Farewell and Resolve

Ryoko Akiba, Hermes, sat alone in a dimly lit room. Before her hovered a transparent holographic interface, a futuristic piece of technology, reflecting her gaze. She lightly tapped the interface, calling up a specific protocol, and the name “Gamma” appeared. Without hesitation, she initiated the connection, and Gamma’s image materialized, his usual composed expression meeting her gaze.

“Ryoko, what’s going on?” Gamma asked quietly.

She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully, and after taking a deep breath, she responded in a calm voice. “There’s something important about the upcoming battle. I won’t broadcast it widely, but I want you to know.”

Gamma, sensing the weight of her words, nodded with a serious expression. “I’m listening.”

Ryoko spoke concisely. “The enemy’s spaceship is managed by a system called NEURON. It’s not just any AI—it controls the entire ship, and it’s a highly advanced being. Our only advantage is the power of the gods.”

Gamma thought deeply before replying, “Understood. The Freemasons will share this information only when necessary, but we must proceed cautiously.”

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Ryoko nodded, a slight look of relief crossing her face. “Thank you, Gamma. We must trust each other to get through this battle safely.”

“Of course. You be careful too,” Gamma replied quietly before ending the connection.

Ryoko closed the console and stood up silently. “There’s somewhere I need to go,” she murmured as she stepped outside.

Her destination was a small bar where her former comrades often gathered. It was a place filled with bittersweet memories, but before the upcoming battle, Ryoko had decided to visit and say her goodbyes. When she opened the door, she was greeted by familiar faces.

“Ryoko, it’s been a while,” one of the men at the counter called out.

“It has,” she replied quietly. She approached the counter and ordered a non-alcoholic drink.

“This might be the last time,” Ryoko stated matter-of-factly.

The men were surprised, but their expressions quickly turned serious. “Come back safe, Ryoko.”

She smiled softly. “Thank you. But even if I don’t make it, I have no regrets. Meeting all of you helped me rediscover myself.”

Finishing her drink, Ryoko left the bar quietly. The cold wind brushed her face as she stepped outside. She looked up at the night sky, thinking about the battle that awaited beyond the stars.

At the same time, her other comrades were also reuniting with their loved ones.

Satoshi Koizumi, Loki, was in his living room, facing his wife, Tomomi Koizumi, Minerva. “This battle will be tougher than anything we’ve faced before. No matter what happens, I will protect you,” he said with resolve. Tomomi gently squeezed his hand in return and nodded silently.

Masato Matsuda, Asclepius, was at the hospital, holding the hand of a patient. He felt the warmth of that hand and silently vowed, “I will fight to save you,” deepening his resolve.

Misa Morino, Gaia, and Sora Morino, Uranus, were in the lab. As they carefully handled DNA samples, Misa said, “Our research might hold the key to changing the future.” Sora looked up at the night sky and said, “Beyond this sky lies the true universe. We will fight to protect that future,” filled with determination.

Each of them was reconnecting with those they held dear, saying their silent farewells while solidifying their resolve for the coming battle. Ryoko, too, took a step forward.

“I won’t run away anymore,” she whispered to herself as she walked forward with newfound certainty.