The Final Symphony

Location: Gaia HQ – Central Garden, Evening

The petals of the etherblossoms shimmered under starlight, the wind carrying faint musical traces through the trees. Sylvia stood beneath the moonlit archway, her figure glowing softly in the ambient light. Orisha, now fully awakened, pulsed gently with warm golden energy.

The garden had been restored after the last attack—rebuilt stone by stone, petal by petal. Just like her.

She closed her eyes, letting her fingers brush the edge of Orisha.

"This garden… used to be the quietest place in Gaia," she whispered.

"And now?" came Cyg's voice from behind her.

"Now it sings," she said, smiling.

He approached slowly, hands in his pockets, but his gaze never left her.

"You're different," he murmured. "Your presence... it's louder now."

"Not louder," she corrected, turning to face him. "More honest."

"You fought for something beyond the mission. That's not something I've always understood."

"But you do now?"

Cyg nodded. Slowly. His Mystic Eye shimmered faintly.

"Because when you sang, it wasn't just beautiful. It hurt. And it made me realize... I want to hear more."

Sylvia chuckled, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.

"Careful, Cyg. That almost sounded like a confession."

He looked up at the stars, unusually vulnerable.

"Maybe it was."

Location: Grand Hall – Ceremony of Aether Rising

All Integral Knights gathered, dressed in formal uniform. King Leonardo himself presided, flanked by Thea and the Octagram. The hall was filled with banners woven from shimmering etherthread, the air heavy with sacred reverence.

"Today," Leonardo declared, "we recognize not only the might of our warriors, but the heart that empowers them. A voice once forgotten now guides us forward."

Sylvia stepped up, dressed in a white and gold Knight ceremonial cloak. Orisha floated beside her like twin stars.

"I sing not for fame. I sing not for applause. I sing so we remember—why we fight, and what we must protect."

The Knights gave a thunderous cheer, many placing their fists over their chests in salute. From Mia's bright grin to Eun-Ha's soft nod, from Charlotte's subtle wink to Hikari's teary smile, they all looked to her with pride.

And somewhere in the crowd, Cyg watched with quiet awe.

Later That Night – Under the Moonlight

Sylvia walked the garden once more, alone—until footsteps joined her.

Hikari.

"I've always admired your strength," Hikari said, her voice barely audible.

Sylvia turned.

"You have your own kind of strength, Hikari. One that shields everyone, even when you're breaking inside."

They stood in silence for a moment.

"Do you... love him?" Hikari finally asked.

Sylvia didn't look away.

"I think I do. But I also think we all do, in our own ways."

Hikari nodded, the hint of a smile forming.

"Then let's not fight each other for him… Let's fight with each other."

"Agreed."

Final Scene – Sylvia's Quarters

Alone now, Sylvia unwrapped a small gift box left on her desk. Inside: a single crystal shard. No name, no note.

Only a familiar hum of energy that resonated with Orisha.

"Cyg," she whispered, lips curving into a smile. "I knew you were listening."

She walked to the balcony, and for the first time in a long while, she sang—not a battle cry, not a lament—but a promise.

A final symphony to begin the next verse.