The Martian sky was a canvas painted with hues of burnt orange and dusky red as Thomas soared back towards Dexia City. His return revealed a scene of both chaos and unity. Adept Knight mechs, once the embodiment of order, lay scattered across the field like discarded toys. Yet, Luke and his tribe together with the golden lions moved with purpose, rescuing people and aiding the injured.
The humans, astounded by the surreal sight of intelligent beasts lending a helping hand, watched in awe as the makeshift rescue team coordinated efforts. It was a scene that defied logic and expectation, proving that even in the face of disaster, unexpected alliances could emerge.
As Thomas approached his house, he noticed the familiar figure of his mom, surrounded by her sister and her son, Rodrigar. The reunion was both heartwarming and tinged with a sense of urgency. Thomas, careful to conceal his new identity, exchanged pleasantries, making small talk about Rodrigar's recent adventures in the city.
However, the atmosphere shifted when his mom mentioned Clarisse. Concern etched across her face, she shared the grim news, their squad had been taken into custody by the Alliance. The revelation ignited a spark of anger within Thomas, and a shout of frustration escaped his lips.
"Why would they take Clarisse and the others into custody? What could possibly justify such actions?" Thomas demanded, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of frustration and determination.
His mom, her voice laced with concern, pleaded, "Thomas, you have to understand. The situation is delicate, and the Alliance believes they're acting in the best interest of everyone."
Thomas, unable to contain his indignation, argued vehemently. "Best interest? If this is their idea of protecting people, then they're blind to the real threats. I won't let them harm my friends!"
A tense exchange unfolded between mother and son, a clash of perspectives fueled by love and fear. Thomas, unwilling to compromise on his principles, reassured his mom of his ability to handle the situation.
"I won't let anything happen to me, Mom. I promise I'll keep myself safe. But I can't stand by while the Alliance acts recklessly."
With a heavy heart, Thomas left his home, the echoes of his mom's worried voice lingering in the air. As he soared through the Martian sky, a sense of determination enveloped him.
Just as he approached his door, a soft yet muffled scream of surprise and happiness pierced the air.
Before he could react, a force collided with him. Crimson hair flowed like threads of blood across his vision, and a familiar voice whispered, "Claire."
However, something was amiss. The girl in his arms shook her head, denying the name. A sudden transformation swept through her, her face turning a deep shade of red. Her eyes glowed with a strange, bloody light, and her body radiated a heat like burning iron. Thomas could sense an inner struggle, a battle against an irresistible impulse.
With a mix of confusion and concern, he looked into her eyes, seeing the turmoil within. In a muffled and pained voice, she apologized. Before he could comprehend the situation, her face drew closer, and with a swift, unhindered motion, she sank her teeth into his neck.
The world around them seemed to blur as a rush of sensations enveloped Thomas. It was a paradoxical blend of pain and pleasure, an intimate connection that transcended the physical realm.
As she drank, he sensed the surge of power coursing through both of them, an exchange that defied the laws of ordinary existence.
Around them, Thomas could feel the presence of others. Auras of friends and colleagues surrounded the unusual scene, yet they remained trapped in confusion, unable to grasp the unfolding mystery. Thomas, in a moment of clarity, realized that this was no ordinary encounter, it was a manifestation of something ancient and profound.
As the seconds passed, the ritual-like communion continued.
Flashes of images raced through his mind like fragments of a forgotten dream, revealing untold stories etched into the fabric of existence.
The first scene unveiled a world where the balance of power had shifted. Animals, once subservient to humanity, had risen in rebellion, claiming their place as Earth's rightful rulers. A sprawling city named Eden stood as a testament to the resilience of the few remaining human survivors, nestled within the dominion of their newfound overlords.
In rapid succession, the tableau shifted to an era spanning over a thousand years. Humanity, faced with a world where animals harnessed the forces of nature, embarked on a journey of adaptation and understanding. The once-masters became students, delving into the mysteries of the awakened power that now shaped their existence.
Then, a pivotal moment emerged a spacecraft launched a year ago with a mission that transcended the boundaries of their home planet. It carried the brightest minds and visionaries of humanity, destined for a planet on the edge of the galaxy. However, fate had other plans. The spacecraft met with a catastrophic accident, hurtling into a colossal space station hidden in the cosmic vastness.
Survivors, a select group of humanity's best and brightest, ventured into the depths of the mysterious station. What they discovered defied their understanding, an expansive laboratory and workshop. Displayed before them were hundreds of armors, each marked with an ancient word for Immortal.
Her actions, though initially puzzling, began to unveil a deeper truth.
The exchange of blood wasn't a mere act of satisficing her hunger from a way to mark Thomas a the target of her affection.
As Thomas dealt with everything he just came to know, Lulu's voice punctuated his thoughts, straightforward and inquisitive. "Done here?" she queried. Meanwhile, Clarisse, sensing another soul deeply connected to Thomas, widened her eyes in silent surprise.
Thomas sighed internally. There was no avoiding the impending introduction. As the mental chatter escalated, Thomas, with a sense of acceptance, introduced Clarisse and Lulu through their unique mental connection.
Clarisse, oblivious to Lulu's true nature as a beast, expressed surprise at the revelation of Thomas adopting a sister in an allied world. Despite her initial shock, she found the idea intriguing and somewhat amusing. Lulu's lively presence added a touch of joy to the mental exchanges.
As Thomas prepared to end things there, Clarisse, still intrigued, sent a message through the mental link. "So, adopted a sister from another universe, huh? That's a first."
Lulu's response was swift and playful. "Yeah, I'm a lioness with a sense of humor. Deal with it."
Thomas chuckled mentally.
Clarisse's transformation became more apparent, her form shifting and resonating with an ethereal energy.
As the ritual reached its zenith, a surge of power erupted from their intertwined beings. The crimson glow around Claire intensified, and the air crackled with an otherworldly energy.
With a final, lingering sensation, Claire released her bite. The connection, while physically severed, left an indelible mark on both of them. As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them, transcending spoken words.
"I am Clarisse Graham of the Thunderblood Race and descendant of the Blood Progenitor," she declared, her eyes holding a mix of strength and vulnerability.
Thomas, still grappling with the vastness of the cosmic connection, could only utter, "You're not from... Universe, yes."
With a serene nod, Clarisse delved into an explanation about her species that had evolved from humans into something akin to spirits of nature and the so called vampires. The Thunderblood Race also held a unique ability to assimilate qualities and talents of other species by ingesting blood or flesh which made them grow even faster.
As assimilated all of Clarisse's words, an aged voice of the deities echoed inside his mind. "Normally, each universe is a unique entity, with its laws and distinct souls. No soul is identical, no exact replica across dimensions. But our universes, they're different. They're close, almost colliding. The gods' sacrifice keeps a balance, preventing catastrophe. Yet, a connection formed, weaving our universes together, sharing similar laws, worlds, and even souls."
Regaining his composure, Thomas rose, adjusting his clothes with a decisive air. Turning to his friends, Kan came talk to him. "If you're all revealing your secrets, I guess there's no need to hide mine... Thomas. You see, my full name is Ye Kan of the Ye Family. Our planet is known as Nirvana Sphere and it's a world full of immortal cultivators. My family has an elder who has reached the pinnacle of cultivation and has ascended to the immortal world."