The First True Battle

Morning at the Mall

The girls were already seated at breakfast when Kaito entered the suite. Their eyes turned toward him. “Good morning,” they greeted.

He smiled warmly. “Good morning. Akihiro’s instructions: put on your A-Academy uniforms and report in front of the academy by 8 a.m. From there, you’ll leave as a group.”

A mixture of anticipation and amusement sparkled in their eyes as they exchanged quiet glances.

Akihiro, Rei, Daichi, Ayame, and Kaito led the girls through the sprawling shopping center. Sunlight filtered through glass ceilings, casting prismatic reflections that danced across the marble floors like trapped starlight. Ordinary students, yes—but subtle threads of magical energy shimmered faintly around them, bending the light in ways that went unnoticed by the casual shopper.

Mizuki twirled her fingers; tiny droplets of water hovered like miniature crystals, tracing delicate patterns across a store window. Sora felt a teasing breeze drift through the hall, fluttering her hair and almost erasing the sense of being indoors. The air itself seemed alive, whispering faintly, carrying hints of hidden wards layered beneath the ordinary cityscape.

Aihana walked slightly behind, a hum of power vibrating around her with every thought of Akihiro. Rei and Daichi stayed vigilant, their auras stretching like quiet shields, shimmering faintly with celestial light, while Kaito observed quietly, impressed by the girls’ growing mastery over emerging powers.

The shopping center became a playground—and an unspoken training ground. Every laugh, every movement, every thought rippled energy that Akihiro monitored closely. Neon signs flickered almost imperceptibly in response to their power, a subtle pulse syncing with the Guardians’ heartbeat.

Aihana stopped before a jewelry store. Her eyes caught a delicate butterfly pendant. Her breath hitched. Butterflies—fragile, iridescent wings glinting in sunlight—captured her imagination. She couldn’t look away. Even the display case seemed to shimmer slightly, reflecting the faint glow of her aura.

Mizuki whispered, “Looks like you really like it.”

“It’s beautiful,” Aihana murmured, “but… I don’t have the money.”

Hikari and Sora exchanged glances. “We could pool our allowance—buy it together,” they offered.

Aihana shook her head, cheeks flushed. “No, thank you. I want to earn it myself.”

Akihiro watched from a distance, Rei at his side. “Do you think she’ll really refuse?” Rei murmured.

Aihana’s eyes lingered on the pendant, lost in its symbolism of freedom and fragile beauty. Before Rei could react, Akihiro slipped inside the jewelry store. Moments later, he returned with a small box, slipping it discreetly into his pocket, the faintest flicker of light dancing around his fingers as if the pendant had already sensed its protector.

Rei smirked knowingly. “And what exactly do you plan to do with that?”

Akihiro’s calm gaze swept over the girls. “In a few days, it will be Aihana’s birthday. This will be her gift.”

Mall Battle

The mall shifted. Neon lights reflected off glass surfaces as dark energy surged. The very walls seemed to vibrate in response, faint runes appearing on tiles, glowing briefly before vanishing. Shoppers froze, panic rippling. Only the girls and the angels sensed the danger immediately.

Demons. Ravukaru’s minions. Targeting the Guardians.

“Now,” Akihiro said, voice sharp. “Transform.”

Aihana’s uniform rippled, reshaping into lightweight armor, reinforced yet supple. A glowing clasp pulsed at her side, attuned to her energy, faint glyphs etching themselves along the seams. The other girls transformed as well—each suited to her element, agile and ready, their auras flickering faintly like runes awakened by moonlight.

Black shadows lunged, tendrils snapping like whips. Glass shattered, screams filled the air, and the scent of ozone and malevolence thickened. Sparks of energy clashed, leaving faint scorch marks on polished surfaces, barely visible but etched with magical residue.

Akihiro’s green eyes blazed with calm fury. “Protect civilians! Coordinate!”

Aihana’s pulse surged. She drew on the core of her power: love, protection, determination. Her golden aura flared with each movement, petals of light spinning like fragile charms, brushing against the air with each strike.

From the shadows, Rei and Daichi’s wings unfurled, energy crackling. Kaito, Ayame, and Akihiro revealed their celestial forms, power radiating. Akihiro’s sword of light ignited with ethereal sparks, arcs of white-blue slicing through darkness, leaving faint, shimmering glyphs in their wake.

The first wave of demons attacked. Forms varied—clawed shadows, amorphous voids, coal-like eyes. Aihana’s hands glowed; a wave of golden energy obliterated the nearest threat, sparks flying, glass shattering.

“Move! Protect civilians!” Akihiro shouted.

Aihana dodged whip-like tendrils, countering with precise energy strikes. Akihiro matched her rhythm; their powers intertwined, forming a protective lattice around fleeing civilians, leaving traces of radiant light that shimmered faintly in the air long after the attack passed.

Mizuki spun, sending water blades slicing through shadows, droplets refracting the dim light into prismatic arcs. Sora’s fire erupted, crimson arcs repelling enemies, leaving the air wavy with heat distortions. Hikari’s winds cut through darkness, enhancing Sora’s flames. Ayame stomped; earth trembled, shards flying. The ground itself seemed to hum in response, veins of latent magic reacting to their energies.

Aihana and Akihiro moved in perfect synchronicity, a deadly dance of golden light and white-blue sparks. Every swing, every thrust, every counter amplified by their combined presence, leaving faint, glowing sigils where strikes had landed.

Ayame, across the hall, clenched her fists. Jealousy stung, but she forced her energy outward, though her eyes remained locked on Aihana and Akihiro.

“Flank!” Rei barked, shoving a demon away from civilians.

Daichi formed barriers of silver light, Kaito struck with pinpoint precision. Shadows evaporated beneath their coordinated assault.

Aihana leapt onto a shattered railing, energy spiraling. Akihiro landed beside her. Together, a hulking demon fell beneath their combined strike, a wave of radiant force scattering shadows and shattering glass. Faint runes flickered on the floor where their energies intersected, imprinting the echoes of power into the mall itself.

The next wave surged—faster, stronger. The mall shook with chaos. Yet the Guardians and angels pressed on, instinct and training melding seamlessly.

Finally, the last shadows dissipated, leaving only wisps of dark smoke. The girls collapsed to their knees, chest heaving, adrenaline still thrumming.

Aihana met Akihiro’s gaze. Pride, trust, and something deeper passed silently. She realized: her power wasn’t just strength—it was courage, and the bond with allies.

Ayame, exhausted, glanced at Aihana—jealous yet impressed.

Ravukaru watched from afar, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and hunger. He observed Aihana, the way her golden energy flared and intertwined with Akihiro’s power.

A slow, almost predatory smile curved his lips. I have to have her. Such power cannot remain untamed, hidden behind innocence and obedience. She will be mine—one way or another.

He withdrew into the shadows, unseen, already scheming.

Yes… she will be mine.

Restoration

From the shadows, Erasers and Repairers emerged. Shattered glass reassembled. Energy scars healed. Panicked civilians looked around, confused, memories of demons erased. Other angels moved among the crowd, subtle and precise. Only the girls and angels retained knowledge of the battle.

Aihana’s golden aura faded, leaving a gentle hum of residual power, like lingering magic in the air after a storm. The girls, back in their normal uniforms, exchanged tired but triumphant smiles.

Akihiro stepped forward, calm yet authoritative. “Well done. This was your first real battle,” he said, pride evident. “You faced it with courage, discipline, and determination.”

Rei and Daichi nodded, approving. “Your control over your powers was impeccable. Every reaction, every strike… you responded naturally and thoughtfully.”

Ayame’s eyes softened, grudging respect mingled with lingering jealousy. Guardians looked to Aihana, admiration shining.

Aihana offered a shy smile, confidence blooming within. Their first real battle was over—they had proven themselves, and their bond with the angels had been solidified.

Akihiro’s green eyes met the group’s. “This is only the beginning. Today, you’ve shown you’re ready.”

The mall was silent, civilians unaware. The Guardians and angels stood together, stronger, united—and forever changed.