Days passed since Rusty Town's hard-won victory over the Dune Ryders. The desert outpost of Thaross breathed again. Merchants reopened their stalls in the main square, scavengers traded scrap for credits, and the reckless racers of the dunes were back at their workshops, patching up the vehicles that had nearly burned with the town.
The air smelled of spice, hot metal, and burnt oil, comforting mix that meant Rusty Town was alive.
Under a tattered awning that fluttered in the desert wind, Vega and Velaria sat side by side on an old bench, watching the market bustle. Voices overlapped with the hiss of steam engines and the hum of barter.
"Look at this place, Ve," Vega said, leaning back with a half-smile. "This view… it's nothing like Earth."
Velaria nodded, her neatly braided hair stirring in the wind. "Not even like Kaelion. Look over there."
She pointed toward the crowd. Two tall figures draped in desert cloaks passed by, but their skin shimmered in hues of turquoise and sea green, scales glinting beneath the sunlight. Thin webbing stretched between their fingers, and translucent helmets covered their heads, each connected to a breathing apparatus strapped to their backs.
"They look like… people of the sea," Vega murmured. "This world never runs out of surprises."
Velaria simply hummed in agreement. Then the market's rhythm shifted, new travelers entered through the southern gate. Two young men in dusty leather jackets stopped by a small coffee stand, their voices low but urgent.
"seriously, bro, Rustfang's a wreck now."
"Because of that girl?"
"Yeah. Wore some kind of high-tech armor. She came looking for someone, name was Karina or Kirana, I think. The locals messed with her, and she… lost it."
Vega's attention snapped toward them. She stood and stepped closer, her tone sharp but calm. "What did you say? Rustfang was attacked? By who?"
One of the men adjusted his goggles, eyeing her warily. "Some young woman. Looked normal at first. Then her skin started turning into metal. She pulled weapons out of her own arms, like… like she wasn't even human. Half the city was gone before she walked away."
Velaria's pulse quickened. "Did she mention the name Kirana?"
"Yeah, or something close. Karina, maybe."
Vega's jaw tightened. "It could be Aelina."
Velaria swallowed hard. "Or… Eudora."
Vega didn't wait for more. "We need to tell Kirana. Now."
They broke into a run, weaving through the crowded alleys of the market toward the central barracks, where Kirana now worked, training and recruiting new fighters for Rusty Town's defenses. The sound of their footsteps echoed between the walls, matching the quick rhythm of unease that had begun to stir again in their hearts.
Far to the northwest, black smoke rose from the ruins of Rustfang. Survivors spoke in trembling voices of a single figure—a woman with empty eyes and a body of living metal, who tore through their city like a storm that had forgotten mercy.
*****
The sound of clanging metal and roaring engines filled the Rusty Town workshop.
"Hey, greenhorns!"
Kirana's voice cut through the noise like a whip. Two new recruits, young, wide-eyed, and clearly out of their depth, turned toward her. She strode closer, confidence radiating from her every step, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
"Yeah, you two," she said. "First-timers, right?"
Both nodded quickly.
"'Greenhorns' means rookies," Kirana explained with a teasing edge. "Follow me. I'll show you around."
She led them through rows of heavily modified combat vehicles, their armor plates rattling from the constant hum of machinery. Sparks flashed. Grease-smeared mechanics shouted orders across the hangar.
"Out here, we don't compete," Kirana said, glancing toward a group of racers working side by side to swap an engine. "We help each other. But once you're on the track—don't trust anyone. That's when survival of the fastest applies."
They stopped beside a small bay where two battle-worn bikes stood waiting. Rusted in places, patched with mismatched parts, yet still oozing power.
"This is your spot," Kirana said, patting one of the bikes. "And these are your rides. They may look rough, but they'll run if you treat them right. Want something better? Earn it. Or buy it, if you survive long enough."
"Thank you, Captain," one of the recruits said, awe flickering in his voice.
"If you need weapons, that's your corner." Kirana pointed toward a workbench cluttered with sidearms, tools, and spare parts. "Just remember—no killing in the arena. That's rule number one."
She turned to leave, her boots echoing against the metal floor, but a guard stepped into her path.
"Hey, Kirana! Someone's here to see you."
Her brow furrowed. "Who?"
The guard shook his head. "Didn't say. They're waiting inside."
Kirana's pace quickened. The corridor felt unusually still as she made her way through the barracks. When she reached the waiting room, she pushed the door open.
Before she could speak, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. A soft, trembling voice followed.
"Mother…"
Kirana froze. That voice. She would've known it anywhere.
She turned slowly. Her eyes widened.
"Aelina?"
The young woman standing before her smiled through tears. Kirana pulled her into a tight embrace, clutching her as if afraid she'd vanish.
"It's really you?" she whispered, brushing her hand behind Aelina's ear. There it was a faint scar. The one only Aelina bore.
Aelina nodded, voice breaking. "Yes, Mom. It's me."
Moments later, Vega and Velaria burst in, breathless. They stopped cold, eyes widening at the sight before them.
"Wait… are you the real Aelina, or...?" Vega began.
Kirana turned toward them, tears glinting beneath her smile. "She's real, Vega. My daughter. The real Aelina."
For a brief, fragile moment, time seemed to stand still. After endless loss and hardship, something impossible had happened, a miracle returned to Rusty Town. Amid the ruins of war, hope had taken human form once more.
***
The night wind of Thaross whispered against the cracked windows of Kirana and Zephyr's modest home. The faint sway of old hanging lamps cast a soft glow across the room, illuminating faces that had endured too much loss, and finally, a miracle. In the middle of it all sat Aelina, her eyes reflecting the warmth of those who had waited too long.
Kirana's arm wrapped around her daughter, trembling slightly. "Not a single day passed without me thinking of you," she whispered, voice fragile.
Zephyr stood nearby, his tone quiet but resolute. "You've always been the breath of our lives, Aelina."
Leaning against the doorway, Vega sipped from a steaming cup of tea, eyes sharp with curiosity. "So," he said, "how did you find us?"
Aelina opened her palm, revealing a small oval-shaped device, scratched yet functional. "I found this… back home, in Ravara."
Vega blinked and turned to Velaria. "You left that behind, didn't you?"
Velaria nodded slowly, her gaze distant. "I did. If Aelina ever returned, she'd know where to go. I took the risk, and trusted she'd come home."
Kaelar, sitting cross-legged on the floor while cleaning his weapon, muttered, "Well, the family's together again. About time. Tomorrow, we head back to Earth."
Zephyr folded his arms, brow furrowing. "And Rusty Town? Those raiders won't stay quiet for long. They'll regroup."
Kirana's eyes gleamed with quiet resolve. "Then we go to them. We'll end this ourselves, without dragging Rusty Town into it."
Kaelar frowned. "We're too few. We need a real plan."
Zephyr's gaze fell on Aelina. "At least we have her. She doesn't need to fight. Just seeing her might make them think twice."
Vega chuckled. "Yeah, especially after the chaos she caused in Rustfang. Hah!"
Aelina tilted her head, confused. "Rustfang? What's that?"
Velaria straightened, suspicion in her tone. "Didn't you go there? Looking for Kirana?"
Aelina's voice turned cold. "No. I followed your signal straight here. I've never been to Rustfang."
The room fell silent. Even the desert wind seemed to pause.
Vega's smile faded. "Then who?"
"Eudora," Kirana said sharply.
The warmth of reunion chilled in an instant. Hope had returned, but so had the shadow that mirrored it.
Far from the quiet home, inside Rusty Town's war room, tension rippled through the air. Holographic maps glowed across the steel walls, marking out the dunes and outposts beyond.
"We need to increase the patrols," Kaelar said, his tone steady but grim. "This isn't another bandit raid. It's something much worse."
Across the table, Kraken narrowed his eyes. A faint smirk crossed his scarred face. "Rusty Town doesn't fear defeat. We were forged by this desert. Let it come."
Zephyr stepped forward, voice firm. "You don't understand. The enemy isn't human. She's a weapon, an advanced hybrid built by the Edenans. If she attacks, Rusty Town won't stand a chance."
Kraken tapped his metal fingers against the table, the sound echoing through the room. "Fine," he muttered. "We'll tighten the defenses. What's your plan?"
Kaelar replied, "We're leaving town. If Eudora's looking for us, she won't hesitate to level this place."
"Eudora," Kraken repeated under his breath. "A hybrid, like Aelina."
Zephyr nodded. "We're heading to Gritmoor. We need to talk to Ragan."
Kraken's eyes widened slightly. "Ragan? You're insane. That man doesn't take warnings."
Zephyr's tone didn't waver. "If Eudora's here, the Edenans may not be far behind. If that's true, every faction on Thaross needs to unite."
For a long moment, Kraken said nothing. Then he turned toward the wide metal window, staring into the endless dunes outside. The wind howled, carrying dust and the faint echo of thunder.
"An invasion, then," he murmured. "If that's what you're telling me... we'll be ready."
Kaelar nodded. "This isn't just about Rusty Town anymore. This is about Thaross."
Kraken exhaled slowly, his composure cracking just for a heartbeat. Then he turned to his men. "Double the night watch. Screen every newcomer. If you see something strange, don't act, report it immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers answered in unison.
Kaelar added, "Keep it quiet. If Eudora senses she's being hunted, she'll strike first, and you won't even see it coming."
Zephyr stepped closer, his voice low. "You'll know her when you see her. The way she moves, the way she looks at people, it's not human. Trust your instincts, but do nothing alone."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances before dispersing. The command room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the hum of holographic projectors.
Kaelar leaned over the glowing map. "Zephyr and I leave for Gritmoor tonight. Vega and Velaria will upgrade the city's defense grid. Kirana and Aelina—sector west. If Eudora comes, that's where she'll hit first."
Kraken's eyes stayed fixed on the map. "Then we prepare. The desert has seen many monsters… but none like her."
That night, Rusty Town didn't sleep.
Patrol lights swept the sand, shadows moved across rooftops, and somewhere beneath the starlit dunes of Thaross, a storm was already forming—one that could burn worlds.