Way to the Dawn [Eng Version]

Part II Chapter I: The new Ranger Duo

He readjusted his bracelet, which hung proudly on his wrist, as well as his pendant before finally leaving the room. He passed in front of his colleagues who complimented him, becoming crimson red at the same time, and went to join his superior who was patiently waiting for him.

- Oh? I'm guessing that everyone complimented you, right kiddo?

The brunet smiled, somewhat uncomfortable, looking for a way to have better communication than his face and hands.

- You don't need to answer. I understood during the Outdoor Class that you had trouble talking to others. It's not a problem. It can be learnt.

The youngest's shoulders visibly relaxed, making the older Ranger smile. He then passed the youngest a pile of newspapers which he carefully hugged.

- Come on, first mission as a Ranger! We must distribute the "Vien Tributes" to all the people of Vientown and Chicole Village! Do you think you can do it?

Kellyn nodded fervently, performing a kind of clumsy military salute. The other laughed at this image.

- I take that as a yes! Come on, we don't have all day!

And so began his first mission, in joy and good atmosphere. For more than half an hour the brunet ran everywhere distributing the newspaper to whoever wanted it. He also went home during this period, showing at the same time his uniform to his family who complimented him graciously.

The last house to be delivered was the one of the wood carver. But strangely, nobody was home.The boy then turned to Crawford, not really knowing what to do.

- He's still outside, huh? Don't worry. It is not uncommon for him to be absent when the newspaper is delivered. During these cases, he's most likely at Nabiki Beach. So...you know what we have to do!

The brunet nodded and headed for the beach not without a feeling of emptiness in his chest. This place reminded him of a very painful memory....

- /....She probably continued her life, no...? Raah....Why do you keep hoping, you fool?/

The salty smell of the sea soon filled his lungs, indicating that he and the afro-haired Ranger had arrived at their destination.

- So~ Where is our old man today?

As the two searched for the sculptor, a small figure sitting on the beach caught Kellyn's eye. He concentrated on identifying what it was, and when he did... He dropped his load completely, and whispered quietly, almost inaudibly:

-....Starly?

The creature jumped, as if it just had heard him, and quickly turned toward him. The two stared at each other for a moment before the bird started flying towards the brunet.

- (....Kellyn? Is that you?)

-...Yeah. It's me, Starly...!

Starly's ebony eyes suddenly lit up, as she happily circled around the Ranger. Ranger who was in filled with euphoria.

- (It's you! You kept your promise! You came back!)

- And you waited...!

- (What did you think? I wasn't going to break our promise!)

The boy gave a silent laugh as he cuddled the creature who had settled into his arms. He bent slightly to create a cocoon around them, trying to keep the bird close to him.

- I'm so happy to see you again Starly...So happy...

- ( Me too, Kellyn! I've been waiting for so long...I was afraid that you wouldn't come back...! But, you're here now. And I have no intention to let you go again! I WILL stay with you!)