Shadows of the Past
The group remained silent long after Noctis had disappeared. The fire crackled between them, but its warmth felt distant, unable to chase away the lingering chill of the encounter.
Tranquility stared into the flames, the Sun Peridot pulsing steadily in his chest. He could still feel the echo of Noctis’s words—You will have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice. A warning? A threat? He didn’t know.
Endymion sat beside him, turning the Golden Crystal over in his palm. “They knew about Metallia,” he murmured. “And they knew about us. That wasn’t just an enemy—it was a watcher.”
Reiko huffed, arms crossed. “I don’t like it. Why would someone powerful enough to break through Clow’s wards show up just to ‘test’ us?” She glanced at her twin. “What do you think?”
Syaoran’s expression was unreadable. “They’re waiting for something. But whether it’s for us to succeed or fail… that’s the real question.”
Clow stirred, his gaze still fixed on the place Noctis had vanished. “They mentioned something greater than Metallia. That alone is concerning.” He flicked his fingers, conjuring a small projection of magical energy. The symbols within it flickered erratically, shifting between golden and black. “If what they say is true, then we’re only seeing the beginning.”
Tranquility clenched his fists. “Then we need to be stronger.”
Endymion looked at him carefully. “Strength alone won’t be enough. You saw what they did—our attacks barely made a difference. We need to understand what we’re up against before we charge forward blindly.”
A frustrated silence settled over the group. Noctis had left more questions than answers, and none of them were any closer to understanding what lay ahead.
Finally, Kunzite spoke, his voice calm but firm. “We should return to the Sun Kingdom.”
Tranquility blinked. “The Sun Kingdom?”
Kunzite nodded. “If the Sun Peridot manifested in you, then it’s possible the kingdom holds the answers to its true nature.” His silver eyes met Tranquility’s. “You may wield its power, but do you know it? Do you understand what it means to be the Sun’s heir?”
Tranquility opened his mouth to answer—then hesitated. He had inherited the artifact, but he had been thrown into battle before he could question why it had awakened in him now, of all times. The Sun Kingdom had always been a part of him, but he had never truly claimed it.
Perhaps… it was time.
Reiko tapped her fingers against the Earth Gem thoughtfully. “And while we’re there, we might as well start preparing for whatever’s coming.” She looked to Clow. “We’ll need more than just training if we’re going to face something worse than Metallia.”
Clow inclined his head. “Agreed.”
Tranquility inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the decision settle on his shoulders. The Sun Kingdom… his home. The place he had left behind.
It was time to return.