Super Spark of Duper Pride [OB] - Act II: Deconstruction

5-O2: Shattered2

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the slow progress, just not feeling it.

I also can't be bothered to double check my work, so expect mistakes or weird writing.

John: (It is a disaster.

Words from the frontline is that the battlefield was utterly devastated by something extremely powerful.

I have half a mind to blame the Nightmare, but that's not what I should be concerned with right now.

The Sareilla's forces there have suffered heavy casualties, unable to prevent the Ohts Alliance from advancing all the way to Keren County.

And now they have launched an assault on the city itself, the fires of their destruction spreading in from the north.

We have given up on holding the city, and are now focusing on evacuating whoever we can save out the south side, to retreat to the next city where we can mount a proper defence.

As the lord of Keren County, it is my responsibility to stay and help my citizens.

However...)

"Seras please!

You need to escape with Sophia and Merazophis!"

Seras: "Not without you!

Come on Mera! Back me up here!"

Merazophis: "I...well, there is still quite a distance between us and the invading force.

We have plenty of time for us to come to a decision calmly."

John: "Seras, of course I want to escape with you, I wanted to do that since things went south during winter.

But I have a duty to my people, and how am I supposed to raise our daughter with dignity if I ran like a coward?

I would be nothing more than a fraud, not someone Sophia could look up to."

Sophia: (I...)

Seras: "...Then I am staying for the same reason."

John: "Seras!?"

Seras: "I know I can't convince you to escape with us, but I can face the dangers ahead with you.

I have a duty to the home and people I love as well, and I want our daughter to be the kind of person who will make her people proud.

We wouldn't be setting a good example if we ran now."

Sophia: (You...can't be serious.)

John: "I..You...{sigh} I know I can't convince you either."

Merazophis: "Master, Mistress?"

Sophia: (They both turn to look at Merazophis with tired smiles.

Then Seras handed me over to Merazophis.

No wait, this isn't happening.)

John: "I guess this leaves you to escape with her.

I am sorry for putting this burden on you, but if anything happens to us, please look after Sophia for us."

Seras: "Grow up strong and kind, our dearest Sophia."

Sophia: (She kissed me on the forehead.

You are just staying to help with the evacuation, right?