Coda

Lando stood there, his hands trembling slightly as he released the bloodied pipe that had become an instrument of brutal retribution. Barry's lifeless body lay before him, a grotesque tableau of carnage and violence. The pipe was now adorned with an unholy mix of Barry's blood, fragments of his flesh, and scattered pieces of his shattered skull. Lando could feel a trickle of Barry's blood on his own face, a stark reminder of the gruesome act he had just committed.

Aqua approached Lando, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and tenderness. Her hand gently cupped his bloodstained face, and with a tender gesture, she wiped away the crimson stain with her palm. "You got blood on your face," she remarked softly, her voice filled with a strange blend of compassion and acceptance. "And it's fine. He deserved it." Aqua's gaze shifted towards Barry's lifeless corpse, a chilling reminder of the evil they had confronted.

Lando's gaze never wavered from the scene before him. "I stopped him before he could insult Zander," he explained, his voice remarkably composed despite the gruesome act he had just perpetrated. Aqua, feeling a surge of overwhelming emotion, wrapped her arms tightly around Lando in an embrace. His response was immediate, reciprocating the gesture, finding solace in their connection amidst the darkness that had consumed them.

"Lando," Aqua whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and trust. Inhaling deeply, she mustered the courage to reveal a haunting truth. "I was a Vulture," she confessed, her words hanging heavily in the air. Lando's reaction was one of unwavering support and understanding. He looked deeply into her eyes, devoid of judgment or condemnation. Aqua met his gaze, finding solace and acceptance in his unwavering presence.

"It's fine, Aqua. I don't care," Lando reassured her, his voice laced with a gentle warmth that dispelled any doubts or fears. A faint smile played upon his lips, an assurance that their shared past would not taint their bond. Aqua mirrored his smile, a weight lifting from her shoulders. "Okay," she whispered, her voice carrying a newfound sense of liberation and hope.

Lando gently patted Aqua on the shoulder, his touch conveying both reassurance and determination. They began making their way back to the infirmary, their steps synchronized as they walked side by side. Aqua couldn't help but voice her thoughts, her curiosity evident in her tilted head. "So, are you just going to casually mention that you smashed someone's brains in?" she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and morbid curiosity. Lando glanced at her, a hint of a wry smile crossing his lips. "Yeah, probably. Cleaners should be aware of the realities they sign up for," he replied, his voice carrying a pragmatic acceptance of the brutal world they inhabited.

As they entered the infirmary, Lando's gaze shifted to Aqua. "So, are we done with the training?" he inquired, his eyes searching for her agreement. She met his gaze and nodded with conviction. "Yes, let's move forward. Tonight is the night," she affirmed, her voice tinged with a combination of determination and anticipation.

Lando's gaze bore into Aqua's, his voice firm as he laid out their plan. "But we'll do it my way. Do you know anyone skilled in blimp construction?" he asked, aware that the element of surprise and strategic advantage were paramount in their upcoming assault. Aqua's nod was accompanied by a name. "There's a builder named Bryan who has experience with blimps, though his previous attempts during the first giant war were unsuccessful," she explained, recalling the tidbits of information she had gathered.

"Find him and gather as many others as possible. We need a blimp ready before nightfall," Lando commanded, his eyes locked on Aqua's determined face. She acknowledged his instruction with a resolute nod before swiftly making her way to fulfill the crucial task.

Inside the infirmary, Lando's attention shifted to the group gathered there. His gaze traveled from Akura to Marco, Bale, and Hana, their presence representing a steadfast unity in the face of imminent conflict. With a voice that carried both authority and conviction, Lando addressed them all. "Today is the day the war begins, and we shall launch our attack from the sky," he declared, the weight of his words permeating the room.

Bale, his eyes fixed on Lando, couldn't help but notice the blood that stained his clothes and hands. A mixture of concern and relief crossed his face as he sought confirmation. "You got him, right?" he inquired, a glimmer of hope shining through. Lando's response was a solemn nod, accompanied by a touch of weariness. "I smashed his brains in. Cleaners need to be on alert," he disclosed, his admission a testament to the brutal nature of their undertaking. A heavy sigh escaped him. "He won't be able to fight," Lando concluded, his gaze shifting towards Zander's still form, a mix of sorrow and determination in his eyes.

Akura, ever observant, met Lando's gaze and nodded in understanding. "But we will prevail in this fight. I trust you," he stated, his voice reflecting unwavering faith in their collective strength and resolve.

Aqua's steps carried her towards an older gentleman, who appeared to be none other than Bryan. A warm smile adorned her face as she greeted him. "Hey, Bryan," she called out, her voice filled with a mixture of urgency and hope. His gaze met hers, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "We need a blimp by tonight," she requested, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Bryan's initial reaction was one of hesitation. He looked away, contemplating her plea. "I don't build those anymore," he responded, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance. Aqua's eyes widened, realizing the potential setback this could pose to their plans. She couldn't let their mission falter. With a heartfelt appeal, she implored him, her voice laced with determination. "Please, Bryan. We need a blimp. This one has to be successful. It's our chance to avenge the fallen," she pleaded, her words carrying the weight of their shared purpose.

Bryan's gaze shifted back to Aqua, his expression softening as he absorbed her words. He understood the importance of their cause. With a nod, he yielded to her plea. "Okay. Let me gather my crew. We'll start the repairs immediately," he agreed, his voice reflecting a newfound resolve.

Aqua's confusion lingered in the air as Bryan mentioned repairs. She looked at him with a questioning gaze, seeking clarification. Bryan rose from his seat, leading Aqua to a nearby room. With a press of a button, the room flooded with light, revealing a metallic blimp nestled within its expansive confines. Aqua's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before her.

"This baby was the only one that returned intact. We need to make immediate repairs," Bryan explained, a sense of pride resonating in his voice. He whistled, summoning a group of skilled builders to his side. As they gathered around him, Bryan addressed them with authority. "Boys, we have work to do. Let's make this faster and better than ever!" he commanded, their nods signifying their understanding and readiness to tackle the task at hand. The builders swiftly grabbed their tools, their hands filled with purpose.

A particular builder named Radon caught Bryan's attention. He exchanged a knowing glance with the individual, a silent affirmation passing between them. Radon, a seasoned builder of similar vintage, responded with a nod, signifying his preparedness to contribute to the repairs. Together, they delved into the intricate process, meticulously working to restore the blimp to its former glory.

In the midst of the bustling activity, Aqua observed the synergy between Bryan and his team. Their shared expertise and determination formed a potent combination. She couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope and optimism coursing through her veins. The repairs were underway, a testament to the unwavering commitment of these skilled individuals.

As Bryan and his team diligently toiled away, Aqua couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Their collective efforts were instrumental in forging the path towards revenge and justice for their fallen comrades. The blimp, once repaired and rejuvenated, would become a symbol of their unwavering resolve and a vessel that would carry them towards their shared destiny.