---
Chirag and Siya walked through the morning mist, hand in hand. The sky above was painted in soft orange and pink, and birds flew across peacefully. The world felt calm, but deep down, they both knew—it was only the calm before the next storm.
They had just left the Village of the Forgotten, a place full of peace, old stories, and ancient wisdom. That village had changed something inside them.
Siya looked at Chirag and asked softly, "Do you think Solven will really return with gods who want peace?"
Chirag looked thoughtful. "I don't know. But for the first time, I feel like maybe... not all gods are bad. Maybe there's still hope for them too."
The flame in his chest—the Eternal Flame—felt warm, steady, like it agreed.
---
A New Mission
Their journey now had a new goal. Before, they were trying to survive. Then, they wanted to fight. But now?
Now they wanted to unite the world.
They had humans, demons, magical creatures—and maybe, soon, even some gods—on their side. But there was one group still missing. One group that no one had seen for centuries:
The Sky Dwellers.
Sky Dwellers were ancient beings. Older than gods. They lived in floating islands high in the sky, hidden by magic and clouds. Legends said they controlled time, weather, and memories. But no one knew if they still existed.
Siya had heard of them in demon scrolls. "If we can find them," she said, "they might help us bring balance to this world."
Chirag nodded. "Then we'll find them."
---
Climbing the Sky
Their next step was the Windspire Mountain—the tallest peak in the world. It was said that at its top, the wind whispered the names of Sky Dwellers.
The climb was hard.
Freezing winds blew against them. The rocks were sharp. The air got thinner with every step. But Chirag and Siya didn't stop. They helped each other, shared their warmth, and kept moving.
After days of climbing, they reached a flat peak, where the clouds touched the ground. A strong wind circled them like a spirit.
Suddenly, a voice spoke from the air.
"Why have you come here, flame child and demon princess?"
They looked around. No one.
Chirag stepped forward. "We seek the Sky Dwellers. We come in peace."
The wind swirled faster. "No one has spoken to us for a thousand years. Why now?"
"Because the world is changing," Siya said. "And we want to change it for good. We need your help."
The wind paused. Silence.
Then... the clouds parted.
---
The Floating City
Before their eyes, a bridge of light appeared, leading up into the sky. Above it floated a grand island—Aerion, the City of the Sky Dwellers.
Buildings of crystal and silver floated without touching the ground. Rivers of golden mist flowed through the air. Winged beings flew gently across the sky like birds.
Two Sky Dwellers appeared before them. Tall, with glowing eyes and soft voices.
"Come with us," one said.
---
Meeting the Sky Council
Chirag and Siya were led into a large circular hall, surrounded by floating runes and glowing symbols. There sat the Sky Council—seven elders, each with hair like clouds and eyes like stars.
The leader, an old Sky Dweller named Elarion, spoke first.
"You are brave to come here. But we do not interfere in worldly matters anymore."
Chirag stood tall. "Then maybe it's time to start again."
The council listened as Chirag and Siya told them everything—the war with the gods, the uniting of species, and the arrival of Solven, the peaceful god.
Elarion looked thoughtful. "We left the world because of its violence. But you say it now wants peace?"
"Yes," Siya said. "But we can't do it alone. Your power, your knowledge—it could guide everyone."
Another elder, a woman named Myria, leaned forward. "You carry the Eternal Flame, Chirag. That is not a small thing. That flame once came from our skies."
Chirag was surprised. "You created it?"
Myria smiled. "It was a gift to the world. A symbol of hope. And now it has returned to us—through you."
---
A Promise Made
The council discussed privately for hours. Chirag and Siya waited outside, watching the sky turn gold as the sun set.
When the elders returned, Elarion gave their answer.
"We will not fight," he said. "But we will stand behind you. We will send messengers to all corners of the world. We will spread your message."
Siya smiled. "That's all we ask."
Myria handed Chirag a sky crystal—a small glowing stone.
"When the final battle begins," she said, "crush this. It will call us."
Chirag bowed. "Thank you."
---
Flight of Hope
Before they left, the Sky Dwellers gave them one final gift: wings made of light, wrapped around their shoulders. They couldn't fly with them, but they allowed Chirag and Siya to walk gently on air—making their journey back easier.
As they descended the mountain, they looked out at the world below.
Cities. Rivers. Mountains.
And above it all, hope.
Chirag looked at Siya. "We've found everyone. Humans. Demons. Magical creatures. Sky Dwellers. And even some gods."
Siya nodded. "Now it's time to bring them together."
---
The Last Gathering Begins
Back at the Crimson Crater—their meeting place—Kael and the others were waiting.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You were gone a long time."
Chirag grinned. "But we brought something worth the wait."
As they told everyone about the Sky Dwellers, excitement spread through the crowd.
"It's really happening," one warrior whispered.
"We're not alone anymore," said a demon captain.
"Together," Chirag said to the crowd, "we will shape the future."
They looked up at the sky. The clouds began to shift again.
The storm was returning.
But this time—they were ready.
---