Shadows in Council

In the heart of the celestial realm, the Twelve Time Guardians convened in their usual manner. Their presence was an ethereal blend of power, each one seated in shadows, towering like ancient monoliths, their eyes glinting with purpose. The fabric of time and fate flowed through the chamber, twisting and turning with every word that was spoken.

-Aternos, ever the calm strategist, was the first to break the stillness. "The boy, Leegna... he grows stronger."

The others reacted immediately. Though his voice was calm, when Aternos spoke, it carried the weight of authority. He was not just one of them—he was the Fourth of the Twelve, a Guardian who had long been trusted with the task of keeping the fabric of time intact. He had risen to his position through careful manipulation of events, always two steps ahead, always aware of the consequences.

"Leegna's power cannot be ignored," he continued, his eyes scanning the others with quiet intensity. "If left unchecked, he could upset the delicate balance we maintain."

A Guardian near the end of the table, one of the lesser members, shifted uncomfortably under Aternos' gaze. "Then should we not strike now?" he asked. "If the boy has become a threat, why wait?"

-Aternos' lips curved into a thin smile. "Patience, brother. Leegna is a threat, yes, but a manageable one. We will test him first—learn his weaknesses. Then, if need be, we strike."

The room fell into murmurs of agreement. Aternos always had a plan. It was one of the reasons why, as the Fourth Guardian, his voice carried so much weight in their council.

Gersong, the master of the realm, inclined his head slightly. "Aternos speaks true. His strategies have preserved our rule before, and they will do so again."

Aternos moved through the corridors of time like a shadow slipping between cracks. The realm faded behind him, its swirling currents of energy dimming as he stepped into the world of mortals. He felt the familiar rush of transitioning into his human form—solid, grounded, but far less powerful. Yet, for what he had planned, this form would suffice.

Leegna.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Aternos' lips as the boy's name crossed his mind. Their paths had crossed enough times now for Aternos to feel a connection, a bond—if one could call it that. He had guided Leegna, watched him grow stronger, nudged him toward his destiny. Perhaps it was a stretch to call him a friend, but Aternos liked to think they had become something close to it.

The boy trusts me, he thought, his smile deepening. He sees me as an ally. That is his greatest weakness.

-As Aternos approached the place where he knew Leegna would be, his thoughts shifted to the suggestion he was about to make. It wasn't just any plan—this was bait. A carefully placed lure designed to push Leegna closer to the path Aternos wanted him on.

The air shimmered as Aternos materialized before Leegna, his expression calm and friendly, hiding the storm of calculations swirling beneath.

"Lee," Aternos greeted, using the casual tone that had become a habit in their interactions. "It's been a while."

Leegna looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Aternos... what are you doing here?"

-Aternos gave a small shrug. "I thought I'd pay you a visit. We've been through enough that I figured we could talk as friends, right?"

Leegna blinked, a faint hesitation crossing his features. "Friends?"

Aternos smiled, making sure it was warm, genuine. "Of course. But I didn't come here just to chat. I have a suggestion for you—a way to grow even stronger."

Leegna straightened slightly, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What kind of suggestion?"

Aternos' eyes gleamed, but he kept his voice neutral. "There's something I believe you need to understand about the Twelve Guardians. If you want to stand a chance against them... you'll need more power. And I know where you can find it."

He let the words hang in the air, watching as Leegna's expression shifted. The bait was set. All he needed was for Leegna to bite.