Chapter 48: The Second Battle

Charlotte could see them in the distance, approaching closer and closer.

Finnian could be seen rushing while clutching the body tightly in his arms.

A flashing dot may mean heavy damage had been inflicted, but it doesn't necessarily mean death. It just meant the suit couldn't hold on to the attack anymore, leaving them in a vulnerable state.

Luckily, Bert was carried as soon as when he showed signs of breaking down.

His eyes were shut tight while his limbs were frail. His lifeless self had curled up and situated himself in the arms of his comrades.

The robot in charge of the treatment was deployed, quickly rushing to fix what it can with the current conditions.

"The fighter is still breathing. Will now proceed with treatment inside," it would exclaim. Robots were seen carrying the man from the arms of another, taking him away leaving only blind trust in a being that held no emotions.

A panicked look was still clearly shown on Finnian's face, his breath was heavy as he clutched down the ground to take a deep breath.

"Do not worry," Luna consoled. "At the end of the day, robots are the best doctors," she would say.

"Right. No human would have done a better job," he would tell himself.

Charlotte didn't speak but patted him on the back instead. He turned to look at her with tired eyes, ready to shut them tight and close himself from the world.

"You should rejoin them and fend off the attackers. They need your help," Luna firmly comforted.

He only gave her a weak nod and stood up. Another heavy breath, less shaky this time. His heart probably was beating, ready to jump out of his chest. The tingling feeling on his chest had spread throughout his body. A rush of adrenaline keeps him from falling.

The mask of the suit had been put back on. He quickly glided out toward the battlefield, not looking back, to rejoin the fight for territory.

Charlotte once again blanked. Luna had gone to check up on Bert, leaving the three of them alone.

She could swiftly hear the commands from the commander, which in turn was transmitted to Lucian, who echoed it. All Charlotte did was stare at a big map while watching the little dots move around, occasionally saying a thing or two, then remaining quiet as if she had a zip over her mouth.

Time wasn't an element she was overly concerned about. The only thing that mattered at that point is the war itself. The lives lost, the victory gained, everything. The surreal feeling then converted into adrenaline, keeping herself awake and alerted.

She didn't know when it stopped but the forces started to retreat. They had won their second victory over territory.

All were injured, but not gone. It was the same for the other side.

Before she knew it, they were once again sitting under the night sky.

The gauze wrapped around their arms, and the bandages were being applied as she observed the people around her, sighted she have to start to familiarize herself with. Not every member was there. Those who were badly hurt were not present. Those who cared were also not present.

From what she could see, the chatter was still there. Although quiet, the exchanges were still there.

Lucian gently applied the bandage, Luna quietly eyeing them, Lucianna discussing with Eric quietly, it was all there. Just not as lively.

The atmosphere was not gloomy, it bordered the lines of being eerie, but not gloomy. Just, tired, a sense of dread that is created by the ongoing war. This mood was what depicted most battles, but not every night.

All Charlotte knew was the weight her body carried, the tiredness had started to spread. Her eyes could drop and she could sleep like a log at the moment.

The starry sky was still there, shining above them. The cold breeze would sometimes come by to say hello.

The first reality of war had started to sink in.

'May all of us stay safe,' she thought while silently attaching herself to these being that magically sprouted to life.