The Zodiac Ruins Discussion (Prequel)

Zodiac Ruins: The First Discussion

(Prequel – Before Joker's Defeat by Ryuta)

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the ancient stone chamber. The five sat in a semi-circle around a large, worn table, their gazes focused on the man standing at the head. Lucian, the enigmatic leader of the Zodiac Ruins, leaned forward, his fingers interlocked, his expression unreadable.

A heavy silence filled the air as the weight of their new problem settled in.

"The Joker."

Lucian's voice was calm, but the name alone carried a sense of unease.

Aelius was the first to speak, his fiery eyes narrowing. "I don't see why we should even be concerned. He's just a madman playing with chaos. A threat, sure, but not something we can't handle."

Leonis, ever the composed strategist, exhaled through his nose, arms crossed. "That's where you're wrong. This isn't just some unpredictable lunatic causing mayhem. He's more than that."

Kael, who had been listening in silence, finally raised her head, her sharp gaze piercing through the flickering light. "A monster in the guise of a clown."

Zephyr smirked, leaning back in his chair. "A monster, you say? Aren't we all?"

Orion chuckled at Zephyr's remark but quickly became serious. "All of this aside, what's our move? Are we interfering, or do we let fate play its hand?"

Lucian closed his eyes for a moment before speaking. "We don't have all the answers yet. What we do know is that the Joker is a variable—one that cannot be ignored. There is something… off about him."

Aelius leaned forward. "Then let's eliminate him. We strike first."

Leonis shot him a look. "And risk turning his chaos toward us? No. We need information first."

Kael's voice was quiet, but firm. "Then I'll find it."

Zephyr grinned. "Oh? The scorpion is moving?"

Orion, twirling a small dagger in his fingers, sighed. "She's right. We need to know what we're dealing with before we start swinging swords and throwing fire."

Lucian nodded. "Then it's decided. Kael, gather whatever you can. The rest of you, be prepared. If this Joker truly is a threat…"

His golden eyes flickered.

"…then we might have no choice but to act."

The five warriors glanced at one another, silent but understanding. This was the first time they had spoken of the Joker.

It would not be the last.