Once, and only once we're satisfied with everything…let's get married.

  Wati panted as she opened her eyes. The pillow, damp with her sweat, felt a little uncomfortable. She sat up and looked to the left; an empty stool sat beside the bed. She wished Aryo was there.

  Wati let herself fall back onto the pillow. Breeze drifted in through the arrow slit to her right. Thousands of Wankers were dancing beyond the walls, their chants mocking the PNS.

  Wati covered her eyes with her arm. Joining the army, Aryo's passing, her persecution, meeting the giants, and becoming their liaison officer — what a weird dream. She wished to wake up on her canopy bed and hear her mother shouting from downstairs, telling her that the breakfast was ready.

  Wati hummed the tune that she had heard, trying to sing herself to sleep. She lamented that her voice wasn't as ethereal as her mother's. It made her even more restless.

  Wati pressed her chest and took a deep breath, no longer feeling the pain. She then covered her face with her hands. Working with the giants made her feel more secure than ever. Perhaps this was the plan that Vhisa, The Finest Planner, had for her. She wanted to believe that it was Visha's love that had influenced Vhisa’s plan.

  However, she now had to risk her life actively. This had to be the new challenge that Vahsani wanted her to overcome.

  Wati opened her face, gazing at the dull basalt ceiling. She wondered whether what she wanted all this time was the best for her. Perhaps the Almighty Three had prepared what she truly wanted but was too blind to notice. They gave Prophet Gajah Salto Mananggal after all. He was reluctant to cross the oceans to get here, but he did anyway, and the Dankers flourished at the end of the day.

  Maybe…maybe Aryo wasn’t the best option for her either. He certainly was an outstanding friend and no doubt understood her better than anyone else. When it came to marriage life though, it would probably be a different story. The Almighty Three could be protecting her from various distresses brought by marriage with him that she likely wouldn’t be able to handle, whatever it would be. Still, though, who would They assign to replace him? And how would he be better than Aryo?

  Wati raised her hands and closed her eyes, praying for guidance, protection, and mercy.

  “Praise The Three…The Holy…The Almighty.”

  Wati made the gesture.

  The infirmary door creaked, catching Wati’s attention.

  “Oh, hey…am I interrupting?” Rahmi said. She was holding a hand-sized flask.

  Wati sat up and half-smiled. “Come in.”

  Rahmi smiled and closed the door. She gave the flask to Wati, telling her to drink it.

  “I haven’t caught your full name,” Wati said after she emptied the flask, putting it on the drawer beside her.

  “It’s Padmasari,” Rahmi said, gesturing. “Nice to meet you…”

  “Kusumasari,” Wati said. “Wati Kusumasari.”

  Rahmi's armor set was identical to Wati's. The difference was the shorter tunic, stretching down only as far as her knee. Her black hair went slightly past her shoulders, half of them were tied up into a bun.

  “What did you encounter?”

  “An enemy scout,” Wati said, shrugging. “I think it was a Light Cataphract.”

  “You never faced one before, did you?”

  Wati flattened her lips and shook her head, smiling shyly.

  “Congratulations.” Rahmi gave her hand. “Now you've faced one.”

  Wati shook her hand. “I suppose you've been dealing with a lot of them.”

  “They only skirmish when in a group, and even then there weren't many clashes between us. You can't expect much from cavalry in a siege.”

  “Still, it must have felt great to charge the enemy while being mounted.”

  “Only when they have their backs facing you.” Rahmi groaned. “The only thing I like about being on nyambek's back is that you can move around faster than anyone else.” The rider shrugged. “Let's just say, I always pray not to be in the front row.”

  Wati chuckled.

  “How do you feel now by the way?”

  “Better,” Wati said, putting her hands on her lap. “I think…it has been worse for me…” Wati flattened her lips.

  Rahmi stood up and released her gauntlets, putting them on the nearby drawer. She then cracked her hands and fingers.

  “W-what are you doing?” Wati said.

  “Let me massage you,” Rahmi said, turning to Wati.

  “I think I'm good.” Wati gestured at the rider.

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “I'm twenty-seven. Since I'm older, you must oblige.” Rahmi approached her.

  “Well, since I'm younger,” Wati said, raising her hands to halt Rahmi. “It's mandatory that I'm not inconveniencing my seniors.”

  Rahmi started at her disappointingly.

  Wati sighed. “Fine…”

  Rahmi told Wati to undo her tunic. Wati did it reluctantly. The rider was shocked as soon as Wati slightly revealed her back.

  “I don't…p-please go on…” Wati said to her.

  Wati used the tunic as a blanket as she lay on her chest.

  Rahmi pulled Wati's right arm so hard that her joints cracked. The rider began applying pressure with her thumb, pressing on certain points along Wati's arm. Wati yelped with each press. She didn't expect Rahmi to be this strong. Wati’s right arm felt comfortable after Rahmi was done.

  The rider repeated the process for Wati’s other limbs. Then she proceeded to massage Wati's back, and eventually her head.

  “By The Almighty Three…” Wati said, smiling as she became drowsy.

  Rahmi chuckled.

  “Were you a massage therapist?” Wati said. “There's no way you weren't. Those pressures felt so good.”

  “I was indeed.” Rahmi shrugged. “I used to work independently, and then I became a personal therapist to…” Rahmi wagged her right leg up and down. “A cavalry platoon commander.”

  Wati met Rahmi's eyes.

  “I won't disclose their name for now,” Rahmi said, smiling.

  “I can understand.”

  As soon as Wati wore her tunic, Rahmi suddenly turned toward the infirmary door.

  “I heard light scratching from the other side,” she said.

  The rider walked to the door. She only opened it slightly when a furred creature squeezed itself in.

  Wati gasped. “Calya!”

  The poosh stretched before climbing to Wati's lap. Wati picked it up and gently squished it against her.

  “Oh my…how did I forget about you?” Wati said, rubbing her face on the creature’s fur.

  Calya meowed as Wati stroked her fervently.

  “So that's your poosh?” Rahmi said.

  “You've met her?”

  Rahmi gestured. “It was the reason I found you.”

  “What?”

  “I saw her staring at me when I was scouting. She then approached me and kept meowing until I followed it. Then, I found you lying on the ground.”

  Wati looked at Calya's eyes. The poosh did the same and meowed.

  “It does make sense for it to look for help when its owner is in trouble, though,” Rahmi said.

  “I don't think a poosh can do that,” Wati said.

  “If that poosh can talk it will be disappointed in you for saying that.”

  Wati let Calya climb to her shoulder.

  Pale blue light struck the field beyond Fort Nungging, turning hundreds of Wankers into dust. Dirt spewed from beneath them, tearing tens of their numbers. Their dismembered remains soared briefly into the air, their gushing blood quickly turning into mist. A thunderous noise was heard across the field.

  Wati and Rahmi leaned closer to the arrow slit, watching the Wanker host panicking. What once was a formidable forest of pikes became a mass of soldiers running for their lives. The pale blue light and the spewing dirt kept hitting them as they ran. Within minutes, the field was littered with the Wankers’ bodies, at least what was left of them. Wati counted twenty enemy cohort banners lying amidst the bloodbath.

  “By The Almighty Three…” Rahmi said, her mouth gaping. “Are you sure that those giants are on our side?”

  “I'm their liaison officer,” Wati said, puffing her chest.

  “You must be incredibly safe, protected by them.”

  Wati tilted her head. “Did you forget what just happened to me?”

  “Still, though,” Rahmi said, shrugging. “Working with The Heralds is a distinctive achievement.”

  “W-what?”

  Rahmi looked at Wati. “The Heralds,” she said.

  “The giants?” Wati pointed with her thumb.

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  Rahmi nodded.

  “H-how?”

  “You haven't heard? Several days ago High Pandhita Ariffin Aran Fasih Fikih Lan Mimpin wrote that the giants are The Heralds.”

  “As in the ones mentioned in The Kawi?”

  “The high pandhita mentioned a lot of verses to support his argument. One of them was…”

  Rahmi cleared her throat and recited the necessary clause before mentioning a verse.

  “Say to them: ‘Can ye bring The Heralds from amongst ye then if ye are truthful?’ Nay. We had sent them hundreds before in times of need, but they never listened. We stiffened their hearts and blinded them to the truth.”

  “I…I see…”

  Wati had heard about the verse before, but never put her thoughts into it. Since it was High Pandhita Ariffin who said that, then it had to be true. Perhaps this was the reason people suddenly let Gray Katie trample their farmlands.

  Wati looked through the arrow slit again. Once, the noise of clashing steel dominated the field. Now, there was no requiem to honor the fallen. There was no triumphant song sung either. There was only silence, leaving one to wonder whether the bloodshed was worth it.

  Dankers and Wankers lay side by side — once the same people, now on different paths. Wati had no idea why Great House Thong betrayed the Sultanate, causing unnecessary amounts of suffering. They still shared a common home, a gift from Them. Was this part of the grand scheme of the Almighty Three? Why did They let some people fall into the tendrils of the Traitor House? And what kind of power was capable of turning them away from their Gods?

  The giants eventually showed up. Wati and Rahmi left the infirmary and headed for the battlement, finding a spot near the crenellations. Gray Katie stopped on the hill across Fort Nungging. All the other legionaries were there, standing in awe at the giants’ presence.

  Caitlyn and Genesis emerged from Gray Katie and waved toward the fort. The soldiers cheered. Gray Katie moved her cannon up and down repeatedly.

  Amidst the commotion, Wati heard steel slamming against the floor three times.

  “To your brothers!” Someone shouted.

  “Shoulders!” Wati, Rahmi, and everyone else said, shouting in response.

  “To your Houses!”

  “Prosper!”

  “To your Gods!”

  “Muster!”

  Rahmi patted Wati’s shoulders twice. Wati smiled in return.

  In the evening, the garrisons labored to repair the damage and collect the dead. They scavenged whatever they could find and created makeshift fortifications. The quartermasters distributed animal food for rations. Some unfortunate nyambek were also cut down.

  Wati withdrew to the infirmary and spoke with Tangguh.

  “I passed out just after I gave the general the scroll,” Wati said to the encased wadang in her hand.

  “Based on your record,” Tangguh said. “This is your first deployment to the frontline.”

  Wati flattened her lips. “It is.”

  “Terrible wasn't it?”

  Wati shrugged and chuckled a little. “I almost died due to internal bleeding.”

  “You've successfully achieved your objective, though. You deserve the credit.”

  “Thank you.”

  A brief silence ensued. Wati looked at the purple crystal. She felt she had to say something to keep the conversation going, but she didn't know what. She wondered whether Tangguh felt the same.

  “I will be with you soon. If things are going well, expect my arrival in two and a half weeks. Until then, you are relieved of any obligations. Also, please tell the giants to lay low. We don't want the Wankers observing them.”

  “Understood.”

  “Dismissed. See you until then.”

  “See you.”

  The crystal dimmed. Wati stood up and made several stretches. She returned her weapons and armor to the quartermaster before heading out of the fort to meet the giants. Wati met Rahmi along the way. She was keen to invite her but canceled the decision after seeing her form a marching column with several other Shield-Riders. Wati wished her good luck when the rider rode past her, to which Rahmi replied with a wink.

  Genesis and Caitlyn were sitting on Gray Katie's hull, leaning against her turret. Genesis jumped down and lifted Wati, placing her on Gray Katie's gun sitting in between them.

  “Congratulations!” Genesis said. The joy shown by her uplifted Wati’s spirit. “You made it!”

  Genesis and Caitlyn clapped their hands.

  “Great work,” Caitlyn said.

  “I'm satisfied with your work,” Gray Katie said.

  Wati told them how she defeated the enemy cavalry on her way here. The giants reacted favorably. Genesis then shared her first experience where she got shot several times because she hesitated. She survived because she was an android who could tolerate more injuries than men.

  The giants told a lot of stories. Wati listened as if it was a lecture on the Mantra of Wellspring. She learned of their home, country, history, culture, and military. It sounded like what Praskovia could become in a dozen centuries. They also taught Wati a little about their language. Wati began fantasizing about how it felt to live there. The giants disliked the idea, saying that one shouldn't dream of living in a country in an open conflict.

  They conversed until dusk. Wati had indulged so much that she almost forgot dusk's prayer. She abluted with the remaining water in her canteen and asked the giants for privacy.

  “So Wati,” Caitlyn said as soon as she was done praying. “Isn't it a good time for you to go home?”

  “It…” Wati lowered her head and locked her fingers. “It is…”

  “Then let's take you there,” Genesis said. “Show us the way–”

  “Wait…” Wati said. “W-what should I say to Aryo's mother?”

  Caitlyn and Genesis looked at each other.

  “It's not something you can cover up,” Caitlyn said. “Tell her the truth.”

  Wati gripped tighter, calming her shaking hands. “I…I don't…”

  “You are her only family member now,” Caitlyn said again. “You have to return.”

  “We'll be right behind you,” Genesis said, smiling.

  Wati nodded hesitantly. She glanced at her shoulder, making sure Calya was there. They then departed to Ke Jembaren.

  Gray Katie stopped at a considerable distance from the village, once more garnering locals’ attention. Wati waved at the giants, knowing that she probably wouldn't visit them for the next two and a half weeks.

  Wati walked down the dark road leading to her home village. She came across several carriages and passersby who greeted her, some even recognizing her. Wati nodded in response, forcing herself to smile. Cold breezes of air filled her nostrils. They felt refreshing two years ago, but now they made her chest tight. Wati’s right fingers curled. She sighed as they touched air rather than Aryo’s hand.

  The moon was overhead. The locals gathered around damaged houses. A pile of burnt materials sat just beside the village’s arch. Carriages stood by as people dumped debris into them. Some locals were treating the injured legionaries stationed in the village. The barns were in shambles. The beanrice fields, once lush, were now trampled and barren.

  Wati finally stood before her foster home, grateful that it was untouched by the raiders. She really wanted to burst in and lay on her bed as soon as possible. Then, she would stay there for two or three days, refusing to wake up. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to move.

  Her hands were shaking and her fingers fidgeting. Calya’s meow caught her attention, but that didn’t make her any more willing. Wati stepped forward, her sorrow so heavy it seemed to shake the ground. She looked down, shutting her eyes and gripping her hands tighter.

  The door creaked open.

  It was briefly elating to see Mrs. Hastuti’s astonished smile. Sadly, it quickly decayed into a grave concern.

  “W-Wati…” Mrs. Hastuti walked to the edge of the front porch, her face full of disbelief. “Where’s dear Aryo?”

  Wati approached Aryo’s mother. She fished for a silver trinket in her pocket, one on which Aryo’s name was etched.

  Hastuti gasped. Wati could feel the woman’s heart crushed from within. She lay the trinket gently on the Hastuti’s shaking hands.

  “W-where…?” Hastuti sobbed. “How?”

  “Cak Wu Fields,” Wati said. “Crushed by a kun skimmer.”

  Hastuti collapsed to her knees. Her eyes were shut as tears streamed down her face. Wati set down her pack and kneeled, embracing Hastuti.

  “I’m sorry,” Wati said.

  ***

  “So that’s what happened to her,” Genesis said, her expression solemn.

  “I had told her to keep it in,” Caitlyn said.

  Genesis frowned at Caitlyn. “That’s rude, Caitlyn.”

  Caitlyn met Genesis’ eyes. The tank commander flattened her lips and looked down. “Yeah…I’m sorry.” Her face was identical to the one she used to make back in Patih Tread.

  Genesis looked up. “She's just like me.”

  “Except maybe,” Gray Katie said. “She still has a home to return to.”

  “That…doesn't guarantee anything,” Caitlyn said. “It still depends on how she was treated there.”

  Genesis gazed at Ke Jembaren in the distance. She agreed with Caitlyn’s statement, but that only made her concerned for Wati. Part of her wished the tank commander didn't mention that, but Genesis wouldn't go back against her own words.

  “Everything should be fine,” Gray Katie said. “She established regular prayers. She has The Almighty Three the same way we have The Primus.”

  Genesis looked at the cloudy night sky. She never believed in any divine powers, but she wished that The Almighty Three wasn't just an icon of worship. She wished that they were watching over her, and giving Wati the protection that she deserved.

  “Any plans for the next two and a half weeks?” Caitlyn said.

  Genesis reclined against Gray Katie’s turret, using her right arm as a pillow. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

  “Really?” Caitlyn raised an eyebrow.

  “What else are we supposed to do?” Genesis said.

  “I thought you’re a person of exploration.”

  “Caitlyn,” Genesis gestured at her. “We’re going to do that anyway once Tangguh gets here. I’m mentally preparing myself to see that day.”

  Caitlyn then lay against Gray Katie’s turret. “You’re right,” she said, sighing. “Rotations are great, but you still worry about returning to the front. Now…”

  “Exactly,” Genesis said.

  The cold breeze reminded her of her time with Ouston at a summit near Cone Cove. Genesis brought up footage of her setting up a small telescope for the scientist. Ouston was then fixed on the telescope while she twirled, dancing gracefully under the stars. The moon listened as she sang the aria that she had learned that month, which she had refined and perfected herself.

  Caitlyn then slapped Genesis’ thigh. “Thinking about Miss Secretary?”

  “No,” Genesis said. “Not a bit.”

  “I’m proud of you, though.” Caitlyn shrugged. “I’m not sure what Wati did to deserve that much defense from you.” The tank commander turned to Genesis. “You know a troubled person when you see one?”

  Genesis smiled and nodded.

  “Irrational, I’d say, but I’m not allowed to complain.” Caitlyn inhaled deeply. “It saved me too.”

  It felt like the right thing to do. Ouston perished during a telve terror attack on her village. Genesis knew how it felt to sleep on a pile of rubble — which was once her bedroom — with a burnt blanket. With her only parent figure gone, Genesis longed for compassion. For that reason, she was compassionate to others.

  Many took it from her and just left, some even refused. Genesis was grateful for Charlotte and Caitlyn, the few who returned her kindness.

  “I’m glad I can help,” Genesis said.

  Caitlyn chuckled. “Now tell me what you are actually thinking about.”

  Genesis brought up a picture of Wati, taken just before she confronted Sengkolo with fury, to her neuralface. She paid attention to the bruises that had enraged her.

  Genesis then pointed at the sky. “The stars look good from here.”

  Caitlyn slapped Genesis’ thigh again.

  Genesis sighed. “Wati was beaten by her peers, right? I shouldn’t have invited her to where we hung around.”

  “I’m sure she would accept your apology.”

  “But I’m not sure I would accept my apology.”

  Caitlyn reached for Genesis’ shoulder, patting it. “It’s time for you to be kind to yourself.”

  “Hopefully she was freed of her servitude penalty as well.”

  “Technically…she is still a servant,” Caitlyn said, rubbing her temple. “Our servant though, so…”

  Genesis glanced at Caitlyn, a smirk spreading across her face. “Make it pleasant for her?”

  “Sister Genesis,” Caitlyn said, holding a fist beside Genesis.

  Genesis bumped it. “Sister Caitlyn.”

  The two laughed.

  “Gray Katie?” Genesis said.

  “Yes?”

  “No comments?”

  “I’m too busy indulging in the cinder,” Gray Katie said.

  Genesis and Caitlyn said nothing, still looking at the sky.

  “You know…because there are ashes of Mount Wardhana on the ground, and my treads are full of them.”