(Opening Scene: Preparations are underway for Zane and Astrid's departure to Solara from Aetheria. Xander has returned to conduct further tests on their abilities.)
Xander approached Zane and Astrid in the academy's main hall, his usual scientific curiosity tempered by a healthy dose of caution after his previous encounters with the Null Blade and the Black Crown. He carried several intricate devices designed to measure magical energies.
"Alright," Xander began, keeping a respectful distance. "I've recalibrated my instruments based on the readings we took earlier. If you're both ready, I'd like to get a baseline of your individual auras before you… well, before you potentially immerse yourselves in Solara's entirely different magical environment."
As Xander began to set up his equipment, Zane's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. A thought had sparked in his mind, a playful jab at his still-wary future brother-in-law. With a swift, almost casual movement, Zane willed the Black Crown, now radiating a controlled purple energy, to materialize above his head and then flicked it towards Xander.
Xander's eyes widened in alarm at the sudden appearance and trajectory of the dark artifact. Memories of the chilling void it had shown him flooded back. He yelped, dropping his delicate instruments as he scrambled backward with surprising agility, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the slowly rotating crown.
The Black Crown, responding to Zane's will, simply hovered in the air a safe distance from the fleeing mage before gently floating back to rest above Zane's head.
Astrid, who had been watching the exchange with a bemused expression, chuckled and lightly swatted Zane's arm. "Zane! Stop teasing my brother. You know he's still traumatized by that thing."
Zane grinned sheepishly. "Couldn't resist. His reaction was… priceless." He sobered slightly, looking at the scattered instruments. "Sorry, Xander. Just a bit of pre-departure levity."
Xander, still catching his breath, cautiously retrieved his devices, his gaze fixed warily on the Black Crown above Zane. "Levity? That… that artifact showed me the absence of existence! I don't find that particularly amusing." He sighed, adjusting his spectacles. "Just… try to keep your void-touched accessories to yourself until you're safely in Solara, alright?"
Despite Xander's lingering unease, the brief moment of levity helped to ease some of the tension surrounding their impending departure from Aetheria. The journey to Solara was a serious undertaking, but a little bit of familiar sibling dynamic helped to ground them before they ventured into the unknown.