They had made it—The Thunder Skies. Below them, endless clouds stretched out like an ocean, with massive floating islands breaking through, each surrounded by swirling arcs of lightning. The air was thick with energy, almost buzzing against their skin.
Shigan whistled as he leaned over the railing. "So this is it? Doesn't seem too bad."
A sudden lightning bolt struck near the ship, shaking the entire deck. Shigan staggered back.
Raidon chuckled. "You were saying?"
Ren, still catching his breath from the intense entry, looked at Raidon. "Alright, we're here. Now what?"
Raidon looked ahead. "First, we find a place to land. We need supplies, information, and—" he motioned toward the ship's hull, which still had burn marks from the storm—"repairs."
Sakayanagi nodded. "And food. We burned through all our energy back there."
Kaelen unfolded his map. "From what I can tell, there are three major islands in the Thunder Skies. One of them should have a place where we can settle in for now."
Thunder Isle, Stratos Haven, and Bolt Crest.
Ren pointed at Stratos Haven, the largest island. "That looks like a city. Let's go there first."
A City in the Sky - Stratos Haven
As they approached Stratos Haven, the floating city came into view. Tall structures made of metal and infused with lightning energy stood against the backdrop of storm clouds. The entire island floated on a massive current of energy, held in place by glowing pylons that absorbed electricity from the storm.
The people walking around had lightning-resistant clothing, and some even had crackling blue lines running across their skin, proof that they had adapted to the Thunder Skies.
Raidon steered the ship toward a large docking area where other skyships were parked.
The crew stepped off the ship, immediately feeling the buzz of electricity in the air. Ren's hair stood slightly on end. "This place is weird. It's like the air is alive."
Raidon smirked. "You'll get used to it."
As they walked through the city, they noticed that the ground wasn't solid stone like they were used to. Instead, it was made of compressed storm clouds, firm enough to walk on but still slightly shifting under their weight.
Kaelen looked around at the crowded streets. "Alright, we need three things: a place to sleep, food, and repairs for the ship."
Shigan stretched. "Then let's split up. I'll handle food."
Sakayanagi smirked. "I'll find us a place to stay."
Kaelen nodded. "And I'll ask around for repair shops."
Ren crossed his arms. "Guess I'll—"
Raidon put a hand on his shoulder. "You're coming with me. We've got something more important to do."
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Raidon looked toward the center of the city, where a massive tower stood, lightning constantly striking its peak. "Meeting someone who can tell us about this place."
Ren and Raidon's Visit to the Tower
As they made their way to the Thunder Tower, Ren couldn't help but notice statues placed around the city. Each one depicted a different warrior, clad in lightning-infused armor, their weapons crackling with power.
Raidon saw Ren staring at them. "Those are the Sky Wardens. The protectors of the Thunder Skies."
Ren frowned. "Are they still around?"
Raidon smirked. "Oh, they're very much alive. And if we're not careful, we'll be seeing them real soon."
They entered the tower, where a receptionist with glowing blue eyes greeted them.
"Welcome to the Thunder Tower. What is your business here?"
Raidon leaned on the counter. "We're looking for an old friend of mine. Zepharos."
The receptionist's expression changed slightly. "Zepharos? He doesn't take visitors."
Raidon smirked. "Tell him Raidon is here. He'll make an exception."
The receptionist hesitated but eventually nodded, disappearing behind a glowing lightning-infused door.
Ren crossed his arms. "Who is this Zepharos?"
Raidon looked up at the ceiling, where lightning veins pulsed through the structure. "The strongest Warden in the Thunder Skies. If we want to survive here, we need to know what we're up against."
Before Ren could respond, the doors opened, and a deep voice called out.
"Raidon… it's been a long time."
A tall figure stepped into the light, his body crackling with golden electricity, his armor marked with ancient inscriptions. His piercing silver eyes locked onto Ren and Raidon.
Zepharos had arrived.
To be continued...