The team was finally assembled. The invasion of Planet Arkon was no longer a distant dream, but a looming reality. Only twenty four hours remained before the jump.
A soft, rhythmic knocking echoed through Arnold's home. When the door swung open, a young woman named Kale stood there. She had a gentle, sweet smile that seemed to brighten the hallway.
Vermiliya stood on the porch, her expression unreadable. "Can I meet Mr. Arnold?" she asked quietly.
Kale stepped aside to let her in. Arnold looked up, his face softening as he recognized his visitor. "Hey, Vermiliya. How are you holding up?"
As they locked eyes, the present faded away, pulled back into the chaos of a few weeks prior.
Arnold was sprinting through the city streets, his heart hammering against his ribs. He was desperate to reach the hospital in time to save Ayelen's family. In his frantic rush, he collided hard with a girl. She stumbled, nearly dropping the small child she was carrying in her arms.
Arnold caught them both, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I am really sorry," he blurted out, steadying her.
The girl was Vermiliya. Her eyes were red and puffy. "No, it is okay," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I have to get to the hospital."
"Oh, me too," Arnold said, his protective instincts kicking in. "Can I help you? I think she is your little sister. What happened to her?"
Vermiliya looked down at the bruised, unconscious child. "She was beaten by my dad."
Arnold's expression turned cold and serious. His fists clenched at his sides. "Where is that bastard?"
"That is not important right now," Vermiliya said, a single tear escaping. "I have to rush. She needs help."
Arnold didn't ask another question. He simply took the lead, clearing a path and helping Vermiliya get inside the hospital doors. Once the nurses took the little girl, Vermiliya turned to him. There was a finality in her eyes that chilled him.
"Can you do something for me?" she asked.
Arnold nodded immediately. "Yes, whatever you need."
"Can you please take my sister and send her to an orphanage? Please, I am requesting you. I know those places don't always treat children well, but it is better than my home. I am disappearing soon, Arnold. This is my last wish. Please take care of her. Goodbye."
Before he could protest or ask where she was going, she turned and vanished into the crowd.
Back in the present, Vermiliya took a seat, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. "Is my sister safe?"
Arnold didn't say a word. He pulled out his phone and showed her a photo. In the image, the little girl was laughing, her cheeks rosy and full of life. She was wearing a neat school uniform, clutching a backpack.
"She is very happy and enjoying her life," Arnold said softly. "She is doing well in school. You don't have to worry about her anymore."
The tension broke in Vermiliya's chest. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over. She let out a shaky breath, a mixture of relief and lingering sorrow. "Can I ask for one last thing, too?"
Arnold leaned forward. "Yes, you can."
"Secret Dungeon."
The room plunged into a suffocating silence. The air felt heavy, and even Kale stopped moving. Arnold stared at her for a long time, his jaw tight. Finally, he broke the quiet.
"Why?"
"It is my wish," Vermiliya replied, her voice regaining its strength. "I want to help you on this mission."
"But you don't need to," Arnold argued, shaking his head. "I already have very powerful soldiers ready for Arkon."
Vermiliya stood up, her eyes flashing with determination. "They are powerful, but that does not mean I am useless. Arnold, can you please do this for me?"
Arnold rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the request. "Yeah... but I have to ask Flauge first. He makes the final call on the roster."
Vermiliya headed toward the door, pausing with her hand on the frame. "If you can, please Arnold, give me a chance. Do this favor for me. Also, one of my friends will be joining us."
Arnold blinked in surprise. "Who?"
"A friend," she said with a faint, mysterious smile. "You will know them on the day of the mission. Bye, Arnold. See you soon."
She stepped out into the night and disappeared. Kale watched her go before turning back to Arnold. "Who is she, really?"
"She is a brave woman with a lot of responsibilities," Arnold sighed. He looked at Kale, his expression softening. "Anyways, honey..."
They weren't married yet, but their bond was deep. Kale leaned in and gave him a soft smile. "Bye, Arnold. See you tomorrow." She followed Vermiliya out, leaving Arnold alone with his thoughts.
The scene shifted to the outskirts of the city, where Ayelen sat alone at a small table. He looked hollow, his eyes fixed on nothing. He was hopeless, drowning in the memories of what he had lost. Suddenly, he saw a figure standing in front of him.
"Miyara?" he gasped.
He lunged forward, throwing his arms around her in a desperate hug. He buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing with relief. But the person didn't feel right. The scent was different. The height was wrong.
He pulled back, realizing it was Vermiliya. She had been shaking him, trying to snap him out of his trance.
"Sorry," Ayelen muttered, wiping his face and stepping back. He looked away, embarrassed by his outburst. "Is the work done? Can we finally invade?"
"Yes," Vermiliya answered, watching him with concern.
"Okay," Ayelen said, his voice turning cold and focused. "Then I have to go."
"Where?" Vermiliya asked.
"I have to train hard," he replied.
"Where?" she asked again, confused.
"At my home planet," Ayelen said.
Vermiliya frowned. "What? I thought you belonged to this planet. I thought Earth was your home."
Ayelen looked up at the stars, his eyes turning a piercing, ancient blue. "Yes, this is my birth planet. But that planet... that one belongs to me."
CHAPTER 16 ENDS