[The Journey to Aetheris]
The group traveled for days across rugged terrain, the landscape shifting from dense forests to rolling hills as they approached the floating city of Aetheris. The air grew thinner, and the sky seemed to stretch endlessly above them. Salah walked at the front of the group, his thoughts heavy with the events of the past few days. Thorgrim's betrayal had shaken him, and the weight of the Shard's prophecy loomed larger than ever.
As they paused to rest by a crystal-clear stream, Salah sat on a moss-covered rock, staring at the water. His mind wandered to the first time he had summoned Rex in this world—a moment of triumph and relief amidst the chaos of his rebirth. But since then, Rex had been absent, and Salah couldn't shake the feeling of loss.
[Flashback: Rex's Evolution]
Salah closed his eyes, letting the memory wash over him.
It had been weeks ago, shortly after his rebirth. Salah had been exploring the forest near Galora, testing the limits of his new powers. When a pack of corrupted wolves had ambushed him, he had instinctively summoned Rex. The massive tiger had appeared in a flash of golden light, his tusks gleaming and his eyes blazing with protective fury.
The battle had been fierce, but Rex had fought with unmatched ferocity, tearing through the wolves with ease. Afterward, Salah had knelt beside his loyal companion, his hands glowing as he healed the tiger's minor wounds.
*Rex: through their bond "You've grown stronger, Salah. But so have the threats we face."
*Salah: mentally "I know. But with you by my side, I feel like I can face anything."
Rex had nuzzled Salah's hand, his golden eyes filled with warmth. But then, the tiger had grown still, his body beginning to glow with a soft, pulsating light.
*Rex: "I must slumber now. My body is changing, evolving to better serve you. I will return when the time is right."
Salah had tried to protest, but Rex's form had already begun to fade, dissolving into a shimmering mist that vanished into the air. Since then, Salah had tried to summon him, but the bond had been silent, as if Rex were in a deep, unbreakable sleep.
[Present: Rex's Return]
Salah opened his eyes, his heart heavy with the memory. He missed Rex more than he cared to admit. The tiger had been his constant companion, his protector, and his friend. Without him, Salah felt like a part of himself was missing.
As he stood to rejoin the group, a familiar warmth spread through his chest, and a voice echoed in his mind.
Rex: through their bond "Salah, I'm here."
Salah froze, his breath catching in his throat. The bond, silent for so long, was alive again. He turned, his eyes scanning the shadows, and there—emerging from the trees—was Rex. But the tiger was different now. His form was larger, his golden fur streaked with faint, glowing runes. His tusks were longer and sharper, and his eyes glowed with an otherworldly light.
Salah: mentally "Rex… you're back."
Rex: "I am. And I'm stronger now. I won't leave your side again."
Salah knelt, his hands trembling as he reached out to touch Rex's fur. The tiger nuzzled his hand, the bond between them stronger than ever.
Lady Asura approached, her expression filled with curiosity.
Lady Asura: "Is this… your battle pet?"
Salah nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.
Salah: "Yes. This is Rex. He's been with me since the beginning."
Kael: scoffing "Great. Another mouth to feed."
Rex turned to Kael, his golden eyes narrowing.
Rex: through their bond "This one has no respect. Shall I teach him a lesson?"
Salah chuckled, shaking his head.
Salah: mentally "Not yet. He's… complicated."
[The Aetherians]
As they approached the base of the floating city, a group of Aetherians descended from the sky, their wings glinting in the sunlight. The Aetherians were tall and graceful, their features sharp and their eyes filled with intelligence. At their head was High Warden Zephyr, a regal figure with silver wings and a commanding presence.
High Warden Zephyr: coldly "You trespass in our domain, land-dwellers. State your purpose."
Lady Asura stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding.
Lady Asura: "We seek your wisdom, High Warden. The dark magic that plagues the land threatens us all. We believe you may have knowledge that can help us stop it."
High Warden Zephyr's expression darkened, and he exchanged a glance with his companions.
High Warden Zephyr: "The dark magic is no concern of ours. The skies are vast, and we are safe above the clouds."
Salah stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace.
Salah: "Please, we mean no harm. I'm a healer. If any of your people are injured or sick, I can help them."
High Warden Zephyr hesitated, his gaze flickering to Salah's hands, which still glowed faintly with golden light. After a moment, he nodded.
High Warden Zephyr: "Very well. But know this: the knowledge you seek is dangerous. The Shard of Umbra is not a tool to be wielded lightly."
[The Floating City]
The Aetherians led the group to their floating city, a breathtaking sight of crystal spires and golden bridges. The city was alive with movement, Aetherians flying gracefully through the air and tending to their homes. The group was given enchanted amulets that allowed them to walk on the floating platforms, and they followed High Warden Zephyr to a grand hall at the center of the city.
The hall was filled with murals depicting the history of the Aetherians, including their role in the ancient war between light and shadow. Salah studied the murals, his heart heavy with the weight of what he saw.
High Warden Zephyr: sternly "The Shard of Umbra was created by an ancient order of mages who sought to control both light and shadow. But their ambition was their downfall. The Shard corrupted them, turning them into monsters."
Salah: softly "What happened to them?"
High Warden Zephyr's expression grew grim.
High Warden Zephyr: "They were destroyed, but the Shard remained. It was hidden away, but its power has begun to seep into the world once more. If it is not stopped, it will consume everything."
Salah's breath caught in his throat. The stakes were higher than he had imagined.
[The Warning]
As the group prepared to leave, High Warden Zephyr pulled Salah aside, his expression filled with concern.
High Warden Zephyr: "Healer, you must be careful. The Shard is sentient, and it will try to manipulate you. It will prey on your fears, your regrets, your darkest desires. Only the strongest of wills can resist its pull."
Salah nodded, his resolve hardening.
Salah: "I understand. But I can't turn away from this. Too many lives are at stake."
High Warden Zephyr studied him for a long moment before nodding.
High Warden Zephyr: "Then may the skies' blessings guide you."
[The Departure]
The group left the Aetherians' city with heavy hearts, the weight of High Warden Zephyr's warning lingering in their minds. As they descended from the floating city, Kael fell into step beside Salah, his voice low.
Kael: "You're too trusting, you know that? Not everyone has your best interests at heart."
Salah glanced at him, his expression thoughtful.
Salah: "Maybe. But I'd rather trust and be wrong than live in fear of everyone."
Kael didn't respond, but for the first time, there was no mockery in his silence.