Gaia Chronicles: The Integral Saga

The sun broke over Gaia Headquarters with a serene warmth. Ether-infused banners danced above the amphitheater, and performers from every division of Gaia gathered to showcase their arts. It was the most awaited day for many—a stage not of war, but of wonder.

Sylvia Synthesis 12 stood backstage, her fingertips tingling against the Divine Earrings, *Orisha*, which pulsed softly with her heartbeat. She wore a flowing, celestial gown of moonlight blue, its silk catching every light like falling stars.

Nearby, Mia Synthesis 18 helped pin a few starlight lilies to Sylvia's braided hair. "You're glowing today," she said, eyes wide with admiration. "Like a song waiting to be heard."

Sylvia chuckled softly. "I should be used to stages by now, but this one... it matters."

Elaine 7 peeked through the curtain. "Crowd's packed. Thea's here. So is King Leonardo. Cyg's in the front row."

That last name made Sylvia pause. Her heart skipped, just once.

"...Then I guess it's time to sing."

As she stepped onto the stage, the crowd fell into hushed awe. Moonlight filtered through the crystal dome above, casting Sylvia in soft divine glow. The music began—a light chime, echoing like the call of stars.

Sylvia closed her eyes, and her voice followed.

A haunting melody rose, woven with ether. Her voice shimmered, bolstered by *Orisha*, bending light and sound together. Illusions of galaxies shimmered behind her, constellations rising and dancing with every note. The sorrow of sacrifice, the beauty of bonds, the ache of unspoken love—all laced in every lyric.

In the crowd, Cyg sat in silence. Unmoving. His Mystic Eye glowed faintly, not in calculation, but in resonance. He remembered her arc—how she struggled with her voice, how she feared silence more than battle. How he... reached out to her, without knowing why.

He swallowed. Sylvia's voice was not just song now. It was confession.

As her final note rang through the hall, the stage burst into a starlit aurora. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Sylvia's gaze never left one figure.

Cyg.

He stood slowly, clapping just once.

Their eyes met. Neither smiled. But something unspoken passed between them.

Harriet, Charlotte, Eun-Ha, and Hikari stood nearby, watching.

Elaine whispered, "She's ahead now."

Charlotte frowned. "We'll see."

Harriet grinned. "Bring it on."

Backstage, as applause still echoed, Mia hugged Sylvia tight. "You were perfect."

Sylvia's lips trembled. "I meant every word."

Behind her, Cyg lingered.

He didn't say anything.

But he stayed.

And that... was enough.