Chapter 272 The Calm Before the Cosmic Storm
As I floated above Mercury, a strange sense of calm washed over me. I knew this was only temporary, and soon I would be faced with a battle that would decide the fate of not just Earth but humans as well. But for now, everything was still.
"I've been thinking," I began, my voice soft in the silence of space. "You said peace is a state where everyone can live together in harmony and feel safe just being themselves." Dawn remained silent, letting me continue. "That may be true, but what if there's more to it than that? What if the real key to peace isn't just respect and understanding, but actual unity?"
[What do you mean?] she asked cautiously.
"I mean, we need to find a way to bring everyone together so that it's no longer about winners or losers, right? It's about working side by side for the greater good."
[I understand what you're getting at, but how do you propose to accomplish such a thing?]
"If I'm honest, I don't know yet. But there has to be a way. If we could figure out a way to neutralize the Cleaners and create some form of stability in the universe, maybe then others would see the value in making peace instead of war."
For several moments, Dawn didn't respond. And then, finally: [It's a noble goal, Daniel. But with each new species and world we discover, we find more reasons why they fight rather than work together. That's not going to change overnight.]
"I know," I admitted. "But just because it's difficult doesn't mean it's impossible. Maybe all it takes is one person – or one being – to start the process."
[Haven't you already tried that, though? As the Guardian of Earth, you've done your best to protect your people.]
"And look where that got us," I replied bitterly. "We're on the brink of destruction, and the entire universe is against us. Clearly, playing defense isn't enough anymore. We need to be proactive, not just reactive."
There was a long pause before Dawn spoke again. [Perhaps you're right. But remember, even if you manage to defeat the Cleaners, there will always be another threat around the corner. Peace is something that must be constantly worked towards and maintained.]
"I know that better than anyone," I replied, thinking of all the battles I had fought. "The point is, we cannot give up on it, even when it seems hopeless."
Dawn seemed to consider this for a moment before responding. [Then let us continue on our current path. Regardless of whether we achieve lasting peace or simply push back impending darkness for a short time, it is still worth fighting for.]
I nodded, knowing she was right. We couldn't predict the future, nor could we control the actions of others. All we could do was strive to be better and act in the best interest of those we cared for. Even if our attempts fell short, perhaps there would come a time when someone else would pick up the mantle and carry our dreams forward.
With that, I left Dawn and continued my journey through the vast expanse of space; I contemplated the enormity of our mission. There were so many factors beyond our control, and the possibility of failure loomed large in my mind. But I knew, deep down, peace was something that I needed to put away.
War was already on Earth, and my Guardians were already fighting with the Gideons. Their battle was going good so far, but from what I could tell, the Gideons were still feeling us out. They had not committed any more than small groups of mechs, but those small groups were holding well.
My fight was nearing as well, but I wasn't thinking about it.
"Do you think that you can win?" The Great Red Eye asked as a swirling red form that only I could see.
"No."
"Good. At least you understand. These creatures have been alive longer than some stars have existed. The Sisters are deadly like nothing you have ever seen before."
"Why are you speaking to me now?" I asked since this was the first time since I had absorbed the being that it had spoken.
"Your life is connected to mine and mine to you. Our fates have twined together, and it is clear you are going to fight a losing battle. If you cease to exist or become a slave, so do I," The figure said, and then red glowing eyes appeared in its face. "I did not leave the safety of my dimension just to be killed or a slave. Do you understand?"
"Yes, what happens to me, happens to you, but I have to give it my all. If I run now, I will just have to fight again."
"True, but you need to be prepared to leave when you fail. This is not a question of if you will, but when."
"You really don't have any faith in me, do you?"
"And you do not understand just what you are up against. The runt that you captured is not the same as her sisters, and they will not be tricked like Calishora. These creatures subjugate entire galaxies or destroy them. There is no in-between for them. The only reason this galaxy is still intact is that you have something that they need. Remember that when you are fighting them since I know nothing I can say will stop you."
With that, the Great Red Eye vanished, leaving me to my thoughts once more. Its dire warnings weighed heavily on my mind, but I couldn't afford to let them deter me. I had come this far, and there was no turning back now. The fate of Earth and humanity rested on my shoulders, and even if victory seemed impossible, I knew I had to try.
As I continued on my journey toward the decisive battle, I couldn't help but think about what Dawn had said earlier – that maybe all it took was one person or one to start the process toward peace. At that moment, I realized that I may not be able to create lasting peace in the universe, but perhaps I could plant the seeds of hope for future generations.
Maybe, just maybe, my actions could inspire others to strive for a better tomorrow. Even if the odds were seemingly insurmountable, I wouldn't give up on the dream of true peace. It was a worthy goal and one that deserved every ounce of effort I could muster.
The void of space around me seemed to stretch on forever as I flew towards the Sisters' location, dwarfing any sense of scale I had previously experienced. Despite the vastness of the cosmos, however, I felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through my veins. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them head-on.
And so, with a heavy heart and unshakable determination, I prepared myself for the cosmic storm that awaited me. Though the shadows of doubt and despair loomed ever closer, I refused to falter. For Earth, for my friends, and for the countless lives hanging in the balance, I would fight until I couldn't, but I would not let everything be for nothing.
This was my impossible quest for true peace, and I would see it through to the very end.
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