Forging Control
The training grounds were silent, the air thick with expectation. The Earth Gem pulsed at Reiko and Syaoran’s side—stable, solid, a testament to their mastery.
But Endymion’s path was different.
He stood apart, the Golden Crystal glowing faintly in his hands. It was a relic of immeasurable power, one that had chosen him. Yet, its magic was unlike anything he had wielded before. It was light, yes—but also deep, endless, unfathomable.
And it was resisting him.
Kunzite watched him carefully. “You’re holding back.”
Endymion clenched his jaw. He could feel it—the crystal’s raw potential just beneath the surface. But whenever he tried to draw on it, the magic pulled away, slipping through his grasp like sand.
“I’m not holding back,” he muttered. “It’s not letting me in.”
Syaoran and Reiko exchanged a glance before stepping forward.
Reiko folded her arms. “That’s because you’re treating it like a weapon.”
Syaoran nodded. “It’s not just power—it’s a part of you.”
Endymion exhaled sharply. He knew that. He had seen how the Earth Gem had crystallized from the twins’ bond with Terra. But this was different.
The Golden Crystal was ancient. It had been passed down, carried by those before him, and now it rested in his hands. But unlike the Earth Gem, it had not been created by him.
He wasn’t sure if it had truly accepted him yet.
Clow, who had been watching in silence, finally spoke.
“Magic isn’t something to be dominated, Endymion. It must be understood.” He gestured to Reiko and Syaoran. “Their power took form because they became one with it. You must do the same.”
Endymion looked down at the crystal.
Understand it?
He took a slow breath and closed his eyes.
Instead of forcing the crystal to bend to his will, he let his mind open to it. He let it show him its truth.
And the crystal responded.
Golden light flared around him—not burning, not overwhelming, but warm, steady, anchoring him. The energy flowed with him, not against him, guiding him rather than resisting.
His eyes snapped open, glowing gold.
For the first time since returning, his power felt whole.
Kunzite smiled faintly. “Now that’s more like it.”
Reiko smirked. “Took you long enough.”
Syaoran crossed his arms. “Think you can keep up now?”
Endymion rolled his shoulders, the crystal’s energy pulsing in sync with his own. “You’ll just have to find out.”
The real training had begun.