16th Day of the Virgo Stage, 99:45 OVT

In the deepest reaches of space, one is certain that somewhere out there, there's life. It doesn't matter what kind of life it is, it's presence is what matters the most. With all the stars seen in every bit of it, it's seen as something peaceful and serene for a living being, perhaps for a Human as well. As one can certainly imagine, it sure looks like it, but not the way many believe.

It's believed that space is like an ocean. Somewhere where the direction is aimless when it needs to, a paradise for explorers and curious travelers...but a living hell to stranded ones. A careful mind is always needed for these two scenarios if needed. But now...it would need a very keen eye to watch for yourself or others.

Amidst the everlasting stars, a humongous spaceship is present. It has a cylindrical-like ship with rough-edged structures around it while being held by two rings, one horizontally and one vertically. The cannon is one big round barrel. Alongside the huge ship is the large fleet surrounding it, hundreds of battleships, in various shapes and forms with a distinctive red and black lining around them.

The bulk of the Zlocan's conquest of dominance at hand, overseeing the many parts of the milky Way galaxy. With even the presence of a tiny combat ship, not even the remains are guaranteed to be left.

Inside, it feels like one giant palace or even city, with crew-members working their guts out in every assignment they can get. Firepower, training, technicality, the usual stuff when managing a huge place like this one. And whether it's fun or not depends on the Zlocan's definition of enjoyment...something probably not worth touching on.

In a large room, groups of Zlocan guards positioned left and right stand still while holding their pikes steadily while awaiting someone who has a very important presence in the empire. The gate opens steadily, revealing an incoming large figure.

With the huge stature, grandiose armor worthy of any king and one mask that's able to impose fear anywhere it goes, Malgan's presence indicates the start of something that can equal to be coronated of worthy praise. Even though said praise can't be felt with something like Malgan.

In front of Malgan there's a large table present, with more than 40 posts in it, even though for now they're empty.

Some moment of silence passes on, almost nothing. That is until Malgan himself swings his large staff and loudly hits the floor with it.

"I welcome the vassals of the empire for a grand gathering," he says with an imposing tone.

Within seconds after the statement, holograms begin to emerge from each seat, each one revealing a different person, likely one reserved for such seat. Male or Female, young or old, the sight of each type of person could be seen by the holograms of the Zlocan high command beginning their reunion, with their grand decorated suits and armor, while others wearing elegant suits with a hint of beauty to show.

"Oh grand kujar, it's an honor to see you once more," one of the men says, a general from the looks of his uniform.

"Indeed, your face will be the symbol synonymous with the new era that the galaxy awaits," another one says.

"Pretty compliments, but not understandable enough to see what's beyond the face." Malgan retorts.

"Indeed. Who can forget the wondrous actions you've made in the name of the empire?" a female minister says.

"Then name them, fellow vassals."

"The 42nd and 66th directives, the most successful operations that made sure that your vision will come true for the galaxy. 300 planets have undergone such directives and now 150 had been successfully carried out. Soon, there will be fewer weaklings to take notice on, present or not and more of their outdated and symbolic richness and culture to replace," a young Zlocan man says.

"Splendid."

"The re-education program to make sure that all living beings found to leave their weakness behind and accept us as their new savior and you will guide them. Who thought that one such program ensures that many will leave their weakness behind?"

"A great feat indeed!"

"Last but not least, your successful campaign in the Scutum-Centaurus Arm which managed to annihilate a chunk of the so-called Coalition, leaving a large chunk of their forces on the run and almost leaving us unopposed."

"Yes, very well my people. With the correct use of power at hand, I can make the unlimited power that the galaxy desired of, with not a sign of peace in sight, and then, we shall take our own ways beyond the Milky Way so we can create the perfect universe. Fellow vassals, a new universe is at hand and I will be the new god, a true one!"

The people then start clapping from his statement and from making themselves proud of knowing the kujar well. And no one cared if he could be the new god, as long as they serve him well, all will be fine.

"Now, let's check the situations in some sectors. Firstly, what's the current situation in Terra, Commandant Muzli?"

"Well...it's contained for now...but there's something complicated," he says.

"What do you mean...complicated?" Malgan replies, this time with a quieter tone as the others look on him.

He calmly keeps his posture, but it's clear from his constantly pressing hands that there's something up on him that makes him nervous.

"I've just gained recent reports from the Inquisition in their operations...you already know about the captured one, but there's been a raid to one of the facilities for the test subjects of the 42nd Directive, leaving everyone on the run their whereabouts are unknown."

"A successful countering of the directive?"

"Y-yes, my kujar..."

"...Bring me to Raven, now." Malgan says, this time with a more restrained angrier tone.

"Yes, my kujar."

The hologram then vanishes for a brief second, until a new started to activate in its place, revealing none other than the main Inquisitor himself.

"You summoned me?"

"May I request you about what the commandant just report-"

"Yes. But you needn't be worried because I have the plan on hand to make sure that the possible spark of rebellion will be put down." Raven interrupts.

"A plan...something involving the Human group?"

"Affirmative. Recent encounters with a growing group indicate the presence of one of the last Soranians left, a girl to be exact. They seem working fine so far, but that's only just because they've met and believed that her looks are a sign that they're on their side, almost looking distant to you. But, you may have heard of this great flaw from many beings. It's called tribalism, right?"

"You mean when all people oppose another because they're not them, you mean?" an elderly Zlocan general asks.

"Quite precise. I've conducted a long study on the race's actions through the years and in every disaster or calamity that happens, the first usual action to come up in their minds is scapegoating. When someone not part of them gets involved or is present in such calamity, then the outsider will take the most blame, and soon if said outsider gained friends...well, a rift guarantees it. And with a rift, teams are split apart. And with a team split, regardless of powers, the huge numbers will overrun them. And without a team, there will be nothing to fear for a long time."

"...Quite an excellent plan there, Raven. Because of it, I'll spare the life of Commandant Muzli for now given your plan...but if that plan doesn't go as you intend to..."

"The commandant is the one responsible for it. Our priorities are our own, and the Zlocans theirs. You know how much the handling of a planet can lie on a commandant and you know how they should handle any force present on their planet."

"You are correct."

"Raven out." Raven's hologram vanishes, Muzli appears once more.

"Commandant Muzli...ensure that your appointment is of good use or else you'll find the mistake of misusing it."

"It shall be proven, my kujar."

"Very good. This war has gone in our favor for a long time, but if there's a spark that will spread across the galaxy, then all decisions on your fates are by myself. But if you dare..."

"No no, we won't fail you grand Kujar, the vassals have done well so far!" one general says.

"Indeed, we served you well and always will!" another general says, this time a female.

The others could only nod or just confirm their absolute loyalty to him.

"Just as I knew. Remember, with great power?"

"Comes great victory!" the whole conference says in unison. Malgan could only chuckle in response.

"You will obey me...and you WILL follow me, to the new dawn of a new era...."

----------------------------------

August 16th, 23:09. PST

Back in the Warriors' safe house, the dusk has settled from the long battle. The warriors have gathered many unexpected warriors in the path that will be likely enough for an attracting attention of the remnants of the world governments. They may not have the looks of an effective force, but there's always something beyond first impressions that people could imagine.

But perhaps, that won't be the case as usual.

Logan, Tany, Lucy, Andrei, and Amira are sleeping inside the house while Malak, Jackson, Eddie, and Seiner invigilate outside the house in the case for something suspicious coming for them.

So far, nothing.

Seiner taps his left foot two times, while Jackson leans towards one of the wood pillars of the cabin, Eddie, and Malak simply holds their weapons steadily while trying to keep a straight face in their task.

Surely, a handful of fun could be needed but that may not be necessary.

"Guess we beat 'em good, right? Maybe a nap may be needed now." Eddie says.

"Tsk tsk tsk, remember not getting too drawn to a comfortable rest or else you'll let your guard down,"Malak replies slyly at him.

"Got that right then, heh!" Jack says.

"Ehmm, people still want to take the worst of it then..."

"Oh is not that bad, dear Eddie. Just be glad that you're with fellow people now, otherwise, you're as deadbeat like a penniless loner."

"Ah, drop it, no need to be reminded again!"

"Well, being part of a nation that's been feeding mouths for some time after the war may not give you the best impression, but yeah..." Jack replies.

"Americans these days..." Seiner mutters in the quietest tone he could think of.

"And Iranians?" Malak slyly replies while leaning near Eddie, apparently, her hearing is much keener than everyone could think of.

"Gaah! I...you know that I'm not the one into such silly conversations and tease, it's not my appetite in this dang life."

"Well, you seem quite sharper in attitude, but not sure if that could give you the best of friends," Malak replied in a snarky manner.

Seiner presses his lips together while frowning like no tomorrow and adjusts his glasses in a rushed manner.

"...Not funny then. Well, moving on then."

"Say boy...what did you do before this hellhole?" Eddie asked.

"Studied at Harvard, all the fields in scientific notations even though my father worked for the justice system...nothing special."

"Harvard...top class citizen then. Well, a cop is a top class I guess, but I find it crap anyways." Eddie says.

"Well, we ain't got nothing special either...I mean a job in security in there and such, well, common citizens is what we are. Or maybe except for that alien girl who we may know more of her, and probably beyond the being we've just seen in the recent days." Jackson says.

"I'd rather prefer to drown myself in mud instead of seeing more of her. I don't think she's that trustworthy enough with us or to know about more Aliens."

"Already so judgy? Come on, pretty boy." Malak says.

This makes Seiner blush and turns his gaze away from Malak while Eddie and Jack chuckle in amusement.

"Haven't you embarrassed me enough, lady?!"

"Well, yeah, I've noticed you've been too hard on her as far as I can tell, so you need to cheer up a bit to her for now. Otherwise, you'll get another handful of my mouth."

While they continued to speak, the door opens up, revealing a figure with a nice green sweater, yet it's unusually short. And the person's skin is nothing more but grey. It's none other than Amira who just woke up for some reason.

Seiner immediately notices her as the others keep up with the conversation.

"What you're doing now, Amira?" Seiner asks.

Amira gets a bit startled and turns in surprise for someone having seen her again while the rest are asleep.

"Being a sleepwalker now, cutie Alien?" Malak asks.

"Huh? Oh, not that...it's just that even if I want to, I can't sleep, not just yet."

"It's because of your brother, right?" Jackson asks.

"Yes...and no."

"And to enjoy the good ol'nature? Won't complain if that's the other part...for an Alien." Eddie says.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Well...maybe so."

Seiner simply nods, albeit condescendingly.

"You know...this planet is very similar to other ones I've visited right before the war. All lush and green and filled with life in any form. And the most important duty for the inhabitants is to take good care of such beauty while it lasts. But regardless, seeing this place with so much green made me wonder why Earth wasn't properly checked back then. Just maybe...just maybe."

Malak then chuckles in response.

"Kindred fauna, isn't it?"

"Just a good rocket to travel to the stars will convince me, otherwise, ain't following any of it," Eddie replies.

"Heh, stubborn old man..." Jackson snarkily retorts.

"Say again?!"

"Just being honest, man."

Eddie then stomps his foot in frustration while Malak and Jack chuckle in amusement, while Seiner gazed at them shyly, quite interesting to see from him.

"Hmm, Humanity is really worth interacting after all."

"Don't forget that we can be a rosy bunch sometimes, gal," Jackson replies.

"Well, you can put that way even though it's more than that- I mean, pfff, whatever," Seiner says, this time with a bit more curious side coming out of him.

"Seiner? You're feeling unusual today, man."

"Nothing, just carry on."

"Mm-hmm. Now, another question Amira, is there something else we have in common with beings in the universe as far as we're concerned? Just wanting to know, that's all." Jackson asks.

"Well...if there's something else that I can think of...there's so much I would like to-"

But before she could think of another comparison, he stops right when he sees behind his teammates a figure that rises from the bushes, wielding a rocket launcher, which makes her gasp in horror.

"Wait, did you find out something terrible, Amira?" Eddie asks.

"Wait, the position of her eyes...IT'S AN ENEMY SOLDIER!" Jackson yells as he pulls his gun from his holster and proceeds to shoot the target many times in various parts of his body.

He's killed right in time as was about to pull the trigger to fire the rocket, which the impact of each bullet caused him to jerk his arm upwards while it fired the rocket, hitting a nearby tree branch.

VOOMP!

The burning leaves and branches fall onto the wood house, in which the small fire causes it to spread around it.

"The others! Get them out now!" Jackson says.

"Reinforcements!" Malak yells as she notices a Zlocan patrol coming by from the shadows and proceed to open fire on the group. Malak swiftly dodges every laser bolt in her way by taking cover near one of the wood planks near the stairs while Eddie and Jackson take cover in nearby trees or bushes, pulling out their guns to fire back whatever they can.

"Not the usual evening party, eh Malak?" Eddie says.

"I don't remember any of them having laser bolts for shit!" Malak replies

"But still better than a crazy man with a hockey mask around?"

"Oh shut up and keep shooting the bastards!"

She then pulls her bow and plants some arrows near the lock locator. She aims carefully near one of the firing positions of the Zlocu patrol, while breathing profoundly, useful when aiming carefully with a bow and arrow.

After breathing profoundly again and dodging some of the fire, she closes her for a brief moment, all with an almost unflinching stance.

"Let the almighty tame my sights to defend the helpless...let them take my bow to the poisoner of said helplessness...I too shall tame their hatred...for that..."

SCHWAFF! SCHWAFF! SCHWAFF! SCHWAFF!

The four arrows then fire away from the locator, flying rapidly as they could from the force of the pull.

They all hit four of the Knights hiding among the bushes.

"Peace will be found."

Malak eventually puts her arrow on her back again, thinking it's all over.

Some other Zlocan Knights come out as well, trying to aim their blasts to Malak.

But before they could know it.

BANG! BANG!

Two are struck down by bullets and fall dead.

All coming from both Jack and Eddie themselves.

The former simply holster it back to his belt, the latter blows the smoke away from the barrel, starts twirling the revolver around until he holsters it back with style.

"Ain't we a good pack, right Jacko?" Eddie says.

"A bit of a start, but damn right we shall be."

The door opens from the fiery house, Logan, Tany, Lucy, and Andrei come out rapidly from it while grabbing their bags containing important objects to them while Seiner and Tany escort them to safety.

"Who played with fire for this?!" Tany yells.

"I swear to you it was an accident..." Jackson replies sheepishly while covering his gun with his hands.

"Accident or not, you're still naughty enough for me to give you a hundred ways to ground you, but since we're on war, that won't serve much!"

"More escape, less grounding comrades! Also, I wonder which ride should we pick..." Andrei says.

"Easy boy, we all can travel with this piece of beauty that can take us to anywhere as we like!" Eddie proudly says as he points towards the truck he and Malak used when they first met.

"Don't you think Seiny's cool boxes might be better?" Tany asks.

"Bah! We don't some garbage technology right now!"

"Come on, don't you think it would be faster, you old geezer?" Malak asks.

"I say we go with this beautiful truck! And when I say so, I say so!"

Eddie then tries to approach the truck itself to open the cargo door, but then a huge laser blast is fired from above and impacts the truck, causing it to explode massively, with enough force to push Eddie back in the ground while the others watch in shock. It's a Zlocan Earth fighter flying from above and then flown back to an unknown place.

"Guess we should hurry up!" Logan yells.

Malak then picks up Eddie from the ground while he grumbled irritatingly at the destruction of something that he oddly loved. After brushing off some of the dirt in the suit, Eddie then comes up with something.

"The garbage will do..."

"Glad you said so, CHROME TRUCK GO!"

He then tosses one of his boxes to the ground, digitizing into the shape of a large firefight truck enough to pack a handful of people.

"Alright, let's hop in before that fighter comes again to blow us up!" Jackson says.

"Hey, ye sure they'll be that many? Don't get too rushy Jackie, we all know how silly it is for hundreds to catch just one tiny thing?" Lucy says.

"I...think we should be less worried about hundreds of planes..." Logan says as he watches in the sky with his eyes widened enough to show the whites, while slowly grabbing Amira's hand who as well was watching with shock in what she's seeing.

High above in the sky, not one or two or four or even ten lights can be seen, just 108 flying above the sky.

A brief pause of uncertainty happens, then...bright lights start to alight from the lights.

"DRIVE!" he yells to Seiner as they all enter the truck while packing their things inside it. Seiner then frantically hits the pedal at full speed, quickly accelerating into a road while the lights dropping are eventually revealed as missiles that start hitting every part of the zone around. More are fired by the Zlocan fighters as they try to drop all their payload to burn the forest to the ground.

Seiner's frantically turning at every turn by dodging the missiles or the fire around that's spreading quickly. Steering from every fiery obstacle, he uses everything he knows from personal knowledge for their survival. He makes a turn to left while dodging an explosion which rocks part of the vehicle, hitting some of the passengers.

"Can't you drive any better, boy!?" Eddie shouts.

"I'm a-was a student, not a freaking chauffeur!"

He keeps on turning from different directions, dodging any laser bomb dropped by the planes. Even if they're not hit, the blast still causes a lot of shaking to the truck. The road's also trashed hard, meaning that they still need to keep up with the heavy damage while traveling around.

Evading after evading, still no scratch. Seiner keeps on driving on the road while turning from every blast that appears, quickly saving the team each time.

Soon after, all it remained is the spreading fire in the forests, no bombs have fallen by now.

"The bombs...they've stopped dropping," Malak says as she observes the landscape.

"Good, we can all proceed without any further interruption at all," Seiner replies.

At that moment...

KABOOM! KABOOM!

Two more bombs drop, far away but noticeable enough. The blast was strong enough to shatter the road in pieces, leaving nothing more but a messy hole in its place.

Seiner could only groan in frustration.

"Those Zlocans will surely get a damage bill of a lifetime once we capture them!" Jackson yells.

"Any other route to safety then!?" Tany asks nervously as she clings to Amira, much to her confusion.

"...Better hit another type of terrain then!"

He then turned away from the road and enters to the bushes, where the nearby Kinney Reservoir is located while quickly evading the trees.

"Are you crazy, Seins!?" Tany yells in a scared tone.

"Crazy is an informal term, try innovative!"

The truck then gets closer to the riverbank, where something seemingly crazy is going to happen to the crew.

"We...we're screwed as all hell!" Eddie says as he and the rest of the crew cover most of their heads and nearby fellows for the incoming impact.

Just as it's about to hit the water, some propellers emerge from the back of the truck, and as soon it hits the water, the bus stays afloat in spite of the size. The propellers start spinning, causing the bus to continue its track, this time in the water.

"Hey, comrade...innovative you said? I once knew an old amphibious vehicle like this. You'd better innovate your words." Andrei says.

"Who the hell cares?"

"Well, simpletons in need."

"HEY!!" Tany yells back.

"OK people...let's relax for now. I mean, we should get a moment of peace at least, don't we?" Logan says.

"If you insist, Logan..."

Seiner hits the pedal again, as the truck starts navigating across the river, gently but safely. The hundreds of Zlocan craft eventually vanished, leaving the sky in a dark orange-ish glow from the fire in the forests.

Arriving at the nearest river bank on the other side, the truck digitizes once more into a cube.

The team turns towards the fiery forest. All glowing brightly while smoke spread across the sky, reflected even in their eyes. Never such attempt in life would lead to such drastic measures in eliminating their enemies.

And thus, there are more reasons for heroes to oppose such soldiers.

"The Zlocs really wanted some payback, isn't it?" Jackson says.

"If you can call it payback anyways mate, something a feral beast will never stop in pursuing its prey, one way or another or something," Lucy replies.

"Still, we've managed to get most of our resources which will be useful in our trips while we head out to another safe place. And maybe head out to the border of the remaining government forces if there are any." Logan says.

"Nah, you know that guys who served in forces like me would always stand still with all bruises and cuts it can get," Jackson replies.

"Old veterans as well!" Eddie also adds up.

"Let's just say...warriors in general, one simple word is enough." Malak quips.

"Heh, well yeah," Logan says as he chuckles briefly.

"But remember Logan, be fully aware of the surroundings next time, especially with Amira."

"My-my apologies..." Amira replies with a shamed tone as she lowers her head towards Malak.

"Don't worry Amira, I'm sure that next time there won't be no mistakes around us in the same level as before...now that I've found the root of the problem," Seiner says...his gun aiming at her with a scowl on his face.

The others gasp in shock, never expecting in seeing Seiner holding something like that towards a teammate. Days be damned, never such action shows how even in their greatest moments, fear is something always that's with them.

"Gotta second that," Lucy replies, pulling out one of her knives aggressively. She points at her, her eyes protruding and hard.

"Seiner? Lucy? Why are you...Is it because of my...?" Amira says in a tearful tone, as her eyes turn puffy and almost watery, starting backing up from them slowly in a shaky rhythm, slowly shaking her head. All that far, and yet for all the love she's seen so far, it's clear that acceptance from others outside their race is not fully there yet. She knows it, yet she tried to deny it.

Why...why are you doing this? I thought you could help me? I thought...I thought...

She continues to do so only to be stopped by Logan who simply steps in front of her while extending his hand rapidly to shield her. This is accompanied by his dazed look and wide yes.

"Yes. It's something that I've suspected all along. Today just confirmed it."

"You mean a spy!?" Eddie says as he points his gun towards her, also glaring at her for the "revelation". All of them seemed eager to pull the trigger for something they don't know.

"Is this for real?" Andrei says, looking painfully at what's happening.

"Guys, stop this instant!" Logan yells back as loud as he can, his tone being something that even Jack is taken aback by it.

Seiner, of course, is not amused, all while continuing to glare at them.

"Stop this, you say? How about if you STOP your nonsense about her?! You know it's common sense that it could have been HER that they were able to find us!"

"And it should be common sense that there's always something else to blame based on other things other than her race! She's proven herself already that she's pretty much different from any Zlocan we've encountered. They could have simply tracked us. You should've already dropped it!"

"But she's something we barely know, young lad. Are you really putting your life at hand with someone you've just met a few days ago? No! Now stand aside." Lucy says coldly, still holding her knife roughly.

"I won't let any of you meanies hurt her!" Tany says as she shields Amira as well with her staff. Even while lifting her chin, one couldn't help but feel that she doesn't want another fight to happen like that, less one that involves serious accusations.

"Tany, I too should implore you this, stop being such an idiot and be an-" Seiner says in a growling tone.

"NO! I already know the feeling of being scapegoated for something you're not even part of and yet others do so merely because of being different! I won't allow such tragedy to repeat among good friends today!"

"As someone whose religion and people who worshiped it who experienced similar griefs, I too stand with Logan. The nature of the difference between the looks of beings and how long we've known each other has been always misused from time to time, even in this century. I won't allow for such tragedy to repeat as well!" Malak says as well in a firm tone, simply extending her arm to shield Amira. Her expressions show that she won't take it lightly as well.

"Yes, Luce. You know how much both of our people suffered from similar circumstances, so please, stop this bullshit!" Jackson says as well, aiming his gun while standing next to Amira, self-defense but still.

"Count me in too! Things like this are what made me isolate myself from others, made myself run away in knowing what's else in this world, but not anymore!" Andrei says angrily as well, clenching his fist while standing in front of Amira.

Three versus five for one person, not the perfect combination for a squabble.

"You...you're already putting yourself at risk in what you're doing. Do you really think that by the virtue of having a different demeanor from the other race implicate that we should try the same with other ones out there?" Seiner asks furiously.

"And what if her bunch was a war-mongering one as well? Was her own civilization war-mongering as well?" Eddie also angrily asks.

"Y-y-you're wrong! You Humans...you think you really know what's outside of your own planet?! And think that you have the high ground in this? Your own values...they can be just the same as all other beings out there! But look now! Are you even content with staying alone from the space community if this war ends if you put me down!?" Amira says, her tone being shakier while tears fall down from her eyes.

Eddie, in particular, stands in shock in what he hears, as he soon starts to shake up from Amira's words.

"Yes, Ed. Don't you feel any shame in looking like the typical cop of this nation, or what many has seen from many years?" Malak asks sternly.

"No...My whole life was to protect people and make them happier and safe until I was no longer needed. But from your words alone...it reminds of all the times in the past where I saw nothing but separation from others. No joy or unity, all solely for being different to each other. I tried for many years to prevent that mindset...but right now, it seems that they may say...a chance will be always needed to set things right."

He then lowers his gun, ashamed of what he just realized from Malak's word, surprising Lucy and Seiner as they turn their gazes towards him.

Malak smiles in response.

"A good reason to have met you then."

"You...you're falling to her tricks?!" Lucy says bewildered.

"No. He found out in what should be done. Lucy, from everything I've heard from you, even it if was for a good reason, that's no reason to not trust people forever. Scotland or America, we've all suffered a lot in recent years, and for that, I'm aware how hard it is to understand the motives of the other groups as well. But still. Isn't because trust is what ensured our progress and survival? Always try to believe in each other for the best instead of believing in the worst. Let this time be one of understanding please."

"Yes...please...know that I still want...to know you...dear Humans."

Lucy hesitatingly lowers her knife down, her expression one of restrained sadness yet glare slightly remained.

"You too?! Don't you make me!" Seiner yells, his tone getting angrier.

"Seiner, listen! I know you have reasons to not believe in others because of something that relates to them and not knowing who they are. And to be honest for a moment...I too doubted Amira at first in the days we've met her, not even sure if I should really trust her. But seeing what we've done today...would it be really necessary if I should continue doubting her? Knowing her...there's perhaps more things in common we may have among other beings in the universe. In every way, I could have tried in what you're just doing...but I'm not the one to always think the lowest of people." Logan says in a stern yet nearly sad tone.

"But...the truth...where's the truth of it? Do we really know if there's really something else than this Alien conflict?!"

"Does it matter, Seiny boy? Don't you know that one of the best feelings in the world is to have a friend? Most say that everyone needs a friend. So she needs one, no, many! We learn through friends in what's true or not! And that allows to give us proper judgment in what could bind us for greater fun and for the best tomorrow that we can have! So please, for her sake...this is something that we should really be better at for many years like Logey said."

Seiner could only stare in silent, still with a defiant glare but one filled with noticeable doubt. His eyes almost shaky, with his hands, affected as well.

"Seiner...whatever you may be...I can feel that you hold something...it's not hatred...do you really have hatred? For me? Or for the Zlocu?" Amira asks in a broken tone while still in tears.

Seiner grits his teeth, growling as well while breathing heavily from her question, nostrils flaring heavily and roughly grabbing his gun, he's surely one determined person to hold up his ideals. His index finger almost ready to pull the trigger.

"Come on man..." Logan pleads quietly, his eyes narrowing. Despite what's happening, he still wants to seek out another olive branch towards them. Peace is all that he seeks out, it's what he wants to see from fellow Human beings. It doesn't matter if it's hard for him to convince them, he'll try out to the very end.

A minute passes by, Seiner starts breathing normally and closes his mouth while still aiming his gun at her, albeit now less shaky.

He then lowers it slowly, his head turning down as well while his eyes narrow down.

Is...this really worth it? S-should I keep up with this?

Why?! WHY!?!!

"Seiny?"

"...Guess just another mishap on my part. Better keep going then." Seiner replies, his tone suddenly turning into his normal self. And yet, many could see something odd on Seiner.

The others are perplexed at such attitude...was it really Seiner?

"Guess we should try to..." Andrei says as he too walks away.

The others do so as well, all except Logan and Amira, the latter still in tears from what happened. Almost kneeling down while sobbing hard. She never wanted this.

"Logan...I thought..."

Logan then gently embraces her while shedding some tears of his own as well and trying to calm her down.

"Being Human is something so complicated...but with time, we can turn it into something we all want. And Amira...whatever happens like this again...I won't hesitate to do anything to defend you...that's my promise..."

"Logan..." she says, her voice still broken from her sobbing.

After some minutes of embracing, Amira then breathes normally again as her tears stop rolling but the eyes still remain red.

"Let's go...we mustn't wait for the next step of this."

She nods as they start walking away.

For every distrust, comes faith.

For every accusation, comes defense.

For every hatred, comes love.

For each cycle, comes the result.

And as of that day, a cycle has been broken, for now.