“We really are going to battle tomorrow?” Maya asked Austin in shock.

  After Austin’s talk with James, they brought up the subject with Natasha. They all agreed to tell the camp the news after the majority of people were done with their meditation for the day. Once they announced the decision, many people retired to their respective areas to process the news.

  “Yes, we are coming close to the end of the Survival Game, and we want to stop him before we are back on Earth,” Austin explained as he tried to calm Maya down.

  “I guess I should have expected this, but it still feels so sudden,” Maya replied as her brow furrowed in worry.

  “I understand how you feel,” Austin said as he wrapped an arm around Maya. “But I think we have to do this.”

  “You’re right. It’s just scary,” Maya said. “Preparing is one thing, actually going into battle is a whole other thing.”

  “I know, I’m happy that you haven’t had to fight for most of this game,” Austin said. “Your life is on the line, and the threat of death looms with any mistake you make.”

  “You don’t have to fight. They have James, Natasha, and everyone else. We could just stand back,” Maya suggested.

  “We could, but I won’t,” Austin shook his head. “I can’t just let people go and fight while I stand back. Not to mention, Chet is my problem.”

  “I figured you would say that,” Maya lowered her head. “But he isn’t your problem to deal with.”

  “It sure feels like he is,” Austin gripped his fingers into a tight fist. “The moment I met him, I knew we were opposites. One of us has to come out on top.”

  Maya placed her hands on Austin’s hands and looked deep into his eyes. “I know I can’t change your mind, but if that’s how you really feel, then I’ll be by your side.”

  “Are you sure? We are having some warriors stay back at the camp with Beth and Mike. You could focus on the defense of the camp with them,” Austin’s eyes grew worried. Even if he respected Maya’s decision to fight, he really did not want her to. He would rather her be safe.

  “When I said I wanted to fight, it was to be by your side. I don’t want you to carry all the burden,” Maya explained. “So, if you are going out there, then I’m joining you.”

  “I understand,” Austin nodded. “Then we will do this together.”

  “Together,” Maya reiterated with a smile.

  Austin pulled Maya closer, and she wrapped her arm around him. The two sat in peaceful silence. With the oncoming battle, they just wanted to sit with each other and enjoy the moment of peace. They did not want to think that the battle could be their last, but neither of them was sure. If it was going to be their last moments, they wanted to enjoy each other before it.

  ***

  The camp was abuzz as many people woke up early to prepare for the battle. Each person prepared for the battle ahead in their own way. People practiced their fighting moves, meditated, and some just talked with each other. Either way, people tried to clear their heads of worry for the battle ahead.

  Maya held Elliot and walked with Austin throughout the camp. Maya did not want to leave Austin’s side. Being with her family brought her a little comfort as she thought of the battle ahead. Even as Austin joined the camp’s leaders, she stayed with him. While being with them reminded her of the battle ahead, she figured that being away from Austin would be worse.

  The group that gathered consisted of Austin, Natasha, James, Jess, Beth, Mike, and Brian. Austin did not know Brian well, but he was apparently James’s right-hand man. James insisted that he would be included in their planning discussions. Austin considered it fair since Natasha had all her people, and he had Maya.

  “So, we will split into two groups,” Natasha explained the plan. “One group will stay here and protect the camp. This group will be led by Mike and Beth. The other will go to battle with Chet and his beast army. The rest of us will lead that group. I figure we allow people to volunteer for the group they would like to be part of. If needed, we may have to move some people around.”

  “I would like Brian to stay at the camp too,” James suggested. “He is a proficient fighter, and I think will be a great help to the camp’s defenses.”

  “I’m not sure how I feel about that. The people of the camp don’t really trust your men,” Mike said.

  “I’m sure a few others of my men will stay back. What’s wrong with Brian staying back?” James argued.

  “Well, that would put him in a leadership position, and I don’t think that is a good idea,” Mike said.

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  “Uh, what if I make a suggestion?” Brian spoke up with a soft voice. “Mike and Beth can take main leadership, and I can directly report to them.”

  “Are you fine with that? I think you should be on equal footing with them. I mean, you are my right-hand man,” James said to Brian with wide eyes.

  “That’s okay. You said that we need to gain their trust. This is a way that we can do so,” Brian nodded.

  “Okay, if you are okay with it,” James said before he turned to the rest of the group. “How does that sound?”

  “Fine, that works,” Mike sighed. He figured that they would get nowhere if he continued to argue.

  “Okay, now that we have that figured out. We can move on,” Natasha said in an exhausted tone. Her tone was like a schoolteacher who was tired of her classroom. “Each of us will lead a squad in the battle. Maya, you can stay with Austin if you like. So, that gives us four separate squads.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate that,” Maya whispered softly.

  “I figure that I will lead my men. That only makes sense, especially since your people don’t trust me. I doubt they would want me to lead them,” James said.

  “Yes, that is for the best. The rest of the people we will divide amongst Austin, Jess, and I,” Natasha said. “We will divide our squads to attack different positions. I figure that we will send two squads to directly attack Chet and Andrea. The other two squads will hold back the beasts.”

  “I want to take out Chet,” Austin said coldly. “I need to finish things with him.”

  “I don’t think there is a point in arguing with you on that,” Natasha nodded. “I know how you feel about him.”

  “If that is the case, I want to go after Andrea,” James said. “I think I can handle her.”

  “So, you just want Natasha and me to hold off the beasts while you get the glory?” Jess glared at James.

  “I don’t think any of this is for glory,” James calmly reacted. “We just need to defeat them, and I think my men and I can do it.”

  “And why would you be a better choice than Natasha?” Jess asked.

  “Calm, calm,” Natasha placed a hand on Jess’s shoulder. “There is no point in arguing about this. I am fine with him taking Andrea.”

  “Not to mention, fighting the beasts is probably the safer bet. You said that people here don’t trust me. So, if I do lose my life. It is nothing lost to you or your people,” James said flatly. He almost seemed not to care if he lost his life.

  “Fine, you both make good points. You can fight Andrea,” Jess sighed in frustration.

  “Okay, now that we have decided that. Let’s gather our squads and move out,” Natasha said.

  The group nodded in response to Natasha and separated. Natasha announced to the camp the plan for the battle. Luckily, the split between people who wanted to defend and go to battle was acceptable. So, no one had to be moved from the task they wanted. After that, people divided into squads. Unsurprisingly, James’s squad made up his own men. Austin did not pay much attention to who joined Natasha and Jess. Instead, he paid more attention to the people who joined him. Austin’s group consisted of Josh, Gavin, Zack, Sean, Katie, and Zoe. Maya finished out the group for a total of eight people. They had one of the smaller squads, but they definitely made up for it with their power. Three of their members had powerful weapons at their sides. Natasha decided that it was best to keep the group with Austin, despite their weapons; she knew that they would work best with him.

  Once groups were determined, everyone was prepared to move out of the camp. Squads stayed with each other as they prepared mentally for the challenge ahead. Austin and Maya brought Elliot to Ava. As they walked, Maya held Elliot close to her chest. As the battle loomed, she realized that she did not want to let Elliot go. Worry filled her, and she was not sure if she would come back to him. The thought of leaving him forever weighed on her like a thousand bricks.

  Austin wrapped an arm around Maya and pulled her close as they walked. He understood how she felt. They could die and leave Elliot. He knew that he could not think that way, though. He had to believe that they would make it back. He had to be the steady rock that held Maya in place.

  “It’ll be okay,” Austin said as he smiled gently. “We will make it back to him.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Maya asked as she held back tears.

  “Because we have to,” Austin nodded. “No matter what, we will figure out how to get back to him.”

  Maya did not seem completely convinced by Austin’s words, but she did feel slightly better. As they arrived at Ava, Maya set Elliot on the ground next to her. She forced a smile on her face as she knelt and hugged Elliot. Then Austin knelt and pulled them both towards him. He hugged them tightly for more than a few moments before he let go.

  “Be good for Ava,” Maya said to Elliot.

  “We will be back later,” Austin said. “Mommy and Daddy just have to go to work.”

  “Good luck!” Elliot smiled in response. Luckily, he did not realize why they had to leave. They determined he would never realize because they would make it back to him..

  As the two stood up, Ava placed a hand on Maya’s shoulder and smiled. ”He is in good hands. You will make it back to him, and everything will be okay. I really do believe that.”

  “Thanks, Ava,” Maya nodded with a half-hearted smile. “And thank you for everything you do.”

  “Of course,” Ava said. “We all have our parts.”

  After dropping off Elliot, the squads started to ready themselves at the edge of the camp. Some people still used wooden spears, and they gripped them tightly as they lined up with their squad. Others, who did not use weapons, just lined up with their group at attention. Everyone was prepared and alert for the battle ahead.

  “Let’s move forward and end this!” Natasha announced to the group.

  At Natasha’s announcement, a thunderous cheer went through the crowd. They rallied as they prepared for the final battle of the Survival Game. Their home may have changed when they return, but they look forward to it. This was the final moment of the hardship of the forest. In their hearts, they knew they would defeat Chet and his army. With determination, the squads marched into the forest and towards Chet’s base.