After the call, minutes later they arrived at Eric's place.
"What the hell is going on?" Ruby asked, worry etched across her face.
"Noctyra has made the first move," Seraphine said firmly. "It's time to act… We have to fight back."
"We??" Akari scoffed. "I'm sorry, but this seems like a you problem."
"And besides, did you see those things?" Riley added. "There's no way you expect us to fight them."
"What if we just give her what she wants?" Nia suggested hesitantly.
"Yeah, I'd rather hand over the gem than have to fight," Hazel admitted, voice trembling.
"ENOUGH!" Seraphine's tone sliced through the room. "Do you really think this ends with the gems? Once she has them—not just you, but your entire world is doomed!"
Silence fell.
"Okay… but even if we do fight, aren't we walking into a losing battle?" Selena asked.
"Yeah, I don't think punches are gonna do much against those things," Riley muttered.
"I know," Seraphine acknowledged. "Which is why I'm going to train you."
"Umm… do we really have time for that?" Eric gestured at the TV, where monstrous creatures ravaged the city. "The destruction is getting worse."
"We'll have to start with the basics," Seraphine said. "Now, close your eyes."
Reluctantly, the girls complied.
"Calm yourselves. Feel that you are not alone. Connect with the gems," Seraphine instructed.
The glowing gems floated before them, pulsing in rhythm with their heartbeats, then coalesced into necklaces around each of their necks.
"Now… imagine those monsters doing the worst thing imaginable to someone you love."
Their eyes flew open in shock.
"What the F—" Ruby blurted.
"That's the only way," Seraphine said steadily. "Are you really going to let them hurt your family? Your friends? Your pets? You're fighting to protect them."
After a heavy pause, they closed their eyes once more, channeling the intense emotion. The gems blazed brighter, and soon, a blinding light enveloped them all.
Their Transformation Began,
Ruby's clothes had dissolved into a sleek, crimson and gold ensemble reminiscent of flickering flames. Her hair burst into a wild cascade of fiery red and orange locks, and brilliant, flame-shaped wings unfurled behind her, glowing with a passionate ember light.
Selena's attire transformed into a flowing gown of shimmering blues and turquoise, as fluid as the ocean. Her hair turned long and wavy, deep ocean blue with hints of aqua that danced like liquid ribbons. From her back emerged delicate, translucent wings that mirrored the gentle movement of water, complete with a soft ripple of light.
Akari's look shifted into an ethereal vision of frost. Her outfit became a refined, icy-white and pale blue ensemble with crystalline patterns resembling frost on glass. Her dark hair lightened to a cool silver-blue, styled in an elegant high ponytail, and from her back emerged wings that glittered like shards of ice, edged with a gentle blue glow.
Riley's transformation crackled with electric energy. Her attire turned into a form-fitting suit of light blue and white, adorned with subtle lightning motifs. Her hair, now a sleek dark style with streaks of electric blue, framed her face dynamically. Jagged, lightning bolt shaped wings flared from her back, radiating a pulsing light blue energy.
Nia's figure was draped in an airy, pastel green outfit with flowing layers that moved like a gentle breeze. Her hair lightened into a soft mint-green hue, styled into a long, weightless braid that seemed to flutter in an unseen wind. Expansive and translucent wings unfurled behind her, shimmering with the delicate hues of dawn.
Hazel's transformation radiated earthy vitality. Her clothing reformed into an ensemble of lush greens and browns with delicate floral embroidery and vine-like details. Her hair turned a deep forest green, styled into twin buns intertwined with tiny blossoms. From her back bloomed wings reminiscent of vibrant flower petals, glowing softly with natural light.
As the magic settled, and the light faded, they stood in stunned silence, fully Transformed
"Woah…" Eric breathed.
"They did it… they've become Guardians" Seraphine said proudly.
"Love the outfit" Nia remarked, admiring the elegant flow of her dress.
"Omg, these shoes are to die for" Akari said, striking a pose in front of a mirror.
"Check out the wings!" Riley exclaimed.
"They're beautiful… but how do they even work?" Hazel asked, tentatively flapping hers.
"Ugh, we don't have time for this" Eric interjected, urgency in his voice.
"He's right," Seraphine agreed. "We still have a battle to fight."
"Umm… we still don't know how to actually fight," Selena added.
Before Seraphine could reply, a sudden explosion rocked the building. The TV flashed images of chaos—monsters rampaging, buildings collapsing.
"We don't have time," Seraphine said urgently. "We have to go. Now."
"What?! That's a death wish!" Ruby protested.
"Hold on," Eric said. "I've got an idea. Do you girls have your earpods?"
"Yeah, why?" Riley replied.
"We'll use them to guide you during the battle."
"Great idea," Seraphine said. "Let's head out."
"We can take my van," Eric added.
They rushed out the door into the rain. "Whoa, cool van," Ruby murmured as they climbed aboard the tech-packed vehicle and drove off.
Minutes later, they arrived at the battlefield. Eric parked the van in a shadowed alley.
"Okay, we're here," Eric announced as the girls stepped out.
"Don't worry—Seraphine and I will guide you from here." Said Eric as the girls stepped out of the van
"Good luck, Guardians, and may the Aether guide you," Seraphine said as the girls left.
The girls ran toward the chaos. "Are we sure about this?" Nia asked, nerves evident in her voice.
"I'll admit, I'm a little scared," Riley said.
"My fear isn't 'little,'" Hazel muttered.
As they reached the fray, they saw one monstrous creature hoisting an AEGIS agent into the air.
"Drop him!" Riley shouted.
Above, a news chopper hovered, drone cameras rolling.
"What's this? A group of… individuals have arrived on the scene," the reporter narrated.
"What are you doing?!" an AEGIS agent yelled. "This isn't a game! Get out of here!"
"Shut it! We came to save you," Akari snapped.
"And besides," Selena added, "we're the ones they're looking for."
At her words, several monsters turned toward the girls.
"Here they come," Ruby whispered as the creatures charged.
Terror seized them as the monsters drew closer.
"EEK!" Hazel screamed and turned, running in fear. The others, panic-stricken, scattered in all directions.
Their first battle had begun—with them running for their lives.
To Be Continued...