Dark Chronicle: Long Live the Queen

Chapter 23: Dawn of the New Horizon

The townsfolk of Palm Brinks assembled outside the town's train station, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Mayor Need, standing before a lectern, was poised to deliver a momentous announcement that marked the grand opening of Palm Brinks. As he spoke, the sky above was illuminated with a vibrant display of fireworks, mirroring the jubilation and optimism of the gathered crowd. The mayor's speech continued, capturing the attention of all, including Max and Monica, who stood among the throng of citizens.

"Okay, that's enough," the mayor declared, his voice resonating with an uncharacteristic confidence as he stilled the celebration to make his proclamation. " Today the Blackstone railway will set off on a new journey around our entire region. I hope the world will follow this example and star developing again."

Monica, impressed by the transformation in the mayor's demeanour, leaned closer to Max, her voice low. "Wow. The mayor seems so dignified now."

"Yeah, you're right," Max whispered in response, both sharing a moment of respect for the mayor's newfound stature.

As Mayor Need's speech reached its crescendo, the citizens of Palm Brinks responded with enthusiastic applause, showing their appreciation for his words of inspiration and leadership. Sensing the moment, the mayor raised his hands, beckoning for silence, signalling he had more to convey.

"However, none of this would have been possible without the courage and bravery of two remarkable individuals." Mayor Need's gaze then shifted through the crowd, locking onto Max and Monica. "Max and Monica, please come forward and present yourselves to the people."

As the crowd's applause thundered through the air, Max and Monica stepped up to join Mayor Need at his lectern. As they waved to the people, their faces a testament to humility and pride, Monica's thoughts drifted, wrestling with the haunting visions of Palm Brinks as a desolate ghost town in her time—a future she had averted with her actions. The stark contrast between that bleak memory and the vibrant reality before her was overwhelming. Additionally, the lingering fear of what might have occurred to Max also weighed heavily on her.

"Monica, are you alright?" Max's voice cut through her reverie, tinged with concern as he observed her distant gaze.

Monica remained silent momentarily, ensnared by the memories of desolation and the chilling thought of Max's potential fate. Sensing her distress, Max stepped closer, offering the support of his presence, his hands gently resting on her shoulders. "Monica?"

Snapped back to the present by Max's concerned inquiry, Monica managed a small smile, attempting to mask her inner turmoil. "I'm... I'm okay, Max," she assured him, her voice a mix of vulnerability and strength. Seeking to divert attention from her momentary lapse, she added, "It's just hard to believe we made all this possible."

"I know what you mean. By opening the railway network to everyone, we have finally freed from the walls that surround this Town." replied Max.

The mayor's contribution to the discussion brought a tangible sense of progress and optimism. "Speaking of growth, Max, I've taken the initiative to have the city walls dismantled to facilitate our town's expansion. We plan to repurpose the stone from the walls to construct new buildings, creating homes for those from outside our town," he explained, unveiling a vision for an inclusive and thriving Palm Brinks.

"That's incredible, Mayor," Max responded, impressed by the forward-thinking plan. Curious about another aspect of their town's development, he inquired, "By the way, who is in charge of expanding the railway network across the land?"

"I'm glad you asked," the mayor replied with a hint of excitement. He then motioned towards the station's door. "Max, Monica, allow me to introduce you to Robert Ironclad, the founder of the newly established Ironclad Industries." As he spoke, a smartly dressed man emerged from the station, presenting himself with an air of elegance and purpose that reminded Max of his father. With his hair slicked back and a frequent glance at a pocket watch, Robert Ironclad exuded an aura of punctuality and precision.

The mayor elaborated on Ironclad's involvement, "For years, Ironclad has aspired to expand the train network. Now, with the menace of Flotsam out of the picture and the Zelmite ore secured, his vision is finally within reach."

Ironclad, turning towards Max with a gesture of camaraderie, extended his hand. "You must be Gerald's boy? It's an honour to finally meet the one who played a critical role in turning my dream into a reality."

Max, slightly taken aback by the recognition, firmly grasped Ironclad's hand in a shake. "You knew my father?" he inquired; curiosity laced in his voice.

"Indeed, your father and I were colleagues once, working side by side until our paths diverged. Following our parting, Gerald devoted much of his time to raising you," Ironclad explained with a hint of nostalgia in his tone. "I'm pleased to see that his son has been instrumental in achieving something I've longed for. It's quite fulfilling."

"Monica's the one you should also thank, sir," Max interjected, eager to share the accolades with his companion.

Ironclad turned to acknowledge Monica. "Ah yes, the mayor mentioned you. The time-traveling princess," he said with a note of respect, shaking her hand. "I'm deeply appreciative of the risks you and Max took to safeguard our town. As a token of our gratitude, the mayor and I wish to reward you both."

To Max, Ironclad presented the deed to the Blackstone One train, the very train Max had utilized in their quest to thwart Griffon. With ownership of the train now officially in his hands, Max contemplated the myriad possibilities that laid ahead for its use.

For Monica, the mayor extended documents affirming her status as a legitimate citizen. This gesture recognized the unique predicament of her existence in the past, given her origins from the future. Max revealed that he had discussed Monica's situation with the mayor during their preparations, suggesting the creation of legal identification papers to officially integrate her into their timeline. The narrative devised for her was that of an orphan whom Max compassionately took under his wing after a quaint encounter involving a stolen circus ticket—a cover story that provided Monica with a new beginning and social identity.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Monica thanked Max for securing her a place and identity in this time. She shared with the mayor her intention to establish a humanitarian aid organization to support the town's expansion and assist those in need, inspired by the deeds of Duchess Fitzroy in her time. The mayor, intrigued and supportive of her proposal, invited her to discuss the concept further in his office when she had the time, opening the door for Monica to make a significant impact in her adopted timeline.

As the applause from the citizens of Palm Brinks swelled once more, accompanying the vibrant display of fireworks that adorned the night sky, Max and Monica faced the crowd, their smiles beaming, as they waved back in gratitude. Max gazed forward, his eyes brimming with hope for the future they had helped to secure, envisioning all the possibilities that lay ahead for the rejuvenated town.

Monica, standing beside him, also smiled warmly at the crowd, yet internally, she remained entangled with the shadows of memories from a future that will now no longer happen. The haunting images of Palm Brinks reduced to a ghost town lingered in her mind, a stark contrast to the vibrant community celebrating their achievements before her. She held onto the hope that, with time, these memories would fade, replaced by the rich tapestry of experiences and contributions she was now weaving into the timeline she had changed, hopefully for the better.