Scene: Sky Castle – Grand Office of Tatsunokami
The night was crisp and clear. The moon hung in the sky, its silver beams bathing the grand golden palace in a shimmering, ethereal glow. Yet, inside the palace, an air of tension hung like a storm cloud waiting to burst.
The ornate walls of Tatsunokami's Grand Office flickered with the faint, dancing lights of the stars outside, but they couldn't mask the growing weight of the situation. Varynesia stood tall, her wings slightly unfurled, her face grim but resolute. Her voice echoed softly, yet every word carried the weight of a thousand decisions.
"I knew this would come. I knew the time would come when Tatsunokami would make this choice." She paused, her golden eyes narrowing. "I have kept his secret… and now it's time for us to act."
Miraki and Valderya stood across from her, absorbing the gravity of her words. Valderya, normally fierce and unyielding, had a hardness in her gaze, but a flicker of concern crossed her face. Miraki, ever the emotional one, seemed confused and hurt.
Varynesia's eyes softened as she continued. "He left us with specific instructions—instructions that I must now deliver to you."
Miraki stepped forward, her voice quivering. "But he… he left us? Again? How could he just disappear without a word?"
Varynesia held up a hand, stopping her. "He knew what he was doing. His plan was never to abandon us. But we must prepare. His reincarnation is a calculated risk. He told me to remain silent about it until he makes his move. And now, I've been entrusted with the responsibilities of his absence."
She exhaled, her wings folding behind her as she turned to the two of them.
"I will say this only once," Varynesia's voice became authoritative. "Master gave me clear orders for what comes next."
She locked eyes with each of them, delivering the words with the weight of her authority.
First: "No more shouting at the High Priest. His role is not one to be questioned right now. The focus must remain elsewhere."
Second: "Everything must go on as usual. The Sky Castle, the Temple, and all operations will continue as if our master were still here. He gave strict orders to maintain the illusion that he is still in the Temple, watching over the other worlds as he always has."
Third: "Miraki," Varynesia's voice softened, but there was an unshakable resolve in it. "You will join the military. You will fight for the nation's outer space borders. This is your responsibility now. You will not falter. The battle has changed, and so must you."
Miraki's wings twitched in disbelief. "But... but I can't just leave him! I—"
Valderya stepped forward, cutting her off. "This is what he wants. We do what's needed. You'll be trained properly. You'll help defend this world, just as you always wanted to protect him. But first, you must become strong enough to handle what's coming."
Fourth: "Valderya, you are to oversee Miraki's training. You will also train the special division. You are now the Chief Marshal of our forces." Varynesia's gaze turned cold. "Our enemies will come. You must be ready."
Valderya's voice was sharp. "Understood."
Fifth: "I will personally handle the strategic operations, but we need to inform our most loyal subordinates of what's happening. Only those we trust will know the truth. The rest will remain in the dark. The following people are to be informed immediately of the changes and the new orders—"
Varynesia's gaze swept the room, naming each person with chilling precision.
"Belmoth," she began. "Our Army Chief. His loyalty is unmatched, but he must be prepared to lead without the direct guidance of Tatsunokami."
"Rox Darman," she continued. "The Chief of the Spy Unit. His network will be invaluable. He will help us track the movements of any threats."
"Rosy," Varynesia's voice grew steady again. "Our Head Mistress of Servants. She will maintain the inner sanctity of our domain."
"Edrich Varnwel," she mentioned next. "Our Chief Minister. His knowledge of politics will be key to keeping the peace in Tatsunokami's absence."
"Raya Shadeborn," she added, her eyes narrowing. "Our Military Advisor. His insight into our enemies' tactics will keep us one step ahead."
"Iric Wynn," she went on. "The Chief of the Medical Unit. We may need his expertise more than ever."
"Vaelgon Scorchwill," she said, "Master of the Dragon Academy. He will ensure that our young warriors are trained in the ways of the Will of Fire."
"Emma Crymson," she said, without hesitation. "Captain of the Blue Flames Special Squad. Her leadership is crucial in this time of uncertainty."
"Iselyor Drayn," Varynesia said gravely, "the Left Hand of the Throne. His presence will ensure the loyalty of our inner circle."
"Luthian Walsi," she finished, her eyes piercing. "The Right Hand of the Throne. His influence cannot be overstated."
"And finally, Valygard." Varynesia's voice carried a hint of something more personal—something that carried an undercurrent of history. "His rivalry with Tatsunokami has shaped him into a formidable force, but his loyalty remains intact. He will be essential in the coming conflict."
The room was heavy with the names, the responsibility. Varynesia gave a final, sharp glance at the two women before her.
"Those are the ones you will trust, and those are the ones who will carry out our orders while Tatsunokami is… away."