The Gathering Storm
The golden light of the Sun Kingdom was beginning to dim as the days grew tense with preparation. Though the immediate battle was over and the seal at the Forgotten Temple had been dealt with, there was no mistaking the truth—this was only the beginning. The Fallen Sun’s shadow still loomed over them, and every moment of respite felt like the calm before the inevitable storm.
Tranquility stood atop the highest balcony of the Sun Palace, gazing over the kingdom. The Sun Peridot pulsed against his chest, synchronized with the steady beat of his heart. He had come far in mastering its power, but deep inside, he knew it still had more to show him. The duality of its nature—creation and destruction—was a reflection of his own struggles. Could he wield it fully without losing himself in its fire?
The thought lingered, but there was no time for doubt. The others were waiting for him.
---
A United Front
The main hall of the palace had become their war room. Maps, ancient scrolls, and records from the Forgotten Archives were spread across the grand table. Endymion stood beside Reiko and Syaoran, reviewing what little they had uncovered about the Fallen Sun. Yue leaned against a pillar, his sharp gaze scanning the room. Kunzite had positioned himself near the doorway, a silent observer but ever watchful.
"Every lead we’ve found points to the same conclusion," Reiko said, her voice steady. "Something is coming, and it’s coming fast. The Fallen Sun wasn’t truly defeated—it was only driven back. The seal slowed its awakening, but it didn’t stop it."
Syaoran tapped the map. "If the Fallen Sun is trying to return, then it needs a focal point—something to anchor it back into this world."
"Or someone," Yue added, his voice quiet but firm.
The room fell into a brief silence. The implications were clear. If the entity needed an anchor, it was likely searching for one. And given its nature…
"It might already have found one," Kunzite finished grimly.
Tranquility exhaled slowly. "Then we don’t wait. We find it first."
Endymion nodded. "We need to move quickly. We know it was sealed away once before—there has to be more information on how that was done. The Forgotten Records mentioned a weapon, or perhaps a force that was used to counteract its influence. If we can find that—"
"Then we have a chance," Tranquility finished.
The plan was set. Their next destination was clear.
---
A Test of Strength
Before they could leave, however, there was one last matter to settle—training. Whatever awaited them, they had to be ready.
The Sun Palace’s training grounds became their battleground. Tranquility faced off against Endymion, Sunfire clashing against the golden radiance of the Golden Crystal. Sparks danced in the air as their power met, neither willing to yield.
"You’re holding back," Endymion called out, dodging a burst of flame.
Tranquility gritted his teeth. "I don’t want to burn you."
"Then control it," Endymion countered. "You don’t get to hesitate in battle!"
With a sharp inhale, Tranquility let the Sun Peridot’s energy surge through him. The flames that erupted around him shifted—not wild, but refined. His control had strengthened. Endymion smirked and lunged again, his own power rising to match.
Nearby, Yue sparred against Reiko and Syaoran. The twins worked in perfect sync, the earth moving under their command. Yue moved like the wind, his magic bending the forces of nature to his will. Every movement was precise, calculated. He had always been powerful, but now, his magic had evolved.
Kunzite observed from the sidelines, arms crossed. He could see the progress in each of them, but training and real battle were two different things. Would it be enough?
Only time would tell.
---
The Journey Begins
As dawn broke the next day, the group gathered at the palace gates. Their path was set—deep within the Sun Kingdom’s ancient lands lay ruins older than the palace itself. If the answers they sought existed, they would find them there.
Tranquility tightened his grip around the Sun Peridot. The storm was coming.
And this time, they would be ready.