Episode 18: Guardians of Destiny
The secondary safehouse in Rhino Valley felt smaller with every passing hour. News feeds on the cracked tablet showed chaos spreading worldwide — Glimmerfall incidents in seventeen countries now. Schools, malls, and public squares were turning into battlegrounds as R. Dogder's gifted teenagers unleashed their unstable powers.
Nathan Moya stood by the window, staring at the peaceful river outside while his mind raced. His illusion mantle had been working overtime keeping them hidden, but something about the pattern of attacks finally clicked.
"It's not random," Nathan said suddenly, turning to the group. "R. Dogder isn't just making minions or disposable thugs. He's building a full-scale army. Multiple coordinated cells. Thousands of them. This isn't chaos for chaos' sake — it's an organized force meant to overwhelm everything at once."
Kevin looked up from where he was sharpening a scavenged blade, white-blue circuits pulsing. "An army…"
Peter cursed under his breath. "Explains why the Pillar's getting nervous too."
Nathan paced, sharp mind already three steps ahead. He stopped in front of Derek Crosley, who was tinkering with a small electrical device.
"Derek," Nathan said seriously. "What if we built our own organization? Something bigger than just this crew."
Derek raised an eyebrow, sparks dancing across his fingers. "I don't do drugs, man."
Nathan burst out laughing — a rare, genuine sound that cut through the tension in the room. Even Wyatt cracked a smile.
"No, seriously," Nathan continued, grinning. "I mean a real organization. One made of Wrathborn who actually want to protect humanity instead of destroying it. We call it The Guardians of Destiny Society. We recruit both adults and teens with useful powers. Not just fighters — thinkers, scouts, healers, strategists. Our goal: take down R. Dogder, stop the Pillar, and keep the world from tearing itself apart because of the Shattering."
The room fell quiet as the idea sank in.
Derek leaned back, considering it. "That's… actually not a terrible idea. We've been reacting this whole time. Time to start building something that lasts." He nodded. "I'll inform the others. Peter will probably grunt but agree. Damon might need convincing, but his Hollow power could be huge for defense."
Kevin stood up. "If we're doing this, we do it right. No one gets forced. Only people who believe in protecting others."
Portugal – Lisbon Historic District
Their first recruit came faster than expected.
Derek had used his Volt abilities and some old underground contacts to send out careful feelers across Europe. One name kept appearing: Tiago Moura.
They found him in the ruins of an old library that had been partially destroyed during a recent Glimmerfall riot. Tiago was a thirty-two-year-old historian with sharp features, glasses, and a calm scholarly demeanor. He stood among scattered ancient books, his hand glowing faintly as he touched a broken stone tablet.
Past Sight — his Glimmer allowed him to see the history of objects and locations, sometimes even people, by touching them. Flashes of the past played in his mind like old film reels.
When Nathan and Derek approached under a light illusion, Tiago didn't even look surprised.
"I saw you coming," he said in accented English, still focused on the tablet. "Three days ago, when I touched the ashes of this library. You're fighting the man who is poisoning the world with false power. R. Dogder."
Nathan lowered his illusion. "We're forming something new. The Guardians of Destiny Society. We need people who understand the bigger picture — not just how to throw punches."
Tiago finally turned, eyes steady. "I have watched empires rise and fall through stone and ink. This Shattering… it is the greatest fracture in history. If I can help seal it by protecting the innocent, then I am with you."
He placed his hand on a surviving wall. A vision flashed across his eyes. "Three days from now, a Glimmerfall cell will attack the coastal cities here. I can show you exactly how it happens."
Derek grinned, electricity crackling excitedly. "Welcome to the Guardians, Professor."
Back at the Safehouse
The crew gathered as Nathan laid out the vision. Peter grunted approval. Damon stared into his burning hollow heart before nodding once. Devonte and Wyatt were on board immediately. Even Ferrum's timeline-weary voice rumbled in agreement.
"The Magnificent 18 are recruiting in the shadows," Nathan said. "We'll build something in the light — or at least in controlled darkness. The Guardians of Destiny Society starts now."
Kevin felt the Mythical Matrix settle slightly, as if approving the path forward.
But far away in The Blank, R. Dogder's Big Five were already planning their next wave. The war was no longer just survival.
It was becoming a battle between organized forces.
End of Episode 18