Chapter 2: Awakening

The hum of Eric's hover bike echoed through the quiet streets as he sped home. His heart pounded, adrenaline still rushing from the chaos he had barely escaped. Around his neck, the pink butterfly necklace pulsed softly with a faint glow.

As he pulled into the garage and shut the door behind him, he jumped off his bike and bolted to his room, slamming the door shut. He collapsed onto his couch, exhausted.

"I don't sense any dark magic here," a gentle voice said.

Eric groggily lifted his head and turned toward the source. His eyes widened as She emerged from the necklace, her tall, ethereal figure standing in the dim light of his apartment.

"Y-yeah, we should be safe," Eric muttered, rubbing his temples. Then, he froze, eyes snapping back to her. "Wait... You speak English?! Why didn't you start with that?!"

She flinched, waving her hands rapidly, shaking her head. "N-no! When I placed the necklace on you, I was able to enter your mind and learn your language."

Eric's face twisted in horror. "Wait, wait, wait—YOU WENT INTO MY MIND?! That's a private space!"

She placed a hand on her chest. "I promise, I did nothing else."

Eric exhaled sharply. "Fine. But I need answers! What the hell just happened?! Who was that psycho witch? What are you? Where did you come from?"

She sighed. "I am Seraphine, a Guardian of the Aether, and all your questions will be answered in time. But right now, I need your help to find those chosen by the Aether Gems."

Eric frowned. "What gems?"

Seraphine stepped forward. "When we crash-landed, I used the last of my strength to send the six Aether Gems to find worthy warriors."

Eric leaned back, arms crossed. "Hate to break it to you, but I don't think you'll find any 'warriors' in this era."

"You are wrong," Seraphine said firmly. "The gems have already chosen their keepers. I can feel it. I need your help to find them."

Eric groaned, rubbing his temples. "Fine, fine. We'll figure that out… tomorrow. Right now, I need sleep." He flopped onto the couch, completely drained.

Seraphine frowned slightly but let him rest.

---

Meanwhile…

Beneath the city, in a dark, abandoned underground facility, the air was thick with eerie green mist. The Green Figure loomed over a group of soldiers, their bodies twisted and contorted into undead forms. One figure, however, remained trembling on the floor—a captured A.E.G.I.S. agent.

He tried to crawl away, his breath ragged with fear. But as he turned, the Green Figure was suddenly in front of him, her presence suffocating. Her necrotic, eldritch form sent shivers down his spine.

She tilted her head, studying him. Then, in a language unknown to humans, she spoke.

"Ka'tel vosh…?"

The agent flinched at the ominous words. Though he didn't understand their meaning, the cold tone alone sent dread through his body.

The Green Figure then stepped closer, her claws grazing his cheek as she whispered again.

"Noa… ves kal dor'shen."

Before the agent could react, she gripped his face, forcing his mouth open. A sickly green mist began seeping out of him—his life force, his energy—drawn toward the Green Figure's open mouth as she inhaled deeply.

The agent's body convulsed, his eyes rolling back as he grew weaker. But she did not take everything. Instead, she released him, letting him collapse to the ground.

She exhaled, a look of satisfaction crossing her eerie features. Then, she spoke again—this time, in English.

"Kill you?" she repeated, as if testing the words. Then, her lips curled into a sinister grin.

"No… I have use for you."

The agent, barely conscious, shuddered as he realized—she understood him now.

The Green Figure let out a chilling, echoing laugh. She crouched beside him, trailing a clawed finger along his trembling face, her glowing emerald eyes filled with malice.

"Now… let's put that mind of yours to work."

---

The Next Day…

Eric scrambled around his apartment, getting ready in a rush. He grabbed his bag, stuffed in his tablet, and checked the time.

Seraphine tilted her head. "Why do you seem troubled?"

"I've got classes today. Professor Gerald hates tardiness," Eric groaned.

Seraphine folded her arms. "But what about the gems?"

"We'll get to that after class," Eric said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

With that, Seraphine disappeared into the necklace as Eric dashed out the door.

---

Eden's University

The sprawling campus of Eden's University was bustling with students. Hoverboards zipped past, drones delivered books, and holographic displays projected class schedules.

As Eric stepped through the front gates, Seraphine's voice echoed in his mind.

"Wait… I can sense them."

"Huh?" Eric paused mid-step.

"The Aether Gems. They are here."

Eric's eye twitched. "You mean to tell me that the so-called 'warriors' chosen by your magical rocks are… students?!"

"The gems make no mistakes," Seraphine said firmly.

Eric sighed in frustration and continued on.

---

Later…

The sound of lockers slamming shut filled the hallways. Eric rubbed his forehead, still sulking after class.

"Ugh. Why is Gerald so unreasonable?"

"Professor Gerald, huh?"

Eric turned to see a short girl with jet-black hair, leaning casually against the lockers.

[Intro Card: Riley Sparks – Eric's Best Friend | Track Team]

"Oh, hey, Riley."

Riley smirked. "Lemme guess—forgot your papers again?"

Eric groaned. "Yep. Mr. Gerald chewed me out for it."

"Man, that sucks," Riley said. "Well, how about we hit the PlaySystem after school? Best two out of three?"

Eric perked up. "You're on!"

The two of them bumped fists, locking in the challenge.

But as they laughed, Seraphine's voice rang in Eric's head.

"This friend of yours… she has been chosen."

Eric nearly choked on air. "Wait… what?!" he thought.

"Yes. Riley Sparks has been chosen by the Lightning Aether Gem to become a Guardian."

Eric stiffened, staring at Riley in disbelief.

She noticed his sudden shift. "Uh… dude? You good?"

Eric forced a nervous chuckle.

Oh boy…

TO BE CONTINUED…