Chapter 3:

Resolve

I followed my daughter to another world.


Taking a seat at the table in our room, I disassemble my pistol. Focusing on something I can control as Hannah paces up and down the room, a scowl on her face. Pulling the gun apart quickly, I check over all the components to ensure they have no burs or any malformation that would stop them from working. Glancing up at Hannah, I hold my breath as she stops pacing and turns towards me.

"You were rude to the king, Dad." Sighing, I place the cloth down over the gun and look up at her.

"I don't care. What did you expect me to do? They took us from our world, and they expect to turn you into some hero who's going to fight the Demon King. I will not let that happen. And as for that knight, he charged at me with a weapon. I did what I had to do." Walking over to me, she takes the seat across the table.

"Dad, you've been riding a desk for years. You should have handled that better."

"Perhaps you're right. But riding a desk or not, I can still shoot a man when they come towards me armed with a weapon." Leaning back in the chair, I give her my best hard dad look.

"Besides, I gave that up for you. To be there when your mum passed and to walk you through life after. I made that choice then, and I'd make it again. Do you really think I'm going to sit by while you go fight a Demon King? It'll be a cold day in hell before I let that happen." Leaning forward and hitting the table as my anger gets the better of me, I let out a calming sigh, trying to get the torrent of rage coursing through me under control. Leaning forward, she wraps her hands around mine. The warmth coming from them calming my anger.

"Daddy, you can't protect me forever. And after everything you've done to make our world a safer place, now you won't let me live up to your example?"

"That's exactly why I don't want you to do this. Hannah, if being a detective all these years has taught me anything, it's that people, no matter how good you think they are, are capable of some evil and terrifying things. On Earth, I saw the worst of people. But here they have a Demon King and God knows what else. I promised..." I choke up as the last words trickle out of my mouth, unable to fully suppress my emotions.

"I know. You promised Mum that you would keep me safe. But we're here now, Dad. I can help these people, and I want to." Brushing the tears from my eyes, I look into her eyes and see the determination in them. Full well knowing that anything I said would be ignored.

"You know you've got the same look as your mother. Whenever she got her mind set on something, there was no changing it. So be it, I guess." Twitching the cloth aside, I reassemble my pistol and slide the magazine home. Placing it on the table firmly, I meet her eyes.

"If I can't stop you, I can make damn sure I'll be there to protect you." Smiling, she grasps my free hand.

"I love you, Dad. I couldn't have asked for a better father." Grasping her hands, I smile at the warm feeling in my chest rising all the way to my face.

"Did they tell you what being the hero entails, exactly?"

"No, they said I'd learn more once training starts. The king said we need to receive an oracle before we can begin. And that is to happen tomorrow morning." Getting up from my chair, I pick up the pistol from the table and tuck it back behind the waistband of my jeans for the time being.

"Well then, I guess we better get some rest. Looks like we have a big day tomorrow. Good night." As she walks towards her room, I step out onto the balcony and look up at the purple moon hanging low in the sky. I gave up praying when my wife died and I have put little faith in the Almighty since. But I crossed myself and looked towards the stars.

"Lord, I know it's been a while. And I'm sure you can't blame me for not wanting to talk to you. But if you're there, give me the strength to get through this. I can't lose her too." As if in answer, a shooting star crosses the sky. Looking out over the garden for a moment at the strange plants, I see the glowing red eyes of something stalking through the bushes. Deciding I didn't want to know what it was, I turn and walk back inside, closing the door quietly behind me. Stepping away from the door, a sinking feeling of dread fills my stomach as I head into my room.

Author:
MyAnimeList iconMyAnimeList icon