I stand outside the Crucible, feeling the weight of this moment settle around me. The clearing is silent save for the occasional rustle of leaves, and beyond us, the city of Eldorith feels distant, like a memory I'm already beginning to carry with me.

  "Are you sure?" Talia's voice is soft, a hint of sadness lacing her question as she looks at me.

  I nod, trying to keep my voice light. "I've had enough of world-ending adventures," I say with a chuckle, but my smile falters as I meet her eyes. "But... being an adventurer, it's not such a terrifying idea anymore." I glance down at my left hand, now covered by a leather glove. "Besides," I add, a glint of excitement slipping through, "King Bjorn is giving me access to the royal library. How could I pass that up?"

  Talia's face softens, and before I can react, she pulls me into a tight embrace. "You better keep in touch," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

  I hold her close, savoring the warmth and familiarity. "You too," I reply, a soft chuckle escaping me, though I can feel the ache of goodbye tightening in my chest. We pull apart, and there's an unspoken understanding between us—a promise.

  Then Nikko steps forward, her big, tear-brimmed eyes staring up at me. We embrace, her small arms wrapping around me with a surprising strength. "You take care, Nikko," I say, my voice wavering. "Listen to your father and Talia, okay?"

  She sniffles, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. "You'll come visit us, right?" she asks, wiping a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.

  I smile, nodding. "Of course, Nikko. Count on it."

  I move to Apollo, and he opens his arms, inviting me in for a hug. I sink into his embrace, feeling his solid frame, that same silent protector he's always been. "Keep an eye on Nikko, okay?" I say, my voice barely more than a whisper.

  He pulls back, his gentle eyes meeting mine. "Two eyes," he replies, "as much as I can spare them."

  I let out a small laugh, easing some of the heaviness in my chest, and step back to find IG-22 standing just behind him. I start to reach out, but the droid raises a metal hand, stopping me in my tracks.

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  "I do not like hugs," it states, its tone as blunt as ever.

  A chuckle slips out, and I nod. "Of course. I wouldn't want to break protocol." But then IG-22 surprises me, its head tilting slightly.

  "I am... glad you proved me wrong," it says, each word as if measured, and a warm smile tugs at my lips.

  "Turns out, you can fight after all," the droid adds, and I can't help but feel a strange, unexpected pride in that acknowledgment.

  DP-8 rolls forward, its sad, melodic beeps filling the air. "DP-8 wishes you a safe journey," Apollo relays. "And that it will miss you very much."

  A small pang of sadness tugs at me, and I crouch down to DP-8's level. "I'm not leaving forever, DP-8. I'll be back soon," I assure it, my hand resting gently on its dome. It lets out a few more beeps in response, and I give it one last pat.

  Finally, I turn to Ryu, who's standing with his mask in hand, his face open and honest in a way that still surprises me. Without a word, we step into an embrace. "Thank you," I murmur, feeling the emotion build up inside me. "For everything. I won't waste my second chance."

  As we pull back, I reach for my blasters, ready to hand them over. But Ryu stops me, his hand resting over mine.

  "They'd just gather dust if I took them back," he says, his voice gentle. "They're in good hands."

  A smile breaks through my sadness, and I nod, feeling a newfound confidence settle over me. He dons his mask once more, his familiar voice slightly distorted as he bids me farewell. "Safe travels, Rebecca."

  I watch as they all ascend the ramp, their figures disappearing one by one. The ramp slowly lifts, sealing them inside. I step back, giving them space, my heart pounding as the Crucible roars to life. The ground trembles beneath me as the engines hum, the power radiating from the ship, and I shield my eyes against the light as it begins to rise.

  The landing ramp retracts, becoming part of the sleek hull, and the ship hovers, its engines glowing like distant stars. For a moment, I can only watch, the reality of goodbye settling into my bones. The Crucible rises higher, piercing the sky, a beacon of light and strength, carrying my friends toward a new journey.

  And then, they're gone, leaving me standing alone in the clearing, with only the echoes of their presence and the promise of future reunions.

  I turn to face Eldorith, the grand city sprawling in the distance. Its towers rise high, gilded with the light of the setting sun, casting a warm glow over its ancient stone. A mix of emotions fills me—my heart aches, but alongside it is something unexpected: a sense of pride, deeper and stronger than before.

  I take a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs, grounding myself in this new beginning. A small smile tugs at my lips, and with each step toward the city, the ache in my heart softens. I can already feel the excitement bubbling up within me, my mind wandering to all the places I want to explore, the stories I want to share with my friends when I'll see them again.