Chapter Text
2 days left until the confrontation with DOA-TEC
The soft purple light in Eden filtered through the garden canopy. A warm breeze moved through the leaves, carrying the faint scent of herbs and fresh soil. Sakura, Zelda, Stasis, Sulia, Kasumi, and Mai gathered at Mai’s newly built cook station. The ladies had all risen early, each wearing simple white blouses, boy shorts, and colorful long socks that reached just below their knees. Mai wore black boy shorts with red and white striped socks. Kasumi wore dark blue boy shorts and soft pink socks. Sulia slipped into white boy shorts and lavender socks. Sakura bounced around in red boy shorts and bright orange socks. Zelda picked light gray boy shorts and creamy white socks with blue polka dots. The impending assault on DOA-TEC headquarters loomed heavy over them, and though no one spoke of it directly at first, the weight of the coming battle lingered. Mai, Kasumi, and Sulia prepared breakfast while the others watched. Sakura leaned against the counter with a playful smirk as she watched Mai move around the station.
“You’re really taking this cooking thing seriously, huh?” she said, tilting her head. “You’re acting like we’re preparing for a royal banquet or something.”
Mai shot her a quick look but didn’t stop what she was doing.
“Someone has to make sure we eat properly, the last thing we need when we go to war is a stomach ache.” she replied as she continued prepping.
A few steps away, Kasumi quietly moved beside Sulia. She gently placed her hand over Sulia’s and adjusted her grip on the knife.
“Like this,” Kasumi said softly. “You’ll have better control. Maybe it's time for you to learn some knife kata.”
Sulia glanced at her hands, then gave a small nod.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’m still getting used to this kind of workstation. We've come a long way from the fire pit and pot of stew back on Earth. I can't believe Mai and Stasis snuck this into the corner of the garden.”
Zelda stood slightly apart from the group as she ran her fingers through her golden blond hair. She observed everything with a more serious expression than usual. She still maintained her fragile demeanor, but the effort felt heavier today. She could feel the end of this strange period of peace drawing closer, and the thought left a quiet pressure in her mind.
This might be the last time we're all together like this. All good things really do come to an end. But I hope that will not be the case this time. I still have a lot to learn from these people.
As the food cooked, Sulia wiped her hands on a cloth and turned toward Sakura. Her expression grew focused.
“Tell me about the patrol rotations around the outer perimeter of DOA-TEC headquarters,” she said. “How long between each shift change?”
Sakura straightened slightly, her brow tightening as she thought.
“Every forty five minutes on the outer wall,” she answered. “But the inner patrols are less predictable. They stagger them.”
Sulia nodded.
“What about the response time if someone is spotted near the east gate?” she asked. “How long until backup arrives?”
Sakura paused for a moment, running the numbers in her head.
“Roughly two minutes,” she said. “Maybe less if they’re already on alert. The fallback route for the east side leads through the old maintenance tunnels. They’re narrow, but they connect to the south loading area. We can take cover there if things get too hot.”
Sulia nodded at her for a second before continuing.
“And if the main patrol is drawn away,” she asked, “how long before they realize something’s wrong and double back?”
Sakura’s eyes narrowed slightly in concentration.
“They usually check in every fifteen minutes,” she said. “If someone misses a check in, they send a runner within five. After that, the whole sector goes on alert. They don't mess around.”
Sulia gave a small, approving nod.
“Good,” she said. “Keep those timings sharp. We’ll need them. After breakfast, let's go over what I told you about the walkway that links all three buildings.”
Mai flipped vegetables on the cooking surface and glanced over her shoulder.
“Sakura-chan. You’ve improved a lot these last few days,” she said. “During training, your reactions are faster. Your footwork has tightened up too.”
Kasumi nodded in agreement as she portioned out plates.
“She’s right,” Kasumi added. “It shows. When we used to fight, you reminded me of a drunken style, but now you move with purpose.”
Sakura looked between them as the praise made her face blush.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’ve been trying to take everything seriously. I know how important this is. Now I have a personal stake in this as well.”
Zelda listened quietly from where she stood with a frown on her face. She watched everyone interacting. The breakfast, the conversation, the sense of normalcy.
It feels like the day before Ganon arrived. But instead of being frustrated, I'm sad instead.
Everyone gathered around the tables to eat. Mai prepared herb infused steamed rice, grilled fish, and miso soup. Sulia cooked grilled eggplant and lemon roasted potatoes. Kasumi made mixed fruit salad for desert. Before they dug in, Stasis spoke. His voice carried a heavier weight than normal, which drew everyone’s attention.
“I’m proud of all of you,” he said. “Each of you has grown in your own way since we began this journey together.”
He looked at Sulia first.
“You’ve taken on leadership with strength and clarity. You’ve held this group together through every challenge. I'm so proud of you my love.”
He turned to Mai next.
“Your dedication to building strategic tools and preparing for what comes next has been invaluable. You’ve worked harder than anyone to make sure we’re well equipped for whatever may stand against us.”
His steel gray eyes turned toward Kasumi.
“You’ve trained the others with patience and precision. I see the meticulous detail you put into the fundamentals, footwork, and proper motions. Your guidance has made everyone stronger.”
He shifted his gaze to Sakura.
“And you’ve shown incredible progress. Your combat ability and your mindset have both grown tremendously. I can see how much effort you’ve put in. I'm glad you pestered me that day in Tokyo.”
Finally, he looked at Zelda.
“Princess Zelda, you have made steady progress in your recovery. I know it hasn’t been easy, but you’ve continued to move forward. I hope you'll be ready to return to Hyrule soon.”
Stasis paused for a moment, letting his words settle over the group. Each of them reacted differently. Sulia stared at him as his words lingered on her mind.
I won't fail you my love.
Mai puffed up, overacting as she replied.
"It's about time that my genius has finally been properly recognized. Most people can't see past my gorgeous form to acknowledge what lies beyond!"
Kasumi shyly smiled as she gave him a small nod. Sakura's goofy wide grin wouldn't leave her face.
"Stasis-san, you're so kind to me. I guess I really have found my niche haven't I? I'll prove it to everyone when we come back victorious!"
Zelda gasped but relaxed as she looked away.
“I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together here,” he said. “These moments have reminded me why we fight. They will stay with us when things become difficult. Let them motivate you in the days ahead.”
The conversation picked up again after a few moments, lighter than before, but still carrying an undercurrent of tension. They continued eating and talking, the sound of their voices mixing with the soft rustle of leaves in the garden around them. Later that afternoon, Sakura and the three goddesses gathered to prepare for the two day operation. Each of them carried a bag of supplies and packed with care for what lay ahead. Mai moved between them, handing out communicators, smoke pellets, and climbing gear which she had prepared in advance. Kasumi portioned out rations and quietly added her own ninja tools and scrolls to the bags, making sure everyone had what they might need. Once everything had been prepared, they made their way to the dimensional atrium. Stasis and Zelda already awaited them inside. Both dormant and unstable portals hummed full of energy. As the group came together, no one wanted to be the first to speak. Finally the goodbyes began. Sulia stepped forward first. She reached up and kissed Stasis, her necklace catching the light between them. When she pulled back, she looked at him with a deep gaze.
“My love, take care of Zelda, I get the feeling that when we return, she will be ready to move forward.” she said. “I swear to bring honor to Eden and to our Gaudemaus lineage.”
She turned her gaze to Zelda next. A knowing smile touched her lips.
“Be careful and be good.” Sulia told her.
Zelda met her verdant green eyes and gave her a nod. Kasumi moved forward after Sulia stepped aside. She looked at Stasis with quiet determination.
“I shall grant you victory my lord!” she said with a noble tone.
She then turned to Zelda and clasped her hands for a moment, holding them firmly before letting go.
Mai came next. She gave Stasis a strong hug, holding on for several seconds.
“I am terrible at goodbyes,” she admitted against his shoulder. "So save me from myself Master..."
Stasis hugged her back, pressing firmly against her curvy body.
“Then have a good journey,” he said. "You're the mother of the group, lead by example."
"Yeah! right!" Mai nodded and released him.
She turned to Zelda and wrapped her arms around her as well.
“I cannot wait to come back and see you again,” she said as her voice slipped for a moment.
Zelda returned the hug, holding her a few seconds longer as Mai let go. Sakura went last. She ran forward and jumped into Stasis’s arms, wrapping him in a tight hug. She stayed there for a moment before leaning close to his ear.
“I consider you my nii-san, but don't tell Sulia. She'll rip me a new one.” she whispered.
Stasis felt the words settle in his chest. He held her a little tighter.
“Be careful,” he said. "Goddesshood will be yours for sure should you succeed."
Sakura pulled back and smiled at him before turning to Zelda. She stepped forward and gave her a big hug as well.
“You are growing so much every single day,” Sakura told her.
Zelda hugged her back, her pointed ears lifting slightly as she tried to imitate Sakura's goofy smile.
“Saku,” she said. “We are best friends forever.”
Sakura felt her chest tighten at the words. She held on a moment longer before letting go. The four girls stepped back and formed a small circle. They looked at one another and nodded. Without another word, they turned and stepped through the portal that opened in the center of the atrium. The light flared once, then faded as they disappeared, leaving Stasis and Zelda standing alone.