Sunlight filtered through shattered stained-glass windows, scattering prisms of color across the cracked stone floors. Vines crept along the walls and ceiling, weaving in and out of the crumbling arches, while moss and small wildflowers burst through the cracks like nature reclaiming the past. The air smelled faintly of earth and pollen, a sharp contrast to the musty stone. Serena stepped carefully across the uneven floor, her fingers brushing the soft green moss as she moved. BJ trailed behind, his usual swagger subdued by the quiet awe of the place. "Man... this place is... weirdly pretty," he muttered, glancing around at the towering angel statues. Each one seemed to gaze down with serene, carved faces, wings spread wide as if frozen mid-flight. Some were weathered and cracked, while others were almost intact, covered in lichen and flowering vines.
Serena tilted her head, studying one statue that reached out a hand toward the heavens. "It's peaceful... but it feels like someone's watching us," she whispered. Her eyes flicked nervously over the shadows where the sunlight didn't reach.
"Maybe the angels are judging my fashion sense," BJ joked, pointing at his slightly ripped jacket and scuffed boots. Serena rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. As they walked further, the faint sound of wind echoed through the vaulted ceilings, rattling loose stones. A distant chirp of birds and the soft rustle of vines moving in the breeze added to the surreal tranquility.
Despite the calm beauty, Serena knew they weren't alone here. Somewhere in the cathedral's shadows, a piece of Raymond awaited, and with it, whatever challenge or puzzle this world held. Every statue seemed to watch their movements, as if silently awaiting their next step. They paused in the center of the nave, where a massive circular window framed a blooming tree outside, its petals drifting through the broken glass like confetti. Serena reached for her map, tracing the paths they could take. "Alright," she said, determination hardening her voice. "We find the piece, and we don't get distracted by... whatever these statues are thinking."
BJ smirked, glancing up at the towering angel with a mock salute. "Got it. Don't piss off the stone choir." Together, they moved deeper into the cathedral ruins, their footsteps echoing off the marble and stone.

The cathedral's silence was punctuated only by the soft flutter of wings. Birds had made the ruins their home, sparrows, doves, and even a few larger, strange-looking avian creatures, all weaving between the broken arches and vines. Serena ducked under a low-hanging branch of ivy, peering at a row of tiny statues lined along the broken altar. Each one was carved with meticulous detail, a small feather etched into its chest that glowed faintly in the dim light. "They're... glowing?" Serena murmured, stepping closer. The symbols pulsed softly, a rhythm that seemed almost like a heartbeat. The feathers reminded her of wings, delicate and ethereal, and the birds around them occasionally alighted atop the statues as if drawn to the glow.
BJ wandered behind her, kicking at a loose stone. "Weird flex, little statues," he muttered, squinting at the feather symbols. "But I bet there's a prize if we figure out what these mean."
Serena ignored him for a moment, her eyes catching a flicker of color further down the nave. A giant angel statue loomed over the room, its wings spread wide as if mid-flight. Draped across its carved arm was a familiar sight: Raymond's jacket. Her heart leapt. "BJ... look! That's Raymond's jacket!"
He turned, eyes widening. "No way... okay, that's, oh, and..." His gaze shifted. Inside a delicate cage suspended from one of the upper arches, a real angel hovered, wings folded tightly around her. Her silver eyes reflected the sunlight streaming through the stained glass, and she looked terrified, struggling against her confinement.
Serena's stomach sank. "We have to get her down safely, look at that cage, it's delicate!"
BJ nodded, stepping closer, but his usual overconfidence got the better of him. "Don't worry, I got this—" Before Serena could protest, a loud BANG echoed through the cathedral. BJ had accidentally fired a small blaster at the cage while gesturing at the statues, and the metal bars bent and snapped. The angel shrieked, losing her grip on the perch, and plummeted through the air. Serena screamed, racing to the edge of the large pool of water that had formed from the collapsed roof. BJ's face went pale. "Uh... oops."
The angel hit the surface with a splash, sending ripples across the lake. Birds scattered in a frenzy, wings beating against the vines and crumbling stone. Serena didn't hesitate. She dove, cutting through the cold water, while BJ followed, splashing and cursing as he tried to keep up. Beneath the surface, the angel struggled, her wings flailing. Serena grabbed hold of her wrist, steadying her. "I've got you! Hold on!" she shouted, fighting the pull of the water and the current from the sudden flood from above. BJ reached for her other side, gripping her elbow.
Together, they guided her to the edge, hauling her out of the lake and onto the mossy stones. She shivered, gasping, but was alive. Serena wrapped her jacket around the angel, holding her close. BJ slumped next to them, drenched, glaring at his own blaster. "I... I didn't mean—" he started, but Serena shot him a look that made him stop.
The angel blinked at them, catching her breath, her silver eyes wide with fear and relief. "Thank you... I... I thought I was done for," she whispered.
Serena nodded, brushing water from her hair. "We're not done yet. That jacket... that's Raymond's. And we're going to get the rest."
BJ groaned dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, but seriously... maybe next time we won't fire weapons near live angels, huh?"
Serena gave him a sharp glance. "Next time, try not to blow up the rescue mission before it even starts." The cathedral stretched before them like a vast, forgotten world, arches disappearing into shadowy heights and sunlight filtering through broken stained glass in fractured patterns. Vines curled over crumbling stone, and wildflowers pushed through cracks in the floor, perfuming the air with their faint scent. Birds flitted through the open windows, their wings brushing against the mossy walls. Serena and BJ walked carefully, stepping around puddles and fallen stones, each footfall echoing eerily. The angel, fragile and pale, walked with a hesitant shuffle. Her silver wings twitched occasionally, but her legs trembled, and every movement seemed to sap her strength. Serena stopped and crouched beside her. "You're cold... what's your name?" she asked gently.
The angel looked up, her expression distant but not unkind. "Europa," she whispered, voice like chimes in the wind. "Last of the Jovian angels... I've wandered here for centuries, seeking what was lost."
BJ, noticing her struggle, sighed and stepped forward. "Seriously? You're not walking another step like that." Before Europa could protest, he scooped her up into his arms with surprising ease, holding her gently against his chest. "I got you. Don't worry, princess."
Europa's eyes softened slightly as she rested against him, her shivers subsiding. "Thank you... it has been so long since anyone showed kindness." Together, the trio explored the nave, stepping over broken pews and clusters of glowing statues. One particular statue caught Europa's attention: a small, delicate figure carved in marble, etched with the familiar feather symbol that pulsed with a soft, ethereal light. "Serena... BJ," she murmured, lifting her head. "I... I want to try something."
Serena tilted her head, curious. "Try what?"
Europa shifted in BJ's arms. "I need to stand on it. It's a conduit... I feel it calling to me."
BJ set her down carefully, hands still supporting her in case she faltered. Europa placed one foot on the statue, then the other, until she balanced atop it, trembling but determined. The statue glowed brighter, the feather symbol igniting with radiant energy. Serena stepped back, holding her breath. BJ's jaw dropped. "Uh... okay... this looks bad, or amazing... maybe both."
Europa lifted her arms, her voice rising into a war cry that echoed through the cathedral's empty halls. "By the light of the Jovian guardians... I claim your power!"
The statue cracked beneath her feet, shards of marble suspended in midair as an ethereal glow enveloped her. Light coursed around her wings, her feathers shimmering silver and gold, a gentle warmth radiating from her despite her cold exterior. Serena and BJ stepped back, shielding their eyes from the brilliance. When the light finally dimmed, Europa stood atop the remains of the statue, transformed. Her aura radiated strength, her wings more radiant than ever, and her presence seemed to pulse with the power of the cathedral itself. The glowing feathers around them dimmed in response, as if acknowledging her newfound authority. Serena whispered, awestruck, "She... she absorbed the statue's power."
BJ, still wide-eyed, muttered, "Yeah... no kidding. That was... insane." He extended a hand, which Europa allowed him to take. "You... you're amazing," he said softly, respect and awe mixing in his voice.
Europa looked down at them, a faint smile curving her lips for the first time. "We are stronger together," she said. "And with this... we will reclaim what was lost." For a moment, the cathedral seemed to breathe with them, the glow of the statues dimming to a gentle hum, the birds quieting in reverence. Serena and BJ exchanged a glance, feeling the weight and hope of what lay ahead, Raymond's jacket, the remaining pieces, and the power now in Europa's hands.
"Alright," Serena said, determination flaring in her eyes. "Let's keep moving. We're not done yet." BJ grinned, still carrying Europa when needed, as they continued deeper into the cathedral, ready for whatever trials awaited next.

The trio moved cautiously through the cathedral, the ruins now feeling alive in an almost magical way. Each step stirred petals from the wildflowers that had grown unchecked through cracks in the stone floor, painting the air with bursts of color and faint, sweet scents. Streams of sunlight cut through the shattered stained-glass windows, landing like spotlights on the overgrown garden that now sprawled inside the ancient nave. BJ couldn't stop staring at Europa. Even carried or walking beside them, she radiated power, her presence shifting the space around her. Every flutter of her wings made the flowers lean toward her, as if drawn by some invisible gravity. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, a mix of awe and disbelief. "I've seen a lot of things, but... this? This is next-level."

Serena smirked, a little amused by his reaction but focused. "Try not to drool, BJ. We've got more statues to find, and Raymond's jacket is still out there somewhere."
The glowing statues became more frequent as they moved forward, each one depicting angels in various poses: some in mid-flight, others kneeling, wings folded, expressions serene or solemn. Europa's steps stirred their glow, making the feather symbols pulse like tiny heartbeats in the marble. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic. Flowers climbed the statues' pedestals, and the air was thick with pollen and sunlight. Europa lifted her hand, and a faint silver aura extended from her fingers, gently pushing the overgrowth aside, revealing hidden inscriptions and markings on the bases of the statues. "These inscriptions... they tell the path forward," she murmured, tracing one with her fingertip.
BJ crouched down to examine one of the smaller statues. "Man... you weren't kidding. This place is insane. And you... you're making it feel alive, Europa. Like... everything's listening to you."
Europa's wings twitched, a soft glow emanating from them. "The cathedral has always responded to those of light. But humans... rarely could reach its core. You and Serena are different, there's purpose in your steps, and intention in your hearts."
Serena stepped ahead, gently stepping over a fallen statue, her fingers brushing petals aside. "Well, we better hope that purpose includes finding Raymond's jacket. Because otherwise, we're gonna be in a lot of trouble."
A gentle breeze swept through the open arches, carrying petals swirling around their feet like a living carpet. Europa extended her arms slightly, guiding the energy of the cathedral, making a small pathway through the densest clusters of flowers. BJ's jaw dropped. "You're basically... part angel, part... nature god? Seriously. Teach me that trick later."
They passed another cluster of statues, each more intricate than the last. The flowers around them seemed almost protective, leaning in to shield the trio as if the cathedral itself recognized Europa's authority. Serena's eyes darted from one pedestal to the next, noting inscriptions and symbols that hinted at hidden chambers beyond. "Looks like we're on the right track. The bigger statues are probably closer to Raymond's jacket."
BJ's gaze flicked up to Europa again. She moved with effortless grace, a mixture of power and serenity. The sunlight hitting her wings made them shimmer like molten silver. "Alright... I know I'm supposed to be focused on the statues, but... wow. Seriously, wow," he said again, shaking his head, half in disbelief, half in admiration.
Europa smiled faintly, noticing the awe but staying calm. "Keep your eyes on the path, BJ. There's more than beauty here. There's a purpose. And the jacket... it waits ahead." The trio continued forward, weaving through blooms, sunlight, and angelic statues, Europa's power illuminating hidden markings and guiding their steps. With each statue they passed, the glow of the feather symbols intensified, forming a soft, pulsing light that seemed to converge toward the massive statue where Raymond's jacket rested.

The trio approached the massive statue, its wings spanning nearly the width of the ruined nave. The sunlight reflected off the marble feathers, highlighting every crack and imperfection. Atop the statue rested Raymond's jacket, its worn fabric glinting faintly in the scattered light. "Alright," Serena muttered, eyeing the precarious climb. "We've got to get up there without dying."
BJ stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Don't worry, I got this. You just follow my lead and try not to slip."
Europa extended her glowing hands, her aura illuminating the cracks in the statue, revealing footholds and ledges that had blended into the stone. Serena moved first, carefully testing each step as the flowers around the pedestal swayed like a soft warning. BJ climbed beside her, keeping a watchful eye on the structure. "Careful with that one," Europa warned, her wings tensing slightly. "It hasn't been touched in centuries."
As they climbed higher, Serena's foot landed on a fragile piece of marble. There was a sharp CRACK. Dust rained down from the ceiling, and a large chunk of the cathedral's upper arch began to shift. BJ's hand shot out instinctively, grabbing her arm. "Hold on!" he shouted.
Europa's eyes widened, and she extended her aura outward, bracing the crumbling section with a shimmering field of light. "I... I can only hold it for so long!"
Serena clung tightly to the marble, her heart racing, while BJ gritted his teeth, steadying her. "You're not falling today," he growled, his usual cocky tone replaced with fierce determination. He shifted, letting her lean against him for support, their proximity unintentional but grounding in the chaos.
Dust and petals swirled around them as another section of the archway above cracked and tilted. Europa's wings flared, holding her balance as the cathedral groaned. "Move... slowly... together," she instructed, her voice calm but urgent.
Step by careful step, they reached the statue's head. BJ leaned over, helping Serena pull herself onto the ledge. "Almost there," he said, his arm steady and sure. "One more push."
Europa reached out her aura, guiding their final movements, and together they positioned themselves at the top. Serena's fingers brushed Raymond's jacket, the worn fabric finally within reach. Relief washed over her, but it was fleeting. A low rumble echoed from the cathedral, and a chunk of the ceiling began to fall. "Europa!" Serena cried as a massive section of stone cracked beneath her. Europa lunged, catching Serena just in time, holding her aloft with her wings fully extended. Dust and rubble cascaded around them as BJ grabbed both of them, anchoring them to the statue. The three clung together, hearts pounding, adrenaline burning. For a tense, harrowing moment, time seemed to freeze. Then Europa's aura flared brighter, stabilizing the crumbling stone just enough for them to breathe.
"Close call," BJ muttered, chest heaving. "Way too close."
Serena's hands still rested on Raymond's jacket, gripping it like a lifeline. "Never... never doing that again," she said, half in terror, half in awe.
Europa nodded, her glowing aura dimming slightly. "The cathedral tests all who enter... but you've made it this far. Be careful, there are still more challenges ahead." Dust settled around them, petals drifting like soft snow. The trio shared a quiet, shaky moment, the weight of what they'd survived sinking in.

The trio finally reached the base of the cathedral's last, colossal statue. Its head stretched impossibly high, cloaked in the golden glow of the setting sun filtering through the broken roof. At the very crown, perched like a prize for the brave, was Raymond's jacket, fluttering slightly in the breeze. Serena's breath caught in her throat. "There it is... we actually made it."
BJ looked up, squinting, his usual bravado quieted by the sheer height. "Yeah... no kidding. That's insane. Who even built this thing?"
Europa stepped forward, her wings trembling with exhaustion. The light from her aura pulsed softly, then brighter, then brighter still. "I... this is the last of my strength," she whispered. "The cathedral... it's been holding me back. But now... it's time." Without hesitation, Europa lifted her hands toward the statue. The stone groaned and cracked spiderwebbed across the marble, dust drifting in ethereal clouds around them. Serena and BJ shielded their faces as Europa's aura flared, her final surge of power shattering the top of the statue. The fragments fell apart into sparkling dust, leaving the jacket suspended in midair, glowing faintly as it floated down toward them. The cathedral's ruined roof creaked violently, and a soft, warm wind surrounded them. Europa's aura merged into her form, brighter than ever, and she smiled softly at Serena and BJ. "Take it," she said, her voice both strong and gentle. "Keep him safe... and remember... you've done well."Serena stepped forward, tears brimming in her eyes, and reached for the jacket. It was soft in her hands, familiar and comforting after such a long journey.
BJ placed a hand on her shoulder, equally moved, watching as Europa began to rise.. "Europa..." Serena's voice broke, and BJ's usual cocky tone was gone, replaced with quiet awe.Europa gave them a final nod. "Farewell... my friends," she said, wings flaring like blazing comets, her form rising above the cathedral. Light surrounded her, lifting her higher and higher until she became a shining silhouette against the sky. In one graceful, powerful motion, she burst upward, breaking through the clouds, leaving a trail of golden light. Serena and BJ stood side by side, clutching the jacket together. The cathedral was silent now, peaceful in the aftermath. A soft breeze carried the scent of flowers and marble dust around them. "She... she's really gone," Serena whispered, hugging the jacket to her chest.
BJ exhaled slowly, finally softening his usual smirk. "Yeah... but she left us what matters most. Let's get him back, Ser." The two looked at each other, hearts pounding with exhaustion and relief. The journey had been long, terrifying, and beautiful,but now, with Raymond's jacket in hand, they could finally continue to reunite all his pieces.