Yamin and Jasmine
Yamin and Jasmine sat quietly checking through the things they would need for the trip. They weren't heading into battle—just going to retrieve some important goods and supplies. But even that needed proper planning.
"We'll definitely need all of this," Jasmine said, scanning the short list in her hand. "You know how dangerous the road can be. Bandits, wild animals… anything could happen."
Yamin nodded. "The horses are ready. Weapons packed just in case. Commander Verde will come along, and Galley too. We've also got two top soldiers joining us."
She looked up at Jasmine. "We'll keep it quick. In and out. But we have to be prepared for anything."
Jasmine gave a small smile. "Let's just hope it goes smoothly. We really need those supplies."
With everything checked and in place, they got up to begin loading. The trip might be simple—but in times like these, even a short journey could turn into something unexpected.."...
Inside the Cave
The air in the cave was calm. Soft whispers and the distant sound of dripping water filled the space. It was peaceful, almost too peaceful.
Tony sat quietly beside Gabby, who was still asleep. He didn't want to wake her. He just sat there, eyes resting on her calm face, wondering how someone so fierce could look so peaceful in sleep.
Gabby slowly stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she had that strange feeling that someone was watching her.
When she turned her head and saw Tony, she blinked.
Was he sitting there the whole time?
She felt shy for a moment but didn't pull away. Maybe they could talk.
She slowly sat up beside the bed and let out a dramatic yawn, partly acting, partly real. As she stretched, she turned to look at him, pretending to be surprised.
"How did you get here?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
Tony grinned. "I'm not crippled, you know."
She smiled and laughed softly. "Yeah… I figured."
A Few Steps Away – Skyler and Elsie
Not far from them, Skyler and Elsie sat together, having their own conversation.
"Hey," Skyler said, "have you ever had a boyfriend?"
Elsie laughed. "Kind of? When I was ten. But my friend stole him from me."
Skyler gasped playfully. "What? For real?"
"Yeah," Elsie giggled. "And you know what's worse? He told me I was too beautiful. Said he was scared some other cute boy in class would take me from him."
Skyler burst out laughing. "Now that's the weirdest breakup ever."
They both laughed until their sides hurt. It felt good, like a breath of fresh air after everything.
Then Skyler leaned in a little. "So… what do you think about Tony and Gabby? You think something's going on between them?"
Elsie tilted her head. "I don't know. But if there is, I'm happy for him. Back at school, Tony barely talked to girls. Maybe Gabby's different. Maybe she's what he needs."
She paused and smiled gently. "And Gabby… yeah, people say things about her. But I don't think she's what they say. She seems kind. Real."
Back to Tony and Gabby
Tony turned to Gabby and gently took her hands. His face was serious now.
"I want to ask you something, Gabriella."
Gabby looked at him, a little unsure. "What is it?"
Realizing how close they were, Tony slowly let go of her hands and sat up straighter. "I want to learn how to fight. Like you. With a sword. Will you teach me?"
Gabby blinked. That wasn't what she expected. But a smile crept onto her lips. She liked that he asked.
"Alright," she said. "But only when your wounds are fully healed."
"I'm already feeling better," Tony said. "The way I'm healing, we'll be training in no time."
They both smiled again, more comfortably now.
Then Tony asked her about her past.
Gabby looked down for a moment, thinking. "I was born here. In this very cave. My great Grandma brought my mom and her sister here when they fled Abergdon."
She paused.
"My mom raised me here. She taught me everything—how to fight, our history, values… right and wrong. She was amazing."
A tear welled in her eye as she looked away. "One day, she left to find food. She never came back."
Tony placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to open old wounds."
Gabby wiped her face and gave a brave smile. "It's okay. It just hits sometimes."
"You're strong," Tony said softly. "Stronger than I could ever be."
To lift her mood, he started talking about his own childhood. Growing up with Elsie and their mom. The little joys. The tough times. And the pain of losing his father when he was just three.
It wasn't easy to talk about, but somehow, it felt better with Gabby listening.
They both shared their scars, not to compare, but to connect. And for the first time, in that quiet cave, they felt less alone.
They both agreed to set the training for the day after tomorrow.
"I'll be healed by then," Tony said confidently, holding up his little finger. "Oh—right, I should've told you. This is called a pinky promise. You hook your pinky finger with someone else's to seal a deal."
He paused with a small grin, then added, "Okay, now let's do it."
Without hesitation, Tony reached out and gently held Gabby's hand, hooking their pinky fingers together.
Gabby laughed softly. "Alright, alright. I guess I've done yours… now let me show you how we do it on my side."
Tony chuckled. "Okay then, I'd like to see."
Gabby smirked. "Are you sure? You might not like it."
"Nope. I showed you mine. Now show me yours," Tony said, sitting up straighter.
"Alright," she said, leaning in slowly until her forehead touched his.
Tony blinked. Is she about to do what I think she's about to do? He froze, curious but also nervous.
Gabby, feeling just as shy but going along with it, whispered, "Now… pinch your ears."
Tony let out a playful laugh and did it. "Okay, this is kind of adorable."
Gabby pulled her head back with a small smile. "There. That's how we do it."
Tony grinned. "That was actually nice."
Then he leaned in just a little and said, "Alright. Now… let's do the real thing."
Gabby blinked. "The real thing?" Her heart skipped. Wait -does he mean what I think he means?
But Tony just smiled mischievously.
And let the moment hang in the air.
....
Back to Skyler and Elsie
"I've stayed in this cave for so long… I just want to get out of here," Elsie said softly, looking around. "I want to go back home."
Skyler raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You're funny. Let me break it down for you—get out of this cave, get spotted, get arrested, get thrown in prison, and then... well, straight to the grave."
Elsie chuckled, shaking her head. "Still... don't you want to get out of here too?"
"Yeah," Skyler admitted after a pause. Her voice softened. "I've missed him."
Elsie gave her a playful nudge. "Awww… mmh okay, who are you thinking about?"
Skyler looked away, then smiled a little. "No one... well, maybe Z-12."
"Oh?" Elsie leaned in. "You like him?"
Skyler laughed quickly. "No, no! He's just always been a friend and my tutor. That's it."
"Right, I hear you," Elsie teased, still smiling. "Well, if we get out of here and he's there, I'd like to learn from him too."
"Sure... if we ever get out alive," Skyler muttered. "Just pray we don't end up beheaded."
"Wait;what did I even do wrong?" Elsie asked, a little more serious now.
Skyler looked at her. "You escaped… with a prisoner."
"But he's innocent!" Elsie replied quickly.
"And Gabby too, right?" Skyler added, eyes narrowing slightly.
Silence fell for a moment.
Then Skyler sighed and stretched. "You know what? We're just wasting time worrying. I'm starving. Let's find something to eat."
Elsie laughed. "Now you're speaking my language."
And just like that, they pushed the worries aside;at least for now.
...
Back to Galley and Yamin
The two girls walked side by side, their boots crunching softly over the gravel path. It was one of their usual walks ;quiet, thoughtful, with the occasional spark of teasing.
"So," Galley broke the silence, "what are your plans?"
Yamin glanced at her. "Plans? About what?"
"The journey, of course," Galley replied with a raised brow. "You're acting all obsessed about it lately. Honestly, I think you're planning something else… something more than just a simple trip."
Yamin let out a soft laugh. "Really? You think I'm hiding something?"
Galley smirked. "Aren't you?"
"I'm not," Yamin said slowly. "I'm just… looking forward to something. That's all."
Galley opened her mouth to ask more, but Yamin cut in quickly, "And no, I'm not telling you."
Galley sighed, pretending to be offended. "Fine. But I'll find out eventually, won't I?"
Yamin gave a half-smile. "I doubt it. But we'll see."
They walked a bit farther, the breeze brushing their faces as the sun dipped behind the cliffs.
"Oh, and prepare yourself," Yamin added casually. "We set out tomorrow."
Galley nodded, falling quiet. Then she turned slightly. "Alright. I'll see you later then"
"You're not going anywhere," Yamin said, tugging her lightly by the arm. "Come on. Let's go."
They changed direction, heading into the judgment hall where the elders usually gathered. The place was quiet tonight, dimly lit with oil lamps.
They poured themselves drinks from the side table, shared a small laugh, and sat for a while, enjoying the stillness and the company.
Suddenly a sharp clap echoed from the entrance.
Both girls turned.
It was Nether Mela, stepping inside with a message in hand. She looked serious.
"A word from Jasmine," she announced. "Be prepared. But... you're not leaving tomorrow. The trip has been moved. It's the day after instead."
The girls blinked, caught off guard.
"What? But why?" Yamin asked, setting her cup down.
Mela simply gave a shrug. "She didn't say. Just said plans had changed. You'll be told more in the morning."
With that, Mela turned and left.
Yamin and Galley sat still for a moment, both quiet, minds already racing with questions.
Something had changed.
And they were going to find out what.
.....
To Jasmine
Jasmine stood by her window, staring at the bright sky outside. The sun was still high, and a gentle breeze blew into the room. She held a scroll in her hand, the seal already broken. Her face looked calm, but inside, her thoughts were running fast.
The scroll had just arrived, brought by a scout from the northern trail. It warned about strange movements near the eastern paths. Whoever they were, they weren't merchants, hunters, or even soldiers. Just unknown riders, watching from a distance.
Maybe bandits. Or something worse.
She placed the scroll down on the table and read it again. Sending Yamin, Galley, and the others out tomorrow wouldn't be safe. If those people were still out there, the group could walk straight into danger.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Jasmine said.
Mela entered the room. She looked like she had walked quickly. "I gave them the message like you said. They were surprised. Galley wanted to know why the trip was delayed."
Jasmine nodded. "They don't need to know everything. Just enough to stay alert."
Mela nodded and left.
Jasmine looked out the window again.
Not tomorrow. The day after. If the path is clear.
...
Back to Gabby and Tony .
Gabby blinked. "The real thing?" Her heart skipped for a second. Wait… does he mean what I think he means?
Tony noticed her expression and quickly chuckled. "No, no," he said, raising both hands slightly. "Not that real thing. I mean the full promise—yours and mine together. Like… the combo version."
Gabby laughed, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Oh, I see. Thought you were switching topics on me."
Tony smirked. "Nah, I'm not that bold. Yet."
Gabby shook her head, smiling. "Alright then. So what's this combo version?"
Tony leaned in, still smiling, and said, "We start with the pinky lock…"
They hooked their pinkies again, this time slower, more deliberately.
"…Then your forehead thing…" Tony leaned forward until their foreheads touched gently.
Gabby smiled, her voice soft. "And then… the ear pinch."
Tony chuckled and playfully pinched both his ears. "Like this?"
"Perfect," she whispered.
They stayed like that for a few seconds; foreheads touching, pinkies locked, both smiling like kids making a secret pact.
Finally, Tony pulled back and grinned. "Now that's the real thing."
Gabby nodded. "Yeah… I like it better this way."
It was silly. It was sweet. But in that moment, it felt like something more;a promise sealed with laughter, closeness, and a little courage.
And deep down, neither of them wanted to break it.
...
Gabby leaned back slightly, still smiling. "So… does this mean we're official pinky-forehead-ear-pinching partners now?"
Tony laughed. "Sounds like a very exclusive title. I might put that on my badge."
She nudged him playfully. "Only if you earn it."
"Oh, I will," he said with a wink. "Starting with sword training the day after tomorrow. Remember?"
Gabby nodded. "You better not back out."
"I won't," Tony replied. "I made a pinky promise. And now a forehead one. And… an ear one too, apparently."
Gabby chuckled. "You're really taking this seriously, huh?"
Tony's face softened. "Yeah… I guess I am."
For a moment, they just sat in comfortable silence, the kind that didn't need words. The cave around them felt warmer somehow, not because of the torches;but because of them.
Gabby looked at him. "Hey, Tony…"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're back here, no more hurt"
Tony blinked, surprised. "Really?"
She nodded slowly. "Yeah. I don't know why… but having you around feels-safe. Like we're not alone in all this."
Tony looked at her for a long second, then smiled softly. "That means a lot… especially coming from someone who could probably knock out ten soldiers before breakfast."
Gabby laughed. "Nine. Ten's on a good day."
They both laughed.
A small breeze moved through the cave, carrying with it the quiet promise of a new chapter;one of healing, friendship, and maybe something deeper neither of them was quite ready to name.
Not yet.
But they both felt it.
And for now, that was enough.
Gabby shifted slightly, her fingers brushing her own hand where his had just been. Her heart was steady now, but her mind wasn't. She smiled to herself.
But deep down, a quiet storm swirled.
What if he doesn't see me that way?
What if it's all just in my head?
What if… I say something, and ruin this peace between us?
She looked at Tony as he stretched a little, pretending to focus on the far wall, but his glances kept sneaking back toward her.
But what if I don't say anything… and miss something real?
Something that could've been… us?
She bit her lip, unsure.
Just then, Tony chuckled softly at something—maybe nothing. His voice bounced off the stone walls like a light breeze. Gabby turned her head, watching him from the corner of her eye.
She didn't need to say it now. Neither did he.
Not today.
Not while everything still felt this delicate… this perfect.
Still, her heart whispered it anyway.
Maybe one day… I'll tell him.
Maybe he's thinking the same thing.