As the Ariocaster landed on a disclosed field, Jamal stared outdoors of the more rugged landscape. In the far distance, he could see rising hills and small mountains beginning to form, getting closer to Suruthum's terrain.
"Sit tight, mate. Gonna get some fuel for this bugger. Once that's done, you going bloody back home." Lero said, once he stopped close to what looked like an abandoned building before getting out.
Jamal just watched as the man went inside, before feeling for his photo in his pocket. It was a bit crinkly but was otherwise still in decent condition. He smiled as he stared at Ula and the others, the thought of being so close was nice.
As Jamal put it away, he noticed Lero was already filling up the Ariocaster, not even hearing him come back. Did they run out of fuel already, Jamal questioned as Lero peeked his head inside.
"Don't worry. Just making sure I have enough to make it back is all. As for once we reach there, I don't know where I'm bloody landing, so unless you know a spot, you're gonna have to jump down to the ground, eh? Shouldn't be a problem mate, and you'll see your family in no time." Lero grinned.
Jamal opened his mouth to question him before Lero already left as he added the last drops into the aircraft's tank. Jump out? He could do it, but he didn't know about this man's flying skills that well. Hopefully, it was safe enough.
Lero came back as soon as he returned the tank, as he got back into the pilot's seat, before starting up the engine. Smoke pushed out around the plane, as Lero didn't even adjust the Ariocaster before pulling the lever down to move. Jamal made sure his seat was buckled as Lero pulled it up once they gained enough speed. The final stretch back home was near, as he fished out a leftover apple from the rebel camp. Maybe if everything was still up, he would finally get some actual food.
...
Beai was cramped down underneath a small cave along with a few soldiers as bombs shook the place around them. Why did they wait now, she wanted to ask, as explosions continued to go off. As soon as Jamal left, she saw their better Ariocasters and knew what was to come. She warned many of the rebels in the area in time, but a few were probably out there, and possibly dead. She should have known Jamal would have been a high risk to bring.
"Ma'am, what happens once it stops?" a rebel asked.
"We continue to fight, to the very end." she quickly spoke, as many of the rebels nodded, a few questioning their position.
She had to stay strong, else Saputa was never going to return. And death would be a costly way for its return to come. Beai closed her eyes, as the bombing stopped, before opening them again. Nothing would stop here like this, and Jamal's help showed it.