The next day, under Vrasnia's eternal night, Kazimir and Riah wandered into Kamaki's backyard garden—a tranquil oasis amidst the world's chaos. The purple moon hung solitary in the sky, its soft glow casting elongated shadows over rows of vibrant blooms and twisting vines. Stars twinkled like distant diamonds, the absence of the aurora borealis leaving the heavens stark and introspective. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of earth and petals, a rare pocket of peace in a dimension scarred by ancient conflicts.
Riah knelt by a cluster of luminous flowers, their petals shimmering with an otherworldly hue. She plucked one delicately, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. "Kamaki actually knows his plants," she murmured, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I expected a disaster—thorny weeds or some explosion of chaos. But this… it's almost beautiful. Guess I don't have to worry after all."
Kazimir crossed his arms, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched her. "So, what were you planning if it was a mess? Burn it to the ground?"
Riah straightened, twirling the flower between her fingers, her red-and-white striped hair catching the moonlight like a fiery cascade. "Absolutely. I'd set this whole garden ablaze. That vampire doesn't think sometimes—impulsive as ever."
Kazimir chuckled softly, his galactic eyes—swirling with stars and a crescent moon pupil—reflecting the starry sky above. "Fair point. He doesn't. But I trusted he'd pull it off, so I didn't bother checking."
Riah stepped closer, rising on her toes to lean her face inches from his, her crimson-red and black eyes locking onto his with playful intensity. "Sounds just like you, Kaz. You overlook the little things, always focused on the big picture. That's why I checked—someone has to keep an eye on the details."
In his thoughts, Kazimir mused, Honestly, I'm glad he didn't screw up. I'd have hell to pay with Riah. Out loud, he said, "Yeah, I'm listening. He didn't do anything stupid, so no worries."
Riah sighed, stepping back with a dramatic eye roll. "Anyway, yesterday when I went to the upper world… they're facing Rygar head-on. That's why we saw the White Hole. But I've got a feeling… they're done for."
Kazimir's expression turned serious, his void aura flickering subtly. "Wow, no faith at all in the Saturas?"
Riah shook her head, her flames simmering beneath her skin. "We're talking about an entity who can wipe out hundreds of Solaris' angels in one go. That guy's a monster—I won't doubt it. And to top it off, Elicia said she can't keep Nebula sealed forever. That day's coming soon."
"Nebula," Kazimir echoed softly, his gaze drifting to the stars. "Looks like Earth's fate is sealed. Vrasnia's already in the dark equation of the universe—hell, it's in her dimension. She's not a threat to us… at least for now."
Riah stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the twinkling heavens, her voice resolute. "That's why we have to step in and help the Saturas—not for Earth's sake, but for our people."
Kazimir nodded, his cosmic energy humming in agreement. "I'm with you. You're a Satura—they'll need you. Regardless, I'm fighting to secure Vrasnia's safety. If the Saturas fail against Rygar, I'll face him myself. I know the warnings say we shouldn't meet, but if it comes to that, I'm the last resort."
Riah's gaze met his, her flames dancing with determination. "And I'll join you. He's the strongest Nullity—more powerful than either of us alone. We need each other for this."
"Fine by me," Kazimir said, his voice steady. "We promised to fight side by side, and this could be our toughest battle yet. All we can do is prepare."
Riah's expression softened as she glanced at the stars again. "We still have that fragment—the Exo-heart—to link us."
"Yeah," Kazimir replied, his tone thoughtful. "We do. But I'd rather hold off. It's a one-time use, born from both equations in this universe—something only we can create. Save it for the end."
Riah nodded, understanding dawning. "I see your plan. You want to keep it until we face Nebula herself."
"Exactly," Kazimir confirmed. "And that warning about me and Rygar not meeting? I think it ties back to Nebula. If we go all out, we might bend reality's laws—that's why they fear our clash. Cytherea's been hunting for a future where Nebula wins; she might be counting on it."
Riah crossed her arms, her mind racing. "So, what's your plan?"
Unbeknownst to them, Kamaki knelt nearby, tending his garden with exaggerated stealth. His ears perked up, eavesdropping shamelessly as he planted seeds, a mischievous grin hidden behind a bush.
Kazimir's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a strategic whisper. "My plan? Eliminate Nebula immediately. Even if I'm the key to freeing her—that's Cytherea's game, searching for a future where she triumphs—we strike first. We'll need Elicia, but if we wait, she'll be drained from holding the seal. For the world… we have ships here, enough to evacuate all of Capriha. Bring your loved ones to Vrasnia. The uncorrupted ones? Ship them to the Prismic Gathering—but they're so massive, it'd spark curiosity."
They stood in thoughtful silence, the purple moon illuminating their faces as the stars seemed to listen. Riah broke the quiet. "We'll contact the Prismic Gathering and see what they can handle on Earth's end."
Kazimir's mind sparked with an idea. "Or… we link with Earth from here. A global broadcast. It'd be me offering them a future—since Earth won't survive Nebula's freedom."
Riah met his gaze, the weight of their words settling like the cool night air. "It's a bold move. But if it saves lives…"
Unseen, Kamaki's eyes widened behind his plants, his gardening forgotten as he absorbed every word, a mix of awe and excitement bubbling within him.