The apartment was silent. After their clash with the Haseidan men, Kaen and Tobias had returned, breathless, their clothes stained with dust and soot.
Sakina was waiting for them, seated at the small table in the living room. Her arms crossed, her gaze stern.
— You think I didn't notice? she asked in a grave tone. Those flames… and that spirit blade…
Kaen looked away, uneasy.
— We didn't have a choice. They were criminals, Sakina.
Tobias remained silent.
Sakina let out a long sigh, then stood. She walked over to the window, staring at the distant lights of Kuzari.
— You still don't understand. The power you're wielding… it's immense. Too immense to go unnoticed. And because of it, organizations like the Haseidan, the Blutlkingen… or even some among the Goldo will try to get their hands on you.
Kaen straightened, startled.
— Wait… you know those names?
— Of course I know them, she replied, clenching her fists. Because I, too, was once a Senshi.
A heavy silence fell. Tobias finally raised his eyes toward her, his gaze sharp.
— You? A Senshi?
Sakina nodded.
— Yes. For a time, I served with the Sanuya, the organization created to protect this world and the Seal. But I abandoned that role… because I saw too many friends die. Because I lost faith.
Her eyes clouded for an instant.
— Maelis… she whispered.
Kaen frowned.
— Maelis? Your childhood friend?
— She was a Senshi too. Until she chose another path… the path of the Blutlkingen.
Tobias felt his chest tighten, as if that name resonated within him in some strange way. But he said nothing.
Sakina continued, more firmly this time:
— Listen to me carefully. You, Kaen… and you, Tobias… you both carry a power beyond comprehension. And if you remain alone, without guidance, you'll be destroyed.
Kaen tried to joke, to ease the tension:
— Pfft… destroyed? You're underestimating me, big sis.
But his smile faded instantly beneath Sakina's serious gaze.
— This isn't about courage, Kaen. It's about survival.
She stepped closer, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
— That's why I want you to join the Sanuya. There, you'll be protected… and trained. Otherwise, you'll be crushed by those who covet your powers.
A heavy silence followed.
Kaen, clutching his ethereal katana still warm from his first battle, looked over at Tobias.
The spirit gun had vanished, but his friend's aura remained—cold and mysterious.
Tobias lowered his eyes, the shadow of his brother Jasper crossing his thoughts.
Without realizing it, Sakina had planted the seed of a destiny that would lead them straight into the heart of the war between the Sanuya, the Blutlkingen, the Haseidan… and the Goldo.