Epilogue

Bigs woke slumped over, one of the abandoned carriages serving as support. Heavy breaths and bloody coughs alternating in an unsteady rhythm.

Unable to stand, Bigs focused his efforts on raising his head. The battlefield was a hellscape of broken spears, oozing puddles, and brutalized bodies. In his lap, the soothing glow of the unharmed Princess made him smile.

Out of his last remaining pocket, he pulled a nutrient injector and, closing his eyes, tried recalling how Chip had handled these. Carefully removing the seal, Bigs pressed down on the injector. The capsule filling with opaque fog.

"A parting gift from both me and your Royal Caretaker, little one."

Deep into the night now, a tattered figure appeared.

Even now, illuminated only by the starry sky. The slouched over Bigs was impossible to miss.

"Forgive me, my brother, for doubting you. Senses can be a tricky thing, but you always saw things clearly."

Carefully lifting the Princess out of his final embrace, the veteran paid Bigs his last respects.

"I'm sorry for being unable to bury you. But rest well, knowing you have given us a path towards a future. Enjoy your retirement, Major. You've earned it."