The Long Way to Heaven

‘What is the cost of peace? Dear Self?’

Present, Year 4057.

Harsh desert winds battered against Ana’s face leaving her tattered rags and face coverings filled in every crevice with sand.

‘These savages do not see how much we’ve sacrificed for them.’

Her arms covered her face as she pushed through the storm with all her might.

‘Why do you still continue?’

“I don’t need praise; that's not the point. They can cast me away… resent and hate me but even then, I won’t stop.”

Her feet sank into the sand with every step needing more and more effort just to keep moving forward.

“Like you say I am Naive.”

The storm slowly subsided with an encampment revealing itself over in the distance. It is an abandoned super oil tanker that had been repurposed with parts that created a large defensive barrier. Green tarps placed on top to keep the desert sand away.

Ana approached the entrance and was promptly greeted by Rei in clothes wrapped in cloth for protection against the wind. He saluted Ana with an exaggerated movement.

“Boss! Welcome back!”

“It's good to see you too, Rei. How's things looking over here?”

Ana walked inside with Rei closely behind. She took off her face coverings while Rei explained the situation to her.

“It's come a long way. I've heard reports of the Neumerian Alliance finally engaging with peace talks….”

After many years the shared trauma from the near apocalyptic event has both caused the major factions to splinter and form peaceful co-existence with each other. Ana’s dreams had finally been realised after many years but her work is not done as there are still those still reminiscent of the old days of perpetual conflict. This is not a peaceful ending yet, Ana still has a lot of work ahead of her.

“Are you listening mum… I said–”

“Ah Boss, your back”

“STOP INTERRUPTING ME!”

“Oh… sorry Rei….”

Ana looked towards Rei’s flustered face and couldn't help but laugh. She was surrounded by hundreds of her soldiers from all walks of life that gathered as they all saluted her.

A flag depicting a phoenix was displayed behind them with the words: “The Sons of Icarus.”

“Guys you don’t have to be so formal with me all the time…”

“Mum stop ignoring me–”

***

“A quaint family, isn't it?”

Ana sat beside Atria in their own domain depicting a calm tea house decorated with flowers.

Ana poured Atria her tea as she softly spoke to her

“Admit it to enjoy it.”

Atria quickly yanked her cup as she sipped on her tea. Her face was painted red with blush.

“I guess… It's nice.”

Ana smiled as for once in a while she had everything she ever wanted and more.

A family that will walk through hell alongside trusting in her childish and naive ideals.

THE END.