Chapter 20: A Hero’s Farewell.

The early morning light crept softly into the camp, casting long shadows over the field where so many had fought and fallen. The smell of gunpowder still lingered in the air, mingling with the fresh breeze that promised a new day. The battlefield was eerily silent now, the sounds of war replaced by the quiet murmurs of soldiers and the occasional clang of metal as equipment was gathered.

In the medical tent, Ava lay quietly, her breathing steady but shallow. Bandages covered her wounds, and though she was out of immediate danger, exhaustion had taken its toll. Miko stood at her side, his arms crossed, eyes flicking toward the entrance each time it stirred. Talon sat on a stool, Ava’s sword resting on his lap, his fingers tracing the hilt absentmindedly. He hadn’t left her side, not since the battle had ended, not even for a moment.

Outside, Commander Sterling moved among the injured, his boots crunching on the dirt as he stopped by each cot, offering quiet words of encouragement and gratitude. His voice was soft but firm, a reminder that the battle had been won, though the cost had been high.

"You fought bravely," he said to a young Sentinel, his leg heavily bandaged. "We’re taking you home. You’ve done your duty."

The young soldier nodded, his face pale but filled with pride. "Thank you, sir."

Inside the tent, Ava rested, her breathing steady but weak. Miko and Talon stood beside her, the bond between them palpable. Talon, still holding her sword, stared at the blade, his expression distant. The weight of the battle clung to him, and for once, the easy grin he was known for was nowhere to be found.

Miko leaned against the tent pole, his eyes scanning the camp outside. "This one took a lot out of us," he murmured, his voice low. "We lost good people."

Talon nodded, his grip on Ava’s sword tightening. "Too many. This one felt different," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "Like we almost didn’t make it."

Miko sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "But we did. We held the line, and we won."

Talon looked over at Ava, his eyes softening. "I thought I lost her, Miko. I’ve seen her take hits before, but this…" His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the words.

Miko glanced at Ava, his face somber. "She’s tough, Talon. If anyone can come back from this, it’s her."

Talon gave a weak chuckle, shaking his head. "Yeah, she’s too damn stubborn to let this be the end. But still... seeing her like that. I don’t know, man. It messed me up."

Miko placed a hand on Talon’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. "You saved her, Talon. You did what you always do—brought her back."

Talon let out a long breath, his hand running through his hair. "I guess. But it doesn’t feel like enough."

Miko’s voice was calm but firm. "It’s enough, Talon. Trust me. She’s still here, and we’re all still standing. That’s enough."

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Sterling continued through the rows, stopping at each soldier’s side to offer his respect. When he finally reached Ava’s tent, he paused at the entrance, his gaze falling on the scene inside. He stepped in quietly, his presence immediately felt by Talon and Miko.

Ava stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open as Sterling approached. She was weak, but awake, her gaze meeting his with quiet determination.

Sterling stopped at the foot of her bed, his expression softening as he spoke. "You've got a line of soldiers both inside and outside this tent who owe you their lives, Sentinel. They want to pay their respects."

Ava smiled weakly, her voice a faint rasp. "Just doing my job, Commander."

Sterling nodded, his respect for her evident. "And you did it well. We couldn’t have pulled this off without you."

Ava's eyes flickered to Talon, who gave her a reassuring nod. "Talon and Miko had my back, as always," she whispered.

Sterling turned his attention to Talon and Miko, his voice filled with the same admiration. "You both showed incredible bravery. Relay my thanks to the ADF as well, Miko. They fought with everything they had."

Miko gave a nod, his usual humor absent, replaced by a somber respect. "Will do, Commander."

Sterling continued, his tone growing more serious. "We’re releasing the Reclaimer soldiers who were forced into service. Keith asked to stay with us, and we’ve agreed."

Ava’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment, her strength waning. Sterling looked at her, concern creasing his brow. "Rest, Ronin," he said gently. "You’ve earned it."

Ava managed a faint smile, her eyes barely open. "Thank you, Commander," she whispered before sleep claimed her again, her body too exhausted to continue.

Sterling turned to Talon, his voice lowering. "We’ll be preparing vehicles to take you back to Green Arbor. We have things under control here."

Talon nodded, still gripping Ava’s sword tightly. "Appreciate it," he replied, his voice rough with emotion.

As the sun rose higher, the camp began to stir with preparations for departure. Soldiers packed up their gear, and the wounded were carefully loaded into the waiting vehicles. When it came time for Ava to be moved, a line of soldiers formed outside the tent, standing silently in a show of respect as she was gently carried out and placed in the back of a jeep. Each soldier saluted her as she passed, their eyes filled with gratitude for her bravery.

Talon and Miko watched the scene unfold, the weight of the battle still heavy on their shoulders. Talon turned to the medic who had cared for Ava, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes despite the gravity of the moment. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her full on the lips, causing the medic to blush furiously.

"You know where to find me," he said with a wink before climbing into the jeep.

Miko shook his head with a chuckle. "You never miss an opportunity, do you?"

Talon grinned, his old bravado slipping back into place. "Life’s too short, Miko."

As the convoy rolled out, Talon sat beside Ava, watching her breathe softly, her face pale but peaceful. Miko sat across from them, his arms resting on his knees as the jeep rumbled over the rough terrain.

After a long stretch of silence, Talon spoke, his voice soft. "I thought we were going to lose her, Miko."

Miko nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We almost did. But she’s stronger than both of us combined."

Talon smiled faintly, his eyes never leaving Ava. "Yeah. She always pulls through."

As the convoy approached the familiar outskirts of Green Arbor, the tension began to lift. The battle was behind them, but the scars remained, both visible and unseen. They were returning not just as warriors, but as survivors—bound together by the blood they had spilled and the battles they had fought side by side.

Talon glanced down at the sword resting on his lap, his hand gently tracing the blade. "Think they’ll throw us a parade?"

Miko laughed softly, shaking his head. "Maybe not. But I think we’ll get a warm welcome."

Ava stirred slightly, her voice a faint whisper. "No parades, Talon."

Talon smiled, his eyes softening. "Yeah, I know. But it wouldn’t hurt."

Miko grinned, leaning back as the convoy continued its journey home. The weight of the battles hung heavy on their hearts, but as the walls of Green Arbor came into view, they knew they had made it.

And for now, that was enough.