Morning came quietly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the trees and into the carriage. Kaiser stirred; the first thing he noticed was the warmth beneath his head, the familiar scent of Kerisa surrounding him. His senses slowly returned, and he realized his head rested on her lap. The gentle caress of her fingers through his hair stirred him further from sleep.
At first, she didn't notice he was awake. As Kaiser looked up, he saw her face gazing out the carriage. Her golden eyes were clouded with worry, her brows drawn together tightly. Her lips pressed together, quivering slightly as if she were holding back tears. The sight of her like this sent a sharp sting through Kaiser's. Had Halia lectured her? Was it because of what Kaiser did? Or that she blamed herself for not being awake?
But then Kerisa noticed his gaze. Her eyes widened in surprise before quickly masking her sorrow with a smile. "Good morning, Kin," she whispered, her voice always the melody that soothed his heart. She continued to run her fingers through his hair.
Kaiser blinked up at her, the pain in her eyes still lingering in his mind despite her current smile. He wanted to say something, to ask her what was wrong, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, the first thought that crossed his mind slipped past his lips: "You're beautiful," he murmured loud enough for Kerisa to hear.
Kerisa's hand froze mid-stroke through his hair, her breath hitching momentarily. She blinked, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks, quickly suppressed as she forced herself to keep her composure. The dark markings on her face and neck shifted, swirling in soft patterns before she forced them to still.
She playfully smiled while resuming her soothing.
"What are you saying?" she questioned gently, though her tone showed a slight tremor. "Seems like you're feeling better."
She glanced away briefly, her gaze flickering toward the carriage window as if trying to hide behind her hair. After a moment, she looked back at him, her expression carefully neutral—except for that slight smile that refused to leave her lips.
Kaiser's gaze drifted from Kerisa's face to his arm, the sudden awareness of its presence drawing his attention. His arm was back, completely healed, as if the previous night's events had been nothing more than a nightmare.
He flexed his fingers experimentally, feeling the strength return to his hand. Bionfi had done its work, but the memory of the pain lingered.
"We've arrived," Kerisa said. She glanced toward the carriage window again, her smile still in place.
As the carriage emerged from the dense trees, Xa'nia came into view. The floating kingdom rested atop vast clouds. Its architecture was unlike anything else in Terrarium. Towering pagodas rose gracefully toward the heavens, their curved roofs adorned with detailed carvings and gilded edges. Tall spires, crowned with ornate fire-shaped finials glowed faintly with the heat of the Thermonfi.
Bridges connected these floating islands, arched gracefully over the vast expanse of clouds. Their surfaces were paved with fiery gemstones that reflected the light in every hue of red and orange.
Kerisa leaned closer to the window, her golden eyes wide with awe, even though she had seen it before. "It still surprises me," she murmured, her voice soft with wonder. "The Xu'rith actually allowed the ceremony to take place in their citadel."
Kaiser's gaze remained fixed on Xa'nia. "Everyone wants peace, Kerisa," he replied. "The ones who never agreed were our people and the Enfas themselves."
She tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "But why Xa'nia for something this important?"
"It's the only place that makes sense," he said quietly. "Neutral ground. A place where neither side holds influence. That's what we need for this to work."
Kerisa glanced at him before she looked back out the window. "Maybe this time… it will be different," she whispered, as if trying to convince herself.
The carriage slowed as they approached the base of Xa'nia, where the Ascending Current awaited—a swirling energy vortex that acted as an elevator. The current shimmered with saturated colors, a mesmerizing blend of greens that spiraled upward, reflecting the whispy nature of Aeronfi.
Halia stepped out first as they stopped, her movements hinting at her age's burden. Across from them, sleek, fancy black cars were parked in neat rows, their surfaces gleaming under the gentle light of the morning sun.
The guard, noticing Kaiser's glance at the vehicles, spoke up. "The Secronfantazia clan arrived some hours prior," she informed them.
One of the Xaviers, a woman with sharp features and an even sharper tongue, scoffed as she saw the cars. "Typical," she muttered, her dark markings shifting with disdain. "Indifferent to their surroundings—still traveling around in those life-draining scraps."
Kaiser said nothing, but he knew the lady was correct. What type of people would insist on harming Trionfi and the planet while there are other, harmless ways of travel?
Regardless, the guard in front of the Ascending Current eyed them carefully before addressing Halia.
"Fortuna, please," the guard requested.
Halia blinked, momentarily surprised, before she began fumbling through her bag. "Ah, yes… the Fortuna. We barely use these things," she muttered, her fingers sifting through various items until she finally pulled out the small, intricately designed ring. She presented it to the guard, who took it and scanned it with a device.
After a moment, the guard nodded, returning the ring to Halia. "Welcome to Xa'nia," she said, stepping aside to allow them access to the Ascending Current.
They walked into it, the energy wrapping around them. The ground fell away beneath them, and the world below grew smaller with each passing second as they ascended.
Kerisa, who had been uncharacteristically silent for most of the exchange, now shifted uncomfortably beside Kaiser. Her right hand twirled the makeshift bracelet made by Kaiser in more innocent days. Her markings pulsed in restless patterns as she glanced at Kaiser with jittering pupils. "Kin, aren't the Enfas going to be… mean?"
Kaiser reassuringly held her hand with a steady touch. "We finally want the same thing—even the Enfas," he said, his voice soothing.
She nodded, though her markings still swirled with unease. "I know, it's just… they've always been so… serious. I don't know if they'll give us a chance."
Kaiser squeezed her hand. "They will. They have to. Just like us."
The current continued to lift them higher, the kingdom of Xa'nia drawing closer with each passing moment, its towering spires and glowing lanterns welcoming them into the citadel's heart.
Landing on the warm pavement, a Xu'rith greeted the Xavier clan with a warm smile, her cloud-like hair floating whimsically around her head. Her eyes glowed with a red hue, reflecting the gentle warmth of the evening light. And her pointy ears drooped down slightly.
She airwalked gracefully toward them, her feet never touching the ground, her dark skin contrasting beautifully with the floating scarlet hair that framed her face. Despite her youthful appearance, there was no mistaking that she was an adult.
The woman bowed elegantly. "Welcome, fated Xavier Clan." As she straightened, her smile broadened. "I am Nem'Yeth, Advent Daughter of Bioterra. But you can just call me—" Before she could finish, several Xaviers rushed up, enveloping her in their exuberant greetings. Some hugged her warmly, while others exchanged cheek-to-cheek kisses, the lively energy of the Xavier culture overwhelming the more reserved Nem'Yeth.
Her cheeks flushed pink as she stuttered slightly. She managed to keep her smile, though her hands kept fidgeting. "I did a lot of research into Dirvah culture and your clan," she began, her voice a touch unsteady but sincere. "So I prepared myself for this kind of greeting."
Nem'Yeth paused, glancing around at the smiling faces before continuing more confidently. "But I advise you to tone down the physical touch when interacting with other Xu'rith like myself; they might not see it as the friendly gesture it's meant to be." Her blush deepened as she added with a small, nervous laugh, "I'm still getting used to it myself."
The Xaviers around her nodded, some laughing softly at her endearing reaction. Despite her shyness, Nem'Yeth's effort to understand their culture was appreciated.
Nem'Yeth guided the Xavier clan through Xa'nia with ease, highlighting key areas such as the grand ceremonial hall where the peace initiation would be held—its entrance adorned with glowing lanterns. She spoke of the Xu'rith's deep connection to fire and how it permeated their daily lives, from the controlled flames used in their marketplaces to the architectural elements that harnessed Thermonfi's power.
Nem'Yeth's earlier shyness faded as she confidently answered their questions, guiding them to the heart of Xa'nia—the central plaza. Kaiser glanced around, his dark markings shifting with curiosity.
"Where are the Enfas?" he asked, his tone measured but carrying a hint of tension.
Nem'Yeth turned to him with a calm smile. "The Secrofantazia clan is preparing for the ceremony later this afternoon," she explained. "I'll soon show you to your quarters for the night as well. But I must kindly ask that you refrain from contacting Enfas before the ceremony. Both sides must enter the discussions with clear minds and without any preconceived tensions."
Kaiser nodded, understanding her wisdom. Nem'Yeth's request was delivered with such kindness that it was impossible to take offense, and the Xaviers collectively agreed to respect the balance needed for success.
Nem'Yeth gestured toward the expansive plaza, where the hustle and bustle of Xa'nia's life flowed. "You're free to wander around the main plaza," she said. "However, I must ask that you don't leave this area. I'm sorry for the strict rules, but after the ceremony, you will be granted much more freedom to explore most of Xa'nia."
The Xaviers, understanding the importance of the occasion, nodded in agreement, though Kaiser couldn't help but feel a twinge of impatience.
As the group dispersed to explore the plaza, the Soul Twins found themselves lingering near the edge of the bustling square. Unlike the others, they had already seen much of Xa'nia during their previous visit, and the novelty of the floating kingdom had worn off.
Kaiser's dark markings shifted restlessly. Kerisa didn't waste time, sidling to him with that unmistakable mischief in her golden eyes. "Kin," she whispered, her voice low and conspiratorial, "how about we have a little fun?"
Kaiser raised an eyebrow, knowing all too well where this was headed. "Fun?" he repeated, though a slight smirk tugged. "Soulsis, you heard what Nem'Yeth said."
Kerisa waved a hand dismissively, her markings swirling with playful energy. "Oh, come on. We've been here before, and we're just as serious as the rest of them. When have we ever let rules stop us?"
Kaiser hesitated. The ceremony was no small matter; he knew better than to jeopardize it. But as Kerisa leaned in closer, he felt his resolve weaken. The truth was, he was just as restless as she was, and the idea of breaking free from the confines of the plaza was tempting.
"What's the plan?" he asked as he gave in.
Kerisa grinned. "I'll distract Nem'Yeth. You slip out and take a look around. Just don't get caught, okay?"
Kaiser chuckled, shaking his head at her audacity. "If this goes wrong, it's on you," he warned, though there was no real seriousness in his tone. How many times has she persuaded me to do things like this? He thought—but not like he cared in the slightest.