Days passed. Arin had blurry memories of Crimsons helping her breathe for the seconds she was awake. She remembered how masked doctors, with sharp utensils, put her back together like a shattered toy. Her nose, shoulder, back, all of it being realigned. Perhaps she saw Loid and Scarlet staying by her side once or twice. Drugs clogged her thoughts, it was impossible to process what happened in the fight.

Arin clenched her hands, waking up from slumber. A small tube was in the corner of her mouth, the reason was unknown. She was numb. What exactly happened over the past few days?

Monitors were set up around her. What was flickering on them was beyond her thinking capacity.

“You see, sir, I do believe that she will recover but . . .” a doctor entered her resting space, pulling the curtain hiding her from others back. “She is awake!”

Coyasko joined the doctor, face blurry. “Check to make sure her nose is well. That is my biggest concern.”

The doctor bowed, “yes, Your Highness.” He pulled a mask over his mouth and nose, shielding her from his germs. “You feel okay?”

Arin remained quiet, turning her head away to look around. Her vision was focusing, she could see the sadness in Coyasko's eyes. Mila was gone, the loss pained him.

“Arin, please talk to me. Can you wiggle your fingers?” he grabbed her wrist, examining the cast. Arin managed to do so, they were incredibly sore. “Fingers still need to recover.”

“And nose?”

“Right, sorry.” He sat in a chair, rolling it to Arin. Gently, he turned her head to him. Her cheeks were numb. Was something on her nose? He gently pressed his thumb against the tip, working his way up. The pressure sent sharp pricks throughout her face. Arin winced, pulling away. “I’m sorry. Please stay still for another moment.” He continued, checking to see if everything was healed. “Still dislocated, but a lot better. There is still a little swelling.”

“Everyone else has recovered but her . . .”

“Sir, I’m sorry. We’ve tried our best.”

“I understand. Croun captured our doctors skilled in this area of expertise. As long as she will heal that is what counts. I thank you for your efforts.”

“May I continue the examination, sir?”

“Go ahead. Do what must be done.”

The doctor continued to examine Arin. Her shoulder was almost better, but still suffered some muscle damage, or something scientific like that. Her spine was also healed. Only her hands, nose, and most of her face remained injured.

“It will take several more days before she can leave, sir.”

“I see. May I have a moment with her?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

He left, closing the curtain. Coyasko remained standing at the foot of her bed, he was holding a few pieces of paper. “I’m sorry, Arin. We tried but we were already too late, we thought you were dead too but Mila—” Coyasko cut himself off, turning away. Arin noticed that he wore the leader's robe. “Mila was already dead, you’ve been out cold for a week now.”

Her lip trembled. Coyasko joined her side, sitting down.

“I’m so sorry. It must have been so frightening. I promise, you’ll never experience something like that again.” He brushed her hair back. “I’ll be sure you never experience this again.”

“I’m sorry,” she squeaked, “I was powerless.”

“No. Don’t ever blame yourself for this. It was bound to happen. Arin,” he paused. “Mila died loving you. I know he was cruel to you, however . . .”

“I know . . .” Arin sobbed, she sounded like she was being strangled. “He just said . . .”

“What did he tell you?”

“We were going to spend the day together.” She paused to catch her breath. “He told me that I’m the embodiment of death and—and—” Arin panted, “he seemed so happy to die for me. I don’t want anyone else to suffer because of my title and weakness.”

“You aren’t weak, Arin. We can help you get stronger if that is your desire. Everything is all right now, don’t be sad. Again, Mila is finally done with the war and at peace. Be happy about that.”

“Y—you’re right. I’m sorry but Croun and Mila were such good friends.” Arin choked rubbing at her eyes. Coyasko handed her a towel from the sink. He took care of her, helping her calm down.

He spent his time soothing Arin. Rubbing her back, offering cold water, making sure she was okay and calm. He promised he wouldn’t leave her, that he would fill in a parent role. She kept glancing at the papers in his hand, they seemed important.

“So how do you feel? Be honest.”

“My nose hurts,” she sounded congested. “My fingers are numb. My shoulder aches. Everything hurts.”

“I’ll be sure to fetch a doctor soon then.” He was quiet. After a short pause he spoke, “I have some good news for you. I was going through the unfinished papers on Mila’s desk and found something.”

“What?”

He hesitated for a moment. “The paperwork to make you an official Crimson citizen. We’ll become your official family, and this will be your forever home. It’s all filled out and everything. It’s just missing your signature.”

“What happens if I fill this out?”

“Well, he has you marked down as a Rank Two and a member of the Seal. You can sign the one he wrote out or I can write a new copy for you.” Arin was quiet. She never realized that she wasn't an official Crimson. “I don’t want to force you to sign this, Arin.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just surprised that this is now coming up.”

“He never wanted you to be one of us until recently. Everyone else signed it, just you.”

“Well . . .” I don’t know why I hesitate. This is a great! I finally get to have a family! A home!

“I should let you think about it. I have to go to a meeting. Try to rest, okay?” He stood, stretching. Papers in hand, he made his way to the curtain. Arin called out to him. Coyasko turned around, “yes?”

“I—I . . .” She inhaled, trying to calm down, “I’ll sign!”

***

Everyone was kind enough to help Arin watch the sun set. Lying in bed, she faced an open window. A warm plate of rice and chicken lied on her lap. She barely touched it, grief filled her. Coyasko remained by her side, offering solace in this dark time.

“You’ll be a good leader.”

“Someday you may be too, Arin, the Lost Crimson.” He paused, smiling a little, “I find it ironic that the Others call you that. It should have been Arin the Rebellious Crimson, if anything.”

“Yeah.”

The two were silent for a long time. Arin gazed ahead at the darkening sky. There were no spirits, at least she could see. Only her and Coyasko.

“Do you think I can achieve peace? Peace without killing Croun?”

“Diplomacy? Hm.” Coyasko rubbed his hairy chin. “I believe so. I will try to support you as much as possible. The Others can be crazy, but if it means protecting these children, my people, and earning our freedom from the Others I will do whatever it takes.”

“What if he won’t listen? I can’t kill him . . .” Why must we fight still? Aren’t we all tired of this?

“Don’t think about it. For now, let us enjoy peace. Promise me you will try to relax.”

Arin was quiet for a moment. She tried to move her arms, only to fail. She finally agreed to his promise. “Coyasko, I also have one more question.”

“Ask away, Arin, the Fire of Truth,” Coyasko playfully elbowed her bad arm. She winced, and he quickly apologized.

“It’s fine, just tender. Anyways, what does the green phoenix mean? Anything symbolic? I always keep seeing it and I was going to ask Mila but . . . you know,” Arin sighed, turning her head to him. He rubbed his chin, trying to think.

“To be honest I have no idea but that's a great sign!” Coyasko’s words confused her and he knew it. “This means that another adventure is out there for you! All of this was probably a test from the spirits to see if you’re ready for what is to come. Just imagine the new allies that you will meet if there is yet another adventure out there waiting for you!”

“No, Green Phoenix left me . . .” she hunched over. “However, he did say he might return! What if he’s preparing something? What if he’s going to find the other Children of Destiny?!” Arin cheered, now just as excited as Coyasko.

“Meeting new Children of Destiny would be wonderful! All of this is leading up to the end of the war and just imagine Fynne after it! A whole new era of peace and prosperity for us. One can dream, can’t they?” They laughed again before continuing to watch the moons rise.

A whole new adventure. A whole new adventure is out there waiting for me! I can hardly wait for the things that have yet to come! Look out Fynne here come the Children of Destiny! Arin was slightly shaking, staring at Coyasko with a feeling that she hasn't felt in a long time. A feeling that could end the war once and for all.

She felt hope.