With a deep, steadying breath, she placed her palm against the stone. The moment her skin made contact, a brilliant surge of light erupted from the stone, enveloping her in a radiant glow. It was as if the stars themselves had responded to her call, the energy crackling and shimmering like fireworks against the night sky.
I couldn't tear my eyes away. The radiance illuminated her features, revealing a fierce determination beneath her otherwise aloof exterior. For a moment, I saw a different side of her—a glimpse of vulnerability hidden beneath layers of sarcasm and bravado.
As the light intensified, the energy around her began to swirl and pulse. It responded to her will, mirroring her growing confidence.The colors shifted from deep blues to vibrant purples, a mesmerizing dance that reflected the duality she embodied. I could see her confidence growing as she steadied herself, her grip tightening on the stone.
But with that confidence came a ferocity that was almost overwhelming. The light flickered and expanded, casting strange shadows across the clearing. The ground beneath me vibrated with power, and I felt a mix of awe and fear wash over me. I had never witnessed a bonding so intense.
Her expression shifted, a blend of focus and exhilaration. The swirling energy reached its peak, and for a brief moment, it felt like the very fabric of reality was bending to her will. The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, their voices echoing in the backdrop of this cosmic spectacle.
Then, as the brilliant light reached its zenith, the energy surged outward, enveloping her completely. In that moment, it was as if she became one with the cosmos, a conduit of power and potential. The colors swirled around her, creating a halo of light that illuminated the entire clearing.
Finally, with a powerful exhale, the light began to settle, merging into a radiant aura around her. I could see her eyes gleaming with newfound strength, reflecting the light of the star she had bonded with—the Binary Star System, a fitting choice for someone so adept at balancing duality.
As the crowd cheered, I felt a rush of admiration for her. Lunar had embraced her connection with the stars, and in that moment, she transformed into something greater than herself. A guardian of cosmic balance.
After the bonding ceremony, things moved quickly. The air was still buzzing with excitement as the new Guardians were being scouted. I wasn't sure what to expect—who was going to notice me, or if anyone even would. But then Zaire showed up, scouting a few of us, including me, Raven, and Somuchi. Of course, I was excited. If Zaire thought I had potential, then I must've done something right.
As we started walking, I glanced over at Raven, who was unusually quiet for someone who usually had a playful, carefree attitude. "You nervous?" I asked, half teasing, half curious.
Raven flashed a grin. "Me? Nah, just wondering who else is on this dream team. Hopefully, they don't drag us down, right?"
Somuchi, always stoic, chimed in with her usual calm. "The strength of the team isn't just about individual power. It's about unity."
Raven smirked, nudging her playfully. "Yeah, yeah, unity's great and all, but I'm trying to see some action."
Zaire, walking ahead of us, glanced back with a knowing smile. "You'll get your action, trust me. But remember, it's not just about who hits hardest. You'll need to learn to trust each other. That's how we survive."
I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I knew he was right. The Guardians who lasted were the ones who could rely on their teammates. Still, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that I had something to prove—both to Zaire and myself.
We arrived at a small clearing, where a few Guardians were already waiting. That's when I saw her.
She stood there, arms folded, looking like she'd been waiting for us. She was older, maybe eighteen, with this calm vibe that immediately set her apart from everyone else. While the others seemed excited, there was something different about her. She wasn't just a regular Guardian; she was someone who had already been through the fire. You could see it in the way she stood, so relaxed but ready for anything.
Zaire introduced her. "This is Luma. She's been on my team for a while now. You'll learn a lot from her."
I wasn't sure what to make of her at first. She didn't have that edge I was expecting from someone in Zaire's squad. In fact, she didn't seem tough at all—kind, maybe. I caught myself thinking she might be soft. I almost brushed her off, but when her eyes met mine, something stopped me. There was a warmth there that threw me off.
She smiled, but it wasn't a smirk or anything cocky. Just… genuine. "Akame, right?" she said, her voice soft. "I've heard about you."
I wasn't sure how to respond, so I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "Yeah, that's me."
Her smile didn't waver, even when I tried to act distant. "Zaire doesn't bring just anyone onto his team. I'm looking forward to working with you."
It was weird. For a second, I didn't feel like I had to prove anything to her. She wasn't sizing me up like others did. Instead, she seemed… patient. Like she could see something I hadn't even noticed about myself.
Before I knew it, the rest of the introductions happened, and we started gearing up for our first team mission.
Zaire led the way, his steps easy and deliberate, like we were heading to some casual rendezvous rather than diving into a high-stakes mission. His demeanor was as relaxed as always, but the intensity behind his eyes gave him away—Zaire never did anything without thinking three steps ahead. The forest was quiet, the sounds of distant wind barely masking the tension building between us.
"You ready for your first real run as Guardians?" Zaire asked, that usual hint of humor dancing on the edge of his words. But underneath, there was something sharper, more deliberate. This wasn't a training exercise.
Raven, never one to shy away from a challenge, shrugged casually. "Ready enough. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?" His smile was cocky, but his voice had an edge to it. He knew the stakes.
Zaire chuckled under his breath. "You'll find out soon enough."
Somuchi, stoic as ever, stayed quiet. Her calm was unshakable, but even she glanced at Zaire for more details. The weight of the unknown hung between us, thick and heavy.
From the back of the group, Luma caught up with a soft smile, her presence instantly calming. "Don't let the tension get to you. We've faced challenges before. Remember, it's okay to lean on each other."
Raven smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "What if we lean too hard and fall over? Wouldn't that just be embarrassing?"
Luma chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Then we'll all fall together. We've got each other's backs, right?" Her tone was reassuring, yet there was an underlying fierceness to her words that hinted at her protective nature.
Zaire nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up. "Exactly. Just stay focused. We'll navigate through this together."
Somuchi finally spoke up, her voice steady. "Sticking together is our strongest asset. We can handle whatever comes our way."
We kept walking until Zaire finally stopped. "Here we are," he said, stepping aside to reveal the Celestial Transport resting in the clearing.
It looked like something pulled straight from the heart of the cosmos itself. The ship's exterior shimmered with a black, almost glass-like finish, rippling with deep shades of purple and blue, like a piece of the night sky had been forged into steel. Sharp, angular lines ran along its wings, while faint celestial markings glowed, pulsing rhythmically as if the ship were alive—breathing.
"That's the ride?" Raven muttered, half-impressed, half-wary.
Zaire's smirk widened. "Not just a ride. This ship doesn't move through space—it commands it. And we'll need every bit of its power where we're going."
As we boarded the transport, the interior hummed with quiet energy, the kind that buzzes just beneath the surface. There was no small talk, no idle chatter. This wasn't some routine mission. The Voidlands loomed ahead of us, a place known for swallowing Guardians whole.
Zaire strapped in casually, like he'd done this a thousand times before. His voice, though still light, carried a weight that drew all our attention. "We're heading into the Voidlands to retrieve something ancient—something dangerous. The Primal Star."
The mention of the Primal Star sent a shiver through me. We'd all heard the legends. Stars so old and powerful, they didn't just exist—they shaped the universe. Taming one was considered nearly impossible. Retrieving it? Even more so.
Somuchi's eyes flickered, the only indication he understood the gravity of what we were about to face. "Why do we have to get it, we're new to this and were already being sent on a dangerous mission?" She asked, her voice measured.
Zaire leaned back in his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips."They sent another team but…let's just say they weren't prepared. The Voidlands… don't play by the same rules as the rest of the universe. And the Primal Star? It's not going to just sit there waiting for us to grab it."
I felt the tension rise in the cabin, but Zaire's confidence was unshakable. His grin hadn't faltered once since we left, and that should've been unsettling. But it wasn't. In fact, it was the opposite. His calm was infectious.
Raven, always the one to try and break the tension, leaned forward. "So, it's a smash-and-grab then? Get in, grab the star, get out?"
Zaire's eyes darkened, his smile turning into something colder. "Nothing in the Voidlands is that simple. Every inch of that place is going to fight back. And the star? It's alive in its own way. If we're not careful, it'll tear us apart before we even realize what hit us."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. But there was no fear in Zaire's voice—just facts. The way he said it made it clear: this was dangerous, but he wasn't worried.
Zaire's voice sliced through the tension like a blade, his confidence a palpable force. "That's where I come in," he added, his tone shifting, now colder, more deliberate. "With me here, you're not going to end up like the last team."
The gravity of his words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the mission's stakes. The silence that followed was heavy, charged with anticipation and a hint of dread. I exchanged glances with Raven and Somuchi, each of us aware that we were stepping into the unknown. Zaire's presence was comforting, but it also carried the weight of the responsibilities we were about to shoulder.
As we approached the Voidlands, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The landscape unfolded before us like a dark tapestry, riddled with swirling energies and fractured remnants of long-lost celestial bodies. It was a place where the very fabric of reality seemed to fray at the edges, the light from distant stars flickering like dying embers. The air felt thick with tension, as if the Voidlands themselves were aware of our presence, watching, waiting.
Zaire led the way with unwavering confidence, his casual demeanor at odds with the ominous surroundings. "Welcome to the Voidlands, where even light hesitates to tread," he quipped, though the humor felt more like a veneer over the underlying seriousness. "Keep your eyes open and your wits sharper. We're not just here for a stroll in the dark."
The landscape around us twisted and turned, a chaotic blend of gravity wells and ethereal energies. Jagged rock formations loomed overhead, casting eerie shadows that danced with every flicker of light. Strange, pulsating remnants of cosmic energy floated aimlessly, remnants of stars long since extinguished. I could feel the weight of the Voidlands pressing in on us, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond our sight.
Zaire paused, glancing back at us with a serious expression. "Remember, our target is a Primal Star—raw, untamed power waiting to be unleashed. It's not just about retrieval; we need to be prepared for anything."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of excitement and apprehension. I could sense the gravity of the situation settling in, the realization that we were about to face challenges beyond anything we'd encountered before.
As we moved deeper into the Voidlands, I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was it—our first real mission as a team, and I could only hope that Zaire's confidence would carry us through the perils ahead.
The celestial transport pierced through the swirling darkness of the void, its sleek frame designed for agility and speed. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. I could see Zaire leaning back casually in his seat, a stark contrast to the gravity of our mission. His confidence was palpable, like a shield against the unease that filled the cabin.
As we approached the coordinates, Zaire's expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing with focus. "We're coming up on the planet," he announced, his voice steady. "This isn't a picnic. The primal star is likely guarded by whatever remains of the last team, and they didn't make it back. Keep your guard up."
Raven leaned closer, his playful demeanor dimmed. "You think they're still out there? Like, as in… dead or worse?"
"Yeah, or worse," Zaire replied, a smirk creeping onto his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. "But hey, it'll be a good practice run for you three. Just think of it as a crash course in not dying."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the rush of adrenaline that surged through me. This was it—our first real test, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Somuchi remained silent, her expression unreadable, but I could sense the tension in her posture.
With a sudden lurch, the transport broke through the cloud cover, revealing a desolate landscape sprawling beneath us. The planet's surface was a canvas of barren rock and jagged cliffs, shadowed under an eerie twilight that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. Jagged mountains jutted into the sky, and rivers of molten rock snaked through the craters like veins of fire.
Zaire glanced at us, his demeanor shifting from casual to commanding. "Welcome to the Voidlands. Home of the primal star," he said, his tone colder, more deliberate. "And trust me, it's not just a fancy name. The last team didn't just disappear. They were obliterated. We're here to retrieve that star and not join their ranks."
As the transport began its descent, I felt a chill run down my spine. The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavy, a sense of foreboding pressing down on me. This was no ordinary mission; it felt like we were stepping into the jaws of something far more sinister.
The ground rushed closer, and Zaire piloted the transport with deft precision, landing us smoothly in a clearing. The moment the doors slid open, an unnatural wind whipped around us, carrying the scent of sulfur and ash.
"Stay sharp," Zaire instructed, his playful demeanor gone, replaced by an intensity that commanded respect. "Remember, this is a primal star we're after. It's not just powerful—it's unpredictable. Follow my lead, and we'll make it back in one piece."
With that, we stepped out into the bleak expanse of the Voidlands.
Zaire spoke to us "I've gotten word that another person is here to assist us in finding the primal star, hopefully they haven't died yet"
Somuchi glanced around, taking in the desolate surroundings. "This planet…" she started, her voice calm but thoughtful. "It feels like a forgotten world. The air is heavy, and the ground is marked by past battles."
I followed her gaze, observing the jagged rock formations that loomed like silent sentinels over the landscape. The sky was a muted gray, with thick clouds swirling above, casting an oppressive shadow over everything. It felt like a place where hope had been extinguished, a stark reminder of the battles that had scarred it.
"Welcome to the Voidlands," I murmured, feeling the weight of the name settle in. It was a fitting description for this desolate terrain.
Zaire stepped forward, brushing aside Somuchi's concerns with a playful smile. "Just another day in paradise, right? But let's keep our eyes peeled. This place has a way of testing your limits."
I couldn't help but notice how Zaire seemed almost at home in this eerie environment. While the rest of us felt the tension, he exuded a confidence that was both reassuring and intimidating.
"Are we really relying on someone else?" Raven piped up, skepticism lacing his tone. "In a place like this? I'm not sure trusting anyone is a good idea."
"That's why we have Zaire," I replied, casting a glance at him. He was already scanning the horizon, a hint of mischief in his eyes as if he were anticipating something exciting.
"Relax," Zaire said, his casual demeanor masking the gravity of the situation. "What's the worst that could happen? We're just picking up a primal star. Nothing too dangerous." He grinned, but the underlying tension was palpable.
Deep down, I knew the primal star wasn't just an object to collect; it was a force that could shift the balance of power in the universe. If it fell into the wrong hands, it wouldn't just be our mission at stake—it would be everything we stood for.
Somuchi moved closer, breaking through my thoughts. "We need to stay sharp. If another team is here, they might be just as desperate as we are."
"Desperate," Zaire echoed, the lightness in his tone wavering slightly. "Or desperate enough to do whatever it takes to get it first. Let's not underestimate the threat. Also luma stay on this ship in case we need to get out quick." "I understand, be safe everyone" Luma said.
With those words, we began our search. The barren landscape of the Voidlands stretched out before us, filled with jagged rocks and swirling mists that obscured our vision. The silence was unsettling, broken only by the crunch of gravel beneath our feet and the distant rumble of thunder overhead.
As we wandered deeper into the wasteland, the atmosphere grew heavier. Each step felt like a reminder of the tension building around us. Somuchi led the way, scanning the ground for any signs of life or disturbance, while Raven's usual playful banter was replaced by a focused silence. Zaire walked with a confident stride, his presence commanding yet relaxed, as if he were more in control of the situation than any of us.
After what felt like hours of searching, we arrived at a cavernous opening. The air was charged, a faint pulsation reverberating from within. "This might be it," I said, my heart racing with a mix of hope and apprehension. "The energy feels intense."
Zaire nodded, his demeanor shifting as he prepared for whatever lay ahead. "Stay close. We don't know what we're walking into."
As we entered the cave, the glow from the primal star grew more pronounced, illuminating the darkness with a surreal light. The cavern was expansive, with crystal formations jutting from the walls, reflecting the star's radiance in a dazzling array of colors. But amid the beauty was a deep-seated dread, an awareness that something was lurking just out of sight.
As we ventured further, I could feel the primal star's energy vibrating in my bones. Suddenly, we caught sight of a figure at the center of the chamber, bathed in the golden light of the primal star. My breath caught in my throat as I squinted to make sense of what I was seeing.
"Who's that?" Raven asked, taking a cautious step forward.
"I don't know," I whispered, tension knotting in my stomach. "But they seem to be absorbing the energy."
The figure moved fluidly, their form twisting and pulsating with the primal star's power. There was a sickly beauty to it, but it sent chills down my spine. I glanced at Zaire, who had already adopted a battle-ready stance, his earlier humor replaced by cold focus.
"Whatever they're doing, it can't be good," Zaire said, his voice steady. Then, with a smirk that hinted at his bravado, he added, "Guess they didn't get the memo that stealing isn't cool. But hey, I love a good energy boost—too bad they're not sharing."
The figure suddenly turned, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. I felt a jolt of unease as their smile widened, an unsettling mix of exhilaration and menace. "You're too late," they declared, their voice echoing eerily in the cavern. "This power belongs to me now."
"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart racing. "Who are you?"
But before I could get an answer, the energy in the room surged, warping the air around us. Zaire stepped forward, eyes narrowing as the tension in the chamber thickened. "Stay back," he ordered, his tone low and commanding. "I'll deal with them"
As the figure continued to draw in the primal star's energy, it became clear that they were no ordinary opponent. The air crackled with power, and I knew we were on the brink of a confrontation that would reveal the true stakes of this mission—and Zaire's prowess as the strongest Guardian.