Work Text:
The Inner Barrier will deactivate shortly. Please make sure the streets are clear of monsters, and take care on your way home.
I pull myself out of bed. Thankfully never needed to set an alarm. Worry passes as I walk by my daughter’s room, but I dare not open the door.
The boys all pat me on the back when I get in. One of them thanks me for the gift I got his daughter for her birthday, a rare piece of magical girl memorabilia. I smile and nod, trying to hide the dread in my stomach. I steel myself as we head out towards the site.
CDD agents meet us at a wall of caution tape. They give their usual spiel, don’t take any pictures and we will be searched at the end of the night. I try not to look at the destruction, the blood spatter on the pavement. I try not to think of my daughter.
We all get to work. Pipes and broken stones are everywhere, and we do our best trying to contain the damage. Cleaning things up is our first priority; we can’t have anyone stumbling upon this and suspecting what actually happened. Despite not being able to use any power tools during the night, we’re able to move most of the larger debris, and the CDD seems satisfied that caution tape and warning signs will be enough to ward away any curious trespassers in the morning.
An hour later I’m home. My wife greets me at the door with a hug. She doesn’t have to tell me but I know; I missed my little girl on her way to school. I sit down for my morning meal, and hope that whatever they’re teaching her at Future’s Promise, it’s worth all of this danger.