Khael stood at the academy's west gate, the wind tugging at his dark coat, his amber eyes steady as he surveyed the gathered forces. Beside him were Ceyla Nox and Juno Arkai, their presence as familiar as it was grounding.
But today wasn't just about Team 9.
Another group stood nearby, gathered with that same quiet tension, Team 7.
The storm-blooded prodigy Shigeo Motome leaned lazily against a pillar, his hood half-drawn and his eyes scanning the clouds like he was measuring the storm's pulse.
Beside him stood Saya Kurenai, her braided blonde hair catching the light, a faint, teasing smile playing on her lips as she spoke with Kenji Gas, the easygoing fighter with his usual swagger and wolf-cut curls.
It had been weeks since all of them had met since their paths last aligned. But today, their reunion was anything but casual.
