I have a spring in every step. As we trot through the woods to catch up to the other six, I feel a deep sense of bliss. Annona chose to stay with me, even after my confession. Truth be told, I've grown fond of her, despite the short time we've known each other. I confess to myself I've never felt this way before, so I'm not entirely sure what it is. As we pick up the pace and start running, we reach the others in about an hour. They're standing together, and they appear as though there've been waiting for me. Their cloaks are no longer on, instead they wear the peacekeeper uniforms that are stained with rebel blood. As I approach them, none of them ask why Annona came with me. I suspect they either picked up the clues or won't question a superior. I take off the heave cloak and let it fall into the pile where the others placed there's. Now that the reinforcements will recognize us, we continue heading west. After an hour, something starts letting out a buzzing noise. Dennings takes out his communicator and activates it. An authoritative voice gives us our orders.
"Peacekeepers, good job on escaping the rebels. We have come to retake district 8,you are to meet us at ten miles northwest of your current position. There, you'll await further orders. Do I make myself clear?"
Our response: "Sir, yes sir." The transmission ends after that.
Helena looks up at the suns position, then points that direction and says. "That way, lets go." We head out.
After walking for ten miles, we meet up with one of the reinforcing armies. Because of our courageous escape from district 8, we are greeted as heroes. Because we will be going to war soon, we are given new uniforms and new armor, as well as machine guns that shoot farther and pistols that pack a worse punch. We are given a meal that taste only slightly different from normal rations, yet fulfill all energy needs for the next two days. Soon we'll do battle with the rebels.
But for now comes the hard part, a peacekeeper walks up to me and Annona, who is helping me tighten my boots.
The peacekeeper then speaks. "Corporal Lysander, I have orders to see her out of here. Because of her role in aiding your escape, she will be taken to district 2 and placed under the protective care of one of its citizens, as well as granted regular food rations."
He makes an attempts to grab Annona's arm, rightfully thinking she wouldn't come willingly. "Please don't let them take me."
As much as I want her to stay, I know its not safe. "You can't stay here, its too dangerous."
She starts to cry, saying "Please" through her sobbing.
I try to comfort her. "Don't worry, I promise I'll send you a letter every opportunity I get, and if you want you can send me letters as well." The peacekeeper, sensing a way to make his job easier, suggested something.
"Corporal, if you would like, you may send a request as to whom she will be placed in the care of."
This is good, as now I can be sure she'll be taken care or. "Okey, I request that she be placed under the care of my mother." Annona seems less upset, and stopped crying. I stand up and hug her, and after a moment let go. I see her walking away, probably to a hovercraft that will take her to my home. Will I ever see her again?