The dawn stretched across the horizon of San Marino, painting the cobblestones gold. The air carried the faint smell of salt from the nearby coast, but for Jessica, the beauty of her home felt bittersweet now. Every corner, every alley still echoed with the hiss of the black serpents. The memory of their attack burned sharp in her mind.
Beside her, Varisa stood with her arms crossed, her hair tugged gently by the ever-present breeze that seemed to follow her wherever she went. They had fought together just hours ago, and though the battle was over, the weight of their choices had only just begun.
"You held your ground well," Varisa said, her voice steady. "Most people would have been swallowed alive."
Jessica gave a faint smile, brushing her blonde braid over her shoulder. "Most people don't have shields. But… even with them, I nearly fell apart." She clenched her hand, remembering the crack in her barrier, the tremor of weakness. "If you hadn't shown up, San Marino would be waking to ruins."
Varisa tilted her head. "You don't need to face this war alone. That's why we're going to find help."
Jessica frowned. "Help?"
Varisa turned, her crimson eyes glowing faintly with determination. "I've heard of a team. Heroes from San Fransokyo. They call themselves Big Hero 6."
Jessica blinked. "Big Hero… 6? Why are you telling me this?"
"Because," Varisa replied, her voice carrying the weight of certainty, "you and I are going to join them."
Jessica's brow furrowed. She looked out over the city—her city. The keystone at her side pulsed softly, reminding her of its dangerous presence. If I stay here, they'll keep coming, she thought grimly. And if they come again, the people will be caught in the crossfire.
"I don't know if I'm the type to… join a team," Jessica admitted. "I've kept to myself for years. Protecting people from a distance. That's all I know."
Varisa's lips curved into a faint smirk, though her tone was serious. "You can't protect the world from the shadows, Jessica. And you can't carry a keystone without allies. Big Hero 6 has resources, technology, and experience fighting threats like these. If we want to survive—and win—we need them. And they need us."
Jessica sighed, the weight of her city pressing on her heart. She thought of the narrow streets, the quiet cafés, the familiar laughter of children playing in the squares. She thought of what would happen if the serpents returned stronger than before.
Finally, she nodded. "Alright, Varisa. I'll follow your lead. Not for me—but for San Marino. If staying here puts these people in danger, then leaving is the only way to save them."
Varisa placed a hand on her shoulder, a rare gesture of reassurance. "Then we're agreed. From this day on, we fight not just as bearers of the keystones—but as future members of Big Hero 6."
The wind stirred stronger around them, carrying away the lingering shadows of last night's battle. For the first time, Jessica felt her shields weren't a prison, but part of something greater—a promise of protection not just for San Marino, but for the world.
Together, they set their sights westward, toward San Fransokyo, where destiny awaited.