Gaia Chronicles: The Integral Saga

The ballroom of Fort Argenvale hadn't been used in over a decade.

Once a diplomatic hall during the founding of Gaia, it had collected more dust than memories—until now.

A message from King Leonardo himself had arrived earlier that week:

"Unity thrives not only in fire and steel—but in trust, in moments between battles. Hold a formal gathering for the Octagon. Observe what they become when not forced to fight."

At first, most of the Octagon had reacted with confusion. Some with panic.

Harriet swore under her breath when she saw the dress code.Cyg raised an eyebrow and muttered something about "unnecessary formalities."Charlotte had nearly dropped her spanner.

But orders were orders.

And as the silver chandeliers of the Grand Ballroom lit for the first time in years, the Octagon entered—each carrying more than just a weapon.

Each carrying their own secrets.

Elaine twirled at the center of the marble floor, her sky-blue dress spiraling with her wind-touched movements. Her blonde hair was swept to the side, delicate feathers braided in—a symbol of her Gale lineage.

"You're really into this," Sylvia teased, approaching in a sleek, black and white gown adorned with silver threads. "This isn't a festival, you know."

Elaine grinned, hand extended. "Doesn't mean we can't dance."

Sylvia smirked. "Only if you can keep up."

They spun together, laughter trailing behind them. Around them, pairs began to form—awkward, unsure, but real.

Mia, dressed in a soft white gown with crystal accents, looked around nervously.

"I-I've never danced with anyone before…"

"You'll do fine," Eun-Ha whispered, gently taking her hand.

Eun-Ha wore a high-collared, dark lavender gown, her hair tied in a loose braid down her back. Her calm presence grounded Mia, and together, they moved in slow, flowing circles.

"Like stars and gravity," Mia murmured.

"Exactly," Eun-Ha replied.

By the balcony arch, Harriet leaned against the wall in her short, crimson dress with golden streaks like wildfire across silk. She tugged at her glove uncomfortably.

"You look like you're trying to escape your own skin," said Charlotte, approaching in a slim emerald dress, goggles still resting on her forehead like a crown of rebellion.

"I fight better than I waltz."

"Then don't waltz. Improvise."

Charlotte snapped her fingers. Her drones—disguised in polished gold trim—whirled in with a musical chime and projected a holographic beat across the floor.

"What is this?" Harriet asked.

"A dance you don't need to overthink."

And Harriet smiled for the first time that evening.

Near the far end, Hikari stood quietly beside a pillar, her deep midnight gown flowing around her like a living shadow. Sanguira was absent, but the ether glint in her eyes never left.

She watched.

Until Cyg approached.

His outfit was immaculate—formal white uniform with black trim, Aetheron visibly sheathed but sealed. His hair was brushed clean, and yet, he looked… unsure.

"Are you here to observe?" Hikari asked softly.

"I came to understand."

"And…?"

"People are confusing. But elegant."

She blinked. "That's almost a compliment."

He hesitated, then offered his hand. "Will you help me… test this hypothesis?"

Hikari's eyes widened.

And then—just like that—she stepped forward.

Their steps were awkward. Measured. Stiff at first.

Then smoother. Softer.

"Why me?" she asked.

"Because I've never met someone so quiet… who says so much."

Hikari's heart beat once.

And she smiled.

Later, as the music died down and the chandelier lights dimmed, the Octagon found themselves gathering in a small circle near the fountain in the garden beyond the ballroom.

The air was filled with dew and starlight.

"That wasn't so bad," Elaine said, her sandals off, dangling from her fingers.

"Speak for yourself," Harriet muttered, cheeks flushed. "I nearly tripped on a floral arrangement."

"That was intentional," Charlotte smirked.

"I'm... glad we did this," Mia whispered, resting her head on Eun-Ha's shoulder.

"For what purpose?" Cyg asked genuinely.

"Because we saw each other," Sylvia replied, her voice quiet. "Not as weapons. Not as titles. Just… us."

Cyg glanced around. Faces illuminated by moonlight. Laughter soft. Breathing in rhythm.

Perhaps unity wasn't born in fire.

Perhaps it began in the pauses between battles.