[OPENING SCENE — NIGHT, SKYVAULT CITY OUTSKIRTS, ABANDONED DISTRICT]
A pale moon shines through broken clouds over a ruined part of Skyvault City. Faint sparks flicker from shattered streetlamps. We see Veya and Echo-7 walking cautiously through the debris of collapsed buildings. Both are armed, tense.
Echo-7:
"Signal was traced to here. You think it's another trap?"
Veya (quietly):
"Doesn't matter. If someone's crying for help... we answer."
They enter an old library, shadows thick. Suddenly, a bladed dart whizzes past Echo-7's cheek.
Unknown Voice:
"You're too late."
[CUT TO: INSIDE HQ, INFIRMARY]
Suki watches the rain through the window, still recovering. Yuna sits beside her, quietly sipping tea.
Suki:
"You think they'll be okay?"
Yuna:
"They have to be. It's what we do. We show up. We protect. Even when no one else will."
[SCENE — BACK TO VEYA & ECHO-7, LIBRARY BATTLE]
The lights explode as masked warriors descend. Veya flicks her wrist—a chain of golden blades forms. Echo-7 releases a concussion pulse, knocking bookshelves like dominos. A blur leaps from above—a warrior in crimson armor with glowing claws: a new enemy.
Veya (whispers):
"...That's not a ninja. That's something else."
The crimson-clad warrior speaks with a synthetic, distorted voice.
Unknown Enemy:
"I am Pyrrhos. Warden of the Ashen Creed. And you're trespassing."
They clash. Pyrrhos moves like fire incarnate—blazing trails of heat with each step. Echo-7 struggles to shield Veya as she counters with graceful, rapid attacks. But Pyrrhos is too strong, too fast.
Veya (gritting teeth):
"We need backup!"
[SCENE — CUT TO AURIX, HQ COMMAND ROOM]
Aurix watches surveillance feeds, eyes narrowing as he sees Pyrrhos engage the two Vanguards.
Aurix (to comm):
"Yuna. You're up. Take Suki. It's time she proves how far she's come."
[SCENE — ROOFTOP DROP]
Yuna and Suki descend via skyboard onto the rooftop of the burning library. The floor caves in. They drop into the fray. Petals erupt as Suki lands in a twirl of power.
Suki:
"Sorry we're late!"
Yuna:
"Try not to burn the books."
A four-way battle begins: Veya, Echo-7, Yuna, and Suki versus Pyrrhos. The villain is relentless, flames licking the edges of every strike. Suki, still not fully recovered, staggers often. But her instincts sharpen—each Petal Phase Step more precise. Each explosive blossom hits harder.
Pyrrhos (to Suki):
"Your bloom will turn to cinder."
Suki:
"Then I'll bloom in the fire."
She unleashes Bloom Guard at point-blank. Pyrrhos staggers—finally slowed. Echo-7 fires a charged rail blast. Veya chains his legs. Yuna drives her halberd into the floor, creating a shockwave.
Pyrrhos is finally forced to retreat, disappearing in a smoke blast, the words echoing—
Pyrrhos:
"Ashes always return."
[ENDING SCENE — HQ, WAR ROOM]
The team regroups. Aurix leans over the table.
Aurix:
"Pyrrhos isn't just another mercenary. He's from something older. Something buried. We need to find out what the Ashen Creed is."
Yuna:
"We will. Together."
Suki (softly):
"Even if I fall again... I won't stop standing back up."
[TO BE CONTINUED...]