Chapter Text
The Azure Dragon looked down at the collapsing body of the one he considered his kin, his good child. He tried to help him by giving him back the Golden Dragon's core he took from the greedy fake dragon. It did help keep him alive, but that was all. He could still see the weakening ego in his protégé's soon-to-disappear eye, which ached his heart. He couldn't help feeling angry at himself, at his own powerlessness.
He couldn't protect his land back then, nor his people who trusted him. Instead, he got caught, trapped in a theme park as a mascot with two other fallen dragons. He couldn't protect his new protégé, nor prevent him from falling into the grasp of that scavenger.
As the guardian of the good child, he should have done a better job at helping him, protecting him, and making him happy. Instead, he couldn't even help him after he was scammed into signing an unfair contract. All he could do was wait.
Wait worryingly in his theme park he couldn't leave unattended.
Wait for some news he could hear from random visitors.
Wait for a call he knew would never come but still desperately wished to hear.
Even now, after finally receiving the long-awaited call, all he could do was safely take his good child out of his inner world and protect his friends on that rooftop.
He couldn't even defeat a half-baked dragon.
He couldn't even drive it away.
He was powerless, unworthy of being a dragon.
It was his fault.
His good child fought because he couldn't do it alone.
His good child let go of his form because he couldn't protect anyone.
His good child abandoned his identity because he couldn't help.
He couldn't help him recover his sanity, nor his body.
He couldn't help but reassure his visibly worried friends.
He couldn't even stay with him because his time out of the park was up.
Like a coward, all he could do was return to his small, empty home, alone.
He was a loser, someone who had already lost all the authority he once had. He was a coward who didn't try to reclaim what was his. He was a fool who managed to convince himself he was content with the small pool he received in exchange for his sea. He was powerless, without any useful abilities to help in this situation, but he hadn't given up yet.
With renewed determination, the Azure Dragon, now back in his mascot costume, entered the staff-only room of his park. He couldn't help himself, but he was ready to beg and owe favours to other entities.
He first called one of his friends and former protégés, the owner of Moonlight Tattoo Shop. She couldn't perform a permanent tattoo, but she agreed to provide many high-grade stickers that stabilise the mind. The Blue Mascot didn't know if she was helping him because of their shared past or because she favoured the good child who ended the contamination in their homeland, but he was grateful to her.
He then called the broadcasting station in hopes of reaching a famous TV show. Thankfully, despite the other's fame, he was quickly connected to him.
[The most famous host the century, Braun on the phone. To whom I have honour of talking?]
Ｂｌｕｅ Ｍａｓｃｏｔ
[My, my, what an unexpected guest! I guess you want to talk about my good friend?]
Ｈｅｌｐ
Ｇｏｏｄ Ｃｈｉｌｄ
[Of course I want to help my good friend! It pains my poor heart to see him like that, but unfortunately he can't even hear my voice in this state. Last time it took him six months before finally noticing me!]
Ｈｅｌｐ
Ｒｅｍｅｍｂｅｒ
[It's easier said than done. Without an ego, he can't think, let alone remember who he is.]
Ｒｅｖｉｖｅ Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ
[What an interesting idea! However, I don't think we should do it in our current situation. Revisiting past events with a different mindset can lead to different choices. In the end, he will only become more confused about his identity!]
Ｓｈｏｗ Ｈｉｍ
Ｓｔｏｒｙ
[My, my! Like a book or a movie, so engrossing that you end up seeing yourself as the protagonist! What an amazing idea! We should also prepare an audience!]
Ｌａｃｋ Ｐｒｉｖａｃｙ
[It's true it will be a breach of my good friend's private life, but I think having an audience can have a positive influence on him! Usually, it breaks the immersion when someone reacts beside you while you're reading a book or watching a movie, but in our case, it could be the opposite! If the audience is so engrossed in the story, the atmosphere will naturally draw my good friend in! You see, in his current state, it will be hard for him to be immersed in the story. But with an audience and this Braun managing the atmosphere? A sure win!]
Ｓｔｏｒｙｔｅｌｌｅｒ
Ｈｏｓｔ？
[Although I would be honoured to share my knowledge about my good friend, it's better to leave it to a professional. I do have some qualifications, but my expertise lies in entertainment, not storytelling. As for the story's content, perhaps we can borrow a book from the Habit Library. I do remember accompanying three different pages of my good friend there.]
Ｔｈａｎｋ Ｙｏｕ
Ｗｉｌｌ Ｃｏｎｔａｃｔ
Ｓｔｏｒｙｔｅｌｌｅｒ
[My, my, it's normal to help a good friend! Don't forget to invite me too!]
After hanging up the phone, the Blue Mascot dialled another number, one of his few long-term friends still alive. After explaining the situation and receiving a positive response, the Blue Mascot started relaxing. Now, he only needed to borrow a book from the library, and he would finally be able to help his good child.
***
The group watched the tank, last filled by the Security Sergeant, with sorrow.
DE 04974100
They were missing 25,900 points, so close to the goal, but at the same time so far.
It was frustrating.
"Let's move him out to a safe place, enter some Disaster. I already thought of some candidates."
Everyone nodded with determined looks at Agent Choi's words. As the strongest among the group, Lee Jaheon carried the large tank while following the others to the Golden Resort's train. When they passed the fire hydrant that served as a temporary extension of the Water Park, a sudden wave of water engulfed them, causing them to lose consciousness.
Lee Jaheon was the first to wake up. They were in a small room with sky blue walls and a blue green floor, sitting on comfy yellow beanbag chairs placed in two curved rows of five. In the front row, from his left to his right were Badger, Falcon, himself, J3 and Dolphin. In the back row were Goat, Goral, Agent Choi, Agent Bronze and Agent Haegeum. In front of them, on the left side, was a small empty stage. On the right side was the tank containing Kim Soleum. None of them were wearing their mask.
The second one to wake up was J3. As someone heavily contaminated for dozens of years, he was less influenced by darkness than ordinary people. He nodded to the D-Squad's leader beside him and walked lazily to the tank. Like in the room where they filled the dream incubator, he said nothing but stroked it gently before surveying his surroundings. From the tank, a good view of both the people on the chairs and the scene could be seen. It was like Kim Soleum was placed there on purpose to see both his friends and whatever will happen on scene. After a last gentle stroke, J3 went back to his chair and sat sluggishly.
Not long after, the others also woke up one by one. Some were near the temporary second Water Park when the wave hit, others weren't, but all were connected to the one in the tank. The first one to speak was Agent Choi.
"Looks like we're caught in a Disaster. I don't remember any Disaster happening in a room like that. Any idea?"
"Yes."
"..."
"..."
Seeing her former leader not developing, Eun Haje sighed. She grew too used to their youngest taking the lead in making the ineloquent leader speak more that she forgot it was also her job as a former member of the D Squad to do that.
"Section Chief, can you explain?"
"Yes. The wave that took us looked like the power of the Blue Mascot. There's a high chance we are somewhere in the Water Park of the Cheerful Theme Park."
"Wait! You guys were also hit by a wave of black water?"
Go Youngeun, who was with her mother at that time, was suddenly hit by a strange wave of black water that came from a fire hydrant near her. Strangely, she was the only one targeted by this strange phenomenon. She couldn't help but think of her mother, who must be worried.
The group transporting Kim Soleum nodded at the question before turning their head to the two sitting on their left. Baek Saheon was strangely lost in thought, but since no one was really close to him, no one minded it. On the other hand, Park Minseong had a shocked expression, which worried his former teammate.
"Badger?"
"Falcon... I think I'm no longer contaminated? My mind feels so clear, like when I was in Segwang..."
"Really!?"
"Yeah! Maybe this place is like Segwang!"
"No."
The excitement Park Minseong felt from the hope cooled down at Lee Jaheon's words. With apprehension, he asked his respected former leader to develop his thoughts.
"If this place was like Segwang, Roe Deer would have regained a human body."
His words were like cold water pouring on everyone, a remember of the state of their friend still in the tank.
"We don't have time for that!" Agent Choi exclaimed, frustrated. "We need to help Soleum!"
[Exactly!]
At the powerful voice that echoed in the room, the lights suddenly turned off before a spotlight turned on, directed at the scene where stood a man with a TV instead of a head. The employees of Daydream were the only ones to recognise the being.
"You're tha–"
[Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Water Theater for a special stage performance!]
"Hey! What are y– Mmh!"
[Unfortunately, the owner of the theater refused to let this special stage be broadcasted, reducing the audience to the lucky selected ones in this room. What a shame, it would have been a sure hit!]
A dejected emoji appeared on the TV host's screen.
[As an artist, I can't help feeling dejected, but as a friend I can only agree with this decision. After all, today's special stage will be the story of my dear good friend~]
A new spotlight turned on, directed at the tank containing Kim Soleum.
[My dear good friend who can no longer listen to my voice. My poor good friend who lost his ego just right after regaining his human body. How sad was I when I could no longer listen to your thoughts.]
A sad emoji appeared on the TV host's screen.
[But worry not, my dear good friend! As I am here with the great task to help you regain your identity! Now, Mister Badger. If you were on my show, you would have already been punished for trying to talk during the introduction of the show, but since I am a mere guest like you, I will let it pass with a simple question.]
A question appeared on the TV host's screen.
[Question: What makes one's identity?
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Relationships
3) Memories
4) Identity card]
A spotlight appeared on Park Minseong. When he tried to speak when the host appeared, his voice was suddenly cut. Now the ban seemed to be lifted, but he still didn't dare answer. He didn't know if the rules were the same as the Tuesday Quiz Show or the Choir of Living Sacrifice. He didn't want to die for a wrong answer, nor for a right one. Thankfully, he had fearless colleagues.
"Can I ask a question?"
[My, if it was my quiz show, I would have already punished you for interrupting someone else's time, but since it is not, I will gladly lend you my ear, Miss Dolphin.]
"Are there punishments for answering wrongly?"
[Sadly no, as it is not a quiz show but a surprise question to make the opening talk more entertaining.]
"Thank you!"
[Now, Mister Badger, your answer? If it's too hard, you can pass and let the next one answer instead!]
"I... I'll answer."
As someone who participated in the entity's original Darkness, Park Minseong didn't fully believe in the TV show host's words but decided to play along. He was scared, but he knew he would never forgive himself if someone died in his stead. He looked carefully at the answers and couldn't help but feel like it was a trap. The question was pretty subjective after all. Knowing it couldn't be something available only in their society, like a curriculum vitae or an identity card, he hesitated between the remaining two answers before choosing one. A mysterious music could be heard in the background during that time.
"I think it's... Number 3, Memories!"
[And... Unfortunately, the right answer was Number 2, Relationships! Our identity changes according to the people around us! I am a famous host for some, a dangerous individual for you, and a precious friend for my good friend! Even if I lose my memories, as long as other people remember me, my identity with them will still exist! And if I make new relationships, I will create even more identities!]
The reasoning was a little bit weird, but Park Minseong couldn't help thinking that it made somehow sense. He glanced at the Security Sergeant who lost all his memories from before contamination. Unlike the others, J3 wasn't looking at the host but at the tank, lost in thoughts. As if sensing his eyes, the wolf lazily inclined his head in Park Minseong's direction, who looked away. Their relationship was awkward since their argument. He knew he should apologise but he didn't have the courage to do it. Not now.
[That's why we are all here today! To share our relationship with our dear Kim Soleum! To make him remember his identity with us! So dear guests, I hope you will all cooperate willingly and give your best reactions!]
The atmosphere was chilling. Even though the TV-shaped had a smiling emoticon on the screen, all could feel the dangerousness of the entity. Especially the D-Squad who witnessed firsthand what that creature could do.
[Now, shall we introduce our main characters? First, let's welcome the one without whom this wonderful special stage wouldn't be possible! He took care of the planning, provided this special stage, and invited our guests! Please applaud for the Mascot of the Water Theme Park!]
An Asian blue dragon made of water appeared near the scene's ceiling. It flew around the room a few times before landing on the scene and disappearing. In it stead stood the Blue Mascot, waving at the spectators.
Cheers could be heard despite no one in the room reacting.
[Now make room for our storyteller, the one whose beauty competes with her entrancing voice, Miss Mermaid!]
A wave splashed against the scene, forming a chair made of water on top of which sat a charming lady with long black hair and a breathtaking blue and orange fish tail. The uncontaminated humans couldn't help but be captivated by her, regardless of their genders.
[And of course, how can we forget to introduce our main performers? Despite being on scene since the beginning, they deserve a proper introduction! I named, our guests who will give their best reaction!]
The lights on top of the ten beanbag chairs turned on and another wave of cheer could be heard.
[And lastly, but not the least important, the host of our wonderful special stage... Me! Your beloved host Braun!]
Screams and cheers could be heard, the intensity far above the previous one.
[Thank you everyone! It's also a pleasure for me to be here today! I don't usually host that kind of event, but I couldn't refuse the invitation... 'Why?' you ask? Because today's special play is about the life of my dear god friend! Unfortunately, we couldn't get the whole book, but the Hanbit Library had the generosity to let us transcribe some pages! So let's start our performance after a short interlude!]
The lights on the scene turned off, leaving only the ones on the group turned on. A rhythmic music, neither too slow nor too fast, started playing in the background.
After some time, the silence was broken by Agent Choi.
"I think we can talk now."
"Badger, are you alright?"
"Yeah... But it brings back bad memories..."
Eun Haje patted his back, sharing the feeling.
The others from Daydream who heard about the D-squad getting an A class potion from the D class Darkness guessed something bad happened during the exploration.
As for the agents, except for Agent Haegeum, the other two guessed the identity of the host. The voice and the way of speaking were the same as the rabbit Kim Soleum always carried after all.
"So... Are we doing as the host said?" Go Youngeun asked.
"Yeah, it's safer that way. It seems like the Host and the Blue Mascot made this Darkness to help Roe. I don't know how it'll help, and I don't trust the Host but so far the Blue Mascot only punished bad persons. As long as he's here, we should be fine from incineration." Eun Haje answered while sighing, tired from the youngest member of their squad.
"Why would that crazy host help our Roe?"
"Ah, right, I haven't told you yet since you were contaminated... Remember that pink rabbit plush Roe always carries with him? It's that host."
"What!? Why would he carry th-"
[Thank you everyone for your patience! I hope the wait wasn't too boring?]
Park Minseong couldn't ask for more information as the lights reappeared on the host in the middle of the scene.
[Before we start, let's look at the small controller in our hand!]
A small metallic box with a single button appeared on everyone's hand, including the host's.
[For a smooth reading and reaction time, we provided a controller to our guests. Once the button pushed, it will send a signal to our storyteller to stop the reading, so the guests can react. Once pushed a second time, the reading pursues! So... Shall we begin?]
The light on the host turned off, and another one appeared on the mermaid at the corner of the scene near the guest section.
The performance was about to start.