The language barrier dissolved quickly over the two days following Akio's beheading. While Eleanor, Maron, and Solaris already possessed basic knowledge of Japanese, the Tokyo trio proved to be enthusiastic teachers. Sessions around the compound's central living area often devolved into laughter as pronunciation attempts went comically awry.

  "No, no," Yuki giggled, covering her mouth. "Su-ra-i-su. Not su-ra-i-zu."

  "That's literally what I said," Solaris protested, throwing his hands up in mock frustration.

  "It's the subtle differences that matter," Akira interjected seriously, though his eyes betrayed amusement. "Japanese is precision."

  In exchange, those who spoke fluent English helped strengthen the trio's English. Even Maron, not normally one for academic pursuits, found himself joining these impromptu language exchanges in the evenings.

  The compound naturally organized into training units. Maron took Solaris and Akira under his wing, focusing on physical training and tactical awareness. Meanwhile, Eleanor collaborated with Eli, Kira, Yuki, and Mei on what they called "the theoretical framework"—essentially magical theory and dimensional understanding.

  Perhaps most exciting for Solaris was flight. Maron had reluctantly agreed to ease restrictions on Alice Mode.

  "Tactical applications only," the ex-Delta Force operator had insisted. "No playing superhero for fun."

  Yet there was undeniable joy in soaring above the forest canopy, feeling the mountain air against his face as he practiced aerial maneuvers under Maron's watchful eye. His shadow jacket rippled in the wind like living darkness while the number thirteen on his back occasionally caught the sunlight, flashing blue, white, and gold against black.

  It was during one such dawn flight exercise on the third day that Eli's voice touched his mind through their Twin Flame bond.

  Something's coming. Southeast quadrant. Do you feel it?

  The entrance to Maron's compound slid open silently, revealing the central courtyard beyond. Solaris guided Era forward with gentle encouragement, demonstrating a breathing technique as they walked.

  "Four counts in, hold for seven, out for eight," he explained. "It helps maintain control when—"

  A harsh squeal of feedback interrupted him as a hidden speaker activated somewhere in the entrance tunnel.

  "Who the HELL is that?" Maron's voice demanded through the intercom, the audio quality doing nothing to diminish his commanding tone.

  Solaris froze mid-step, Era tensing beside him as Eli sighed.

  "Maron, it's us," Solaris replied, looking up toward where he assumed a camera might be hidden. "We've brought someone who needs our help."

  "That ain't a someone," Maron's voice shot back. "Sensors are going crazy. What the fuck did you bring onto my mountain, Solaris?"

  Era's body tensed, obsidian patterns briefly rippling beneath her skin as Draco reacted to the hostility.

  "Maybe he should mind his business," a layered voice emerged from Era's mouth, harmonics shifting toward something darker before Era visibly wrestled back control.

  "I'm sorry," she whispered, then louder: "I'm Era. I am… I am me. And... something else."

  The intercom went silent for a long moment.

  "Ah for fuck sake… All of you stay right where you are," Maron finally ordered. "Don't move a goddamn muscle until I get there."

  The silence that followed felt oppressive. Era's breathing grew shallow, Draco's influence visibly struggling for dominance beneath her skin. Solaris placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

  "He's cautious by nature," Solaris explained quietly. "Once he understands what you are—"

  "What I am," Era echoed, her voice barely audible, "is something even I don't fully understand."

  Nearly ten minutes passed before the distant sound of an engine broke the silence. An electric ATV appeared around the bend of the entrance, Maron at the controls. He brought the vehicle to an abrupt halt several meters away, dismounting with fluid efficiency. He wore his standard tactical pants and flannel, but Solaris immediately noted the sidearm holstered at his hip and the rifle slung across his back.

  Maron's weathered face betrayed nothing as he approached, dark eyes scanning Era with professional assessment.

  "This compound exists for one purpose," he stated flatly, stopping at what Solaris recognized as optimal reactionary distance. "To protect the Sovereigns during Monad formation. Not to harbor unknown entities during what's clearly the beginning of something big."

  "Oh, right." Solaris mumbled.

  Maron's expression darkened further. "The damn sky is wrong, stars are shifting positions, gravitational anomalies are increasing left and right, and weather patterns are breaking down for Christ’s sake. Something's coming, and we've got every Lizard-Fucker worldwide scrambling."

  "We know…" Eli sighed, concern evident in her voice.

  "Either way, we don't have time for wild cards." Maron’s attention returned to Era. "So I'll ask once: what exactly are you? And it better be the damn truth or these 8mm rounds are going through your skull before you can even regret lying to me."

  Era straightened, meeting his gaze with remarkable composure despite the obsidian patterns that occasionally rippled beneath her skin.

  "I… am a fragment of Sarah Dylan's consciousness, housed within a form partially composed of the Draco Matrix—the substance Ereshkigal used to transform her into Neph Mark 1."

  "They’re all dead," Maron challenged.

  "Yes," Era acknowledged. "But before that happened, a microscopic shard broke free. Me. I've been... evolving since then. I’ve been growing and learning."

  "Consuming," Maron added bluntly.

  Era didn't deny it. "At first, yes. Draco requires bio-matter to maintain his structural integrity. But we've reached... compromises."

  Maron's hand settled near his holster. "And what exactly does this Draco want?"

  Something shifted in Era's expression—subtle but unmistakable. When she spoke again, harmonics layered beneath her voice, creating an unsettling depth.

  "To survive," Draco answered through her. "To belong. To understand why."

  "Oh, I'm pretty sure I know why you exist," Maron replied coldly. "As a weapon designed by those cold-blooded freaks. Probably programmed with all kinds of fun surveillance features and kill switches."

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "Maron," Solaris interrupted, stepping slightly forward. "She passed the Blue Flame test."

  This gave the older man momentary pause. "What?"

  "I manifested my sword. She touched it. It recognized something in her." Solaris held Maron's gaze steadily. "You know what that means."

  "It means whatever Anunnaki tech she's carrying can fool even Guardian energy," Maron countered, though his confident tone wavered slightly.

  "Or," Eli suggested gently, "it means there's something genuine within her. Something worth protecting."

  Tension stretched between them until Kira suddenly shimmered into existence beside Maron. Her translucent form studied Era with intense curiosity rather than hostility.

  "She carries a soul fragment," Kira announced with quiet certainty. "Fractured but legitimate. And something else... something older than her current form. The obsidian matrix is just the vessel, not the essence."

  Maron's jaw tightened. "Great. That's supposed to make me feel better?"

  "It's supposed to make you think beyond your tactical paranoia," Kira replied, placing a ghostly hand on his arm. "Not everything unknown is a threat, Terran."

  The use of his Oversoul name seemed to reach something in Maron. His posture shifted subtly—still alert, still prepared, but marginally less hostile.

  "Fine," he said finally. "But she stays under constant surveillance. First sign of anything hinky and it’s lights out." He turned to Era directly, pointing at her. "And you—whatever you are—understand this: everyone in this compound is under my protection. Harm any of them, and I'll find a way to end you regardless of whatever fancy matrix you're made from. You understand me too, big guy?" He referred to the entity, Draco.

  Era nodded once, recognizing the threat for what it was—not empty hostility but the promise of a protector who took his responsibilities seriously.

  "We understand," Era and Draco replied simply.

  Maron turned back toward his ATV. "Bring her to the main house. Everyone should meet this... situation."

  The central living area of Maron's main house had been designed for tactical advantage rather than comfort, but the Sovereigns had gradually transformed it through small contributions. Yuki's colorful star sketches adorned one wall. Mei's handcrafted cushions softened the utilitarian furniture. Even Eleanor had contributed a small collection of hand-written esoteric texts that now occupied a previously empty bookshelf.

  When Solaris, Eli, and Era entered, everyone was already waiting—clearly summoned by Maron through some silent alert system. The Tokyo trio stood together near the kitchen counter, Akira's protective stance slightly in front of Yuki and Mei betraying his instinctive caution. Eleanor sat in her usual chair, her silver-white hair framing a face that revealed nothing of her thoughts.

  Maron took position by the fireplace, back to the wall, clear sightlines to all entrances. "Everyone," he announced with military brevity, "this is Era. She's got part of Sarah Dylan in her and part of something called the Draco Matrix. Solaris vouches for her. For now, she's a guest. Not a Sovereign. Questions?"

  The room remained silent for a moment before Yuki stepped forward, her natural curiosity overriding caution.

  "Your energy feels... divided," she observed, studying Era with her head slightly tilted. "Like starlight reflecting off dark water."

  Era seemed momentarily taken aback by this poetic assessment. "That is... accurate."

  Mei moved closer next, their fluid grace contrasting with Akira's continued vigilance. "May I?" they asked, gesturing toward Era's hand.

  After a hesitant nod from Era, Mei gently took her hand. The moment of contact created a visible reaction—Mei's eyes widening slightly as they absorbed emotional impressions.

  "Oh," they whispered. "You're both afraid. All the time."

  Era carefully withdrew her hand. "Yes."

  Eleanor rose from her chair, approaching Era.

  "The Draco Matrix," she said, studying Era with analytical precision. "I've seen references to it in classified files. Anunnaki consciousness technology designed for possession and control." Her piercing blue eyes narrowed. "Yet you maintain autonomy. How?"

  "Sarah's consciousness provides... structure," Era explained. "Morals and identity. Without me, Draco would be taken over by consumption and instinct. But without Draco, my vessel would dissipate."

  "Fascinating," Eleanor murmured. "A symbiotic relationship forced by circumstance rather than design."

  Throughout these exchanges, Akira had remained silent, his amber eyes never leaving Era. Finally, he spoke, his English precise despite his accent.

  "You were drawn to Solaris specifically," he observed. "Why?"

  Something shifted in Era's posture—subtle but noticeable to everyone present. When she replied, there was a deeper resonance to her voice, suggesting Draco's influence.

  "Sun God carries what we seek," she answered cryptically.

  "Sun God ka…" Akira exhaled.

  "It's what Draco calls me," Solaris explained, though his expression suggested this revelation was new to him as well. "Along with 'The Host,' apparently."

  "Not surprising," Eleanor noted. "If the Draco Matrix is indeed Anunnaki technology, it would recognize Solaris's cosmic significance within their frameworks."

  Maron, who had maintained his vigilant position throughout these introductions, finally spoke again. "None of this explains what she wants from us."

  All eyes turned to Era, who seemed to struggle briefly with her internal dialogue before answering.

  "Understanding," she said simply. "Purpose beyond what I was made to be. And..." She hesitated, vulnerability briefly crossing her features. "Belonging. If possible."

  The silence that followed felt charged with unspoken assessments. It was Yuki who broke it, stepping forward with a spontaneous smile.

  "Well, I think you belong right here," she declared with characteristic enthusiasm. "At least until you figure things out."

  "Yuki—" Akira began cautiously.

  "Iya, kiite," she insisted. "We're all trying to figure out who we are beyond what the System says we should be. Beyond the Anunnaki’s designations. Era is no different, ne?"

  Mei nodded agreement. "Sou desu. We all contain many layers."

  Eleanor exchanged a meaningful glance with Maron before addressing Era directly. "You must understand our caution. The Draco Matrix was specifically designed as an infiltration technology. In these uncertain times, with catastrophic phenomena occurring worldwide..."

  "I understand," Era acknowledged. "And I accept whatever conditions you deem necessary." Her green eyes shone determinately.

  Maron's weathered face remained impassive, but he gave a single sharp nod. "East cabin. Dampening field activated. Round-the-clock monitoring." He turned to Solaris. "She's your responsibility. If anything happens—"

  "I know," Solaris interrupted solemnly. "But nothing will."

  "With the weird shit happening in space and all the reports coming in," Maron continued, "we can't afford distractions. We still have half the Monad to gather AND Un'Claye’s return to deal with."

  At the mention of Un’Claye, something shifted in Era's expression—recognition and wonder briefly transforming her features.

  "Un’Claye," she whispered, the words carrying reverence beyond what she could have learned from Sarah's memories alone.

  Eleanor caught this reaction immediately. "You know of it?"

  "Not... consciously," Era admitted. "But the name resonates. Deeply. Somewhere."

  "Interesting," Eleanor observed.

  The conversation gradually shifted toward practical arrangements as the initial tension began to dissolve. Yuki immediately offered to show Era around the compound, her natural friendliness seemingly unaffected by Era's unusual nature. Mei volunteered to prepare additional bedding for the east cabin. Even Akira, though still clearly cautious, offered practical suggestions about the compound's security protocols.

  Throughout these discussions, Maron maintained his vigilant assessment, his eyes never straying far from their unusual visitor. But the rigid hostility had moderated into something more measured—professional caution rather than outright rejection.

  As the group dispersed to their various tasks, Solaris found himself briefly alone with Maron near the fireplace.

  "Thank you," he said quietly. "For giving her a chance."

  Maron's expression remained stoic. "This ain’t charity, Solaris. It's reconnaissance. Better to have an unknown quantity where we can watch it than wandering loose."

  "Still. I appreciate it."

  Maron studied him for a moment, weathered features revealing nothing of his thoughts. "You see Sarah in her."

  It wasn't a question, but Solaris answered anyway. "Parts of her. Fragments. Vander too. But she's becoming something new."

  "Just like you did with Alice," Maron observed.

  The comparison caught Solaris by surprise. "Yeah."

  Maron checked his watch with practiced efficiency. "Training starts at 0500 tomorrow. Bring your new friend if you want. I'm curious what this Draco thing can do besides look ominous and speak like my chain-smoking grandmother, God bless that woman."

  "Is that... acceptance?" Solaris asked, framing his face with the back of his hands, unable to keep the hint of a smile from his voice.

  Maron's expression remained stern, but something in his eyes softened marginally. "It's assessment, you lil’ brat. Don't push it."

  As Maron walked away, Solaris felt a complex mixture of emotions—relief that Era had been granted at least temporary acceptance, concern about the strange phenomena they had all noticed in space and on Earth, as well as a growing sense that events were accelerating beyond their ability to prepare.

  Through the main house's large windows, he could see the others showing Era around the compound grounds. Yuki gesturing enthusiastically, Mei moving with fluid grace beside them, Akira maintaining a vigilant perimeter, Eleanor observing with analytical precision. And Era’s tall figure in the midst of them—uncertain yet determined, carrying within her both fragments of those lost and something entirely unknown.

  In three days, Un'Claye would return to guide them deeper into New Tara for Solaris's formal introduction to the people. By then, hopefully, more of the Monad would have gathered. But as Solaris watched the unusual group make their way across the compound, he couldn't shake the feeling that the strange phenomena—shifting stars, weather anomalies, electromagnetic disturbances—represented something beyond even the Anunnaki's control.