[Author's Note: 598 PS... A bit short of the target, but we almost made it. This time is exceptional 😉.]
"NOO! NOOO! LET ME GOOOO!! MY GRANDFATHER... SOB, SOB... WHO LOVED ME LIKE HIS OWN GRANDSON... SNIFF, SNIFF... NOOOO! GRANDFATHER!!!"
Aether's anguished cries echoed across the horizon, reverberating through the air as the ice block carrying Mortimer floated away, a symbol of a life departing forever.
Aqualina was caught completely off guard, struggling to restrain Aether, who thrashed weakly in her arms. His face was contorted with grief, tears streaming down his cheeks, snot dripping, and drool spilling as though his very soul was breaking apart with every sob.
"NO!! He'll be all alone... P-Please... Sniff, sniff... L-Let me gooo..."
Aether's heartfelt words rippled through the crowd like a wave.... just like a sea wave!