The black crystal shard pulsed faintly in Riku's palm as the wind whispered through the castle ruins. Elyra's words echoed in his mind: face the three mirrors — past, pain, and purpose.
Aria watched him carefully, sensing the weight settling on his shoulders. "What does it show you?"
Riku swallowed hard. "Memories… but they're hazy. Faces I don't recognize. Places I've never been."
Suddenly, a voice called from behind them.
"Riku, wait!"
They spun around to see a figure emerge from the shadows — a man in simple Earth clothes, eyes sharp but wary. It was Kaito, Riku's childhood friend.
"How… how did you get here?" Riku stammered, heart pounding.
Kaito's gaze flicked to the shard. "I've been tracking the same strange energy. You're not alone in this world — not anymore."
Aria lowered her sword but kept her stance alert. "Who is this?"
Kaito stepped forward, glancing at the ruins. "I'm from your world too. And there are others like us."
Riku's mind raced. Was this ally or enemy? Could he trust him?
Before he could ask, a chilling laugh echoed from the shadows. A dark figure stepped forward — one of the Council's assassins, known as The Raven.
"You should not have returned," The Raven hissed, blades gleaming.
Riku tightened his grip on the shard. "I'm not running anymore."
A fierce battle erupted in the courtyard, steel clashing with shadow magic. Aria moved fluidly, protecting Riku as he struggled to focus on the shard's visions.
Suddenly, a flash of light blinded them all.
When their vision cleared, Kaito stood between them and The Raven, a confident smirk on his face.
"Looks like you'll need me after all," he said.
---