In the dark generator room, Andres trudged his Knight over to Kobe’s and knelt down next to it. “Kara, are you there? Kobe?” Andres waited for a response, but none came. “Please, God, let them be alive…”

  As Andres bowed his head in prayer, faint Teal Waves drifted from his Knight, swirling gently before seeping into the crystal in his hand.

  Bella contacted Andres through the Comm Channel, but there was still some inference. “Minion! Finally, this connection is better than nothing. Status report.”

  “I eliminated Tiberius and retrieved the crystal…” Andres said, defeated.

  “What’s wrong, Andres? Was Kobe able to help you? Where’s Kara?” Andres didn’t answer, and Bella sighed. “Marcus is on his way, he’ll help you bring Kobe back. The 1st Fleet is getting into position to destroy the Fortress. Get out as soon as you can.”

  “Roger, Bella.” Andres turned to see Marcus approaching him. “Did you take care of the business you needed to?”

  “I did. Good work here, man.” Marcus saw Kobe’s Knight and sighed. “Let’s get him out of here.”

  Andres nodded, and together they lifted Kobe’s broken Knight, carrying it out of the fortress. As they soared toward the Cairo, the battlefield below unfolded in retreat. The Republic’s ground forces withdrew into the dense cover of the Jaxartes forest. Overhead, Admiral Otto maneuvered his two remaining Embers into position, their cannons unleashing. The once-mighty walls of Darkhan trembled under the onslaught before finally collapsing into ruin.

  On board the Cairo, they were relieved to find that although battered and unconscious, Kobe was still alive. Before Kobe was taken by medical personnel, Mai and Rachel returned and wished him well. The Boltus pilots embraced one another as Bella joined them.

  “The war will soon be over thanks to your efforts. I’m so proud of you all. Go get some rest, you deserve it.”

  The Boltus pilots nodded in agreement and set off to find a place to rest, but Andres remained behind. Bella placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you’re hurting, but tell me what happened.”

  Andres ran his hand through his hair. “Tiberius stuck a device on my Knight, and Kara said she couldn’t hold on. I don’t know what happened to her… Is she gone…? She said there was something important she wanted to tell me. I wanted to know what it was, but now I just want to thank her. She’s the one who got me this far.”

  Bella was more flustered than Andres had ever seen her. “If there’s any chance she’s still with us, I’ll find her. I promise you, favorite Minion,”

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Thank you, Bella,” Andres said, hugging her.

  “Go rest. Keep your phone close for the next few days. I’m certain we’ll be getting invitations to celebrations and ceremonies soon.”

  “Will do, I’ll talk to you soon, Bella.”

  ***

  Over the next few days, a provisional government was formed in the north, and they sued for peace with the Ryzan Republic and the Kingdom of Turan. The war was over, and as Bella predicted, the Boltus pilots were invited to a ceremony honoring the efforts of those who fought. During the ceremony, they formally introduced Lucia as Princess Massena of Turan. She delivered a speech emphasizing the continued cooperation between her kingdom and the Republic to uphold and ensure lasting peace.

  Lucia winked at the Boltus pilots as she thanked them. Everyone's jaws dropped at the revelation, everyone except Marcus and Bella, who had known all along.

  They could only grin as Mai scolded them for not telling her, especially since she acted so casually with a royal. After the ceremony, they all sat together for a celebratory dinner.

  Marcus turned to Andres. “Andres, you need to know that the outcome of this war would have been so different without you. I’m not so sure any of us would have made it; the war would probably still be going on.”

  Andres sighed. “I don’t know about any of that, but I’m glad I got to support my best friend.”

  Lucia approached their table. “He’s right, Andres. From all the reports I’ve read, you have contributed significantly to the peace we now have on the continent. You have my thanks for that, and for bringing this one back home safely.” She grinned at Marcus.

  Marcus patted Andres on the back and stood up. “See, Andres? I thought you should know that before Lucia and I go and discuss political matters.”

  “Oh yes, purely political matters,” Lucia replied playfully as she took Marcus by the arm and pulled him away.

  A now recovered Kobe noticed his daughter growing cranky. Sharing a knowing glance with Nicole, they began gathering their things, preparing to leave for the night. Before they left, Kobe approached Andres. “Andres, I have to thank you for your prayer,”

  “You think that made a difference?”

  “I know it did, that’s why I’m still here. You have powerful prayers, brother. I hope you will keep praying and talking to God. We gotta go, but we’ll see you soon.”

  Andres scanned the room, noticing Bella laughing with Admiral Otto, clearly enjoying each other’s company. His eyes shifted to Mai and Rachel, who seemed out of place, their expressions distant and uninterested. When Mai caught his gaze, he braced himself for a scolding. But instead, she spoke to him, her tone unexpected. “We’re gonna go visit Akari, want to come with us?”

  Andres gave a silent nod, and together, they stood up, ready to leave the room.

  Bella called after them. “You all leaving so soon?” The three of them briefly filled Bella in on their plans before turning to greet Admiral Otto.

  “Take care, then, we’ll be in touch. I haven’t forgotten what we talked about, Andres. I promise.” Andres thanked Bella and took his leave.

  ***

  At the cemetery, Andres paused to visit the graves of Santos and Julius, quietly thanking them for their friendship and the lessons they’d imparted. As he walked back to Akari’s grave, he caught snippets of Mai and Rachel’s conversation..

  “Hey sis, look!” Mai held up the medal that the Boltus pilots were awarded for their contributions to the war. “You’re a hero, and everyone knows how amazing you are! W-we got him for you…I cut him to pieces!” Mai got angry and clenched her fists. “So why…why don’t I feel any better…” Mai sank to her knees, brushing away tears as they fell. Her trembling fingers traced Akari’s name etched into the tombstone, lingering on each letter.

  Rachel knelt down next to Mai. “I think Akari would tell you that having hate in your heart won’t heal it.”

  “I don’t know what to do with all this anger and frustration, Rachel!” Mai cried.

  “I don’t either… We can try to do all the things we know Akari would love to do for her. Maybe that will help…”

  Mai took a deep breath, stood, and faced Akari’s grave. “I’m gonna be the best MAV pilot we have, for you, Akari.” She turned to Andres and pointed. “You got that! I’ll be Bella’s favorite moving forward!”

  Andres smiled at her. “If that’s a challenge, you’re on.” They clasped hands firmly, sealing their newfound rivalry with Rachel standing as witness.