The grand halls of Vrasnia's palace echoed with the faint hum of advanced machinery, its crystalline walls reflecting the eternal twilight like a prism of forgotten stars. Riah ascended the spiral staircase to the upper floors, her fiery aura flickering softly in the dim light, casting dancing shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of impending doom. She sought Vanessa, her steps purposeful yet heavy with the weight of cosmic uncertainties. Pushing open the door to a secluded chamber, she found her ally standing before a holographic screen, its ethereal glow illuminating Vanessa's silhouette against the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Vanessa's eyes were fixed on the swirling white hole displayed on the screen, a cataclysmic wound in the fabric of reality, its edges crackling with corrupted energy. "So that's where you are," Riah said, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade of flame.
Vanessa glanced over her shoulder, her abyssal aura swirling faintly. "Oh, Riah, my queen. What's up? I was just observing the White Cataclysm. It's surprising it's still there."
Riah stepped closer, her gaze locking onto the holographic display. "Maybe he's leaving a mark—a sign to show he's back. Striking fear into those who can see it. The Saturas are probably in shambles right now. History tells us he took down five High Dragons with a single blow."
Vanessa pressed a key on the keyboard, zooming in on the anomaly. "I guess you're right. It could be a declaration, a beacon of terror for the heavens."
Riah's voice turned cold, her fiery eyes narrowing. "But do you think we stand a chance against him?"
Vanessa leaned back, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as she pondered, her mind racing through ancient lore and strategic possibilities. "Well, from what I've gathered, it's said that Kazimir and Rygar should never cross paths. No one knows what would happen if a black hole and a white hole collided. But Cytherea… she's the one we should truly watch. I don't know much about her, but perhaps Elicia does."
Riah nodded, her flames flickering with resolve. "What if we make our way to the heavens right now?"
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "We? Are you hearing yourself? I'm a Disciple of Nebula. You trying to get me killed by those Saturas?"
Riah's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Girl, it's fine. Solaris aligned with Kazimir, so you're safe as his ally. Besides, Elicia would be fond of meeting you."
Vanessa sighed, her abyssal energy coiling like a reluctant storm, but she relented. "Fine, I'll come. I trust your word."
Riah summoned her white flames, their radiant heat forming a gateway that shimmered like a portal of pure light. The two stepped through, the world dissolving in a blaze of warmth. As the light cleared, they emerged in the Garden of Solaris—a breathtaking realm of eternal bloom, where golden petals floated on gentle breezes and crystalline streams sang melodies of divine harmony. Angels glided through the air, their wings a symphony of iridescent feathers, their eyes briefly locking onto Vanessa with wary curiosity. But upon seeing Riah at her side, they averted their gazes, resuming their celestial duties.
"See? Told you it's fine," Riah said, a hint of triumph in her voice.
Vanessa muttered under her breath, her aura pulsing defensively. "Good, because I'm not about to take on all of them at once."
They ascended the grand marble stairs to Solaris' palace, its towering spires piercing the heavenly clouds like spears of light. The massive doors groaned open under their touch, revealing halls adorned with tapestries of cosmic battles and glowing orbs that whispered ancient prophecies. At the far end, Elicia approached, her pink-and-white eyes gleaming with ethereal wisdom. Her wings unfurled like banners of gold, her white and gold high boots clinking softly against the floor, the armor plates on her knees reflecting the divine light. Her pink hair faded to white at the ends, cascading like a waterfall of dawn.
"You're back, Riah," Elicia said, her voice a melodic echo. "And I take it this is Vanessa, the Disciple of Nebula."
Vanessa met her gaze steadily, though inwardly she marveled at the overwhelming power radiating from Elicia—a force that dwarfed even her abyssal depths. Out of all the Saturas, she stands out the most. If I had to fight her, it'd take everything I've got to win.
Elicia offered a warm smile. "So, what brings you two here?"
Riah's tone grew serious. "I want to know about Cytherea. If anyone has insights, it's you."
Elicia's expression darkened, her wings folding slightly. "That entity obsessed with freeing Nebula… she's been a thorn in our side. She doesn't speak, and her power to manipulate fate is tricky—elusive, like trying to grasp a shadow. No one knows her origins."
Riah and Vanessa stood rapt, the weight of Elicia's words settling over them like a shroud. Elicia continued, her voice laced with ancient sorrow. "What we do know is that she can peer into futures, endlessly seeking one where Nebula breaks free. That's her sole mission. Rygar, on the other hand, has no such subtlety. He destroys for the love of it—no rhyme, no reason, just chaos."
Riah's flames flickered uneasily. "So, Rygar and Cytherea are working together?"
Elicia nodded gravely. "It's possible. Rygar is Nebula's strongest Disciple, but Cytherea is a mystery. She could be using him to achieve her goal, yet they both worship the same dark god. High chance they're aligned, along with Abiba."
Vanessa's voice cut through the tension. "If that's the case, what would you do?"
Elicia's gaze shifted between them, her pink-and-white eyes piercing. "We'd need as much help as possible. Rygar is too powerful; I doubt even Kazimir could take him alone."
Riah's resolve hardened. "Then I'll fight alongside Kazimir. I know it's said they should never meet, but if the odds are against us, I'll join him."
Elicia's lips curved into a teasing smile. "You know, Riah, you're actually the key. The phoenix has no fate—something Cytherea can't manipulate. You're the deliverer in this battle. The Saturas and I will do what we can. That White Hole? It's from our clash with Rygar. But I can't leave; I'm maintaining the barrier that traps Nebula. It's draining all my power, so right now, I'm not at full strength."
Vanessa tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Also, how did Sando get the blessing that Azoth had if Solaris is dead?"
Elicia's pink hair swayed as she turned, her voice steady. "Solaris may be gone, but fragments of his essence remain. Sando has the blessing, but it's diluted—nowhere near Azoth's strength."
Riah exchanged a glance with Vanessa, understanding dawning. "Now that makes more sense."