The next morning, Tiffy confidently secured a one-month leave from her college vice chancellor, with Nick accompanying her. With the day wide open, they made another decision: they would visit Nick's parents that evening to officially announce their wedding plans.
Later that afternoon, they arrived at Nick's family home. In the privacy of his room, they chatted freely.
"Tiffy, I forgot to mention something," Nick said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm planning to invite my allied group from camp to the wedding."
"Your allied group? You mean... the camp guys?"
"Yeah. We all got monthly leaves and left the base after our mission wrapped up. I also want to invite Elizabeth, Jasmine, and Teacher Sally."
Tiffy raised an eyebrow. "Those three girls? From high school? The same ones who gave us migraines?"
"They're good people, Tiff. Come on."
"How can you be so sure? What if they ruin the vibe?"
"I'll personally invite them and make them promise to behave. Actually, why don't you come with me today? We can deliver the invitations together."
"Wait—you want us to go back to our old high school? Just to hand them invitations?"
"Yeah. Why not? The director still respects your family. Your presence might make things smoother."
Tiffy sighed. "Alright, fine. Let's drop by. But we need to give Dad the wedding budget soon, before the month ends—you know, the finance bill."
They headed to Dasheen High School together, welcomed warmly by the director himself.
"Nick! Tiffy! What a surprise. It's been a while. What brings you back here?"
A short silence followed before Tiffy replied, "Mr. Director, we recently got engaged. The wedding's in a month. Nick has a limited leave window, so we're acting fast. We came to invite a few people—Elizabeth, Jasmine, and Teacher Sally."
The director blinked. "A wedding? Already? But you two just started college!"
"It's the atmosphere, sir," Tiffy explained. "College life is... chaotic. A lot happens—abuse, pressure. We didn't want to risk losing each other in the mess. So we're moving forward with what we believe in."
The director sighed, then nodded. "If that's what you've decided, I respect it. Give me a moment to call the girls."
Soon, Elizabeth, Jasmine, and Teacher Sally were summoned to the office, each receiving an official invitation.
Later, during school break, Elizabeth and Jasmine mulled over the unexpected event.
"Why are those two rushing into marriage?" Jasmine asked.
"Autistic Nick," Elizabeth replied. "They probably just want stability. They've always been attached."
"Do you think we'll be asked to be flower girls?"
"Doubt it. Tiffy still remembers our high school drama. That ship sailed long ago."
"Do you think Nick knows what we uncovered?"
"I don't think so. Let's not worry about that for now. We'll deal with it after the wedding."
Meanwhile, back at Nick's house, dinner time brought a defining moment. After the meal was served, Nick stood up.
"Thank you, everyone. I have something to share. This is Tiffy—my fiancée. We're planning to get married within the month. I know I didn't tell you I was coming home yesterday, but it was important. Because of my autism, we thought it best to take this step early rather than drift apart. Last night, we had a similar dinner with Tiffy's parents. They gave us their blessing. I hope we can count on yours too."
His father responded first.
"We understand, son. We'll support you—financially, emotionally, however you need. Just let us know what role to play."
His mother added, "We've watched you two grow up. Seeing your love evolve into something permanent—it's a joy for us. You have our blessing."
Robertson, Nick's younger brother, smirked. "You're getting married? That's wild. But good for you, bro. We've got your back."
"Thank you all," Nick said, smiling. "It means everything to me."
That night, after a warm kiss goodbye from Tiffy, Nick walked home alone—only to be greeted by a series of phone messages from Elizabeth.
---
Elizabeth (E):
I think we need to visit the witch—soon. Before things get worse. I know her place. How about the weekend?
Nick (N):
No that can't do. Tiffy's free during the day. Wedding plans and all. If it must happen, it has to be at night. Though the hybrids are a problem.
E:
I'll talk to my friend Mikal. He can guide us safely. I'll confirm tomorrow night.
N:
Looking forward to it. Goodnight.
E:
Goodnight!
---
Later that night, Elizabeth texted Mikal.
E: Mikal, I need a favor.
M: What's up?
E: Nick's on a short military leave. He wants to retrieve a map from Madam Jezebel—but only at night, since he's busy with wedding plans during the day.
M: So I'm guiding him through the forest?
E: Yeah. It's risky.
M: Most hybrids are near the Brotherhood Forest—that's farther out. The route to Jezebel's place is not safer. Still, we'll need weapons.
E: I thought you had connections.
M: I'm human. That makes me a target. Jezebel's the only one they trust.
E: Do you know the path well enough at night?
M: Kinda. Landmarks help. I'll gather gear tomorrow.
E: Let's hope Nick brings weapons. I can't imagine meeting a hybrid face to face.
M: Don't worry. We'll be ready. Sleep well.
E: You too.
---
The next morning, Nick decided to fast-track his wedding plans to make time for the secret mission.
"Babe," he said to Tiffy, "let's do the wedding in two weeks. That'll give us time for a short honeymoon after."
"That works. But we need to finalize the budget and hand it over to Dad—today."
They spent the whole day planning: venues, decorations, guests, meals, attires, and more—down to the smallest detail.
That evening, after a brief garden date, Nick headed to Elizabeth's house. As Elizabeth returned home with Jasmine, she spotted him lurking in the shadows.
"Wait here," she told Jasmine. "I think there's someone in our house... probably about a debt or something. I'll check and get back."
She darted forward and found Nick.
"Nick! You scared me," she whispered. "You should've warned me. Jasmine doesn't know about tonight's mission. I don't want any rumors disrupting your wedding."
"Fair. Is she staying long?"
"She's just arriving. You need to hide—now! Did you bring weapons?"
"Yeah. Three sterilized daggers. We're covered."
"Good. Get in the wardrobe. And turn off your phone!"
Nick climbed in quietly, holding his breath. A few minutes later, Jasmine entered Elizabeth's room. They chatted about school and the wedding. When Nick overheard his name, he accidentally knocked something over.
"What was that?" Jasmine asked, startled.
"Huh? Nothing. Must've been the wind."
After a while, Jasmine left. Elizabeth quickly released Nick from his cramped hiding spot.
"You're free! Sorry—we usually hang out long."
Nick exhaled deeply. "Never thought I'd be locked in a wardrobe before a wedding."
Elizabeth quickly informed her parents that she'd be sleeping at a friend's place, then tiptoed outside with Nick. Once safely away, they linked up with Mikal at a hidden spot near the forest.
Together, they distributed weapons, fastened their gear, and stepped into the woods under the dim glow of torches.
---
"Are we on the right track?" Elizabeth asked, scanning the shadows. "I feel... lost."
Nick's voice trembled. "Please tell me we're not stuck in the middle of nowhere."
"We are," Mikal admitted. "The landmarks are gone. Must've been removed. Villains are adapting."
"Great," Nick muttered. "Just great."
"Guys," Mikal added, shining his torch on the tall trees above, "we've wandered into Brotherhood Forest."
"Is that bad?" Nick asked.
"Very bad. That's where most hybrids live. We need to be on high alert."
Nick nodded. "From now on, stay in formation. No hesitation—if a threat appears, we attack. Elizabeth, I'm counting on you to stay sharp."
Weapons drawn, the trio moved in unison—silent, cautious, and ready for whatever lay ahead.