After twelve days of grueling training, Iramo and Saranai, were as ready as they could be. But even they didn't expect that in an instance, a few words would change their plans, the moment they opened their eyes. To a callous, cold, and calculated voice hidden under an endearing tone. Speaking with words sharp enough to cut flesh from the bone. briefing that came through their Izoas's, the moment they opened their eyes. Projecting a strong woman wearing a purple cover around her neck with black scars embedded into her pale, jade blue skin, running down her shoulders to her hands. Covered mostly by her white body suit, a perfect match to the fervid look in her eyes.
"I need to borrow your attention for a moment my fellow survivors of the Havens! I know we all strive for a peaceful life once more and have made great sacrifices just to get this far. An I commend each and everyone of your efforts to develop in unity once more. But as you all know the Bio Life threatens our way of life once more and if we do not act they will overtake us once more. An make no mistake, I as well as the Full Force of The Crusaders stand to defend you and will always rise to the task."
"I will never ask you to take a step forward that you are not willing to take but those who wish to help Centria thrive from the front lines instead, I the Frozen Phoenix invite you all to participate in our next scan. With your help we will recover vast knowledge and discoveries scattered across the Mad Lands. An by the end of it all you will all be officially instated into The Crusaders ranks, rewarding not just yourselves but our people with the advancements we uncover. So if you have the heart to join us… signal the I.A or myself and we will personally see to it you safely arrive to join us in our battle for peace. I hope to see all of you on and off the battle field thriving soon."
With the sound of static distortion the transmission ended and news spread of rifts opening up in each layer leading to the gathering up in the sky. Sparking hope even among the weakest to come out and give it a try to change their fates… even if just for a day. All it would take is a few drops of blood they live like the strong and devour their pray. But behind this cornered, cowering belief lied an irrefutable truth, not one challenger dared to forget.
They are to put on a show… An if the ones who watch from above aren't pleased, that will be as far as they go. Their names will never be heard again. So in order to experience what it's like to truly live, the weak came prepared to die.
But among them we're those who shared nothing in common, driven by more than just the hunger in their eyes. No longer waiting as they seise the moment to reach for the skies and figure it out as they fall. The Legacy Of Rebellion, came out to satisfy their soul's desires alone and they answer to no one's call. They just patiently imagine it all as they wait for the fall.
An it was stubborn souls just like these that started it all and set the first one free. But that's a story for another time so you didn't hear it from me.
Posing in the mirror, Saranai stares at her green shorts and her yellow fitted shirt, making sure not to leave a thing behind.
"Oh! Almost forgot the glossy! I'll just do a subtle layer for beauty and one more for taste andddddddd BAM! BEAUTIFUL!"
Hmmmmm I wonder if he's done. He never takes this long to get ready but I know he was super excited about his new outfit and his Crusader name so maybe I'll let him take his time-
Bursting through the door Iramo throws his hands to the sky and slowly steps in as he adjust his vest, pulling it back down over his chest.
"I'm here and i'm dressed the part! It's time to go!"
Staring as if she found her favorite candy sitting on the table all alone, Saranai lost her words within the sea of thoughts flooding her mind.
Ouuuu! Iramo- no Leo's so cute, I can't wait to make him mine! No, no! Calm down, you've just been around his a lot that's gotta be why! Just because he's hot doesn't mean he likes me, be professional, Saranai. You can work with this guy.
Without even noticing him coming up from behind, Iramo's hand briefly brushes past Saranai's thighs as he puts his hands over her eyes.
"You who, Saranai? You ready to go?"
shooting up to her feet, Saranai let out a cry as she stubbed her toe, falling back into Iramo with her ass on his chest as his hands found her waist.
WHATTTT?! Your kidding me! I could barley keep my composure why'd you have to go and do that? If I look back at you from here… NO! I'm stronger than that! We have to get going so especially now I can't let him tempt me like that.
An just as she said, Saranai kept her composure as she looked at him in the eyes while she melted inside. But while the inside of Saranai's heart was getting gooey, Iramo's was burning bright with pride.
I worked my ass off so they better be strong! Especially after all those nights Saranai kept me up all night long. It's been so much fun over the last couple of days, I just hope I'm not wrong. But if things go bad I made a promise-"
Sliding her fingers down the side of his face, all the way to his chin, Saranai gently pulls Iramo's head down and looks beyond his eyes in search of something deeper. Something closest to his heart.
"Yeah, I'm ready to go and your outfit looks nice."
don't say it, don't say it-
"When we're done get back you should dress me too."
WHY DID I SAY IT?!
With no room left to breath between them, Iramo became more and more captivated the more he took in her breath. Shaking his heart to the core with each passing second he held back what was on his mind until he said it loud and proud with a longing look in his eyes.
"I'll need your exact measurements then boss lady, starting with your thighs."
slowly bringing his finger up her thighs, Iramo made sure, Saranai knew it was no accident this time, stopping right at the edge of her shorts and whispers in her ear.
"Just meet in my room and we'll do all the math there."
Frozen in pace as her heart beats with the force of a great big flame, Saranai pulls back to shy to look him in the eye.
And I say he doesn't like me?! He's folding tooooo! Ughh if we didn't have to leave now, you'd love what I do next.
Gasping with her hand over her mouth on the corner of her eyes Saranai is so shocked she freezes in place. Instantly switching from full passionate to a embarrassed face the moment Allie's voice came through.
"Miss saranai you've got him all on your mind! Did you not get enough last night?! I know he's your partner and all but that was ment for the fight."
Bursting through the door, Allie stares at them both and shakes her head with a look of judgement in her eyes as they quickly pull apart.
"I'm glad to see you both… getting along… again but the rift is ready it's about time to go."
Saranai puts her hands around Iramo's and leads him out the door while scowling at Allie.
"Allie? What did you mean by that?"
Avoiding eye contact, Allie turns away and looks to the sky with a mischievous expression spreading across her face.
"Oh nothing! I just haven't seen that one move in practice before, ya know the hands on the thighs but it must be a new move you just came up with on the spot."
Before she could get a word out Allie closed the door behind.
"Bye miss Saranai! Have a good day!"
Leaving Saranai nothing else to do but let out a defeated sigh and walk away squeezing onto Iramo's hand tight as she recalls the moment arguing with Allie in her head.
Really Allie?! You could of waited until after to send us away!
Taking a sharp yet sly tone Allie cuts her off quick.
Nope we got work to do so no more time to play. Besides I promised Miss Maradi while she's gone to not let you too have your way.
Rollling her eyes Maradi shakes her head and takes charge ahead of Iramo to lead the way.
It's always that sister of mines getting in my way. Fine Maradi have it your way!
"Come on Ira- Leo we're gonna take the Shattering Shafts direct route to them so I'll lead the way. But aren't you excited?! We become Crusaders today!"
Covering his teeth with his tongue, Iramo can't help but let out a mischievous grin and hold his head high.
"You had me at Crusaders! I've been waiting so long for this, I can't wait to see what kind of training we'll do! Oh and I saw they have food do you think they have some of those squares too?!"
Interlocking her arm around his, Saranai presses against his arm as they make their way down to the center, right below the lights.
"You and me both, but we'll find out soon enough. Just don't forget from now on your names Leo once we step inside. We have ways to keep them out here, it won't be like that outside. Oh! And most important thing I almost forgot, they'll be watching so don't do anything to crazy or they'll send someone to hunt you down."
Furrowing his brow Iramo questions it just for a moment but doesn't ask who they are, instead he nods his head.
If I want to get out of here in one piece I gotta lower my head? Yeah we'll see about that because after my covers blow, I'll take off their head. But until that moment I'll play nice instead.
"Understood boss lady but lets get going, I don't want the food to be gone."
The moment they entered the lowered center of the room, the space began to slowly fill up with green animus, continuously pouring out until it filled the entire space around them to the brim. An without hesitation Saranai looked at, rotating the band around her hand, as if she's shining a ring, bringing all the resting animus to life. An opening a slit in the space before them as it climbs all around them forming a sphere that cuts off the sky. And in an instance cracks began to form as if the sky itself was being pulled back. But it didn't just tear the space around them like before as it began to shatter, no it pulled them right through the cracks into the World's Warp, leaving only ground beneath their feet behind.
With her right arm Saranai stretches out her hand, opening her palm and twisting as her body begins to wrap right before her eyes. An all she can say to Iramo is "Don't let go!" But by the time her voice words reached her voice they had already left that space. Once they entered the world beyond sight they could only wait this time as they adjust to its pace, knowing they'd soon arrive. It was in an instance but they we're just settling as they realized they already arrived within a massive white room filled with various foods and drinks atop reversed sepia triangular prisms, hovering just above the dull green floors.
Face to face with thousands of survivors who believe they have what it talks to rise above and reclaim this world lost to endless change. All with different stories, different goals, different reasons that they will push forward and make a name joining the Crusaders ranks. But one things is certain no matter what their end goal may be and no matter who they hate for those who make it…
A life beyond the stars await.