The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as Caly entered Ethan's lab, her heart brimming with renewed purpose and determination. She came with a smile, her face alight with hope, a small spark of excitement in her chest. Today, she was going to help Ethan in any way she could. For her, this was a new beginning, a fresh start. She would repay the kindness he showed by standing at his side, ready to protect him, ready to do anything for him.
But as she stepped inside, the vibrant hope within her began to flicker. The large, sterile lab was filled with nothing but cold, lifeless machines. Holographic projections of designs flickered in the air, machines beeped rhythmically, and the sound of robotic whirs filled the space. Tools lay scattered across tables, and the walls were lined with complex diagrams and papers.
But Ethan wasn’t here. Nor was Emberis.
Caly’s bright smile faded instantly. Her heart sank into her stomach as the silence echoed around her, louder than any noise. She had come hoping to see Ethan, to tell him how she felt, to offer her help with the renewed spirit she carried, but the lifeless machines were all that greeted her.
With a heavy heart and shoulders slumped in defeat, she turned around. Each step back to the hallway felt like it grew heavier, as if the very air had thickened with her disappointment. She walked back slowly, her once-light steps now dragging as the weight of loneliness settled in.
As she made her way through the hallways, lost in her own sadness, her pace dull and slow, a distant voice snapped her back to reality.
“Nathris.”
Caly stopped in her tracks, her body tensing. The word stung like a cold slap to the face. She turned toward the sound and found a group of Yalzets standing nearby, watching her, mocking her.
One of them sneered, “Look at her, the Nathris. Poor, pathetic, just like the rest of them.”
Another laughed. “I don’t know why Savior Ethan even bothered to save her. He could’ve left her to suffer. Would’ve been easier.”
The third chimed in, “I heard from the Ljikina fairies that she’s cursed. She certainly looks the part.”
They erupted in laughter.
Caly’s heart clenched in her chest, her throat tightening as they continued their cruel taunts.
“She said she would protect the Savior,” one of them mocked, gasping between fits of laughter. “Protect him? She can’t even run a byot without collapsing! I bet even Savior Ethan can outrun her.”
Their laughter grew louder, the cruelty of their words slicing through her like blades. “Filthy Nathris. She should’ve stayed in Nathro where she belongs.”
Caly felt tears welling up, her vision blurring. She couldn’t take it anymore. She spun on her heel and ran, the sound of their laughter echoing behind her like a haunting melody. She fled to her room, the door slamming shut behind her as she collapsed against the wall.
Tears streamed down her face, her sobs loud and raw as they tore from her chest. She pressed her hands against her face, shaking with emotion, barely able to speak through her anguish.
“I… I can’t… I don’t belong here…” she cried, her voice breaking with each word. “I can’t do this without you, Mum… I can’t… I’m not worthy… I’m not…”
Her cries filled the room, the weight of loneliness and self-doubt crushing her spirit. Ethan wasn’t here, and neither was Emberis. Right now, she felt as if she had no one. No shoulder to cry on, no one to offer her comfort. She was alone, drowning in her sorrow.
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In the beautiful and majestic chamber of Feylum Thalassa in the Nathro Realm, Thalassa sat upon her grand white throne. The chamber was breathtakingly elegant, bathed in the colors of white and teal-blue, a reflection of the snowy landscapes and shimmering waters of their realm. Every inch of the chamber was adorned with exquisite decorations, a testament to Nathro’s beauty and splendor.
The atmosphere, however, was far from serene.
One of the Oshin fairy, her tone serious as she spoke. “Savior Ethan has saved Dvub. We owe him a favor once again.”
Another Oshin nodded. “Yes, we do. But there is a greater issue at hand. He took those two rebels with him. We should bring them back before they pose a threat to us.”
A third Oshin interjected. “I have news. Both rebels are in the Ignis Realm. One has joined the Satellite wing, and the other… has joined the Forces.”
The room grew tense.
“What about the Yuhani Elite?” another Oshin asked. “They won’t stop until both of them are dead. If they find out those two are in Ignis, they’ll attack without hesitation.”
“And if they attack, it will put our relationship with Ignis at risk,” the first minister added grimly.
Thalassa’s voice cut through the room, soft yet commanding. “Call Ethan here. I know how to handle this…”
Her words hung in the air like a final judgment. The ministers exchanged looks, knowing that Thalassa’s decision had been made.
With that, Thalassa rose gracefully from her throne, her presence commanding and elegant as she left the chamber, her thoughts already focused on the next steps.
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Amiraha stood with her arms crossed, the soft glow of the holographic projections illuminating her features. Her lips quirked into a smile, though her eyes remained inquisitive as she stared at Ethan, who lounged comfortably in her sleek, futuristic chair, looking far too at home.
"Why do you always sit in my seat?" she asked, arching an eyebrow, her tone a mixture of amusement and faux exasperation.
Ethan leaned back even further, crossing his legs, and gave her a grin that could only be described as charmingly incorrigible. “Because you like it,” he replied, his voice dripping with mischief.
Amiraha’s other brow shot up, and she tilted her head skeptically. “What? When? I never said that I like to see you in my seat.”
“No, no," Ethan wagged his finger playfully, "You said it last night in my dream. And you know how prophetic my dreams are,” he added with a mock-serious tone, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Amiraha shook her head, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
"Maybe. But I’m your impossible," Ethan said, his grin widening.
Amiraha chuckled softly, her arms dropping to her sides. There was a warmth in her gaze as she looked at him—beneath the teasing and antics, she cherished these moments. For all his playful defiance, she knew Ethan’s bond with her, and the other fairies, was unshakable. He wasn’t just some outsider—they were family.
"So, what brings you to me today? Besides your usual crime of seat theft?" she asked, leaning back to her desk.
Ethan’s demeanor shifted slightly, though he remained relaxed. “Sattira Troop Alcas-2458. I want to know about their mission details.”
Amiraha’s eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. “Any specific details?”
“Why they were sent to Nathro, and what they were fighting against.”
With a graceful sweep of her hand, Amiraha brought up the holographic files. The projections expanded, revealing mission records and footage of the troop's activities. The room glowed as the translucent images flickered in mid-air.
“Troop Alcas-2458,” Amiraha began, her voice taking on the analytical tone she used when delivering knowledge. “Specialized Nathris Sattira troops. They were deployed to Nathro to suppress an uprising. 39 Sattira in total. Ten wounded, the rest unharmed.”
Ethan’s gaze sharpened. “What uprising?”
“They call themselves Remiosa,” Amiraha explained, swiping the projection to reveal a profile of the insurgent group. “A faction spreading the belief that Zovrath’s supremacy is inevitable. Their goal is to convert fairies into Dihodos of Zovrath. The Remiosa are growing rapidly. Somehow, they’re recruiting more members than we can track…”
She trailed off, her expression darkening. “This revolt… it’s just the beginning.”
Ethan leaned forward in the chair, the playful gleam gone from his eyes, replaced by an unsettling seriousness. “Believes in Neshis, but fear to speak his name,” he murmured.
Amiraha’s lips twisted into a sardonic smile. “Leaders rarely take the risk themselves. They send others to take it for them.”
“Right.” Ethan reclined again, his fingers tapping the armrest absently. “And those ten wounded Sattira. Do we have information on what hit them?”
With another flick of her wrist, Amiraha pulled up the combat footage. The scene shifted to a chaotic mob, snow swirling violently around the Sattira troops as they tried to push back the revolting fairies. In the heart of the storm, several Sattira were hit hard by fast-moving, icy blasts. The force knocked them back violently, freezing them mid-air.
“What’s that?” Ethan leaned in closer. “What hit them?”
Amiraha squinted, rewinding the footage and replaying it in slow motion. “Looks like a frost-blast,” she said thoughtfully. “But it’s not a normal one. This… it’s too powerful. Look how they’re frozen on the spot, immobilized.”
Ethan’s brow furrowed. “It’s not just frost. It’s deliberate, like it’s meant to incapacitate, not just wound. Look at the precision.”
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Amiraha zoomed in on the footage, pinpointing the origin of the blast. “The source of the attack…” Her voice faltered as the image sharpened, revealing a figure cloaked in shadow, masked by the swirling snow. “It’s coming from her... but why is she so... blacked out? She’s masking her appearance.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed, studying the figure. “She’s not Nathris,” he said with conviction. “Different light. She’s not like the others.”
Amiraha glanced at him, her expression serious now. “You might be right. I’ll dig deeper into this. See if I can identify who—or what—she is.”
Ethan leaned back, folding his arms, his gaze fixed on the projection. "We’ll need to know more. If she's with Remiosa... this could be worse than we thought.”
Amiraha nodded, her fingers dancing over the holographic interface. "I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, stop stealing my chair."
Ethan grinned, the playfulness returning for a moment. "Never."
The scene transitions smoothly from Ethan’s conversation with Amiraha to Vyrella, who is casually strolling through the Satellite Wing. The lighting in the wing is soft and white, creating an almost serene atmosphere. Vyrella, however, is far from serene, her heart pounding under her calm exterior. Today is the day she will try something daring, something that could get her into serious trouble. She’s trying to sneak into YADIS, the restricted part of the Satellite Wing, the section that monitors all ten realms.
Vyrella (to herself, mumbling as she walks): "Just act natural... nothing suspicious at all..."
Her voice carries a casual melody, but her sharp eyes are scanning her surroundings. She smiles brightly as a fairy passes by.
Vyrella: "Oh, Conjor, Dyris! Beautiful day, isn’t it?"
Her voice is cheerful, but inside her mind is racing. She waits until they are out of earshot before taking a sharp turn into the corridor leading to YADIS. And then, there they are—two Guard Yalzets, standing like statues at the entrance to the restricted area. They are massive, their red, metallic armor gleaming under the lights.
Vyrella (under her breath): "Still standing here... oh, come on... Think, Vyrella, think."
She taps her foot, looking around in frustration until an idea hits her like a lightning bolt. A mischievous grin spreads across her face.
She steps near one of the windows, positioning herself carefully before shouting, in her most excited and convincing voice:
Vyrella: "Oh my stars! Ethan is here! Look, Ethan’s in the Satellite Wing! Quick, someone get to the door! Let’s welcome him!"
She covered her face with her hair, just in case anyone looked back. The moment the words left her mouth, there was a ripple of excitement among the nearby fairies. The name Ethan always carried weight. The fairies rushed toward the main doors, eager for even a glimpse of him. The two Yalzets exchanged glances, hesitation flickering in their eyes. Finally, one of them cracked a smile and shrugged.
Yalzet Guard: "Just for a second. We can’t miss this chance!"
With that, both guards joined the rush of fairies heading toward the doors, abandoning their post.
Vyrella: "Amateurs..." (she smirked, slipping past the now unguarded gate)
The moment she crossed into YADIS, a whole new world unfolded before her eyes. The room was a sleek, ultra-futuristic space, with dim lighting reflecting off sleek chrome surfaces. Massive wall-sized monitors displayed live feeds from all the known realms: Sylvir, Ogma, Veliara, Mirgeth, Lizgith, Aracaneum, Fotrissia, Astryla, Nathro and Ignis. Each realm’s landscape was shown from dizzying aerial views, constantly shifting and updating. Vyrella stood there, eyes wide in awe for a second before snapping back to focus.
Vyrella (to herself, scanning the monitors): "Nathro... Nathro... where are you?"
Her eyes darted from screen to screen until she finally spotted it. The monitor marked Nathro lit up with a soft glow, drawing her in. She approached the chair in front of the screen and sat down. As she did, a holographic keyboard came to life, floating before her fingers. Her hand hovered over it for a moment, and then she began typing, her movements swift but precise.
Vyrella: "Come on, show me Yuhani Elite..."
The screen flickered and then focused on a region of Nathro. What she saw made her stomach tighten. Black dots, swarming like ants, began gathering in a specific area.
Vyrella (muttering to herself, her face paling): "What is this? Where are they...?"
She zoomed in, adjusting the view. The dots grew larger, revealing themselves to be a group of fairies dressed in dark, almost indistinguishable from the shadows they moved through. And then she saw it.
Vyrella (eyes widening): "The Spacebridge... they’re gathering at the Spacebridge!"
Panic began to rise in her chest as she zoomed in further, focusing on what they were doing. And there it was—the unmistakable shimmer of Dyfost technology, a teleportation mechanism. Her heart skipped a beat.
Vyrella: "They're using Dyfost? How did they even get clearance?"
Her hands tightened into fists as the realization hit her. And worse—she recognized where they were headed.
Vyrella: "Ignis... they’re coming to Ignis...they knows it now"
She quickly reset the monitors, making sure nothing looked out of place. Her heart was still pounding as she slid out of the chair and made her way back toward the exit. She couldn’t afford to be seen here, not now. She slipped out the door, careful to avoid detection, and rushed down the hallway.
Her thoughts were racing as she headed straight for Caly. There was no time to lose.
Vyrella (to herself as she ran): "Caly has to know about this. They are coming "
Her footsteps echoed in the hall as she sprinted down the corridor, urgency pushing her faster with every step.
Vyrella burst into the room, her heart pounding in her chest. "Caly!" she called out, her voice echoing off the walls as she glanced around frantically. But her panic deepened when she found the room empty. She rushed to the bathroom, yanking the door open. “Caly?” The silence mocked her.
Her breath hitched as she pulled up her Bracon to her wrist, hurriedly initiating a call. "Come on, Caly. Pick up. Please." She waited, the quiet beeps stretching her nerves tighter, but no response came.
Without missing a beat, she dashed out of the room, her feet carrying her down the hall. Maybe Caly was at the training grounds. She had to be there. Vyrella’s mind raced through possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last.
When she reached the training grounds, they were empty. "No...no, no," she whispered under her breath. Her last hope, Ethan’s lab. Caly had mentioned last night — She will help him in any way she can. She sprinted towards the lab, her pulse racing.
Arriving at the door, she paused just long enough to catch her breath. She knocked, standing straight and formal despite the fear gnawing at her.
"Can I come in, Savior Ethan?" Vyrella’s voice came out more respectful than intended, but she couldn’t help it, not when her worry threatened to choke her.
Inside, Ethan was hunched over a workbench, tinkering with a broken device. Emberis, holding a lens for him, looked up first, her playful smile already forming.
"Vyrella!" Ethan greeted her warmly, his face lighting up. "Please, come in."
Emberis couldn’t help but chime in with her usual teasing. "Yes, please! I’ve been holding this lens for ages. I’m about to turn to stone. I need a little rescue." She exaggerated her weariness, rolling her eyes dramatically.
Ethan grinned, throwing her a playful look. "I thought you were my ‘beautiful guardian.’ If you can’t hold a little lens, maybe I should ask Elden to find me another one."
Emberis gasped, clutching the lens with mock offense. "Don’t you dare! You’re mine, Ethan. Only mine. And I am your beautiful guardian!" Her tone was light, but the possessiveness in her voice was coated in affection.
Ethan chuckled, turning back to Vyrella, whose face remained tense. "What’s wrong, Vyrella?"
She hesitated for a moment, her usual decorum struggling against her anxiety. "I... I’m sorry to interrupt you, Savior Ethan, but—"
Ethan cut her off gently. "Vyrella, there’s no need for that. We’re all friends here. Just breathe."
"Yeah," Emberis chimed in, offering a reassuring smile. "No rules when you’re with us. Just be yourself."
But Vyrella’s voice cracked as she spoke. "Caly is missing." Her words tumbled out, laden with fear. "I can’t find her anywhere."
Ethan and Emberis exchanged a sharp look, their playful banter instantly forgotten.
"When did you last see her?" Emberis asked, her voice calm but laced with concern as she moved closer to Vyrella.
"This morning," Vyrella replied, her hands trembling. "We had breakfast together. She seemed... happy. Happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. And now, I don’t know where she is." Her voice broke, and tears started to well up. "Please... I don’t know what to do."
Emberis wasted no time, wrapping her arms around Vyrella, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Hey, hey... don’t cry. We’ll find her. I promise," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing.
Vyrella clung to Emberis, her tears wetting Emberis’ shoulder. "Please, I’m begging you. She’s all I have. I can’t lose her."
"We’re going to find her," Emberis reassured, her voice gentle but firm. "But we need you to be strong right now, okay? We’ll figure this out, together."
Vyrella straightened up, wiping her tears. "Okay... I’ll try."
Ethan, having left his workbench, approached her with a soft smile. He gently took her hand, his gaze filled with reassurance. "Caly’s strong. She’ll be okay. And we’ll make sure of it." He smiled up at her, his calm presence a source of comfort. "You’re not alone in this, Vyrella."
Vyrella nodded, her heart still heavy, but with Ethan and Emberis by her side, the fear didn’t feel quite as overwhelming.
As they were about to leave the lab, the door swung open, revealing a figure standing tall, proud, and armored—Sattira Yalzet. Her posture was rigid, with an air of unshakable authority, but her face was serious. Ethan, Emberis, and Vyrella halted, turning to look as she entered.
Sattira Yalzet strode confidently toward Ethan and knelt on one knee before him, her fist clenched against her chest in a formal salute.
"Savior Ethan. Guardian Emberis," Sattira Yalzet greeted, her voice steady and full of respect.
Ethan, uncomfortable with the formality, quickly waved his hand. "No, no. Come on, don’t kneel. Be normal, please."
"Thank you, Savior, for your generosity," Sattira replied, standing up but keeping her tone formal. "I am here on behalf of Feylum Thalassa."
Ethan’s face changed, now more curious than worried. "Thalassa? What about her?"
Sattira Yalzet maintained her stern expression. "Feylum has ordered your presence."
Ethan let out a small sigh, trying to sound casual. "Oh, come on. Can’t it wait? Please tell her I’ll be there after a few phls."
But Sattira Yalzet didn’t waver. "I am afraid not, Savior. She ordered me to bring you with me immediately."
Ethan’s face tensed slightly, but he didn’t lose his calm. "Well then, you’ll have to wait. I have a bigger problem to deal with right now."
"I apologize, Savior," Sattira said with unwavering firmness, "but Feylum insisted. She said it’s urgent and requires your immediate presence."
Emberis, who had been standing by quietly but with a growing impatience, now stepped forward. Her protective nature flared, her eyes narrowing. "Can’t Feylum wait? We’ve got to handle something important right now."
Sattira Yalzet shook her head. "I’m sorry Guardian. I can’t risk disobeying Feylum. You know how it is."
Ethan sighed, understanding the situation. "No, you’re right. I won’t make you risk your job for me." He turned to Emberis and Vyrella. "Em, Vyrella, you two head to the Surveillance Wing. Check all the footage. Caly must be here somewhere."
Emberis’ eyes widened, and she immediately looked at Ethan, a hint of panic in her gaze. "Ethan... I can’t let you go alone."
Ethan smiled softly, stepping closer to her, his hand gently resting on her arm. "Em, it’s okay. Thalassa cares about me as much as the others. I’ll be fine. Right now, finding Caly is more important. Vyrella needs you."
Emberis bit her lip, her heart torn between her love for Ethan and her duty to protect him. She is his Guardian. She loved him more than anything else in the world. The thought of him going somewhere alone, especially with a call so urgent, made her heart clench with worry.
"Ethan..." Her voice was soft, filled with concern.
Ethan, seeing the worry in her eyes, took her large hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I’ll be okay," he said with a reassuring smile, looking up at her. His calm, confident eyes conveyed the trust and comfort she needed. "Caly is more important right now."
Emberis, still holding his hand, exhaled deeply, though her worry didn’t fully vanish. She moved to the workbench and grabbed his Bracon, which Ethan always seemed to forget. "Fine. But put this on," she said as she slipped the Bracon onto his wrist, her hands lingering as she adjusted it. Her voice softened again, with a mix of love and concern. "And let me know the moment you’re back here, okay?"
Ethan grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Didn’t you say you can smell me from byots away? You’ll know before I even tell you," he teased.
Emberis chuckled, her tension easing just a little. "You’re never serious," she said, shaking her head with an amused smile. But her fingers gave his hand a final, firm squeeze. "Be safe."
Ethan nodded, his smile still present. "I will. And help Vyrella. Keep her safe."
Emberis gave him a loving look, her eyes lingering on him before finally turning to Vyrella. "Let’s go find Caly," she said, her tone more focused now, though her thoughts remained with Ethan.
With that, Ethan followed Sattira Yalzet out, while Emberis and Vyrella set off to the Surveillance Wing to search for Caly. Though their paths had diverged for now, the unspoken connection between Ethan and Emberis remained strong, as if they were never truly apart.