The Fallen Petal

Location: Training Grounds, Gaia HQ – Midday

The sun filtered through the transparent dome of the Integral Knights' private training grounds, casting sharp beams over the arena floor. Hikari stood still, the wind teasing the hem of her long jacket. In her hands, the scythe Sanguira pulsed gently with restrained energy, as if it too sensed her turmoil.

Her eyes were closed.

She could feel it.

The whisper again.

"You were never meant to hold me. I chose you because I saw what lies inside."

She opened her eyes. For a second, they gleamed crimson.

"Again," she called out softly.

Across from her, Wang Han readied his axe, the blazing artifact Dravok resting on his shoulder. He frowned.

"Hikari, you're still healing. No one's pushing you to spar again today."

"I'm pushing me," she replied.

With a resigned sigh, Wang Han nodded and charged forward.

Their battle was a blur of fire and shadows.

Dravok swung like a meteor, striking down with unstoppable weight. Hikari danced between the blows, Sanguira a flash of violet steel and moonlight. She countered, not with force, but with instinct—fluid, evasive, and surgical.

But as she parried, something within her cracked.

A memory—her first awakening.

The helpless scream she let out in that hospital ward years ago. The bodies she couldn't remember harming. The power that refused to obey.

"You fear me," Sanguira whispered in her mind. "But I am you."

A sharp pang struck her heart.

Suddenly, she overextended—Wang Han's axe grazed her side, searing a line across her ribs.

She staggered.

"Stop!" Wang Han cried, lowering his weapon. "This isn't a test anymore!"

But Hikari didn't stop.

She raised her scythe.

Location: Command Observation Deck

From above, Cyg watched, fists clenched at his sides.

Sylvia stepped beside him, arms crossed.

"Why are we letting her do this?"

"She's chasing control," Cyg answered. "She thinks breaking herself is the only way."

"And you're just going to let her?"

Cyg's jaw clenched. "No."

Back in the arena

Hikari took another step forward, blood staining her jacket. The pain blurred with something darker—regret, fear, shame. The scythe trembled in her hands.

"Let go," the voice coaxed. "Let me consume what you cannot bear."

But before she could respond, a firm hand grasped her wrist.

Cyg stood in front of her.

"Enough."

Her eyes widened. "Cyg…"

"You don't have to bleed to prove yourself. We already see you."

She tried to speak, but her voice cracked.

"What if I lose control again? What if I hurt one of you?"

He looked her straight in the eye, voice quiet but unwavering.

"Then I'll be the one standing there to stop you. Every time. Until you learn to stop yourself."

Silence fell.

Then—softly—her knees gave way.

Cyg caught her.

Later That Night – Gaia HQ Rooftop

Hikari sat wrapped in a blanket, overlooking the city below. The pain had subsided, but a deeper ache remained.

Cyg sat beside her, arms crossed.

"You could have died today."

"I know."

"You're reckless."

"I know."

A pause.

"But thank you," she said quietly. "For catching me. For not letting me fall."

"I told you," he murmured. "If you're going to fall… fall toward someone willing to hold you."

Her heart skipped.

The wind stirred her bangs gently. She looked up at him—eyes vulnerable, glowing softly in the moonlight.

And for a moment, he looked back—not as the tactician.

But as a boy trying to understand the feeling swelling quietly between them.

Far Away – Orion Outpost

Erebus stood before a table of corrupted artifacts.

Beside him, Astrael Valis—Revenant Mirror—adjusted the reflection shimmering through his mirrored veil.

"The scythe's vessel is awakening."

"And the chains on her heart begin to rust," Erebus said. "Let her break. Let her love."

His voice turned cold.

"The more she bonds to the light, the sweeter the darkness will taste when it takes her."