Phetue city
Litvain
Osa Solar System
Pavesa Galaxy
Colony planetary Region
Karkinos 19th cycle Y-1909
Meridien Karajan leaned back comfortably in the former governor's ornate wooden chair, her posture effortlessly authoritative as she gazed thoughtfully across the polished desk. At her side stood Effie, quietly attentive, a tablet in hand. Seated across from Meri was High Priest Sivan, his expression anxious, yet reverent. Behind him, warrior guards stood stiffly, their eyes reflecting awe and cautious respect as they watched Meri with undivided attention. Even Sivan, typically dignified and controlled, looked at her as if she were a divine envoy.
Meri released a gentle sigh, not bothering to invoke her Eye of Judgment to read the priest's mental state—his reverential gaze alone told her enough. Clearly, the fool believed she had been sent by his deity to deliver salvation to him and his people.
Well, perhaps in a roundabout way, his god wasn't entirely wrong, Meri mused.
"It appears that Litvain is on the verge of a new dawn," Meri said calmly, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"I still cannot fully grasp why a Pleiadian of Starlight would openly challenge the Church," High Priest Sivan responded hesitantly. Over the past several days, as repairs had been carried out on the damaged Dafoe Corporation tower, Meri had meticulously navigated the diplomatic aftermath of her hostile takeover. She'd personally informed the Church leadership of the dramatic shift in power. The news had been met with predictable outrage—particularly over the death of Bishop Cervain. But Meri had deftly pinned the blame on Torhen, the infamous sadistic assassin, backing her claims with indisputable evidence of her ownership of Litvain and the entire Dafoe Corporation.
The Church's leadership had found themselves powerless to retaliate. Raising an official complaint to Congress would only expose their past manipulations and corruption, effectively rendering them impotent. Ultimately, they'd been forced to quietly update their databases, recognizing Meridien Karajan as Litvain's rightful proprietor.
Meri's lips curved slightly in amusement as she addressed Sivan's discomfort. "All part of the plan, my dear Priest. The Church should count itself fortunate I didn't raze it to the ground entirely." She leaned forward slightly, her demeanor shifting from casual to purposeful. "Now, let's return to the reason I summoned you."
Sivan straightened immediately, his dark-skinned features drawn into serious attentiveness as Effie handed Meri the sleek, glowing tablet.
"As you're now aware," Meri continued, swiping lightly through the data displayed before her, "I have acquired full rights to Dafoe Corporation, which includes this planet and all its resources."
"Yes, Lady Karajan," Sivan acknowledged with a deferential nod. "Then...am I correct to assume you shall become our new sovereign?"
Meri chuckled softly, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. "Not exactly. I have no interest or time to personally manage this planet. Therefore, I've decided to sell Litvain."
High Priest Sivan nearly bolted from his seat, shock contorting his usually composed face. "What? But...but, what about our people? What will become of Litvain?"
"Calm yourself, Priest," Meri said smoothly, raising a placating hand. "I have decided to sell Litvain back to its own people."
This revelation struck Sivan like lightning, momentarily robbing him of speech. He stammered, struggling to process her unexpected generosity. "Lady Karajan... we—we cannot possibly afford—"
Meri smiled patiently, cutting him off gently. "Have you forgotten the precious resource Litvain possesses?"
Sivan paused, eyes widening slowly as realization washed over him. The rare, immensely valuable Xeta Dust—Litvain's primary export—made the planet far more prosperous than he had allowed himself to hope.
"Exactly," Meri confirmed, her voice firm yet encouraging. "I intend to return this planet to its rightful owners—the people of Litvain. However, there are certain conditions. Litvain must officially join the Divine Federation, no longer existing merely as a colony. Furthermore, your people must continue their trade in Xeta Dust exclusively with Dafoe Corporation."
Sivan sank back into his seat, utterly astonished but visibly moved. He clasped his hands together, visibly emotional. "You are indeed a blessing upon us, Lady Karajan. We accept these conditions with immense gratitude."
Meri nodded calmly, a subtle satisfaction evident in her poised demeanor. "Good. Then let it be known—Litvain's new dawn has truly begun."
After signing some contracts here and there and a two-week celebration, it wasn't long before Meri and Effie departed the planet. Meridien Karajan settled comfortably into the high-backed chair within her private quarters aboard her vessel, her fingers gently tracing the polished edge of the desk before her. Through the viewport, stars drifted quietly in the endless void, a serene backdrop to her quiet moment of satisfaction. She felt a deep, contented relief—better than she'd experienced in months. Not only had she secured an advantageous deal for her newly acquired Dafoe Corporation, solidifying her influence across Litvain, but there was also the matter of the hefty payment still owed to her by Admiral Wilcock for completing the mission.
She'd located the elusive Knight Isarus, extracted crucial intel from him, and as a bonus, reshaped the entire political landscape of Litvain to her benefit. The thought brought a faint, triumphant smile to her lips.
That pleasant reflection was abruptly interrupted as the holographic interface on her desk flickered to life, projecting the irate visage of Admiral Wilcock. His aged, battle-hardened features were twisted into an angry scowl, eyes narrowed with indignation.
"Karajan," Wilcock roared, his deep voice echoing through the small chamber, "why the hell did you wait this long before sending over this intel?" Meri remained composed, leaning back casually and crossing one leg elegantly over the other. She met Wilcock's furious gaze without flinching, a slight, amused tilt to her lips. His impatience was nothing new; she'd come to expect it by now.
****
Yesh Academy
Luna, Terra
Gaea Solar System
Milky Way Galaxy
Neutral Free Zone
May 11th 2019
Sam's consciousness slowly emerged from the darkness, awareness flooding her senses as the haze of unconsciousness gradually lifted. She blinked, eyes adjusting to the familiar brightness of artificial sunlight streaming gently through the nearby window. Her vision sharpened, revealing the sterile white walls and softly humming medical equipment of a hospital room—just like the first time she had awakened as an Ascendant. The faint scent of antiseptics and medicinal herbs lingered in the air, grounding her firmly in the present moment.
She recognized this place immediately: Luna, the central facility of Golden Dawn. Her gaze drifted toward the pristine artificial sky framed by the hospital window, where the gentle radiance mimicked the comforting warmth of real sunlight. Slowly, memories trickled back into her consciousness, sharper and more vivid—memories of chaos, conflict, and heartbreak.
A sudden pang of anxiety gripped her chest, tightening painfully as she recalled the final image before her collapse—Leon falling, bloodied and mortally wounded by a strike intended for her. Her breathing quickened, her heart thudding with a painful rhythm as panic began to surge within her.
Then, suddenly, the whisper of footsteps drew her attention sharply to the doorway. Sam's breath caught; her eyes widening in disbelief as she took in the figure stepping toward her. It was him—Leon stood there, bathed in the warm glow filtering through the window, more breathtaking than she'd ever remembered him.
His appearance had undergone subtle yet striking changes. His long golden hair now fell elegantly over broad shoulders, bound neatly in a ponytail that accentuated his chiseled features. His bronze skin seemed luminous, radiating a mesmerizing warmth as though touched by the essence of sunlight itself. The most striking transformation, however, was his eyes; the familiar deep blue she had grown to cherish was now replaced by blazing, golden orbs, burning softly with an inner fire, revealing an unfathomable depth.
Every movement of his body was graceful, effortless, and filled with quiet authority. His presence radiated power, yet gentle reassurance seemed to flow from him, immediately soothing her fears.
Sam's pulse quickened sharply, awareness of herself heightened beneath his gaze. She was suddenly hyper-aware of everything: the trembling in her fingertips, the flush of warmth creeping up her neck, the pounding of her heart so loud she feared he might hear it.
But none of that mattered. He was alive, breathing, whole, and right here before her. The realization shattered her remaining restraint.
Before Leon could utter a single word, Sam flung herself from the hospital bed, uncaring of the dizziness from her sudden movement, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. She fell into his arms, clinging tightly to him, burying her face into his chest. The warmth of his embrace enveloped her, reassuring and steady, a living confirmation that he was truly here, truly alive.
Leon wrapped his arms gently around her trembling form, holding her securely against his chest, a comforting chuckle rumbling softly from deep within him. He lowered his head, resting it softly against hers, his breath brushing warmly against her ear as he whispered, tender yet playful:
"You missed me that much, huh?"
She clung to him tighter, breathing in deeply as tears welled silently in her eyes. Nothing else mattered now—not the battle, not the pain, not even the uncertain future awaiting them. All that mattered, at this very moment, was the warmth of his embrace, the beating of his heart, and the undeniable truth that Leon was alive and safe in her arms.
Just then, Emily quietly peeked her head through the door, her usually stoic expression softening with relief as she saw Sam fully awake and alert. Weeks had passed since their escape from the Echo field, the once-lifelike simulation now forever lost, and since their safe return to Cedar Lake Bridge, where Golden Dawn agents had awaited their arrival. Emanu herself had been there, standing beside a sleek spacecraft ready to whisk Sam away to the moon base on Luna, far from the turmoil unfolding across Terra.
When Emily had first stepped back onto Terra's soil, she had instantly felt the drastic transformation occurring. The atmosphere hummed with heightened Odic energy, dense and potent enough to send goosebumps across her skin. Terra's very landscape was being reshaped—mountains rising, oceans shifting, continents merging together. The world was becoming something new, something wilder, and unfortunately, chaos and devastation would reign before stability could ever return.
"Emily, you're here," Sam exclaimed warmly, breaking the quiet moment. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, embracing Emily in a heartfelt hug. Surprisingly, Emily didn't resist. Although hesitant at first, she slowly raised her arm and gently returned Sam's hug, warmth flickering softly in her usually indifferent eyes.
Leon watched from nearby, an amused yet fond smile crossing his lips. He knew the Emily of the past would never have allowed such open affection, but clearly, their shared trials had brought them closer.
"I'm glad to see you awake," Emily said gently, stepping back slightly.
"Thank you," Sam replied softly, her gaze quickly shifting to Leon. Her eyes shimmered, activating the Eye of Mathias instinctively, assessing his condition. Relief flooded her chest when she found no trace of illness or corruption within him; instead, Leon's form radiated with a newfound strength and purity.
Leon, sensing her confusion, calmly recounted the events Sam had missed, carefully describing how her courageous actions had triggered Terra's Awakening and restored him. After his explanation, Sam felt the sudden urge to move around, to feel normal again. Both Leon and Emily nodded in agreement, understanding her desire.
Upon being discharged from the hospital, Leon personally escorted Sam back to her room within the dormitory tower. As they walked, Sam's mind drifted to her companions. "Where are Rosa, Henry, Callum, and Trini?"
Leon sighed thoughtfully. "Given the situation unfolding on Terra, Golden Dawn has officially activated them as Guardians. They're out in the field right now, managing the chaos."
When they entered her room, Sam's chest tightened with unease. Guilt clawed at her heart as she reflected upon her role in Terra's drastic transformation. Every upheaval, every crisis unfolding—it all traced back to her actions, her power. Leon, noticing her internal struggle, gently took her hand and drew her close, his warmth instantly soothing her turbulent emotions.
"Sam, don't blame yourself," he whispered softly into her ear, his voice a comforting balm. "If you hadn't triggered Terra's Awakening, if you hadn't completed the Crucible, I wouldn't be standing here now. Humanity itself would have been wiped away by the Celestial realignment. What you did—it saved us all."
"I know," Sam replied quietly, her voice thick with emotion.
Leon gently tilted her chin upward, his intense golden eyes meeting her deep emerald gaze. An invisible current of connection and longing sparked between them, heavy and charged. Without hesitation, Leon slowly lowered his face, brushing his lips gently against hers.
Sam felt electricity surge through her veins, the intimacy of the kiss igniting an overwhelming rush of warmth and desire. She melted into him as their kiss deepened, all rational thought evaporating under the intensity of their embrace. When Leon finally drew back slightly, his breath quickening as he inhaled her scent, Sam saw in his eyes the same raw hunger she herself felt. Their shared passion rippled outward, so potent that even the Odyllic energy around them seemed to hum and respond.
With a monumental display of self-control, Leon reluctantly pulled back, creating a respectful distance. Clearing his throat nervously, he brought Sam back to reality. She blushed fiercely, smiling shyly as she also cleared her throat.
"That was…um, something else," Leon said softly, his voice playful yet tender.
"Yeah," Sam laughed quietly, her face glowing warmly.
Afterwards, they lay quietly together on her bed, side by side, comfortably wrapped in each other's presence. They didn't speak; words were unnecessary as they simply enjoyed the silent intimacy, their fingers gently interlacing as they drifted in a peaceful embrace.
The comfortable silence eventually broke as Leon gently spoke, his voice low but clear. "Rex informed me earlier…my banishment has officially been rescinded."
Sam blinked in surprise, propping herself up slightly. "Really? How?"
"It seems Rex managed to deliver Delacroix to Golden Dawn, who then transferred custody to Starlight. Admiral Wilcock, who is an ally of my mother, took the opportunity to officially abolish the banishment because of our actions," Leon explained. His voice held a cautious optimism, a hesitant hopefulness that warmed Sam's heart.
She smiled gently, genuinely happy for him. Yet she quickly sensed the meaning behind his words. "So…you're leaving for the Federation?"
Leon paused, silence hanging heavy between them. Eventually, he sighed softly and nodded. "Yes. I…I need to see my mother. There are things I need to confront her about. Answers I need to find. If it wasn't important, I would never leave your side."
"I understand," Sam replied gently. Her mind drifted briefly to the Julia Haravok construct she had encountered, the woman whose reality-warping power had influenced their paths so significantly. A part of Sam longed to meet Julia herself, to speak face-to-face with the woman responsible for saving Leon's life. But her newfound purpose anchored her firmly to Terra.
Since waking, Sam had gained a deeper understanding of her role as the Asha'yee, Keeper of the Sacred Flames and Guardian of the Divine Light. She had glimpsed the flames themselves, seen their true nature, and understood her duty now with a clarity that left no doubt—her place was on Terra.
"The good news is, Emily has chosen to stay behind," Leon added quietly, smiling reassuringly.
"She has? That's wonderful news," Sam said warmly, relief evident in her voice.
Leon took her hands again, squeezing gently as he looked deeply into her eyes. "I'll come back to you, I promise. As soon as I can."
Sam smiled softly, the warmth of her affection unmistakable. "I'll hold you to that promise."
****
As the days passed, the awakening of Terra deepened, becoming an unstoppable tidal wave of change reshaping the very fabric of the planet. The seven familiar continents of humanity merged violently and dramatically into one colossal supercontinent, shattering coastlines, leveling cities, and raising new mountain ranges where none had existed before. Towering tsunamis surged across oceans, swallowing entire islands and reshaping the globe overnight. Millions were displaced, scrambling desperately to escape as familiar landscapes dissolved into chaos.
Even more shocking was the sudden arrival of four new supercontinents, drawn violently from hidden spatial coordinates previously unknown to mankind. The clash of worlds unleashed devastating earthquakes that tore apart ancient cities, shifting tectonic plates with such force that vast fissures ruptured through the land, swallowing towns whole. Volcanoes erupted, sending plumes of ash into skies churning with strange lightning storms, illuminating the darkness in terrifying flashes of violet and crimson.
Amid this unprecedented upheaval, governments stood paralyzed, overwhelmed by the enormity of the crisis. Their carefully structured societies were fraying rapidly, unable to withstand the relentless chaos consuming the planet. It was then, in humanity's darkest hour, that Octagram, the ancient religious order long hidden in mystery, finally revealed its true self. Stepping into the breach, Octagram's followers mobilized swiftly, utilizing advanced technology and arcane arts to rescue survivors from the ruins of fallen cities and provide shelter to the countless millions displaced by disasters.
Octagram's ships filled the skies, massive floating sanctuaries that delivered desperately needed medical supplies, food, and advanced shielding technologies to safeguard humanity from the raging elements. People across the globe stared upward in awe, their fear tempered by gratitude as Octagram unveiled technological wonders previously unimaginable—levitation platforms, automated medical drones, and portable energy shields—offering humanity hope for survival amid devastation.
Simultaneously, Golden Dawn emerged from the shadows, uniting openly with the Yesh Institute—one of the mundane world's most respected scientific research institutions—to offer humanity a defense against emerging threats. Guardians deployed across the chaotic landscape, standing defiantly against rogue Mystics, awakened beasts, and the terrifying corruption of the lingering Blackearth virus.
The infernal Blackearth virus, though weakening, still plagued isolated communities, transforming ordinary people into twisted abominations fueled by dark, corruptive energies. Guardians tirelessly battled these monstrosities, wielding newfound powers openly before a watching world. Fortunately, due to the heroic efforts of Sam, Leon, Emily, Rosa, and their companions in driving away the Fallen Beasts, the virus' potency had diminished significantly. With fewer vectors to spread its corruption, the virus began consuming itself, gradually losing its grip on humanity.
At the very heart of the turmoil, amidst shattered cities, reshaped landscapes, and the frightened, uncertain eyes of humanity, stood Samantha Sinclair. She was poised atop a towering skyscraper overlooking the transformed cityscape of Lakefront Metropolis, gazing silently over the chaotic, yet awe-inspiring vista that stretched endlessly before her. Beneath her feet, the structure was cracked and unstable, but she stood calmly, untouched by the chaos that surrounded her.
From this vantage point, Sam could clearly observe the massive upheaval that had seized her beloved city. Buildings once proud and sturdy now leaned precariously, twisted by powerful seismic shifts. Streets had splintered into jagged fissures, from which glowing veins of vibrant amethyst energy pulsed rhythmically, illuminating the darkened skyline. In place of the familiar urban hum rose an eerie, almost otherworldly silence, punctuated occasionally by distant rumblings and muted cries of confusion and fear from survivors below.
Yet, amidst all the ruin and devastation, something else stirred—a profound transformation that filled Sam's senses with awe and wonder. Immense pillars of amethyst energy erupted skyward in a majestic display, piercing through the swirling clouds and breaking apart the fabric of space itself. Reality wavered as Terra reshaped, the hidden world fusing with the mundane, the veil between them dissolving before her eyes.
While those around her struggled against the overwhelming density of the newly awakened Odic energies, Sam felt at peace, breathing deeply of the charged, invigorating air. To her awakened senses, the energy felt warm and nurturing, like the reassuring embrace of an ancient force that had long awaited her arrival. It resonated deeply with her soul, reinforcing her connection to Terra's core—the Sacred Flames that burned eternally within the heart of the planet.
Standing upon that rooftop, bathed in ethereal light, Sam embraced her newfound identity fully—the Asha'Yee, Keeper of the Sacred Flames, and Guardian of the Divine Light. She no longer feared her destiny but accepted it willingly, determined to protect this world that had given her life, love, and purpose. Her aura radiated outward, a gentle yet powerful beacon, signaling hope to anyone who could sense it, a promise that even amidst devastation, renewal was at hand.
As Sam stood there, gazing out over a planet reborn, she understood clearly the weight of her purpose. She was no longer merely Samantha Sinclair, daughter and friend—she had become an emblem of hope and courage, her actions guiding humanity toward its uncertain future. But this new role didn't burden her. Instead, it strengthened her, filling her spirit with resolve, purpose, and unwavering determination.
Yet, beneath her calm exterior, Samantha felt a deeper truth—a truth resonating powerfully within her soul. She knew Terra's Awakening was only the beginning. The ascension of their world had already rippled across the cosmos, drawing the hungry attention of forces greater and darker than anything humanity had yet faced. Cosmic entities, divine emperors, and interstellar alliances had all turned their gaze upon the once-humble blue planet, marking it as a focal point in the grand narrative of the universe itself.
Sam took a deep breath, steadying herself as she looked up toward the celestial expanse now visible beyond the clouds, glittering with countless distant stars. Within her heart, determination burned brighter than ever. She knew the path ahead was uncertain, filled with trials more arduous and dangerous than those already faced. But she would not waver—her soul was clear, her purpose unwavering.
She would stand firm, bearing the mantle of the Asha'Yee, prepared to defend her home and its people no matter the cost. Terra's awakening was only the beginning, and Samantha Sinclair was ready to guide humanity into a bold new era, facing whatever challenges awaited them beyond the stars.