Aiko's apartment felt a lot less homely as Mr. Throne's voice echoed off its walls. She glanced around the room in paranoia, feeling oddly intruded upon, even though the man had never set foot in her room.
"Miss Aiko," the voice began again, smooth as poured velvet, yet carrying an undeniable weight that seemed to press against the silence. "My apologies for the unannounced call."
Aiko tensed up, her crystalline fingers curling slightly. "Mr. Thorne."
"Indeed. And first, please accept my sincerest apologies," he continued, the warmth in his tone never wavering, yet somehow making the apology feel like a cynical joke. "When Elara came to me, desperate to locate her long-lost friend, I confess I envisioned a joyful reunion instead of something like this..." A perfectly timed pause followed. "I once again apologize. I hope you believe me when I say that I had no idea she intended to forcibly turn you into a monster."
"Elara didn't forcibly turn me into anything." She snarled in response, "I chose to become a Rift-Touched of my own choice."
Mr. Throne merely laughed in response. "I thought as much. I appreciate you helping to confirm my suspicions for me. It didn't seem like the kind of thing Elara would do, but that only leaves me with more questions. Like, why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you choose to become a monster shunned by society?" He drummed his fingers against a desk, loud enough for Aiko to hear, "When researching you, you didn't strike me as the type to wish for such a thing. You seemed to me like a woman of reason, one who felt trapped, but lacking the resolve to uproot your entire life to become an outcast shunned by the very society that once held you captive." He chuckled darkly. "I usually consider myself a good judge of character, so I am curious to know what it is about you that I missed."
He let silence hang for a while, wordlessly inviting Aiko to give her input, but Aiko remained silent, her jaw set. "Hmm," he murmured. "Perhaps it was out of loyalty? For Elara? A childhood bond strong enough to inspire a leap into the abyss?" He didn't wait for confirmation she wouldn't give. "Admirable, in its own tragic way. A man in my line of work respects loyalty; however, it is not an excuse for you to poke your head into my business."
"I don't know what you'reâ¦"
"The Iron Maw, Ms. Aiko." Mr. Throne snarled at her, his warm voice gaining a dangerous tone. "I do not mind people offering themselves up as free labor, but I do mind when they do not feel the need to inform me beforehand."
Perhaps before Aiko would've dropped to her knees in terror after being threatened by a mob boss. She had certainly done so many times in front of her old boss, Mr. Henderson, and all he could do to her was send mean texts, which was a lot less scary than armed goons.
But she was, as he said so himself, a monster shunned by society. And so, emboldened by her newfound power, she snapped back.
"And I mind when people storm up to my door in the middle of the night to drag me halfway across the city against my will." She snarled back, "And in my mind, kidnapping is a much more serious offense than trespassing."
There was a long, drawn-out silence, a pause heightened by the fact that Aiko couldn't see what expression the other person was making.
Eventually, Mr. Throne's velvety voice flowed into her ears once more. "It seems I have misjudged your character once again, Ms. Aiko. That or in the few days since I met you, you have managed to grow a spine."
Aiko decided to press further, "I have grown a lot more than a spine these past couple of days. Since you are so aware that I underwent such changes for Elara, then let Elara go."
"Let her go?" Mr. Thorne asked incredulously with a dry chuckle, "You assume Elara works for me? What reason would she have to willingly work for me?"
"Because you have leverage over her." Aiko ventured, the thought forming instinctively.
Mr. Thorne's laugh was a short, sharp bark of genuine amusement, devoid of warmth. "Leverage? Against a being who steps between dimensions as easily as you once stepped between cubicles? My dear Ms. Aiko, leverage implies I have a way to control her, and I assure you, no one can control her."
He allowed himself another dark chuckle before continuing.
"No, Ms. Aiko. Elara doesn't work for me, but with me. Because we share the same goals, the same wish to see the injustices of this world righted." He let the word 'injustices' resonate, heavy with implication. "I wonder, considering the beautiful friendship the two of you seem to share, has she shared what these goals are? The reason she willingly works with a man like me?"
Aiko's silence was answer enough.
"I see," Mr. Thorne said, the satisfaction in his voice palpable even through the speaker. "Well, then, consider this my gift to you as an apology for my 'forceful invitation'." He let another calculated pause hang in the air. "I believed in informed choices, Ms. Aiko. Should you choose to continue sticking your head in my business, I would at least like you to know what purpose my actions serve. What world we are seeking to reshape." A soft chime sounded from Aiko's phone. "I just sent you an address. Consider it⦠an opportunity to gain some perspective into the world your friend lives in."
"I have no intention of working for you, Mr. Thorne," Aiko stated, her voice tight.
"Work?" He laughed off the notion. "This isn't employment, Miss Aiko. It's a chance to see the truth for yourself. You are free, of course, to remain in the dark. To remain blissfully unaware of why we do what we do. But I warn youâ¦" his tone remained polite, almost gentle, but Aiko could feel the menace buried deep in each word. "If you choose to remain ignorant to the truth, please do so outside of my sight. Ms. Aiko."
He didn't wait for a rebuttal. The line went dead, leaving only the silent hum of her empty apartment. And Aiko to stew silently to whether or not she wanted to see things from his perspective.
-
Aqua shuffled into the common room at the Headquarters of the Boston Branch of Luminaries, rubbing sleep from her eyes. The lingering haze of her late-night online gaming session clung to her like a second skin. She blinked, surprised to find Xylos materialized on the central table.
Aegis was also present, but that was to be expected; the green Luminary had a remarkably consistent schedule. She nodded once at him as he stood ramrod straight off to the side of the room. Meticulously adjusting the emerald green gem attached to his suit jacket pocket.
"Morning," Aqua mumbled, her voice thick with sleep as she made a beeline for the pantry.
"Good morning, Luminary Aqua Intance," Aegis replied with his usual formal tone, giving a slight bow.
"Good morning, Luminary Aqua Intance," Xylos chimed, its voice a soft, bell-like tone. "We are currently still awaiting Luminary Gearloose's arrival before commencing today's mission briefing."
Aqua paused in her rummaging for cereal. "Mission briefing? But Crimson's still in the med bay. And since when was the last time I wasn't the last to show up? Did hell freeze over whilst I was asleep, or has some demon taken possession of Gearloose?"
As if summoned by the question, the door slid open and Gearloose stumbled in. Her brown overalls were rumpled, her goggles askew on her forehead, and the dark circles under her eyes looked like bruises. She dragged her feet, emitting a cavernous yawn as she headed straight for the sofa.
"Whoa, Gearloose," Aqua stared, cereal box forgotten. "You look like you got run over by a truck."
"Didn't... sleep much," Gearloose mumbled, collapsing onto the nearest sofa like a sack of potatoes. She immediately slumped sideways, her eyes already threatening to flicker shut.
"Didn't sleep at all, you mean," Aqua corrected, walking over and poking her shoulder. "Seriously, what happened? Did you spend all night tinkering with that toaster thing again?"
"Research," Gearloose murmured, swatting weakly at Aqua's finger. "Important... surveillance stuff..." Her words slurred into incoherence.
"Luminary Gearloose," Xylos chimed gently from its place on the table. "Now that everyone is present, we would like to commence today's mission briefing."
Gearloose jerked upright, blinking rapidly. "Huh? Briefing? Right! Sorry, Xylos! Ready!" She tried to sit up straight, with her hands planted firmly on her knees, but everyone could tell she was still swaying slightly.
Aqua exchanged a glance with Aegis, who raised a single, concerned eyebrow.
"Very well," Xylos began. "The task is relatively straightforward, involving the mopping of stragglers from yesterday's Rift-Disaster. I would usually go into further detail now, but today I would like to temporarily add a new member to your team." Xylos watched with a hint of amusement as Aqua's face lit up at the mention of a new member, "Since your leader Crimson Blaze will be recuperating for some time, your team was going to be restricted to lower-level missions until her return. And thus, I wished to utilize this period to have you all guide the newest Luminary to join us. I believe this is an ideal time for her to gain some valuable field experience whilst shadowing your team on low-risk assignments."
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"A newbie? Seriously? Awesome!" The prospect of meeting a fresh recruit excited Aqua. "What's she like? What's her color?"
Aegis nodded, a flicker of interest breaking his stoic facade. "Welcoming the next generation is a solemn duty. It will be a valuable learning experience for both sides."
Gearloose, however, was sound asleep. Head rocked back and on the verge of snoring.
Xylos tilted its head. "Luminary Gearloose? Are you still with us?"
Aqua decided to take matters into her own hands, walking over until she was behind Gearloose. Looming over her, Aqua grabbed her shoulders and shook her violently until she awoke.
"Huh?" Gearloose blurted out after recovering from her shaking. "Sorry? Could you repeat that Xylos, I think I missed⦠all of itâ¦"
Xylos shook its head sympathetically. "Luminary Gearloose, given your evident fatigue, I strongly recommend you take the day to rest. There is no critical demand for your presence on this assignment. Please, take this chance to engage in proper recuperation."
"Xylos is correct," Aegis stated firmly. "Your current condition compromises operational readiness. Rest is the logical course."
"Yeah, no arguments here," Aqua added, gently lifting Gearloose up from the sofa cushions. "Go back to your room to get some sleep, Gearloose. We've got it covered. Don't worry about it."
Gearloose offered a weak, grateful smile. "Thanks, guys... Sorry..." Her voice trailing off as she slowly began shuffling her way out of the room
"Rest well, Gearloose," Xylos chimed softly. Waiting till she had exited before turning its luminous gaze back to Aqua and Aegis. "Follow me, please. The new Luminary is waiting on the floor above us."
Aqua and Aegis followed Xylos down gleaming corridors and up the elevator to the newest floor. Along this journey, Aqua exchanged a couple of whispers with Aegis.
"Did Gearloose seem a little off to you today as well?" Her hushed voice was dripping with concern. "I've never seen her so out of it before."
"Crimon Blaze's injury must be weighing heavily on her mind," Aegis replied with a solemn shake of his head. "Perhaps she still blames herself for the condition Crimson is currently in."
"But Crimson already told her that it wasn't her fault."
"We were both there when she said that. Tell me, did it look like Gearloose believed her?"
The question continued to linger in Aqua's mind as they exited the elevator and walked down a similar corridor, then into a common room similar to theirs, but noticeably newer and less lived-in.
Standing in the center of the room, practically vibrating with energy, was the new Luminary.
She looked about fourteen, radiating raw enthusiasm. Her uniform was a vibrant yellow cloak lined with sharp black accents. Sleek black leggings disappeared into sturdy amber boots, and her sleeveless top showed surprisingly toned arms for her age. But the most striking feature was the weapon resting casually on her shoulder: a massive, gleaming scythe. The blade was a crescent of polished silvery metal that seemed to catch the light unnaturally, while the long, black shaft ended in a wicked-looking spike. Her hair was a messy shock of dark yellow that was only a hair's distance away from being brown, and her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.
As they entered, she sprang into action. Leaping onto the low central table, striking a dynamic pose, one foot planted, the other bent behind her, scythe held aloft horizontally. She spun the weapon in a surprisingly fluid arc, the blade humming through the air.
"Hail, Senior Luminaries!" she announced, her voice ringing with rehearsed bravado. "I am the chosen of the yellow light. Wielder of the blade that cleaves the night. Evil's bane and peace's keeper. The one, the only Daybreak Reaper!" She finished the spin, slamming the butt of the scythe onto the table, which punched straight through it as it was tipped with a spike.
Ignoring the minor bit of property damage she just committed, she yanked her scythe back up, twirled it once around her body, struck another heroic pose, her chest puffed out proudly.
Aegis's eyes widened slightly, then lit up with profound approval. He stepped forward, drawing himself to his full height, placing a fist over his chest where his gem shone, his voice dropping into its most formal, resonant register.
"Greetings Daybreak Reaper! I am the Valiant Protector of the Eastern Gate, Bulwark Against the Unseen Tides, Emerald Guardian Aegis!" They beamed at each other with an overwhelming amount of mutual respect. "Your dedication to a proper introduction and form is commendable, Luminary Daybreak Reaper! I look forward to serving alongside such a valiant soul!"
Reaper beamed, hopping off the table. She mirrored his fist-over-chest gesture. "The honor is all mine, Valiant Protector. It comforts me greatly to have such a distinguished mentor such as yourself."
They bowed deeply and simultaneously, a picture of perfect, formal synchronization. Then, as one, they turned expectant, slightly eager gazes towards Aqua.
Aqua stared at them, and then sighed in exasperation, slumping her shoulders slightly. "Yeah, hi. I'm Aqua Intance. Blue dress. Spear." She gestured vaguely with her hand. "Let's just... go fight stuff, okay?"
Reaper's enthusiastic smile faltered, replaced by a look of profound disappointment. She glanced at Aegis, who gave her a subtle, sympathetic nod, as if to say, 'Not everyone appreciates the importance of a proper introduction'.
Xylos, seemingly unfazed by the entire exchange, chimed in. "Now that everyone has had a chance to meet, I would like to begin today's mission briefing." Xylos rematerialized themselves on the slightly damaged table, Reaper scooting aside so that they could begin. With a flash of their eyes, Xylos brought up a map on the common room's big screen. "The objective is straightforward. Residual stragglers from yesterday's Rift-Disaster zone require neutralization. Reports indicate low-level Rift-spawn activity, likely remnants from the initial surge before your team's intervention. There is currently minimal risk to human life as a localized curfew remains in effect. Your role," it looked at Aqua and Aegis, "is to clean up these remnants so that life can return to normal. Daybreak Reaper can handle small engagements under your supervision, and I would like for her to get as much real combat experience as possible. But of course, your number one priority should always be your own safety, and the safety of people around you."
"Understood, Xylos!" Reaper chirped, her enthusiasm returning. She hefted her scythe eagerly. "I'm all set, so lead the way!"
Minutes later, they stood on the HQ's rooftop. The morning city sprawled below them, the air crisp. Aqua took a moment to take a deep breath as she stood precariously close to the edge.
Holding a hand forward she cried out:
[Let courage guide us to the scar beyond the sea]
Her form shifted as she transformed. Her loose slacks fading away to make room for her dress, gloves, and boots shone brightly before poofing into existence. Ribbons curled off her dress as every gold accent on her costume shone together in sync before snapping into existence.
After her transformation was done, she glanced back at Reaper, who stood quite a ways back, holding her scythe close to her chest as if she were afraid she was going to drop it over the edge.
"I take it you haven't mastered how to fly yet?" Aqua asked with a comforting smile. Reaper shook her head for no.
"Then are you alright with me carrying you over?" Reaper nodded reluctantly and stepped forward. "You will have to put away the scythe though. I'd rather not fly around with that dangling from your arms."
"Oh, right. Of course." Reaper dispelled her scythe and took another step forward, recoiling after a brief glance over the edge.
"Afraid of heights?"
"No, no. Of course not." Reaper answered unconvincingly, "Just⦠not used to them yet."
Aqua chuckled and crouched slightly. "Alright, Reaper, climb on piggyback. Hold on tight, but don't strangle me."
Reaper scrambled onto Aqua's back, wrapping her arms around her neck. Aqua readjusted herself to help her balance.
"Ready?" Aqua asked. Reaper nodded in response.
So, Aqua launched herself off the roof. Wind rushed past as they soared over the cityscape. Reaper let out a gasp that was half terror, half exhilaration. Seeing how the girl had buried her face in Aqua's shoulder, the blue Luminary decided to try to distract her with some conversation.
"I take it this is the first time you've seen the city from up here."
"Yes," Reaper replied, her voice muffled as her mouth was pressed against Aqua's shoulder. "But I haven't seen much of the city before now. I lived out in the countryside until Xylos brought me here."
"Really? Whereabouts did you live before now?"
"Southwest from here. In one of the dead-zones." She replied, poking her head up a little. "Near a little town called Shardslots?"
"I'm afraid I'm not quite sure where that is. I was never really good at geography." She answered sheepishly, "But a dead-zone, eh? So, am I the first proper Luminary you've seen before?"
"Yes, aside from the Luminaries in those lectures Xylos gave me."
"You actually watched those things?" Aqua asked with a look of surprise.
"We all did, Aqua," Aegis called out from behind. "I suspect you were the only one who didn't."
"Eh. Xylos did say they were optional, and even though I chose not to partake, I turned out fine."
"Debatable." Aegis replied, "However, Reaper, since you watched those lectures, was there anything you had trouble with, or any questions you wanted to ask?"
Reaper pondered it for a moment before asking, "Can I ask about magic? The Celestial lectures talked a lot about using emotions to fuel it. But I want to know if the color of magic means you should use a specific emotion? Like, since my magic is yellow, should I primarily be trying to use excitement? Or anger?"
Aqua adjusted her grip on the younger girl's legs. "Nah, as far as I know the color of one's magic is just visual, like hair. The strength of that magic doesn't really seem to be affected by what emotion you use. The important thing is figuring out what emotions you can reliably use in a fight to complement your magic. Like bravery, determination, hope, etcetera." She paused. "Love is a big one though. Heard from quite a lot of famous Luminary teams that if you can reliably utilize love, you should."
Reaper took another moment to think about the answer before asking her follow-up question, "But given the monsters we face, wouldn't it be a lot easier to use an emotion like fear, for example?"
"It would be easier to produce, sure. But fear is not a good emotion to rely on for casting magic." She explained, "Fear is powerful, but too much fear can cause you to freeze up. Ending up with you having all the magic you need to cast, but none of the willpower to go through with it."
"Did your lectures not go over how you should avoid negative emotions if possible?" Aegis chimed in.
Reaper nodded, "They did, but it just felt weird to deny the most natural emotions we would feel in a fight."
"You don't have to deny them, just never rely too heavily on them." Aqua clarified, "I've heard stories about some Luminaries who lost themselves to fear or despair whilst on a mission, and it resulted in them lashing out at their very own teammates. From what I've heard, negative emotions can be a slippery slope to⦠Oh, we're here."
They had arrived at the edge of the Rift-Disaster zone. Although the Rift and the violet taint had long since faded, the air still carried the faint smell of decay. Scars of the battle dotted the cityscape below.
Landing in a nearby intersection, Reaper hopped off of Aqua's back, and the three of them resummoned their weapons.
"Alright, before we start sweeping, an important question: Have you had any actual combat experience before today?" Aqua asked.
Reaper puffed out her chest. "On the very day I was selected! There were these dog-sized beetle things with too many legs, and I think a pair of hands? Anyways, my folks did what they usually did and barricaded themselves inside the house, but I was outside checking on the irrigation pumps." Her eyes widened dramatically. "When suddenly these monsters tore their way across the field towards me. I was too far to make it back to the house, so I climbed into one of our tractors and tried to hide inside. But the monsters swarmed it and tipped it over! I was trapped! Facing certain doom, their claws scraping against the metal beforeâ¦" she posed heroically, "Then Xylos appeared! Offered me the chance to become a Luminary, and I was all like FWOOSH!" She spun the scythe, making slashing sounds as she did so. "BLAAA! SHWAAK! And I channeled magic to make my scythe stronger and was slashing through those monster things like butter. When, like, a bigger one revealed itself and challenged me. So I cleaved it right through the middle, and there was blood and guts flying everywhere and thenâ¦"
Aqua stared, a nervous laugh escaping her. "Right. Okay. Dramatic. So basically, one singular session of combat experience. Got it." She exchanged another look with Aegis. "Alright, rookie. You're on point. We'll shadow you, watch your back. Call out anything you see, and remember to stay safe out there."
Daybreak Reaper nodded eagerly, bouncing on her feet in excitement. "Understood, Senior Luminary Aqua! I won't let you down!" She lifted her scythe eagerly and dashed off without checking if the others were able to follow.
The initial sweep went smoothly. They encountered scattered groups of Rift-Spawn hiding in alleyways and abandoned buildings, and Reaper handled them with surprising competence. Her movements were a little over-enthusiastic, her swings sometimes wider than necessary, but she was fast, strong, and her scythe was lethally sharp. She dispatched the smaller threats efficiently under Aqua and Aegis's watchful eyes.
They turned a corner into a debris-filled alleyway. Ahead, partially hidden behind the crumpled remains of a delivery van, was something larger than your typical Rift-Spawn. It stood on thick, chitinous legs, its body a mass of shifting, iridescent plates. It clicked its jaw idly, flexing the two massive chainsaw-tipped limbs that protruded from its back.
Aqua instantly threw out an arm, stopping Reaper in her tracks. "That one might be a little too much for you. Based on its magical signature, I suspect it is a low-level Rift-Elite."
Reaper nodded excitedly, her eyes wide as she took in the creature. "Elite? Is it⦠much tougher than the others?"
"Significantly," Aqua said quietly. Aegis stepped forward, placing his shield between the monster and them. "Different classification altogether. Rift-Spawn are essentially the grunts. Think foot soldiers, designed to overwhelm with pure numbers. Rift-Elites are like the tanks, tougher, smarter, and often possess a couple of unique abilities that they like to keep hidden."
"Then, above the elites we have the Alpha-Class and Omega-Class monsters. Essentially like a commander and general. Except these monsters often are a bigger threat than all the monsters they lead combined."
Reaper tried to imagine that, a monster stronger than an entire army of the Elite that was in front of her. "And above that?"
"Monsters above that no longer get classed by a rank. Instead, they are recognized by their name. Threats that require the coordination of multiple teams to take down." Aqua replied with a smile, "But Aegis and I can easily deal with this one. So, stay here for now and watch. Observing is often as good of a learning experience as doing."
Reaper nodded eagerly, and Aqua surged forward with Aegis closely behind. The monster screeched in anger as they came into view, and Reaper watched, mesmerized and a little intimidated, by the speed and coordination of the senior Luminaries. The alley echoed with the clash of chitin on enchanted metal, Aegis's booming commands, and the Elite's furious shrieks. She gripped her scythe, tempted to help, but remembering Aqua's strict order.
Then, movement flickered at the very edge of her peripheral vision. Down a side alley branching off from the main fight. Something low, quick, and gray darted out from behind a pile of rubble.
"Senior Luminary Aqua!" Reaper called out, pointing towards the side alley. "Movement! Down there! I think there's another one!"
Aqua didn't reply, seemingly focused on the battle in front of her. Deflecting a slashing limb with her spear shaft before wheeling her spear back around to slash at an exposed bit of flesh.
Reaper glanced down at the alleyway again. Her curiosity, combined with the confidence her earlier successes gave her, drove her to go after it alone.
Decision made, Reaper tightened her grip on her scythe. With one final glance at the intense battle she'd been ordered to observe, she turned and slipped silently down the shadowed side alley, trying to track down the creature she had spotted. The sounds of the fight with the Rift-Elite faded behind her, replaced by the eerie quiet of the deserted disaster zone and the rapid pounding of her own excited heart.