Braxill sat by the window, watching the world roll by.
His reflection stared back at him. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels was the only sound until Gravixor's gentle voice broke through.
"Hey," she said softly, glancing over Gradix's sleeping shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll see them again."
Braxill turned his head, forcing a smile. "I know... I just wish I could've stayed. Helped Grax and the others."
Gravixor folded her hands over her knees. "The best thing we can do right now is support them. Once the rebellion pushes through and the royal family falls... we'll reunite with everyone."
Braxill's eyes brightened. "And after that? What happens when the royals are gone?"
"Then," she said, looking out toward the faint horizon, "the Zoners will finally be free. No more chains. No more selections. Just peace."
Braxill smiled faintly. "That's all Joy ever wanted... humans being kind to each other."
Gravixor smiled too, though a trace of worry flickered behind her calm. "That's what we all want, Braxill. That's why the Animal Tribes and the Knights are joining forces. We'll end the King's tyranny together."
He nodded firmly, fire returning to his eyes. "Then I'll train harder with Levy. When Grax defeats the King, I'll help finish what he started."
Gravixor reached over, her paw resting lightly on his shoulder. "And don't forget," she said with a warm grin, "we have the God Joy on our side."
Braxill's whole face lit up. "That's right! With Joy, we can do anything!"
The transport rumbled onward, but Gravixor's smile faded when she looked out the window again.
Far ahead, the sky was darker. Thick columns of smoke spiraled upward, not just one, but many.
"Hey..." she murmured. "Do you see that?"
Braxill leaned forward. "It looks like smoke..."
"Maybe it's just a big fire," he said, uncertain.
Gravixor's tone hardened. "No. Not that much."
The bear soldier driving frowned, gripping the wheel tighter. "Smoke's coming from all directions."
Static crackled through the radio. A voice, ragged with panic, cut in:
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"Emergency notice to all vehicles entering Zoner territory, turn back immediately. The entire district is under attack. A mass selection has begun. Over two thousand Zoners kidnapped. Delta robots are executing civilians in the streets, repeat, do not enter. You will be killed."
The radio went silent.
Gravixor's jaw trembled. "No... it can't be. Does that mean the King knew?"
Braxill's fists clenched. "The Zoners are being killed, Gravixor, we have to help!"
The vehicle got further into the Zoner district where the destruction from the Royals was evident.
Gradix stirred awake, rubbing her eyes. "What's going on?"
"The Zoner district," Braxill said. "The royals are attacking!"
Gradix gasped. "That's awful!"
Braxill turned to Gravixor, eyes burning. "We're going, right?"
Gravixor hesitated. Her mind flashed to Euly, the face she loved, the one she couldn't lose.
"...Of course we are."
The transport screeched to a halt.
The bear soldier turned in his seat, fur bristling. "I'm not driving in there. It's suicide! You've seen the smoke, that's a massacre!"
Gravixor's voice sharpened. "Those people are fighting for us. Zoners stood beside the Animal Tribes when no one else would. If they fall, our freedom falls with them."
"I'm not risking my life for humans!" the soldier growled.
Gradix slammed her fist against the seat. "They're not just humans! They're our allies!"
The bear looked away, guilt flickering in his eyes but fear anchoring him still.
Braxill opened the vehicle door and stepped out, stood, the green glow of his Abi lighting his eyes. "If he's scared... we'll just go ourselves."
Gravixor rushed out after him "Braxill, wait"
Gradix followed after them both.
Braxill "It's okay."
The ground outside trembled.
A massive shadow unfurled across the roadway, wings glowing with molten red light, scales pulsing like living magma.
Dragon Red descended beside the transport, its claws sinking into the burnt earth. The beast's roar echoed across the valley.
The bear soldier nearly fell out of his seat.
"W–WHAT... what is THAT!?"
Braxill turned to him with a soft, innocent smile.
"It's okay. If you won't drive... we'll just ride on top of Dragon Red."
Gradix pressed her face to the window, eyes sparkling.
"He's so huge... and so beautiful!"
Gravixor expression firming into raw resolve.
The wind rushed past them as Dragon Red lowered its wing, offering a platform for them to mount.
The bear soldier shouted after them, voice cracking with fear:
"You're just a child! Aren't you scared!?"
Braxill turned over his shoulder, cape fluttering behind him.
"No," he said with a bright, fearless grin. "I have Joy."
And with that, the three of them climbed onto Dragon Red's massive back.
Its wings ignited in streaks of molten crimson, and in an explosive burst of wind and fire, the dragon launched skyward, soaring toward the smoke-choked horizon of the Zoner District.
The battle for the oppressed had already begun.
And Braxill was flying straight into the heart of it.