Life is not sunshine and rainbows. This is a phrase a lot of adults have come to term with. it means the journey of life won't only go uphill and it's not going to be happy and fun all the time. This applies to everyone in the world, including little Noir.
and today was one of such days where her life was not daijoubu. it was raining in the cemetery and all those who were present stood under their umbrellas. Cage stood behind Noir who was trying to process this new event around her, while holding an umbrella for her. It was a funeral of 8 war heroes and who served valiantly alongside Cage during the great war, 30 years ago and their family members. To Noir they weren't someone of great importance, but they did make a great impression on her.
Her eyes teared up realizing that the none of the people 'asleep' in the caskets won't ever wake up to play with her or give her treats whenever they met.
"they fought in the war with me, we were infamous for our recklessness. death should have claimed our lives back, but we escape each time to a point where death gave up on us and the war ended. they were supposed to be enjoying their retirement with their wives and children! instead they died suffering heavily." He lamented.
Noir looked around and sensed sadness permeating the air. She helplessly looked at the coffins hoping that they would move so that everyone would be happy again. She was sad, but she noticed the wound marks on their bodies. Some of the family members were injured seriously. She realized that someone hurt them very badly and in such a way that increased pain.
She looked around as the hundreds of graves that were the final resting place of many people. Looking at her curiosity, Cage explained
"this place is actually private property! it belongs to an organization under my name! They take care of the final resting place of all the soldiers in this place. these soldiers were all great warriors who died in the 30 year war. They all fought alongside me in the thirty year war!"
"huh! you are sad!"
"yeah! I'm sad that all these people left this world to be happy and have fun, without us. So I'll miss them."
he patted her head, reassuring her. the world is a cruel place for children, but till they grow up just enough to walk on their own, it's a father's duty to protect them. Cage thought about this very deeply.
"so, when we die will we go to them to play?" Noir asked Cage.
"y-yeah!" Cage replied desperately clutching his heart as he couldn't handle the cuteness.
later, in Cage's study back at the mansion
"Master, I have something to talk about!" Cherry asked Cage who was busy reading a report.
"what is it?" he asked setting aside the papers in his hands.
"miss Noir is very depressed, ever since you took her to the funeral." she said in a caring voice gripping her skirt.
"I see!" he thought about it for a long time.
"what do you suggest that we do?" he asked looking at her seriously.
"we could take her to a beach! I think this is a very good idea as everyone including you can take a break and Noir can get a new experience." Cherry suggest her idea to Cage who seemed dissatisfied, but agreed with it anyways.
the next day, they were at the beach. Noir stayed hidden in the shadows slowly observing the waves, Gloria and the others were enjoying sun with a very intense game of volleyball. Cherry stood behind Noir keeping an eye on her.
"Miss Noir! why don't you go and join the others?" Cherry asked Noir who stood alone looking at the waves.
"hmmm, miss noir why don't i show you something very fun to do?" Cherry leaned forward with a bright smile.
"what is it?" Noir looked interested indicated by the subtle movements of her eyebrows.
"we're building a sand castle." Cherry suggested pulling out a small plastic shovel out of thin air.
She slowly led the little girl by her hand, and started teaching her how build a sand castle. Being very invested in the process, she started experimenting with all that she could do.
a few hours later
"woah! is there an epic sand castle contest nearby?" a random beach person asked his girlfriend.
"No, i don't think so! why?" She asked puzzled.
"then, what's happening there!" he pointed to the absolute mega castle in the process of construction, with few "engineers" being Cage and Nathan helping Noir to move large block of sand around for the huge castle.
the process of building Noir's sand castle required so much sand that when she started digging, she inadvertently summoned a large army of mysterious yet simple creatures most commonly known as human beings, it first started with cage and Nathan being curious about what Noir's doing and they started to help. the men in the beach immediately noticed them and quickly came to their aid. and Several hours later, we have the result of a Large epic sand castle.
at one point there was beer and BBQ arranged by the people in the area, and it turned into a gathering place of unemployed people on a Tuesday. When the project was completed, they enjoyed a grand feast.
Cherry who witnessed this strange phenomenon was left completely bewildered. But, hey! Cherry's enjoying herself. Cherry stood all alone by herself wondering to herself just how long will these peaceful days last. Then she shook her head and joined the crowd for a cup of beer.