Ascot approached Umi and draped a blanket over her. Umi was asleep beside Hikaru. "She's exhausted..."
"Uncle, are they going to be okay?" little Dyna asked. "Mom and Dad haven't come back yet." Ascot thought of Caldina and LaFarga. He knew they were still on duty, strengthening defenses and rescuing civilians.
"They will come back. Are you worried?" Dyna nodded. "Come on, sit on my lap. I'll sing for you." Ascot took a deep breath. He sang in a slow, lullaby tune.
You will believe, as you always hope,
The future will bloom with sincerity.
You will see smiles, as you wish to see,
The beauty of the land in serenity.
A new day awaits to be awakened,
By brave souls with visions pure and bright,
A world where love and kindness thrive,
Together, strong, forevermore.
"I want to be brave..." Dyna yawned and fell asleep eventually.
Umi heard someone singing a familiar song. She opened her eyes. "She's still unconscious?" Umi asked Ascot. Ascot shook his head. "Were you the one singing?"
"Yes. To put Dyna to sleep." Ascot put Dyna to the bed.
Umi stroked Dyna's head as she lay beside Hikaru. "How old is she now?"
"Six years."
"It's been a long time since I last saw her." Ascot cleared his throat. Umi looked at him curiously and smiled. "How are your monsters?"
"You remember the monsters better than me?"
Umi hugged him warmly. "It's good to see you again. It's been long since I last saw you, too."
The two now stood on the balcony, surveying the situation. Ascot's eagle perched nearby, pecking at the balcony wall.
"That song..." Umi started.
"I didn't create it. I just heard it in a village. I memorized it easily." Ascot laughed.
"I once heard Hikaru sing it for the villagers. A few years ago..."
"Now, you'll hear everyone singing it."
Umi was incredulous. "It's just a simple song."
"In times of war, everyone hopes for a new day. That song represents everyone's hopes. Hope is a remedy in times of war." Umi stroked Ascot's eagle.
Ascot continued, "But, will that new day truly come? Will peace arrive? Throughout the battles, I always felt I would die. I can't believe I've survived this long. It's been three years. Right after you all left, the Autozam people attacked."
"Three years?" Umi was shocked to hear that the war had lasted that long. "Right after we left?"
"I'm grateful you decided not to return."
"Wait." Something clicked in Umi's mind. This didn't seem like a coincidence. Did Hikaru know this, so she decided to close the portal? To protect us from facing this war? She looked at Hikaru with questioning eyes. But what did she mean by the promise never to return? Why did she make such a promise?
"Ascot, I need to go see someone." Umi quickly grabbed her coat and dashed out of the room.
"Who?" Ascot asked.
"Master Clef. I need to confirm something." Clef. He must know something. Umi hurried. I need to know what really happened three years ago. This must be related to something Hikaru couldn't say.
"I'm coming with you!" Ascot called, chasing after her.
Umi and Ascot ran along the corridor. Suddenly, someone called out. "Umi!"
"Fuu!" She seemed to be in a hurry, too. Beside her was Ferio. "What's going on?" Umi asked.
Ferio enthusiastically answered, "There's going to be a big meeting. Autozam is opening peace negotiations! The war is about to end! Everyone is already gathering in the main meeting hall!"