Chapter 1: It's time
As Kurtis and Lara approached their destination, they both felt a sense of dread in the air. The sun and the moon were getting closer, and it was clear that the time had come for the long-awaited war between the Lux Veritatis and the Nephilim.
The hybrid solar eclipse was a rare phenomenon, and its occurrence only confirmed that the immense battle was upon them. The world was unaware of the impending danger that lay ahead, but it wouldn't be long before they would know.
The journey to Rock mountain in the scorching heat of the Sahara desert was challenging, but they finally arrived at their destination. Kurtis knew that time was of the essence, and he drove as fast as he could to get there. As they stepped out of the car, Kurtis couldn't shake off the feeling that this would be the last time he would see the sun shining.
Lara was equally apprehensive, and as they looked around, they couldn't see any sign of the Nephilim. However, Kurtis knew that they were lurking beneath them, waiting to strike.
As they stood several steps away from each other, Kurtis raised his hand and whispered some Latin words. Lara, who understood Latin, knew what was about to happen, and she smiled in anticipation.
Suddenly, a temple appeared out of nowhere, decorated with various symbols and statues of the Lux Veritatis. The doors of the temple were enormous, and they stood right in front of Kurtis and Lara.
Kurtis couldn't resist a smirk as he welcomed Lara to the temple of Light. The temple was the stronghold of the Lux Veritatis, and it was where they would prepare for the war that was about to come.
As they stepped into the temple, Kurtis and Lara knew that they had a daunting task ahead of them. The fate of the world was at stake, and they were the only ones who could save it. The battle between the Lux Veritatis and the Nephilim had finally arrived, and the world would never be the same again.
The temple was massive, so much so that Lara couldn't help but compare it to five Croft Manors combined. She couldn't believe that such a huge temple had managed to remain hidden all this time. It was a mystery to her, and she knew that everyone would want to know how it had managed to stay hidden.
As they made their way inside, Lara noticed a group of people engaged in combat. It was evident that they were training for the upcoming battle. One man caught her attention; he was around fifty years old, had short white hair, and wore a welcoming smile. Despite his age, he had a well-built physique and a look of determination in his eyes, similar to Kurtis but with lighter-colored eyes.
The man was Ameer, who had worked with Kurtis's father for years and fought alongside him despite not being a Lux Veritatis. Ameer greeted Kurtis with a warm hug and then turned to Lara. "And you must be Lady Croft. Kurtis had told me that you would be helping us in this war," he said, extending his hand to shake Lara's.
Lara replied, "Whatever it takes to save the world."
Kurtis introduced Ameer to Lara and explained how he had been training the new members who were about to fight until death. Ameer led them to the study and explained that Kurtis had brought several people who had left the army and were devoted to light and fighting for their country. Every month, Kurtis came with someone new, but this time, he brought Lara. "We don't have time for small talk, Ameer. It's time," Kurtis interrupted.
Ameer could tell that things were serious by the look on Kurtis's face. He asked, "We have spent so much time together, Kurtis. I've never seen you so worried before. What is it? It's time for what?"
Lara broke the silence and said, "It's time, Ameer. For the Immense battle. We have found the shard of truth. The prophecy is fulfilled, and Karel has returned to his true form."
Ameer understood the seriousness of the situation and quickly got up. "Then let's not waste any more time."
Lara tried to leave, but Ameer grabbed her arm and said, "Lara, this is something we have to deal with ourselves, not you. I'm sorry."
Lara replied harshly, "I don't think you believe I'll be sitting here while you fight out there with those bastards if this is on your mind. Forget it."
Kurtis tried to reason with her, but Lara was determined to fight alongside him. She walked away, leaving Ameer and Kurtis behind. Ameer sighed and followed them.
As they regrouped, Kurtis ordered Ameer to call everyone together. Ameer knew that Lara wasn't going to back down, and he was right. She was as stubborn as Kurtis, and she wouldn't be deterred from fighting.
Kurtis and Lara locked eyes, and he whispered, "It's time." For a moment, Kurtis wished he could hide Lara away somewhere safe, but he knew that she was just as determined as he was.
Lara was surprised when Kurtis kissed her on the lips for the first time, but she had been waiting for it for a long time. She kissed him back tenderly and whispered, "I'm glad you're with me, Croft; I never felt so strong in my life."
As the group of followers approached, Kurtis and Lara knew that it was time to face the final battle of the Shadow War. They were ready to fight until death, side by side, as two halves of a whole.