The next morning, I wake up to the sound of sizzling meat and the sharp hiss of Ryu's tools. Blinking away the sleep from my eyes, I look around the cave, still groggy. Sunlight filters in through the entrance, casting a warm glow over everything. I spot Talia by the fire, flipping strips of salted pork in a pot, the aroma making my stomach rumble. Near the worktable, Ryu is hard at work, sparks flying from whatever he's crafting, with Nikko standing beside him, watching intently.

"Good morning," Talia greets me with a smile, grabbing a plate and piling it high with crispy bacon and fried eggs. She hands it to me along with a fork, and I thank her, sitting down by the fire. The warmth from the flames feels comforting against the cool morning air.

"Sleep well?" Talia asks, sitting beside me with her own plate of food.

"Somewhat," I reply, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night.

As we eat, I notice Ryu setting down his tools. With a whir and a series of mechanical clicks, something lifts off from the worktable. My eyes widen as I watch a small droid hover into the air. Its central body is a sleek, dark oval, almost like a flattened disk, with a single large, red eye glowing at its center. The droid's three spindly arms, each tipped with claw-like appendages, move with precise, calculated motions. It floats effortlessly on four articulated legs, which seem designed for both mobility and fine manipulation. The red eye gives it an almost sentient appearance, as if it's observing everything around it with keen interest.

Nikko lets out an excited squeal as the little droid flies around the cave, stopping in front of me and Talia. It beeps enthusiastically, its red eye blinking rhythmically.

"Say hi to DP-8," Ryu says, a hint of pride in his voice.

The droid beeps again, this time more insistently, as if it's waiting for me to respond.

"Uh, hello," I mumble, feeling a bit silly talking to a machine.

Talia, on the other hand, seems more at ease. "Hi there," she says, reaching out as the droid extends one of its arms. She shakes it with a grin. "Nice to meet you."

The droid chirps happily, then turns to Ryu, who introduces it to the others. When he mentions Nikko, DP-8 circles around her, and she giggles, her tail swishing with delight.

"What kind of droid is that?" Talia asks, tearing off a piece of bacon and popping it into her mouth.

"That is a seeker droid," Ryu explains, leaning against the worktable. "Works the same way DP-7 did. Now I can conduct proper reconnaissance."

I can't help but raise an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that giant red eye be a dead giveaway?" I point out, eyeing the droid skeptically.

Ryu smirks. "That won't be a problem." He messes with his glove, and the droid suddenly vanishes from sight.

"Where did it go?" Nikko asks, her ears twitching as she looks around the cave.

"DP-8 is still here," Ryu explains, "It can camouflage itself."

Just as Nikko's curiosity peaks, Ryu messes with his glove again, and with a slight hum, DP-8 reappears before them, its red eye glowing brightly as if it had never vanished.

Nikko giggles in delight, reaching out as the droid hovers close to her again, its small arms extending as if offering a handshake.

He then gives the droid its first mission. "I want you to head to Inyeth Themar and look for any secret passages to the main palace. Stay hidden and report back to me at the end of the day."

The droid beeps in acknowledgment, and just like that, it's gone, flying out of the cave and disappearing into the air.

"What will we do in the meantime?" Talia asks, her curiosity piqued.

"I suggest training," Ryu says as he retrieves a small crate from his pouch of holdings and dumps its contents onto the worktable. Various small parts and metal plates spill out, and he immediately starts sorting them, already absorbed in his task.

"And what will you do?" Talia inquires, watching him with interest.

"Making some more surveillance," Ryu answers as he begins to arrange the parts and picks up his welding tool. The tool's tip glows red-hot as it meets the metal, and sparks fly as he works with careful precision.

I finish my food just as Talia does, and we decide to head out for some more target practice. As we pass Ryu, he suddenly stops us.

"Wait," he says, his voice firm. I turn to face him, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "Rebecca, I want you to learn actual self-defense. Blasters are good, but what if you lose them or your knife?"

"But I'm not much of a fighter," I stammer, the familiar fear creeping back in.

"My point exactly," he says, his gaze locking onto mine. "Apollo will teach you. He'll be waiting for you where you practiced with your blaster yesterday."

He then turns to Nikko. "I want you to train too," He says, patting her on the head.

Nikko nods eagerly, already excited at the prospect of training, and grabs Talia's hand. But I hesitate, my eyes still on Ryu as he returns to his work. The sparks continue to fly, and I notice that what he's working on looks like a ball of metal, though its purpose eludes me.

"You coming?" Talia calls out, breaking me from my thoughts. I look over at her and Nikko, who are both waiting for me, and nod, though the fear within me only grows stronger. The three of us make our way to the training ground, where Apollo stands patiently by the trees where we practiced shooting before.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The knot in my stomach tightens even more as I look around the training area Apollo has brought us to. The wooden puppets standing in a row look intimidating, their surfaces worn and scarred from countless training sessions. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, but my hands are already trembling.

"Ryu wants me to teach you hand-to-hand combat," Apollo says, his voice calm but firm. I watch as he turns to Talia. "Miss Talia, are you familiar with hand-to-hand combat?"

Talia nods confidently, her posture relaxed and assured. "Yes, I am."

"Good," Apollo replies, then shifts his gaze to me. "Miss Rebecca, are you familiar with hand-to-hand combat?"

I feel the knot in my stomach tighten painfully. I've never been in a real fight before. The only experience I have is from stabbing that cloaked man, and that was pure instinct, nothing more. I shake my head slowly, too afraid to admit it out loud. Apollo nods, his understanding clear, but it doesn't do much to calm my nerves.

"Then I'll split you three into two teams. Miss Talia, you'll be teamed with Miss Nikko, and you, Miss Rebecca, are teamed with me."

Nikko's excitement is almost palpable as she bounces on her toes, her ears twitching with anticipation. Talia nods, her confidence radiating. But I can't shake the feeling of dread growing inside me as I watch them move to the other side of the training area. Talia immediately starts showing Nikko a proper stance, demonstrating punches in the air that Nikko eagerly mimics.

I'm momentarily distracted by them when Apollo's voice pulls me back. "Miss Rebecca?"

I turn to him quickly, blinking as I try to focus. "Sorry, yes, I'm ready," I say, though my voice sounds shaky even to my own ears.

Apollo steps closer, his presence towering yet oddly comforting. "We'll start with the basics," he says, his tone patient. "First, let's get into the proper stance."

I try to mimic his stance, but everything feels awkward. My feet are too close together, my arms feel stiff, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm doing it all wrong. Apollo steps forward, gently nudging my elbows in and adjusting my footing. His touch is light, but it helps to guide me into a more stable position.

"Good," he says. "Now, let's work on a basic punch."

He demonstrates a punch, moving slowly so I can see each part of the motion. "Your power comes from your core and shoulders, not just your arms. Try it."

I take a deep breath and throw a punch at the wooden puppet in front of me. It feels weak, barely making contact with the puppet. I glance over at Talia and Nikko. Nikko is laughing as she tries to mimic Talia's high kicks, her tail swishing in delight. Meanwhile, my punch has barely made a dent.

Apollo doesn't seem phased. "Try again," he encourages. "Focus on your core and rotate your hips as you punch."

I try again, putting more effort into it this time. There's a bit more force, but it still feels off. Apollo nods approvingly. "Better. Now keep practicing."

The training goes on like this, with Apollo patiently guiding me through the basics—punches, kicks, even some basic sweeps. My body feels stiff and uncoordinated, and the knot in my stomach doesn't seem to be going away. Each time I glance over at Talia and Nikko, I can see how much fun they're having, how confident they both are. It makes me feel even more out of place.

Apollo corrects my form again, showing me how to shift my weight from one foot to the other. "Stay light on your feet," he says, demonstrating the movement. "And don't forget to breathe."

I try to follow his instructions, but my nerves are getting the best of me. My punches feel sloppy, my kicks weak. But Apollo is patient, never showing any sign of frustration. "It's okay to make mistakes," he tells me after one particularly weak punch. "That's how you learn."

Gradually, I start to feel a slight change. My punches become a bit more solid, my kicks more accurate. I'm still not great—far from it—but I'm starting to understand the basics. The knot in my stomach loosens just a little, but it's still there, a constant reminder of how far I have to go.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Just as I manage to land a decent punch on the wooden puppet, I hear footsteps approaching. I look up to see Ryu walking toward us, his presence commanding as always. "How's the training coming along?" he asks, his voice calm but curious.

Nikko is the first to respond, rushing over to him, her tail swishing with excitement. "Papa, look! Miss Talia taught me how to punch and kick like this!" She demonstrates a quick combination of strikes, her movements surprisingly quick and precise for her size.

Ryu smiles down at her, patting her head affectionately. Her ears twitch happily, and she beams up at him, clearly pleased with his praise. "You're doing great, Nikko," he says, his voice full of pride.

Then his gaze shifts to me, his eyes—though hidden in shadow—seeming to study me intently. "And how about you, Rebecca? How are you doing?"

I nod, feeling a bit more confident after the training, but the nerves are still there. "It's going well," I say, though I'm not entirely convinced.

Apollo, ever the honest one, chimes in. "She was very bad at the beginning," he states plainly, "but she's starting to understand the basics."

I glance at Apollo, a bit taken aback by his bluntness. I can't believe he's being so brutally honest, but I know he's right. Still, I'm a little upset that he said it so bluntly.

Ryu nods, clearly satisfied with the progress. "That's good to hear." Then, with a slight shift in his stance, he adds, "How about a sparring session, Rebecca?"

My heart skips a beat, the nervousness returning in full force. "Spar with you?" I echo, my voice almost a whisper.

Ryu offers a reassuring smile, though it's hard to see through the shadowy void that covers his face. "It's just practice," he assures me. "I'll start simple and hold back. This will help you get a better feel for what you've learned."

Despite his words, I can't shake the anxiety bubbling up inside me, but I nod, knowing that this is part of the process. Apollo steps back to give us space, his gaze focused on me as he prepares to offer guidance.

Apollo begins by showing me how to position myself again, adjusting my stance slightly and reminding me to stay light on my feet. "Whenever you're ready," he says calmly, his voice steady.

I take a deep breath and throw a punch. Ryu blocks it effortlessly, nodding as he does. "Good," he says. "Try again."

We go back and forth, me throwing punches and kicks while Ryu blocks them with ease. Apollo offers pointers, correcting my form and encouraging me to focus on my breathing. "Keep your guard up," Apollo reminds me as I throw another punch.

Without realizing it, I start to move faster, my strikes becoming more fluid. The knot in my stomach is still there, but it's loosening more with each attempt. Ryu nods approvingly, his calm demeanor helping to ease my nerves.

"Don't think too much about the next move," Ryu advises as he blocks another kick. "Let your instincts guide you."

I follow his advice, and before I know it, I'm moving with a bit more confidence. I'm still not perfect—my punches don't always land where I want them to, and my kicks aren't as strong as they could be—but I'm improving.

Finally, Ryu steps back, signaling the end of the session. "You're doing well, Rebecca," he says, his tone sincere. "Keep practicing, and you'll get better."

I nod, a small smile forming on my lips. For the first time, I feel like I might actually be able to hold my own, even if just a little. The knot in my stomach isn't completely gone, but it's not as tight as it was before.

"You're doing great," Ryu tells me, his voice steady and encouraging. "I may not look it, but I was terrible when I first started. Practice every day, and it will become like second nature."

I nod, trying to absorb his words, but a part of me remains unsure. How could I ever reach the level of skill that Ryu and Talia possess? They move with such confidence, such fluidity, that it seems almost unattainable. But I have to try, even if the path ahead feels daunting.

"Speaking of practice," Apollo says, turning to Ryu, "it has been a while since we last sparred."

Ryu turns to Apollo, his gaze steady as if he's pondering something. "Yes, it has," he finally says. "The last time we sparred was on—"

"The Crucible," Apollo finishes. "It has been a while."

Ryu's demeanor shifts, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "Okay," he says, his tone confident. "Let's spar. How do you want to fight, Apollo? Swords or hand-to-hand?"

"This is a hand-to-hand lesson," Apollo replies. "So let's spar hand-to-hand."

Ryu nods, and I notice Nikko's excitement bubbling over. Even Talia seems a little thrilled by the prospect of watching them spar. I can't help but feel a twinge of curiosity myself. I've seen Ryu and Apollo fight before, but I've never seen them spar against each other. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm intrigued.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Everyone backs away from Ryu and Apollo as they take their fighting stances. Nikko stands before Talia, her small body practically vibrating with excitement, while Talia wraps her arms around her from behind, keeping her close. I, however, am quiet, my eyes fixed on the two combatants. I watch intently, eager to see how this will play out.

They start slow, circling each other, their movements deliberate and calculated. Ryu's stance is loose yet ready, his hands slightly raised, while Apollo's posture is more rigid, his armored fists clenched and prepared for whatever comes next. There's a tension in the air, a silent understanding between them as they wait for the first move.

Apollo strikes first, his armored fist a blur as it shoots toward Ryu's face. But Ryu is quick, ducking under the punch and retaliating with a sharp jab aimed at Apollo's midsection. The impact resonates through the air, a dull thud echoing as Ryu's fist meets the unyielding metal of Apollo's armor. Apollo doesn't react to the hit as a human might; instead, he moves with mechanical precision, countering with a swift kick aimed at Ryu's side. Ryu blocks it with his forearm, the clash ringing out.

Their movements become faster, more intense, as they exchange blows. Each punch and kick is almost too quick for me to follow, a blur of motion that leaves me in awe. Ryu lands a solid hit on Apollo's shoulder, but Apollo responds immediately with a powerful uppercut that Ryu barely manages to deflect. The impact sends Ryu staggering back a step, but he quickly regains his footing, his expression focused and determined.

Apollo presses the advantage, throwing a series of rapid punches that Ryu deftly dodges or deflects. It's like watching a well-rehearsed dance, each move flowing into the next with a rhythm that's both mesmerizing and intense. Ryu's movements are smooth and precise, but Apollo's are relentless, driven by an unwavering mechanical efficiency. They're evenly matched, each one testing the other's limits, neither willing to back down.

Ryu suddenly shifts his stance, his body coiled like a spring, and launches into a spinning kick aimed at Apollo's head. Apollo raises his armored forearm just in time, blocking the kick but staggering slightly from the force. I can see the concentration on Ryu's face, the way his muscles tense and relax with each movement as if he's calculating every possible outcome in real-time.

Apollo doesn't give him a chance to rest. He lunges forward, closing the distance between them with a powerful punch aimed at Ryu's chest. Ryu catches Apollo's fist with both hands, the impact reverberating through his arms, and for a moment, they're locked in place, each one pushing against the other with equal strength.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Ryu twists his body, using Apollo's momentum against him, and throws him to the ground. Apollo hits the earth with a heavy thud, but he's not down for long. He rolls to his feet with surprising agility for his size and retaliates with a sweeping kick aimed at Ryu's legs. Ryu jumps back, just barely avoiding the kick, and counters with a rapid series of punches aimed at Apollo's torso.

Apollo blocks most of the blows, but Ryu manages to slip a few through, striking at the joints in Apollo's armor with precision. Despite the hits, Apollo remains steady, his stance unyielding as he swings a heavy fist at Ryu's head. Ryu ducks just in time, the fist sailing over his head, and uses the opening to land a solid punch on Apollo's chest plate. The impact rings out, but Apollo barely flinches, his mechanical body absorbing the blow with ease.

The fight continues like this, back and forth, each one landing hits and taking them in return. The speed and intensity of their movements are astounding, their fists and kicks a blur of motion. I'm in awe of how skilled they both are, the way they seem to anticipate each other's moves as if they've done this a thousand times before.

Ryu takes a hit to the side, the impact causing him to grunt, but he doesn't let it slow him down. He retaliates with a quick series of strikes, his fists moving faster than I can follow. Apollo blocks most of them, but Ryu's precision allows a few to land in weak spots between the armor plating. They're both pushing each other to their limits, their breathing controlled, their movements precise.

Apollo goes for a powerful roundhouse kick, but Ryu is ready. He ducks under the kick and sweeps Apollo's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground once more. But Apollo is relentless, rolling to his feet almost instantly and charging at Ryu with a series of punches. Ryu blocks them all, his movements fluid and precise, but I can see the strain starting to show in both of them.

Their fight is intense, a display of raw skill and determination. It's clear that they're evenly matched, each one pushing the other to their limits. I'm captivated by their abilities, by the sheer speed and power they wield with such ease. But at the same time, a part of me feels that knot in my stomach tighten again, a reminder that I'll never be this good, that I'll never be able to match their skill.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Ryu manages to gain the upper hand. He catches Apollo's wrist mid-punch, twists it behind his back, and sweeps his legs out from under him in one fluid motion. Apollo hits the ground hard, and before he can recover, Ryu pins him down, his knee pressing into Apollo's back.

They both pause, Ryu breathing heavily, the fight clearly taking its toll on them. Ryu's chest rises and falls rapidly, his face hidden in shadow, but I can sense the satisfaction in his posture. Apollo lies still for a moment before nodding slightly, acknowledging his defeat.

Ryu stands up, offering a hand to Apollo, who takes it and pulls himself to his feet. "You've improved," Apollo says, his tone respectful and measured. "That was well fought."

"You too," Ryu replies, a hint of a smile in his voice. "You didn't make it easy."

As they shake hands, I can't help but feel a mix of awe and inadequacy. Their fight was incredible, a display of skill that I can only dream of. The knot in my stomach loosens slightly, but it's still there, a reminder that I have a long way to go. But despite that, I'm captivated by what I just witnessed. This is what they're capable of, and it's both inspiring and daunting.

Ryu turns to me, his gaze softening as he notices my expression. "You'll get there, Rebecca," he says, as if reading my thoughts. "It just takes time and practice."

I nod, though I'm not entirely sure I believe him. But I know I'll keep trying, keep pushing myself to improve, even if it feels like an impossible task. Because if there's one thing I've learned today, it's that I have to at least try.

Nikko rushes over to Ryu, her face beaming with excitement, her cat ears twitching wildly, and her tail swishing back and forth like an excited kitten. "Papa, that was amazing!" she exclaims, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her voice is full of admiration, and it's clear she's still buzzing with energy from watching the fight. "You were so fast! And Apollo was strong, but you were stronger! You're the best!"

Ryu nods, the tension from the sparring match easing as he gently pats Nikko's head. "Thank you, Nikko," he says warmly. Her tail swishes even more vigorously, and her ears perk up as she grins, clearly pleased with the praise.

Talia steps closer, her expression a mixture of concern and admiration. "Are you hurt?" she asks, her voice laced with worry as her eyes scan Ryu's form, searching for any signs of injury.

Ryu shakes his head and rolls his shoulders in a circular motion, demonstrating that he's unhurt. "No, I'm fine," he assures her, moving his arms a bit more to show that there's no lingering pain.

He glances up at the sky, his gaze thoughtful. "It's past noon," he notes, and I look up too, noticing how high the sun has climbed. I'm surprised by how much time has passed; it feels like only a short while ago we started training, but here we are, hours later.

"How about we take a break, and I make us some lunch?" Ryu suggests.

"Yes!" Nikko exclaims immediately, her excitement palpable. Talia nods in agreement, and the idea of a warm meal makes me realize just how hungry I am.

"Then we'll do some more training," Ryu adds.

I hesitate at that. "More training?" I ask, not able to hide the apprehension in my voice. "Is that really necessary?"

Ryu turns to me, his gaze steady. "Under normal circumstances, no," he says. "But we are about to shake the hornets' nest, and I want all of you to be ready for anything."

His words resonate with me, bringing back the memories of the attack by the cloaked figures and the fear that gripped me then. He's right; there's a very real chance that Nikko and I could be attacked while Ryu and Talia are gone. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, and I nod, though I'm still not thrilled about the idea of more training.

Apollo picks up his shield and spear, which have been resting against a tree, and begins to leave the training area. "Where's he going?" I ask.

"Back to patrolling the area until I call him for more lessons," Ryu explains as he heads back to the cave, with Nikko and Talia beside him.

I watch Apollo disappear into the forest, and a thought crosses my mind. "Doesn't he need to eat?" I wonder to myself. "Is he a—no, he couldn't be..." The thought lingers as I follow Ryu and the others back to the cave.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We all sit by the fire, which Ryu has reignited. Another worktable has been set up nearby and transformed into a small kitchen area. On it, there are various vegetables, spices, herbs, and thick slices of beef. Ryu begins cutting the beef into squares, his movements precise and practiced. Nikko stands beside him, helping as best as she can while he sets up a cooking area over the fire.

He suspends a large, flat metal grate over the flames, securing it with sturdy metal poles on each side. The grate glows faintly as the fire heats it, and Ryu carefully places the beef squares and vegetables onto the surface, searing them with a satisfying sizzle. The aroma of cooking meat and herbs fills the cave, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As Ryu cooks, I sit quietly, my mind racing with thoughts. The attack of the cloaked figures, the spar between Ryu and Apollo, and the moment when I had to stab that cloaked figure—it all flashes through my mind. I feel a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to see Talia sitting beside me, a concerned look on her face.

"Are you alright?" she asks gently.

I nod, but then I stop and shake my head. "I can't get what happened yesterday out of my mind," I admit, my voice trembling. "I've never been in a serious fight before, and now I'm learning how to fight... how to kill." The words come out shaky, my fear clear in my voice. "It's just... a lot to take in."

Talia nods, her expression understanding. "I understand," she says, her voice soft and reassuring. "But we're here for you." She gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, and I can't help but feel a little better.

"Thanks," I say, managing a small smile as the scent of the cooked food grows stronger, filling the cave with warmth and making me even hungrier.

Lunch is then served. Ryu has made a beef stew, and as I take my first bite, I'm surprised by how delicious it is. The warmth of the meal, combined with the company, begins to ease my nerves. As we eat, the four of us share stories and laugh together. A comforting feeling washes over me—not just from the stew, but from the warmth of their company.

After lunch, we return to the training area, though Ryu stays behind to work on his project. He's still at his workbench, the strange ball of metal now sporting an eye just like DP-8's. Apollo is waiting for us when we arrive, ready to continue our training.

We start with more hand-to-hand combat. Apollo guides me through the movements, showing me how to position my feet, how to balance my weight, and how to throw punches and kicks with proper form. At first, I'm stiff and awkward, my body still adjusting to the idea of fighting without a weapon. But as the training progresses, I start to get a feel for it. I glance over at Talia and Nikko from time to time, watching how they move. Talia's punches are fluid and strong, and Nikko's smaller form is quick and agile. It's inspiring, and I find myself pushing harder, determined to improve.

After a while, we transition to knife training. The thought of wielding a blade in combat still makes me uneasy, especially after what happened with the cloaked figure, but Apollo is patient. He shows me how to hold the knife properly, how to strike with precision, and how to defend myself. The more time passes, the more comfortable I become with the weapon in my hand. The fear that initially gripped me starts to fade, replaced by a growing sense of confidence.

Finally, we move on to shooting practice. Apollo suspends a training dummy in the air and gives it a push, making it swing left and right. Talia and Nikko start shooting first, their blasters firing blue and red bolts of energy that light up the area and leave scorch marks on the dummy. I watch, taking mental notes, and when it's my turn, I focus on hitting the target with precision. My shots aren't perfect, but they're getting closer to the mark each time.

After we've gone through target practice, Apollo shifts gears, leading us to the final part of the day's training. He retrieves a large folded cloth from his pouch of holding, spreading it out on the ground with precise, deliberate movements. Then, from the same pouch, he produces a variety of small tools and objects, placing them neatly on the cloth.

"These," he begins, his tone as steady and patient as ever, "are your blaster maintenance tools. Proper upkeep of your weapons is just as important as knowing how to use them. Without regular maintenance, a blaster can misfire, jam, or even fail completely when you need it the most."

I glance over at Talia and Nikko, who are already pulling out their blasters and laying them on the cloth. They seem familiar with this routine, their hands moving with practiced ease. Meanwhile, I fumble a bit as I draw the twin blasters from my belt, feeling slightly out of my depth.

Apollo doesn't seem to mind my inexperience, though. He patiently explains each step as we begin taking apart the blasters, showing me how to carefully disassemble them piece by piece. I watch closely, trying to commit each motion to memory—the way he slides the power pack out, unscrews the barrel, and separates the grip from the main body.

As I mimic his actions, I feel a mix of nervousness and focus. This is all so new to me, and the last thing I want is to mess up or break something. Apollo seems to sense my hesitation, offering quiet reassurances as he guides me through the process.

"This tool," he says, holding up a small brush, "is for cleaning the barrel. Carbon scoring can build up over time, which affects accuracy and performance. Make sure to clear it out regularly."

I nod, carefully running the brush through the barrel as he instructed, trying to be as thorough as possible. The task feels almost therapeutic in a way—like I'm learning something essential, something that connects me more deeply to these weapons that have quickly become a vital part of my life.

Nikko and Talia work alongside us, their movements smooth and confident. Talia glances over at me from time to time, offering encouraging smiles, while Nikko hums quietly to herself as she meticulously cleans her blaster. The atmosphere is calm, almost serene, despite the seriousness of our task.

As we reassemble our blasters, Apollo emphasizes the importance of each step, ensuring that everything is securely in place before moving on to the next. "Proper maintenance ensures your blasters will function when you need them the most," he says. "It's one of the most important skills a warrior can have."

When we're done, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I've managed to take apart, clean, and reassemble my blasters without breaking anything—something that seemed daunting just a short while ago. The weight of the weapons feels different in my hands now, more familiar, as if I'm beginning to understand them better.

By the time the training finally concludes, the sun has begun to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. I'm exhausted, my body aching from the hours of practice, but there's a new confidence in me that wasn't there before. I may not be as good a fighter as Apollo, Ryu, or even Talia, but I feel like I can hold my own. I'm not just an archaeologist anymore—I'm becoming something more.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

As I walk back into the cave, the first thing I notice are four metal spheres hovering around Ryu. They're eerily silent, each with a glowing red eye that seems to track every movement. As they turn towards me, I see numbers etched into their sides, from 1 to 4. Nikko's eyes widen in amazement as she watches them, and Talia steps closer, curiosity piqued. But I can't help feeling a shiver of unease. Unlike DP-8, these spheres don't beep or make any noise—they just silently observe, which somehow makes them even more unsettling.

"What are these?" Talia asks, staring at the one marked with a number 3.

"I call them Eye-bots," Ryu responds, and I can hear the exhaustion in his voice. "They're designed for surveillance. They'll keep watch over the surrounding area while we're gone."

He gestures to each one in turn. "Meet Eye-1, Eye-2, Eye-3, and Eye-4. Think of them as silent watchers."

He fiddles with his glove again, and the four Eye-bots fly out of the cave. A moment later, the image of the cave entrance appears in front of us, projected from Ryu's glove. He manipulates the display, and it shifts to show the forest, where I spot IG-22 marching among the trees, its red eyes scanning the area, the blasters on its back gleaming ominously. The view changes again to the training ground, where the training dummy still swings gently in the air, and then to another section of the forest, where Apollo is patrolling with his usual vigilance.

With a final tap on his glove, the image retracts, and Ryu extinguishes the projection. I feel a little better knowing these droids are out there, providing an extra layer of security. Still, the sight of those silent, floating spheres lingers in my mind.

Ryu relights the fire and sits down beside it, Talia and Nikko joining him. I can tell from the way they move that they're just as sore as I am. I settle down next to them, trying to ignore the aching in my arms and legs. Ryu hands out loafs of bread and strips of dried meat, and we all start eating in silence. As I chew slowly on the bread, DP-8 returns to the cave, hovering by Ryu's side, its red eye glowing with purpose.

Suddenly, DP-8 begins to beep, and I notice Ryu's posture change—he seems more alert, more focused. "Are you sure?" he asks the little droid, which responds with more beeping before projecting an image of the massive tree fortress in the center of the elven capital.

The viewpoint shifts to show the heavily guarded entrance, bristling with fortifications and patrolling soldiers. It then moves upward, revealing every access point—windows and balconies all secured with iron bars, and more soldiers inside, their armor glinting under the light. Ryu frowns and asks, "What about the sewers?"

At the mention of sewers, I see Talia's expression twist with distaste. The image shifts to show various sewer entrances around the city, all barred off and, like the rest, heavily guarded. Ryu sighs heavily, frustration clear on his face, before thanking DP-8 and letting the image retract.

"I know of a way in," Talia suddenly says, drawing our attention. Ryu, Nikko, and I all turn to face her, curious.

She swallows her bite of dried meat and sighs. "There's a secret escape tunnel that leads out of the palace and goes underneath the city. Few know of its existence."

"How do you know of its existence?" Ryu asks, his tone calm but probing.

The cave falls into a deep, weighted silence, the only sound the steady crackling of the fire. My mind whirls as I try to piece together what Talia is saying, and I can tell Ryu is just as struck by her revelation, his eyes narrowing in quiet understanding.

"Wait," Ryu says at last, breaking the silence. "You're... the Princess of Elaria?"

I feel my own shock mirrored in Nikko's wide-eyed expression, and I see Talia's cheeks flush, her voice dropping to a whisper. "My name isn't really Talia, either. It was... Sylvia. Sylvia Yelven."

My jaw drops as I look at her. "You're Princess Sylvia Yelven? The one who disappeared almost ten years ago?"

Talia nods, and I can see the tension in her shoulders, as if each word she speaks lifts a weight that's held her for years. "I hated that life," she admits, her voice trembling. "Every part of my life was controlled by my father. What I wore, what I ate, what I could say. And when he announced I was to be married on my seventeenth birthday, I knew I couldn't take it anymore. I left Princess Sylvia behind and... became Talia Sutaraito. I needed to find myself."

Ryu listens intently, then reaches out and takes Talia's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Talia, you know I've had to hide what I am," he says quietly, his voice steady and filled with understanding. "So, I understand why you kept your true identity hidden. It doesn't change how I see you. Not one bit. Thank you for trusting me with this."

A visible wave of relief floods over Talia's face, her posture softening as she lets out a quiet, shaky breath. "Thank you," she whispers, her hand tightening around his. She leans in, resting her head on his shoulder, and he wraps his arm around her in a silent embrace that speaks volumes.

Watching them, I feel a new layer of Ryu's character unfold before me, and I realize he's had to live with secrets just as heavy as Talia's. A pang of sympathy stirs within me, and I can't help but feel both admiration and an odd sense of comfort in seeing how he handles this—how calm he is, like he truly understands her struggle.

"I was so afraid you'd hate me if you knew," Talia says softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Nikko, who's been quietly observing, comes closer, her small face lighting up as she rests her head on Ryu's other shoulder. "I like Talia better," she says with a gentle smile. Her ears twitch in contentment, and her tail sways, adding a soft reassurance to Talia's relief.

Talia glances at both of them, her eyes glistening with gratitude, her burden of secrecy finally feeling just a little lighter.

I watch the three of them huddled together, and a strange pang of loneliness washes over me. The scene before me is so warm, so intimate, and for a moment, I feel like a third wheel, out of place in their close-knit circle.

"I'm going to step outside for a bit," I say quietly, excusing myself from the cave.

The cool night air greets me as I step outside, and I look up at the sky, deep and velvety blue, dotted with countless stars. The moon, though almost gone, still casts a gentle glow over the forest, creating long, soft shadows among the trees. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves bubbling inside me.

Tomorrow will be a big day, I think, feeling my anxiety creeping back in. There's so much at stake. What if we fail? What if something goes wrong? I glance back into the cave, seeing Ryu, Talia, and Nikko still sitting close together by the fire. They seem so at ease, so sure of themselves, and it makes me feel even more uncertain.

"I hope we succeed," I whisper to myself, the weight of the upcoming mission pressing down on my shoulders. With one last look at my companions, I turn my gaze back to the sky, letting the quiet night soothe my restless mind.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

I jolt up, my heart racing, my body trembling slightly as if I've just escaped some vivid nightmare, though I can't remember what it was. The cave around me is dark, the embers of the fire glowing faintly, casting a soft, dying light. I look around, trying to calm myself, to ground myself in the present. Rebecca is still asleep, her form barely visible on her sleeping canvas against the cave wall. I glance over to my side, where Nikko is curled up, her small form rising and falling with each gentle breath. But Ryu—he's not there.

Panic grips me as I scan the cave, my eyes struggling to adjust to the darkness. Where could he be? My heart pounds even harder, and I quickly get up, rushing to the cave entrance. The forest is still, the night air biting against my skin, my breath visible in the cold. Has he left us? No, he wouldn't. I tell myself that, but the fear lingers.

I stand there, listening, trying to catch any sound beyond the rustling leaves and my own frantic heartbeat. Then it hits me—the practice area. I run in that direction, hoping I'm right, praying that he's there.

As I reach the training ground, I see them—Ryu and Apollo—sparring under the faint light of the stars. Relief washes over me, but I remain still, watching. Their swords clash in a blur of movement, each strike precise and powerful. They are perfectly matched, their movements fluid and practiced. Ryu moves with a grace that belies his strength, his blade cutting through the air in swift, clean arcs. Apollo counters with equal skill, his heavy armor not hindering his speed as he blocks and parries.

They move around the clearing like two forces of nature, neither gaining ground over the other. Every time one strikes, the other deflects or dodges with impeccable timing. Sparks fly as their blades meet, and I can see the intensity in Ryu's movements—every muscle in his body is engaged, every step deliberate. Apollo's armored form is a blur, his metallic limbs moving with precision that seems almost unnatural, each swing of his sword calculated to meet Ryu's attacks.

I can't help but be mesmerized by the display, the way they seem to anticipate each other's moves. It's almost like a dance, a lethal one, but a dance nonetheless. Ryu's breathing grows heavier, his movements showing signs of wear, but he doesn't let up. Apollo, in contrast, remains silent and unrelenting, his mechanical precision keeping up with Ryu's organic skill.

Finally, in a simultaneous strike, both swords are knocked out of their hands, flying through the air before embedding themselves into the ground. They stand there, breathing heavily—Ryu more so, his chest heaving as he catches his breath. Apollo, of course, shows no such signs of exhaustion.

Ryu turns to me, still catching his breath, his eyes locking onto mine in the darkness. "Go back to patrol, Apollo," he says, his voice calm but with an edge of fatigue.

Apollo nods, retrieves his sword, and sheaths it before picking up his shield and spear and disappearing into the forest. Now it's just Ryu and me, standing in the clearing under the faint light of the stars.

"Can't sleep?" Ryu asks as he picks up his sword and sheaths it, his breath slowing down.

"Kinda," I reply, wrapping my arms around myself as the cold air seems to seep into my bones. I glance at Ryu, noticing how exhausted he looks. "I thought you left."

He gestures to a nearby tree, and we sit down beside it, side by side. "I wouldn't do that, Talia," he says, wrapping his arm around me, his cloak offering me some warmth. I smile a little, feeling the comfort of his presence as I nestle closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. The warmth of his arm around me soothes the chill that had settled into my bones, and for a moment, I feel at peace.

We sit in silence, the night air around us cold but somehow comforting. I close my eyes, listening to the sound of his breathing, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart through his cloak. "When are we leaving?" I ask, not really wanting to break the silence but needing to know.

"Tomorrow, at sunset," he replies, his voice a little shaky.

"You sound worried," I say, lifting my head from his shoulder to look at him.

"Of course I am," he admits. "I'm worried for you, Nikko, Rebecca. So much can go wrong."

I study his face, seeing the tension there, the concern. "Is that why you're still training with Apollo?" I ask, sitting up straighter, trying to read the expression hidden beneath the shadowy hood that always covers his face.

He nods. "There's still so much I need to do to keep Nikko and Rebecca safe during our absence. I also need to keep watch on the Eldorian encampment."

"You need to rest too, Ryu," I say, concern edging into my voice. "You've done enough for today. Don't overwork yourself."

Ryu chuckles softly, a sound that puzzles me. "What's so funny?" I ask, curious.

"Looking back, Lyra always worked too much, always concerned me with how much she pushed herself. And now... now I can relate. I get why she worked so hard," he says, a wistful tone in his voice that makes my heart ache a little for him.

"I'll come back to bed soon, I promise," he adds, and I nod, though the idea of leaving him here alone doesn't sit well with me.

I start to walk away, but something holds me back. There's a question that's been nagging at me for a long time now, one that I'm not sure I'll ever get the chance to ask again if I push it off. I turn back to him, my heart pounding in my chest, fear and anxiety swirling within me.

"Ryu, I need to ask you something," I say, stepping closer to him, the words almost catching in my throat. "Something I've been wanting to ask for a long time now." My voice shakes with the weight of the question, and I can feel my cheeks flush as my heart beats faster and faster. "How do you feel about me?"

He doesn't answer right away, just gazes at me, and I can hear the rustling of the leaves, my heartbeat loud in my ears. Oh no. I panic, staring at him, afraid of what he might say—or worse, that he might not feel the same way. Did I ask this at the wrong time?

I shake the thoughts away, desperate for an answer. "I'm getting these signals from you," I shout, unable to hold back, "and I want to make sure you feel the same way I do. Please answer me, Ryu." I drop to my knees, feeling tears welling up in my eyes as I wait for him to say something, anything.

"Talia..." he mutters my name, and the way he says it makes me stand up and turn my back to him, trying to hide the tear that escapes down my cheek. I stammer an apology, feeling the knot in my chest tighten as the tears threaten to spill over. I start to walk away, feeling the weight of my unspoken feelings dragging me down, but suddenly, Ryu's hand grips my arm gently but firmly, stopping me mid-step.

"Talia, wait," he says, his voice low and serious.

I halt, my heart pounding in my chest as I turn to face him, unable to mask the emotions flickering across my face. He releases my arm, his expression unreadable beneath the shadow of his hood, but he gestures for me to sit beside him. Reluctantly, I lower myself back onto the ground, trying to contain the swirl of emotions I feel, dreading what he might say next.

He lets out a sigh, seeming to gather his thoughts before he speaks. "I could sense it, you know," he begins, his voice softer now. "That you felt that way about me. At first, I just went along with it, not wanting to hurt you. But..." He pauses, his gaze lowering as if he's weighing his words. "I felt guilty, Talia. I didn't want to pursue those feelings because... I still love Lyra."

A sharp pang hits me, and I feel my heart sink. I look away, not wanting him to see the tear that slips down my cheek. This feels like the worst possible outcome, and I brace myself to stand up, to escape this conversation. But before I can move, his hand gently finds mine.

"But then you risked your life to save me, Talia," he says, his voice carrying a new warmth. "And through that... you helped me let go of that past. I know now that Lyra would want me to move on. She would want me to be happy."

I look up at him, hope rekindling, and search his shadowed face. "Does that mean...?" I start to ask, my voice barely a whisper, but before I can finish, he closes the distance between us, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that catches me completely by surprise.

The world around us fades, every worry, every doubt melting away as I return the kiss, my heart soaring. The kiss is deep, filled with all the emotions we've both kept hidden, and I feel the tension inside me dissolve, leaving only a sense of profound relief and joy.

When he finally pulls back, his hand still holding mine, I'm breathless, my cheeks flushed. "Do... does that mean you feel the same way?" I ask, feeling a bit foolish for needing to hear it, but unable to hold back the question.

Ryu nods, squeezing my hand gently. "Yes, Talia, I feel the same way," he says, his tone steady and sure. "And... I want to build a future with you. If you'll have me."

Joy bubbles up inside me, overwhelming every other feeling, and I lean in, kissing him again. "I do," I whisper, unable to keep the smile from my face, my heart soaring with a happiness I never thought possible.

Just then, a soft voice breaks the moment. "Papa? Talia?"

I pull back, cheeks flushed, and we both turn to see Nikko standing a few steps away, rubbing her eyes with a small, tired hand. Her ears droop, and her tail sways sluggishly behind her, a clear sign of her sleepiness. She looks up at us, a flicker of concern in her expression.

"Why did you leave?" she asks, her voice laced with sleepy worry.

Ryu steps forward, releasing my hand to crouch beside her. "I'm sorry, sweetie," he says gently. "I just wanted to get some fresh air."

Nikko's eyes shift from Ryu to me, her ears perking up a bit as she notices my tear-streaked face. She pads over, looking up at me with concern. "Why are you crying, Talia?" she asks, her voice soft. Her tail swishes slightly, mirroring her worry.

I kneel down to her level, wiping away the last of my tears and giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm not upset, Nikko," I say softly. "I'm just very, very happy."

Relief floods her small face, and her tail swishes a bit more energetically as she reaches out and grabs my hand, her fingers warm and trusting. "Can we go back to sleep now?" she murmurs, her voice soft and drowsy.

I glance over at Ryu, who gives me a warm nod, and we share a look that says everything. "Yes, Nikko," I say, squeezing her hand gently. "Let's go back."

As we start walking back to the cave, I feel Ryu gently grab my hand, giving it a soft squeeze. I smile, feeling warmth spread through me as we head back to our sleeping area.

As we lie back down, Ryu hangs up his weapons, and then he lies beside me. I snuggle close to him, resting my head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It's beating fast, just like mine, and I close my eyes, letting the sound lull me into a sense of peace. Nikko snuggles up close too, her small body warm and comforting as she begins to purr softly.

For the first time in a long while, I feel truly content. I'm relieved that I finally told him how I feel, and even more relieved that he feels the same way. The weight I've been carrying for so long has lifted, replaced by a warm, comforting sense of happiness. I listen to the sound of Ryu's heartbeat, matching it with my own, and I let myself drift off to sleep.