The commotion caused by the capture of two nervous soldiers caught the attention of Zarda and Lord Asger. From a distance, Zarda observed Mercury and Feginn pushing the figures towards them. As they approached, Zarda's heart sank when he realized one of the soldiers was Gibbs. Gibbs made eye contact with Zarda, and they both felt a surge of joy. Zarda quickly made his way to Gibbs and his companion, Anderson, signaling for Mercury and Feginn to stand down and release the prisoners. After freeing their hands, Zarda embraced Gibbs warmly, pulling Anderson in as well. The three friends held each other tightly before standing back up, filled with excitement. Zarda then introduced Gibbs and Anderson to Lord Asger.
"Lord Asger, I would like to introduce you to my friends, Soldier Gibbs and Anderson. They are the two humans who assisted me in escaping Nexus, although they were also the ones who kidnapped me from Africa. Surprisingly, we formed a strong bond during our time together, and they have since expressed remorse for their actions." Shared Zarda.
Asger asked, "Why have you come with these men so urgently, Mercury? What is the meaning behind all of this?"
Mercury was the first to speak, saying, "My lord, please accept our apologies. We were unaware that they were known to Zarda. We were simply carrying out our duties when we captured them near the treeline borders. We brought them before you at your and the queen's request. As they were strangers to our land, and with rumors of humans approaching, we suspected them of being spies."
Asger nodded and asked, "Have they uttered any words at all?"
Mercury shook his head and replied, "No, my lord. They have not uttered a single word. We are just relieved to confirm they are not working for the scientists as spies."
"We are not spies, but we have urgent news. Hopkins is enraged about the Nexus explosion. A week ago, she ordered her men to salvage what they could from the rubble. They found your footprints and our truck tires. She knows you're alive, Zarda, and she's coming for you. She plans to burn down the forests and use heavy artillery to kill. Hopkins doesn't intend to take live specimens, she will release her mutants. You must leave, Zarda." Gibbs declared.
Zarda was not surprised by the report at all. It was expected, based on what he had discovered about Hopkins during his captivity. She was a wicked person, once maybe pure-hearted, but now tainted by failure to find a cure. Zarda knew that he possessed what she needed, but this time he was not going to give in.
"We have been planning for nearly a month now, which is why my team and I have strategized to escape from here. We have located a military aircraft nearby and intend to depart tonight. I have trained Asger's people to defend their kingdom without fear of the impending battle. What will you do if she discovers you aided us?" said Zarda .
Gibbs glanced over at Anderson with a worried expression, "Don't worry, she won't discover it. We're going back, but I needed to warn you first. I have some additional news for you, Zarda. Delilah is one month into her first trimester. She's doing well, just experiencing typical morning sickness and fatigue. She wanted me to share that with you. Her mother accompanies her to all her appointments, and hopefully, one day you'll get to meet your child," he stated.
Zarda was relieved to hear Delilah's name again and to know that she and the baby were doing well. He also looked forward to meeting his firstborn child, a possibility that could come sooner than expected.
Zarda, with tears in his eyes, said, "Thank you for sharing this. Please give her a hug for me when you see her, and tell her how much I miss and love her."
The three friends were all experiencing intense emotions as they realized how much they would miss each other. Gibbs assured Zarda that he would visit him, since he knew exactly where to find him.
"I promised to always keep you safe and I intend to fulfill that promise. You will always be my lifelong friend. I will miss you, King Zarda. I'll see you off safe tonight before we go back" Gibbs announced.
Three days fast-forwarded, Hopkins was eager to kick things off. Her sinister heart pounded with excitement as she anticipated tracking down and defeating Zarda. She hurried her men to load everything onto the trucks and set off. Meanwhile, Gibbs and Anderson, who had returned a few days earlier, kept themselves occupied to steer clear of Hopkins and the chaos at Severence. Hopkins then directed her military team outside.
"Listen up, we must track the truck's path from Nexus. I need my soldiers who discovered the tracks to guide us. Once we pinpoint the location, we strike with no mercy. The gunmen will enter first, followed by the deployment of the chemical firebombs. Once they start fleeing in fear, we unleash the xx-mutants."
The trucks were loaded and the tank was positioned, as the soldiers followed the old footprints etched deeply in the ground leading towards the Rising Wolf Mountains. Once beyond, the tracks became less defined, posing a challenge for the trackers. To properly survey, the soldiers had to continue on foot.
Hours later, it appeared the soldiers had once again picked up the trail of old tracks leading deep into the forest. Soldier Campbell, a young man not but in gis early twenties,noticed a familiar mark next to the truck tires, he alerted Hopkins that fresh motorcycle tracks were heading in the same direction. Recalling that the mission bikes had gone missing three days ago without any minor mission being planned for the soldiers, Campbell found it strange. Now, he realized that these tracks must belong to their missing bikes. Campbell shared his theory with Hopkins, who believed he was absolutely right. She was enraged, wondering who could possibly be the traitor working against them to protect Zarda. Hopkins was pleased that the new recruit, Soldier Campbell, had transferred his position from Fort Cavazos in Texas to the Severance labs in Montana. She found him to be a handsome soldier, resembling Soldier Keenan but with different features. Campbell had a light tan complexion, sandy blond hair, and striking baby blue eyes.
Hopkins said, "We need to pick up the pace, they must be aware of our presence and will be prepared for our attack."
Zarda, along with Gibbs and Anderson, led his gang back to gather their belongings before heading toward the plane. Soldier Gibbs, advised Zarda to leave during daylight since none of them were experienced flyers. Lord Asger agreed and promised to send his men with Zarda. However, realizing he needed most of his men to stay behind and fight the humans, he assigned an experienced warrior named Uilliam, the Hawk, to accompany Zarda to Africa. He looked like a nerdy hippie with glasses over his beaked nose and sandy blonde hair that flowed down to his shoulders. Asger commanded Uilliam to ensure Zarda and his companions were safely dropped off before returning. Asger planned to then fly back with his four warriors to meet after the battle, all of whom Zarda had trained.
The small group pushed through the gnarled forest till they pressed on across the grassy fields of Havardr's outer boundaries. A head they could see the other side into a new forest where the plane sat waiting for them. Uilliam stayed close to Zardas side as they traveled towards the aircraft.
"What do we want to call this metal bird? every form of transportation always needs a name before its journey. It's good luck in my beliefs" said Uilliam.
Zarda smirked over at the brawny hawk and turned to respond.
"Why don't you name it, Your the captain of this machine. It's only fitting you should be the one to pick."
The young warrior was filled with joy that Zarda had been so considerate in letting him decide. He carefully pondered and considered various fitting names before ultimately settling on the ideal one: Thundernova. Zarda really liked the name, taking a deep breathe in before responding. Zarda was well pleased with the name and complimeted the captain's choice.
"Thundernova, what a suitable name. Well chosen, captain," Zarda praised.
Osborn approached Zarda along with six other comrades, waiting for his signal to board Thundernova. Seeing their eager expressions, Zarda waved them onto the plane. Without any hesitation, they quickly made their way inside. Soon after, Soldier Gibbs approached Zarda after the ithers had loaded up.
"It's time, brother. When you return to your family, please deliver our most sincere apologies. I pray that our next visit will be welcomed. I understand we are responsible for all this chaos, but I hope sending you home safely will make amends. Stay safe, Zarda. You will be greatly missed," the soldier whispered.
Zarda embraced Gibbs and Anderson tightly before saying goodbye. The trio was devastated to part ways for the final time. Zarda boarded the rear of the spacious green aircraft and sat across from Osborn, who had made a new friend in pixie the skunk. The young skunk had grown fond of him during their initial journey to Havardr. She reached over to grab his big bear paw and squeezed it tight.
Osborn reassured the nervous little one, "Feeling scared is normal. I'll let you in on a secret - I'm feeling a little scared myself. This is my first time flying and visiting Africa. But don't worry, we can help each other stay safe."
"You promise," said Pixie, looking up with wide eyes at Osborn's face.
Osborn reassured, "I promise with all my heart that you will never be alone, no matter what."
Pipsie was pleased with Osborn's response and glanced over at her adopted uncle Vulpix. He had been sitting across from them, watching with a big smile. He was relieved to see Pipsie opening up more. Since her parents' deaths, he had been worried that he would be the only one she would attach to. In walked captain Uilliam, he headed straight for the pilot's seat, preparing the plane for take off. Thanks to Zardas's team clearing a path weeks before, there was enough space for the plane to drive out and take flight. Lord Asger shouted into the back of the plane to Zarda and company.
"Don't worry about us, just pray for our victory. We'll be with you in Africa soon. Safe travels, Zarda, and look after Uilliam. Goodbye everyone." The King reassured his friends,
Zarda nodded in appreciation as the others waved joyfully and bid farewell. Asger, Gibbs, and Anderson stepped away from the plane to watch from the side. The rear ramp shut tight, securing the group within the aircraft. Uilliam revved the engine and cautioned over the speaker for everyone to fasten their seatbelts, anticipating turbulence ahead. Zarda and his friends braced themselves, while Pipsie held tight to Osborn, who did the same in return.
As they moved down the cleared pathway, picking up speed, the plane accelerated and vibrated with the surge of engine power. It lifted off the ground and soared above the treetops. Once again, Uilliam's voice came over the intercom.
Uilliam happily declared, "You can now safely unbuckle and move around the plane friends. We are airborne as Thundernova heads to Africa."
They soared off to the mother land, filling Zarda's heart with pure joy and amazement at the thought of soon returning to his beloved Homelands. While he had enjoyed the stunning mountains and scenery, he was grateful to be flying over them and heading home. It had been too long since they had been apart, and he longed to be reunited. Although he would miss Delilah, he hoped she could visit one day, maybe even with Gibbs and Anderson. The reunion promised to be truly unforgettable.