The sun rose gently over the kingdom of Nasca, casting warm light across Veldanava's palace gardens. Birds chirped cheerfully, and the cherry blossoms swayed in the breeze.
Milim woke up early, as always, full of boundless energy. With a wide grin, she rushed out into the garden.
Milim (excited, shouting):
"Uncle Veldora! Uncle Veldora! Let's play again today!"
She darted past Gaia, who chirped in greeting, and spun around the garden, searching eagerly.
But there was no Storm Dragon.
Milim blinked, tilting her head.
Milim (confused):
"Huh? Where is he? Maybe he's hiding! He likes to play tricks!"
Determined, she began her search. She looked under the trees, behind the pavilion, even poked her head into the koi pond.
Milim (pouting, dripping water):
"Not here… Not here either… Uncle Veldora, you're bad at hide and seek if you're taking this long!"
Still, no Veldora.
---
Meanwhile, at the pavilion, Lucia and Veldanava were having their morning tea. Lucia's eyes softened when she saw Milim running frantically around the garden.
Lucia (thinking, sighing):
"So she noticed already…"
She placed her cup down.
Lucia (calling out gently):
"Milim, dear. Come here for a moment."
Milim skipped over happily, expecting good news.
Milim (smiling):
"Do you know where Uncle Veldora's hiding? I can't find him anywhere!"
Lucia hesitated, her heart aching. Veldanava glanced at her, sipping his tea without a care in the world.
Veldanava (casual):
"He left."
The words hit Milim like a thunderclap.
Milim (frozen):
"…Eh?"
Lucia glared at her husband for his bluntness, but it was too late. Milim's eyes widened, her lip trembling.
Milim (shouting):
"HE LEFT!? Without saying goodbye to me!?"
The garden trembled with the sudden flare of her aura. Gaia whined softly, hiding behind a tree.
---
Velzard and Velgrynd, who had been enjoying a quiet morning stroll, instantly appeared, alarmed.
Velzard (serious):
"What happened? Why is Milim so upset?"
Velgrynd (frowning):
"Did someone dare to upset her?"
Milim stomped her foot, pointing accusingly at the sky.
Milim (furious, teary-eyed):
"Uncle Veldora ran away! He didn't even say goodbye! I HATE HIM!!"
Her voice cracked, and hot tears rolled down her cheeks.
Lucia rushed forward, kneeling and pulling Milim into a hug.
Lucia (soothing):
"There, there… He didn't leave because he doesn't care about you. Veldora is just… well… Veldora. He'll come back. I promise."
Milim buried her face in Lucia's chest, sobbing.
Milim (muffled):
"But I wanted to play with him more…"
---
Veldanava finally put down his teacup, stretching lazily.
Veldanava (calm, to himself):
"Well, I suppose when Veldora comes back, Milim will make him pay. That should be interesting."
Guy, who had been eavesdropping from the tree line, snorted.
Guy (smirking):
"I almost feel sorry for that idiot dragon. Almost."
---
As the sun climbed higher, Milim's tears slowed, though her anger remained.
Milim (sniffling, determined):
"Uncle Veldora is a big meanie. Next time he comes back, I'll make him play with me ALL day! And if he refuses…"
She clenched her tiny fists, her aura sparking like wildfire.
Milim (declaring proudly):
"I'll punish him with my Milim Kick!"
Lucia smiled softly, stroking Milim's hair.
Lucia (thinking):
"Veldora… you really don't know how much this little girl loves you."
She gazed out toward the distant horizon, where the Storm Dragon had vanished, unaware of the storm awaiting him upon his return.
---
To be continued…
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Author's Note:
Poor Veldora, running away seemed like the easy choice… but Milim won't forgive him so easily! 😂
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