﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

💜﹒♩﹒✿﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎

Days had passed since Haruko's sacrifice, and the Yggdrasil Base was filled with a somber atmosphere. Claudio, the leader of the Resistance, was struggling with his emotions, feeling devastated by the loss of Haruko. He couldn't shake off the feeling of depression that weighed heavily on his heart.

Xiaoyu, ever the caring and supportive teammate, approached Claudio, her eyes filled with concern. "Claudio, I'm so sorry I failed my mission," she said softly, her voice tinged with guilt.

Claudio looked at Xiaoyu, his expression softening. "Xiaoyu, it wasn't your fault," he reassured her. "You did everything you could. It's my fault for not being able to protect her."

Xiaoyu felt a pang of sadness at Claudio's words, but she knew that blaming himself wouldn't bring Haruko back. She had something that she hoped would bring a glimmer of light to Claudio's dark days.

"I have something to show you," Xiaoyu said, pulling out a small recording device. "It's a message from Haruko, before this happened."

Claudio's eyes widened with surprise and hope as he took the device from Xiaoyu. He pressed play, and Haruko's voice filled the room. The recording was a compilation of funny memories and sweet moments Haruko had spent with Claudio.

Haruko's voice echoed through the recording device, filling the room with her laughter and joyous memories. As the team listened, their hearts were warmed by her words and touched by the love she had for Claudio.

"I remember that time we tried to cook spaghetti," Haruko's voice chimed in. "I was struggling with the noodles, and you came over, warning me not to break them. We had such a good laugh together."

Claudio couldn't help but smile, his eyes filled with tears. "I remember that," he said softly. "You were so adorable, trying to cook for us."

Haruko's voice continued, "And that day when you gave me your medal for my recognition day, I felt so proud to wear it. You always made me feel special, Claudio."

Claudio's heart swelled with affection, knowing he had made her happy. "You deserved it," he replied, his voice tender. "You were always so talented and hardworking."

Haruko's voice grew softer, and there was a hint of vulnerability in her tone. "You know, Claudio, you're different from my parents in the real world," she said. "With you, I finally understood what it means to be free. I wanted to stay with you forever and be part of this alliance, just so we could be together."

Claudio felt a lump in his throat, the weight of Haruko's love for him sinking in. "Haruko, I... I didn't know," he whispered.

Xiaoyu and the rest of the team exchanged knowing glances. They could see the impact of Haruko's words on Claudio, and they knew he needed time to process his feelings.

Haruko's voice spoke again, more determined this time. "Claudio, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me," she said in Italian. "I love you so much, and I want you to be happy, even if I can't be with you anymore."

Claudio's tears finally spilled over as he clutched the recording device tightly. "Haruko... I never got to tell you how much I love you too," he choked out. "And I forgive you, I really do."

Xiaoyu placed a comforting hand on Claudio's shoulder, and the rest of the team gave him understanding looks. They knew that Haruko's sacrifice had left a profound impact on him, but they also saw the newfound determination in his eyes.

"I'm going to save her," Claudio declared, his voice filled with resolve. "I won't let her sacrifice be in vain. I'll bring her back, no matter what it takes."

Xiaoyu smiled, proud of her friend. "That's the Claudio I know," she said. "We'll all be here to support you."

After the recording ended, Claudio wiped away his tears and looked at Xiaoyu with determination in his eyes. "You're right, Xiaoyu," he said. "I can't stay in this gloom forever. Haruko's sacrifice was too significant, and I have to return her feelings by saving her."

Xiaoyu smiled, knowing that her friend had found a renewed sense of purpose. "I believe in you, Claudio," she said. "And I know Haruko would be proud of the leader you're becoming."

With their spirits lifted, Claudio and Xiaoyu decided to welcome Oliver back to the base. As they made their way to the entrance, they noticed the other members of the Resistance had returned as well.

Oliver, Katarina, Asuka, and Baek had just entered the Yggdrasil Base. Lee greeted them warmly, and Hwoarang and Leo smiled at Oliver's return. Lars, proud of Oliver's recovery, smiled and remarked that he was the only one left to arrive.

Ivan, the teenage robot, stood by Oliver's side, bowing politely. He introduced himself and mentioned that Theodore, Alexander, Josie, and the rest were waiting for him as well.

Oliver smiled and thanked Ivan for the warm welcome. He felt a sense of belonging with the Resistance, knowing that they were like a family to him.

Asuka chuckled and patted Ivan's shoulder. "He's kind and loyal, even for a teenage robot," she said with a playful smile.

With the team reunited, Claudio and Xiaoyu approached Oliver. Claudio sighed, folding his arms, and asked, "Are you ready, Oliver?"

Oliver nodded, his gaze determined. "I know what happened to the sisters," he replied. "I'm thankful to Asuka, Julia, and Alexander for helping me understand. I'm ready to repay the help everyone has given me when I was down."

Lars smiled warmly. "That's great to hear," he said. "Let's all head to the meeting room. There's something important we need to discuss."

The team gathered in the meeting room, and Claudio took the lead. He reminded everyone of their mission to bring down the G-Corporation. Their fight for justice and freedom had never been more critical.