On a different island, larger and more lush than the previous one another group of black-clad women moved swiftly through the dense canopy, The island teeming with verdant brush and sprawling vines presented a challenging terrain, yet the group navigated it with practiced ease.

Unlike the previous team, this group consisted of four members, two of whom stood out with their more ornate attire marking them as individuals of significance.

The leader of this group was an elf of striking beauty, with flowing teal hair that shimmered in the dappled fading sunlight filtering through the canopy as day gave way to night, her eyes were like sapphires deep blue and piercing, reflecting a focus that guided her every step.

The other, distinct for her white hair and vibrant green eyes followed closely, their attire, though elaborate was designed for mobility, hinting at their status and role within the group.

As they advanced, the elf with teal hair maintained a brisk pace her figure slightly ahead of the others, the green-eyed elf keeping up with the pace called out to her.

"My lady, we need to slow down" she urged her voice carrying an edge of concern, but the wind seemed to swallow her words, leaving them unheard by her intended recipient.

Frowning behind the mask that concealed the lower half of her face she tried again, her tone more insistent "My lady, please" she implored "I understand your feelings but we must use caution”.

Her words were a blend of respect and caution, a delicate balance of addressing her superior while expressing the concern that weighed on her mind.

As they continued to run through the dense canopy of the island, the lead elf with striking teal hair gradually slowed her steps until she came to a complete halt, her gaze was fixed ahead, lost in a distant thought or concern, the white-haired elf, trailing just behind paused as well and observed her with a look of growing concern.

"Layla, we need to be careful" she said, her voice tinged with worry "We still don’t know if we and the pirates are the only ones here” She paused for a moment “This whole situation screams a trap".

Despite her words, Layla remained silent her attention seemingly rooted in something unseen, the white-haired elf, undeterred by the lack of response pressed on, her voice a mix of caution and reason "The message we received could have been from anyone, it’s hard to believe that after all these years and all our searching, we found nothing, and suddenly we're told he needs our help, It just doesn’t make sense."

At the mention of 'Him' a noticeable change came over Layla, her posture stiffened a visible reaction that spoke volumes of her emotional connection to the individual in question.

It was clear that this individual held significant importance to her.

The elf with the white hair watched Layla closely, her green eyes reflecting the last light of the sun that gave a glimpse of the silent sadness that she held, she knew the depth of Layla's feelings, how much this mission meant to her, and the turmoil that came with it.

It was more than a simple mission or operation that they both carried out so many times now, that it felt natural to be in a hostile environment surrounded by uncertainty, but now she could see that her mistress’s walls that she built around herself were cracking, she knew that disappointment now would be catastrophic.

The silence that set between them was heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts and shared apprehensions.

Around them, the forest continued its natural chorus, oblivious to the turmoil of the pair within its embrace.

The white-haired elf, remained silent as Layla began to speak, her words heavy with emotion, Layla’s gaze drifted upwards to the night sky, a vast canvas of stars and moons that started to illuminate the darkening sky with their celestial glow, slightly hidden behind the veil of dim lights in the sky that constantly cast their own glow since time immortal.

"Five years" Layla murmured her voice laced with a mixture of pain and resolve.

"Five years I searched, waited, killed, built, and screamed. But all I ever got was silence" There was a brief pause, a moment of stuck in the past as she gazed at the returning stars above.

"He loved gazing at the stars" she continued her voice softening.

"He taught me to love them, even though I hated the night sky more than anything, It took everything from me, and yet he taught me to love it" Her words were a testament to emotional state, sadness and lounging, and yet a warm memory.

Her companion stood quietly listening to her master, She understood the depth of Layla's emotional attachment and the pain that came with their current situation.

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The other two members of their group stood a little way back, keeping watch for any signs of movement or danger, their presence a silent guard.

Layla then addressed her companion directly, her voice carrying a tinge of desperation. "Estelle, I can’t be wrong again, I won’t be able to handle this emptiness again" Her words hung in the air, an admission of her vulnerability and fear.

Estelle stiffened, taking a sharp breath.

She had sensed the potential for this outcome ever since the mysterious message had arrived, and Layla's decision to not inform the other leaders of their action weighed heavily on her, Estelle knew the gravity of what lay ahead, should this lead prove to be another false hope, another dead end she might have to make a difficult decision against her own master.

Layla, her demeanor a blend of emptiness and fierce determination looked back to her companions. Her sapphire eyes reflecting a deep internal struggle, burned anew with resolve that commanded respect and attention.

"What is the status of the other groups?" she inquired her voice firm, demanding an update on their broader situation.

One of the elves in black attire, who had been keeping a vigilant watch, stepped forward to report "The other groups have encountered some resistance, but it's progressing as planned for now" she informed Layla, her tone calm and clear.

Layla absorbed this information, her expression unchanging yet her mind undoubtedly already planning their next 5 steps.

She turned her gaze forward once again, setting her sights on the path ahead, Without another word she started running, her pace swift and determined.

The rest of the group quickly fell in line behind her.

As they ran, the distant smoke became their beacon guiding them through the dense canopy towards it, the air gradually filled with an ominous scent, a metallic tang that grew stronger with each step they took, It was the unmistakable smell of blood, thick and pungent, hanging heavily in the air.

The group, their expressions turning grim pressed on, they soon reached a small clearing, and the scene that unfolded before them brought them to an abrupt halt.

The clearing was a gruesome scene of death and destruction.

Bodies lay scattered across the ground, some brutally dismembered, others barely recognizable as human, the grass stained with blood a vivid contrast to the greenery that surrounded them.

Amidst the carnage, a myriad of weapons and ammunition littered the area – arrows, spears, crossbows, swords, guns, and other strange, almost artistic weapons, each a tale of the fierce battle that had taken place.

"What happened here?" Estelle muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The shock was evident in her tone, mirrored in the faces of her companions, they scanned the clearing from the safety of the bushes, searching for any signs of life amidst the devastation.

But all they saw was death, a silent testament to a battle of unimaginable ferocity.

Among the chaos and carnage, one figure stood out – a lone armored figure, kneeling on the ground using his sword for support.

His head was bowed and his body was riddled with arrows and spears, the broken shafts still embedded in his armor, A large wound gaped in his abdomen, partially obscured by his left hand, the figure was motionless, lifeless, a statue amidst the chaos.

That sight was terrifying.

Despite the clear signs of death, there was a palpable sense of dread emanating from the figure, no mortal could have survived such injuries, and yet there was a fear that gripped Layla and Estelle as they looked upon him, the only sounds were the rustling of the wind and the distant crackling of fires, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the scene.

Layla and Estelle's silent communication was followed by decisive action, Estelle turned to the other two members of their group, instructing them to remain on high alert.

The group cautiously emerged from the cover of the canopy, their hands gripping the shafts of their swords tightly, prepared for any sudden threat.

As they moved forward, Layla and Estelle focused their attention on the bodies strewn across the ground, Estelle stopped beside one and carefully turned it over, the body was that of a human man clad in a type of armor unfamiliar to them, It resembled leather in texture but was clearly made from something far beyond any ordinary animal hide.

"Do you recognize these symbols, my lady?" Estelle asked looking up at Layla.

Layla inspected the unfamiliar symbols but shook her head "No, I’ve never seen this one" she replied, her voice laced with curiosity and caution.

Estelle, still kneeling by the body surveyed the surrounding carnage. "It seems we were correct" she observed.

"There are three distinct groups here" She gestured towards a cluster of bodies a short distance away, "Those are old Republic soldier uniforms" she noted, identifying one of the groups involved in the battle, "But I don't know who these are" she added her gaze returning to the body beneath her.

Layla stepped forward nudging the cloak covering another body with her foot to reveal more clues, this body told a different story, the deceased was another human man, but his face was marked with strange symbols, and a mask lay discarded next to him, both the mask and his face bearing a deep blade wound.

"I don’t recognize this one either" Layla said, her eyes scanning the battlefield for further insights.

She pointed eastward "It seems the pirates were the first to fall, likely ambushed," she deduced.

Their attention then turned toward a damaged airship, its structure split almost in two with a gaping hole visible from their vantage point "It appears the armored men came from that airship" Layla speculated, tapping the body at her feet with her foot "And they attacked from behind the pirates".

“Ambush!”

The sudden shout from their companions jolted Layla and Estelle into action, they instinctively drew their swords, ready to defend themselves, but the situation had rapidly escalated beyond their immediate control.

From the very canopy they had emerged from moments earlier, a group of armed and armored men appeared their gear matching that of the body beside Estelle.

The two other elves quickly positioned themselves protectively in front of Layla and Estelle, swords drawn and pointed at the newly arrived group, tension set in the air.

For a brief moment, an uneasy silence enveloped the clearing, each side eyeing the other, waiting for a sign, a move, anything that would dictate their next course of action.

Then, the half-circle of men parted, allowing one individual to step forward.

This man, clearly a leader or a person of significance, walked a few steps towards Layla and Estelle, then stopped a small distance away, he stood there for a moment the silence thick between them.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice steady and clear, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"We have been waiting for you, Layla".