Echoes of the Sun
The moment they stepped into the archives, the temperature shifted. Though the Sun Kingdom was bathed in warmth, the air inside the chamber was cool, untouched by time. Ancient enchantments hummed softly through the walls, preserving the countless scrolls and tomes that lined the towering golden shelves.
Tranquility ran his fingers over a nearby table, dust scattering beneath his touch. It had been a long time since anyone had entered this place. The Sun Peridot in his chest pulsed, sending a gentle wave of energy through the room, as if acknowledging his return.
“We should start searching,” Clow said, his sharp gaze already scanning the nearest shelves. “There must be records of the Sun Kingdom’s past rulers, its magic, and the origins of the Sun Peridot.”
Endymion stepped forward, his Golden Crystal glowing faintly in response to the magic around them. “If we’re looking for connections between our artifacts, there may be something here that explains why they’ve awakened now.”
Reiko and Syaoran exchanged a glance. The Earth Gem at Reiko’s side pulsed in sync with her heartbeat, reacting to the magic of the archives. “We’ll check for anything related to Terra as well,” Reiko said.
The group split up, each drawn to different sections of the vast chamber.
Tranquility’s Discovery
Tranquility moved deeper into the archives, drawn by an unexplainable pull. His hands hovered over the spines of old tomes before finally stopping on one bound in gold and white. When he pulled it free, the magic in the room stirred.
As he opened the book, glowing text filled the pages, shifting into readable script before his eyes.
"The Sun’s Heart: The Legacy of the Rulers of Light."
His breath hitched. The words felt heavy, important. As he turned the pages, his eyes landed on a passage that sent a chill through him.
"The Sun’s heir shall inherit not just a kingdom, but the very essence of its power. The Sun Peridot, forged from celestial flames, resides within the chosen ruler, awakening only when the kingdom stands on the precipice of great change."
His grip on the book tightened.
"The Peridot is both a gift and a burden. To wield it is to understand the dual nature of the sun—creation and destruction. Without balance, its power will consume the one who bears it."
The words echoed in his mind, bringing back the memories of his battle against Metallia’s shadow. He had felt that power firsthand—blazing, uncontrollable. Was this why the artifact had awakened within him? Because his kingdom was on the brink of something dangerous?
A presence appeared beside him, and he turned to find Endymion watching him, golden light reflecting in his eyes. “Did you find something?”
Tranquility hesitated before passing the book to him. “It confirms what we suspected. The Sun Peridot isn’t just a relic—it’s a part of me. And if what this says is true, it awakened for a reason.”
Endymion studied the text, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. “Then we need to figure out what’s coming before it’s too late.”
The Earth’s Secret
On the other side of the room, Syaoran and Reiko stood before a massive stone pedestal. Unlike the golden tones of the archive, this section pulsed with green energy, the symbols etched into the pedestal shifting beneath their gaze.
Reiko reached out, and the Earth Gem at her side flared to life. The pedestal responded, shifting and unlocking an ancient mechanism.
A glowing inscription appeared before them:
"Terra’s first heirs shall shape the Earth’s future. Bound by blood and magic, their power is limitless—yet only together shall they stand against the darkness to come."
Syaoran’s eyes narrowed. “That sounds like a warning.”
Reiko exhaled. “More than that. It’s a reminder.” She glanced at her brother. “We created the Earth Gem, but we’re still learning what it means to be Terra’s heirs. If we don’t fully understand our power, we won’t be ready when the real threat comes.”
A deep rumble echoed through the chamber, the very ground beneath them vibrating as if in agreement.
Syaoran set his jaw. “Then we better prepare.”
A Looming Shadow
As the group reconvened, the weight of their discoveries settled over them. The Sun Peridot, the Golden Crystal, the Earth Gem—each had awakened not by chance, but by necessity.
Clow closed the book he had been reading, his expression serious. “This confirms what I feared. The balance of power is shifting. These artifacts are responding to a force that is beginning to stir.”
Kunzite crossed his arms. “Then we need to find out what we’re up against. And fast.”
Tranquility placed a hand over his chest, feeling the steady pulse of the Sun Peridot. For the first time, he understood—this wasn’t just about his kingdom.
It was about all of them
.
And whatever was coming…
They would have to face it together.