The Author's POV

Epilogue — Effort's never betray you [3]

[Ashton City Community Orphanage]

In the small, sunlit courtyard of the orphanage, laughter filled the air as a young woman, with her short tousled brown hair, engaged in a lively game with the children.

"Don't get too far, Ricky. Come back here!"

The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze swaying the colourful flowers in the garden and the sound of birds chirping, adding to the joyful ambience.

Emma crouched down, her eyes sparkling with warmth and kindness, as a group of children eagerly surrounded her. Their faces were painted with wide smiles, their eyes alive with anticipation.

She held a worn-out skipping rope; one end gripped firmly in her hand while the other dangled freely.

"Okay, who's up for a skipping challenge?"

Emma called out, her voice filled with playful enthusiasm.

"Me! Me! I want, I want!"

The children responded with an excited chorus of cheers and raised hands, vying for their turn to join in the fun. Emma's eyes crinkled at the corners as she carefully selected the first participant.

"Okay, let's go with Jane."

"Yay!"

A little girl dressed in faded overalls and pigtails stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Make sure you hold the rope on both ends. Don't swing your arms too much but flick your wrists."

Emma handed her the skipping rope, showing her how to hold it and offering words of encouragement.

"Hmm... okay."

"Yes, that's good!"

As Jane hesitantly began to jump, Emma clapped her hands rhythmically, chanting a catchy rhyme to accompany the skipping. The other children gathered in a semi-circle, clapping and cheering for their friend, creating an atmosphere of unity and support.

Soon, other children took their turns; each one cheered on by their fellow playmates.

"Make sure to jump in rhythm! So long as you follow the rhythm, it'll become easier for everyone!"

Emma effortlessly morphed into a mentor, showing patience and understanding and guiding them through the simple but delightful game.

Some children jumped gracefully, their feet barely touching the ground, while others struggled with coordination, resulting in giggles and laughter. It didn't matter—Emma celebrated every attempt, creating an environment where mistakes were seen as stepping stones to improvement.

As the game progressed, the children grew more comfortable, their inhibitions melting away under Emma's reassuring presence.

They skipped with increased confidence, their smiles widening as they discovered their hidden abilities. Emma, ever watchful, offered encouragement, praising their efforts and reminding them that their joy was the ultimate goal.

"Yes, that's very good."

"That's an improvement from your previous attempt. Good job Jason!"

Time seemed to pass like that, and before she knew it, the sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as the game neared its end. The children, now breathless and rosy-cheeked, gathered around Emma, their eyes shining with gratitude.

'It's all worth it.'

Staring at their smiles, Emma felt herself choke up with emotion even though she didn't show it.

She wasn't doing all of this for them. She was doing it for herself as well. She felt as much gratitude towards them as they felt towards her.

"Have you all had fun?"

Emma asked, staring at the children with a simple smile on her face.

"Yes."

They all replied in unison, their breath a little heavy. Emma's smile grew softer when she saw this and turned to face the orphanage behind her.

It bore no resemblance to its state a year prior when she had arrived. Instead of the chapel that once occupied that spot and had crumbled, a spacious, contemporary white structure now took its place.

In it were state-of-the-art facilities that she had spent a lot of money on. From cinemas to dedicated rooms for each individual child, the facility had everything necessary to bring joy to the children.

'While it won't make up for what my father did... At the very least, it's a start.'

Indeed, this very chapel was something that she had come to learn from Ren. Even after a year had elapsed since the war, she still found it difficult to comprehend the true nature of her father.

It still hadn't dawned on her that he wasn't the same person she perceived him to be.

To this day, she struggled to sleep properly, and only in the company of the children could she discover solace. It was solely thanks to them that she maintained her sanity.

This was why she was thankful to them.

"Do you guys want to eat? Dinner should be about ready, so how about we go back and get you all cleaned up before eating?"

Pushing the children back toward the orphanage, Emma watched as they dragged their tired bodies back into the establishment. Staring at their happy backs, her otherwise empty heart filled a little.

'I really did make the right decision.'

The more she stared at them, the more she felt at peace with her decision. This world... it was lonely to her.

She had friends, but everyone she truly cared for had already left her. Her world was a lonely one, but at the very least, it wasn't as lonely as it could've been.

***

"Haa..."

An audible sigh escaped me as I fixed my gaze on the figure before me.

His eyes remained locked on the orphanage in the distance, his lips slightly pursed, while an array of emotions played out on his face. His unwavering gaze lingered on the structure as he seemed to have fallen in deep thought.

'For fuck's sake...'

I experienced a mild sense of annoyance intertwined with a peculiar amusement as I stared at him.

"Are you really that scared of her?"

My words seemed to have evoked a certain emotion in him as he shuddered. Slowly turning his head, his eyes fixed on me.

"I'm n..not scared."

betrayed his true feelings and I almost laughed. Of course, I suppressed that very laugh and nodded my head

"Well, you should be."

sure to emphasize my words. And as expected, seeing

I

the sight before me. Not that

I didn't show it. Only then

I respected your choice of keeping

whole year had passed since my return to earth, and given my newfound powers I was capable of reviving Kevin. Well, sort

around keeping the universe balanced so that it remains stable. As things stand, you're still a protector. However, the moment you denounce your status,

complexity of a Protector. The Universe

were infinite, which was both a blessing and a curse. Living longer wasn't all too

to make

question, I pondered for

"It's possible."

powers made it possible for me to bestow seven people with the title of Protectors. They'd gain access to unimaginable power and would be able to live

really think Emma

and he lowered his head. At heart,

leave, what will happen to you? Will

"I'll be fine."

words. In this Universe, Jezebeth was dead. I made sure of that. There wasn't going to be another him for so

"Well..."

the matter for a long while, his shoulders eventually relaxed as he let out a long

"Haaa..."

His expression softened slightly.

long with one goal in mind and I've never been happy

"So?"

raised my brow, suppressing the smile that was creeping up my face. I could tell

he smiled back at

know my

***

now, brush your teeth and

the children who were still roaming about and full of energy,

be tired from all

energy they had left her baffled. Back when she was their age, she didn't have as much energy as they

around her, Emma pursed

it's about time I

been at it for over a year now, and only now did it truly dawn

task. In fact, it was quite a hard task. One had to wonder just how she had managed

To Tok—!

heard a soft knock coming from the

could

the orphanage. Occasionally one or two would come to adopt the children, but they were a rare sight. Ever since the

the minds

thinking of possible adoptees, Emma's eyes lit up

"I'm coming."

smile. There was nothing that brought her more joy than seeing the children

keep them happy, she knew that

for the door handle she slowly opened the door and

Clank—!

you looking

body froze. Her previously calm mind blanked,

He may have wanted her to forget about him, but she

him disappear from

"..."

like

memories, and she blinked her eyes slowly. Hoping that when she'd reopen them he'd still

really

dream or

right in front

Pita! Pita!

by the hot streaks that fell

felt a small piece

there she wanted nothing more than to just jump into his arms and bawl her eyes out in

she refrained from doing so. She

was all a dream? What if it wasn't

broken by

"Ehm... so."

her eyes, she could see the apparent nervousness in his gaze as he looked down and his eyes

he wanted to say. "Ehmm... I had a whole speech prepared, but... I can't seem

how nervous she was at a glance, and her heart started to calm down. He was no different than how he was in her

"Huuu."

finally met

you

***

Holocene

Bon Iver

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'Efforts never betray you.'

respected and

follow throughout their whole life, while others simply scoff at it as