XIV - War over Altair

After Altair's citizens realized Empress Maika's deed of Code Fuchsia, Saitori ordered UICA rebel troops to evacuate and secure the reformation centers. Isrina helped Oreic lead his Vulpi students in the battle against the Reaper Squad, opening the way for Saitori to find Maika in Altair's palace.

The Federation zeppelins, red-eyed fighter drones, and panzers fought back against the rebel tanks, cardinal fighter jets, and airships. Some rebels and Vulpi magicians found Hernamidos and Fanghui, but they were unstoppable. The Reaper Squad leader's advanced weapons arsenal and Fanghui's Herald's Hand were too powerful for them.

Nonetheless, the rebel alliance held them off while Isrina and Oreic helped Saitori in her quick decapitation strike against Empress Maika. While Isrina and Oreic kept the secret police guards at bay with the Avian Form and fire magic, Saitori rushed towards the throne room where Maika awaited. She slashed at the Reaper Squad guards with her two cybernetic blades, countering their bayoneted rifles.

"Maika!" Saitori stomped into the throne room.

The Empress pulled her fuchsia-colored hair back and twirled her rose. "I was wondering when you were coming to, you know, put me to justice."

"It's over! Everyone knows about Code Fuchsia. Your scheme to brainwash Altair to support the Federation and Vulpi persecution!"

"Gee, thanks for telling me something I know already. Like how you left Supreme Leader Fanghui!"

"Are you still mad about that?"

"What? I have no right to be mad?"

The glass windows of the throne room shattered as rebel fighters and airships battled the Federation drones and zeppelins. Saitori and Maika stood, former sister-in-arms.

"Wasn't I the one who taught you to survive in the dirty streets after the Waxing Sickle killed our families? I taught you to steal from the rich and kill when people spat at us. You were like a real sister to me when we suffered together as street rats. We rotted in the trash cans in tears together! Did you forget, Saitori?"

Maika sniffed, wiping her tears.

"Saitori, did you forget that day Fanghui found us in the rubble? He clothed and fed us! Fanghui put rooftops over our heads and treated us like family. You thank the man who was willing to cut his arm for us by betraying him? Look at yourself. You help the Vulpi, now? The people who murdered our families the same way Fanghui's was?"

Saitori took a deep breath, wiping her tears.

"Maika, I know it's hard that we and Fanghui shared sad pasts of being wronged. But don't you see? We're not giving the good Vulpi a chance! I've met good Vulpi like Master Magician Oreic! Not every Vulpi is evil like the Waxing Sickle! Maika, just because the world wronged us doesn't mean we should do the same!"

"It's not too late to change, Maika," Saitori offered. "Help us stop Fanghui. We can't just serve him out of blind gratitude!"

"No," Maika took her crown off for battle as her rose extended into a lightning rapier. "I'm indebted to Fanghui compared to how ungrateful you are. I'll follow whatever Fanghui asks, even if it means killing you, dear sister-in-arms."

"Very well, Maika. I'll do what I must."

"I'm very sorry, Saitori. I hope the afterlife is gracious to you."

Saitori swung her two mechanical swords against Maika's lightning rapier, beginning the epic duel.

***

After SANDRA's defeat and Thalamoid's cowardly retreat at the Dynastiotron jade palace, Phoenicia helped her four tired friends call an android plane to take them back to Tetrachrome. The five friends arrived to rest at Enshiron's bar, where the Vulpi archer offered to make drinks and pub burgers again.

However, they were greeted by player customers and surviving android NPCs who escaped SANDRA's onslaught. They congratulated the party on their victories over Dosigma, Kirina, and even SANDRA herself. Enshiron and the bar cooks quickly went to work, serving the players who wanted to help Mivangeline beat the last boss. The players also watched the viral news exposing Empress Maika's manipulation of Altair.

"Ah, our dear lady is being popular today!" Enshiron joked with Mivangeline, drinking cocktails with his four friends.

"It wasn't all my work, you know," The commander blushed. "God sent me great help and an amazing team."

Shien grinned. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" The five friends toasted.

"By the way," Shien turned to Mivangeline. "It was cool how you dealt with SANDRA."

"Really? What did you think?" Mivangeline took a bite of her pub burger.

Shien ate his fries as the other friends listened. "You told me Jesus died for us on the cross."

"Yes, to pay the price for our sins."

"How come SANDRA wouldn't accept it? I heard you said Jesus healed the sick. Isn't that a good thing worth celebrating?"

Mivangeline sighed.

"It is, but some are too attached to the old wine. Remember how I told you about the spirit of religion? The belief that you had to work to earn God's favor?"

"Yes, I do."

"Some are very used to following that tradition. Because what Jesus offered is different and the Messiah wasn't the big king as they expected, people like SANDRA don't have ears to hear. SANDRA thought God would reach out only to the worthy, but Jesus came for the unrighteous, too."

"I see. I just thought it was amazing that all other religious people tell me I'm not good enough and need to work impossible things to get God's attention."

"Master Oreic's teachings are beginning to make sense," Enshiron chimed in. "He always taught us to forgive, and now I see why that's important. It gives the brokenhearted a chance."

"I consider that a heartwarming message for those in regret of their past actions," Phoenicia nodded, patting Elysia's shoulder. "It's illogical to deny the already hurting redemption based on their pasts. As a healing companion, I'm touched by this message."

"I can relate to that," Elysia elbowed the android. "I'm glad I don't have to listen to those people who condemn me for my past with the Waxing Sickle. I feel I needed to hear that. Thank you, Mivangeline."

"Of course. God is very proud of you," Mivangeline high-fived Elysia before turning to her other friends. "All of you."

"God added temper tantrum when making Elysia!" Shien giggled.

Elysia held a fist. "What was that, half pint?"

"Your description in two words is temper tantrum! You're always starting fights!"

"No! You're the one who gets on my nerves!"

Phoenicia rolled her eyes as Mivangeline and Enshiron ate their burgers.

"Elysia is sensitive and thinks with her fists!" Shien stuck his tongue at Elysia.

"I'm not! That's it!" Elysia tackled Shien. "You want to fight? I'll dunk your head in mud!"

"Not if I dunk yours first, you dumb fox!" Shien yanked her tail. "Bite me!"

"Ow! You chickadee-sized midget!"

"Cease your bickering!" Phoenicia bonked Elysia's head and shoved a plush sparrow into Shien.

"Thank goodness, Phoenicia is back, yes?" Enshiron laughed with Mivangeline.

"Thank the Lord, yes," Mivangeline fist-bumped the Vulpi archer. "May God help us to beat the last boss and escape this game."

"Amen to that," Enshiron saw bar waiters cleaning tables. "Ahem, I believe the players are finished. Perhaps it's appropriate to say a gem before leading them to victory?"

Mivangeline nodded, swiping her menu tab to grab a microphone. "May I have your attention, please?"

As the customers quieted down, Mivangeline cleared her throat.

"Thank you all for joining me in our upcoming final battle. I know it's frustrating to know that Maika orchestrated Code Fuchsia to trick us. But I know that with all of your help, we can beat Cyanic Odyssey!"

The players and androids cheered as Mivangeline shared her plan to defeat the final faction, the DiskGen.

"The DiskGen airbase is easy to locate compared to the Dynastiotron village, thankfully. I want us all healed tonight and ready for battle tomorrow morning. We'll meet at Tetrachrome's arena. Understood?"

"Yes, Commander!"

Mivangeline held her glass for everyone. "A toast for victory! May God help us all!"

After the toast, the players rested and shopped for their last items and equipment before tomorrow's battle. Phoenicia went to help the android NPCs while Elysia and Enshiron prepared their weapons.

"What about your sword?" Shien asked Mivangeline in the empty bar.

"Don't worry, I've become a bird, right?" The commander smiled.

"Yeah, and you're a beautiful bird!" Shien held her hand.

The two blushed, sitting beside each other. They felt an unexplainable revelation and warmth when they held each other's hands tightly. It was the power of the Holy Spirit. It showed them they were meant to be.

"Mivange, you know I've had a big crush on you and liked your songs before meeting you in the game."

"I know, but I'm glad that we've met. I truly believe God sent you to help me fulfill my duty. I couldn't speak, lead, or preach the Gospel without learning from you. Thank you, Shien. And I learned the Avian Form from you!"

Shien and Mivangeline leaned their heated bodies onto one another.

"Thank you, Mivange, for showing me that Jesus loves me. And teaching that I don't have to prove my worth to God and how he can use us, no matter how foolish people think of us."

"It's my pleasure. Are you still good with going out together after beating the game?"

"Yes! I love you, Mivange. And I know the Lord has more in store for us. You down to fly and explore birds together?"

"Yes, Shien. I love you too, and I'm down for birds. Thank you, God. Lead us in our union."

Shien and Mivangeline embraced and kissed each other, ready to take on the final boss of Cyanic Odyssey.