A Day of Pure Joy... and the Artist of Death
The happiest moment shattered as the cold air of a blood-soaked dawn and a brushing wind woke me. I turned my head. The kids had already shifted back into their dinosaur forms, huddling together in sleep. It must have gotten chilly. I carefully sat up, moving as quietly as possible to avoid waking them. Then I shifted my gaze. The incubator. Staring at the egg resting silently inside, I murmured softly.
"…You came as a new family member."
"And I couldn't even pay proper attention… sorry."
After gazing at it a moment longer, I slowly stood. Stretching lightly, I headed outside. It was night here too, just like inside—starlight flowing, air crisp and cold. I looked up at the sky.
"…So time flows the same inside and out."
Confirming the time zones matched, I turned back, grabbed a blanket from outside, and returned to the kids. I gently draped it over them and slipped in among their warm bodies. It was cozy. I closed my eyes right there.
How much time passed? The next day, the kids started waking one by one, and we rolled around playfully, enjoying a leisurely morning. Then a thought struck me. I bolted upright.
"Kids, play for a bit on your own."
"Dad's gotta check something."
They nodded, and I immediately began testing my ability. Jurassic World. How far could I push this power? I moved slowly, checking each feature one by one.
First, exiting from outside to inside. You always emerged at the initial entry point. That was fixed. But entering from outside was different. If I pictured a location in my mind, I could teleport straight there.
I thought of the sea. Activated the ability. Suddenly, a vast blue ocean stretched before me.
"…Location-specific teleport."
I muttered and tried again. This time, the forest. Then another area. Wherever I thought of, I warped precisely there.
"…This."
"Has way more utility than I thought."
I slowly surveyed the surroundings. It wasn't just a simple space. It was a full-fledged 'world'.
As I experimented, the kids gradually wandered over. They'd been playing fine until moments ago, but now they seemed bored. I dusted off my hands, deciding.
For now… that's enough for today.
Then.
"Dad."
Psi called out.
"What're we doing today?"
I pondered briefly.
"Hmm…"
"Train like usual, then hang out with you guys?"
At my words, the kids exchanged glances. Then they all looked at me.
"Dad."
"…Can't we go to the amusement park?"
I froze for a second.
"Amusement park?"
Their eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement. After a moment's thought, I chuckled.
"…No reason we can't."
"Let's go."
At those words, their faces lit up like the sun. We left Jurassic World right away and headed home. Quick wash-up, change of clothes, all prepped. The kids were already buzzing with energy. I booked tickets fast on my phone.
At the amusement park entrance, it was less crowded than expected. Weekday perk, probably. I gripped Compi, Compf, and Compa's hands tightly.
"Kids."
"Lots of people here,"
"so don't wander off from Dad. Got it?"
All three nodded vigorously.
"Yes!"
We strolled deeper in. Laughter echoed everywhere. Flashy rides glittered. The kids' eyes darted nonstop. I smiled at the sight and asked,
"Alright."
"What should we ride first?"
We wandered, but issues cropped up sooner than expected. Few rides accommodated everyone. Psi and Dmol were too short for several due to height limits. I looked a bit disappointed, but the kids were thrilled anyway.
"Dad! I wanna ride that!"
Compi pointed at a little train-shaped ride. I chuckled.
"Okay, that one it is."
Children's Express Train. A slow loop on mini tracks. I loaded up Psi, Dmol, Compi, Compf, and Compa. As it chugged off, they waved out the windows.
"Dad!"
"Watch us!"
I waved back with a grin. Beside me, Kent stood quietly. I asked softly,
"Having fun?"
Kent watched the kids a moment, then smiled faintly.
"…Yeah."
"This kind of play… isn't bad."
I nodded.
"Right?"
The kids piled off, faces flushed with excitement.
"Dad! Again!"
"Now over there!"
We roamed more. Little rides. Balloon shooting. Cotton candy. Sweet scents from snack stalls. Compi, Compf, and Compa smeared each other with theirs, giggling. Psi and Dmol laughed along. Kent trailed quietly, stealing glances at me now and then. I pretended not to notice and smiled.
Then the carousel.
"This one's for all of us."
I helped them onto the horses one by one. Music played, horses began their gentle spin. The kids beamed.
"Dad! You watching?"
"This is awesome!"
I just watched, soaking it in. Sunlight. Laughter. My kids. It was perfect.
We walked, rode, ate, laughed. Time slipped by unnoticed. Until sunset painted the sky orange.
I murmured quietly,
"…What a great day."
Finally, the big event: the parade. I pulled the kids close.
"Stick tight—crowd's gonna thicken."
"Yes!"
They pressed against me. Soon, music boomed. Dong—dong—dong— A heartbeat rhythm. Lights approached from afar. The parade began.
Trucks decked in dazzling lights rolled by. Performers in glittering costumes waved and smiled. Giant character balloons floated slowly overhead. The kids' eyes widened.
"Whoa…"
Compi swallowed hard.
"Dad… look at that…"
Colors bathed everything; music swelled. Cheers mixed with kids' gasps. I glanced up. Boom—fireworks burst. Blossoms of light bloomed across the night sky, dyeing it vivid hues.
"Woooow—!!"
The kids shouted in unison. Compi, Compf, and Compa clutched my arms. Psi and Dmol scooted closer. Kent watched silently, mesmerized. Fireworks chained off: red, blue, gold. The sky transformed endlessly.
I looked around quietly. The kids. Smiling. Utterly happy.
"…Perfect."
I whispered. This moment felt too precious to end.
A parade float passed; one final massive burst lit the heavens before fading. Music stopped. Applause rippled. Then quiet.
I looked down at the kids.
"Fun?"
They nodded eagerly.
"Yes!!"
I smiled. And thought quietly,
So peaceful… so fun.
I wished it could last just a bit longer.
The crowd dispersed toward the exit. Kids chattered excitedly.
"Did you see those fireworks?"
"So pretty!"
"Let's come again!"
I smiled at them. Then—
A strange scent tickled my nose. Fishy. Blood.
I stopped. A scream pierced nearby.
"Kyaaack!!"
I whipped around instinctively.
"Stay here, kids."
I bolted toward the sound.
There stood a man. Dagger in one hand. Brush in the other. Body drenched in blood—like paint splattered on canvas. I narrowed my eyes.
He tilted his head slowly, meeting my gaze. His eyes… unnaturally serene.
Sirens wailed across the park. Emergency alert. An announcement followed.
"An emergency has occurred in the facility."
"All visitors, please evacuate immediately."
He ignored it, posing dramatically like a stage actor.
"Everyone."
He spoke.
"Nice to meet you."
A grotesque smile spread.
"I am"
He raised the brush.
"an artist who paints death."
He lifted the dagger slowly.
"…Deadwalker."
I tried to process. But my body moved first. He approached a trembling woman on the ground, dagger poised casually.
I struck his wrist. Thwack.
"Ugh…!"
The blade missed. I gritted my teeth.
"What the hell… are you doing?"
Deadwalker paused. Turned slowly to me.
"…And who might you be?"
His voice was eerily calm. Then he smiled.
"Don't…"
"interfere with my artwork."