Chapter 12: A new friend.

"Are you going to stand there all night?"

A bowl of steaming meat porridge was placed into Violet's hands. Aetil's voice was gentle, but there was a hint of impatience.

"Friends?"

Violet remained silent, prompting Aetil to sigh and extend his hand toward her.

"At least, you should hold my hand."

Violet hesitated, then took her hand, and together they walked towards Major Gilbert's tent. Aetil was practically dragged, her face showing clear discomfort. As they entered, the Major quickly instructed Violet to release her grip.

"Heh, what a rude guy..."

Aetil muttered, rubbing her sore hand. Her fingers, delicate and soft, contrasted sharply with Violet's callused, battle-worn hands.

"Hello again, Your Excellency Major."

The tent smelled of cigarettes. Gilbert was about to speak when Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins burst in.

"Finally found you, Gil. I tell you, our troop medic, she is—"

Hawkins stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto Aetil. He noticed Aetil's bandaged arm, a silent reminder to choose his words carefully.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins, what did you just say about me?"

Aetil stood, taking a cigarette from the table and placing it in Hawkins' mouth.

"Your Excellency Lieutenant Colonel, as a Leidenschaftlich soldier, you must speak with one word, and be careful with your words and actions."

Striking a match, Aetil's eyes reflected the flickering flame, making Hawkins lower his gaze.

"Actually, I came here this time to discuss the matter of the final battle."

Hawkins took a deep breath and continued.

"The balance between the northern and southern fronts has been broken. Our target is the enemy's strategic base, Gadarlik. If we win this battle, the war could end by next spring. The enemy's main army is stationed there. We don't know their exact numbers, deployment, or weaponry, but we do know they are highly trained and well-equipped."

Hawkins paused, then continued with a heavier tone.

"The orders are for your commandos and battle puppets to infiltrate, penetrate, decapitate, and fire flares. Your beacon will be the coordinates for our artillery. This is our only chance, Gil. I..."

Before Hawkins could finish, Gilbert stood and saluted.

"Yes, sir!"

Aetil watched the two men, then glanced at Violet. She knew that tomorrow's battle might turn his new friend into just another casualty of war.

"Hey," Aetil called out, pointing at Violet. "You will sleep with me tonight."

Violet looked to the Major for approval. Gilbert nodded, and Hawkins led Violet out of the tent.

"Dr. Aetil, I beg you for something," Gilbert said, standing and bowing deeply. "Please, take care of Violet."

Aetil sneered.

"With all that arrogant talk, I thought you were a good person. You turned her into a war puppet yourself, and now you ask me to look after her? What gives you the right?"

Aetil's anger flared as he grabbed Gilbert by the collar.

"You were the one who invited her into war! Your Excellency Major!"

Pushing Gilbert away, Aetil stormed out of the tent. Violet followed her silently.

Inside Aetil's tent, the smell of gauze and disinfectant filled the air. Aetil spread out her bed and beckoned Violet over. She hesitated, but the warmth of the blanket was inviting. She climbed in, feeling the security she had longed for.

"I know you'll follow your Major tomorrow, so I can't promise to protect you," Aetil said, stroking her head. Violet curled up next to him like a kitten seeking comfort.

"You ah..."

Aetil hugged Violet tightly, whispering in her ear.

"Promise your big sister, if tomorrow you encounter danger, you will remember to escape..."

As the night progressed, Aetil watched the child in her arms, stroking her head gently.

"What a beautiful child..."

Violet slept soundly, snoring softly. Aetil's mind was filled with mixed emotions.

"Tomorrow is the final battle... Will you live? How many of your team will come back alive?"

The next morning, Violet woke to the warmth of Aetil's embrace.

"Mother..."

She mumbled, only to be gently hugged by Aetil.

"Hm? I'm here."

Violet sat up abruptly, her usual alertness returning. She had never slept through the night before. Aetil, noticing her discomfort, got up and smiled softly.

"I made you a sandwich once. I'll do it again today."

Aetil handed her a meat sandwich, her eyes sad. She knew this might be the last time she saw her. As Violet prepared to leave, Aetil pushed her out of the tent gently.

"Eat. And take care."

She didn't want to get too emotionally attached, knowing she was heading into the jaws of battle. All she could do was hope for her safe return.