As Dawn walked along the path to his home he started to really think about what Rhys had told him. He had no intention of making anyone feel bad, but he never thought that he could be missed. Come to think of it, even the Cusnirs said something to him. Has it really been that long since he took a break from working in the field? Once closer to his home, Dawn could recognize a cloud of smoke hovering over the area where his home is supposed to be located. Noticing this smoke cloud made him pick up the pace from a casual stroll to a faster paced jog. As his home came into view, he saw what used to be his home almost fully engulfed in flames.
"Mom!? Dad!?" Dawn screamed repeatedly, dropping his satchel to the ground, walking closer to the house. He noticed a wide enough opening that he could fit through in order to get inside. After making his way into the burning home he saw what was left of his mother lying dead on the floor, her lower half crushed by a wooden beam, and her intestines accompanied by blood resting beneath her corpse. Dawn, not knowing how to react, just stared at his mothers lifeless body. Just earlier he had denied what would be the last show of true motherly affection he would ever get. Overwhelming guilt started to consume his mind as he thought to himself. Mom probably died thinking I hate her. He started to shut down just before he was given a glimmer of hope.
"Dawn.. is that you?" Eritz called out from the room his chair was placed in.
As soon as he heard his father's voice, Dawn made his way into the room. He found his father laying on the floor, a stab wound through his chest to the side of his heart. A failed attempt at murder, or perhaps a wound intended to make Eritz suffer?
Eritz looked at his son with overwhelming relief in his eyes. With just one look at Eritz' body it was easy to tell he had been violently beaten. Bruises and bloodstains covered his skin and clothing, and one of his eyes was blackened. Dawn kneeled down next to Eritz, hoping for some reassurance of some sort.
"Have you seen your sister here, Dawn? Is she dead?" Eritz asked, his voice shaking.
Dawn shook his head in response. "I haven't seen her."
Eritz then offered Dawn a smile. "That means she got out in time. I'm glad." He let out a sigh that sounded like it could have been building up for years. "You know Dawn, I never thought that you would have to see me so weak." Eritz started to chuckle, clearly trying to brighten the mood regardless of the circumstances. This is just how he was.
"Dad let me help you up.. I-I can get you out of-"
"No." Eritz stopped his chuckle. "I know you don't want to hear this, but I am already dead." Eritz then tried to sit himself up before falling back down. "Dawn. I want you to listen to everything I am about to say, and do not forget any of it. Can you do that?"
Dawn nods.
Eritz smiled once more. "Good." Eritz then coughed up blood before continuing his words. "First thing. I am sorry that you have to deal with this kid, I know your dad is weak, but trust me I want nothing more than to be strong for you. No kid your age should have to grow up this fast, let alone a kid of mine."
Some debris from the ceiling started to fall to the ground, kicking up ash and intensifying the flames around them.
"Looks like I gotta hurry up kid." Eritz wiped blood off of his mouth after coughing again due to the ash. "Second thing. Go find your sister. I don't know where she is, but there are a few possibilities. She either went to the city looking for you, she is hiding, or she was kidnapped. A damn raider group came by and tore this place apart for some reason."
Dawn had a confused look on his face. "A raider group!? Kidnapped!?"
"Look, I know it probably doesn't make sense, but you just need to take those words and keep them in your mind." Eritz then took his hand, and reached to Dawn's face to hold his cheek. "Last thing, okay?"
Dawn nods.
"I'm proud of you kid. You have done so many things for your mother and I, and we are so proud to call you our son." Tears started to fall from his eyes. "You have to leave this planet and do something with your life Dawn! This is your perfect opportunity. No more farms. No more family responsibilities. Finish school and leave. Do not let yourself become someone like me who has not accomplished anything in life besides making an absolutely beautiful family."
Both of them had now started crying.
"Go achieve your dreams, and create a life for yourself Dawn! Forget about being a measly farmer and become someone people remember for centuries to come!" Ertiz now lost feeling in his arm, it falling back to the ground as more of the roof started to collapse. "Get out of here and find Imogene. Take her and go somewhere safe. I believe in you Dawn, and I will always protect you no matter where I am."
Dawn now stood as the fire was engulfing more of the room. He started to debate if he should take or leave his father.
Eritz had a calm look in his eyes, as a smile painted back across his face. "I love you, Dawn. Go!"
Dawn got out what sounded like the words I love you too before escaping from the burning building. Once outside he fell in the field in front of his home, turning himself around just in time to watch his home collapse. His mind was replaying what his father had just told him, over and over again. He was overwhelmed with emotions no kid should ever have to experience. His crying muffled anything outside of his own mind as his body went numb. The only interference came from voices he recognized as Allan and Nica Cusnir.
End of Prologue