The massive doors of the ship hissed open, releasing a wave of cool, alien air as the seven hundred passengers stepped onto the landing platform of Vrasnia. The eternal night stretched before them, a breathtaking tapestry of deep indigo skies punctuated by a radiant purple moon casting an ethereal glow over the sprawling cityscape below. Towering spires of luminescent crystal pierced the darkness, their lights dancing like stars brought to earth, while the faint hum of advanced technology underscored the scene. The crowd stood in awe, their gasps and murmurs blending into a symphony of wonder as they took in the alien beauty.
Riah emerged at the platform's edge, her red-and-white striped hair flaring like a phoenix's crest under the purple moonlight, her crimson-red and black eyes surveying the assembly with pride. She raised her hands, her voice resonating with warmth and authority, amplified by the ship's lingering systems. "Welcome to Vrasnia, brave souls of Earth and beyond! You've survived the trials of war and the warp—now, you stand on the threshold of a new home. Embrace this eternal night, for it is yours to shape!"
The crowd erupted into applause, smiles breaking through weary faces, laughter echoing as the weight of their journey lifted. Kazimir, standing nearby, turned to Jue and Kamela, his indigo-blue coat billowing slightly in the breeze. "Come, follow me," he said, his galactic eyes glinting with a quiet invitation. He led them through the bustling port station, its vast halls lined with holographic displays and sleek transport tubes, a stark contrast to Earth's rudimentary airports.
Jue's eyes widened as he took it in. "It's massive compared to the airports on Earth!"
Kazimir chuckled, a rare lightness in his tone. "Yeah, Vrasnia is leagues ahead of Earth's technology." His voice carried a hint of pride as they navigated the throng.
"Ohh, I see," Jue nodded, impressed. Kamela, walking beside him, glanced at Kazimir with admiration. "It's cool that you're the one guiding us."
Kazimir flashed a modest smile. "Well, this is actually my first time doing this—it's not even my job. But I am the Emperor of this planet, so it's fine." His tone was casual, almost playful.
Jue's jaw dropped. "Wait, you run an entire planet?"
Kazimir nodded, a laugh escaping. "Yep, I do, haha."
Kamela chuckled, her voice bright. "We're lucky then, having a walking VIP pass with us."
Kazimir's gaze softened. "Well, Riah and Vanessa are still dealing with civilians too, so it's not just you guys." He flagged down a port worker, his voice firm yet polite. "You over there—I need you to get a vehicle for these two to the hotel. And arrange more—there are over seven hundred people about to exit this station." The man nodded briskly. "I'll be on my way, Emperor."
Kazimir paused with Jue and Kamela, waiting as the port buzzed around them. Meanwhile, Ayane stood with Riah, Vanessa, Raijin, and Kamaki near the platform's edge. "Where's Lihanna and Felicia?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Raijin shrugged, his lightning aura faint. "They're around but fine—nothing to worry about."
Kamaki grinned. "So, you're coming with us?"
Ayane hesitated, glancing at Riah. "I don't know—Riah just told me to come along."
Riah interjected, her tone decisive. "Yes, she's coming with us."
Raijin raised an eyebrow. "Wait, where's Kazimir?"
Vanessa's abyssal aura swirled gently. "He's assisting two passengers from the ship. We'll see him at the exit."
Ten minutes later, the group reached the port's exit, the city's luminous skyline stretching before them. Riah's voice rang out, cutting through the noise. "There you are!"
Kazimir turned, his galactic eyes scanning the group. "Oh, you finally made it out! What took you so long? You could've taken the shorter route."
Riah blinked, surprised. "There's a shorter route?"
Kazimir squinted, incredulous. "Wait, you're telling me Vanessa didn't tell you?"
Vanessa crossed her arms, her expression deadpan. "I didn't know there was one either."
An awkward silence hung in the air, the eternal night amplifying the moment's absurdity. Jue broke it with a hearty laugh. "Is this your lady, kid—or should I say Emperor?"
Kazimir turned, a wry smile forming. "Oh, it's fine, no need to be formal with me. Yes, she's my lady—beautiful, right?"
Jue nodded approvingly. "She is, an elegant young lady. That's all I know about her—she's the Phoenix girl, a very powerful young lady, and I admire that."
Riah smiled warmly. "Thank you, Jue. I hope the warp wasn't too much for you to handle."
Jue waved a hand. "Oh, nah, it was fine—an experience to have."
Kamela shivered slightly. "I was scared as hell—it moved so fast."
Riah's eyes sparkled. "Yep, that's because we're traversing multiple dimensions. That's what makes these ships special—they can warp to all sides of the universe."
Kamela's awe deepened. "Wow, that's amazing."
Familiar voices approached, a wave of joy breaking the moment. Tyrone, Lihanna, Felicia, Jessie, and Neve emerged from the crowd. Neve's voice was calm yet joyful. "You made it back!"
Ayane's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh my god, it's her!"
Kamaki smirked, eyeing Neve. "Oh, Neve, eh? Everyone loves her, but I don't blame them—she is hot."
Tyrone approached Kazimir, Riah, and Vanessa. "Welcome back, you all."
"Thanks," they chorused, their voices blending with the night's hum. The purple moon shone brighter, casting a magical glow over the city. Kamela murmured, "That's a pretty glow."
Riah nodded. "Yeah, it does that from time to time. Good timing, though."
Ayane rushed to Neve, her voice a squeal of delight. "OH MY GOD, IT'S YOU! I'M SUCH A FAN, NEVE, I LOVE YOU!"
All eyes turned to her, a mix of amusement and surprise on their faces. Kazimir chuckled. "Looks like Neve's got herself a fangirl."
Vanessa smirked. "Most excited I've seen her."
Lihanna and Felicia exchanged a glance, their voices low and suspicious. "I don't trust her," Felicia muttered.
Lihanna nodded. "I don't either. Let's keep a close eye on her."
Vehicles rolled up, their sleek designs gleaming under the purple moon—enough to ferry the new citizens. Kazimir approached one, opening the door for Jue and Kamela. "It was nice talking to you all. Now enjoy the eternal night of Vrasnia and its beautiful city lights."
Kamela smiled. "Thank you, Kazimir. Take care."
The car glided away, and the group watched it vanish into the luminous city. Neve leaned close to Kazimir's ear, her tone teasing. "Looks like somebody has a fangirl."
Kazimir sighed, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Whatever. Let's continue until every single person gets a ride, then we leave." His galactic eyes scanned the crowd, his leadership unwavering as the eternal night embraced its new inhabitants.