Gaia Chronicles: The Integral Saga

Location: Gaia HQ – Southern Strategy Hall

The chamber was abuzz with tension. A new rift had begun expanding beyond the borderlands of what was once Northern Italy, and reconnaissance reported the presence of both Abyssal signals and Orion interference. The Knights were assembled for a major mission briefing.

Thea stood at the front of the command table, her presence calm but firm, golden eyes scanning each face.

"We've confirmed multiple Tier 4 Abyssals roaming the outskirts of the rift zone, and worse—there are traces of Voidborne ether. Orion has touched this breach."

She gestured to the projection, and the map shimmered red.

"We need a forward command squad. We're splitting into three fronts. Squad Alpha will be led by Sylvia, Beta by Astron… and Delta…" She paused. "Will be led by Harriet."

Murmurs broke through the room.

Elaine turned toward Harriet sharply. Their eyes met—and something unspoken passed between them.

Harriet blinked.

"Me?"

"Yes," Thea nodded. "You and Cyg will co-command. You've earned it."

Harriet glanced down, her hand tightening into a fist before she nodded slowly.

"I'll do it."

Elaine said nothing.

Location: Gaia HQ Garden – That Night

The moonlight washed the garden in pale silver. Elaine sat beneath a blooming azalea, Aetheris laid across her lap, untouched. Her wind teased the petals, making them dance.

Footsteps.

Harriet approached quietly, helmet tucked under her arm, wings retracted. She stopped just a few feet away.

"You haven't said anything since the briefing."

Elaine didn't meet her gaze.

"I didn't know I needed to."

"Don't do that," Harriet said softly, crouching to her level. "We've been through too much for silence."

Elaine finally looked at her, the wind still whispering.

"You're leaving for the front. With Cyg."

"I didn't ask for it."

"But you didn't refuse it either."

Harriet flinched.

"What was I supposed to do? Say no? Look weak in front of Thea and Cyg and everyone?"

Elaine's voice was barely a whisper.

"I just… I thought we were fighting together."

A long silence passed.

Harriet sat beside her, shoulders brushing.

"We are. Just not this time."

Elaine turned her head away.

"It always starts like that."

"Like what?"

"One mission. Then another. Then you're always gone."

Harriet's breath hitched.

"Are you saying you don't want me to go?"

Elaine didn't answer.

"Say it," Harriet said. "Please."

Elaine finally turned, eyes glassy.

"Don't go."

Location: Gaia HQ Barracks – Next Morning

Harriet stood by her gear, armor laid out neatly, Vermithar glowing with a soft orange pulse. She stared at it, but her mind was back in the garden.

Cyg entered the room silently.

"You don't look ready."

Harriet didn't respond immediately.

"I am."

"You're hesitating."

"Is that a problem, tactician?"

Cyg walked to the wall, folding his arms.

"Only if it gets someone killed."

"I won't let that happen."

"Then leave your heart behind," he said plainly. "You don't get to carry both into the field."

Harriet stared.

"Maybe I don't want to leave it behind."

Cyg said nothing.

Then, quietly—

"Then you'd better win."

Location: Launch Platform – Moments Before Departure

Elaine stood in the crowd, her face unreadable. As Harriet walked up the ramp with Squad Delta, she paused.

She turned back—eyes searching.

And found Elaine.

They locked gazes across the crowd.

Elaine raised her hand. Slowly.

Harriet smiled.

And nodded.

Location: Orion Command – Observation Spire

Seluna watched the mission deployment through a swirling crystal. Behind her, Erebus stood shrouded in the dim ether of the spire.

"They're splitting the Octagon," Seluna said.

Erebus' voice was calm, distant.

"Good. Fracture their hearts first."

Seluna tilted her head.

"And the bond between Wind and Fire?"

"Let it burn," Erebus replied. "So I can extinguish it."