We Did the Inevitable

For once, Harventona City's misery was over. Yumiko's body happened to be unconscious for two days in a row. She had her covered chest, her limbs, and the rest of her body with bandages as she slept on her bed like a rock.

The individuals who were still alive over those two days made sure to clean up the damage in their city and, ideally, rebuild the castle so that everyone might visit it in the future. The sufferings vanished in an instant, and the entire island became more vivid.

The whole crew helped the citizens on the outside, knowing that none of their friends lost their lives.

"Would you look at that, in the end not only some people lost their lives, but even if they did, these people seem to be cheerful."

Elliott assisted Codey as he picked up the planks and carried them to the construction workers. "Given that two days had passed, the majority of them had already moved past their losses. I'm not sure why Oriyana helped Yumiko and Tem and brought them to the hospital so that the medical staff could attend to their injuries."

"We ought to be thankful she did. I remember that somebody told us it would be hard to request her for the help." He stared at Bow, who was perched on the planks alongside Trap and Kizu with his head slightly cocked to the side. They exchanged expressionless looks.

"That was history..."

Bow's comments ultimately made Codey upset to the point that he unintentionally dropped the planks. "Hey! It's only been two days!" He said, gesturing at Bow with his finger.

"Hey, relax, curly-haired guy. There's no need for you to yell at our boss. He had no way of knowing that Oriyana would be willing to help." Trap said. "Yeah. Like you, we were not buddies with her, therefore we had no say in what she chose to do." Kizu threw in.

While Bow and Elliott concentrated on assisting the construction workers, the three of them got into a never-ending quarrel, hurling insults and complaints at each other without giving ground.

"Honestly, they seem to be getting along very well. Don't you think so too, Bow?"

After silently nodding, Bow left their debate to get a fresh set of boards for the building. Without even letting them know that they were expected to help with the labor, they left them behind.

Tem had been caught in the thick of the children playing catch as they ran around in circles while the construction was taking place.

She appeared to be a little uneasy about them and nervous as some of the kids kept holding her garments from each side. Some clutched her top, while others her pants.

"Come on, just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I want you to touch me right now. It's awkward and embarrassing, to be completely honest."

"Miss! Tell us everything about the event! We'd want to hear the story of how you got rid of that scary monster. Before you leave, please let us remember you as a heroine!"

Tem let out an uncomfortable sigh of boredom as she closed her eyes and let the sweat trickle down her face. "No matter what, these people will always perceive me as a lady, huh? I should have stayed on the ship instead of getting stuck for who knows how long as a girl."

A jovial giggle could be heard behind her. "You don't need to be so sensitive about your gender, so come on." Rika and Tinna moved alongside her as Empress Oriyana stepped behind her. Children cried out in astonishment at this point. "Even the Empress acknowledges her as a heroine."

"Hey! You're the woman that changed me from a boy to a girl! Do you want to fight me about this or fix it right away?!" Tem turned around and made a hard noise in protest at being disturbed.

"Please relax. I came here in order to pay you back for all that you have done for our island, but first I would like to apologize to you for the events that took place. If you don't want to keep being a cute girl, I'd like to thank you for your assistance and give you back your proper body."

Tem quickly gave her a skeptical glance and gave it some thought. "Would you still assist me if I said that wearing a bra is very uncomfortable? Even though I knew I was meant to be a male, it still seemed odd to be half exposed to Muro's eyes during that duel."

"Of course, there is nothing to worry about. Please accompany us into the hospital as we enter. As soon as I turn you over, there should be a dressing room available for you to change into, although it will hurt a little bit because I had to-"

Oriyana did not complete her sentence because Tem cut her off with an eyeroll. "Yeah, you're sticking your nails in me. I understand; I've endured worse things."

"You made it sound worse than it is." Oriyana stumbled over her words as she deftly repelled the children.

Yumiko soon awoke in the center of a hospital bed staring up at the ceiling as her vision gradually began to return. She questioned as she made a confused voice and gently got out of bed to have a look around.

When she examined her entire body for wounds, she discovered that most of them had already healed thanks to Ayuka, while the more serious wounds had been attended to by professionals. When she reached for her bandaged chest, she felt some slight but manageable pain.

She slowly opened the door after moving stealthily outside the hospital room and sneaking a peek through the crack. The hallway that led to the reception desk was longer, but no one appeared to have been there.

Finally, she stretched for the door and walked through the wide opening, which startled her eyes by illuminating the entire Harventona with bright sunlight.

Soon some familiar voices called out her name. Phillip and her mother came running from the front. "Yumiko! Oh, I'm so happy to see you that you're okay!" Yumiko felt her body be embraced by them and what surprised her the most was that they were fed greatly and had new clothes.

"Mom... Phillip? You're both safe. Y-You look great, how is that possible?"

She inquired before glancing back to see Ralphie and Karisa. "Your new friends saved our whole island. The others fought and finished everything else while their cook prepared incredibly excellent dinner for free."

Karisa and Ralphie approached her family and smiled at each other. "How do you feel? Yumiko, you look fantastic. You must be feeling very uncomfortable wearing those bandages, so don't you think it's time for some new clothes."

She gave Ralphie a startled glance before turning to see all about her. "I'm doing great," she remarked, watching as hundreds of people cheered up the entire city. She also remembered some of the homeless kids who were on the verge of death; before long, she was surrounded by them all.

All of the kids who trusted her were yelling her name nonstop, and not of them was terrified or depressed. Many of them were happier than Yumiko had ever seen them before, and everyone got their fulfilling lives back.

Many more formerly homeless persons joined the crowd and greeted her. "Yumiko, you have our appreciation. Our lives were eventually made easier by your victory over your father and those of your friends. Since they have been here, it has seemed like utopia."

"So, does that mean that Muro-" Karisa stepped in and smiled brightly. "Yes, he was well properly disposed of by our charming captain, so you don't need to worry about him any longer. He was captured by the World Government and is currently in jail with your father."

Yumiko's eyes widened as she felt tears begin to fall down her cheeks. She turned around inconveniently, masked her emotions, and covered her mouth with her palm.

"What's wrong, sis?" Who had gently pulled Yumiko's pants, Phillip wondered. Even though she made an effort to hide her sobs from them, they could all hear her gentle voice.

"It's just that... You're all so happy. I-I'm sorry, please don't look at me, I'm just a crybaby."

She was comforted by Ralphie and Karisa's smiles while her mother made a gentle joke. "Yumiko, calm down. You should be pleased with what you and your friends were able to achieve. Without you, we wouldn't be joyful."

"Come, let's attempt to put the past behind us, and let's celebrate with one another." Yumiko turned around after wiping away her tears with a content smile that she could hardly conceal.

"Y-Yeah... I'm sorry you had to see me like this." She was immediately comforted by Phillip, her mother, and the other homeless individuals who were still around. Yumiko was still crying, but it was joyous sobbing.

"It seems like things worked out well for her in the end. Ralphie, We should go check on our captain and see what further mischief he; my bad, "she" got herself into."

Yumiko silently observed them while Ralphie nodded in agreement. "Um, would you please let me come with. I want to thank her for what she did for me and our island, please."

She was examined by Ralphie and Karisa to make sure she was okay to move. "Why not find some new clothes first and get some rest? Don't you find wearing those bandages uncomfortable?"

Karisa enquired. "I'll be alright. Garments can wait. I really would like to speak with your captain."

Karisa smiled kindly and giggled while placing her hands on her hips. "Okay then, off we go to see our crazy captain, then."

To be continued...