Chronicles of Azure – Chapter 3: Blades in the Night
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Scene 1: Clash on the Rooftops
The neon glow of Skyhaven City flickered below as Kael and Rai Kurogane stood face to face on a narrow rooftop. The wind howled, carrying the distant hum of airships and the shouts of Celestial Enforcers searching for them below.
Rai tightened his grip on Stormfang, his massive crimson sword humming with energy. His single red eye glowed under the moonlight.
"You're in my way, courier."
Kael spun his Aether Blades, smirking. "And you've got a bad habit of threatening girls, pal."
Rai vanished—instant acceleration.
Kael barely raised his blades before a powerful strike sent him skidding back, sparks flying as steel clashed against steel. The force cracked the rooftop beneath them.
"Damn, he's fast—" Kael thought, dodging another brutal swing. He countered with a quick slash, but Rai parried with one hand and kicked him across the roof.
Kael groaned, rolling to his feet. "Okay, you're strong. I get it. But I don't lose that easily."
Rai pointed his blade at him. "This fight is pointless. Hand over the girl."
Kael wiped his lip. "How about no?"
Rai sighed. "Then I'll cut you down."
Lightning flashed. The real battle had begun.
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Scene 2: Lyria's Awakening
Lyria watched in shock as the two warriors clashed, blades ringing like thunder. Each time Kael dodged, Rai would strike faster.
She gripped her head as flashes of memory surged through her.
—A laboratory, filled with glass tubes. Scientists whispering. A man in white robes saying…
"She is the key to the Azure Core."
Her vision blurred. Suddenly, a voice echoed in her mind.
"Lyria, wake up."
Her breath hitched. The moment she focused, gravity around her shifted.
She barely noticed as her feet lifted off the ground.
Then—her instincts took over.
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Scene 3: Gravity Unleashed
Kael ducked under Stormfang, countering with an upward slash. Rai caught the attack and locked blades with him, pushing him toward the ledge.
But before Rai could strike—
The air pressure shifted.
Both fighters froze as a sudden gravitational pulse pulsed from Lyria. The very rooftop cracked apart, chunks of debris floating into the air.
Lyria hovered above them, her violet eyes glowing.
"I… remember something," she murmured, voice distant. "I am not supposed to exist."
Kael's eyes widened. "What?"
Rai's grip on his sword tightened. "Tch… so it's true."
Before anyone could react, Celestial Enforcers arrived, surrounding the area with hover-drones and energy spears.
"This is the Celestial Order!" a voice boomed. "Surrender the anomaly immediately!"
Rai cursed, lowering his blade. "This isn't over."
Kael grinned. "Guess that means we're on the same side—for now."
Rai didn't respond. Instead, he turned and disappeared into the night.
Kael grabbed Lyria's hand. "Time to go!"
With a sing
le gravity-enhanced leap, they vanished into the depths of Skyhaven.
To Be Continued…