On the border between Jupiter and Neptune.
An extremely strong cold wind of the Aurora Continent comes blowing hard one after another. Extreme cold weather soon welcomes Daphne, Stairmount, and Mrs. Yalle when the three of them have just crossed Poseidon Ocean - the ocean which connects Nature Continent with Aurora Continent, and connecting the two countries which are the outer areas of each continent they are categorized as well - and have now set foot on the border area.
"Stairmount... are we really going to Neptune?" Daphne asks one more time. She knows that she has repeated this same question for three times, and by adding this question, it has been four times. She indeed gets perplexed. Stairmount has ever said that he can't go to Neptune nor Saturn as they will surely kill him once they find him entering their area. But why is it different right now? Has Stairmount been informed that Neptune has been safe for him?
"Yes, Daphne." Stairmount answers patiently.
One more oddity Stairmount shows this moment. He appears like a man on his way to war; Getting ready to suffer the worst consequences - Death. Daphne bites her lip. No, it's only a hunch, Daphne. Stairmount is just mourning the loss of his parents, that's why he appears like that.
Yes, that is indeed the correct statement. After this, when they arrive at Neptune, they will certainly live in peace and serenity, and get married, then live happily forever.
"Yes, Stairmount. You know, even only for a short time, but I once worked for Enigma. This has been enough, I'll be able to persuade them, and they'll definitely let you in. We can live safely and peacefully, as we've always hoped for," Daphne said cheerfully.
Stairmount stops. Letting Daphne and Mrs. Yalle look at him in confusion. "Stairmount..."
Stairmount stares deeply into Daphne's eyes. So deeply, for a long time.
Then, he embraces Daphne tightly.
"Stairmount..." Daphne doesn't understand, but she somehow feels that Stairmount's current embrace is weird. This is not a normal embrace of his. This embrace, somehow hints that they will soon be separated forever. This is, a farewell embrace.
Because of that, Daphne's subconscious mind firmly refuses to return this embrace. Because I don't want to be separated from you, Stairmount!
Finally, Stairmount lets go of his embrace. Once again, he stares deeply into Daphne's eyes. Then, he smiles.
Daphne has never seen Stairmount smiles so stunningly. However, what actually makes it stunning is, his smile shows intense happiness and intense sadness at the same time.
"Daphne. You may go first. I have some business to do here..."
"Why, Stairmount? You can do that later, after we arrive at the city?"
For some reason, Daphne seems to be very reluctant to do what Stairmount tells her. But, Stairmount keeps insisting. "I can't, Daphne. Just leave me and continue your walk, okay? I'll catch up with you later."
Stairmount then pushes Daphne to leave him. Daphne is totally confused, but she is powerless to refuse him, finally, Daphne walks away from him.
If only Daphne knew what would happen after this, she would not even listen to Stairmount even if she must die. She would still stay here, whatever it took.
If only she knew.
Daphne is still looking behind, to make sure that Stairmount is following her. However, Stairmount keeps standing still, unmoved from his original position. While smiling and waving his hands, as if he is saying goodbye.
Then.
The view that truly shocks Daphne occurs. A group of soldiers dressed in military uniforms quickly surrounds Stairmount, with the electron guns in each of their hands.
Daphne immediately gets the picture of what will happen a little while later. "No! Don't kill him! Nooooo!!!"
Mrs. Yalle also immediately gets the picture of what is actually going on right now. But, as a mother, how can she let her daughter die? Therefore, all she can do is quickly hold Daphne tightly. "Daphne!..."
"Let go of me, Mom! I have to help him!" Daphne screams hysterically, struggling to escape from her mother's grip.
"Daphne!..."
BAAAAANG!
One shot has been fired. It soon hits Stairmount's leg straight. He immediately falls on his knee.
Daphne screams like a mad woman. "Stairmount!!!!"
But, a little while later, the second gunshot echoes once again. Another laser beam hits Stairmount's other leg. The young man falls onto the ground, lying down.
While enduring excruciating pain, Stairmount stares at the view before him with wistful eyes. He vaguely watches Daphne crying hysterically as she wriggles to get away from her mother's grip who keeps trying to drag her away.
Please forgive me, Daphne... I can't keep my promise to walk down the aisle with you. However, this is indeed the best way of life for you and your mother. Before, just for fulfilling my own selfishness, I kept you in a fully wrong place. No place on this Planet can accept me, Daphne. But, you are different. Actually, this is what I should have done from the beginning. But it's still not too late, anyway. Go to your destination, Daphne, and live in peace there without fear or worry anymore. Farewell, Daphne Darling.
Another soldier fires a third shot. This time it hits Stairmount's stomach. Forcing his indigo-color eyes which are previously still able to see even though the view he gets is bare, now close completely.
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