Before heading to the city, Naoko approached me with slow steps, as if unsure whether to come closer. She called my name in a soft voice, barely a whisper carried by the wind.

  —Zein...

  —What is it? —I asked, though I already sensed it was something important.

  In an instant, without saying anything else, she threw her arms around me with all her strength. She didn’t speak at first, just clung to me as if she had feared losing me forever.

  —I'm glad you're okay... —she murmured, her voice breaking.

  —And I'm glad you're okay too —I replied, returning the embrace.

  Then I felt her hands trembling on my back. Suddenly, she began to hold me tighter, as if she needed to make sure I was really there. Then, between muffled sobs, she gently hit my chest with her fists.

  —Please... don't ever disappear like that again, like on the plane... —she whispered through tears—. Never do that again, please...

  Her voice cracked with every word. It was as if she had been carrying that pain for years, as if that moment when I left her behind on the plane had been burned into her memory. I felt the weight of her fear, of the anguish she had kept bottled up all this time, and all I could do was hold her just as tightly, staying like that for a long while, in silence. It was the first time we had seen each other since that day, and now that she was in front of me, I understood how much my absence had meant to her.

  I held her as if, by doing so, I could ask for forgiveness without saying a word. As if I could tell her it hurt me too, that I never meant to hurt her. And in that shared silence, something between us came back together.

  I carried Nyla to an old truck, one of those that still barely worked among the remains of what was left of the world. It was simple, rusted by years and rain, but it did the job. It would take us back to the city. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. At least, everything seemed to be going well. Inside the truck, I let myself fall into the back seat, physically and emotionally exhausted. I closed my eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and let my mind drift, thinking about what we had been through, everything we had lost… and the little we had, fortunately, managed to keep.

  Naoko got in as well, sitting beside me, while Sora and Miguel left in another truck ahead of us. The engine roared loudly, and the vehicle began to move slowly along the dirt road.

  —Are you Zein's girlfriend? —Nyla suddenly asked from the front seat, turning her head with innocent curiosity.

  —G-girlfriend? —Naoko choked on air, completely caught off guard, her cheeks flaring up like embers—. No… I’m… his… apprentice...

  She said it so softly I could barely hear her, but her averted gaze, the blush on her face, and that shy smile said more than a thousand words. I smiled gently without saying anything, just watching her. There was something comforting about seeing her like that, so human, so alive, after everything we’d been through.

  —So much has happened... —I finally said, staring up at the cloudy sky through the window.

  —I know... —Naoko replied—. How about you tell me everything?

  —I don’t know… it’s a long story.

  —And it’s a long ride too —she answered with a faint smile.

  So I started to talk. I told her everything that had happened over these years, from the day I left her on that plane up to this very moment. I told her about Kael, about his final days, about his smile even in the midst of pain… and the promise I made to him. A promise I would never break, no matter what came next. She listened without interrupting, just looking at me, taking in every word. Her eyes grew wet when I spoke of the promise, and though she didn’t say anything, her hand quietly reached for mine.

  I held it tightly, feeling that warmth I had missed for so long. For a moment, the world outside the truck didn’t matter. There was no noise, no war, no enemies. There was only us, sharing the burden of our memories and the comfort of finally being together again.

  Back in the city, the atmosphere felt different. The streets were clean, the buildings restored, and there were even new structures that hadn’t been there before. Everything looked more modern, more organized… more alive. But what struck me the most was the reaction of the people. As we moved through the streets, their eyes locked on me with shock and confusion. It was like they were seeing a ghost. Some stopped with their mouths agape, others whispered among themselves, and many just stood still, as if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. I never imagined my return would cause such a stir.

  Meanwhile, in the truck, Nyla and Naoko shared little moments of connection. Nyla, with her natural innocence, played with Naoko’s hair or asked curious questions, and Naoko, though a bit awkward at first, answered with a sweetness she didn’t usually show. They were getting to know each other, and there was something heartwarming about seeing them like that—so calm, so human—after everything we’d been through. It felt like, little by little, the world was trying to become a livable place again, a place where laughter wasn’t a luxury.

  —What have you been doing these past two years? —I asked with genuine curiosity, still gazing out the window.

  Naoko took a deep breath before answering.

  —When Eroberer and the others died, everything turned into absolute chaos. Every government on every planet collapsed. There were no leaders, no orders… only desperation. That day we found out that 96.6% of the EDI army had been wiped out.

  —Does that mean…?

  —Yes —she nodded, with a warm smile, full of a hope I hadn’t seen in her for a long time—. We’ve practically already won. Though… it wasn’t easy. We had to take over the government ourselves. Rebuild systems, maintain order, put everything back into place…

  —That must’ve been tough...

  —You have no idea —she said with a brief laugh, tinged with exhaustion.

  The truck stopped in front of a massive government facility. Unlike the old military bases or the cold buildings of the past, this place looked clean, with well-kept gardens, flags waving proudly, and a renewed crest at the entrance. Upon entering, something happened that completely threw me off: everyone stood up at once and assumed a formal stance. It was as if they were honoring me. I didn’t know how to react. I wasn’t a hero—at least I didn’t feel like one. But they… they looked at me with genuine respect, like they had been waiting for this moment.

  Without another word, Naoko led me through the hallways to a room located at the very top of the building. Everything pointed to the idea that we were about to meet someone important, perhaps the new president or the leader of the restored government. Still, the only thing I truly wanted in that moment was to see Kiomi and the others. I needed to know they were okay too. More than speeches or titles, I needed their faces, their laughter, their voices.

  As we stepped into the room, a familiar voice rang out, echoing through the air like a sound from the past slipping through the walls.

  —What do you mean you can’t fix it!? That’s your job! —It was a sweet voice, but firm, filled with authority. That unique mix could only belong to one person—. It’s your job, so fix it!

  The slam of a phone hanging up echoed through the room. Then came footsteps, and as I turned, I saw her. There she was, standing in front of us, frowning… until her eyes met Naoko’s.

  —Naoko, I’ve finally found you. Where have you been? We’re way too busy for you to be off chasing Zein and—

  She froze the moment she saw me. Her lips parted, but no sound came out at first. Then, barely a whisper.

  —Zein…

  —I’m back… Kiomi —I said, my voice trembling, my smile weak with emotion.

  And then, without thinking twice, she ran toward me. She hugged me with a force that seemed to come straight from her soul, tears pouring down her face. She didn’t say anything else. She didn’t have to. I hugged her back, closing my eyes and letting the warmth of her embrace surround me completely. In that moment, it felt like a piece of me had finally come home.

  —I’m so glad you’re okay… —her voice was shaky, and every word sounded like it might break before it reached the air, as if she were struggling to hold herself together—. I was so scared and… this has all been so hard without you. I really thought I’d never see you again.

  There was no need for her to say more. I held her tightly, as if holding her could somehow erase all the pain I’d carried inside for so long. I felt her tears slide down my neck, warm and silent, a gentle reminder that we were still here—still alive—after everything we’d been through.

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  —Don’t say anything else —I whispered softly—. I’m here now. Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be okay.

  —Yeah… —she murmured, still holding on to me, sinking just a little deeper into the embrace, like she was finally allowing herself to rest for the first time in years.

  When she’d calmed down a bit, she noticed a small hand gently tugging at my shirt. Her eyes drifted downward, where Nyla stood, looking up at us with a mix of curiosity and shyness, clinging to me like I was the only steady thing left in her world.

  —And who’s this little one? —Kiomi asked, crouching down with care, smiling at her warmly. Her voice softened instinctively, as if she already knew how to speak to a child.

  —Her name’s Nyla —I said with a faint smile, running a hand gently through her hair—. I promised a friend I’d take care of her. No matter what.

  —That’s such a lovely name —Kiomi replied, brushing Nyla’s cheek with a tender touch—. And she’s got beautiful eyes… looks pretty brave too, doesn’t she?

  Nyla nodded shyly, half-hiding behind my leg, but still watching Kiomi closely. It was like she was deciding whether or not she could trust her—and in that moment, I could feel a new bond starting to form.

  —Looks like we’ve got a lot to catch up on —Kiomi said as she stood up again, her gaze meeting mine with a mix of exhaustion and relief.

  —What do you say we go to a café? —Naoko chimed in suddenly, a spark lighting her eyes that I hadn’t seen in so long—. We need a little break.

  —Sure, I don’t see why not —I replied, bending down slightly to encourage Nyla.

  We ended up at a nearby café, one of those small but cozy places with potted plants in the windows and soft lights hanging from the ceiling. Kiomi and Naoko finally got a well-earned rest, while Miguel and Sora decided to join us too. We sat around a large wooden table, and for a brief moment, everything felt normal. Like we were just a group of friends catching up, not survivors of an impossible war.

  I told them what had happened over the past two years. I spoke about Kael—his strength, his illness, how he made me promise to protect Nyla as if she were my own daughter. My words came out slowly but steadily, a knot forming in my throat as I remembered. No one interrupted. They just listened, quietly and with respect, like they understood how much it meant to me to finally speak it aloud.

  Then they shared their side of the story. They told me that, although countless lives were lost after the fall of the EDI, they managed to rise from the rubble. They formed a provisional government led by themselves, and throughout all this time, they held up what remained of the world. While systems beyond Earth slowly began to recover, here on the planet they were preparing for a new beginning. A newly elected president would take office in just a few days—that’s why there was so much movement, so many preparations… so much hope.

  For two whole years, they carried the weight of the planet on their own. They organized, rebuilt, protected. And for the first time, I felt something I didn’t expect: pride. Not for surviving, but for what we’d managed to achieve together. For the simple fact that, despite everything, we were still here.

  —Zein —Kiomi said suddenly, her voice soft but steady.

  —What is it, Kiomi?

  There was a brief pause. She looked over at Nyla, who was quietly giggling as she tried to catch the bubbles drifting out of a little fountain-shaped decoration in the café. Then she turned her gaze back to me.

  —What if you adopted Nyla?

  —What? —I blinked, caught off guard by how straightforward she was.

  She held my gaze without flinching, though her eyes were filled with immense gentleness.

  —Yeah, adopt her —Naoko said, her voice calm but resolute, still carrying that softness she always used when speaking about things that truly mattered—. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. She looks more like your daughter than your sister, Zein. Ever since you arrived, she hasn’t left your side for a second. And… there’s something else you should know.

  We all turned to her. Naoko adjusted her seat and lowered her voice, like what she was about to say needed to be handled carefully.

  —I asked them to run a background check on her while we were here. There’s nothing. No records. It’s like she doesn’t exist… no birth certificate, no ID, not even a traceable last name. As far as the system’s concerned, she’s invisible.

  —And your point is...? —Miguel asked—not unkindly, but with his usual practical tone.

  —If Zein adopts her, he wouldn’t just be keeping his promise to protect her. He’d be giving her something she’s never had before—a home, a name, a family. It wouldn’t just be a legal act; it would be an act of love. And she already sees it that way… haven’t you noticed? —she glanced at Nyla with a small smile—. Since we got to the café, she hasn’t wanted to let you go.

  I looked down. Nyla was sitting next to me, eating a small pastry while leaning her shoulder against my arm. The moment she felt my gaze, she looked up and smiled at me—that calm expression she only wore when she felt safe.

  —Maybe you’re right —I said quietly, still unsure—. But I don’t think I can do it alone. I have no idea how to be a father. I’m just now starting to put my life back together...

  —Don’t worry —Kiomi cut in quickly, her warmth catching me by surprise—. If you want… I can help you.

  —Like my mom? —Nyla asked suddenly, her innocent voice catching us all off guard.

  Kiomi froze for a second. Then her cheeks flushed deep red, and she looked down, clearly unsure of how to respond.

  —N-no… I just meant...

  —I think what she means is that we can all help you take care of her —Naoko jumped in with a soft smile, trying to ease the moment.

  —Yeah, you’ve got us —Sora added, leaning her elbows on the table with confidence—. You’re not alone, Zein. Besides, I already take care of Aiko and Nanao most of the time. I’m sure they’d get along great with Nyla. It’d be nice for them to grow up together.

  I stayed quiet for a moment. I looked at all of them, then at Nyla, who was now watching Sora with curiosity. Something warm stirred in my chest. Maybe I wasn’t ready—maybe I never would be entirely—but one thing was clear: I couldn’t ignore that feeling of belonging. She was already a part of my life. Maybe it was time to make it official.

  —Guys...

  —Alright, enough talk —Kiomi cut in, standing up after regaining her composure—. We’ve got a mountain of paperwork and a whole lot of work to get done.

  Zein, first thing’s first—we need to register Nyla. As a citizen… and as your daughter. We’ll deal with your official welcome later, but for now, focus on that.

  I nodded silently. I hadn’t fully processed everything yet, but deep down, I knew this was the first step in the right direction.

  After my return, we started adjusting to this new life after the collapse. In the past few years, things have happened that previous generations wouldn’t even have dreamed of, and yet… we were managing. The planet had quieted. Everything had calmed down. There were no more signs of the EDI, and many systems began to align themselves with our cause. There were more of us now—and that made me happy.

  —Alright —I said, stretching a little—. I’ve been gone two years, so I assume you’ve improved your skills a bit, right, Naoko?

  —Uh… yeah —she replied, a little nervous.

  —And you too, Niklas. I want to see what you’re made of.

  —Alright —he said with a confident grin—. So… how’s this gonna go?

  —You two against me. I want to see how well you fight together —I replied, a confident smile on my face.

  We took our positions in the center of the café garden, beneath the shade of the trees. Nyla sat peacefully on the grass, watching us with wide eyes and a bright smile. Seeing her there made me happy. This place had something special… something that made me feel at home, even after everything we’d been through.

  Naoko and Niklas were the first to move. They attacked immediately, coordinated like they’d trained for this. One from each side, trying to corner me. I barely had time to summon my swords. The energy flames flickered briefly as they appeared in my hands, and I managed to block their strikes just in time, crossing both blades in front of me.

  I spun fluidly, letting the momentum carry me between them. I struck Niklas with the hilt of my sword and, in the same motion, caught Naoko’s blade. They staggered, but recovered faster than I expected. It was clear they weren’t here just to play around.

  Their attacks grew faster, more precise. They pressed in with admirable synchronicity, almost like they could read my moves. Even so, I managed to stay a step ahead, dodging, blocking, countering with smooth but accurate strikes. Sometimes, all it took was a step back or a subtle deflection to avoid the blow. It was a true exercise in reflexes and patience.

  At one point, they cornered me against one of the garden pillars. Niklas advanced with a strike while Naoko spun from the other side with a low kick. I had no choice.

  With a quick movement of my free hand, the ground beneath Niklas rose in the form of a pillar, hitting him by surprise and destabilizing his stance. It was the exact moment I needed. I turned toward Naoko and, with gentleness but firmness, placed my hand on her face and pushed her back, interrupting her attack without harming her.

  But they didn’t give up. Unfazed, they came at me again, even more forcefully. This time, when they attacked together, their combination was more complex. They had good chemistry. I’ll admit, I enjoyed facing off with them.

  In an instant, I found the perfect opening. I used the energy in my body to propel myself backward with a jump, and just as they advanced together, I slipped behind. I appeared behind Naoko in the blink of an eye.

  —Gotcha! —I exclaimed just as I gently lowered the hilt of my sword onto her head.

  —Ouch! —Naoko protested, rubbing her hair with a grimace.

  —I win —I said, still smiling.

  —That’s cheating! How did you do that? —she complained, a mix of frustration and laughter in her voice.

  —It’s a secret —I winked at her.

  —Incredible! —Nyla shouted, running toward us with her eyes shining with excitement—. How did you do it? I didn’t even get to see everything! Wow! Could you teach me to fight like that too?

  I crouched down a little and gently patted her head.

  —It depends on your determination to learn.

  —I have tons of determination! By the way… what’s that?

  I let out a soft laugh.

  —Alright, now I know where to start testing you.