Aftermath

After leaving the building of the Light Cavalry group with Ben, Elsa got into a black sedan waiting for her outside.

She was having second thoughts about getting into a car with a stranger because she developed a PTSD. But after getting a good enough explanation, she started believing in Owen and his words.

She knew that there were still things that were hidden from her during the meeting just now but she knew that at least for now she is safe.

She had enough faith in Owen to follow his words and got into the car.

The entire car ride was dead quiet.

Elsa had her mind preoccupied with everything that had happened and she had a lot to think about.

Ben on the other hand was thinking why he agreed to doing such a menial job without even arguing a little.

Elsa's home was a good 40 minutes away from the HQ. This gave Elsa a long enough time to organise her thoughts.

'They said there are more people just like me. Is there someone out there going through the same thing as me?'

After thinking about it for a while, Elsa came to a conclusion that she indeed wanted to join the world of the awakened ones and find out more about her kind and herself.

The part of her she had suppressed for all her life turned out to be a blessing given to only a select few people in the world. After realising this fact, she became more and more curious about the world of the awakened ones.

'I should call Owen. Oh wait !' 

She rummaged through the pockets of her coat only to realise that she didn't have a phone anymore. 

"Hey. Um..Ben was it?"

"Yeah"

"Can you please turn on the radio please? I am getting bored."

"....Alright"

Ben turned on the radio and switched through many channels until he found the one playing the song which was to his liking.

"I love this song!" Elsa exclaimed and urged Ben to increase the volume

"I Love this song!!" Ben exclaimed and turned up the volume to the max.

[Love Story by Taylor Swift]

Elsa and Ben both sang along to the song playing on the radio.

Ben then connected his phone with the aux and decided to play Taylor Swift exclusive songs for the rest of the ride.

***

[Owen POV]

After discussing some more things with Dad, I decided to head to my room.

I have been living in one of the rooms in the HQ for the past few weeks since I didn't really have a reason to go home.

Plus I didn't want Charlotte to know that I was here otherwise she would get involved with the matter concerning Elsa one way or the other.

I still chatted with her on text and call and pretended that I was still in the World Awakeners Academy.

Now though, I was planning on heading back over there since I had already accomplished what I came here to do.

Elsa already texted me that she wanted me to come over tonight and have the 'talk' with her parents. So I planned on leaving early morning tomorrow.

"You are packing your bag? Are you already going to leave?"

I looked at Mom standing at the door with a frown on her face.

Maybe I should wait a little more before going back. I mean I do have 2 weeks of my leave left. And it's not like it will be beneficial for me to head back ahead of time anyway.

"Nah. I am just packing ahead of time so I don't forget anything."

"I see. That's good!"

"Yeah. Though I am not sure what to do with the free time. Maybe I will just train for the rest of the time."

"When did you become so boring?"

"...."

Well that hurt.

"Well what do you suggest I should do?"

"Hmm....Oh I know! I am going back to Korea in a few days for a few weeks. Why don't you come along?"

"Oh? Wait. You are going over there for that business deal aren't you?"

"Yes. But the business partner for that deal used to be the group I was part of. There are some people I would like you to meet as well."

"Well alright I don't have anything else to do anyway. Besides I do believe that I have earned myself a vacation. Jut tell me a day before we are leaving."

"Okay!"

She pulled me into a bear hug and didn't let me go until I was just seconds away from passing out. 

Okay I may have exaggerated a little but I really don't like long hugs that much.

"What about dinner? Did you eat yet?" she asked

"No. But I will be having dinner at Elsa's. She invited me over there. I promised I will be there when she planned on explaining the whole situation to her parents."

"I see. How is she holding up?"

"Difficult to say. But I don't think it will take her that long to get over it since she will be busy after joining us."

"That's good. The poor girl went through a lot. But even so Owen."

I was surprised by the sudden serious expression that came on her face.

"You are her friend and you care about her a lot and I couldn't be more proud of you for going so far to rescue her. But....don't go risking your life like that."

"I know. I acted on impulse back then but everything worked out."

"I don't care if everything worked out or not I want you to be safe. I don't care about your friends or anyone else you are close with. I want YOU to survive. Did you have any idea about how worried I was?!"

Her voice cracked at the end.

This was the first time I have seen her like this.

In all the time I have known her, she never once showed this side to me. She had always been cheerful and fun so I didn't know how to act right now.

"....Sorry."

"I know I can't keep you away from danger in this world. As an awakened one you are bound to encounter many many life threatening situations but I want you to think about saving yourself first rather than anyone else. You are the person I trust the most with your safety. So take good care of yourself okay?"

"Yeah" I said while letting out a light chuckle

"Anyway. I should really get going now. It will be quite weird going there late at night."

"Alright. Drive safe. Bye." Mom said and waved as I went out the room.

"Will do. Bye." I said and went out the room and then to my car parked right outside the building thanks to Ben.

Was this really part of his job? Well I don't care as long as he has no issues with it.