Chapter 12: Freedom of Soldiers

The morning air in Su Yan's world was crisp, alive with the scent of dew and blooming wildflowers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, painting golden patterns across the central garden. Lione, Bulat, and Sheele awoke early, unsure if the peace they felt was real or some beautiful illusion.

For days, they wandered the fields and forests, marveling at landscapes untouched by strife or fear. Lione's laughter—loud and genuine—bounced through the orchards as she chased birds, while Bulat's strong hands shaped a new training field near the riverbank. Sheele, serene and thoughtful, spent her mornings in the herb gardens, organizing plants and quietly humming old lullabies.

Su Yan made a habit of meeting the newcomers each sunrise, sometimes alone, sometimes accompanied by August. One morning, he found Lione and Bulat sparring in a sunlit clearing.

"Not bad for a second chance," Bulat teased, lowering his guard.

Lione grinned, stretching her arms. "Feels good to move without looking over my shoulder. You know, this place almost makes me forget the Empire ever existed."

Su Yan approached, a calm smile on his face. "You're both free to begin again. There are no battles here—unless you choose them for fun."

Lione squinted at him. "I still don't get you, Su Yan. You're like a wise old man in a teen's body."

August, who had been sitting on a nearby boulder reading, chimed in. "You'll get used to it. He's always like that."

At midday, Sheele prepared tea in the central garden, carefully arranging cups as Mavis arrived to help.

"Thank you," Sheele said quietly. "I've never had this much time to just… be."

Mavis smiled, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "You're welcome here. We all are. Su Yan made it so anyone can heal."

In the shade, Zeref and Bulat sat together, watching Lione teach August a few older hand-to-hand techniques.

"You're gifted, August," Bulat praised. "But you rely too much on talent. Remember, strength is also patience."

Zeref nodded in approval. "And patience is hard won. Bulat is a good teacher."

August grinned, rubbing his head sheepishly. "I promise to practice, Father."

That evening, as the group gathered beneath the blossoming sakura tree, conversation turned softer. Lione sat cross-legged, gazing up at the shifting clouds.

"You ever worry it's all just a dream?" she asked suddenly. "That we'll wake up back where we started?"

Zeref shook his head, his voice gentle and honest. "Perhaps. But we live as if it's real, and that makes it real enough."

Mavis reached for Sheele's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "This place is what we make of it. Our presence gives it meaning."

Bulat rested his back against the trunk, his deep voice certain. "Then let's live well. I say we build something together—a real home, not just a refuge."

Su Yan, leaning against the tree with his silver hair drifting in the twilight, met each of their eyes in turn. "Home is what we choose to share. It doesn't require perfection—just acceptance, and honest effort."

Sheele spoke, her voice soft but steady. "I want to learn… and to teach. And to look after those who might come after us."

August piped up, youthful confidence shining. "And I want to help create a school, like Mother dreamed."

Lione elbowed Bulat. "Looks like we're all stuck with responsibility now."

Bulat chuckled. "The good kind this time."

Night fell slowly, the stars blooming high above. As laughter and stories filled the air, the newcomers found that peace here was not simply the lack of war, but the discovery of connection—of purpose, hope, and chosen family.

By the time the twin moons rose above the horizon, Lione, Bulat, and Sheele no longer felt like strangers. They were part of something bigger—woven into the fabric of Su Yan's world, guardians of a future they could help shape.

And in the quiet that followed, Su Yan looked upon the gathering with contentment, knowing the world he'd created was not just alive—it was finally beginning to belong to everyone within it.