Back on the day Zarco fell, the evacuation zone was packed with civilians scrambling to board the train.
The military fought to hold back the hostiles, but soldiers were falling one by one.
"There are too many… I've never seen so many together," Andrew muttered as he helped wounded civilians onto the train.
The great wall's gate opened, and the train began to move along the tracks.
Panic consumed the passengers as they watched their city being destroyed.
Through the window, Andrew spotted a family running desperately toward the train, hostiles at their heels.
"Wait, please!" the man shouted, clutching his young son's hand.
"Damn it…" Andrew growled, forcing his way through the crowd, sprinting to the last car.
Without hesitation, he opened the emergency door and leapt into the void.
The man and his son saw him jump.
"What are you doing?" the father cried, stunned.
Andrew landed, raised both shotguns, and fired.
Two hostiles dropped instantly, just before reaching the father and child.
"Give me the boy!" Andrew ordered, scooping him into his arms.
He ran back toward the train, the father following close behind.
With help from passengers, the child was lifted into the car.
"My daddy!" the boy cried.
"Don't worry, I'll get him," Andrew replied.
He turned and saw the man tackled by a hostile.
Andrew rushed in, blasting the beast's skull with two precise shots.
But a dozen more surrounded him immediately.
"Well, friend… I've got good news and bad news," Andrew said calmly.
"What's the bad?" the man asked.
Andrew reloaded. "We're not catching that train."
"And the good?" the man asked, confused.
"You couldn't ask for a better partner."
The man collapsed, unconscious.
When he awoke, the ground was littered with corpses—every hostile slain.
Andrew moved among them, making sure none remained alive.
He helped the man to his feet, and together they rushed to a nearby house for shelter.
"You're insane… you could've escaped," the man said weakly.
"Yeah, I know…" Andrew replied.
The man revealed a bite on his abdomen.
"Thank you for saving my son. I owe you my life… or what's left of it."
Andrew's eyes widened. "No…" he whispered.
Night fell, and the man grew weaker.
"Andrew, you've already done so much… but I have one last favor."
"Yes, friend. Tell me."
"Find my son… and tell him how much I love him."
Andrew, watching through the window, turned back and nodded.
The man died from the bite and infection.
Andrew closed his eyes respectfully and left, searching for safer refuge.
On his way out, he took a sarape from a coat rack—an emblem of the promise he had made.
***
Days passed quickly.
Andrew was with the survivors when they found the evacuation train destroyed.
Among the corpses, his steps led him to the boy he had saved in Zarco.
He knelt, jaw tight, his face twisted with despair and fury.
***
In the present, Andrew's conversation with Ander continued as they neared Zafarí.
"In the end… I couldn't keep my promise," Andrew whispered.
"At least now they're both at peace," Ander said, trying to comfort him.
"I suppose…" Andrew murmured.
The officer entered the car to inform the group.
"We're five minutes from Zafarí. You'll be taken to the presidential palace.
You'll meet the president—he'll be briefed on everything."
The group looked out the windows as the city gates opened.
They arrived at the station and gazed at Zafarí in awe.
The city was larger than Zarco, its architecture Rajput in style, majestic landscapes framed by the savanna's wildlife.
Rhinoceroses and bison were used as transport.
Four zebra-drawn carriages arrived to take them to the palace.
"They'll take you to the palace. Time to rest. I can't imagine the hell you've endured," the officer said.
"Thank you. We owe you," Luke replied, shaking his hand.
"Don't worry. We'll stay alert for more survivors at the base," the officer added.
The group split into carriages, traveling through the city.
For many, it was their first time seeing one of the legendary seven cities.
At the palace, they were stunned by its architecture and cleanliness.
"We should've bathed before coming in… embarrassing," Adriano muttered.
Minutes later, the president emerged from his office and approached the reception.
"You must be Italia and Mabel?" President Lázaro asked.
"Yes," Italia replied.
He embraced the sisters.
"I'm so sorry for what you endured. Your father was a great man. I have no words."
"Thank you," Mabel said, tears in her eyes.
"Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Lázaro, current president of Zafarí. It's an honor to meet you all. I've been briefed on your situation."
Italia took his hand.
"My father spoke of you, and of your good relationship with our family."
"Our fathers were good friends too. That's why I welcome you without hesitation," Lázaro replied.
"We wanted to inform you about what happened in Zarco, to warn you and share it with the other cities," Italia said.
"Of course. I'll listen carefully. Don't worry, daughters—you may stay here in the palace, along with your guardians," Lázaro assured.
"Thank you, sir. Where will our friends stay?" Italia asked.
"I've been told there are rooms available at the shelter. They'll be cared for and provided food," Lázaro explained.
Luke turned to Andrew and Ander.
"Do you think it's wise to split up?"
"It's fine. You report what happened in Zarco and keep us updated," Andrew replied.
"Okay, we'll stay in touch," Luke agreed.
For the first time since meeting in that building, the group separated.
Italia, Mabel, and the remaining guardians—Luke, Néstor, Iván, Magnus, and Adriano—stayed at the palace, while the others were sent to the shelter.
After heartfelt farewells and embraces, the group parted ways.