By the time Amara stepped outside, Terra City felt like something out of a story she had never been allowed to finish. The air itself was different and the streets were brighter and busier than anything she was used to.

The air was cooler than Korin’s coastal warmth and where she had grown up around sandy beaches, the streets of Terra City were paved with beautiful white marble that sparkled and matched the white buildings that lined the streets. Buildings rose in layered tiers, their architecture blending old craftsmanship with something more refined, almost sacred in its symmetry.

But the splendor of the city was not even the best part. In the midst of this extravagant city stood the tall magnificent First Cathedral, the very home of The Order of The First.

It towered over the city like a silent guardian, golden spires cutting into the sky as it shimmered like a radiant star even in daylight.

“Is that the First Cathedral?” Amara asked as she stared up at it in wonder.

Darcy followed her gaze and gave her a small knowing smile.

“Yeah,” she said. “Home base. It's quite something, ain't it?  The crown jewel of Terra City that draws in tourists from around the world.”

Amara exhaled slowly.

“It’s magnificent!”

“That’s usually the reaction we get from everyone who sees it. Seeing the cathedral is a once in a lifetime experience for sure.” Darcy replied with a proud smile. “Wait until you see the inside. You would never wanna leave.”

They began walking towards the grand building and Darcy slipped into an easy rhythm beside her, pointing things out along the way and chatting away happily.

“That district handles most of the Order’s archives.” she said, gesturing toward a cluster of narrow buildings. “Summoning records, contracts, research logs and every single piece of information we could possibly need. They provide every other department with the necessary details to function efficiently on a day to day basis. For example, a field operative like myself will have to pull up every file the archive has for each assignment I get. That way I won't go in blindly on any mission. Putting it simply, the archive is where all the smart people hide.”

“You make it sound as if everyone else isn't smart,” Amara said with a chuckle. “Including yourself, Darcy.”

“I’m smart enough to avoid paperwork.” Darcy replied. “But come on, if you see one of those guys too you'd feel like a dunce too.”

Amara let out a small laugh at this. She hadn't known Darcy for long but she could tell the young woman was an easygoing person.

They walked past many people as they approached the Cathedral; some in plain clothing and others in light colored robes. A few nodded to Darcy in quiet recognition and she greeted each one of them back in just as much enthusiasm.

It wasn't hard for Amara to pick up on how familiar everyone was with each other. It reminded her a little of home. Everyone back in Korin was basically family. They walked in peace with the casual greeting for a while but something in the air slowly changed. It wasn't an obvious change but she could feel an air of unease around her, a cold draft that seemed to settle in the air.

“Do you feel that?” Amara asked as she tried rubbing some warmth into the skin of her arms.

Darcy shook her head but even though she couldn't exactly feel the cold, she too couldn't help but notice how unusually quiet it grew as they neared the cathedral.

“Stay close,” she said quietly.
A group of mages rushed past them talking in hushed tones but she managed to catch a few of the whispers.

Something was wrong.

Before either of them could say anything, someone came rushing toward them.

“Darcy!”

The voice was bright, a little breathless, cutting cleanly through the tension. They both looked up in time to see a young man , a mage with short sandy hair, walk towards them. Darcy immediately stopped as she recognized him.
“Neo? Fancy seeing you here. I thought you'd be in the archives buried in books and scrolls.” Darcy said with a raised brow. “Where are you rushing off to?”

He slowed to a stop in front of them, pushing a strand of hair out of his face as he caught his breath. A satchel hung across his shoulder, half open, stuffed with loose papers and what looked like hastily packed notes. Ink smudged the side of his hand, and a pair of thin framed lenses rested slightly crooked on his nose.

Despite the urgency, he still managed a quick, apologetic smile.
“Now that's no way to greet an old friend. I rushed all the way from the lower archives just to meet you.” he said. “I would’ve sent a message but this seemed faster. Nothing beats a good face to face meeting.

His eyes flicked to Amara, curiosity lighting them up immediately.

“Oh hello there. New recruit?” he asked, his eyes flicking between the two women.

“This is Amara.  I brought her here hoping the Order could help her understand her newly awakened power.” Darcy replied. “You seem in a hurry. Did something happen?”

Neo straightened slightly, his expression shifting from casual to serious.

“Talk in town is that something big is coming. I don't know all the deets but I do know the hire ups have issued a recall,” he said. “All field operatives are to return to Terra City immediately.”

Darcy frowned. That was indeed very odd.

“Why? Did something happen?”

Neo hesitated, adjusting the strap of his satchel.

“There was an incident in Lythos apparently. Like I said, not much is being said. From what I've heard though, the Archon addressed the public hoping to ease them about suspected Brotherhood activity over there but things kinda escalated.”

Amara felt the tension tighten around them like a drawn thread.

“Before anyone knew what was happening the Archon was accused of murder.” Neo continued carefully. “The Governor of Lythos was found dead in his office and he was the last person there apparently. Things got out of hand and his aides had to get him outta there quickly. But that didn't sit well with the people of Lythos. They view it as an obvious sign of guilt.”

“That's bullshit. The Archon wouldn't murder the Governor. Anyone can see it's a setup.

Neo exhaled.
“Tell that to the Governor's grieving brother. And the people of Lythos. They are hell bent on pursuing the charges. Emergency council’s already in session. High command only.”

“…So it’s that bad,” Darcy murmured.

Neo gave a small, uneasy nod in response before he continued.

“They’re trying to contain it,” he said. “But words are spreading faster than expected. It's absolute chaos.”

“And no doubt the Brotherhood is benefitting from this chaos. This has the Brotherhood written all over it.”

“You’re not wrong but until we can prove that we're going to have to endure the accusations and scrutiny. The Omniarchy’s already asking questions. Lythos filed a petition with them.”

“Well…fuck. And here I thought I could relax for a bit before going back into the field.” Darcy said as she let out a frustrated breath.

Neo's gaze shifted to Amara and he offered her a small, reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Well Amara,” he said gently, “today’s not exactly a quiet day to be joining us. But I promise it's not all gloom.

Darcy huffed faintly.
“That’s one way to put it.”

She turned back to him with a determined expression.

“That won't change my agenda. I’m bringing her in.”

“Right now?” Neo asked in confusion. “It's not really a good time, Darcy.”

“Yes, right now.” Darcy insisted.

“Darcy… the council’s already on edge. Bringing in someone new, especially now,”

“I know,” she cut in. “But she's important. They will listen to what I have to say.”

Neo studied her for a moment then, slowly, he nodded.

“…Alright,” he said. “Then I’m coming with you.”

Darcy raised a brow.

“Don’t act surprised.” he added quickly. “Someone has to make sure you don’t start an argument in the middle of a crisis.”

“Please. I’m very professional.” Darcy said with a smirk.

Neo snorted.

“We’ll agree to disagree then.” He said as he led them into the building.

Despite everything, the tension eased just slightly. Amara watched the exchange, something unfamiliar settling in her chest.

“Come on,” Darcy said, drawing her from her thoughts.

Neo stepped in beside them, adjusting his satchel as they began moving again.

“Try not to worry too much,” he said to Amara, his tone softer now. “It looks chaotic, but… we’re usually better at handling things than this. Usually.”

Amara didn’t know whether that made her feel better or worse but she walked into the cathedral with them either way.