Mimpi was right to assume that I would have time to fully heal before Kundanskie rose. I had returned to school almost two weeks ago and though I had received many suspicious glances, no student or teacher bothered to approach or confront me. Rumors and suspicions had spread like wildfire, but not a word was said to my face. It helped that multiple tall blondes had been purposely acting suspicious, as if hoping to be mistaken for the girl in the white dress. These people infuriated Andrews, who thought the idea of others getting the recognition I deserved was completely absurd. I was grateful for the cover up. I knew it would probably be impossible to keep my identity hidden after the day of the final battle, but I was squeezing out as many quiet days as I could.

     From the dark state that had taken over the small town, and the swirling grey clouds, I knew as soon as I woke that today was that day. I felt the moment Kundanskie fully regained power, felt the moment she stepped on ground for the first time in centuries. I couldn't explain the feeling as anything but an indescribable darkness in the pit of my stomach.

     Grabbing the twins' rock from my nightstand, I met Andrews in the kitchen, not bothering to grab my school bag. Andrews was just finishing his breakfast, almost ready to leave, no clue that I wouldn't be following him. It was just a regular rainy day to him. I hated to burst his bubble.

     "Nasty storm coming our way," he noted. "You must be happy. You've been complaining about the perfect weather all year."

      Happy? No. Nearing a panic attack? Very much so. Uneased by my silence, he studied me carefully. He read me with that one look. Struck with realization, his face dropped.

      "Today?"

     I nodded. His expression momentarily mirrored one of terror and devastation, but he promptly tried to cover it up. Likely for my sake. He didn't do a very good job.

     "Don't panic," he said, standing from his chair to walk my way. "You've done everything you could to prepare. You're ready."

      I nodded again, this time forcing a smile. The pounding heart in my chest, and swirling knots in my stomach didn't ease one bit.

      "When are you leaving?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but the tremor in his voice was unmissable.

     I shrugged. "I'm waiting for Mimpi's signal."

     "Well, until then, have a seat," he said. "I'll make you breakfast."

     "There's no need for that," I protested. "I can—"

     "Please let me do this," he begged, eyes and voice helpless.

     "Alright." I swallowed. "Thank you." There was so much more that I wanted to say, but I couldn't find the strength to voice them.

     I took a seat as he requested, and we tried to distract one another. I told him about Isaiah's birthday plans, hoping and subtly hinting that he attend in the likely case that I couldn't. I did my best to carry out a normal conversation, not wishing to remind myself or Andrews that this might be one of our last.

      I had time to eat the last of my chocolate pancakes before a knock came from the front door. I guess that was the signal. Opening the front door, Andrews and I came face to face with Mimpi, Xander and Laila, all draped in their purple cloaks. In one glance it was clear that they held much more confidence in the fight's outcome. They showed no signs of fear or worry. No shaky fingers or fast breathing, like Andrews and me. Despite everything that I had said about Mimpi and her crew, it was so good to see her in person.

      "You ready?" Mimpi asked calmly, standing in front of the other two.

     "Do I have much of a choice?"

     Mimpi cracked a smile. "You ready," she decided for me.

     "How does this work?" I asked, searching the Andrews' front yard for more of Mimpi's people. None were in sight. We'd be meeting somewhere, but I couldn't picture anywhere in town that could host so many people.

     "We meet others at pink brick school—"

     "Pink brick school!" I started, outraged. "As in the elementary school my siblings attend?"

     "Yes, that one," Xander replied for a confused Mimpi.

     "Farmland behind school, Kundanskie coming that way. Perfect spot to meet them."

     "The back of a school yard—"

     "Kundanskie people still far away," Mimpi interrupted. "We evacuate school first. That why we go now, do it quick."

      "Then, what are we waiting for?" I demanded, suddenly overcome with fortitude. Shutting the front door, I walked down the porch steps. Kundanskie had something coming if she intended on laying a finger on my siblings.

      Mimpi made no move to leave, instead looking me down from head to toe, eyeing my outfit, insinuatingly. I rolled my eyes. I knew what she wanted. It was generally the first thing she always expected of me. I summoned the suit, making sure to tuck the small green rock in the tight hem of my skirt. While I was displeased with what I thought was a sore sight for unwanted attention, Mimpi beamed proudly. Even Xander cracked a smile, and Laila's lips were definitely pressed less firmly than usual.

     "We brought you something," Mimpi turned towards Laila, and then back my way, purple folded fabric in hand. She handed me the cloak. Ducking my head to hide the shy smile on my face, I pulled the thin fabric over my head. Somehow the cheap material filled me with warmth and confidence. It was a reminder of the faith Eudora, Mimpi and their people had in me. Misplaced faith perhaps, but a reminder, nonetheless. A reminder that I wasn't alone, that someone had my back and that we were not hopeless against Kundanskie.

      Mimpi who still smiled brightly, met my eyes with a small nod, as though telling me it was time to go. Somewhat calmed, I'd have been prepared to leave instantly, if not for the boy standing behind me. With a shaky breath, I turned his way. He forced a smile, almost mimicking Mimpi, glassy eyes the only fault in his attempt to mask his feelings. I had spent days planning my potential last words to Andrews, but none of my thought-out words came to mind now. Tears prickled my eyes, as my lips failed to move.

      "You can come along for now," Mimpi said, before Andrews and I could manage to speak.

      Andrews' shoulders visibly sank in relief. "Really?"

    "Just for now," she clarified. "You can help evacuate school, then you leave with Clara's family."

     "Thank you," he exhaled with glossy eyes.

     "Of course," she answered nonchalantly, turning away. "Time to go."

     Xander and Laila had already started walking away, Mimpi not too far behind, slowly catching up to the couple.

     "Mimpi?" I called, Andrews and I slowly falling into step behind them.

     "Yes?"

     "It's nice to see you in person again."

     She smiled. "You too... both of you."

     Andrews looked a little shock from the revelation, but smiled, nevertheless. The three walked ahead of us, leaving a short but private distance between them and Andrews and myself. Walking out of the driveway, I noticed Andrews pause by his truck, turn towards the house, and begin to open his mouth as though to suggest driving us to the school. As fast as it opened, his mouth shut again, He smiled shyly and shoved his hands in his pockets, choosing to act as though nothing had happened. We were going to take the long way. Give ourselves a little more time.

    "You really do look great," he said.

     "This feels more like a prom entrance than a battle entrance."

     Andrews chuckled. "I meant great as in powerful and successful. As in Kundanskie has got something to worry about. I didn't mean feminine beauty, like—" he stopped speaking abruptly, cringing at his own words.

     "Yeah?" I laughed, perked brows urging him to go on.

     "I was referring to you looking badass, that doesn't mean I don't still think you're beautiful. I meant great in every possible way. I'd just usually only speak one out loud." He groaned into his hands.

     "So, I look like a powerful, successful, beautiful, and feminine badass?" I laughed.

     "Shut up," he shoved me playfully, groaning and laughing at the same time.

     We continued our banter most of the walk, only quieting down when the school building came into sight. Countless purple cloaks surrounded the building, children and teachers already being ushered out. From a far I could see black covered figures marching our way. The closer they got, the darker it seemed to get.

     The sun was nowhere to be seen, clouds swirling above our heads, having become a frightening dark grey. The students were terrified, looking between the clouds and Mimpi's people with large, worried eyes. Andrews and I weren't much help, deciding to stay back as we figured we'd only get in the way. Mimpi's people seemed to have everything in control.

     "The children are being taken to safe place, few blocks away. Some our people stay to guard them," Mimpi told us.

     "Do you by any chance, know if Xander saw my brothers and Bella leave safely?"

     "I not talk to him yet," she said. "But everyone should be out. You two can help with last check, if it make you feel better."

     Leaving us to talk to another group of her people, Andrews and I took her advice. Kynthia amongst other purple cloaks lead the last of the students towards the exit. Out of precaution and to ease my worried mind, Andrews and I went around the school one last time, searching for any scared or hidden children. We didn't find anyone or run into any sort of trouble until we returned outside. The moment we pushed through the grey doors; we heard a young boy's wailing. I recognized the voice instantly. I spun on my feet with a panic-stricken face. Next to the play-structure stood Mimpi, Xander, Laila, Tyler, Tyson and three other purple cloaks. Tyson was calmly held back by two of Mimpi's people, looking sadly at our wailing and flailing brother, whom Xander was attempting to calm.

     "Let me go! he growled in between sobs, trying to shake free from Xander's gentle but firm grip, other shouted words incomprehensible.

      Mimpi seemed relieved to see me, as did Xander who stepped back to let me deal with the boy. The twins were the last to notice my presence. Tyler's eyes shut with tears, and Tyson's focused attention on his brother, trying to reassure him from where he stood. I took the spot Xander had held and knelt in front of Tyler, gently taking hold of his hands.

     "Hey buddy," I start, voice soft.

     Red, glistening eyes shot open. He took a deep, shaky breath, as though finally trying to calm himself.

     "I thought," he hiccupped. "You already left."

     "Not yet." I smiled sadly, wiping the tears from his cheeks. "Please, don't cry."

     "Don't go," he begged, hiccupping again and lips quivering.

     "I have to," I said, voice cracking, failing to control my emotions as I watched him break again. Pulling him into my arms, Tyson joined us, misty eyes briefly meeting my own before wrapping his arms around Tyler and me. I shut my eyes, briefly allowing myself time to enjoy the moment, but knowing better than to draw it out. The stomping in the background, was steadily growing louder, they couldn't stay much longer. Slowly, I pulled away, both pairs of blue eyes staring intently into mine.

     "You need to go, now," I told them. "You need to follow Xander's friends."

     "We don't want to go with them," Tyler shook his head.

     "We want to stay with you," Tyson added.

     "You can't stay here... You'll be much safer with them. They'll protect you both."

    "And who's going to protect you?" Tyler asked.

    "That isn't for you to worry about," I said. "I've got some pretty amazing fighters by my side... And I have this."

    I pulled out the green rock they bought only weeks ago. Still, they shook their heads.

     "It's bad luck," Tyson said. "It almost killed you."

     "Nonsense." I smiled reassuringly, making it clear that the rock wasn't to be blamed for my misfortune. "I think it's what saved me."

     "Really?" they asked simultaneously.

     "Of course... And I'll have it with me again tonight."

     Through tears they smiled, sending me small nods. Taking this as a sign of compliance, the two that had been holding Tyson, approached the two boys, reaching out to grab their hands. There was nothing threatening about their approach, but Tyler panicked.

     "Don't touch me!" he shouted, backing away from the two.

     Tyson again tried to calm him, but no matter what he said, I knew Tyler wouldn't agree to leave with strangers. Left with only one option, I looked at Andrews. It was the only way Tyler would leave the scene; Andrews knew it as well. He closed his eyes, as though his next words would physically harm him. With a deep breath, he said, "I'll go with you."

     The twins looked up at him, eyes shining.

    "You mean it? You're leaving Clara too?" Tyson asked surprised.

    "I don't have a choice. I can't stay either," Andrews answered defeatedly, gaze shot my way.

    I ignored his pleading look. There was no changing my mind. "You'll go if Andrews goes?" I clarified.

     Reluctantly the twins nodded. I heaved a sigh of relief, whilst Andrews' composed face, broke. No longer able to push back his departure, he opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a strangled chocking sound. Losing his ability to speak, as I had earlier, he shook his head, tears threatening to spill. He had probably also prepared some sort of goodbye speech but was unable to deliver it like myself.

     "I know," I sniffed, trying to remain positive. I doubted a crying warrior made for a frightening opponent. "You don't have to say anything. I already know... Thank you."

     Eyes never leaving mine, he swallowed hard before pulling me into his chest. Resting his face between my neck and shoulder, he held me tight, breathing in deeply. Wrapping my arms around his back, I released the breath I'd been holding. I couldn't remember the last time I had hugged Andrews, but it reminded me of the days after my father left. His presence had been one of my only comforts then. Even, now, moments away from facing Kundanskie, his familiar cedar scent and comforting arms eased my pounding heart. I didn't want to let go.

     Eventually, with great effort I pulled away. I knew I had too and preferably before Kundanskie, and her army arrived. Reluctantly pulling apart, I didn't need to tell him to leave, the soft look I shot him sufficed. He nodded sadly.

     "I'll see you later," he choked, shooting me one last lingering glance before taking the twins' hands and following the two unknown purple cloaks.

     I watched them walk away until they were completely out of sight, out of potential harm's way. With each step they took, the ache in my heart grew more intense, but so did my sense of relief. They would be safe. That was all that mattered.

     "I sorry this hard for you." Mimpi patted my back, the rest of our group spread out across the school yard, preparing for battle.

    "It went better than I thought." I was still in slight disbelief that Andrews had been so mature. I had expected him put up a fight. I had been convinced that he'd end up being dragged away from the battlefield.

     As the stomping grew louder so did my heart. Watching the hundreds armed men and women approaching, panic surged again. The fight at the mall was nothing compared to this. We were greatly outnumbered. When I had first arrived, I was impressed by the number of purple cloaks, but compared to the black hooded figures swiftly approaching, Eudora's fighters were scarce. Thought I felt the least experienced out of all the purple cloaks I watched each and every one of them and felt an overwhelming responsibility to protect them all. They believed in me. They trusted Eudora's faith; the faith that had been placed in me... and I had a sinking suspicion that I would let them down horribly.

     "Don't get in your head," Mimpi ordered. She stepped in front of me, as if to block my view of the approaching enemies, despite being over a foot shorter than me. "They march confidently and that frightening. But Kundanskie greatly outmatched tonight. Do not fall for her act."

     "You really think they can do this?" I asked, eyes roaming the faces surrounding me.

     "I know we can do this," she said confidently. "You have big heart and that good thing, but you mustn't worry about others today. They can protect themselves. Do not waste your time protecting them. You go to Kundanskie as soon as possible. When she put down, most her people surrender... You understand?" She spoke with utmost seriousness, seizing my arm to hold my attention. "I commend your wish to spare your opponents' lives, but today that may cost your own. You mustn't show any mercy. There will be many threats, but you must go after the biggest one. Do not be distracted by the others."

      I nodded, forcing myself to look away from the field. I understood what she was saying. It made sense, even. But it seemed to me that she was instructing me to let our own people die so I could kill Kundanskie. I didn't know if I could do that. Could I watch others be slaughtered in order to allow myself to safely come face to face with our greatest threat? Sometimes a sacrifice is needed in order to become victorious, Eudora's words replayed in my mind. Sacrificing myself for the greater good was something I had come to accept, but willingly sacrificing others? Absolutely not.

     "Take a deep breath," Mimpi instructed. "You can do this. Everyone but yourself, know you can. Everyone believes in you. Eudora believes in you. She chose you. Billions of people on this earth and the Sphere choose you. Not out of dumb luck, like you say. This a calculated decision, that took years to make. You believed to be our best hope to successfully do this... You're great warrior. Get those words through your thick head. Your victories not due to luck, but because of good instincts and intelligence."

     Grabbing my arm to assure she had my undivided attention, she spoke so fiercely, that I almost stumbled backwards, baffled by her praises.

     "Are you ready?" she asked slowly.

     I nodded again, and this time I meant it. Whether it was her words or the intense proof of faith resonating in her tone, I found the confidence to try to make Eudora proud. I'd give it my best shot. It was all I could do. Smiling at Mimpi, I withdrew my blade.

     "Let's get this over with," I said.