The Zetta Sonic
Blank Space's

The noise reached the cottage. Jayden spontaneously opened the window to protest. However, once he remembered that the little children of the fray makers outside did not understand his language, he closed the window again cursing. Meanwhile, the other child was still lying on the bed. It's the fifth day. Alex has not opened his eyes at all.

The cottage they are in is now more like a combination of luxury hospital rooms with a little resort touch. This cottage is in the interior of the village, close to the balairung. Made on a high brick foundation, wood-walled, high roofed. There is one part of the wall that is entirely a sliding door leading down the road to the other cottage. The place was built to welcome important guests.

Dominic says Alex's recovery will take a long time. Three days, one week, five months, one year, nobody knows. Every day, Alex's condition improves, that's all that matters. Alex's body was fitted with several devices to monitor his condition. The respirator was released yesterday. The rest is still stuck but not much.

Jayden was no longer surprised by the variety of facilities in the village. He had already seen boards that could float in the air, their warrior uniforms and masks, magical pendants, and more. Seeing the contact stock inside the cottage did not impress her at all. He didn't even wonder how they could get the electricity.

The cottage door opens. Dominic came in with a basket of fresh fruit. He crossed the room, headed towards the kitchen, then placed the fruit basket there. Alex's bed was right opposite him separated by a simple dining table. After laying the fruit, Dominic went to the wooden sofa and picked up a reading book.

“You always look tense every day, agent,” he told Jayden. “At least, sit down.”

Jayden glanced at the wooden chair that was indeed placed on the side of Alex's bed. He can sit there if he wants, but Jayden usually prefers to stand by another window near the bed. From there, he can see the conditions outside while keeping Alex.

“I'm just a little unfamiliar with this condition,” replied Jayden. “It feels too peaceful.”

Dominic immediately laughed. “Hahaha…. Is correct. That's your problem. Mark, Nadira, you, even Alex.” Dominic returns the book to the table and heads to Jayden. “You're too used to criminality. You forget that you also deserve to have a peaceful life. Enjoy this short tranquility.”

The birds out there are beautiful. The morning sun is warm. The wind is soft friendly. Even if the village food is a little foreign, the taste is still delicious. There is access to the outside world including electricity and internet — especially internet. It was indeed a calmness that could be counted as a vacation.

Dominic pats Jayden on the shoulder. “He will wake.”

For someone who understands the secret of Dragon Blood but can't confirm Alex's recovery, Dominic looks too relaxed. Even so, all of his suggestions were quite influential. Dominic manages to drive Mark Hill back to ICPA headquarters. He's more needed there. Dominic promised to keep his son's condition up to date every hour when necessary. And, Tesiana promised to give him the fastest access to the village.

“Alex has to wake up,” Jayden said more to give himself hope. Then he took a deep breath, remembering something else. “Nadira says nothing. He gave me permission to do everything alone. He did not even demand the location coordinates on her. It's just calm before the storm.”

“Maybe. But, it will pass.”

“The body has not even come.” The words did not come from Jayden, but came from the bed at the side.

Dominic and Jayden turned. Alex looked at the two with my eyes and a faint smile. His face was no longer pale, but it seemed that he was still weak.

“I,” said Dominic quickly, “will call.”

“If you think I was attacked while calling you. You are wrong big.” Jayden approached the bed, looking at Alex's face. The silence did not last long. When Jayden started to chuckle, Alex contracted it. Both laughed low in relief.

I took the time to come that day. Alex asks him to take care of his job. After knowing that his father plays a role in world security, Alex considers the presence of his father — even though only a few hours — is so meaningful.

Alex slept more than he would in the next few days. Dominic asked him to rest a lot. Alex is not fighting. He himself felt more easily tired. Tesiana and Bounura help provide all the things she needs. Exactly two weeks after Alex's exam in the woods, Bounura takes her back there. They went with Jayden.

The situation is different. They don't come through the cracks on the edge of the cliff. They're coming from Alex's home. They climbed the valley and went into the forest. On a clear morning, the situation feels so different. Bounura lead through different paths so they don't have to go through the beehive. They found no problem to arrive at the small building in the middle of the forest.

The place is clean. No corpses, no blood, no battle marks. When Alex closed his eyes, he could still imagine his fight there. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Tesiana had repeatedly told him to forgive himself. And Alex is ready.

Alex brought a small flower arrangement. He went to a small building and placed his flower arrangement there. “Thank you,” whispered Alex on air.

Next, he felt a chill coming from the back side of the building. Alex looked and waited. Shortly after, he saw some small animals running around appearing from there. Exactly the same guard animals, only smaller.

“Ah, the young Seinu,” said Bounura. “See how their legs are still fat and their muzzles have not grown completely. They look like adorable little cats.”

Jayden chuckles. “Ah, should I be allowed to take pictures while in this village—“

“—then you already have one full album,” says Bounura.”

“True.”

Alex just flinching. He let the little Seinu play around near his feet. They're not afraid of him. Their behavior does remind Alex of small cats. It also reminds her that she misses her dog at home.

Then, Alex realized something else. The animals were not afraid of him or felt threatened. They know that the soul in Alex is nothing to fear. Even when Alex loses himself and kills them, the animals try to protect him by preventing him from reaching the building.

Alex once again closed his eyes and inhaled Kloster's air. He'll be back in town soon. That calmness soon became a memory. Alex is not afraid. No need anymore. The new round will begin. He knows what is inside him. Now, he's ready to show the outside world who Zetta Sonic is. Those criminals better be prepared.