Despite Snow taking its sweet time, the landing on the white desert happened earlier than either Khan or Liiza would have desired. That feathered bed and family vibe had been too comfortable, making them unwilling to give them up so soon.
Yet, Snowâs talons eventually dug into the white sand, moving some of it while it folded its vast wings. Meanwhile, the couple on its back had already straightened themselves and gracefully descended the Aduns to land before two quite shocked figures.
George and Monica had stood up when they saw that alien, white bird descending toward them, and its mere sight had already given birth to different but intense emotional reactions.
George had heard that Snow was around, but actually seeing that alien bird inevitably brought back countless fond memories. A lifetime seemed to have passed, but there he was, watching Khan ride an Aduns as if Nitis had happened just yesterday.
Instead, Monica mostly focused on Snowâs feathers. She obviously knew that Aduns was the reason why Khan painted his ships white, but inspecting it with her own eyes deepened her already profound realization.
A big piece of Khanâs heart had never left Nitis, and it took reuniting with Liiza to make him whole again.
The respective shock and realization deepened after Snowâs landing. Khan and Liiza indeed descended onto the white sand, but they werenât alone. A small figure slept between his arms, claiming everyoneâs attention and emotional reactions.
That small bundle of love was nothing short of perfect. The child had the Niqolsâ features, but her hair was blue, the same blue of the man gently holding her in his arms.
George had to suppress a pleased scoff at the scene. He had already seen something similar on videos, but direct inspection had a way of making events undeniably real.
As someone who had seen the birth of that love story, George couldnât help but smile. Those two had really done it against all odds. The very universe had tried to enforce a separation, but there Khan and Liiza were, looking happier than ever while illuminating their daughter with their bright eyes.
Recalling that the first clue about that interest had been the son of a forgettable womanâs inability to stop smiling made George shake his head. He truly wanted to add far more, even crack a few jokes, but held back due to the friend at his side.
A faint but genuine smile had broadened on Monicaâs face when she saw the sleeping child. Yeza obviously looked more similar to Liiza, but Monica couldnât help but spot traces of Khan in her.
For all intents and purposes, Monica should resent that cute child. After all, Yeza embodied what Monica had been unable to give to Khan, her existence being undeniable proof of why their relationship didnât and could never work.
Nevertheless, nothing negative managed to sour Monicaâs feelings. Some bitterness had tried to rise from her stomach, but that emotion instantly vanished as her inspection continued.
Yeza was just too sweet and innocent to be the target of resentment, and Monica only felt acceptance when she saw the kind of face Khan wore while looking at her.
That fatherly, protective, and unmistakably happy face had been Monicaâs goal for so long, and seeing it realized lifted a boulder that had weighed on her heart ever since the breakup.
The cursed kid Monica had loved so deeply was no more. She could hardly recognize the man standing before her, but no sadness spread inside her. Monica only felt a sense of closure, glad it had ended in that happy way, even if she wasnât part of the picture.
That beautiful dream was ultimately over, and Monica couldnât imagine a better finale. Something even told her she could finally move on, knowing in her heart that everything was how it was meant to be.
"George," Khan called, only hesitating for a fraction of a second, "Monica. This is Yeza, our daughter."
George immediately stepped forward, reaching Khanâs side to look down at the child between his arms. The more he stared, the broader his smirk became, culminating in proud pats on Khanâs shoulder.
"Alright, she is cute," George chuckled. "You two did a good job."
The white light in the area eventually attracted Georgeâs gaze. He looked up at Liiza, finding her staring at him through an uncharacteristic beaming face that reminded him how they had yet to greet each other properly.
George stepped back, joining his hands to begin to perform a traditional Niqolsâ bow, only for the unthinkable to happen. Liiza jumped forward, wrapping him in a cold but affectionate hug.
Of course, Liiza knew how valuable Georgeâs friendship had been for her husband. The two were basically brothers, so Liiza inherited that affection. She had also known George since Nitis, which had created a bond that time couldnât break.
"Miss Liiza is truly hugging me," George gasped, being dramatic on purpose. "The universe is upside down."
Liiza giggled, releasing George and stepping back to her husbandâs side. "You are lucky Havaa found someone else to slap."
"Oh, I did, too," George joked, diverting his gaze. "Though her slaps are of a different and far more painful nature."
Khan was about to join the general laugh when Monica also stepped forward, making him suppress that reaction, watching as his ex-fiancée timidly approached his daughter.
Words couldnât express how complicated that moment was. Still, Khan held his ground, while Monica only smiled. That confrontation was necessary due to the mutual affection from both sides.
"She is beautiful," Monica eventually muttered, not lifting her gaze.
"Thank you," Khan responded.
"Do you want to hold her?" Liiza asked, and her question made Monica raise her eyes, only to point a knowing look at her.
"Maybe another time," Monica replied, and Khan and George couldnât help but exchange a glance at that scene, knowing something deeper was at play there between the two women.
Luckily, Liiza didnât dwell on her pettiness. She reached for Yeza, gently taking her off Khanâs arms, but kissing him right afterward. The two didnât need words to understand each other, and Monica soon saw that iconic blue light shine on her face.
"Monica, can we talk for a bit?" Khan suggested, knowing the time for that had come.