Part 1
Morning came quietly.
Soft light filtered through the medical wing windows, replacing the dim glow of night. The academy outside had already begun moving — cadets crossing the grounds, instructors heading toward training sectors, the distant hum of a normal day.
But inside the medical wing—
Nothing felt normal.
June stirred first, shifting in his chair before slowly opening his eyes. He blinked, stretching stiff muscles before glancing around the room.
Everyone was still there.
Lucian sat upright, already awake.
Mira stood near the window, as she had most of the night.
Nyra remained seated beside David.
June let out a slow breath, then lightly pinched his arm.
"...We're really back."
Lucian nodded once.
"Yes."
June shook his head slightly.
"I thought I was dreaming."
He ran a hand through his hair, still trying to process it.
"...Still feels weird."
The door to Castiel's room slid open.
Everyone looked up.
A doctor stepped out, scanning the group.
"He's awake."
June stood immediately.
"Yeah."
Lucian rose beside him.
Nyra followed.
David pushed himself upright slowly.
They entered quietly.
Castiel lay propped slightly upright now, his shoulders still secured in stabilization braces. His face looked better than before, though pale from blood loss.
His eyes shifted toward them.
"...Morning."
June gave a faint smile.
"Yeah. You scared us."
Castiel gave a weak breath that might have been a laugh.
"...I remember."
Lucian stepped forward.
"How do you feel?"
Castiel glanced down slightly.
"...Like I fought a God-tier creature."
June nodded.
"Yeah. That tracks."
Nyra moved closer.
"You lost a lot of blood."
Castiel nodded slightly.
"I figured."
His eyes shifted toward David.
"You, okay?"
David nodded.
"Yeah."
Castiel studied him for a moment.
"...You stayed."
David didn't answer immediately.
"We all did."
Castiel gave the faintest smile.
"...Yeah."
A knock sounded at the door.
Everyone turned.
Commander Vance stepped inside.
Her gaze moved across the group.
"Good. You're awake."
Castiel nodded slightly.
"Yes, Commander."
Vance stepped further into the room.
"You'll all be cleared from medical soon. Except Castiel, But before that…"
She paused.
"...You're being called to debrief."
June blinked.
"...Already?"
Vance nodded.
"Command wants answers."
Lucian nodded once.
"Understood."
Vance's eyes moved across them again.
"Be ready in one hour."
She turned and stepped out.
Silence followed.
June exhaled slowly.
"...Yeah. This is where things get interesting."
Lucian nodded.
"Yes."
David remained quiet.
Because he knew—
The real consequences were just beginning.