The celebration still echoed across the lagoon — laughter, relieved sighs, and the soft splash of water where the golden Koi had returned to its home. The moon hung high above them, casting silver light over the sand and the gathered group.
Maeve's crew arrived shortly after, hauling equipment and crates as they collected the ores, the scales, the essence, and the runes. Their movements were efficient, practiced — this was not their first delicate operation.
Maeve turned toward Han, her expression shifting from playful to serious.
"It's time, Han. Are you ready? Say your goodbyes. This surgery will take longer than expected — the process is delicate."
Han nodded, calm despite the weight of the moment. "I am grateful for everybody. You've done so much for me, and I am thankful. Rest assured that when I'm okay, I'll be with you guys again."
Shin stepped forward, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.
"Take all the time you need. We'll wait for you. We'll be seeing you in Kazehana."
Isolde smirked, crossing her arms.
"We still have a drinking session to continue, Han. Don't think you're escaping that."
Chrome gave a crisp salute.
"Get well soon, buddy. We'll keep things running till you're back."
Sam knelt beside him, her voice gentle but unwavering.
"You're stronger than you think. When you return, we'll face the next challenge together."
Pixie fluttered close, glowing softly.
"I'll save a spark just for you! So you better come back smiling!"
Ciara stepped forward, eyes warm.
"You believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. Now it's our turn to believe in you."
Sakura clicked her tongue, looking away to hide the emotion in her eyes.
"Don't make me cry, you idiot. Just come back. I'm not done teasing you."
Eva approached last, bowing deeply.
"Thank you for gathering everything needed for Han. I'll be with him through the entire process. I cannot thank you enough for this overwhelming feeling."
Isolde placed a hand on Eva's shoulder.
"Raise your head. You and Han are family. It's a family member's duty to help their siblings. Cheer up, Eva. Everything will be okay."
Everyone gathered around for one last group hug — warm, tight, full of hope.
When the goodbyes finally settled, Maeve walked toward Shin, wiping her hands on her shorts.
"Shin," she called, "I'll be taking Han now... but in return, I need a little favor from you."
"Anything for you, Maeve," Shin replied without hesitation.
She grinned — the kind of grin that meant trouble — and tossed a heavy suitcase at him.
"Oof—!" Shin staggered, catching it. "What's this, Maeve?!"
"Since you said anything," she said proudly, "Krystal here is coming with you."
Krystal, who had been standing quietly behind Maeve, froze.
"She wants to see Kazehana," Maeve added with a wink.
"Maeve!" Krystal sputtered, face turning bright red. "You didn't have to say it like that!"
Isolde burst into laughter.
"Oh ho ho! The plot thickens!"
Sam sighed, cheeks pink.
"Here we go again..."
Pixie twirled in the air.
"Yay! More friends for the adventure!"
Ciara smiled warmly.
"We'd be happy to have you with us, Krystal."
Sakura smirked.
"Just don't slow us down, desert girl."
"I won't!" Krystal puffed her cheeks.
Shin steadied the suitcase and gave her a gentle smile.
"Well... welcome aboard, Krystal."
She looked away, flustered.
"Y‑yeah... thanks."
Behind them, Maeve's crew began loading the materials into the massive excavation machine. Eva positioned Han's wheelchair beside her, his bandaged arms resting gently at his sides.
Inside the Leviathan Crown
Deep within the metallic belly of the Leviathan, the engines rumbled back to life. Gears locked into place, pistons pumped, and steam hissed upward from the twin chimneys like rising dragons. The entire Oasis Edge vibrated as the machine awakened.
A booming voice echoed through the settlement:
"Calling all passengers of The Leviathan Crown. We will be moving shortly. Please come aboard before the time elapses."
The announcement rolled across the desert like thunder.
On one of the upper balconies, Han sat in his wheelchair, wrapped in fresh bandages, staring out the window at his friends gathered below. The moonlight reflected in his eyes — not sadness, but determination.
Beside him, Eva stood quietly, hands clasped.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
Han nodded.
"I am. Everything is okay... with you by my side. I can do anything."
Eva's breath caught. Her cheeks flushed a deep red.
Without thinking — or perhaps thinking too much — she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips.
It was gentle.
Warm.
A promise.
"Ahem!" Maeve coughed loudly behind them. "Alright, lovebirds, we're ready."
Eva jerked back, flustered. Han smiled shyly.
Maeve approached them, her expression shifting into something serious and respectful.
"Eva," she said, "you can sit and relax for now. I'll take over from here."
Eva hesitated. "Maeve... please take care of him."
Maeve placed a hand over her chest.
"Pray for me, Eva."
Han gave her a small, brave smile.
With that, Maeve gripped the handles of the wheelchair and began pushing Han down the long metallic hallway toward the operating chamber. The lights flickered overhead, illuminating the path like a ritual procession.
Eva watched them go, hands trembling slightly — not from fear, but from hope.
Outside, the group stood together, watching the Leviathan's balcony until Han disappeared from view.
The engines roared.
Steam billowed.
The Leviathan Crown prepared to depart.
And the desert night held its breath.