Noir flapping his massive wings once more, leaving the central valley now silent again after the brief battle. The fusion rift cracks had been tightly sealed by Sylvia's black chains; the valley floor was covered in bloodstains and shattered crystals, but no monster growls remained. The air still felt heavy with a lingering death aura and the red energy that had exploded from the gray-robed man's crystal, but the mountain wind slowly carried it away, bringing fresh scents of damp earth and wild pine.
Sylvia sat upright on Noir's back, her black coat fluttering gently in the wind. Sofia hugged her waist tightly from behind, chin resting on the queen's shoulder, golden hair whipping wildly but her face calm despite her slightly ragged breathing after the fight. Celes sat at the very back, still wearing her usual gentle smile, though her amethyst eyes were full of calculation.
