Holding The Orb

A powerful wind swarms through the elevator as soon as the doors open and uncage the greatest threat to walk the earth. His boots drag against the concrete of the highest rooftop in the city, and his blood dazzles a trail as he limps his way toward the edge of the skyscraper. The wind drags him back with the balance of the world swaying in disruption. Fighting with what energy he has left, Ryker shakily drags his hand into the pouch where the orb had rested during the last few hours that felt like an eternity.

He pulls the metal orb out, watching the neon pulse like a heartbeat in the dark atmosphere where only the moonlight cures blindness. The stars above shine brighter than ever as the storm passes into another canvas where the clouds can paint a new atmosphere below. Ryker nearly trips over himself, forced to place more pressure on each step. As he nears the edge where the cannons lie below, a final figure swerves from the stars and rolls a landing onto the rooftop.

With their wings completely extended and glistening against the light of the night sky, a new Reaper arrives to stop Ryker from his tracks. They step cautiously, knowing the fate of the many comrades before them, and slowly draw a handgun to raise to the dying flames within Ryker's eyes. They take the weapon off its safety and aim with care, ready to put the flame of a new war out before it burns down a new landmark.

Ryker is defeated.

His actions were bold and powerful, but the Kaiyo had always found a way to rise above their mistakes. They were butterflies of solace, ready to travel to new heights in search of a greater purpose.

This was their purpose.

Now, they can finally end the lifelong war. The last Ikari stands before the elite with a rebellious stare, never allowing the enemy to kill them without a final fight.

The Reaper glides their finger over the trigger.

And with a single pull, the world changes.