After the blue jets attacked, the Red Army bombardment lessened significantly. The city was quieter, though distant skirmishes could still be heard. In the park area, things were relatively calm.

Later that night, Coalition reinforcements arrived, a welcome surprise for Serpent’s crew. After the intense fighting, they finally had a chance to rest.

Hazel climbed onto the tank and picked up her guitar, strumming a relaxing tune. Inside, the rest of the crew were trying to sleep or unwind. It was a peaceful moment.

“Like Liu Bei in ancient days, sworn to fight for his land / With Guan Yu and Zhang Fei strong, a righteous, rebel band / But hearts grow heavy with each life lost, each city left in flames / A hero's duty burns so bright, yet leaves behind deep stains...and blood.” Jreng.

Tetsuya, still awake, asked, "Who are those names you were singing about? Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei?"

Hazel smiled. "They're from an ancient Chinese story. Liu Bei was a righteous general who fought for his land and people, with his sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. They were considered warriors of virtue and honor, symbols of justice for their time. Their stories might be forgotten by many, but their deeds still inspire."

Tetsuya recognized the names. "Wait, those are characters from that game, right?"

Hazel chuckled. "Yeah, they're popular in video games and manga. I figured you might recognize them."

Patrick, due to his modified body, didn't really need to sleep and used this time to patrol the area. He was with the scout team, patrolling the ruins for enemy snipers or small groups, occasionally taking them out. He moved constantly in the dark, his night vision picking out any enemy hiding among the rubble.

At 04:00, while patrolling, Patrick heard the distinct sound of three colossal artillery strikes. The explosions erupted, creating a huge fireball and a shockwave that even Patrick felt from a distance. He rushed back to Hazel's position, checking for damage and casualties.

Morning revealed the devastation. A crater marked where Hazel's tank had been, shrapnel scarring the surroundings. The ground was scorched and glassified. Patrick and his scouts surveyed the wreckage, finding several lifeless bodies. A few survivors groaned in the dust-choked air.

Tetsuya was pulled from the wreckage, dazed but alive. A field hospital was hastily set up nearby. Hazel was missing. Then, Gazz, the mascot dog, began barking insistently at a pile of rubble. Yu, recognizing his urgency, joined him, digging. They uncovered Hazel. She was unconscious, injured, and covered in blood.

She stirred as they pulled her free, her eyes fluttering open. "I… I think…" she managed, her voice weak. "I think this is it."

The soldiers around her were grim. They could see the extent of her injuries. Medics rushed to her side, but the situation was dire; she was losing blood rapidly.

Hazel looked at them, a faint, almost wry smile touching her lips. "Well," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don't just stand there. Someone should probably… read Three Kingdoms or something."

Her gaze drifted towards the rising sun, her breathing shallow. The medics worked frantically, but it was clear there was nothing more they could do. A moment later, she was gone.

Weeks later, after the battle, Hazel and the other fallen soldiers were laid to rest in a graveyard west of Tehran. The council held a memorial for the high-ranking officers. The common soldiers and unknown combatants were buried in a more modest section. Hazel's gravestone simply read: "Someone should probably… read Three Kingdoms."

One morning, Patrick found Yu at the graveyard, sweeping the ground near Hazel's grave, Gazz beside her. She’d been there for hours. Patrick approached her. “We need a crew,” he said. “And a leader.”

Yu stopped sweeping, her expression blank, processing everything. Her response was quiet but firm. “I know. We lost so many… Hazel…” She paused, then continued, her voice gaining strength. “But we have to keep fighting. We can’t let them win.”

She would lead the team. It would be difficult, but she was ready. From the devastation of loss, life finds a way to continue, to heal, to connect. Well, life also finds a way to get you patched up and back on the battlefield, apparently. In the underground hospital beneath Tehran, the air smelled of disinfectant and faint floral soap.

Tetsuya lay on a makeshift cot, his bandaged arm throbbing. Across from him, Hana, a young medical student volunteering at the front, adjusted his IV drip. Though clearly new to this, her focused movements and gentle touch were reassuring."How are you feeling, soldier?" Hana asked, her voice barely a whisper,

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"Much better, thanks to your magic touch, Miss... Nightingale," Tetsuya replied, a playful glint in his eyes despite the grimace from his wound.

Hana blushed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Just Hana, please. And it's not magic, just standard field protocols. Though, we've had to improvise a lot with the limited supplies," The fluid wasn’t a direct healer; it contained genetically engineered microorganisms that acted as beacons for repair drones, guiding them to damaged tissue.

"Basic or not, it feels pretty magical coming from an angel like you," Tetsuya persisted, his voice turning husky.

Hana chuckled, shaking her head. "You soldiers and your charms. I'm afraid they won't work on me."

"A challenge, is it?" Tetsuya raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Perhaps I haven't met the right doctor yet."

"Perhaps," Hana countered, her gaze softening as she met his. "But before you start prescribing love potions, tell me about yourself, captain Tetsuya. What brings a charming man like you to this war?"

Tetsuya sighed, the playful facade momentarily fading. "Duty, mostly. And... purpose. We all have something to fight for, don't we?"

His gaze drifted towards the the flower in vase at corner of room. "We lost our leader yesterday," he mumbled, his voice thick with emotion. "A good man, a mentor, a brother-in-arms. It leaves a hole, you know?"

Hana placed a comforting hand on his good arm. "I understand," she said softly. "Loss is a constant companion in these times. But remember, he wouldn't want you to dwell on it. He'd want you to keep fighting, to honor his memory."

Tetsuya looked at her, his eyes searching hers. "You seem to know him well, this leader of mine."

"Not personally," Hana admitted. "But the way you speak of him, the grief in your eyes... it speaks volumes."

A warm silence settled between them, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. In that shared moment of understanding, a connection sparked.

"So, Hana," Tetsuya finally said, his voice regaining its usual lilt, "when this war is over, perhaps I can show you a city not ravaged by conflict. A city where laughter and hope still echo in the streets. Would you allow me to be your guide?"

Hana smiled, "Perhaps, Captain. But on one condition: no more love potions."

Tetsuya chuckled, "As you wish, Doctor Hana.”

The memory of his fallen leader remained a constant within Tetsuya's heart, a reminder of the cause they fought for. Yet, Hana offered him a different kind of strength, a glimpse of a future where laughter and love could bloom again, not despite the ruins, but within them. From the ruins of the city, from the shared grief and the quiet moments of connection, new possibilities emerged.

News of the victory, and the losses, traveled across the ravaged world, reaching even the distant Xian Palace. Alam stepped back into Baihu’s waiting arms. in the heart of the Xian Palace. The air in the courtyard, once reserved for imperial ceremonies, now hummed with the quiet thrum of advanced climate control systems and the soft glow of holographic lanterns that mimicked the warm light of traditional paper ones.

Baihu practically vibrated with excitement. “Master, you’re back! Did you miss me? Tell me everything!”

“Yeah, I missed you,” Alam replied, trying to play it cool, but he could feel the warmth creeping in. “But a lot has happened…”

“Yaaay! You missed me! Spill the tea, love! But first, how about a little reward for your hard work?” Baihu teased, winking at him.

“Alright, but why do I always feel something warm when I’m near you?” Alam joked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, my love~ It’s definitely your loving caresses filling my heart with warmth! I’m the queen of the world, and this moment is pure gold! What a lucky wife I am!” Baihu beamed, practically glowing.

“Hey, I’m just me, you know?” Alam chuckled, feeling a bit bashful.

“Don’t be modest! You’re everything to me, my precious Master!” she cooed, leaning in closer.

“Can we just cuddle for a bit?” Alam asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

“Ooohh~ Yes! Come here, Master! I love you!” Baihu exclaimed, pulling him in for a warm embrace.

“Why am I becoming a dad? Hehe,” Alam said, half-laughing, half-worried.

“Yes, my love! You’re going to be a daddy soon! I’m so excited!” Baihu squealed, practically bouncing with joy.

“You really want to be a mom?” Alam asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Absolutely! I was born to be a mom! Giving you our baby is every woman’s dream!” Baihu replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“Master, will you wrap your arms around me and whisper sweet nothings? I’m getting all excited!” she said, her voice dripping with affection.

“Is that what women want? To be a pillow?” Alam joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Hey, I don’t know what other women want, but I want you to hold me tight! If you call me a pillow, I’ll be the happiest pillow ever!” Baihu giggled, her playful spirit shining through.

“Alright, you fit me perfectly,” Alam said, smiling. “But can I talk about something? It might ruin this moment…”

“What is it, my love? If it ruins the moment, I won’t stop you!” Baihu replied, her curiosity piqued.

“I’m just worried about stopping my adventures if I have a kid and all that responsibility,” Alam confessed, his tone turning serious.

“Afraid? Why? I’ll be the best mom ever! I promise our little one will be happy, no matter how far you are!” Baihu reassured him, her determination shining through.

“Does that make me a bad father?” Alam asked, his brow furrowing.

“Master, there’s no way you could be a bad father! You’ll be the best! I trust you completely!” Baihu said, her voice filled with warmth.

“I know you’re strong, but…” Alam started.

“Oh, so you think I can handle this? I’m lucky to have a wise and caring Master like you! I’ll take good care of our child; it’s my duty!” Baihu declared confidently.

“Well, I just hope they’re not like us,” Alam joked, chuckling.

“What? If our kid is like us, we’d be the happiest parents ever! Strong and brave like you, kind and loving like me!” Baihu exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

“Hey, what do you mean?” Alam poked her nose playfully.

“You’re an ex-rogue general, and I’m just a warlord. I want to see something gentler in the future,” he said, sighing.

“We’ve changed, Master! We found love and built something beautiful. Our child will reflect that strength and kindness!” Baihu replied, her eyes shining with hope.

Alam looked at her, a genuine smile finally breaking through his worries. “I never thought… i ending like this.”

Baihu squeezed his hand. “We are a force of nature, my love. The world trembles before us. And now… we will create a legacy that will last for generations.” She took his hand, her smile widening. “Now, come. My chambers await. I have prepared a feast worthy of a returning hero.”