The Rift of Eternity: Guardians Beyond Time.

Chapter 2 (Continued): Allies in the Shadows: last episode

Kei adjusted her grip on her frost blade, stepping forward to assess the scene. The dark, eerie energy emanating from Raven sent chills down her spine, but not out of fear—it felt familiar, as though they were connected by some cosmic thread.

Ignis, on the other hand, was grinning. "I don't know who the spooky one is, but she's got style."

Raven's voice cut through the chaos, cold and sharp as she addressed Moon Knight. "What are you waiting for? They're still escaping."

Moon Knight leapt forward with acrobatic precision, throwing a crescent-shaped blade that knocked a weapon out of one criminal's hand. "Handling it," he called back.

Kei and Ignis exchanged a quick glance.

"Are we jumping in, or...?" Ignis asked, her flames crackling impatiently.

"We don't know whose side anyone's on yet," Kei cautioned. "But those guys with guns? Definitely not the good side."

Ignis smirked. "That's all I needed to hear."

She bolted forward, flames bursting from her hands as she launched into the fray. One of the criminals aimed a gun at her, but the weapon melted in his hands before he could fire.

"Too slow!" Ignis taunted, spinning midair and knocking him out with a fiery kick.

Kei sighed, gripping her sword as frost began to spiral up the blade. "Guess we're doing this." She darted after her partner, ice forming under her feet as she slid into battle. With a single swing, she froze three more criminals in place, their weapons encased in solid ice.

Raven observed the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Her dark tendrils pulled the last of the fleeing criminals into the air, immobilizing them.

"Who are they?" she muttered under her breath.

Moon Knight landed beside her, his white cape billowing. "Whoever they are, they've got skills. But that doesn't mean they're not a threat."

As the dust settled, Kei and Ignis regrouped, standing amidst the defeated criminals. Kei looked up at Raven and Moon Knight, still on edge.

"Thanks for the assist," Kei said cautiously. "But we're not looking for a fight."

"Could've fooled me," Moon Knight replied, his crescent blades still drawn.

Ignis rolled her eyes. "Look, we just got sucked into some crazy time rift, landed here, and saved your city from these losers. Maybe start with a 'thank you'?"

Raven floated down, her dark aura pulsing faintly. Her glowing eyes locked onto Kei. "You're not from this world."

Kei nodded. "You could say that."

"What are you doing here?" Raven pressed.

"Not by choice," Ignis interjected. "We were in the middle of dealing with a psycho called the Time Freezer. Next thing we know, we're here."

Raven's expression darkened. "Time manipulation..." She glanced at Moon Knight. "This might be bigger than we thought."

"Wait," Kei interrupted. "You know something about this?"

Before Raven could answer, a deep, booming voice echoed from above.

"You're not alone."

All eyes turned skyward as a massive, armored figure descended. Ares, the God of War, landed with a thunderous crash, his presence exuding raw power. His glowing red eyes scanned the group with disdain.

"You meddle in forces you cannot comprehend," Ares growled, gripping his war axe. "If the Time Freezer has breached this dimension, it's only the beginning of your troubles."

Ignis stepped forward, flames flaring around her fists. "And who the hell are you supposed to be? Another cosmic blowhard?"

Ares's lip curled into a smirk. "I am Ares. And you'd do well to show respect, little flame."

Kei placed a hand on Ignis's shoulder. "Let's not make more enemies than we already have."

Ares turned to Raven and Moon Knight. "These two outsiders may be more valuable than they appear. If they've faced the Time Freezer and survived, we may need their help."

Moon Knight folded his arms. "Assuming we can trust them."

Raven nodded slowly, her dark aura fading slightly. "We don't have much of a choice. If time itself is under attack, we'll need every ally we can get."

Kei sheathed her sword, her icy demeanor softening just a bit. "If you're offering an alliance, we're in. But first, we need answers."

Ares hefted his axe onto his shoulder. "Then follow me. If we're to save this world—and all others—we'll need to prepare for the battle to come."

Ignis grinned, her flames flickering with renewed energy. "Now this is more like it."