After a good night's rest, Stefania woke Sora up. He thought she would have gone back to her bed after he fell asleep, but she didn't, which made him happy.
Xavier and Mina woke up afterwards and Xavier gave instructions to Jax, Eva and Eric, who would be staying in MeadowSong as the leaders for the time being.
Eric offered his horse to Sora, but Sora politely refused.
"I'll just ride with Stefania and pick a new one when we get back to Sanctuary. We will be back tonight to set up the barrier of justice, anyway."
As they approached the horses, Ace, who normally only showed emotion to his Master, walked up to Sora and gave him a playful nudge. Sora pet Ace. Xavier had a large smile on his face.
"My horse respects you. That's very rare for Ace and he understands why you're suffering."
As Sora pet Ace, he remembered the short but amazing times he endured with Blaze.
"Alright everyone let's get back to Sanctuary so we can make preparations for rebuilding MeadowSong with the King and Queen!" Stefania said.
Sora rode on Belladeon with Stefania, while Mina rode Aeris, all following Xavier and Ace, who led the way.
Despite the victory, the ride was quiet and they all tried to stay positive. Even with the barrier of Justice, they were sure the humans were coming. They just hoped it was MeadowSong and not Sanctuary.
<><><><>
The four enjoyed their warm reception upon returning home. The elves received the news when MeadowSong's castle tower lit, early that morning, for the first time in 15 years.
"They're heroes!" A young elf shouted.
"I want to grow up to be like Xavier, he's going to be such a great King, just like his Father!" another young elf shouted.
"The twins are awesome, the god of Nature favors the elves!" an elf in his twenties screamed.
Surprisingly, no one mentioned Sora riding with Stefania. She told him that elves know when someone from the Royal Guard is riding with another, their horse passed away during battle.
The four waved, smiled and Xavier even stopped to greet children. Sora and Mina were amazed how good Ace was. For a horse who didn't like to show love and affection, it sure had a soft spot for his Master's love for the children.
"You will be a great King, Xavier. You just need to find a Queen," Mina said.
With a booming laugh, Xavier responded, "it's not like I haven't tried to find one!"
They finally arrived at the Castle, tied up their horses and met the large crowd and King and Queen, who stood at the top of the staircase leading to their beautiful Castle.
"Speech! Speech! Speech!" the crowd roared.
Xavier put his arms up, then waved them gently down, signifying the crowd to quiet down.
"It is true, we recaptured MeadowSong, but it did not come without great loss. Remember the 6,500 fallen heroes who died protecting our race. The humans also surprised us and 500 escaped, so we returned to make preparations for a counterattack on both fronts. I assure you we will stay strong!" Xavier said.
The crowd erupted in cheers and the King and Queen applauded their oldest son. They were proud of both their children and glad the twins magically showed up when they did.
<><><><>
Sora, Mina and Stefania made their way to the stables, while Xavier went inside the Castle with his parents. They sat in a small meeting room on the second floor.
The council had already met before the Royal Guard came home. Irate, Xavier demanded to know why the Royal Guard, who just went into battle, was not included.
"Did you not leave Jax, Eric, and Eva, three of our council members in MeadowSong?" King Luther asked his son.
"Yes, but…"
"The council simply voted to ramp up defenses here and prioritized the barrier of justice at MeadowSong. You are to return to MeadowSong, set up the barrier and ensure it works properly. When civilians can return, you are allowed to come back and choose who you want to take over MeadowSong. Remember, they were the one full nation to return. I'm sure their citizens are eager to go home," the King cut off his son.
"As you wish, Father," Xavier said with a polite bow.
"It seems Stefania and Sora are enjoying each other's company, when is my son going to win over the heart of a woman?" Queen Ella asked.
"When she appears and I know she's right for myself and Sanctuary, you will be the first to know, Mother."
"How did the twins perform in battle? Be brutally honest," King Luther stated.
"Simply put, if they aren't with us, we don't win the battle. Sora sniffed out the hollow wall trap on the west side and Mina's ability to protect the group is top notch. After Sora lost his horse, his determination went into overdrive and he threw his long blade to Jax. Once Jax had a long blade he could infuse his water blade with, it was over quickly," Xavier stated.
"I heard you used our family spell? That makes us happy. You finally have the magical capability to withstand such a spell," the King stated proudly.
"Yes, but at its own cost. It opened the front gate and many humans perished, but I had to leave the battle for treatment right there after. Stefania did well on my leave."
"Thank you for such a detailed report son, we love you and give Stefania our best," the Queen said.
"Will do, hope to see you soon, and Xavier made his way to his horse outside the castle.
"What do you think Ace? Do you think Sora found a new friend?" Xavier asked Ace while petting him playfully.
Ace jumped up and down and licked Xavier's face.
"I take it that's a yes, then! Well, that's great news. I wish others saw you like this," Xavier said while mounting Ace.
<><><><>
At the stables, Sora rode 10 different horses before he found the one.
"I think I'll name him Justice." Sora said with a huge smile.
Justice was a large, black and white horse with great speed and endurance. He wasn't as playful as Blaze and had more of a temperament like Ace.
"Great choice Sora, I hope he suits you well!" Xavier said as he trotted up to the group.
"Our orders are to go set the barrier of justice up at MeadowSong and return when it's safe to bring humans back," Xavier said.
"Well, let's ride across the actual land, Sora and Mina haven't seen it and it beats being underground," Stefania suggested.
"What do you think, Ace, ready for a good ride?" Xavier petted his horse, knowing he'd take off running.
The four were off, back to MeadowSong, with another battle looming.