Chapter 42: Return Home.

The morning sun cast a golden light over the farm as Eli’s family helped prepare for the journey back. Ava stood by the jeep, watching as James loaded crates of vegetables, preserves, and jars of honey—goods Eli planned to bring to Green Arbor’s market to sell. Eli’s younger siblings, Emily and Tommy, darted around, carrying small bags of treats they’d packed for Ava and Eli to take on the road.

Emily looked up at Ava with a worried expression. “Will you come back soon? I’ll miss you.”

Ava bent down to her level, feeling a tug at her heart. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, Emily. Promise.” She gave her a quick hug, then ruffled Tommy’s hair. “And you, young man, keep an eye on your sister for me, alright?”

Tommy puffed up proudly. “I will! And next time you come, I’ll show you how I’m learning to climb the big tree by the barn!”

Ava chuckled. “Now, that’s something I want to see. You stay safe, okay?”

Martha came over, placing a small wrapped bundle in Ava’s hands. “These are extra salves and herbs to keep the pain down. If you’re going to insist on fighting your way back to health, at least let me make sure you’re doing it right.”

Touched by her motherly concern, Ava smiled. “Thank you, Martha. Really. I’m not great at resting, but I’ll try to use these as long as I need to.”

Martha reached out and squeezed Ava’s shoulder warmly. “You’ve got people who care about you now, Ava. Remember that.”

James came around to the driver’s side, giving Eli a hearty pat on the back. “Take care of that market stall, son. And keep an eye on this one.” He nodded toward Ava, his voice kind but stern. “She’s got fire, but even the strongest flames need tending.”

Eli grinned, his hand on Ava’s shoulder. “I’ll make sure she stays out of too much trouble, Dad.”

They shared one last round of hugs and goodbyes before finally climbing into the jeep. As Eli started the engine, Martha called out with a final reminder. “And don’t let her overdo it, Eli!”

With a wave, they pulled away, watching Eli’s family wave until they disappeared behind the curve of the dirt road.

---

The drive back to Green Arbor was peaceful. Ava gazed out the window, the farm’s warmth lingering in her mind. She’d come to think of it as a little escape from the intensity of her life as a Sentinel. But she also felt the pull of her responsibilities, knowing her friends and the ADF needed her back.

“You know,” Eli began, keeping his eyes on the road but glancing at her from time to time, “you’re pretty loved here—and not just by me.”

Ava smiled, leaning into the warmth of his words. “Your family’s incredible, Eli. I’m not used to all that… kindness. It’s hard to believe I fit in.”

He reached over, taking her hand in his. “You don’t just fit in; you make it better. Just don’t forget that when things get busy.”

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Ava chuckled softly, her gaze drifting to the open landscape as they neared Green Arbor. “It feels like I’m always saying goodbye to somewhere. But Green Arbor’s become home, in a way I never expected.”

Eli squeezed her hand, a smile playing on his lips. “And we’ll keep it that way, no matter what. Especially with all that Command is sending for Echo’s progress and the ADF’s growth. We’re in a good spot to keep building.”

---

As they neared Green Arbor, they had to park just outside the South Gate, where the familiar sight of bustling life around the village met them. Vendors moved goods to and from the marketplace, children played, and guards watched the perimeter. As Ava and Eli gathered their bags, Talon spotted them and came over, his face lighting up with his usual grin.

“Well, well, look who decided to come back!” Talon called out, his voice loud enough to draw a few curious glances.

Ava rolled her eyes, amused. “Missed you too, Talon.”

Talon’s grin faded just slightly as he noticed the fading bruises and cuts. “Good to see you up and about, Blondie. You sure you’re ready for all this?”

Ava gave him a determined smile. “More than ready.”

Just then, Callie ran up, her face lighting up at the sight of Ava. “Ava! You’re back!” She threw her arms around her, then quickly pulled back, concerned. “How are you feeling?”

“Better, thanks to Eli’s family,” Ava replied, grateful for Callie’s enthusiasm. “How’s Green Arbor been holding up?”

“Busy,” Callie said, her excitement clear. “Echo’s been buzzing with excitement about Command’s visit, and Alaric is coming!”

Ava’s expression softened with surprise. “Alaric? That’s big news. I didn’t realize he’d be making the trip himself.”

Talon chimed in, “Figured he’s coming to see what trouble the chaos twins have stirred up.”

Ava laughed, shaking her head. “Are we really that bad?”

Lucas and Miko approached, laughing along. “Yes,” they both said in unison, making Ava roll her eyes in good-natured exasperation.

Just then, Eli gave Ava’s hand a squeeze. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit,” he said, nodding toward the market. “Have to get these supplies over and see the vendors.”

Ava nodded, letting him go before turning to the others. “ Let’s head to the school and check on Echo.”

As they made their way through Green Arbor’s lively market, familiar faces greeted them warmly, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air. The sense of camaraderie in Green Arbor was unmistakable, and Ava felt a deep sense of pride seeing how far they’d come.

Upon arriving at the school, Echo’s screen immediately lit up, his smile flashing as he caught sight of Ava. “Ava! Welcome back!”

Ava’s heart warmed at his cheerful greeting. “Missed you too, Echo. I hear you’ve been busy?”

Echo’s eyes brightened with excitement. “I’ve been preparing files and data on Green Arbor to show Alaric and the others. I want them to see everything we’ve accomplished.”

Lucas grinned, holding up a letter. “We got this from Command—they’re coming here to see the progress with Echo and the ADF. Alaric himself wants to see it firsthand.”

Miko laughed, leaning against the door frame. “And if we’re lucky, they’ll bring some new tech to expand Echo’s capacity. Though I wouldn’t bet on it.”

Echo’s screen showed a hopeful smile. “I’d love that! But even if it’s just a visit, I’m excited to meet new people and we can show them around Green Arbor.”

Callie piped up, “It’s going to be great having Alaric here. He’s practically a legend.”

Ava looked at Echo thoughtfully. “It’s impressive, Echo. You’ve come a long way since we first set you up here.”

Talon chuckled, giving Ava a nudge. “Maybe they’ll finally get the twins in line, huh?”

Ava smirked. “One can dream.”

As they all shared a laugh, Echo displayed a series of images on his screen, showing snapshots of Green Arbor’s progress, the ADF’s patrols, and moments from their past battles. His enthusiasm was contagious, filling them all with pride for what they had achieved.

Lucas looked around, his expression more serious now. “Alright, with Command coming, we’ll need to be on our best behavior. No pranks, no extra excitement.”

Talon raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You mean, no trouble from us don’t you?”

Ava snorted. “We’ll see.”

As the group dispersed, laughter and excitement lingering in the air, Ava looked around at the bustling life within Green Arbor’s walls, knowing that they were ready to face whatever the future held.