The Void Leviathan loomed at Jupiter's orbit, its presence casting a cosmic shadow across the heavens. The swirling vortex of violet lightning reached toward Earth like an omen, the horizon shrouded in electric chaos. On the ground near the Arbor, the Seedkeepers made their final preparations, determined to ensure Earth's survival before leaving for the greater battle that awaited them.
Emma Forrest stood at the center of the clearing, her K'tharr blade hanging at her side, the WoodDust within it pulsing faintly in tune with the storm. Survivors and recruits formed a tight circle around her, their faces a blend of trepidation and resolve. Emma's voice cut through the tension—firm yet filled with emotion.
"You're ready," she said, her hazel eyes sweeping across the group. "You've trained, you've fought, and you've proven yourselves. You are Earth's defenders now."
Theo stepped forward, his scarred face set with determination. "We won't let you down," he said, his voice unwavering. "We'll protect our home."
Emma nodded, a small smile breaking through her otherwise somber demeanor. "I know you will. You're a team now, Theo. You've got this."
Marin held her gaze, her voice soft but laced with gratitude. "Thank you," she said. "For everything—for believing in us."
Elara added, her voice quiet but resolute, "You made this possible. We'll make you proud."
Emma's smile widened, though the weight of her responsibility remained evident in her eyes. "I already am. Stay strong, all of you."
Vex hesitated before stepping forward, his glowing eyes flickering like dying embers. "I… I'll control it," he said, his voice tense but resolute. "I won't let it hurt anyone."
Emma placed a hand on his shoulder, her tone steady and supportive. "I believe in you, Vex. Your power is an asset, and I trust you'll use it wisely."
The moment of unity was interrupted as Markus approached, his expression grim, his tone sharper than the lightning splitting the sky. "The Void Leviathan—it's almost here," he said, his voice heavy with urgency. "We need to leave, Emma. Now."
Emma turned to face him, her posture firm. "We're going," she said, her voice calm but unyielding. "But we've given them a chance. The array is holding, the recruits are ready—they'll protect this planet."
Markus's frustration deepened, his tone cutting. "If the array fails—if they're overwhelmed—Earth won't survive. You're gambling with everything."
"It won't fail," Emma replied firmly. "We've done everything we can. Now, it's their turn."
Lucas stepped into the exchange, his voice calm but urgent. "The array's stable," he confirmed. "It's masking the WoodDust signature. The Void Leviathan won't find them." He glanced at Emma, his gaze steady. "But he's right—we need to leave."
Emma's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the tension didn't fully fade. "I know," she said softly, turning toward the Arbor.
Lucas's hand brushed hers as he spoke quietly. "You gave them a future," he said. "You did good, Emma. Together, we did good."
Emma's faint smile returned. "We did," she said. "And now, it's their fight."
The Seedkeepers boarded the Arbor, its roots pulling free from the earth with a groan that felt almost reluctant. As the ship ascended, Emma took one last look at the clearing below. Survivors waved, their faces painted with hope and determination despite the storm raging around them.
The WoodDust's hum quickened, echoing deep in Emma's chest like a restless heartbeat. The storm on the horizon grew darker, violet lightning arcing ever closer to Earth's surface.
Earth had been given a chance.
But the final battle was still to come.