[Location: Firhera, Groma, Frontline Battlefield]
[5:49 AM, February 19, 134827, AP]
In the grim aftermath of the merciless battle, the once-vibrant field now lay desolate, shrouded in an eerie silence broken only by the distant cries of crows and the wind whispering through the trees. The fallen soldiers, heroes in their own right, were strewn across the ground like discarded puppets, their lifeless forms bearing witness to the brutal toll of war.
With solemn determination, Crown, the ruler of the Foaris Empire, moved among the fallen, her heart heavy with sorrow for the friends and comrades she had lost. Each fallen warrior was tenderly cradled in the arms of their brothers and sisters in arms, their faces etched with grief and reverence. Together, they painstakingly arranged the fallen in a solemn pyre, a towering structure of wood and memories, a tribute to lives cut short in the pursuit of a greater cause.
As the final soldier was gently laid upon the pyre, Crown stepped forward, her presence commanding the attention of all who stood witness. Her eyes, pools of steely resolve, scanned the somber assembly before her. With a deep breath, she raised her hands to the heavens, fingers outstretched, and from within her emerged a soft, ethereal flame. It danced and flickered, casting an otherworldly glow across her features.
With a graceful sweep, she extended the gentle flame over the fallen, the flames tenderly embracing each lifeless form, a solemn promise to carry their spirits beyond the earthly realm. The fire, as if an extension of Crown's own unwavering spirit, consumed the bodies, transforming them into ash and smoke that spiraled heavenward.
In the distance, the horizon painted a masterpiece of colors as the sun began its ascent, casting a warm, golden hue across the desolation. It was a poignant juxtaposition to the solemnity of the scene, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there remained the promise of a new day, a chance for renewal and hope.
And so, amidst the crackling of the pyre and the rising sun, Crown stood as a beacon of strength and solace, a guardian of the fallen, their sacrifice forever etched in the annals of history. In that sacred moment, she vowed to carry their memory forward, to honor their legacy, and to forge a path toward a future where such sacrifices would be no more.
"Soldiers salute!" As Crown's voice rang out across the desolate battlefield, a resounding echo of authority and command, the surviving soldiers snapped to attention. They stood tall, their faces etched with a mixture of weariness and unwavering respect for their fallen comrades. The weight of their losses hung heavy in the air, but in their eyes, there burned a fierce determination to honor the sacrifice made by those who now rested in the solemn pyre that they all made.
The crackling of the now-dwindling pyre seemed to echo the solemnity of Crown's words, as if nature itself mourned the fallen. The ashes, carried on the breeze, mingled with the scorched earth, a poignant reminder that even in death, there lay a purpose—a final act of sacrifice to nurture the wounded land back to life.
As it finished, it met the gaze of each soldier present, a silent acknowledgment of the shared pain that bound them all. She understood the depth of their losses and the holes left in their hearts by the absence of comrades, friends, and family. Yet she also knew that it was their duty, their sacred obligation, to protect their people.
"I know that everyone has endured unimaginable losses. We stand on this sacred ground, surrounded by the ashes of our fallen, their sacrifice a testament to the price of freedom. But now, we must look forward. Our people still need us, perhaps now more than ever. Our duty does not wane with the setting sun. It endures until our final hunt!" Crown shouted as his soldiers, as their duties do not end here as they still have to return to take care of their people, who are also affected by the war.
"Happy Hunting!" General Lowski shouted through the top of his lungs, declaring that their resolve remained unbroken, their spirits undeterred by the grim realities of war.
"Happy Hunting!" The soldiers' voices, as the declaration rippled through the ranks, a chorus of voices raised in unity. Though weary, they still held a steely determination and a shared commitment to the mission ahead.
"Happy Hunting!" The cry echoed once more, each repetition reinforcing the bond that held them together. It was a promise, a pledge to carry on the fight and to honor the fallen through unwavering action.
"Soldiers, it's time to go home. Everyone is waiting for our return!" Crown's voice echoed across the battlefield, carrying with it a sense of relief and anticipation.
In response, the soldiers erupted into cheers, their tired faces lighting up with newfound hope. Weapons were tossed into the air, a symbolic gesture of laying down the burden of battle. The clatter of gear hitting the ground mingled with the joyous shouts.
The sudden appearance of the spaceships painted a surreal scene against the backdrop of the battlefield. Their sleek, metallic forms hovered in the air, a stark contrast to the scorched earth and remnants of conflict below. The soldiers, their faces a mixture of awe and anticipation, watched in wonder as the vessels descended.
Crown's eyes widened in amazement, a mixture of surprise and relief washing over her. The arrival of the spaceships was actually not planned by her, so it must have been Nepheria who ordered them to use the spaceships as their carrier vessel to go home.
"Soldiers, this is our ride home! Board the ships quickly and prepare for departure!" Crown shouted as she rallied the troops.
The soldiers wasted no time, moving with a newfound vigor and purpose. They gathered their belongings, their steps quick and determined. The promise of home, once a distant dream for many decades, became a reality for those who survived.
As they ascended into the waiting spaceships, a sense of gratitude washed over them. They marveled at the advanced technology and the promise of a safe journey home. Inside, the vessels were equipped with comfortable seating and amenities, a stark contrast to the harsh conditions they had endured on the battlefield.
With a final glance at the scarred landscape below, Crown boarded the nearest spaceship, her heart filled with a mixture of relief and determination. Because the war had finally ended, many decades had passed.
As the spaceship's engines hummed to life, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The soldiers settled into their seats, their weary bodies finally able to relax. As the vessels rose into the sky, leaving behind the battlefield and the trials they had faced, a collective sense of gratitude and wonder filled their hearts.
They were on their way home.