More than two decades had passed since the wars in Byzantia ended, bringing about enduring peace. Much of this hard-won stability was attributed to Bella Otto, the determined owner and operator of Boltus Industries. Through her innovative Knight-type Mechanized Assault Vehicles, MAVs, and the exceptional prowess of her pilots, she successfully vanquished the factions that had perpetuated the continent’s division.

  In the new city of Corvalla, eighteen-year-old Luna, daughter of Andres Cortez, the Hero of Byzantia, waited for her cue to step on stage. Luna took a deep breath and prepared herself. She stepped onto the stage in her navy blue idol outfit, a design inspired by her father’s pilot uniform. Standing at five feet six inches, her blonde ponytail swung side to side as she strode forward confidently. Her sky-blue eyes gleamed, and she flashed the crowd a radiant, shining smile.

  “Thank you all so much for coming! I’m Luna Cortez!”

  A statuesque figure with long, strawberry-blonde hair stepped onto the stage to join her. Her striking green eyes caught the light as she, too, greeted the crowd. “I’m Raine Virelli!”

  Emerging from the opposite side of the stage, a diminutive girl, just four feet eleven inches tall, with short lavender hair framing her delicate face, came to join them. Her matching lavender eyes sparkled as she introduced herself.

  “I’m Morgan Walden!”

  “And together we are the Sunshine Cadets!” They cheered in unison.

  Luna stepped forward and twirled her right hand around, creating waves of green light that resembled the Aurora Borealis and held them in her palm. “Long ago, humanity discovered Teal crystals and the energy they give off, known as Teal Waves. We have harnessed this power for energy, to create new land to live on, and even for war…” She turned the light in her palm into a small green fire.

  “Teal Waves are all around us and seemingly have limitless potential. We, the Sunshine Cadets, want to show you how lovely Teal Waves can be! Ready, girls?”

  “Ready!” Raine and Morgan responded in unison, their voices blended as they summoned the vibrant teal waves that danced through the air. The crowd erupted in cheers as the girls launched into their performance, singing, dancing, and weaving dazzling displays of light that mesmerized the audience. Their energy filled the stage until they brought the show to a triumphant close with their iconic signature line, leaving the crowd roaring with delight.

  “Our job is to remind you that hopes and dreams do come true! So give it your best!”

  After a short meet and greet, the girls chatted backstage.

  “Great job, girls!” Morgan’s mother, Rachel, congratulated them. The three respond with a cheerful thank you. “I spoke with all your parents. I told them how well you performed. They said they were sorry they couldn’t come this time, but will be sure to make it to a show soon.”

  “They said they would come see the Neo Gladius Tournament, though! So we’ll get to see them then at least!” Luna said.

  “Yes, that’s true. I’m going to wrap things up here, You girls have a good night. Morgan, I'll see you at home.”

  Rachel went about her business, and the girls waved goodbye.

  Raine finished getting ready. “My driver is ready to take us all home if you both are ready.”

  Morgan walked over to Raine and gave a knowing look when she turned back to Luna. “It’ll just be you and me, Raine. I’m sure Luna already has plans.” She giggled mischievously.

  Raine concealed her amusement with her hand. “Oh yes, I am sure Luna has a gentleman caller awaiting her,”

  Luna rubbed her arm. “Um, well yeah… Rody came to see the show and is waiting for me.”

  “Why don’t you two just date already?” Morgan complained.

  Luna averted her gaze. “I don’t know… Maybe he doesn’t see me that way. We’ve been friends since we were little.”

  Raine giggled. “We’re certain he likes you; he’s very bad at hiding it.”

  “Yeah, he is… Why don’t you just ask him out?” Morgan asked.

  “Well… I would, but if he does like me, I want him to tell me when he’s ready. Ya know?”

  “I suppose it is the man’s job. My Papa was very forward with Momma.” Raine held a hand to her mouth and giggled again. “Maybe drop him some hints?”

  “Some hints…” Luna pondered. “Oh! Like getting really close to him!?”

  “Oh, um…”

  Morgan facepalmed. “Ugh. We’ll let you two love birds figure it out. We’ll see you later.”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Bye, girls.” Luna waved and left through the venue’s rear exit.

  Luna spotted Rody Harris, the adopted son of Kobe Harris, a fellow MAV pilot alongside her father, Andres, waiting at the end of the alley. She halted, her gaze fixed on him as her heart raced in her chest. Her eyes softened as she admired his striking silver hair and matching silver eyes. At twenty years old, he exuded a quiet allure.

  Luna made her way toward him, her steps tentative as she worked to steady her nerves and calm the fluttering excitement within her.

  “Hiya Rody!” She got as close as she could without touching him. ‘Gotta drop hints.’

  “H-hey Luna,” Rody stepped back and placed his hand behind his head. “I didn’t hear you coming, you surprised me.”

  She laughed. “Sorry! I’m pretty light on my feet!”

  “You really are, especially on stage.”

  Luna became giddy. “Really!? You think so?”

  “Y-yes, you’re really great up there, Luna.” Rody smiled nervously.

  Luna beamed.You’ve always seen me for me. She looks up at the five-foot-eleven-inch Rody as she walks next to him. “Thank you, Rody! And thanks for walking me home!”

  Rody had to pause and collect his thoughts after Luna’s adorable gesture. Her subtle charm left him flustered. “O-of course. There’s been rumors about wild animals roaming around at night and missing person reports have skyrocketed.”

  “Oh really?” Luna pondered for a moment. “Aww, does that mean you wanted to keep me safe?” Luna teased as they took a shortcut through a park.

  “I-um… So… are you ready for the Neo Gladius Tournament?”

  Luna took the bait and began chatting away. “O.M.G. Yes! I can’t wait to compete against other Teal Users! I was gonna ask Stefan if we could train at the Boltus facility tomorrow, but I saw him and Misaki leave together. Oooo, scandalous! Let’s call them!”

  “Looks like you won’t have to call, I think that’s them up ahead.” Rody pointed their friends out. Stefan, Bella Otto’s son, had inherited her distinctive blue hair and piercing green eyes, along with her impeccable fashion sense and sharp ingenuity.

  At twenty-two years old and standing an impressive six feet one inch, he carried himself with a blend of confidence and creativity that echoed his mother’s legacy. Misaki, on the other hand, was the daughter of Mai Mackenson, a renowned MAV pilot whose fierce rivalry with Luna’s father, Andres, had become the stuff of legend.

  She wore her vibrant scarlet red hair in playful twintails, and her eyes, a deeper, more vivid blue than Luna’s, sparkled intensely. At nineteen years old and five feet six inches tall, Misaki radiated a fiery energy that hinted at her mother’s competitive spirit.

  “That is them! Let’s go say hi!” Luna rushed over to them. “Hey guys! Why did you leave the show so early?” Luna gasped. “Wait! Are you on a date?!”

  “Yes!” Stefan stated proudly.

  “N-No!” Misaki turns red. “Shut up, Stefan!”

  “That’s so you guys!” Luna giggled as Rody joined them.

  “What are you guys up to?” Rody asked.

  “We were just discussing the show.” Stefan grinned and nudged Misaki forward. “Misaki was just telling me she wanted to ask you something, Luna.”

  Misaki gave Stefan a death glare, then awkwardly smiled at Luna. “Y-yeah…Um. Wanna… get lunch tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, for sure! And then afterwards we can train for the Neo Gladius Tournament!” Luna then turned to Stefan. “Sound good?”

  “That’ll work. Gives me and Rody some guy time. We’ll see you girls at Boltus after your lunch date.” Stefan nodded at Rody, who agreed. The friends agreed on their plans, exchanging nods and smiles before parting ways. Each turned and set off in a different direction, heading toward their respective homes.

  While they continued their walk home, Rody felt as though someone was watching them. He turned and caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a pair of green glowing eyes that quickly vanished. “What’s wrong, Rody?” Luna asks.

  Maybe it’s one of those wild animals, I shouldn’t spook Luna. Rody shook his head. “N-nothing, just thinking about the tournament.”

  “You know, I was surprised when you accepted Stefan’s invitation to be a Gladius. You never really showed interest in any kind of combat sports before. What made you say yes?”

  “Well, we've always done everything together since we were little.” Rody’s mind drifted back to a memory from years ago, when their parents had gathered them together with playful grins. In a lighthearted moment, they had instructed Luna and him to always stick together and protect each other.

  “We have, haven’t we?” Luna’s adoring gaze rested on Rody as she lost herself in the very same memory. She laughed. “Why didn’t you become an idol with me then?”

  “You know a guy can’t be an idol…” They both laughed at the thought. “Speaking of that, you could easily just be an idol. So why compete as a Gladius?”

  Luna smiled. “I asked my dad to train me how to fight since I was little, because I admire everything he did to bring peace to Byzantia. If anything bad ever happens, I want everyone to know there’s someone who will help them. I wanna be a hero like my dad.”

  “You really are an idol, Luna,” Rody admitted as he walked her to the door of her condo.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re just very encouraging.”

  Luna gave a wink and a playful salute. “That’s my job, sir!” She laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Rody!”

  “Goodnight, Luna.” Rody waved to her and went on his way.

  In her condo, Luna stepped out onto the balcony and felt the ocean breeze. She looked up at her namesake hanging in the sky, illuminating the nearby beach. She reclined in her beach chair and focused on seeing the Teal Waves that permeated the world.

  Luna reached up and grasped a handful of the Teal Waves swirling above her, her fingers playfully curling around the shimmering energy. Just as she had done at the concert, she crafted delicate bands of light and intricate shapes, the glow dancing across her hands. With a flick of her wrist, she sparked a few small flames that flickered briefly before fading, their warmth brushing against her skin. Luna closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh as she leaned back, her mind drifting to her rigorous training and the upcoming tournament.

  “If I had to… Could I be everyone’s hero like Dad was? I need to know, I have to win the tournament.” She yawned and went back inside for bed.