Invaded (IN NEED OF REVISING)

Chapter XXV/Epilogue

Elle

Music: Beginning From the Endless from Salamander 2

About a week or so after we returned from our space journey, a small recognition ceremony was held for us. Some random police chief had volunteered to start it off with a speech. It was held near the mayor's house on a small stage set up for the event. In the audience sat family, friends, and other random people who were just interested in the whole series of events. On the stage sat me, Sam, Heath, Jack, Eghosa, Mackenzie, and Julianna, dressed in our finest clothes.

As the chief was rambling on and on about stuff that didn't even matter to us, Sam nudged me and whispered, "And the funny thing is, this isn't even the hardest thing we've done and we didn't get recognized for all those other times."

"But this is the biggest thing we've done, since it actually mattered to everyone around us," Mackenzie smirked.

"Are you trying to tell me I'm wrong?" Sam said jokingly.

"Yes. Now hush, he's about to recognize us."

"...now, this St. David's tribe has been known to cause havoc among space for many years now, but they are an issue no more," Chief Stanway said. "And thanks to the most unlikely group of people as well. Maybe the seven of you please stand up and walk to the front of the stage?"

We did as we were told. I could tell Eghosa and Julianna were a bit nervous from receiving all this attention, but I couldn't feel the nerves at all. I've done this kind of thing before, so I was used to the attention.

"You all have done what hardly anybody else would've even thought about attempting," Chief Stanway said, looking at us now. "And that's risking your lives to go into space, retrieve five powerful orbs, and use them to take down the Great Big Boss himself, thereby getting rid of St. David's altogether."

I was amazed by how this guy knew so much about our adventure, but I decided not to ask any questions about it.

"I would like to close off this speech by congratulating Heath, Eghosa, Jackson, Samuel, Elle, Julianna, and Mackenzie for a job well done. Your courage and bravery will forever be remembered."

"Forever? More like a day," I heard Heath snort. The audience gave us a polite round of applause then. Off in the distance, I thought I could see Luke standing in the very back, smiling and nodding his head slowly. I tried to get Sam's attention so he could turn and see Luke, but by the time I got Sam to look where I was looking, he was already gone.

Even after he moved, that kid still finds ways to confuse the hell out of me.

Jackson

Music: Unused BGM 3 from Life Force JP Arcade

After the applause has quieted down, we stepped off to go reunite with our families. Meanwhile, Chief Stanway continued talking. "This evening, a party will be hosted at"- *name removed due to personal reasons* "Church in their honor. All are encouraged to come. Thank you."

Another small round of applause followed. As the crowd of people began to disperse, I found Heath and asked him, "You plan on going?"

He shrugged. "Probably. Eghosa plans on it, so I guess that means I do as well."

"Kinda weird how you two ended up dating so quickly like that."

Another shrug. "Yeah, I guess. Hey, I gotta go. See ya tonight?"

"You got it, man," I told Heath as I walked away.

Then I noticed Mackenzie off in the distance, and I felt an urge all of a sudden. As Sam walked by me, I quietly asked him, "Should I ask Mackenzie to the party tonight?"