April 2045 – spring had returned to the merged plains with a vengeance. The Eternal Bridge orchard exploded in bloom: mango trees heavy with pink-white flowers, starbloom vines weaving golden threads through the branches, jasmine from Kot Addu climbing the portal arch itself. The air smelled of nectar, fresh earth, and the electric hum of leyline energy waking after winter sleep. The bridge had been quiet for months—no major rifts, only gentle doorways—but today two new ones bloomed simultaneously in the exact center of the orchard, side by side like twin cubs.
Leona Thorne-Mane and Leon Thorne-Mane—now nine years old, fraternal twins born to Beastra Wildmane (High Beastkin lion-shaman mother)—stood before their rifts. Both had golden fur along their shoulders and backs, manes already thickening (Leona's longer and braided with Saraiki beads, Leon's shorter and wild), amber eyes that glowed faintly when excited, and retractable claws that could shred steel when needed. They were Chaos Beast-Hybrid (High Human × High Beastkin), Level 14 each, class Lion Pride Guardians (evolved from Beast Roarer).
Leona Thorne-Mane
Race: Chaos Lioness-Hybrid
Level: 14
Class: Lion Pride Guardian (Advanced – Pride Leader path)
Stats: Str 52, Agi 48, Int 35, End 55, Luck 30, Chaos 42
Skills: Pride Roar (mass morale + strength buff), Mane Shield (protective aura for allies), Claw of Resolve (piercing strike that grows stronger with allies nearby)
Leon Thorne-Mane
Race: Chaos Lion-Hybrid
Level: 14
Class: Lion Pride Guardian (Advanced – Lone Hunter path)
Stats: Str 55, Agi 52, Int 32, End 50, Luck 28, Chaos 45
Skills: Solo Roar (single-target stun + damage), Shadow Prowl (stealth + speed burst), Heartfang Strike (critical hit that heals allies when landing)
From Leona's perspective:
"The gold one feels warm. Like Nani's hug when I'm scared. Strong. Proud. I wanna roar there. Protect everyone."
From Leon's perspective:
"The blue one feels fast. Like running with the wind. Lonely but exciting. I wanna hunt shadows and bring them home."
Ahmed knelt between them—his chaos aura steady, warm.
"These rifts are special. One leads to the Realm of Golden Saints—warriors in sacred cloths who protect the goddess Athena. The other to a realm of courage and cosmos. You'll face trials of pride and heart. Remember: you are lions, but lions protect the pride. Go together if you wish, or apart. But come back as one."
Leona and Leon looked at each other—silent twin communication—then nodded in unison.
"Together," they said.
Their mentors materialized—chosen by the Quill for their lion-like courage and protective spirit:
Mulan (shared from previous quests) — warrior woman, sword sheathed.
"Courage is quiet. Protect what is precious."
Leonidas I of Sparta (new) — shield raised, scarred but unbowed.
"Stand when all others fall. Three hundred held a pass—you will hold worlds."
Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi (new) — sword raised, eyes fierce.
"Fight like a man, die like a legend if you must. But live for freedom."
Shaka Zulu (new) — spear in hand, eyes like burning coals.
"Unite the roar. Strike as one."
Leona took Mulan's hand. Leon took Rani's.
They stepped through—together.
Leona & Leon – Saint Seiya Realm (Sanctuary of Athena)
They emerged in a vast marble sanctuary—white columns rising into a golden sky, waterfalls of pure cosmos energy cascading down cliffs, the air thick with divine pressure. Statues of the twelve Gold Saints lined the path to the Temple of Athena.
From Leona's perspective:
"Pretty. Shiny. Like Nani's best jewelry but huge. Everything feels strong. Proud. Like when Abba tells stories of Jhansi Rani."
A voice rang out—calm, powerful:
"Who dares enter the Sanctuary uninvited?"
Seiya (Pegasus Saint) appeared—bronze cloth gleaming, eyes burning with determination. Behind him: Shiryu (Dragon), Hyoga (Cygnus), Shun (Andromeda), Ikki (Phoenix)—the Bronze Saints.
Leona stepped forward—mane fluffed.
"I'm Leona Thorne-Mane. This is my brother Leon. We came from the bridge. Shadows are leaking into your world. We want to help Athena."
Seiya blinked.
"Shadows? Like Hades' remnants? Or something new?"
Riftborn appeared—twisted Gold Saints, cloths corrupted by void, eyes glowing purple-black.
Rani Lakshmi Bai charged—sword flashing.
"Fight for freedom!"
Leonidas raised his shield.
"Hold the line!"
Shaka Zulu roared—Impi Fury rallying the Bronze Saints.
Mulan flanked—Filial Charge—sword protecting the twins.
Leona roared—Pride Roar—boosting everyone's morale and strength.
Her mane flared—golden light wrapping allies like armor.
Leon pounced—Shadow Prowl + Heartfang Strike—claws piercing corrupted cloth, healing allies with each hit.
The Bronze Saints attacked—Pegasus Meteor Fist, Dragon Ascendant, Diamond Dust, Nebula Chain, Phoenix Wing.
Riftborn faltered—corruption purged by combined light.
Seiya looked at them—awed.
"You're not just strong. You're… kind."
Leona smiled—shy but proud.
"We protect the pride. Like our moms. Like Abba."
The rift sealed—Sanctuary safe.
Athena (Saori Kido) appeared—goddess light gentle.
"You have my thanks. You are welcome here—always."
Leona and Leon returned—carrying tiny Gold Cloth charms (Pegasus and Lion).
Return & Family Moment
The twins emerged into the orchard—mane fluffed, eyes shining.
Ahmed scooped them up.
"My lions! You okay?"
Leona: "We helped Athena! She said we're welcome anytime."
Leon: "And Seiya said we're strong. Like him!"
The family gathered—wives hugging them, siblings cheering, grandparents beaming.
Ahmed's mother pressed warm parathas into their hands.
"Brave cubs. Nani is proud."
Ahmed kissed their foreheads.
"You protected with heart. That's the strongest roar."
From the twins' shared perspective:
"We're not just little anymore. We're bridge-lions. And we have the best pride ever."
The chapter closed on family pride—bridge stretching, youngest growing, worlds waiting for the next adventure.