Here we are: the final chapter. I embellished the event just a little bit to make this a more fun date.

—A New World—

Weeks have passed. It's the last day of the festival and you're glad you'd managed to heal up before the festivities have ended. You're not used to seeing so many people milling around the Gathering Hub. Hunters from every Fleet, scholars, engineers, and researchers alike are socializing and partaking in food and drink aplenty. The Canteen Palicoes are darting swiftly underfoot bearing trays and oversized mugs, occasionally meowing loudly someone accidently tread on a long tail.

Your Handler spots you through the hubbub and waves, her usual outfit replaced by a bright yellow ensemble that resembles a butterfly. It's fitting given the season and the look suits her. "Hey, Partner!"

You wave back after some hesitation, groaning internally when she takes that as a go-ahead to come on over.

Before she can join you, an arm loops around your waist and you're enveloped in the scent of jasmine and tea leaves. Your Handler's jaw goes slack and your face heats as you turn to meet the dark gaze of the Third Fleet Master. She's wearing the same festival attire as you, though hers is black, and her hair hangs around her face in ringlets.

"Hello, there." She's smiling and you see her gaze flick to the brown-haired girl and then dismissively back. "Were you waiting long?"

The Third Fleet Master leaves no room for doubt that you are /hers/ as she guides you away, her hand on your lower back, and when you glance over your shoulder, your Handler is nowhere to be seen.

Was that really necessary? Guilt sits heavily in your stomach like a stone. You promise yourself you'll apologise to the girl later on.

"She needed to know."

Everyone knows by now. The woman had basically moved into the spacious suite the Commission had afforded you in recognition of your feats of heroism. Hunters still stop you and ask to shake your hand when they recognize you, which is sort of nice, but mostly awkward.

You follow the Third Fleet Master as she winds her way through the crowd. There are games of strength and agility to play, for which there are a number of prizes. You catch the scholar eyeing a hand-woven satchel she could likely use for her pipe and stop to speak with the owner of the stand.

His game follows Arena rules and you know for a fact you can kill the number of wooden Vespoid targets necessary within the time limit. You hop over the low fence and into the ring, stooping to pick up a handful of rocks. The Third Fleet Master, having realized you're no longer following her, gives you a curious look from the other side of the wooden barrier.

60 seconds and several smashed targets later, you proudly present her your prize, slipping it over her head so that it hangs at her hip. You're not certain why she seems so taken aback and for a self-conscious heartbeat, you read her blank expression as disapproval. Then, she gives you a brief, tight hug and you grin as you take her hand. This time, you're the one who leads.

You join the raven-haired beauty at a table a little ways off from the hubbub and she calls a Palico over to place an order. By the time the food comes out, the fireworks show is about to begin.

The torches that light the Gathering Hub go out almost simultaneously, plunging the area into darkness, and the sea of stars overhead is a gorgeous sight indeed. You sip your mead, enjoying the cool air, and the Third Fleet Master smiles. Fireworks paint the night sky in a host of neon colours and when she places a hand over yours, you can't help the way your grip tightens.

"I love you." For a moment you're not sure you've heard her correctly over the din.

Part of you is downright giddy. This woman, this other half of yourself, feels the same way you do. You've been through so much in such a short time that it's difficult to deny the bond that has formed in the face of adversity. Part of you is apprehensive. Where will this relationship lead? You're not sure. When the Commission does what it's been stationed here to do, will the two of you part ways and go back to your normal lives back on the mainland? You don't want to.

You take a deep, calming breath and realize she's staring, likely considering the same insecurities and what-ifs you are. The Third Fleet Master is still an enigma to you, but much like the beasts that inhabit the New World, you'll learn more as you go.

Whatever may come, she's the one you want to return to after you've completed your mission.

"I love you, too."

—Fin—

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