Months had passed since the night the traitor within the palace was exposed. Ticonic had finally recovered. The cities once ravaged by war and drone attacks slowly rebuilt. Markets bustled with life again, inventors crafted new technologies, and the spirit of the Ticonic people soared.
Yet amidst this peace, a rumor began to spread like wildfire:
"King Elmir plans to marry off Kael to his daughter, Princess Liana."
The rumor traveled swiftly—from the palace halls to the outer villages, from marketplaces to military camps. Many celebrated the news, believing it was an honor fit for a hero like Kael.
But behind closed doors, whispers of doubt began to grow. Some said Kael was too dangerous, unpredictable. Others brought up Teresa—the Earth-born woman who had fought beside him.
On a quiet evening, Kael stood alone on a palace balcony, gazing out at the peaceful world below. The night wind tugged at his cloak. Footsteps approached behind him—it was Princess Liana, holding two cups of steaming tea.
"I heard the rumors are getting louder," Liana said softly with a small smile.
Kael turned to face her. "So did I."
She sat beside him, her eyes on the stars.
"My father hasn't spoken to me directly about it… but if it's true, I want to hear your thoughts, from you."
Kael was silent for a moment before answering,
"My heart hasn't healed... and my future isn't certain. If this is about politics, I can't promise anything."
Liana looked at him for a moment, then gave a gentle nod. "I only wanted the truth. And I appreciate it."
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Teresa was training with the rebel-turned-guard forces along the border. Her movements were sharp, focused—but her eyes often drifted toward the sky.
The rumor had reached her ears too.
In the training grounds at dusk, Teresa sat alone, gazing up at the darkening sky. Her fingers clutched the hilt of her practice blade, but her mind was far away.
Rumors about Kael being arranged to marry Princess Liana kept echoing in her head, like a relentless storm pounding her heart.
Mira approached, sitting down beside her with two energy drinks in hand. She offered one and said softly,
"Hey… don't fall apart over gossip. You're Teresa—stronger than this."
Teresa sighed. "But what if it's true? I know Kael… he'd never disrespect the king. If he's asked to marry the princess, he might just say yes."
Mira looked her straight in the eyes. "Teresa… Kael isn't someone who can be forced. If he has a heart, it's already been given away a long time ago."
Teresa turned, her eyes beginning to glisten. Mira smiled gently. "And everyone knows who he gave it to."
Elsewhere, behind the training hall, Parker sat alone, hugging his knees and staring at the grass. His face was troubled.
Darren and Tama glanced over at him from a distance, exchanging looks.
"He looks heartbroken," Tama muttered.
Darren nodded. "I thought he was crushing on Princess Liana, but… turns out it's Teresa, huh?"
Tama gave a short laugh. "Falling for someone who only has eyes for Kael… poor guy."
Just then, Terren walked by and overheard. He clapped a hand on Parker's shoulder.
"Come on, man. You know Kael—his heart's been tied to one person from the start. Even when he lost his memories, that never changed."
Arek chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Kael is amazing, right? Even though he saw Teresa kissing Ben Crouist, that Earth soldier, he still accepted her... without any resentment." Arek leaned back against the wall, gazing at the dark sky. "Now that's true understanding."
Parker, Terren, Darren, and Tama exchanged glances. Without words, they understood what Arek meant. Maybe Kael seemed strong, but his heart was even stronger, because he never judged, never hated, even though there were plenty of reasons to do so.
Parker nodded slowly, "He's different. Not many people can be like Kael."
Darren stared blankly ahead, deep in thought. "Maybe he's just used to loss... especially those he loves."
Tama added, "But what's even more amazing is that he keeps moving forward, no matter how much he's been through."
On the other side, Kael stood tall in front of the new graves. His father, Elian, and his sister Rana now lay in the same place. All the memories with them felt fresh, yet painfully vivid. Kael gripped his tech bracelet, which now served as more than just a tool. It was a symbol of the long journey, the sacrifices, and memories that would never fade.
Kael lowered his head, whispering softly, "I'll protect everyone, just like you taught me. I'll be better, because you're here, with every step I take."
Mattew, who had been watching from a distance, walked up and stood beside Kael. "They'll always be in your memory, Kael. That will never fade."
Kael nodded, though he couldn't stop the tears that slowly fell. He didn't feel ashamed. It was a grief he needed to experience, to honor those who were gone.
Mattew patted Kael's back, "Now, let's continue our journey. Earth and Ticonic, both need us."
Kael took a deep breath, wiped away his tears, then looked forward with a strengthened resolve. "I will do anything for those still here, and for those who have gone."
On the other side, Teresa was preparing to return to Earth, together with her family who had been rescued and were now safe. Her preparations were full of mixed emotions—fear, sadness, and confusion. She knew this decision would be difficult, but she also felt like there was no other choice. Everything that had happened on Ticonic had changed her life, and while she was grateful for everything, her heart was still tied to Earth, her home planet.
However, Kael couldn't just stand by. He walked up to Teresa, his steps filled with determination. His face looked more serious than usual, and there was a deep sadness in his eyes.
"Teresa..." Kael called out, his voice heavy with hope. "Are you really going to leave me like this?"
Teresa turned, surprised by his question. Kael stepped closer. "I love you, Teresa. You know that, don't you?"
Teresa was silent. Kael's words seemed to stir something deep inside her. She looked into Kael's eyes, and for a moment, she felt a connection that went beyond words, something that tied their hearts together, even though the world seemed to pull them apart.
Kael moved closer, slowly. Teresa didn't step back, instead, she opened her arms as if giving permission. Without further words, Kael pulled her into a tight embrace. Kael felt the warmth of Teresa's body, and despite the ache of longing and loss, he felt a small sense of peace in this embrace.
Kael looked at Teresa gently, then slowly, he lowered his head and kissed her lips. The kiss was full of warmth, full of emotions that words couldn't express. It was a promise, a confession that even though they came from different worlds, even though they didn't know what the future would hold, they would always support each other.
Teresa kissed him back, though tears were falling. This kiss was a decision that couldn't be postponed anymore. Kael and Teresa knew that their feelings would not be easily broken by distance or any differences.
After a few moments, Kael pulled back slightly, but still looked at her with hope in his eyes.
"Don't go, Teresa."
Teresa smiled weakly, tears falling slowly, but she nodded. "I don't want to go, Kael. But I have to. For them. For my family."
Kael looked at her, absorbing every word that came from Teresa's lips. "I'll always wait for you, here, on Ticonic, or wherever we are. We'll be together."
They embraced again, supporting each other. The world around them seemed to pause for a moment, giving space for the emotions they had kept hidden all this time.
The future might be full of uncertainty, but for now, they both knew that their feelings would remain strong.