𝖧𝖤𝖱, william vangeance

17

"oh look! a pretty lady!" one of the kids exclaimed, running up to you and gently tugging at your hand. "hello, pretty miss, would you like to play with us?" she pointed toward a group of children playing nearby.

you were currently lost and had stumbled upon a playground filled with small sunshines, their laughter and energy lighting up the space.

'i can't be that far off from where the mission is taking place,' you thought, though you knew it was a lie.

you'd been wandering for about half an hour, and your dragon was with william. but when faced with the charm of these sweet little ones, you couldn't resist.

"of course, honey," you said, your voice smooth and warm. "what are you guys up to?"

the wide smile on the child's face was like a ray of sunshine, making your day infinitely brighter.

-

william was the first to notice your absence. he was about to fetch your dragon and search for you with her, but after seeing the precious beast sleeping peacefully—likely due to his vice captain's magic—he decided not to disturb the creature.

so, the captain made his way to a small cluster of houses near the main village. there, amidst five standing shelters and a playground, he found you playing with the kids. an adoring smile and pure joy were etched on your face.

vangeance decided to stay hidden, watching you and the children with a gentle gaze. your laughter and theirs mingled, creating a melody of happiness.

lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice a small boy approaching him. the child's hand tugged at his, pulling him from his hiding spot.

"hello mister! please play with us!" the boy's loud voice caught your attention, and you turned to see william.

your eyes sparkled with excitement as you laughed, "hey william! c'mon, look, these kids are so adorable and nice!" followed by your giggles.

william couldn't help but be drawn into the genuine joy radiating from you. he joined in the play, the two of you sharing laughter with the kids.

as the sun slowly set, the children had to return to their homes. you were left with william, swinging side by side as the day faded away.

"i guess lady Y/N actually has a soft spot for children, huh?" william remarked, a smile touching his lips.

"who wouldn't, honestly? kids are such precious beings. their innocence and gentleness are things I adore so much," you said, sighing as you gazed up at the setting sun.

william chuckled softly. "i was surprised how the kid found me hiding. he'd never met me before and didn't even think twice about me being a threat. he just asked me to play."

"i wish maturity wouldn't ruin their amazing imaginations and the beautiful way they see the world. i always wonder, why can't the world be as amazing as what the kids think?" you mused.

"it's because monsters are made by those who raised what was once a beautiful little flower," william said, his gaze fixed on the sunset as he spoke.

"children do have amazing imaginations and dreams," william continued, his voice heavy with thought. "they always dream of reaching great heights, but parents often fear their children won't make it. slowly, they build up a monster, not realizing it. and when that monster emerges, the elders always, and will always, blame the child." he finished, his words laced with unspoken grudges and deeper reflections.