EXT. AUXRITHL - EVENING

The vast city of Auxrithl is illuminated by a soft, light-blue glow emanating from its towering buildings, casting a hazy, ethereal ambiance over the sprawling metropolis. The skyline is dotted with neon lights, and airships drift silently across the sky, their lights twinkling like distant stars.

The flag of Luchendar features an elegant pattern of horizontal pink and white stripes, with a black diamond centered along the length of the stripes.

A layer of mist covers the city

EXT. AUXRITHL CITY CENTER - CONTINUOUS

Around the fountain, in the central most part of the city, a few khad-shas - wolf-like creatures with dragon wings, are gathered around the fountain. Some are talking among themselves, others taking in the scenery.

Camera smoothly pans to a heated argument between two khad-shas

KHAD-SHA 1 (loudly):  You Olikahs are all the same. You want this country to go up in flames.

KHAD-SHA 1 lunges with its snout, nearly biting KHAD-SHA 2's ear before moving out of the way. The movement is aggressive, driven by deep-seated frustration.

KHAD-SHA 2: You Aynjas remain as clueless as always, behaving as if this foolish little republic is flawless and free from corruption.

KHAD-SHA 1, undeterred, attempts another aggressive lunge at KHAD-SHA 2. However, before it can connect, KHAD-SHA 3 intervenes, grabbing KHAD-SHA 1 and holding them firmly with their wings.

KHAD-SHA 3: Calm down. Aren’t we trying to avoid a civil war here? Because from what I’m seeing, it looks like you’re doing the exact opposite.

Khad-Sha 1 struggles to break free from KHAD-SHA 3's hold, but KHAD-SHA 3 maintains their grip.

KHAD-SHA 1 struggles furiously, trying to break free from KHAD-SHA 3's strong hold, but KHAD-SHA 3 remains unyielding. The scene grows more chaotic as a group of military police (MPs) arrive, drawn by the commotion.

MP 1 (approaching KHAD-SHA 3): Is everything alright here?

KHAD-SHA 3 (while maintaining hold on khad-sha 1): No. I’m trying to prevent this one from lashing out again.

MP 2: I can handle them.

KHAD-SHA 3 releases KHAD-SHA 1 into MP 2's custody. KHAD-SHA 2, still visibly agitated, walks over with another MP to provide their account of the incident.

KHAD-SHA 1 (to Khad-Sha 3): I'll find you. I'll make you pay bi—

MP 2: That's enough.

MP 2 forcefully pulls Khad-Sha 1 away from both Khad-Sha 3 and MP 1, while Khad-Sha 1 struggles to break free, yelling at Khad-Sha 3.

MP 1: Could you please explain what happened?

KHAD-SHA 3: Well, I was standing over by the fountain (gestures towards the fountain) When I saw them starting to attack her, I stepped in to prevent anyone from being seriously harmed. It appeared they were arguing about whether Olikah or Aynja represents the better approach to govern the country.

As KHAD-SHA 3 speaks, the camera slowly pans towards the fountain. A figure with an almost human-like silhouette emerges from behind it, partially obscured by shadow. The figure’s presence is enigmatic, and its deep purple eyes glow faintly in the dim light.

MP 1 shivers slightly, noticing the figure’s eerie presence.

MP 1 (anxiously): Anything else you can recall?

KHAD-SHA 3 pauses, observing MP 1’s reaction.

KHAD-SHA 3: Not at the moment. Are you alright?

MP 1: I’m... I’m fine. It’s just a little cold. That’s all I need from you for now. Have a good evening.

KHAD-SHA 3 nods, and both MP 1 and KHAD-SHA 3 begin to walk away from the fountain. Their figures gradually fade into the distance as they move further into the city. The city center starts to regain its calm, though a lingering tension remains in the air. The crowd disperses, leaving behind the soft hum of the city and the gentle glow of the lights.

The mysterious figure by the fountain turns its head slowly toward the camera. Its deep purple eyes, glowing faintly, pierce through the dim light.

CUT TO: