The Founders

The founders of Titan City were known for their unwavering dedication to their mission. Day in and day out, they would venture out on dangerous missions, willing to risk it all for the safety and protection of their beloved city. It was a perilous existence, and not everyone made it back alive. The founders had accepted this grim reality as a part of their lives. Losing people had become the new normal.

The original founders, the ones who had built Titan City from scratch, had passed away 120 years ago. It was a great loss to the city, but their legacy had lived on through their successors. Twenty years ago, four new founders had joined the ranks. Curtix, an older man in his forties, was one of them. He had greying hair tied up in a ponytail and dark green eyes that shone with determination. His red robe had gold-like flowers around the edges, signifying his high rank as a founder.

As they sat down to discuss the recent loss of four of their strongest Nephalem users, Curtix proposed that they should discuss it. Blayne, the youngest founder in her early twenties, and the last one to be promoted, nodded in agreement. She had long red hair and pink eyes with a nebula-like pupil, reminiscent of space dust. On the other hand, Wallon, a man in his thirties, was an emotionless man with a black robe and red snakes outlining the edges. Blayne wore a white robe with the yin and yang symbol, its shiny black and white details adding to its elegance.

Blayne was the first to speak up, "Discussing the loss of four of our strongest Nephalem users, damn right we shall. We can't let this slide."

Kade, the final founder, proposed another idea, "I have another idea to propose. People are claiming it was The Vultures, but it seems like the sandstorms are only getting worse over time. Zynkara and Mara might have spread it."

Curtix rested his elbows on the big grey table with red fancy outlines, "You think something's up with them?"

Kade replied almost immediately, "Yes, I believe so. We may need to go and reinstate them." Blayne just nodded in agreement, her thoughts already on the next course of action.

As the founders discussed the recent loss and the possible causes behind it, the homeland they had built continued to thrive. Despite the dangers that lurked around every corner, they remained steadfast in their mission. For them, it was more than just a job; it was a way of life.

Blayne looked at Kade, her eyes filled with determination. "Should we send a message to Thunder Bridge, make sure they get a move on some errors?"

Kade nodded in agreement. "Yes, get to them right away." Blayne began tapping on the digital screen, sending the message over to Thunder Bridge. As she finished, a sense of relief washed over her. They had done everything they could for now, and it was time to wait and see what would happen next.

In the cafeteria, Akura and Marco walked over to Zynkara and Mara. "We contacted C-10. They should arrive soon, and we will all work together." Marco sat down with his food and began eating.

"I see, thanks." Zynkara smiled, grateful for the support of her teammates. Mara nodded her thanks and looked at Akura. "I miss them." She sighed, and Akura just nodded. "Yeah, it's a shame I never said goodbye to them." She sighed.

"I know, I'm sorry." She frowned a bit, but there was nothing she could do now. They couldn't bring back the dead, but they could honour their memory by fighting to protect the homeland they had given their lives for.

Minutes passed, and the door to the cafeteria opened again. Zynkara looked over to see Erik walk in, a man with black hair, a small moustache and blue eyes with green mixed in. "Welcome back, Erik."

He smiled and shook hands with Zynkara. "Glad to be back, it's been awhile." Erik tilted his head back, and Zynkara couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in his demeanour. Something was different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

A girl jumped up and down excitedly, her purple hair tied into buns, and yellow eyes shining with happiness. Her name was Cherry. "Hey, Cherry." Mara looked at her and she waved, full of energy. "HEY GUYS!" Cherry ran over and hugged Mara tightly, and Mara smiled and hugged back.

Erik and Cherry controlled their own Nephalem, the other four members following closely behind them. "Hey, buddy!" A boy with yellow hair mixed with black went over to Zynkara. "It's been a long while, my friend!" He smiled, and this was Tot. He had light blue eyes with lightning-shaped pupils.

The one next to Tot was Jasmine, with a black afro and pink eyes with heart-shaped pupils. She snickered and waved at the four of them. "Been awhile, folks." Jasmine smiled. "Hey Jas." Akura smiled happily.

The guy next to Jasmine had a blue bandana on with deadlocks that looked similar to a mohawk, and blue piercing eyes. He looked over at the lunch ladies. "What's cooking?" He was more curious about the food. "Hey Solmon." Zynkara waved.

Aqua walked over, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, Zynkara. Can you come with me?" She tilted her head, and Zynkara looked at her, confused. "Okay?" He stood up and followed Aqua out of the cafeteria, wondering what she could possibly want to talk about that was so urgent.

As they walked through the hallways, Zynkara could sense something was off. They were going further and further into restricted areas, where Nephalem users were not allowed to go. He began to feel a strange and tickling sensation, chills running down his spine as he felt as if he was in danger. "Aqua?"

She paused and faced a huge metal door. "This is where they run things. This room contains every valuable asset to make sure it even runs." She turned her head slightly to look at Zynkara, a shadow eclipsing one side of her face. "Now tell me. Is Lando really dead?"

Zynkara's eyes widened in shock as Aqua unzipped a part of her uniform and pulled out a bomb, her finger hovering dangerously over a red button. "With one press, it will explode." Zynkara's mind raced as he tried to think of a way out of this situation.

He stared at her in shock. "Now tell me." She had a more demanding look on her face. "Is Lando alive?"