48: Ursa Is Back

Chapter 48: Ursa Is Back

As **Division 10** finally reached the capital, smiles spread across their faces as they spotted a familiar figure waiting for them near the gates—**Ursa**. Her presence instantly brightened the mood. The once-missing member of the team was now back, and her return felt like the final piece falling into place.

**Ursa** grinned widely and waved energetically, happy to see her comrades again. As they dismounted and approached her, **Captain Alistair**, standing nearby, couldn't resist a playful tease.

**Captain Alistair:** (smirking) "Looks like the bird's finally flown back to her nest."

**Ursa:** (rolling her eyes but laughing) "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

**Captain Elara:** (smiling) "Good to have you back, Ursa."

**Ursa:** (grinning) "Good to be back, Captain!"

The reunion was a joyous one, and it felt like nothing had changed, even with all the chaos and battles they had faced in the last mission. The presence of Ursa brought a sense of warmth and familiarity to the group, making everyone feel even more like a family.

As they walked through the capital's gates, Ursa filled them in on everything she had seen and experienced while she was with **Captain Alistair**. Meanwhile, **Synoh** and **Elara** shared a knowing glance, both relieved to see Ursa back but also silently acknowledging that their journey ahead—especially with the secret mission from the King—was just beginning.

As **Division 10** made their way through the bustling streets of the capital towards the castle, **Ursa** suddenly turned to **Synoh**, a determined glint in her eyes.

**Ursa:** "Synoh, I appreciate everything you've done in my absence, but I'm ready to reclaim my position as vice-captain."

**Synoh:** (calmly) "Of course, Ursa. I was only filling in temporarily. You've earned your place."

Just as the exchange seemed to wrap up smoothly, **Dred** couldn't resist making a cheeky comment.

**Dred:** (grinning mischievously) "Synoh doesn't seem too bothered, I mean, he's already got something good now, huh?"

**Ursa:** (confused, looking between Dred and Synoh) "What's that supposed to mean?"

Before anyone could respond, **Meth** quickly intervened by delivering a solid punch to Dred's arm, causing him to stagger back slightly.

**Meth:** (scolding) "Stop running your mouth!"

**Dred:** (rubbing his arm, chuckling) "Just saying!"

**Synoh** and **Captain Elara** shared an awkward glance, both knowing exactly what Dred was hinting at, but neither willing to bring it up. Meanwhile, **Ursa** looked more confused than ever but decided to let it slide for now, focusing on the upcoming mission instead.

The group continued their walk to the castle, the air still light despite the small exchange, but it was clear the bond among **Division 10** was as strong as ever—even with all the teasing and banter.

As they continued their walk toward the castle, **Ursa** couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. She turned to **Captain Elara** with a questioning look.

**Ursa:** "Captain, what exactly happened while I was gone? Anything I should know?"

**Captain Elara** smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to address everything that had transpired between her and **Synoh**.

**Captain Elara:** (nervously) "Uh, maybe later, Ursa. I'll fill you in when the time is right."

Before Ursa could press further, **Dred** decided to jump into the conversation, as he often did.

**Dred:** (grinning) "Oh, trust me, you definitely want to hear—"

But before he could finish his sentence, **Meth** stepped in and delivered a swift punch to Dred's arm.

**Meth:** (annoyed) "Don't you dare!"

To make matters worse for Dred, **Aloy** also jumped in, playfully shoving him as he stumbled, laughing all the while. The commotion left Ursa more confused than ever.

**Ursa:** (looking between everyone) "What's going on with you all? Is there something I should be worried about?"

No one seemed to want to answer, especially since Ursa and Elara had a sibling-like relationship. **Captain Elara** was like the calm, mature older sister, while Ursa played the role of the overprotective little sister. It made the situation all the more delicate—no one wanted to spill the details and risk upsetting Ursa, especially since she'd likely go into full protective mode over Elara.

**Aloy:** (awkwardly laughing) "Yeah, let's just say it's... complicated."

Ursa frowned, suspicious of the group's behavior, but decided to leave it alone for now, trusting that Elara would tell her when she was ready. Meanwhile, Elara's nervous smile remained, knowing full well that the conversation was far from over.

As they continued walking towards the castle, **Ursa** noticed **Synoh** looking a bit nervous. Always quick to jump to conclusions, she narrowed her eyes at him.

**Ursa:** (smirking) "Synoh, did you cause any trouble while I was gone?"

**Synoh,** trying to stay calm despite her teasing, shot her a confident look.

**Synoh:** (calmly) "Nah, more like I did better things than you could've while you were away."

Ursa's playful expression immediately turned competitive, her pride kicking in.

**Ursa:** (challenging) "Oh, is that so? Sounds like you're asking for a fight, Synoh!"

Without missing a beat, the two started sparring right there on the path, exchanging light punches and playful insults as they continued toward the castle. The knights of **Division 10** watched with amused grins, knowing this was just Ursa and Synoh's usual way of bonding.

**Dred:** (laughing) "Here we go again! Synoh, you're really asking for it."

The banter between Ursa and Synoh grew louder as they fought, both of them completely absorbed in their friendly rivalry. As they tussled, they finally reached the gates of the castle.

**Captain Elara** shook her head, trying to hold back a smile at the sight of the two bickering like siblings. It was chaotic, but it was the kind of energy that kept their division close.

**Captain Elara:** (smiling) "Alright, you two, save it for later. We're here."

Ursa and Synoh stopped their sparring, both of them a little out of breath but smiling. Despite the competition, it was clear that they respected each other—and that their friendly rivalry only made them stronger.