Chapter 28

-The Next Day-

Beneath the two gems the blooming rose glowed from their shine. The two cores finally calmed, resting inside their gems.

Zion Pov:

I carefully finish my code, just a small loop, light, bun jump, dim light, bird, repeat. Though it seems odd, which it is, it is oddly calming as well, just watching a loop repeat like counting sheep. Though I can no longer sleep it still… helps.

I haven't really talked to Neil about what we're going to do about the whole… issue thing, I know that we need to talk about it. I've never been one to speak out and the fact that I have no idea what to do. It's not like I haven't tried to stop the mobs from attacking when someone is going to die, but my code never goes through, like I made a small syntax error that I just can't find. I know it's probably for our own defense because, if we were in danger, real danger, and couldn't stop someone… permanently, I can almost guarantee that we will die.

I need to get my mind out of the gutter, slowly 'breathing' in I just relax, and take in our dungeon. The buns feasting on the grass, hopping about, Sen and Rashid training together, the slow automata patrolling throughout the first room, and the beautiful ecosystem in the room just beside. I take it all in and realize that the bear is no longer in her area, I flinch but the carnage of dead automata never appears, instead I find the bear splashing and playing in the stream with Neil right alongside her.

Neil Pov:

I take a stroll through our ecosystem room, wandering through wolves and deer, birds and mice. Though the air is not as fresh or crisp, the area reminds me of the mountains near my hometown, lush and calming. Unknowingly I stumble into the bear's section and in front of my eyes she appears. I flinch remembering the scene that was not too long ago. I know it wasn't her fault, she was just defending our home, so I try to push myself. I reach out a shaking hand to place upon her head. She doesn't move, just gently stares at me as I slowly place my hand on her fur, once it's down I gently stroke her head, calming myself down. She seems to appreciate it as she pushes her head up into my hand.

This continues on for a short while before she gently begins guiding me somewhere, first with a push of her nose, then checks to make sure I'm following behind. Eventually we get to the river, she wades in before looking at me. She continues to watch me before stomping her two front feet making splashing sounds, she keeps doing this for awhile until she fully turns to me, looking confused. She raises a front paw and uses it to splash me with a large amount of water, my eyes lit up, 'Oh it's on!'