, but Minka from a few meters away is still looking very terrifying. The grip became tighter.
"Minka. Please, you need to relax." Emilia pats Minka on the shoulder.
"I know." Minka's eyes are glowing more yellowish, which is very scary.
"Minka, you are scaring Moni." Emilia is standing in front of Moni.
Minka finally decided to take a deep breath and eventually her eye color became the normal orange: "I am sorry." Minka apologizes: "I though i could've handled everything better but that isn't the case."
Moni then hugs Minka by the waist, it is also her father that died. But for some reason Moni handled everything better. Probably because she doesn't fully understand the concept of death. But the emotional fallout will eventually hit her, this is why they want to give her back to Lynine to at least have someone to be with her.
Soon they arrived at the Lynine's house, still the same bad attitude but the moment Lynine saw Moni, she looked as if she'd found a lost treasure. Lynine invited both of them into the house and treated them with sweets: "How did you guys find her? I thought she was lost forever."
Moni immediately recognized Lynine as well then she ran into her embrace. Minka sees them reunited couldn't help but let out a grin of relaxation.
"I think you're more comfortable to be with her than us, aren't you?" Emilia asked while having a teasy smile.
"No! Miss. Minka and Emilia are really nice to me... It's just..." Moni doesn't know how to continue.
Lynine hugs Moni and lookes at both of them in a disappointed way: "Stop bullying a kid!"
Minka finally had a look of chuckle on her face: "My... aren't we evil?"
"You are, based on your past behaviors." Lynine stares at Minka.
"I guess so. We are evil, but not evil people. Right, Emilia?"
Emilia nodded: "That is correct."
"You two..." Lynine let out a long sigh: "If you want, i can invite you two for a lunch or something."
"Thank you, but no." Emilia shakes her head.
"Why?" Lynise looks puzzled.
"We still have a lot of preparation to do. We just want to make sure the Moni is safe." Minka answered.
"You two always fight while talking but acts really harmoniously together." Lynine said: "Well i do wish you guys' good luck though."
"What about you? What will happen to you if two of the same you merge together?" Emilia asks.
"Nothing, because they are just projections of myself. Do you feel different when two of your shadow merges together? Well that goes the same to me."
"And that's a high dimensional being for you." Minka scoffs and pats Moni's head: "We will come and visit you often after we are done."
Before they left, Moni hugs both Minka and Emilia tightly then bid them farewell. This mission is unprecedented and surely dangerous. There is the possibility that they won't return.
"We will come back soon, Moni." Emilia says before she and Minka leave.
Before starting the mission, Minka wants to meet Anton again. They left things hastefully before they had a chance to express each other's feeling further.
It didn't take long for them to arrange a date at nearby coffee shop, Minka is wearing a beautiful pink dress. Anton showed up soon later wearing a neat jacket. He seems to be happy to see her.
"I missed you." Anton kisses her lips tenderly.
Minka blushes: "Me too."
They sit down and start to talk about different topics, but eventually they reach about the topic about their future.
"Anton." Minka nervously said: "I am going on the mission." She pauses to see Anton's reaction.
"I knew that already." Anton smirks: "I was thinking about what to do next."
"You are not angry or sad about that, are you?"
"Of course not, I'm not that kind of guy." Anton chuckles: "Why would i be? Aren't you really capable and this mission should be that hard right?"
"But..."
"Don't worry, it will only get into your head." Anton smiled.
Minka finally decided to say what she always wanted to say:"I don't want to lose you."
"You will never lose me, Minka." Anton looks at Minka warmly.
Minka smiles and grabs his hand.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
The sun is setting, and the sky is filled with a bright red light. The stars are shining brightly, and the moon is slowly rising on the horizon. The night is cold and windy. Minka and Anton held each other's hand walking in the alley of the older part of the town.
They are not talking because they know what tomorrow means, even the cold wind blows on Minka's seemingly skinny body felt warm compared to the cold cruel reality she has to face eventually.
Minka finally stopped walking. She paused her footsteps and smiled at Anton while having a hint of bitterness. Her eyes gliters with tears, she doesn't want to face reality, this moment is everything she dreams of, but if she leaves now maybe the entire plan will be in vain. Countless will die because of her own selfish desire. Minka honestly hates herself for this.
Minka hesitates to say something but eventually she overcame her own pride and holds Anton's hands while bitting her lips: "You are everything that i have been fighting for... How much would've i loved to sacrifice for the exact same moment years ago... Now i finally got it, but this god damn world isn't allowing me to have a single more moment of joy..."
"Minka..." Anton holds Minka's hands: "You are strong, and you will come back. I believe that."
Minka remained silent, her eyes glittering with tears. In a corner of her mind, she knows that he is lying to her because none of them knows about what will happen, but she believes in him, nonetheless. Minka looks away trying to avoid his gaze. If she decides to walk away there is a chance where the entire plan will fail and eventually killing billions because of her own selfish desire. Minka then grabs Anton's collar and pulls him closer then gives him a deep kiss. Then they pushed him to the floor.
Before Anton could realize what had just happened Minka was already running away into the darkness. She hates herself so much for this. This 'noble' sense of responsibility costs her countless times where she could've gotten the happiness that she desires. When she finally went home, she immediately entered her room without even looking at anyone and slammed the door.
She sits on her bed and covers her mouth with her hands. Tears flow down her cheeks and she feels so guilty for this. Monika knocks on the door as she saw the sad expression on Minka's face: "Minka, can i come in?" Monika said it outside. But Minka did not reply.
Monika then entered and saw Minka silently sobbing. She then sits beside Minka and lets Minka lay on her shoulder: "You know... Minka... You are not alone in this... We all have times in our life where we just feel down and feel like the world is against us... ... ... But I promise you this... You will not be alone... And I will always be there for you..."
"I hate my life... Why is it always ME! who has to make the sacrifice?!" Minka cries in anger.
"That... It is not always true Minka... ... ... I've made a lot of sacrifices in my life... And yet... I am still here... Standing with you here and now... ... So Minka... Don't be hard on yourself... You are not the only one who made a sacrifice... There are many of us in this world... Who made sacrifices for many different reasons..." Monika pats Minka's head: "But Trazyn and I will always be here for you, that goes to the same for everyone who loves you."
Minka finally managed to calm down. She gently lays her head on Monika's shoulder and closes her eyes: "Will we succeed?" She asks.
Monika then starts to smile... As she heard Minka's question: "I certainly hope so Minka... I certainly hope so..." Monika then hugs Minka... Comforting her more:"I will be with you no matter what... And I will always love you, Minka"
"You don't know about that, but this is what my real mother told me before she died to my dad's hand..." Minka then thanks Monika: "Thank you for everything you've said and done to me... let us save the world tomorrow."