The golden marble of Solmere shimmered under the bright midday sun. The vast castle of the heavens stood tall and silent, its towers cutting through the sky like celestial spears. High above it all, Taliyah stood alone atop the balcony, her flowing robes swaying gently in the breeze. The light danced across her, but her focus remained still—eyes sharp as blades, scanning the endless horizon of clouds.
Something in the air was wrong. She could feel it. A stillness that didn't belong. A silence that wasn't peaceful—but waiting.
Footsteps echoed behind her, slow but sure.
Taliyah turned.
Murre approached, hands tucked behind his back, his expression unusually tight. The ever-collected god of knowledge wore concern like a cloak today.
"What's wrong, Murre?" Taliyah asked calmly. "Another vision?"
"Not quite," Murre said, adjusting his robes with a nervous glance to the sky. "Three members of The Zehirah seem to be working together… and they're causing some problems. Most of The Velari that can handle this—their hands seem to be tied up at the moment. And they're far too strong to only send one Velari."
Taliyah's lips curled into a calm smile, serene and unwavering.
"I can handle it."
Murre's brow furrowed, voice lowering with urgency. "Ma'am, are you sure?! I don't wanna bother you with something that can be handled by others—plus, you just got back."
"It's okay," she said, her laugh light and graceful. "Either I do it or we get Joseph—and he has more important things to do. I'll make it quick, I promise."
Murre hesitated, but there was no room for protest. He lowered his head respectfully.
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."
Without another word, Taliyah stepped onto the edge of the balcony. The wind rose around her like a whisper of the divine.
Then she was gone.
Her figure soared upward, leaving behind a trail of stardust and golden light that faded into the clouds. A streak of grace hurtling toward chaos—toward the unseen battle that waited beyond the reach of heaven's gates.
Back at the Iodem Compound, the gates creaked open once again, releasing a low groan that echoed across the courtyard. Five figures stepped into the light—each clad in armor that gleamed beneath the late afternoon sun. Their movements were measured, deliberate. They didn't walk like rookies. They moved like people who had survived real battles.
At the front of the group stood a young woman with silver hair that shimmered faintly as it caught the sunlight. Her steps were graceful, precise—like a dancer who had trained on a battlefield.
She stopped before Gabriella and Indra, her tone calm and formal.
"Are you the Velari that will be accompanying us?" she asked politely.
"Yes, we are," Gabriella replied, voice warm and welcoming. "And who would you be?"
"My name is Lumina, heir to the Black Knight Crown. Hello, Madam," Lumina said, offering a respectful bow.
"Oh, royalty?" Indra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not exactly," Lumina replied with a light, elegant laugh. "The crown is more like armor. Similar to the White Knight over there.
How might I address you, sir?"
"My name is Indra, but you can drop the Lord," Indra said casually.
"Okay, Indra, but forgive me if it slips out," Lumina said with a faint smile.
"Always the polite one, you are," a woman behind Lumina teased, folding her arms across her chest.
"You should learn from me, ma'am," Lumina shot back playfully, tossing a glance over her shoulder.
The woman stepped forward then, her posture relaxed, yet exuding a quiet confidence.
"Heh… My name is Vira. I'll run the names so we can keep this quick," she said with a grin.
"Lumina's the leader of our little team."
"Oh, okay," Indra said, nodding along.
"This is Gerrik, Lumina's little brother," Vira continued, jerking her thumb toward a young man standing nearby. His expression was hard—tight jaw, furrowed brows—eyes that looked like they were always squinting into a storm.
"Hey," Gerrik said curtly.
"Hey," Indra replied, mentally noting, He looks so angry.
"These two are Sekino and Kagiyama," Vira added, motioning toward the last two figures who stood just a few steps behind. Sekino's stance was stiff, impatient. Kagiyama's presence was quieter—reserved, almost uninterested.
"Now that introductions are complete, can we move out?" Sekino said, voice edged with tension.
"Hmm," Kagiyama murmured, barely lifting his gaze.
"I agree," Lumina said, voice regaining its calm command. She looked toward Gabriella and Indra.
"Unless The Velari recommend otherwise, we should head out immediately."
"No, we can head out," Gabriella said with a kind smile.
"And it's nice to meet you guys."
"Likewise. Alright group, let's move," Lumina commanded, her voice cutting through the wind like a polished blade.
In one unified motion, the team ignited their energy. The ground beneath them glowed faintly, and then—with a pulse—they all shot into the sky.
The clouds parted as they ascended together, streaking across the heavens toward the distant Varis Mountain Region.
Meanwhile, back at Solmere, a much younger storm was brewing.
Iris paced restlessly through the marble halls, her boots tapping sharply against the gleaming floor. Her anxiety grew with each passing second. Doors blurred past her as she moved quickly from chamber to chamber—until finally, she found the one she was looking for.
Murre sat inside his study, surrounded by glowing scrolls and suspended holographic maps.
"Hey, have you seen my mom?" Iris asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though the tension in her tone betrayed her.
"She left," Murre stated plainly, not looking up.
"Really?! Where'd she go?" Iris stepped further into the room.
"Three of The Zehirah were causing issues," Murre replied, adjusting his lenses. "So she went to dispatch them."
Iris froze.
Her violet eyes widened in disbelief. "ALONE??" she shouted, her voice cracking with panic.
"Your mom can handle this, Iris," Murre said calmly, still seated. "She is the 2nd seat of The Velari."
"NO!" Iris screamed, her voice echoing down the sacred halls.
"This is reckless. She should've had back up—and if you're not gonna help her, then I will!"
Before Murre could say another word, Iris pointed one hand upward. A flash of energy surged—and the nearby window shattered into glittering shards.
"IRIS, WAIT!" Murre shouted, bolting upright and rushing forward.
But she was already gone.
With a deafening rush of wind, Iris blasted through the shattered opening and into the open sky, her wings erupting with divine fire, trailing streaks of violet and gold across the heavens.
Murre stood at the broken window, watching helplessly as her form vanished into the clouds.
He muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
"I don't know where she gets all that fire from… Nevertheless, I have to warn someone. She can't be permitted to join this fight or that vision will come true."
Far above the earth, the Strike Team was already in motion—cutting through the wind as they flew in tight formation toward the Varis Mountain Region. The clouds raced past them, their shadows sweeping the land below.
Indra drifted closer to Lumina, flying just behind her left wing.
"So, can someone explain the situation?" he asked, raising his voice above the howling wind.
"Yes," Lumina answered, glancing back briefly. Her tone was calm, controlled—every bit the professional.
"We received information on numerous churches around Kovaria's territory. They've been infiltrated by members of the Cult of Killian."
"Who's Killian?" Indra asked.
"Killian the Black," Sekino replied from nearby, his voice curt. "He's a Zehirah. A high-up member too."
"He's very dangerous," Lumina added. "And he could be hiding in any one of those churches. That's why we need your help."
"I see," Indra said, processing quickly. "So we're heading to the first church now?"
"Exactly," Lumina confirmed. "But this is more of a recon mission. An all-out battle in the middle of the city is something we should avoid."
"Good point," Indra said. "Plus, there may be innocent people around."
"Exactly," Lumina nodded grimly. "But if Killian is there… unfortunately, we'll have to fight him—regardless of who's around."
Before Indra could respond, a sharp buzzing noise rang out.
Gabriella's communicator vibrated at her side, glowing with a golden pulse. She pulled it out and read the message, her expression shifting instantly—calm giving way to concern.
"Hey Indra!" she called out urgently.
Indra flew closer. "What's wrong?"
"I just got a distress signal from Murre," she said quickly. "I have to leave, so don't head to one of those churches until I get back, ok?"
"I understand, but I can handle it if you—" Indra began.
"No, Indra, please!" Gabriella interrupted, her voice uncharacteristically intense. "Promise you'll wait for me!"
Indra hesitated, then lifted both hands. "…Ok, ok… I promise."
Gabriella exhaled, giving him a faint, grateful smile.
"Be right back," she said.
And with that, she shot upward—vanishing into the clouds in a beam of radiant gold.
Indra watched the light streak away across the sky, a knot tightening in his chest.
"I wonder what happened…" he muttered softly.
Above them, the wind shifted.
The skies darkened— A storm was building. Not from weather…
but from battle.
And it was closing in fast.