Ava: "I know you said you were okay, but... are you really okay?"
Dakota: "Okay, I may have been lying. I'm not really that okay, but compared to them..." Dakota gestured toward their unconscious friends sprawled on the ground, "...I'm fine."
Ava: "We should definitely get them to a hospital."
Dakota: "We should, but let's first see if your father defeated the five high-ranking Djinns, and if Henry's group rescued your brother."
Ava: "What?! My parents are here?"
Dakota: "Yeah, they're here. They came to help rescue you and your brother."
Ava: "Well, we should check to see if they're okay."
Dakota: "I'm pretty sure they'll be fine."
Ava: "Why are you so sure?"
Dakota's thoughts lingered for a moment. Because your father is one of the strongest heroes alive, and Henry... well, there's no way the universe would let him lose. He's the main character, after all. But I can't exactly say that out loud.
Dakota: "Trust me, they'll be fine. Your dad and mom are both legends."
Ava: "Alright, let's go carry our friends."
Dakota: "Got it."
Dakota hoisted Lucas onto his back, groaning slightly under the weight, while Ava carefully balanced Liam and Mia in her arms. Together, they made their way downstairs. As they reached the exit of the mansion, a tall, imposing figure greeted them: Franklin, Ava's father.
Franklin: "Ava! You're finally here."
Before she could react, Franklin pulled her into a tight hug.
Ava: "Yes, I'm here, Father. But... can you let me go now?"
Franklin: "Ah, right, sorry." He released her and turned his attention to Dakota. "And you, Dakota, what happened to you and your friends?"
Dakota: "We may have fought the strongest mid-ranked Djinn."
Franklin: "What?! You fought the strongest mid-ranked Djinn and won?!"
Dakota: "Yep. We're amazing, right?"
Franklin: "Amazing? You're beyond amazing!"
Dakota: "Thanks for the compliment, but can you carry my friend? My back hurts a lot."
Franklin: "Ah, okay. And Ava, give me those children, too. I'll carry all of them."
Ava: "Alright, here you go."
With ease, Franklin gathered the unconscious friends and led the group outside. Waiting near the mansion entrance was Henry and his team, along with a young boy—Andy, Ava's younger brother.
Henry: "Oh! You're finally back, Dakota."
Dakota: "Yeah, I'm back. Did you rescue Andy?"
Henry: "Of course. He's right here."
The boy beamed when he saw Dakota, sprinting toward him.
Andy: "Dakota! I haven't seen you in so long—I missed you!"
Andy leapt forward, wrapping his arms around Dakota's waist.
Dakota: "I missed you too, buddy."
Andy: "Ah! Sister, you're here too."
Ava: "Why did you sound so happy when you saw Dakota, but not when you saw me?"
Andy: "Well, I haven't seen Dakota in a long time, and I see you every day. And most importantly... I like Dakota more."
Ava: "You... you like him more than your own sister?"
Andy: "Yes. I just do."
Ava: "I should've never come to rescue you."
Sophia: "Hey now, Ava, don't be so mean to your brother." Ava's mother approached with a warm smile.
Ava: "But he likes Dakota more than me!"
Sophia: "Well, Dakota does treat him nicer than you do."
Ava: "He should still like his sister more than someone who isn't even part of the family."
Dakota: "Oh? I'm not part of the family?"
Ava: "Of course, you're not. Why do you sound so confused?"
Dakota: "Well... your mom told me I am."
Ava: "Mother, you said what?"
Sophia: "I mean, he's been visiting our house so much, and we like him a lot, so I consider him part of the family."
Ava: "But he's not!"
Sophia: "Well, if you marry him, then he'll officially be part of the family."
Ava: "Wh-what are you saying, Mother?!" Ava's face turned a deep shade of red.
Franklin: "Hey, if Dakota wants to marry my daughter, he'll have to surpass me first."
Ava: "Damn it, Father! Stop embarrassing me!"
Dakota chuckled under his breath, deciding not to comment on their banter. He looked at Henry's group and his gaze lingered on the boy who had somehow rescued Ava's brother and survived a perilous mission unscathed.
Henry really is something else, Dakota thought. No matter how insane the odds are, everything just seems to go his way. If that doesn't scream "main character," I don't know what does.
But Dakota knew better than to let anyone see through his thoughts. Instead, he turned his attention back to the present.
Dakota: "So, how did the rescue mission go? Any casualties?"
Henry: "None, thankfully. But I have to admit, we had a few close calls. Your strategy was brilliant, Dakota. It made all the difference."
Dakota: "Yeah, well, it's not like I did much. You were the one out there risking your life."
Henry smiled. "Still, I couldn't have done it without your help."
Ava cleared her throat loudly, clearly irritated by being left out of the conversation.
Ava: "You two can stop complimenting each other now."
Dakota: "Jealous much?"
Ava: "Of course not! I just think there are more important things to discuss than Henry and his perfect mission."
Sophia: "Like getting everyone to safety."
The group finally began walking away from the mansion, the oppressive atmosphere slowly lifting with each step. As they moved toward the safety of their transport vehicles, Dakota glanced back at the towering structure.
This whole situation feels... off. In the novel, the blazer's organization was active, but they seem even more active now. Did I change the future somehow? Or was it always going to be like this?
He shook the thought away. Now wasn't the time to overanalyze things. His friends were hurt, and the mission was complete. That was all that mattered for now.
Still, as he looked at Henry's confident smile, Dakota couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty. If things had already deviated this much, who knew what else might change?
For now, all he could do was wait and prepare for whatever came next.