Chapter 43: Sentinel Day.

The anticipation was palpable in Green Arbor as Sentinel Day finally arrived. The ADF members bustled around, preparing everything to look its best. Miko took charge, checking that all the ADF members and Sentinel medics were in place. He moved with purpose, a rare serious expression on his face. Lucas and Echo worked in the school, running last-minute diagnostics and pulling up Echo’s records to ensure everything was in perfect order.

Outside the south gate, Eli joined the other ADF members, a look of pride in his eyes as he watched the group ready themselves to meet the visitors. Nearby, Callie was keeping an eye out, already prepared to intercept any troublemakers—by which she meant Ava and Talon.

"Miko," she called, catching his attention. "Where are the twins?"

Miko sighed, knowing exactly who she meant. "Probably planning some kind of mischief, or just late as usual," he replied, then added with a faint smile, "Go find them, please, Callie. We need them here."

Moments later, Ava and Talon rounded the corner, walking with their usual laid-back confidence. Ava, still healing but visibly more mobile, winced slightly as she moved. Talon helped her put on and adjust her rig, his touch gentle despite his casual banter.

"Call the Search party off, we’re here," Talon announced, grinning. "Honestly, you should all thank us for showing up at all."

Callie rolled her eyes. "You two are the worst. Miko’s been panicking."

Miko, overhearing, walked over with a chuckle. "Honestly, you two, just for once, try and be on your best behavior."

Ava exchanged a look with Talon, both trying to suppress giggles. Talon managed to say, "You know us, Miko. Model citizens."

The laughter spread, even to Miko, who threw his hands up in mock defeat. "I swear, you two are like a pair of overgrown kids."

Callie shook her head," am I the only serious one here, I'm supposed to be the cadet remember."

As the conversation and giggles continued, the shout came from the north gate. "Sentinel vehicles approaching!" An ADF guard’s voice echoed through the square.

The group straightened, anticipation and excitement filling the air as they all took their positions. Lucas joined them, positioning himself beside Miko with a smirk. "Place your bets—who’s getting called out by Alaric first, Ava or Talon?"

Ava playfully punched Lucas’s arm. "I think Alaric’s got more on his mind than just us."

The first vehicle pulled up just outside the gate, and a hush fell over the gathered crowd. Mayor Langford and her council members moved forward, ready to welcome their guests. The doors to the vehicle opened, and Alaric, tall and dignified despite his age, stepped out, greeting the mayor and the council. He scanned the crowd, his gaze finally landing on Ava and Talon. A warm smile spread across his face.

"Still getting into trouble together, are we?" he called out, voice brimming with fondness.

Ava and Talon exchanged a grin. Talon replied, "Wouldn’t be us otherwise, sir."

As Alaric approached, he took a moment to study them both. "It’s good to see you two still watching each other’s backs," he said, his voice softening. "I knew you were a force to be reckoned with back when you joined, Ava. And with Talon by your side... well, it’s a relief to see some things don’t change."

Ava felt a warmth spread through her at Alaric’s words, and she glanced at Talon, who gave her an encouraging nod. She knew Alaric had always believed in her, even when she doubted herself.

Alaric’s attention shifted, and his face lit up as he spotted Jess nearby with her two children, little Ava and Talon, holding onto her hands. "Jess," he said, his voice soft with recognition and something deeper, a note of understanding that passed between them. "It’s been too long."

Jess smiled, a trace of nostalgia in her expression. "Yes, it has sir. And these are Ava and Talon," she introduced, nodding to her children, who looked at Alaric with wide, curious eyes.

Alaric knelt, offering a warm smile to the children. "Named after two brave Sentinels, I see," he said. "May you live up to those names... and perhaps avoid some of their more reckless habits and silliness."

The adults laughed, and Jess looked at Alaric with a quiet, grateful expression. "They’re still a handful sir," she said, giving the children a gentle nudge toward their friends. The children scampered off, leaving the adults to their conversation.

Alaric turned back to Jess, his eyes kind. "I'm glad to see you all settled down, You did what was best for you and them," he said quietly. "That’s courage of a different kind."

Jess nodded, a hint of relief softening her expression. Ava, overhearing, felt a wave of respect for Jess. It was clear Alaric understood Jess’s reasons for leaving the Sentinels years ago and respected her choices.

As Alaric moved through the introductions, Miko stood ready, doing his best to appear composed. When it was his turn, he saluted sharply. "Welcome to Green Arbor, sir," he said, his voice steady.

Alaric returned the salute, looking over the gathering crowd. "Thank you, Sentinel Miko. I’ve heard good things about your leadership here. Truly impressive work." He turned to mayor Langford and her council, offering them a respectful nod. "Thank you for having us. What you’ve built here is a testament to resilience."

The mayor smiled, clearly proud. "Green Arbor thrives because of everyone here—Sentinels, ADF, and the people who make this place home. It’s an honor to have you see it firsthand."

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With formal introductions completed, the crowd began to disperse, preparing for the tour. Lucas approached Ava and Talon, chuckling. "Think you two can behave yourselves?"

Talon laughed. "We’ve been on our best behavior all morning!"

Ava elbowed him. "Somehow, I don’t think he believes you."

Alaric approached Ava and Talon once more, an affectionate gleam in his eyes. "It’s good to see you two still here and still raising hell. Keep it up, but don’t make it too hard on Miko."

Talon grinned. "We’ll try our best, sir."

Alaric chuckled, patting them both on the shoulder before turning to Miko. "I’d love to see what you’ve accomplished. Lead the way."

As they began the tour, the atmosphere shifted to one of respect and curiosity. Miko led Alaric and the other Sentinels through the village, pointing out various areas and explaining their functions. They stopped at St. Sarah’s Medical Center, where the Sentinel medics looked impressed with the facility’s organization and cleanliness.

"Remarkable," Alaric said, nodding with approval. "It’s clear you’ve put thought into every detail."

Miko nodded. "It’s crucial to the community, sir. We’re committed to making sure everyone here has the care they need."

Alaric smiled. "That dedication is clear, Miko. You should be proud."

Miko led them next to the school, where Echo awaited them, his screen lighting up as they entered. Echo’s digital face beamed with excitement. "Welcome to Green Arbor! I’ve heard so much about all of you."

Alaric studied Echo, clearly impressed. "Remarkable. What you’ve done with Echo here is truly pioneering."

Lucas chimed in, "Echo’s been indispensable to us. He’s helping with education, record-keeping, even day-to-day organization."

Echo spoke up, his tone warm. "I’m honored to be part of this community. It’s wonderful to meet the people who’ve shaped so much of it."

As the tour continued, Alaric’s respect for Green Arbor and its people grew. Each stop highlighted the community’s hard work, dedication, and the strong bonds they shared.

As they finished the tour, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the village. Alaric turned to Miko, a genuine smile on his face. "You’ve built something remarkable here. This is more than a Sentinel post—it’s a thriving, resilient community."

Miko, feeling a rare swell of pride, nodded. "Thank you, sir. We’ve all worked together to make it what it is."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Green Arbor’s central square came alive with warm light and laughter. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft glow over the tables filled with food. Villagers and Sentinels mingled, celebrating the hard work and camaraderie that had brought them to this moment. The ADF stood proudly by, their presence a reminder of Green Arbor’s resilience and strength.

Ava, Talon, Miko, Eli, Callie, and Lucas found a spot near one of the tables, sharing stories and jokes as they watched the community come together. Eli slipped his arm around Ava’s shoulders, pulling her close. She looked up at him with a smile, a rare moment of peace settling over her.

Across the square, Alaric stood with the mayor, his expression a mixture of pride and warmth as he observed the celebration. Eventually, he made his way over to the group, holding a glass in hand.

"You all did well today," he said, raising his glass. "Green Arbor is something special, and it’s clear you’ve put your hearts into this place."

Miko, his usual composure softened by the day’s success, raised his own glass in response. "To Green Arbor, and to the people who made it possible."

Everyone echoed the toast, their voices ringing out across the square. "To Green Arbor!"

As they drank, Talon nudged Ava, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Think we’ve earned ourselves a bit of a break?"

Ava chuckled, feigning innocence. "I have no idea what you’re talking about. We’ve been perfect angels all day."

Alaric overheard, a chuckle escaping him. "If I didn’t know better, I’d believe that. But I’m fairly certain I caught a bit of your ‘angelic’ behavior in action."

Lucas joined in, laughing. "Ava and Talon? Angels? I’m not sure anyone’s buying that."

Eli chimed in, smiling as he squeezed Ava’s shoulder. "Still, they’re our troublemakers—and they keep things interesting."

Alaric turned to Jess, who was sitting nearby with her two children. He crouched down to their level, smiling kindly. "Are you two enjoying the party?"

Little Ava nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir! I helped Mama make some cakes, and Mama says I’m brave like Auntie Ava."

"And you know what? I think she’s absolutely right," Alaric said, glancing at Jess with a knowing smile. He leaned closer to the children, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just remember, sometimes being brave means knowing when to be a little careful too."

Jess smiled, meeting Alaric’s eyes. There was a mutual understanding between them, an acknowledgment.

As Alaric rose, he addressed the group, his tone thoughtful. "I’ve seen a lot of places in my time as a Sentinel, but there’s something unique about this place. You’re building something here that’s worth protecting—not just with weapons, but with community and heart."

Callie, listening intently, looked up with admiration. "Do you think… do you think Green Arbor could be an example for other places, sir?"

Alaric nodded, his gaze sweeping over the square, taking in the laughter, the bonds, and the resilience he saw in every face. "Absolutely, cadet. What you’re all doing here is proof that we can rebuild, that even in the darkest times, there’s hope for a better future."

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each person reflecting on Alaric’s words. Then, with a wink at Ava and Talon, Alaric added, "As long as you two don’t get yourselves kicked out of here first."

Laughter rippled through the group, breaking the solemn mood. Talon held up his hands in mock innocence. "Us? We’d never."

Ava smirked. "It’s only trouble if you get caught."

Lucas shook his head, chuckling. "You two are impossible, you know your talking to a member of the council right ?"

The groups laughter rang out, and even Alaric smiled, "they never change, and please don't."

As the night deepened, the celebration continued. The sound of music drifted through the air, and villagers began to dance in the square. Jess pulled Callie into a dance, twirling her around as Callie laughed. Even little Ava joined in, trying to help her brother, giggling as they tried to mimic the adults’ steps.

Ava watched them, a soft smile on her face. Eli leaned over, his voice low. "Moments like this… they’re worth everything, aren’t they?"

Ava nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "They are."

At one point, Alaric stood to address the community, raising his glass in a toast. "Green Arbor stands as a testament to what we can accomplish together. You’ve shown that strength isn’t just about how well we can fight, but how well we can come together as a family, as a community. Here’s to Green Arbor and to each of you who make this place what it is."

A chorus of cheers and clinking glasses filled the air, the words resonating with everyone present. For Ava, Talon, Miko, and the rest of the Sentinels, the moment felt like a promise—a reminder of what they were fighting for and the bonds that made it all worthwhile.

As the celebration wound down, Alaric found himself sitting with Miko, Ava, and Talon, sharing stories from their days as Sentinels. The firelight cast a warm glow over them, and the weight of battles and struggles seemed to lift, if only for a moment.

"I won’t be around forever," Alaric said quietly, his gaze distant. "But it’s good to know that the future is in hands like yours."

Ava raised her glass in respect. "You’ve taught us well sir. We won’t let you down."

Alaric nodded, a small, proud smile on his face. "I know you won’t. I see a little of myself in all of you, and it gives me hope."

With the final embers of the celebration fading into the night, Green Arbor’s defenders found themselves strengthened by the day’s events, each more determined than ever to protect what they had built together.