>>5546799You smile a bit. That is pretty encouraging. “Last thing from me then. Nazar, are you… able to stay safe?”
‘{WE ARE ABLE TO STAY SAFE. WE ARE PREPARED.}’ There’s a pause in their response, but then they add, ‘{WE THANK YOU FOR THE CONCERN.}’
“Glad to hear it.” You look over to your aunt. “Have any questions for them yourself, Aunt Maple?”
She pets Groucho on the head and finishes her tea. “…Are you aware of the Makaioshin, the Dark King that Dabura had told us about?”
There’s another pause in response, but they affirm, ‘{WE ARE.}’
“How concerned should we be of him, and their plans for him?” she questions directly and firmly.
‘{THE DARK KING OF THE DEMON REALM IS DEPOWERED, DECREPIT, AND LOCKED AWAY. TIME SAW TO IT HERSELF. AS HE IS NOW, HE IS NOT ABLE TO POSE A THREAT TO YOU. AS HE COULD BE, REJUVENATED AND RESTORED, HIS DARK DESIGNS WOULD SEE THE UNIVERSE BROUGHT TO IMBALANCE, WITH NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN DEMON AND MORTAL REALMS.}’
Maple… slowly nods. There’s a tense feeling around her, stiff and concerned, but she accepts that answer. “I thank you, Nazar. You have helped us a great deal.”
‘{WE SEEK TO KEEP THE UNIVERSE BALANCED. YOUR GROUP HAS SHOWN SIMILAR GOALS.}’
You and Maple get up finally, ready to turn in for the night. Maple shows you the guest bedroom, and you notice Buu already fast asleep in Gohan’s room, your cousin looking… uneasy even as he himself sleeps. Peppa likewise looks like she’s curled herself up into a little ball of blankets. She heads into her room, Groucho following her, a forced, sad smile on her face as she looks back at you. “Thank you too, Izzy. That’s been a lot of help.”
“Yeah. Good night Aunt Maple.” You just kinda… collapse onto the bed. You’re exhausted. You’ve not been as affected by all this as they have, but WOW has it been a day. Your mind’s still coming up with ideas to try, things to attempt, but even those are fading as you try to let your body rest. Did NOT expect the day going like this when you started it.
…You’re still gonna keep your word though. You’ll get them back, all of them.
(cont.)
