The next day, Andres made his way to the training area to get some time in his Knight and clear his head. He needed to work through his emotions and refocus on what was ahead. As he approached the training grounds, he noticed Rachel and Mai, who were already preparing for their own session.

  Andres walked over to them, giving a small nod in greeting. “How are you girls doing?” he asked. He could tell they were both still carrying a lot of weight from the recent losses, but training was something they could always fall back on, something familiar amidst all.

  “How do ya think we’re doing?” Mai snapped at him. Rachel grabbed Mai’s hand, attempting to calm her down.

  Andres put his hands in his pockets and looked at them. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I know what it’s like to lose family, and I want to compliment you for being strong and moving forward. It took me longer than I’d like to admit to get back up after losing my family. Welcome back, and if I can support you, please let me know.”

  Andres turned to leave.

  “We’re going to finish what Akari started,” Rachel responded using her fox avatar.

  Andres nodded at Rachel and then looked at Mai. She crossed her arms and tried to hide her pain. “We’re not here because we’re healed. We’re here to carry on her wishes.” Mai stuck her tongue out at Andres. “C’mon, Rachel.” Mai turned and brought Rachel with her.

  Andres called after her. “I’m glad to see you’re still yourself, Mai.” She didn’t turn back, but waved her hand slightly to acknowledge his comment.

  “Hi Andres. How… Are you?” Kara asked as he strapped into the Knight.

  “It’s strange not seeing them anymore. But I’m better than I was yesterday and the day before, I suppose.”

  “We don’t have to train, Andres. Bella said it’s optional.”

  “I know… But it doesn’t feel right just waiting around. Especially after their sacrifices.”

  “We’ll do whatever you think is best, Andres.”

  “Thank you, Kara.” Andres piloted their Knight out in the practice field. “You know, Kara, I can’t get that Baltazar guy out of my head. Do you know why he was like that?”

  “Baltazar was controlling Teal Waves directly rather than having his MAV’s AI do it.”

  “Wait… So will I lose my mind if I control Teal Waves like you showed me?”

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  “There’s still a lot we don’t know about Teal Waves, but no, I don’t think controlling Teal makes you lose your mind.”

  “So why was he cut up and chained like that?”

  “I think he was a promising Teal User, and they tortured him and forced him to fight. Although… his Teal Wave usage seemed enhanced somehow. But I don’t foresee you ending up like him.”

  “Then I want to practice controlling Teal Waves.”

  Kara pouted. “You don’t need to control Teal Waves, you have me!”

  “What’s wrong, Kara? Afraid I’m gonna pilot another MAV without you?”

  “No! I’ll show you how hard it is! Maybe then you’ll appreciate me! Hmph!” Kara stopped syncing Andres with his Knight.

  Immediately, the Knight powered down and fell to its knees. Andres began to cough and felt as if all the weight of his Knight was just dumped on him. “Okay…I get it!”

  “See, Buster? You’re stuck with me!” Kara teased.

  “Then help me do it, little by little. I need to be a stronger pilot and fighter, and I think this will help us.”

  “Fine, you better not abandon me!”

  “I would never, Kara,” Andres answered sarcastically to tease her.

  “Mmm… Don’t make me shut off again!”

  “Don’t. Don’t. I’ll stop teasing, let’s get to work.”

  Kara laughed. “That’s more I like it.”

  Andres and Kara spent a few hours training. Afterwards, Andres passed by Bella’s office. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite Minion hard at work. See? That’s why you get the toughest jobs.” Bella winked and bumped her fist on his chest.

  “Is that the real reason I’m getting that crystal for you?”

  “Fine, you caught me. It’s for you, sorta…”

  Andres gave Bella a puzzled look. “For me?”

  “It’ll be a pleasant surprise. Just trust me.”

  Andres shook his head. “I know that’s the best answer I’m going to get out of you.”

  “Correct! Go rest up. We have a war to end.”

  ***

  A light snow fell gently over the Wall Fortress of Darkhan, dusting the jagged stone surface with a thin layer of white. The air was crisp and cold. South of the wall stretched the killing zone, a vast expanse of flat, barren land, devoid of cover. It extended for miles, reaching the edge of the Jaxartes forest. The open space was a deadly trap, where any ground force foolish enough to approach would be torn apart by Darkhan’s formidable defenses.

  The fortress itself stood as an impenetrable bastion, its towering walls rising sharply from the ground. Every inch of it was designed for defense—its guns and missile emplacements could focus their fire on anything that approached, turning the killing zone into a graveyard for the unwary. The wall snaked both east and west, flanked by snow-covered mountains. To the north lay a narrow mountain pass, the only known route through which an invading force could gain access. It was a natural chokepoint.

  On the wall, Emperor Tiberius walked alongside Gaius, inspecting the fortress’s defenses. His cloak billowed behind him as he surveyed the landscape, his eyes scanning for any weaknesses.

  His expression was hard, a mask of authority and control. Gaius, ever loyal, moved silently beside him, his gaze focused on the preparations. The fortress was the empire’s last line of defense, and Tiberius would not allow it to fail.

  “Gaius, what can you tell me about this pilot you faced? He must be a worthy opponent for you to mention him.”

  “He is a Teal User and was able to dispatch Baltazar. He is no ordinary pilot.”

  “You are mistaken. He is no Teal User.” Emir snickered as he approached them from behind.

  “I know what I saw, Emir. While you hid in the shadows, I faced him.” Gaius glared at the sneaky assassin.

  “I would watch my words, mad scientist,” Tiberius warned. “It is not beyond my notice that your master has not made contact since The Republic has been on the offensive. Perhaps I should leave your head on his doorstep to remind him to call me, hmm?”

  Emir feigned reverence with a slight bow. “I mean no disrespect, Emperor. Master Moore is well aware of the situation with that particular Boltus pilot. He had me devise a countermeasure for you. Shall I have it loaded onto Sir Gaius’ Centurion?”

  “No, Gaius has his own assignment. I will deal with the pilot myself. It’s fitting that I should humble that nobody.” Tiberius grinned as he looked out from atop the wall.