After the shock of Raythem's words, a heavy silence settled.
No sound came from their mouths, yet in their minds, everything echoed.
The prophecies had just fallen—brutal, unexpected.
Ryota, distraught, couldn't help but think of one thing:
how to save his sister… with such a prophecy hanging over his head?
Yuta remained frozen.
His revenge, his father, his parents…
How could he comprehend a destiny as vague as his own?
Scarlet, on the other hand, showed nothing.
No fear, no doubt.
She accepted her prophecy as an established fact, without questioning it.
The young woman sitting beside them stood up.
With a gentle smile on her lips, she stepped toward them.
— I haven't introduced myself yet.
Pleased to meet you, I'm Evelynn! I'm glad to see you, my fellow comrades.
She clasped her hands, clearly enthusiastic.
— Unfortunately, I have no memory of my past… not even of who I was before.
But I'd be happy to work with you!
Ah, and before I forget… apparently, I'm the Éygis of Time!
Ryota blinked, then stood as well.
— Hello, everyone…
I'm the Éygis of the Sun, I think.
My name is Ryota.
He gave a small smile before continuing more seriously:
— I'm here solely to save my little sister.
But it'll be a pleasure to share this adventure with you.
Yuta took a deep breath before introducing himself.
— My name's Yuta, nice to meet you.
I'm the Éygis of the Stars, if I'm not mistaken…
I'm not very sociable, so I apologize in advance.
He paused briefly.
— And… I want to avenge my parents.
Raythem, standing slightly back to observe them, showed a faint smile.
A smile almost irritating.
All eyes then turned to the last member of the group.
Scarlet.
She seemed elsewhere, lost in thought… probably contemplating what she'd eat tonight.
But the insistent gazes eventually forced her to respond.
— …Scarlet. Éygis of Blood.
— What's wrong with your ass or something? — Ryota said lightly, trying to ease the tension.
Bad idea.
Scarlet's crimson gaze pierced his, cold and sharp.
Ryota immediately realized he'd crossed a line.
He quickly turned to Evelynn and Yuta.
— Well… nice.
Yuta, I guess you're not the most antisocial of us, after all.
Raythem then spoke.
— You don't realize it yet…
but today marks the beginning of your story.
The birth of the new Éygis.
══ ✦ ══
Later, Raythem showed them the residence where they would spend most of their time.
A massive manor surrounded by a circular courtyard, with underground training grounds, several common rooms, and private apartments.
As soon as they arrived, Scarlet slipped into her apartment without a word, disappearing like a shadow.
Raythem was the only one who noticed.
***
The evening passed.
After washing up, Ryota left his apartment and headed to the bar in the lounge.
Raythem and Evelynn were talking on the terrace, while Yuta was preparing cocktails.
Scarlet still hadn't come out.
Ryota approached Yuta.
— You're good… how do you do that? Did you learn it by yourself?
— I used to be a waiter. Sometimes I filled in as a bartender. What do you want? A beer? A cocktail?
— In my world, there's nothing like that… Surprise me.
A few seconds later, Yuta handed him a perfectly made cocktail.
Ryota glanced toward the terrace.
— Tell me, Yuta…
Don't you think Raythem and Evelynn are close?
It looks like they've known each other for a long time.
Yuta didn't answer immediately.
His gaze rested on Evelynn.
The glass door opened, Raythem came inside, and Evelynn walked toward Yuta and Ryota.
— I'll leave you two to yourselves.
Get some rest… and try to get along.
Have a good evening!
He left the house.
Evelynn, Yuta, and Ryota exchanged a look.
Isn't someone missing…?
***
In her apartment, Scarlet slept deeply.
For the first time in a long while, she rested in a real bed.
══ ✦ ══
Bound by the fate of the Y'onn.
Marked by their wounds.
Separated by their stories.
Under the artificial sky of Vera, the four Éygis finally meet.
They do not yet know it, but their choices will decide the fate of the universe.
End of Act 1 – The Awakening of the Éygis
→ Coming next: Interlude – The Brilliance of Ordinary Days