The sun just rises from the east when the new day started. A new place, dozen of new faces. The Sanctum of the Blades-an old fortress where hunters master both weapons and magic.
It's already been 2 days after the incident on Monako town. Miata was still being healed by healers while Nora remained on her side.
And Maria? She was still unconscious on bed. No one knew when she wakes up. Amelia sitted on the foor beside Maria's bed.
That's when Zoe came to the room.
You have to take some rest now Amelia. She will be fine.
Amelia didn't turned. She just watched Maria's pale face and fragile body on the bed. Then, slowly, painfully she said.
I know. But still she is my master. If anything happened to her, then we again have to wait for centuries.
No. Not again this time. They are twins in this life and could die for each other. History doesn't repeat itself this time.
Finally, she turned towards Zoe. A hope flickering on her embraild eyes.
I hope so Zoe and... maybe they are also waiting. We don't have much time for it now.
Then Amelia turned toward Maria again and whispered We are tied to Maria and Miata, Zoe. Last time we failed but this time we can't.
Zoe watched her. Amelia's words hunted her. And so, she just stayed there for longer.
When Miata's treatment finished for today and everyone went outside of the healing chamber, Nora stood by the window, her reflection flickering in the glass.
"How is she?" Miata whispered with dry broken voice broken tge silence. Her eyes flickering on the ceiling upward.
"Still unconscious", Nora whispered. Then Miata finally looked towards Nora.
Nora added as she watched outside of the window, "The healers say her soul's far away... somewhere light can't reach". Then she turned towards her "She is strong, Miata. She will wake up. She has to. That's how she is, never giving up".
Miata turned her face away, blinking hard "She always was stubborn... Even in sleep".
Silence followed, only the rain, falling gently outside.
Later that evening, footsteps echoed in the corridor-calm, measured. A girl entered, her coat flowing softly as she stopped beside Nora.
"You are Nora?"
Nora nodded slowly.
The girl's eyes softened. "I am Olivia. You are safe here. The sanctum takes care of its own".
"Thanks Senior" Nora murmured. Head down and eyes red from late night sleeps.
"You don't have to be so formal. Just call me Olivia. I heard about your fight against the demons on that town. You are quiet strong." Then Olivia sight and whispered, " So don't show like you are weak. And I have a good news for you." she leaned too close and said on her ears " I also know plant magic. And meet Elana-my little bunny" she gestured towards the bunny sitting on her shoulder.
Nora watched as Elana greeted her and jumped from Olivia's shoulder to Nora. She stumbled by the sudden approach of Elana.
"Jaxson did very well to brought you all her".
Recognition and realization flickered on Nora's eyes as she whispered, " you mean who saved us?"
"Yeah" Olivia nodded. "He is our Squad Captain"
" No doubt that's why he is so strong".
"Yeah. Well... could you like to meet others?"
"Others?" Nora blinked.
Olivia lead her towards the main chamber Where vary new faces were waiting of them.
Ava, with quiet eyes that glowed like dawn. Khai, resting his arm on a crackling gauntlet. Nolan, smiling faintly. Rika, leaning on the wall.
Their presence filled the room with silent strength.
Olivia's voice lowered. "You'll fight again,When it's time. But for now... rest."
After a week on the seveth day, the Sanctum was quite.Moonlight spilled through colored glass, painting floor in red and blue.
Miata dragged herself through the hall, her brace clicking softly with each step. Pain burned through her spine, but sje kept going.
She pushed open the door.
Inside, Maria lay in stillness, the moonlight tracing the edge of her face. Her hair shimmered like liquid silver.
Miata reached to the bed and sank to her knees. Her breath trembled; her body shook with the effort.
She took Maria's hand-cold unmoving-and pressed it against her cheek.
"Sister..."
Her voice cracked.
"You can't leave me. Not after everything. Not now."
Her tears fell, dark spots blooming on the white sheets.
"I don't care if you're angry. Or tired. Or gone. You promised we'd see it through together…"
Her sob filled the quiet room, raw and trembling.
Then-a faint twitch.
Miata froze. The air around them shimmered.
Maria's finger moved again, slightly-just once, but enough.
Miata lifted her head, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Sister?"
Slowly, Miata's lashes fluttered-once,twice-before her eyes opened, soft and dazzed, glowing faintly on the moonlight.
"Miata..." she whispered, her voice fragile as a dream.
For a heartbeat, the world stopped.
Miata's lips parted, a small, broken sound escapping her. She pressed Maria's hand to her forehead now-half laughter, half grief.
"You are awake."
Maria just watched, confused. "Where... where we are?"
"Somewhere safe. Somewhere you always dreamed of. Where we are we." Miata whispered.
Maria again closed her eyes-awake.
From the door, Amelia and Zoe watched in silence.
This is the new beginning... for everyone.