Sentinels

Carter sat firmly in front of the seven figures.And the first to awaken was Ralak. His form resembled a human's, except for his tall, dark horns, shadowy wings, and crimson eyes. He wore a sleek dark suit with a single white glove, adding a dignified edge. The second to awaken was Zhala, one of the saints Carter had sent on the expedition. She looked like a graceful mermaid with legs, her bright blue skin, stunning red hair, and green eyes giving her an otherworldly beauty even Her ears, shaped like pink fish fins, added to her striking appearance.She wore a beautiful short pink dress.

The third to awaken was Jirak, who retained some resemblance to his previous Xlydra form, though now he looked more like a Loong dragon with sinuous grace and ancient power. Next came Rorak, whose muscular form looked like that of Fury, a Kyni but more powerful, with distinctly human features and dark skin, except for his four strong arms. Carter had even given him Fury's spear, marking him a fierce warrior among his guardians.Fifth to open her eyes was Lorna, a celestial figure with majestic white and gold wings, a golden crown, and flowing white-blonde hair that gave her a divine presence. The sixth, Drenok, took on the guise of a small child, yet his shadow-like tendrils and eyeless visage hinted at the Shadrax lineage, with dark energy coiling around him.

The seventh, however, remained in silence, yet to awaken.

One by one, as each saint awoke and saw Carter on his throne, they knelt in reverence. Carter raised his hand, speaking in a deep, powerful voice, "Rise, my guardians."

All stood and assumed a stance of solemn respect. "As the Lord commands," they answered in union.

"At ease, my children." They relaxed, awaiting his words.

"First, I owe you an apology," Carter began, his voice solemn. "Zhala, Rorak, Jirak, Lorna, and Drenok—I ask your forgiveness. Due to my lack of awareness, I sent you all into X3X territory without fully understanding their power, leading you to your deaths. I humbly apologize."

The saints immediately responded.

"It's not your fault, my Lord," Lorna said, her voice filled with emotion. "The X3X deceived us, feigning loyalty to your word before launching surprise attacks. We stood no chance."

"Yes, my Lord," Jirak added. "Even as we fought and lost, we bore no regrets. Our loyalty held firm, even in death."

Zhala nodded. "The thought of returning to you in death gave us peace; we had no fear and no resentment. The fault is not yours."

"Yes, my lord, we knew even in death we would rest eternally with the one deity, so no fear could cause us to lose hope; the lord shouldn't blame himself." Rorak stated, with Drenok agreeing and nodding solemnly.

Ralak stepped forward, kneeling with his hand over his chest. "We are your swords and your shields, my Lord. None of us would hesitate to give our lives for you. These new forms you have bestowed upon us are further proof of your unending generosity."

Carter's face softened, and though they couldn't see it through the dark shadow that hid his face, he was genuinely touched. "Thank you, Ralak... all of you. If I had a heart, I know it would be overflowing right now. Your devotion strengthens me." He leaned forward, his voice shifting to a tone of gravity. "Now, to the matter at hand—the true reason I have brought you back in these forms."

The guardians took a serious stance, awaiting his words.

"There are beings that defy my power," Carter announced.

They looked at one another in shock. Ralak clenched his jaw. "Who would dare defy you, my Lord? Say the word, and we will crush them."

"These are not mere factions or upstarts like the Void Cult on our world," Carter explained. "This is a force far larger than mine. Some of you already know them... they are the X3X."

The air around the saints shifted. Energy surged from each of them in powerful waves, swirling and crackling with anger as they remembered their defeat. Carter observed them, noticing the pain still simmering within them. "So you're all still suffering from this," he thought.

"Enough!" Ralak's voice rang out, deep and steady; though he had not released his own aura, an ominous and powerful energy came from him. "We are in our Lord's presence. Either control yourselves, or I will do it for you." His ominous tone brought each saint back to calm as they immediately kneeled, murmuring their apologies.

Carter cleared his throat, his tone forgiving. "It's alright. I understand the trauma the X3X caused you. I hold no ill will toward your reaction." They stood again, still humbled but resolute.

He looked at Ralak thoughtfully, impressed. "Ralak is something else. I poured nearly the same amount of celestial energy into his creation as the others, yet he stands on a whole different level," Carter mused to himself, watching his warriors with renewed confidence in what lay ahead.