Chapter 1: Nexus?

Water surged through the streets of Fontaine, drowning the city in a relentless flood. Buildings shook violently, fountains overflowed, and the distant wails of the helpless echoed through the chaos.

Amid it all, Furina sat still, her posture slumped in her seat, tears streaming down her face. Her vision blurred, and she buried her face in her hands. It was over. The city. Her people. She had failed.

As the water continued to rise, Furina closed her eyes, and the cold weight of the flood began to fade. The air grew still and silent. Her breath caught as she opened her eyes again, finding herself in an unfamiliar place.

Endless stars stretched across the sky, shimmering in patterns she couldn't recognize. The vast expanse swallowed her whole, but she didn't feel alone. The quiet, peaceful stillness was comforting, though she couldn't explain why.

A soft voice cut through the silence, calling her name.

"Furina..."

She froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Turning slowly, she squinted through the starlight. A figure stood before her, cloaked in an otherworldly glow—indistinct yet radiating a sense of calm. Despite her confusion, she didn't feel fear.

"Who... who are you?" Furina whispered, her voice shaking.

"I am one of the Cosmos," the figure answered, her voice warm, almost motherly.

Furina's heart raced. "What do you want with me?" she asked, trembling.

The figure stepped closer, her expression gentle. "Your sense of justice... it burns brightly within you, a reflection of the self you lost."

A sudden warmth surged through Furina as the figure reached out, brushing her hair with a delicate touch.

"We bestow upon you, Furina, the Goddess of Justice," the figure declared, her fingers brushing Furina's forehead, igniting a surge of power that coursed through her body. It felt like a flame, steady and unwavering.

"With this power," the voice whispered, "you shall judge the gods themselves."

Furina's vision blurred as the words sank deep into her being. The darkness took her again, but this time, it felt lighter. The exhaustion that had weighed on her for over 500 years seemed to lift, leaving her mind clearer, her spirit more at ease. Though the pain remained, it was more bearable now.

—---

Robin had just finished her shift at the opera house, the echoes of enchanting melodies still lingering in her mind. As she walked home, she kept her cloak pulled low over her head, trying to stay unnoticed in the bustling streets. A magical train roared past her, its sleek silver body shimmering with glowing runes etched along its sides.

She walked past a myriad of beings—elves, dwarves, cat people, foxes, demons, and countless other supernatural creatures. Each one moved with purpose, their diverse forms blending seamlessly into the city's rhythm. Robin sighed in relief, grateful to have avoided any encounters with the scum gods that often roamed these streets.

As she reached the safety of her home, she dropped her hood, allowing her lilac-silver hair to cascade down her back, shimmering softly in the moonlight. Her green eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction, the weight of the day lifting as she entered her sanctuary.

She was a goddess after all. She loved to sing, but the only place she truly allowed herself to indulge in her passion was at the opera. It was a haven for Acolytes and Demigods, a place where Benzaiten, the goddess of music, watched over them, ensuring they were protected and well-compensated.

Robin kicked off her shoes, the familiar comfort of her home surrounding her. But before she could settle in, something unusual happened. A ball of water suddenly formed in her room, swirling and shimmering before it exploded into a brilliant flash of light.

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When she finally regained consciousness, her surroundings were unfamiliar. Her vision swam as she blinked, her voice barely a whisper. "Where... am I?"

"Oh! You're awake!" a voice replied, startling her.

Furina sat up, her body weak and disoriented. "Where am I?" she repeated, her voice fragile.

"You appeared in my house, unconscious," the voice explained. A woman stood nearby, her features calm, but her eyes reflected concern. 

Furina instinctively reached up to press her fingers to her temple. Her head throbbed painfully, and the fragments of her memory seemed disjointed. "I... I don't remember how I got here," she murmured.

"You're in Nexus," the woman answered gently. "The realm where all supernatural beings reside. My name is Robin. What's yours?"

Furina's mind raced, struggling to process everything that had just happened. "My name is... Furina," she said quietly, her voice trembling. Memories of Fontaine flooded her, crashing over her like a tidal wave, bringing with them a surge of panic. Without thinking, she shot to her feet and bolted for the door, desperate for clarity.

As soon as she stepped outside, her mind raced, struggling to comprehend the strange world before her. People walked past—some appeared entirely human, while others had animal ears or tails. A few seemed almost entirely animalistic, their bodies a curious blend of human and creature. Their attire varied widely, from simple clothing to flowing robes, each moving with purpose through the vibrant, bustling streets.

Furina took a step forward, her eyes wide in awe and confusion. But before she could take another step, she was suddenly grabbed and pulled back into Robin's house.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled, disoriented. "What are you doing?" she gasped, trying to regain her bearings.

"You're in Nexus," Robin's voice echoed softly, reminding Furina of the harsh new reality she now found herself in.

Furina's face drained of color, her heart sinking further. Nexus. She wasn't home anymore.

Robin's expression grew serious. "listen to me—don't go out like that again. If the elders see you, they might take you by force."

"By force?" Furina repeated, confusion and fear rising in her chest.

Robin nodded, her gaze hardening. "They might force you to serve them, or worse, they may try to take advantage of you."

Furina's eyes widened in horror, the weight of Robin's words sinking in. She glanced down at herself, suddenly self-conscious. She was wearing a simple, plain white dress—a far cry from her elegant Fontaine attire—and she instinctively wrapped her arms around her body, trying to shield herself.