POV: You
Location: Genesis Core – Outer Rim
The others gave you space.
Even Zeyren stood still—watching.
The rift above pulsed like a heartbeat. The chamber hummed with tension.
But none of that mattered.
Because she was right there.
Hovering just above the ground now, Genesis light flickering around her like fireflies. Her face was older than it should've been. Sharper. And her eyes—those were still Lia's.
She slowly lowered herself to the floor.
You stepped forward.
Neither of you said anything at first.
Then—softly—she whispered,
"…Hey."
Your voice cracked. "Hey."
A long pause.
She looked at her hands, still glowing. "I don't know how much of me is left."
You stepped closer. "All of it."
"I'm scared," she admitted.
"But I'm also… ready."
You nodded, trying not to let the emotion show.
"I never wanted you in this war," you said. "I wanted you safe."
Lia smiled—tired, sad, and strong.
"You taught me to fight for people. To protect what matters. That's what I'm doing."
She reached out.
You took her hand. It burned with power—but it was still her.
"I'm proud of you," you said.
"Always."
She leaned in—rested her head on your shoulder for just a second.
And then pulled back.
"…Let's finish this."
---
End Scene Tease:
Behind her, Zeyren's shadow stretched wider.
His voice was calm.
"Touching."
He raised his hand.
The Genesis Core roared.
"Now—let's see if you're truly worthy of that power."