The night stretched over Nebula like a velvet shroud, its quietness offering solace to two weary souls wandering through the fringes of the city. Boyka and Moyo trudged side by side, their steps slow and deliberate as they moved deeper into the shadows. The chaos of their escape lingered in the air, but for the first time in hours, a glimmer of peace crossed their faces.
"Boyka," Moyo began, his voice breaking the silence. "I had no idea you'd come for me. I truly thought I was abandoned."
Boyka smiled faintly, his eyes scanning the endless night sky. "How could I not, brother? But I had no clue you were imprisoned. The last I knew, the emperor himself had entrusted you with a position of honor. For you to be locked away means things are far worse than I'd imagined."
Moyo gave a bitter chuckle. "I wasn't imprisoned for failing my duty. No, I was locked up simply because I dared to question Abbadon. That's how fragile his rule is—he silences anyone with a spine." He paused, his expression darkening. "And it's not just me. There are countless others—good, loyal people—rotting in cells because they stood for what's right. We've got to hang on, Boyka. We need to find a way to save them, all of them."
Boyka's face hardened. "You're right, my friend. But first, we need to find shelter—a place where we can rest and think. We can't plan on empty stomachs and exhausted minds."
Moyo nodded thoughtfully. "I know just the place. There's a faction—an underground resistance. I met them briefly before my imprisonment. They're against Abbadon's rule too, so we can trust them. I believe they'll help us."
---
By the time they reached the outskirts of the city, the resistance base came into view. It was hidden in the ruins of an old industrial district, tucked away from prying eyes. As they approached, guards emerged from the shadows, their weapons raised cautiously.
"Who goes there?" one of the guards demanded.
"It's us," Moyo said, stepping forward. "I'm Moyo, and this is Commander Boyka."
A murmur rippled through the guards. "Commander Boyka?" one of them asked, lowering his weapon. "We've heard tales of your exploits. And you, Commander Moyo—we know of your defiance against the regent. It's an honor to have you both here."
The guards led them inside, through a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors. The base was bustling with activity, resistance fighters preparing weapons, studying maps, and tending to injured comrades. Despite the chaos, the atmosphere carried a sense of purpose and unity.
"Come with us," one of the fighters said. "Your quarters have been prepared."
Boyka followed in silence, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the base. His instincts were on edge, his trust slow to awaken.
Moyo noticed the tension in his friend's posture. "Boyka," he said softly, "you can trust these people. And if they give us any reason not to, you and I together could take them all down."
A rare laugh escaped Boyka's lips. "You're not wrong, brother. We could take them all." He clapped Moyo on the back. "Let's just focus on enjoying the night for now. We've earned it."
---
The quarters were small but adequate—two simple rooms furnished with cots, a table, and a lamp. Boyka settled into one of the chairs, his unease still evident.
"Who's there?" he called out suddenly, his voice sharp.
A young resistance fighter stepped into the doorway. "It's me, Commander," the fighter said nervously.
Boyka's eyes narrowed. "Fetch your leader," he ordered. "And while you're at it, get my friend and me some entertainment—two pretty ladies to help us unwind."
The fighter nodded quickly and disappeared down the hall.
It wasn't long before Michael, the faction leader, arrived. He was a lean man with a weathered face and piercing eyes, exuding an air of quiet authority.
"Commander Boyka," Michael said, bowing slightly. "And Commander Moyo. I apologize for not greeting you earlier. It's an honor to have you both among us."
"Michael," Boyka replied, studying the man. "It's good to meet you."
"Likewise," Moyo added, his voice muffled by the food he was eagerly munching.
Michael gestured around the room. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to support you."
Boyka simply nodded, his gaze steady but unreadable.
Moments later, the fighter returned with two women—both strikingly beautiful. One had a lithe, elegant figure, while the other carried herself with confident curves that caught Boyka's eye immediately.
"Look at this, Moyo," Boyka said with a grin. "I'll take the one with the big ass. You can have the other one."
Moyo raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You've got some nerve, Boyka. Fine, take your pick, but get out of my room. I'm choosing the quarters, and you're not getting any say in the matter. Now we're even."
Boyka laughed heartily. "Fair enough, my friend."
---
The night stretched on, the resistance base settling into a quiet hum. Boyka and Moyo each retired to their respective quarters with their chosen companions. The sounds of laughter and low conversation drifted through the halls, a rare reprieve from the tension of war.
For the first time in weeks, Boyka allowed himself a moment of indulgence, his guard lowering just enough to let the night soothe his frayed nerves. Moyo, too, found comfort in the warmth of the company he shared, though his mind lingered on the challenges ahead.
---
As the stars glittered above, the resistance fighters outside stood watch, their eyes scanning the horizon for threats. Inside the base, Boyka and Moyo allowed themselves to savor the fleeting peace, knowing that the battle was far from over.
But for now, they rested, the weight of their mission momentarily lifted. The night itself seemed to offer its approval, wrapping them in a quiet embrace as they prepared for the trials to come.