[OPENING SCENE — SKYVAULT BEACH, NOON]
The ocean crashes gently under a cloudless summer sky. The Vanguards, for once, are not in armor. They stand barefoot in the sand, toes curling into warmth, the salty breeze teasing through their hair. It's summer. And for today—just today—there is no enemy to fight.
Kael (removing shades): "I still don't understand why sand feels... like this."
Tari (laughing): "That's called fun, Kael. Try it."
Veya, in a dark blue swimsuit with minimal decor, sits under an umbrella and sips coconut juice with a bored expression. Suki meanwhile darts around in a cherry blossom two-piece, laughing with Echo-7, who, against all predictions, wears neon swim trunks and a tactical floatie vest.
Suki: "Big sis Yuna! Let's make a sakura-sandcastle!"
Yuna (smiling softly): "If you build it, I'll defend it."
Crimsa stands apart at the edge of the beach, red shades hiding her eyes. Her long coat has been replaced with a simple black bikini and a sunhat. She watches the water... but more importantly, the forest behind them. She isn't here to relax.
[SCENE — BEHIND THE TREELINE, LATER]
Kageru kneels in silence under the shade of trees that do not know summer. His blade rests in the sand beside him. Then—footsteps. Crimsa appears, arms folded.
Crimsa: "You're still watching them."
Kageru: "One must watch the things they once tried to destroy."
Crimsa: "Or prepare to finish the job."
Kageru doesn't respond. Crimsa steps forward, her voice quiet, but firm.
Crimsa: "The Vanguards are rebuilding. Stronger. Suki survived your last message. If you're not planning to kill her anymore... then maybe it's time you ask yourself what your blades are for now."
Kageru (without looking): "You think I'd join them?"
Crimsa: "No. I think you're tired. And so am I. But tired doesn't mean powerless. It means change."
Kageru stands. The wind stirs his cloak. For a moment, his hand hovers over the hilt of his blade—but then he turns and walks away.
Crimsa (calling after him): "I'll ask again. When the war changes shape... will you fight beside us?"
Kageru stops. Then continues walking.
[SCENE — BACK TO THE BEACH]
Suki is teaching Echo-7 how to boogie board. Veya and Yuna are in the shallows sparring with water guns. Kael is, surprisingly, enjoying a mango smoothie.
Kael: "This... is superior to nutrient paste."
Jax (grinning): "Told you."
As the sun begins to set, the Vanguards gather by a bonfire. Laughter and the scent of grilled food fill the air.
Yuna (quietly to Suki): "You've come a long way."
Suki: "Still far to go. But... today feels warm. Not just the sun."
[SCENE — FINAL MOMENTS, EDGE OF FOREST]
Crimsa stands where Kageru had been. She looks at the sea, her red eyes reflecting the firelight. Her voice, low, almost a whisper to herself:
Crimsa: "The storm is coming. But for now... let them laugh."
[TO BE CONTINUED...]