1 hour later.
The time for resolution can be a complicated matter. Whether it's from a small discussion or a heated battle, it can be always there for the survivors.
After what someone like Amira can go through, it's certainly a relief that many of her friends still did everything to save her from her funk, one where she may have risked leaving the whole mission behind and endangering all galactic life in the long run.
Even with all the pain that is there, a tender touch can be enough to save someone like Amira, and now, she can take the rest after what she has gone through.
The sunset that day provides an orange hue in the sky that's the stuff of wonders when it comes to Earth and its times of the day, even though it can mean more signs of danger for those who are less fortunate to receive electricity when it comes to an Evolving Zone like South LA where danger lurks at every corner. But regardless, when it comes to times of peace, it's a solace for those who yearn for a time of peace, to devote themselves to being better for another day and such.
With all the darkened sights amidst the rubble in most buildings except some of the fires that leave puffs of smoke nearby, the bystanders run to their hiding places or shelters, whether they're makeshift or not while they close the doors or cover themselves with any material they can find from those who stalk through the evening. Yet amidst all of this, one spark of light can be seen from a distance, one that's located near the center of the city with some distant chatter heard nearby. It looks a bit too professional to be there, but something magical lies in there.
The camp of tents by both the EW and Wolfpac has now evolved into a semi-official refugee camp, with the help of Tany's magic and some of Seiner's gadgets to enhance the zone for those who seek their assistance. Andrei, Lucy, Ed, and Rian stand guard near the corners of the sidewalks, with their usual weapons at hand as they glance at every corner with every light available that can let them spot the surroundings. Andrei tries to crack a smile next to Lucy, only for her to slap him in the cheek for a bit, prompting Ed to chuckle for a bit while Rian merely shakes his head as he keeps his duty.
Deep inside the camp, Amira sits on a bench overseeing the activity between the guards as well as the resting tents where the refugees rest inside. She has a slight smile with a slumped posture, with her buckling knees and bowed head to boot. It's true that she finally has some rest after a few days of hellish tricks pulled on her, Logan, and the other Warriors, but there's still so much to be done, for as keeping up at this rate may drain her more than needed.
So much life... But yet I feel almost nothing else.
As she breathes steadily, another figure sits next to her, and a welcome one at that, with her dark, flowing hair and a purple tank top, Malak can certainly be a sight for sore eyes on most counts when it comes to handling people like Amira.
"Hey there, my friend. Feeling lonely?" Malak asks as she glances at her with a slight smile as well.
"Yes. Could need some," Amira replies as she lets Malak stay beside her, where she even caresses her hair for a bit. It's certainly a fine feeling to get when it comes to a peaceful time, especially with a close one.
"Well, I kinda said this already but, it's good to have you back. I know it's not been easy to deal with the pressure of the screw-ups that were made. But knowing your friends can be just as a relief."
"It is, indeed. But even so, I cannot help but feel that there is so much more to lift from myself, almost like... there is a missing part that needs some fixing too." Malak merely nods in response as she places her hand on Amira's shoulder.
"And what would that be, hmm? You can be honest, I won't bite," Malak says as she winks a bit.
"It is... It is about what I can do after this is over. What you said about legacy, can it be that probable to commit to?" Amira asks, and Malak glances down for a bit in regards to her question. Even now, there are so many burdens that Amira has to carry even with the presence of fellow friends that can be there to help her out.
"I mean, one can only know when one does it instead of speaking about it, and well, it's certainly a bizarre thing for you to grasp. Or at the very least for the uninformed Humans too."
"Even so, I am not sure if there can be others like you who may be willing to carry that legacy with me."
"Honestly," Malak sighs for a bit as she continues, "it could have been worse to receive if many bit the dust back then, but I think I get what you feel. Besides, we still don't know if the others are big friendlies like you or just as bad as the Zlocu." Amira then glances at her for a bit over her words, her eyes widening for a bit.
"They are, I know of it, I knew them."
"Right then." Malak then takes a glance at the camp around, spotting Seiner chatting with the three rebels with Julian and Rita next to him. Julian's bandage is removed yet the arm still has a stiff placement while he holds to Rita's shoulder. That alone is enough to make Malak smile for a bit before she glances back at Amira, who is also looking at the rest of the camp.
A time to heal can take its own time, no matter the individual.
"So, aside from trying to build back your culture, what else are you thinking of when this all ends?" Malak asks again. Amira merely sighs for a bit.
"Maybe... Maybe see if Varris can be around, and see if he can change his opinion or not. But if he keeps his views on Humans, maybe I should change the plans..." Malak merely nods in response to this question. Her friends' wishes can certainly be a delight to try, but as long her brother can be around and his views remain unchanged, then it's far from a guarantee.
"Well, I hope that he can be one flexible fellow because if you two are the few Soranians left as you said... You can't just go somewhere and pretend to live in harmony with just the two of you."
"What? What are you saying, Malak?" Malak takes a deep breath before she faces Amira once more, this time with a frown on her face.
"In my view, one individual can only truly blossom if more than one fellow being can understand them on many levels. Even if I left my family, it's honestly fortunate to have met the rest of you even if we don't belong to the same group. Your brother could afford to go on his own if he doesn't budge."
"Me? Without him? But..." Malak then holds her shoulders steadily yet still with a sense of warmth.
"People can come and go. Even if your people had longer lifetimes, there's always a limit, and it's honestly better spent when you have many. If your brother does trust other species to continue the legacy, then good for him, but for you? Sometimes a new life can be the best way forward despite what the two of you may think." Amira can only stare at her for a bit over Malak's words. She and Varris are indeed quite tight-knit together, but like with every relationship, if time calls for it, they may go for their separate ways if their goals don't align with each other. In this case, if both views' on Humanity remain as different as day and night.
Amira still wants to try to mend something with Varris given the past, but if worse comes to worse, then it could be the time to step forward and build a legacy in her own way. Especially with some who may understand her better.
"In that case... If he can see who Logan is..." Amira says with a near whispery tone.
"Oh, Logan. Yeah, that may not be fun to see either," Malak replies with a bit of a chuckle.
"What is so funny about that?" Amira asks as she tilts her head over Malak's statement, to which she replies by patting her shoulder.
"Oh, no worries. Just a classic trope that's old as time in here, where a sibling is always concerned when the other finds a mate. Get what I mean?" Malak adds as she winks at Amira and chuckles a bit more. Amira still tilts her head regarding this.
"A mate? But which one could it be for me?"
"You know who it is, don't you?" Malak asks in a cheeky way as she smirks for a bit. But as she's about to tease her further, certain individuals approach her in front of the two, to which she quickly straightens her posture as she sees the individuals that are in front of her and Amira.
Seiner and the three rebels are in for some business it seems.
"Oh hey there, Seiner. Got something to share?" Malak asks.
"Well, this one called Amanda said there can be a way to break through the massive gate splitting this city and downtown. To put it short, we got to fry up some generators when they open up, but the question is how to do it simultaneously." Seiner explains as he gestures at a smirking Amanda for a bit.
"Really? But how did you get that info?" Malak asks again.
"Let's say we have this little partner of 'unknown' origin, some Brit or something who calls himself Snakebite. A double agent if she gets it," Amanda says as she glances at Amira for a bit.
"Don't you think she may be aware of the word already?" Eron asks timidly as he raises his hand.
"I certainly believe so, mister," Amira replies as she bows her head for a bit. Seiner and Malak chuckle for a bit over this while Amanda merely scoffes.
"Then it is true there more beings who do know anything else other than a mere eternal fight, it seems. Am I right?" Marcello asks as well.
"Hey, she knows things better than you do, mate. Anyway, gonna leave you three with Amira for a bit. Malak, you may go with me to further discuss the strategy. And remember, tomorrow morning is where we'll find Logan, take this break easily at least," Seiner says as he glances at Amira. She merely nods in response as Malak stands and goes with Seiner back to the tent, but not before she waves back at Amira with a smile, to which she replies in kind. With that out of the way, now it's Amira's turn to meet up with some new faces, yet for two of them, they are more familiar to a certain someone.
"So, I guess we should introduce ourselves to our fellow intergalactic guest... My name's Amanda Cruz. He's Eron Heartmann and he's Marcello Bismarck. It's nice to meet you, Amira..." Amanda says as he extends her hand to shake Amira's hand she merely stands up and bows her head.
"Amira Dhorian. Former princess of Sorania," Amira swiftly replies, to which Amanda gasps a bit.
"So, a royal and a heroine? That's something we don't usually see nowadays," Marcello replies as he nods steadily.
"Or perhaps royalty in Sorania is built differently," Amanda replies as she scoffs a bit.
"I am fairly certain that some Humans were also like that in different times," Amira adds.
"Did you make that shit yourself or..."
"Reading some of your documents, both physical and within the web. Still have to determine which one is authentic, however." With that, Amanda chuckles for a bit while Eron and Marcello stare at her for a bit.
"Really now? You want to be one step ahead in everything, huh? Let me guess, did you memorize the equation of Pi too?" Amanda asks as she crosses her arms too.
"Care me to say it?" Amira asks, to which Eron raises his hand and waves them.
"Oh no no, we'll be here all night if you do know it... Let's ask for something else like..." Eron tries to ask yet is stuck tapping his forehead.
"How did you handle yourself with Humans in here?" Amanda asks.
"Well, it was a complicated road, some did show distrust, some curiosity, but if there is one thing that is making me determine whether to keep staying here or not is some certain warm Humans..." Amira says as a smile forms on her face, to which Amanda raises an eyebrow in response.
"Really? And who might those 'Humans' be, royal princess?" Amanda asks.
"Oh, Malak, Tany, Seiner and... Oh, Logan." With that, Amanda gasps for a bit over that, with Eron following suit. Marcello is the only one who merely tilts his head over this response.
"Logan... One full of warmth?" Amanda asks in an incredulous tone.
"So, he remained kind, right...?" Eron asks as well.
"You two were beating the bush about for a long while. Maybe Amira may know what's so striking about that man," Marcello says as he glances at Amira for a bit, where she merely tilts her head for a bit.
"Is... there something wrong?" Amira asks.
"Well, princess, I don't know if you're willing to listen but in regards to Logan..." Amanda says as she tries to clear her throat for a bit.
"You and Eron knew each other it seems. Was it pleasant?" Amira's question makes the two gasp for a bit and while Eron merely glances away, Amanda merely clenches her fist as she takes a deep breath.
"...For me, it was a short while... But after that..." Amanda replies, still in a strained tone.
"My only experience with him was... bad to say the least,' Eron replies as well, this time with a near whispery tone.
"You two didn't have a nice story with this Logan man, did you?" Marcello asks.
"...Wait, I don't think it's the right time to tell more of that. Let's focus on what's important like... Do you even know where he is, princess?" Amanda asks as she clears her throat once more.
"Last time I could, it was merely a faint presence from afar. But if I can sense more of him, then we will know more for sure. And perhaps he may be glad to see you alive and safe, right?" Amanda then grabs Amira on the shoulders and tightens her for a bit, which startles her for a bit.
"Let's drop it for now... Even at the moment, I don't feel comfortable talking about it with the rest. Trust me, it ain't pretty," Amanda replies in a sterner tone, but as she does so, Marcello places a hand on her shoulder and pulls her away for a bit.
"Amanda Cruz, if there is one thing one must be ready for when facing others it's the moment where the truth must be spilled out, especially sooner than later. Isn't that right" Marcello asks while glancing at Eron, who merely nods. Amanda only sighs as she moves away from Marcello's grasp.
"Whatever... Let's get some dinner instead, then I'll decide when I can talk about it, OK?" Amanda says with her arms crossed. Marcello merely nods swiftly while Eron only nods repeatedly as the three head off to another tent, with Amira following suit. Yet, the frown on her face tells a different story of what to get from Amanda's behavior.
Especially when it concerns with something she and Eron had with Logan. Can it be the reason why Logan has those nightmares?
Only those three have the answer if they are willing to.