After Missio was discharged from the hospital, the team swiftly made their way to the airport. Stashing their umbrellas on the rack just beside the entrance, they stepped inside. Mary held Missio's hand, guiding him through the building.
"To the runway." Henry stepped ahead.
Without wasting any time, they marched through the bustling airport, arriving right before the exit.
"Aren't there any umbrellas here?" Krishna glanced around.
"Doesn't seem like it…" Henry noted. "Look like we'll have to make a run for it."
"I'm up for a race." Krishna rubbed his hands together.
"No. No racing." Eira reprimanded him.
Krishna sighed, rolling his eyes. He briefly glanced at Missio with an idea in mind.
'Maybe he can create an umbrella for us…'
However, when he saw the poor soul's gaze lingering on the sterile floor, his heart sunk a little. With a somber smile, he approached his best friend, bending down to meet his gaze.
"Buddy, do ya think you can make an umbrella for us?"
Mary looked at them with uncertainty in her eyes. Yet, she didn't speak. Missio's pupils moved ever so slightly, peering at his best friend.
His pupils shifted once again to the rain endlessly pelting the runway. The silenced lingered for a few seconds longer as the Bereft contemplated.
Finally, he made his decision.
He dragged his mind back to reality with what little strength he had left. Pouring his remaining focus into his ability, he slightly waved his hand. The next second, a bright light burst from his coworker's palms, blinding his teammates.
A moment later, an umbrella manifested into Krishna's hands. The enforcer opened his eyes – blinked and grinned from ear to ear.
He looked at the others who also had umbrellas in their possession.
'Nice!'
Smiling, he turned back to Missio.
"Thanks, dude."
The Lieutenant General shifted slightly as a tiny glint seemed to appear in those hollow, scarlet eyes of his. However, the next second, that small spark disappeared and the Bereft returned to blankly staring at the sterile floor.
Krishna sighed, tilting his head slightly as a small smile appeared on his face.
"How did he do that?" Eira blurted. "That was amazing!"
Krishna opened his umbrella, holding it above himself as he spun around.
"It's a secret. Even he wouldn't tell me."
"Not even you? That's surprising." Mary commented.
"Yeah… he said it's some top secret of the royal family. So, I'd advise not prying into it any further." Krishna replied.
"Enough chit-chat." Henry opened his umbrella. "Let's move."
Henry stepped outside, the others trailing behind as they left the complex. They marched through the flooded runway, water splashing against their clothes.
The rain attacked their umbrellas as lighting flashed through the skies and thunder tore through the clouds. The coldness creeped in on them like a ghost, engulfing their bodies.
Luckily, their clothes were insulated so, the cold didn't affect them as much.
Eventually, they saw a black jet at the very edge of the runway, hidden from sight. They pushed towards the plane as lighting crackled through the heavens. Finally, they saw a familiar figure and they approached the entrance to the jet – Captain john.
He wore a stern expression as they approached, hidden by the shadow cast by his umbrella.
"Result?" He inquired in a heavy tone.
Henry shook his head. "Mission failed."
The pilot simply gave a nod which seemed like a simple gesture but carried immense emotions.
The team ascended the stairs and entered the jet, closing their umbrellas. Krishna exhaled heavily, throwing himself onto one of the seats.
"Finally." He mumbled as they others sat down.
Mary helped Missio to the couch. Unbuckling his Music Box, she placed it the ground as Missio lay down on the sofa.
His eyes slowly fell, his breathing slowed, his body relaxed and finally… he fell into a deep slumber.
Mary smiled, watching Missio sleep.
"He's such a kid…" She muttered under her breath.
She then stood up and sat down in her seat. A few second passed before the jet's entrance closed and the plane shifted. As thunder hurled through the air, the jet's comms turned on and the pilot's voice came through.
"First unit. Prepare for departure."
***
A few hours later…
The jet arrived in the capital of Rome – Romulus.
Mary stood up, walking over to the couch and shaking Missio awake.
"Missio, hey. We landed."
The Lieutenant General groaned, slowly opening his eyes. Suddenly, tears rolled out from his eyes and flowed down to his cheek.
Mary's heart sank ever so slightly. With a smile, she gently wiped the tears off her captain's face and helped him stand up.
Minutes later, the team bid John farewell and exited the jet.
The harsh roman sun shone upon them once again, giving them a sense of comfort to finally be in the motherland once more.
They crossed the runway, the airport and finally exited the airport.
Krishna drew his phone and dialed a certain number.
"Before anything, let's get Missio back home." He stated, putting the phone against his ear.
The device buzzed for a few seconds and then, the call went through. Krishna drew a sharp breath, opening his mouth.
"Uh…yes, Marcus. We're at the airport and we need you to pick us and Missio up."
He went quiet for a few moments and then said in an even tone.
"Okay, we'll wait here."
He held the phone in front of his face and ended the call. Heaving a sigh of relief, he tucked it back into his pocket and called out to his team.
"Our ride will be here in a few minutes, fellas."
"Nice." Eira said with slight nod.
"It's quite amazing how you can talk so casually with the Augustus family." Henry commented.
Krishna shrugged, his lips curling slightly.
"Being best friend's with the Patriarch's brother has its benefits, y'know."