In the serene expanse of River Park, Zakary sat beside Melody, the soft strumming of her guitar weaving through the tranquil atmosphere. The sun cast golden rays through the leaves, illuminating her striking features—her blue hair flowing gently in the breeze, her metallic eyes shimmering with a warmth that belied her android nature.

As she played, Zakary found solace in the music, letting the melodies wash over him. At seven feet two inches tall, he towered over most, his sapphire-bladed katana resting beside him, a constant reminder of his duties and the battles he had fought. He felt a sense of normalcy here, a fleeting moment of peace away from the chaos of the world.

But that peace shattered as a dark shape appeared on the horizon—the unmistakable silhouette of an Imperial airship. Its ominous presence loomed closer, casting a shadow over the park.

“Zakary, we need to find cover!” Melody urged, her voice tinged with urgency.

Before they could react, the airship unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, the ground shaking beneath them. Zakary instinctively pulled Melody close, shielding her with his massive frame as explosions rocked the park.

But then, emerging from the smoke, a figure stepped forward—a powerful Imperial swordsman, his gaze fixed on them with deadly intent. “You can’t run forever!” he taunted, brandishing his blade.

Zakary’s heart raced as he stood, ready to protect Melody at all costs. The swordsman charged, and with every swing of his katana, Zakary fought to keep the deadly enemy at bay. He was determined not to let the Empire take anything else from him.

Just as he gained the upper hand, the swordsman unleashed a powerful strike, knocking Zakary to the ground. Dazed, he looked up to see the swordsman turn toward Melody, a sinister smile on his face.

“Stay away from her!” Zakary roared, scrambling to his feet.

In a devastating moment, the swordsman made his move, and Zakary’s heart sank as he witnessed the attack aimed at Melody.

“NO!” Zakary shouted, his voice filled with desperation. As Melody fell to the ground, her once vibrant light flickering out, a wave of despair washed over him. He rushed to her side, cradling her lifeless form.

“Melody! Please, don’t leave me!” Tears streamed down his face, and as he looked into her metallic eyes, he was painfully reminded of Samantha, his lover who had turned to ash just a week prior, fading away in his arms. That loss had shattered him, and now, here he was, facing another devastating blow.

Anger ignited within him as he felt the curse he had long battled begin to awaken, the darkness calling to him. “You will pay for this!” he declared, his voice echoing through the park.

Zakary stood, fueled by a fierce resolve. With his katana glowing with an intense energy, he faced the swordsman once more. “I won’t let you hurt anyone else!”

The swordsman, taken aback by Zakary’s transformation, attempted to defend himself, but Zakary’s fury overwhelmed him. With a fierce swing of his katana, green fire erupted from the blade, engulfing the swordsman in an inferno of energy.

“Feel the wrath of your deeds!” Zakary shouted, the flames reflecting his rage and sorrow. The air crackled with power as the fire consumed the swordsman, leaving nothing but ash in its wake.

As the smoke cleared, Zakary fell to his knees, the weight of his actions crashing down on him. He looked at Melody’s lifeless body, the reality of his loss sinking in. “I’ll find a way to bring you back,” he vowed, his heart heavy with grief.

In the days that followed, Zakary took Melody’s body to a repair shop, hoping the technicians could help restore her. But unbeknownst to him, the Empire had been watching. Just days later, the shop was raided by Imperial forces. Zakary returned to find the place in ruins, Melody’s body taken for nefarious purposes.

Rage boiled within him, but he was powerless to act against the might of the Empire.

Three long years passed, each day marked by his growing frustration and relentless search for answers. The memory of Melody haunted him, her smile and laughter a stark contrast to the solitude he now faced.

Now, deep in the forest south of Avalon, Zakary ventured on a new mission of his own. He was searching for Alexiiana and Mishra, two sisters with whom he shared a significant history. Alexiiana had been a former lover, a connection that still lingered in his heart, while Mishra was a good friend, her loyalty unwavering.

They had gone into the woods on an important quest, and he hoped to find them and join forces once again.

The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, but Zakary's thoughts were consumed by the past. He remembered the bond he had shared with Alexiiana and Mishra, their unwavering support in his darkest times.

As he moved deeper into the woods, the weight of his sword felt familiar, a reminder of his duty to protect those he cared for. If he could reunite with Alexiiana and Mishra, perhaps together they could uncover a way to confront the Empire and reclaim what had been lost.

After hours of searching, Zakary heard voices in the distance. His heart quickened as he made his way toward the sounds, hopeful that he would soon see his friends.

He crept through the underbrush, listening intently. The voices grew clearer, but just as he was about to break through the dense foliage to greet them, he paused. The conversation was serious, and he didn’t want to interrupt.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Zakary reminded himself why he had come here. The weight of his mission pressed heavily on his shoulders, but he felt a flicker of hope igniting within him.

“Just a bit further,” he whispered to himself, pushing aside branches as he prepared to step into the clearing.

His heart raced with anticipation, eager to see the sisters again. But before he could emerge from the shadows, he steadied himself, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.