The ship stood in the heart of Zephyr Isle's underground workshop, now modified beyond recognition. The hull had been reinforced with lightning-resistant metal, and The Storm Drive pulsed with raw energy, crackling with tiny arcs of electricity. The ship's wings had been enhanced with storm-forged plating, and the entire frame now had magical engravings, designed to withstand the violent winds of the Thunder Skies.
Ren stepped onto the deck, staring at the ship with a mix of excitement and tension. "So… this is it."
Raidon, standing near the control panel, nodded. "Once we start the Storm Drive, there's no stopping. Either we break through the Thunder Skies… or we don't come back."
Sakayanagi crossed her arms. "Then let's make sure we break through."
Kaelen examined the new modifications. "The Mechanist said the first few seconds will be the hardest. We have to go thunder-speed before the storm recognizes us as invaders. Otherwise, the winds will crush us."
Shigan leaned against the railing, stretching his arms. "No point in waiting, then. Let's get this started."
The Takeoff
The crew strapped in as Raidon powered up the ship. The Storm Drive roared to life, sending a wave of energy through the vessel. The air around them shimmered, static filling the atmosphere.
"Everyone, hold on!" Raidon shouted as he gripped the controls.
The ship launched forward, rocketing toward the sky. Clouds split apart as they gained altitude, the winds growing harsher with every second. The Thunder Skies loomed above them, a massive barrier of swirling storm clouds, flashing with endless lightning.
Ren clenched his fists. "This is insane. That thing looks alive."
As they neared the storm, a massive surge of wind slammed into the ship, tilting it violently. The hull groaned under the pressure, and lightning struck the ship's wings, causing sparks to fly.
"Storm Drive isn't at full power yet!" Raidon gritted his teeth. "We need a bit more time!"
But the storm wasn't going to wait. From within the dark clouds, shapes began to form—winged creatures made of pure lightning, their eyes burning with electric fury. They screeched, charging toward the ship at high speeds.
Sakayanagi's eyes widened. "We've got company!"
Kaelen pulled out his weapon. "Thunder Wraiths. If they stop us, we're done."
Shigan smirked. "Then let's not let them stop us."
A Battle in the Storm
As the Thunder Wraiths attacked, Ren's shadows burst forth, forming a barrier of dark energy to shield the ship. The lightning creatures clashed against it, sending shockwaves across the sky.
Sakayanagi ignited her flames, striking one of the Wraiths mid-air, causing an explosion of fire and electricity. "They're tough, but they're not invincible!"
Shigan leaped onto the railing, focusing his ki into a concentrated blast, sending it toward another Wraith, dispersing it into pure energy.
Despite their efforts, the storm only grew more violent, as if sensing their resistance.
Raidon's eyes narrowed. "Enough playing around. Storm Drive, full power!"
The ship's thrusters ignited, unleashing a massive shockwave that sent the Wraiths scattering.
The ship lurched forward, accelerating at impossible speeds, breaking through layers of storm clouds. Lightning bolts rained down, but the reinforced hull endured.
Then, in a blinding flash, the storm vanished.
The ship emerged into the Thunder Skies.
The world around them had changed. Golden clouds stretched endlessly, illuminated by streaks of blue lightning. Floating islands drifted in the sky, held up by unseen forces. The air hummed with energy, as if the very atmosphere was alive.
Ren exhaled. "We made it."
Raidon stood at the helm, a small smirk on his face. "Welcome to the Thunder Skies."
To be continued…