Zian stands beside his aircraft, fingers deftly braiding his hair beneath his flight cap. The leather of his jacket is worn, a testament to battles fought and survived. He scans the horizon, steeling himself for what the morning will bring.
"Another day, another mission. But every sunrise feels like a promise I have to keep," he murmurs to himself, eyes narrowing with determination.
Zian huddles with his fellow pilots, their faces a mixture of nerves and camaraderie. He traces the flight path with a gloved finger, committed to memory every twist and turn that might mean survival.
"Stay sharp, everyone. They’re counting on us up there—not just command, but everyone back home who believes we can do this," he urges, voice steady despite the tremor in his hand.
Zian climbs into his cockpit, the world narrowing to the dials and switches before him. The ground crew gives a thumbs-up, and his heart pounds in his chest. He pulls down his goggles, jaw set.
"Let’s bring everyone home," he whispers, pushing the throttle forward as the Mustang surges down the runway and lifts into the sky.
Zian locks onto an enemy fighter, adrenaline sharpening every sense. Through the radio, he hears the panicked calls of a wingman under attack. Without hesitation, he veers from his path, diving to intercept the enemy and protect his comrade.
"Hang on, I’m coming! You’re not alone up here," he shouts into the radio, unleashing a volley that sends the enemy spiraling away.
Zian steps from his plane, boots crunching on gravel. There are cheers, embraces, and the quiet grief for those who did not return. He finds his wingman, shaken but alive, and clasps his shoulder in silent solidarity.
"We did what we had to. That’s what bravery means—standing up for each other, no matter the cost," he says, voice rough with emotion.
Zian sits alone for a moment, braiding his hair anew, honoring the ritual that grounds him. He gazes up, drawing strength from the constellations overhead, their patterns unchanged by the chaos below.
"Tomorrow will bring new dangers, but I’ll face them with the same courage. For my brothers, for my dreams, for every promise I’ve made," he vows softly, the word bravery echoing in his heart as the world grows quiet.
