Encounter in Strife

Chapter 9: Farewell

The next morning, the clear sky, green canopies, and the music of the wild greeted Drake upon waking up. It was a beautiful morning indeed, and as he looked around, he saw the villagers still lying comfortably on the ground.

Although the winter is finally coming to an end, the atmosphere is still below 0°. It's such a surprise that the natives are so adapted to the cold that even if they slept outside the whole night, they are still well and strong. Or perhaps it is the warmth of their bond that's keeping them alive.

Drake was quite surprised for he was late that morning. His body is conditioned to wake up at exactly 4 a.m. every morning, but for the first time, it was delayed for an hour. He stayed at the village that night to guard the natives in case of unprecedented dangers; fortunately, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Each captain from the 5 different companies delivered their daily report, and so far, they have not encountered or seen anything suspicious. The soldiers are also done inspecting the war zone and have confirmed that Saiku's army lost more or less 919 people, making him most likely the only one to be alive.

Unfortunately, Drake's army suffered heavy casualties as well, with 171 deaths and 200 injuries.

The soldiers gave their respect to the deceased and treated the injured. At every war, soldiers face the loss of a friend, the conscience of killing countless people, the ruthless reality of war, and the trauma. What they have done and witnessed will haunt them like a nightmare; some will lose their sanity, some will lose their morality, and only a few strong-willed and strong-minded people can conquer their emotions and retain their sanity.

Drake, as well, couldn't help but feel empty as he looked up at the clear blue sky. So peaceful and free.

'It's an irony that we can only achieve peace through war. Is war really the only option? ' he can't help but smile bitterly at the fact that someone must be killed for someone to be able to live.

'Lord, please forgive us; we've taken a lot of lives.' he prayed.

"Please excuse me, Lt. Col., but may I ask if you know where Zula is?"

While lost in his thoughts, he was surprised when the chief of the village spoke.

"I haven't seen her either."
Upon thinking about it, he hadn't seen her since he woke up.

"Wait, I'm going to look for her."
He wanted to bid farewell as well and to thank her for everything. She played a great role in this war, and the least he could do is to thank her and reward her personally.

Drake immediately drove to the base camp and went straight to Zula's home. He noticed that the vehicle she had was gone. He immediately went inside, and a white envelope on top of the table immediately caught his attention. He immediately tore it open, and a letter emerged.

'Drake,

I hope this letter finds you well. Unfortunately,I have to leave, and I don't know when I will be back. Please tell the villagers about my urgent business and tell them I'm sorry for leaving without even letting them know. I promise to visit them when I'm free. Please give them my regards, and tell them that they are free to use the things I left here. Tell them not to worry, for I will surely send them another doctor to take over what I've started.

Drake, thank you for everything. Thank you for being a good friend, and if fate brings us together once more, then we shall see each other again. Stay safe.

Goodbye.'

Drake was somewhat lost. He is uncomfortable with the fact that he will never see her again. She didn't even leave him any contact information. Drake searched the whole house in the hope that he might find anything about Zula, but not even a piece of paper was found.

With a restless heart, he went back to the village. He gathered everyone and delivered Zula's message. The elders, the children,and everyone else were saddened by her sudden departure, but they couldn't do anything but hope for her safety and pray that she would be able to come back.

The next day, Drake's army, along with Saiku, left the jungle of Salvania and went straight to Kanxas Military Fort.

After going through a lot of formalities, reports, and the handing of Saiku to the higher-ups, Drake went straight to his father's office.

"Father" this time, he couldn't help but long for fatherly support. He was in a great emotional battle between his conscience and his duty, adding his unresolved feelings of gratitude to a woman he would never meet again.

Knowing that his son was mentally exhausted, 5-star general Nara immediately hugged him.

"Welcome back, my son."

He couldn't be more proud of his son. Drake was admired not only by his father but also by everyone because he did not use any family connections to climb up but was able to achieve his success through hard work and talent.

The world rejoiced upon the news of Saiku's capture. He is a great threat to national security and global peace and safety as he is the right hand of an international terrorist group headed by Tahann.

The people praised and offered their greatest gratitude towards the military power. Because of that, Drake and his army were the focus of the limelight. Their success against Saiku and even bringing him back alive is such a great achievement, not only for his battalion but for the whole armed forces.

"Today is Friday; let's go have a happy hour together with your men," General Nara said, to which his son immediately agreed.

Although he was successful against Saiku, Drake couldn't help but to let out a heavy sigh of grief upon thinking of Zula. She is a key figure in this success, but she decided to give all praise and honor to the soldiers. If only he knows where she is, he would definitely repay her.

"Son, let's drink," his father said, which got him out of his thoughts.

He smiled slightly towards his father and made a toast.

"To the peace and freedom of our nation!." He shouted as he raised his glass filled with beer towards his men.

"To the peace and freedom of our nation!." A loud roar echoed. Their voice filled with grief, happiness, guilt, and dedication as they all drank the beer they are holding.

That hour is such a wonderful celebration for the soldiers, not only for the success of their mission but, more importantly, to comfort themselves, shake off their feelings of guilt, and heal the mental pain that torments them.

Soldiers are not killing machines. They have a heart and a conscience, and for every life they take, even for the sake of peace, nothing will justify the fact that they took a life.

That's the burden they have to bear, but because of the love they have for their country and their nation, they are still willing to choose that perilous and tormenting journey, all in the name of peace and freedom.

***The End***