Chapter 45: Hope and Despair

*Koyuki*

"Father woke up? Why is he here? He should be back at the base, recovering!" I said as I healed Captain Saffron.

Setsuka sighed. "I told him to rest, but he just wouldn't listen. He said it was too dangerous for me to go alone. But that's why I'm worried about him and Gael." She looked at me with concern in her eyes. "I understand your worry, Koyuki, but your father is stubborn when it comes to protecting his loved ones. He couldn't bear the thought of you facing danger alone."

I nodded, understanding of how protective Daddy could be. Sometimes, overly so. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the unease that gnawed at me. He almost died a few days ago, yet he was still pushing himself to keep on fighting for my sake and those of others. It was noble, yet also foolish.

"Setsuka, do you think they might get into trouble?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. They'd gotten hurt before.