The twin moons of Gura bathed the towering skyline of Moravuno in a violet glow. The city pulsed with life beneath Scorpio, a kingdom of steel and ambition, thriving under the illusion of peace.
From the highest skyscraper, he sat on the ledge, his jet-black jacket billowing in the cold night air. His sharp gaze locked onto the three men kneeling before him—bruised, bloodied, and trembling. Their once-pristine suits were now tattered, their dignity shattered alongside them.
Scorpio sighed and stood, walking toward them with slow, deliberate steps. He crouched before the man with a deep cut above his brow, tilting his head. "So… let's try this again."
The rooftop was silent, save for the city's distant hum. The man swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "We—we don't know anything, I swear!"
Scorpio exhaled through his nose. "See, that's the part that pisses me off."
He flicked his wrist, and instantly, a deep crimson aura flared around him, flickering like embers. The air grew dense. The rooftop lights flickered. The men gasped as their bodies were forced lower under an unseen pressure.
"You work for them." Scorpio's voice was calm but razor-sharp. "You're telling me you have no idea who's pulling the strings behind the assassinations?"
The second man trembled. "We—we only follow orders! Please, we don't know who the real mastermind is!"
Scorpio studied them. His instincts told him they weren't lying. Useless.
Just as he turned away, a sharp whoosh cut through the air.
Move.
Scorpio dodged an incoming blade, feeling the cold steel graze his jacket. His reflexes kicked in. In one fluid motion, he sidestepped, caught the attacker's wrist, twisted, and slammed them onto the concrete. The assassin gasped as Scorpio planted a boot against their chest.
"And who sent you?" His voice was lower now—more dangerous.
The assassin, though pinned, glared up at him through their cracked mask. Silent. Loyal.
A waste of time.
Before he could press further, a voice interrupted.
"Tsk. Took you long enough."
Scorpio turned as three figures landed gracefully on the rooftop.
Leo, arms crossed, smirked. His golden-blond hair gleamed under the neon lights, and his cocky expression hadn't changed. "You really do love the theatrics, huh?"
Taurus, towering over the rest at six foot five, cracked his knuckles. "You could've left one standing. I was getting bored."
Libra, standing slightly behind them, sighed. "We don't have time for this, Scorpio." Her soft pink eyes met his—calm, unreadable.
Scorpio scoffed, stepping off the assassin. "Let me guess. Monarch calls."
Libra nodded. "He's waiting for you."
Scorpio looked down at the men—some unconscious, others too weak to move. Not worth it. He exhaled, then turned toward the edge of the building.
Minutes later, a sleek black helicopter soared through the night sky, cutting through the thick clouds as it approached the Monarch Estate. Inside, Scorpio sat in silence, arms crossed, the rhythmic thrum of the rotors filling the cabin.
Leo stretched his arms behind his head. "You know, for someone who hates the authority, you sure do get summoned a lot."
Scorpio didn't respond.
Taurus let out a grunt. "Let's just get this over with."
Libra, seated beside Scorpio, glanced at him. "You know he won't take no for an answer."
Scorpio closed his eyes for a brief moment. He knew that The Monarch never made casual requests.
As the helicopter descended, The Monarch Estate loomed before them—a masterpiece of architecture and power. The white marble towers reached for the sky, golden inlays glimmering under the twin moons. Guards lined the grand entrance, their posture rigid, their eyes sharp.
As they stepped out of the helicopter, the doors of the estate opened before them. No words were exchanged. Their arrival had been expected.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. Ancient tapestries lined the halls, depicting battles long won and dynasties long gone. Every step toward the throne room felt heavier.
The grand doors parted, revealing The Monarch seated upon his elevated throne. The chamber was empty, save for them. No advisors. No council.
This wasn't politics. This was personal.
The Monarch's hazel eyes locked onto Scorpio the moment he entered. His fingers drummed against the armrest.
"Scorpio." His voice was calm, but the weight behind it was undeniable. "It's time we talked about your future."
Scorpio exhaled slowly, stepping forward. "Then let's talk."
The heavy doors of the throne room closed behind them with a low thud, cutting off the murmured voices of guards and attendants outside. A massive stained-glass window cast ribbons of colored light across the marble floor, illuminating the Monarch of Moravuno in a regal glow.
Scorpio with his sharp gaze was fixed on the Monarch like it never left and he uttered:
"So, let me get this straight—helping people is suddenly a crime now?"
His arms were crossed, his tone edged with defiance. He stood in the center of the grand chamber, facing the Monarch, who regarded him with an unreadable expression.
"You didn't just 'help people,' Scorpio," the Monarch said. His voice was calm, yet heavy with authority. "You stormed into a high-security district, dismantled an underground arms trade, and left half a dozen enforcers hospitalized—all without permission."
Scorpio's jaw tightened. "They were corrupt. Feeding weapons to the Syndicate".
"That's why you don't do things alone."
The Monarch's voice boomed across the throne room as his left fist struck the throne's handle, the impact echoing through the chamber. The sudden outburst sent a sharp tension through the air.
Scorpio barely flinched, but his hands curled into fists at his sides.
The weight of the words pressed on Scorpio, but he refused to back down. He could feel the eyes of the other Zodiacs on him.
"Oh no, the mighty Scorpio, breaker of laws and hospital bills!" Leo spread his arms dramatically, grin wide. "What next? You gonna start robbing banks to punish the corrupt banking system? Maybe overthrow governments while you're at it?"
Scorpio shot him a glare. "Shut the hell up, Leo."
"I mean, don't get me wrong, big guy," Leo continued, still grinning. "You've got guts. But c'mon, at least TRY not to act like you were born with a hero complex. The 'dark and brooding vigilante' thing is so last decade."
The Monarch tapped a finger on the throne's armrest, his expression unreadable. "Time passes quickly," he said softly. "It feels like only yesterday you were all… what, twelve? Thirteen?" His gaze flicked to Leo. "You especially caused quite a stir back then."
Leo leaned back against a pillar, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "I like to think I still do, old man."
Taurus chuckled, deep and amused. "You were more of a loudmouth than a stir, Leo."
Libra smirked, her tone measured but teasing. "Taurus, you were the one breaking training dummies every other day."
A flicker of amusement crossed the Monarch's face before he stood, robes swishing around him in a regal arc. "And now look at you. Each of you has faced trials I never could have imagined... You're more than just Zodiacs. You're guardians. My guardians."
Scorpio's hands clenched at his sides, the Monarch's words weighing on him. Their last conversation still echoed in his mind—his future, his purpose, the burden of expectation.
Leo, sensing the tension, shot him a sideways glance. "You good, bro?" His voice carried a teasing lilt, but his eyes held genuine concern.
Scorpio shrugged. "I'm fine. Just listening."
"Good." The Monarch's gaze swept over them, suddenly sharp. "Then listen carefully. There's been word of the Ashen Pact Syndicate—the same group behind the recent assassinations—planning something far larger than scattered attacks. Our intelligence suggests they're mobilizing within the streets of Moravuno as we speak."
Libra's expression darkened. "The Syndicate's bold. Attacking inside the capital is practically suicide."
"Or a statement," Scorpio murmured.
The Monarch nodded. "Which is why I need all of you ready. An assault on Moravuno is an assault on our very foundation. If we fail to protect this city, it won't just be the Syndicate's victory—it'll be a call for every dissident group out there to rise up."
Taurus cracked his knuckles, veins bulging. "We won't let that happen."
Leo pushed off the pillar, his grin sharpening. "So, what's the plan? We hit them first?"
For a brief second, the throne room fell into silence. Then—
A thunderous boom rocked the palace.
The stained-glass window trembled in its frame. Dust fell from the ornate ceiling. The air shifted—charged with tension.
Scorpio's eyes narrowed. "That came from the lower districts."
The Monarch's voice was calm but urgent. "Go. Now."
They burst into motion, their boots pounding against the marble floors as they raced through the palace corridors. Servants scattered, alarmed, as another explosion roared in the distance.
The moment they stepped outside, the night sky was ablaze.
The Ashen Pact Syndicate have risen to the limelight.