Chapter Text
TRIGGER WARNING:
This story contains themes of kidnapping, trauma, psychological manipulation, prolonged suffering, and abuse. Reader discretion is advised!
Things had been too calm for my taste. My hideout—err, treasury now, because "hideout" felt a bit childish (or not childish but it really wasn't a hideout anymore sooo…)—was a chaotic mess of papers and half-finished theories. I had papers sprawled everywhere. Ancient scribbles, cryptic notes, and random nonsense I had "discovered" during my recent digging adventures. You could say I was deep-diving, but really, it felt more like digging for lost relics in a swamp of cryptic mumbo jumbo.
I had been scavenging through old cult bases for days, uncovering scraps and relics to try and piece together information about this Cult of Diablos. Most of it was vague. You know the kind—words that sound ominous enough to sound cool but tell you absolutely nothing? Yeah, that type of thing. My handwriting barely even kept up as I scratched notes down on my desk, fully aware I was probably working harder than I needed to.
Paper after paper, I'd find tantalizing little crumbs of information and then proceed to immediately lose faith in myself. Why? Because they were usually vague enough that I felt like I was reading ancient conspiracy theories written by a guy who ran out of caffeine.
I groaned, dropping my pen for dramatic effect.
"Haaaaah… too many questions, not enough answers."
And no, I wasn't just being melodramatic. Okay, maybe a little. But I had earned the right to melodrama when you're reading random papers and finding things that only raise more questions than they answer. The latest paper was scribbled in the kind of hand that screams "this person has way too much time to think about demons."
Let's use an example. My eyes skimmed the nonsense:
"The Essence of Diablos threads itself through the fabric of reality, an ever-present yet elusive phenomenon—both omnipresent and unknowable. Our observations and findings indicate that its manifestation adheres exclusively to a singular biological pattern: it is observed solely within women, a genetic peculiarity shrouded in layers of uncertainty. Theories postulate a direct correlation to the remains of the ancient heroes whose preserved corporeal forms were subject to prolonged research and experimentation, safeguarding their latent properties for future inquiry. These heroes' essences, when interlaced with the essence of Diablos itself, appear to form a genetic conduit—a transmission vector conveyed through bloodlines across successive generations. This phenomenon implies that the hybridization of these disparate powers could account for a unique form of inheritance, wherein Diablos' essence adheres to the bloodstream in a nearly imperceptible, yet biologically deterministic manner. My hypothesis suggests that this transference is not a coincidental anomaly but a deliberate convergence facilitated by the confluence of ritualistic blood sacrifice and ancient arcane genetic vectors. My conclusions suggest that the presence of this synthesis is singularly pivotal—however, the mechanism by which this process sustains itself remains incomplete, leaving gaps in understanding that must warrant immediate scrutiny and investigation—"
Okay, first of all, what the hell does that even mean?
I sighed and set the paper down. Whoever wrote this had an obsession with riddles, cryptic descriptions, and bad metaphors. Like, "safeguarding their latent properties"? Really? If this were a book, I'd throw it across the room. But now thinking about it… trying to actually understand it… the thing is…
The thing is, the paper wasn't wrong. Not entirely. I could feel it in the connections. I mean, honestly, this paper could've had a checklist of ominous doom paired with vague cult references and I would still think it meant something. But why was everything in riddles? Was this some secret club handbook, written in ancient memes from another dimension?
I stretched out my arms and let my face hit the table. My organizational chart was in front of me, incomplete, hopelessly messy. It was supposed to connect the Round of Knights and figure out Ecno and Fenrir and other key players. My hand hovered over names like Ricky, Geese, (if that was his name) and a bunch of other nonsense scribbled down in my barely-legible handwriting. My notes were more of a chaotic mess than an actual investigative lead.
"Figures," I muttered, staring at all the question marks on the page.
The problem? I'd been running in circles for who knows how long. These bases and research labs and strange rituals were supposed to lead me somewhere. Where? Hell if I knew. Most of my findings amounted to weird magical experiments and pills. I still had no clear evidence about their main bases or the real extent of their operations.
And then there was the whole Vlarc thing. Vlarc had a lab, and I had found a girl there. Not much else. I could only assume their bases were hiding somewhere important. Hell, everything felt like it was a moving puzzle, and me? I was a guy who was great at looking at puzzles but then always lost the pieces.
"Damn it," I said.
I leaned back in my chair and thought about the girls again—Kaida, the Shades, Hitomi, and the rest. I remembered the notes they - my Shades - had tried to share with me. Did I brush them off? Probably. Should I have paid attention? Also probably.
My head swam.
I leaned back again, staring at the ceiling. It was a random ceiling, just drywall and shadows, but it felt much more ominous when you stared at it for long enough and had no clue what you were doing. I tried to focus. Maybe the girls did have answers. Maybe I missed something. Or maybe I was just panicking over nothing, because that sounds like me.
Too many questions, too few answers. Story of my life.
I scratched at my hair and looked at my notes again, muttering under my breath, "Where are the major bases located, anyway? Somewhere in a Kingdom? Under a rock? I wish they'd just send me a goddamn postcard or something."
I let my frustration bubble under the surface, ignoring the sigh threatening to come back up. One thing was certain: If I didn't figure this out soon, everything would likely implode in ways I wasn't prepared for.
"This is ridiculous…"
That's a bit over the top, but what can I do?
I looked over the papers again. The connections I felt, there must be something. Something about the heroes…
"Right… Heroes…"
I looked over the papers again, this time one I made myself. It was an attempt to explain whatever I could understand. How Diablos came to be, where it came from, or at least its essence. Then, there were the heroes. I have no clue who they are, what they are, where they are, nor how they are… but that paper I had found, although overcomplicated a butt-ton, does mention something about the heroes, doesn't it?
I look at the paper once more. Skimming through the paper until I saw the word "Hero" or "Heroes", I found what I was looking for. Not even my understanding of this language could make me understand completely what it said, but I'll give it a shot.
"—ancient heroes whose preserved corporeal forms were subjected to prolonged research and experimentation, safeguarding their latent properties for future inquiry. These heroes' essences, when interlaced with the essence of Diablos itself, appear to form a genetic conduit–-a transmission vector conveyed through bloodlines across successive generations—"
That's a lot of words, but I'm taking it apart bit by bit, and so far, what I can understand from it is: The Heroes' blood had special properties that, when combined with the blood of Diablos, made it… go through generations…? It goes through the bloodline, apparently, and it solidifies what I had originally thought, so I think we're cool there.
It's funny, because from what I used to study in the old world, important papers had their creators, reasons and stuff like that all around. These papers don't, trying to be as vague as possible on everything, such as (as mentioned prior): creators, reasons, leaders, and personal thoughts. I have a decent understanding, at least, on these Beads and what they truly are, and it's something I had concluded a while ago. They're the blood of Diablos that had taken the shapes of pills. They call them [Beads] or [Beads of Diablos, but their methods for it are a bit barbaric. Kidnapping people with either [Royal Blood] or [Blood of Diablos] (aka: possessed) and injecting them with Diablos power for it to grow out of control and have more blood available for their own personal use.
So understanding that, what's the goal? I don't have the information I'd like if I'm honest, but… it's a start. What I'll do from here on out is the same thing I've been doing. I'll look for information. It's really all I can truly do. I don't know where their main bases are located, who are the people in control (other than some key names as stated in one of my papers). I understand their goal, somewhat. Revive Diablos. The why? No clue. But I assume it has to tie back to all this blood and power—they want to get stronger. That makes sense, I assume…
Maybe I should look at Oriana as my next step? Midgar? I remember a fight back in Oriana that felt different. Off, even. Could be something there… Or maybe I'm grasping at nothing. Either way, it's worth a look… but not now, or any time soon.
With everything that happened lately, I can't help but wonder. Ricky worked for the Cult—pretty obvious—and thanks to that, I was able to learn about the artifact that allows you to teleport. It's a game-changer, even if I haven't used it much yet. Such power—that allows you to teleport—is very impressive.
Honestly makes me wonder how deep the Cult's resources run… and if there even any more in that style, as in, are there any with similar capabilities or similar usefulness? So far, it's the only one that I found with such usefulness and I'm certain that with enough time, I'll be able to teleport using my own power. It's a risk I am not willing to take just yet, but I know I can.
Still, the idea is tempting. If I could master it myself, I wouldn't need to rely on rare artifacts, which goes against my philosophy on depending on your own versus another power… plus imagine the dramatic entrances I, Shadow, could make. Shadow steps into the fray—bam! No artifact required. Now that would be cool.
As I continued to skim through the papers, the hideout—erm, treasury went quiet (as it wasn't paper). I continued scribbling and trying to figure out as much of this nonsense as I could, when a faint sound caught my attention.
"Hnnn…"
A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I had completely forgotten I had brought her here, if I'm honest. After the inspection in my room when Hitomi-san and my parents arrived home, I was able to bring Soe Funtas towards my treasury. She's naked (as naked as when I saved her). It's a running gag, so I had to give her a blanket that I stole—cough, borrowed while on my way here. I looked at her. She has been unconscious for a while… and it was supposed to be for a bit longer.
I had been careful—deliberate, even—when it came to stabilizing her after I dragged her out of the lab back in Vlarc. So, seeing her stirring awake was not a-part of my Bingo Card. It's not really a bother, but I really would've preferred after I had finished juggling this mess on my desk. I have a nagging feeling that this will turn into a Q session. It might help me clarify even some of my questions, so I'm not really against it, but trust me, it'll be a nuisance.
Her fingers twitched against the blanket I'd draped over her, her eyelids fluttering open. Her frame looked smaller than it should, almost frail, with small yet visible bruises under the fabric. At first, she seemed dazed, her gaze unfocused. Then, she looked around. Her eyes filled with caution and fear evident… Though, it wasn't just fear in her eyes—it was exhaustion. The kind that ran bone-deep. She looked around the small room, at the two windows, the roof, the small candle near the shelf, before they finally landed on me.
"...where am I?"
Thankfully, I am in my Shadow persona, so my face is being obstructed and such. She could only see the two red dots most people saw when facing me… that's probably why she moved further away huh…
"You're awake." I said, keeping my tone neutral. It's not my actual voice, but it's not my Shadow voice. It's a bit in-between. I don't want to scare her, though it didn't work. She looked at me, her brown eyes widened before she looked down at herself. Her hands clenched the blanket in desperation.
"N-No…! No! Leave me alone…!" her voice cracked as she tried and failed to stand up. Her legs weakened, as she hadn't used them in a while. It seems… like trauma? Tears filled her eyes before they started falling.
Her eyes continued darting around the room, looking for a way to escape as she continued and continued failing to stand up. She cried as she looked at me, seemingly ready for the worst thing to happen.
"Who are you?! Where am I?!" Her voice cracked. She tried to put a front, looking angry at me, but it was evident that she was more scared than anything. Not my intention, but it's more like, what she went through made her be like this.
She continued looking around, before her eyes landed on me.
"Where—? What… happened?" Her voice was shaky. She calmed down a bit. "Why… why am I here?"
I tilted my head slightly, "You're safe."
Her eyes narrowed, distrust flashing across her face as she hugged herself, "S-Safe? Safe?! I-I don't even know who you are! You—!" She stopped, looking at herself. "I…" her expression crumbles. The tears that were falling at the beginning began to cascade. "I was… they… they—"
She stopped trying to stand up. She stopped looking around. All she could do was cry. I don't know what did it. Maybe the fact that she's human once more. Maybe the fact that she's not in chains. Maybe the fact that she's not in pain anymore…
She looked down and bit her lip, shaking her head furiously, before wailing to the night sky. Thankfully I was prepared so I was using magic to block all noise from in here, not allowing it to go out. Her shoulders shook with each sob, and the tension in her body seemed to snap like a frayed string.
I let my silence linger for a moment. Not too long, but just enough to let the storm of emotions settle. Then, I crouched a few steps away, keeping my voice low and steady.
"They're not here anymore."
She froze. Her tear-streaked face turned towards me, searching for something in my expression, which she couldn't see.
"The ones who hurt you," I clarified, "They're gone, or at least, they won't bother you anymore. I made sure of that."
Her lips parted, as if trying to say something, yet no words came out, before she looked at the ground.
"I know you don't trust me," I continued, keeping my tone calm, measured, "and that's fine. But right now, you're safe. No one's going to hurt you here."
She looked back up at me, before looking down at the ground once more, her firsts clenching as she shook her head, "They… they used me. I don't even… I don't even know what for! Just… pain. Experiments… over, and over, and I couldn't—" She took a shaky breather, before her voice cracked, anger mixing with the fear and sadness that poured out of her, "Why?! What did I ever do…?!"
I stayed quiet for a beat, giving her space to let it out.
Tears continued falling, then, softly, "It wasn't your fault."
She looked up at me again, this time her expressions as a mix of doubt and vulnerability, "T-Then why?! I must've— I—"
"None of it," I stopped her mid-sentence. "What they did to you, what they wanted—it's on them, not you."
Her breathing slowed, just slightly. Her eyes looked to the side, before closing them and shaking her head once more.
Silence ensued as she tried to regulate her breathing, and I just let her. I wasn't going to intervene. She went through something awful, so I'll let her go at her own pace. Whenever she's ready, she'll talk. Of that, I'm certain. But… that's if she even wants to, and I'm not going to force her to.
I've faced a lot of beings, albeit weak, but when dealing with someone like this, it's not about power nor technique. Fighting someone's fear when it's rooted so deep they can barely breath can't be fixed with a blade.
I am not a therapist yet here I am. Reminds me of the Shades when I first saved them. It was something similar… but this one feels a bit worse, after all, they were people she trusted….
After a few minutes, she asked, "Who…. are you?", her voice cautious and quiet.
"I am Shadow." I would've normally said everything, but I don't think it's the time for theatrics. "And right now, I am someone who's trying to help."
Her eyes lingered on me, still wary, but the raw edge of her panic began to dull. She used the blanket I had given her to wipe her face. Tears could still fall, her eyes were still watery, but she had calmed down.
"Help…?" She whispered, almost as if she didn't believe the word.
"Yes," I said firmly, "Help."
And for the first time, her gaze didn't dart around the room. It stayed on me. Uncertain but searching. It wasn't trust—not yet—but it was something. It was a beginning. She was clutching the blanket tightly before, but steadily, it loosed; her grip softened.
I watched her as the silence settled between us. The dim light from the candle flickering against the rough walls of the treasury. Honestly, I wish I could get her clothes, but I'm not going to take Nee-san's because I have a feeling she'll notice (somehow) and travel all the way back just for that. Her grip on the blanket might've losened, but the way she gripped it told me she wasn't ready to let go just yet; she still had her guard up, which makes sense… but the slight softening in her shoulders suggested that she wasn't entirely closed off, either.
She was trying to figure me out, I could tell that much. Her gaze stayed on my red eyes, I assume. It probably didn't do much to ease her nerves, but I really do not want to tell her my identity so she'll have to do with this. I also need to look cool, you know. She wasn't flinching, so that was good.
The silence stretched. It wasn't awkward, not exactly. It was the kind of silence that happens when someone is trying to piece themselves together after being shattered. I didn't interrupt. Not yet.
She had stopped crying. It seemed like she was just processing everything. Her face turned into disgust, anger, and sadness a multitude of times. She was trembling, albeit slightly—pretty much unnoticeable—but still was trembling. I sat on the ground to be eye-level with her, and crossed my arms, catching her attention. I kept my posture casual but deliberate.
"What happened?" I asked.
She blinked, her eyes snapping wide open to stare at mine. For a moment, she didn't respond. Her lips parted, before closing. Fish style. Then, a shaky sigh escaped her lips.
"I lived in Vlarc my whole life… It wasn't the most exciting life… but it was fulfilling. People were nice and we lived in safety. We weren't bothered. Then, it started when a lot of us high-ranking nobles were summoned."
"Summoned?" I repeat, tiling my head slightly, "Who summoned you?"
"The King." She said, her voice wavering, "Ecno-dono. One night, my family, alongside all the high-ranking nobles, were called to the castle. It wasn't unusual, so we didn't really suspect much, after all, we - the high-ranking nobles - had influence in the Kingdom, so Ecno-dono wanted to know how we were doing."
"That was until we actually got there. Something… felt off. Ecno-dono was acting differently."
"What was different?"
She hesitated, almost as if second-guessing her memories, "The atmosphere…. I guess? It wasn't formal like the other gatherings. I-I can't explain it properly, but… it felt calculated?"
She questioned herself. It's been… two years? Three? Since Hitomi-san went to live with us, and that happened when her parents got her safe, who knows for how long Soe Funtas has been experimented on…
"Normally, when nobles are called, it's mainly the head of the family, but that time, it was all of us. Daughters, sons, parents… no-one was excluded. Like… there was more to it than just politics...?"
I gave a small nod, urging her to continue without speaking. She nodded back.
"That's where I met Xander-san." She said, bitterly, " He was… polite. He introduced himself to everyone and explained the supposed intentions. Just wanting friendships… which was odd for someone who's over twenty at the time." She spat.
"It was a huge party, actually. I got to make friends or talk to people I already knew." She chuckled, "I remember that some didn't take kindly, because they thought it was something important, but apparently the King was just indulging his son."
"When Xander-san got to talk to me, he was polite… Charming, even. We talked for a good amount of the night. It felt easy, like a real conversation. I thought… I thought maybe he was different."
"Different?" I repeated. I had a feeling that I knew where this was already going.
"I-I don't know how much you know of Nobles, but most of them are power hungry… all they see is status and power, which I technically had. But he's the Prince, the son of Ecno-dono… he doesn't need that. He seemed… genuine." She stated.
I waited for her to continue as she took a breather. Her expression darkened, her grip on the blanket tightening once again. "Ecno-dono, after a while… weeks I think…? He made an announcement. He said that my family and his family had agreed… without telling me… that I was to be a potential partner for Xander-san."
I remember Hitomi-san telling me about this. Hitomi-san arrived at our house after Soe Funtas was kidnapped, and Hitomi-san had told me something back then across the lines of 'Soe-sama is a proposed partner for Xander-sama', if I'm not mistaken.
It's annoying. I bet my face has morphed to one of anger, if it could be seen. It's annoying how often people's lives seemed to be treated as bargaining chips… "Did you agree to it?"
She shook her head, "I didn't have a choice. It was already decided… and even then I was not opposed to the idea entirely. Sure I was not "In love", but… I felt as if I could fall."
Her eyes narrowed as tears almost formed again, "Things stayed pretty calm, erm… I continually talked with Xander-san and our relationship improved. I was still a "candidate", I was not really his fiance nor anything alike, but… just… at some point it changed."
Another shaky sigh, before she continued, "He smoothly controlled conversations… and went into power. 'My father is one of the strongest in the world', 'I can match him!', 'He gained that power, so can I', and all things across those lines. He talked about… about wanting to be the strongest and methods on becoming the strongest…"
She looked at her lap as the grip in her blanket tightened even more, "Then he started talking to me about the myth—about Diablos. He told me the Myth the Church had created… and I thought it was… cool to see him so energetic about it… then he talked about the blood of Diablos, the power of Diablos, and how it's all real."
"I was in disbelief. I couldn't believe his words. Who would? But he continued saying it was true, that Ecno-dono was the strongest for a reason; he was the strongest because of Diablos' power. He… he continued talking, and said it could make us stronger… that with our Royal Blood, we could achieve something 'extraordinary.'."
It seems her mind cleared up. There's no doubt in her words anymore. "He wanted you to take them—the pills or Diablos' power, didn't he?"
She slowly nodded, "He brought up the pills. Talked about how they carried power… before presenting them to me. A red, small pill. He said it was a small dose, to 'introduce' the blood to mine. He… he made it sound harmless… like it was for my benefit. But I said no."
"And he didn't take that well." I guess, but assuming everything that happened, it's pretty obvious.
She laughed; her laugh was hollow. "Yeah, he didn't. He kept asking. Pushing. Persisting. Cornering me when no one else was around. I kept refusing, if his father is the strongest, then what's the point? But he didn't stop… then my parents got involved."
"He seemingly asked them for help. They… they didn't know what he was asking for…" she shook her head, "They just thought it was a good match—good for the family. They didn't know about the pills or what Xander-san had told me."
"And you didn't tell them?"
"No. I… I would've sounded crazy. Xander-san would've convinced them that… I needed help had I dared tell them."
Honestly yeah. I'm a prime example of that. I thought everything with Diablos was a tale until someone whose death was near in panic admitted everything. I guess it makes sense why they wouldn't believe her.
"What happened after?"
"Xander-san and I continued talking—no. We didn't talk. It was more one-sided… it… it wasn't a conversation anymore, I guess. He just rambled on, and on, and on about power and Diablos, and I couldn't do anything to escape him…"
I nodded, understanding what she meant. After all, as she had said prior, Xander is the Prince of Vlarc. He has utmost power over her in every sense of the word.
"It was more of the same, and my family didn't bother. I… one night just went to sleep, before chaos was all I could hear. A blinding light… through… through my windows…" she began crying, "a fire was started in the building next door… soon… soon after, Xander-san appeared in my room with around five soldiers…"
She couldn't finish her words but I understand what happened then. I can assume that Xander left his face uncovered because what a stupid move. Although, I guess he didn't expect someone to come save her.
"I woke up in chains…" she said, her voice cracking. She had her eyes closed, almost as if trying to stop the tears, but it didn't work. "I… I didn't know where I was. The people around me… like… three men in lab coats…? They all surrounded me… And then I was injected…"
"With the Blood of Diablos…"
"An unbearable pain… I-I remember how… I felt something coursing through my arm towards the rest of my body, so fast, potent and dangerous." She looked up at me, crying, "I felt so powerless… as I… just…"
She doesn't need to finish her explanation. It's pretty obvious what happened. They injected her with the blood of Diablos. Something that I still don't understand is why. I understand kidnapping those with the Blood in them already as it makes sense… their body will make that blood by itself, but someone who has never had the Blood of Diablos before? It's weird… but at the same time it probably has something to do with her Royal Blood…
But if that's the case, then why Hitomi-san? All she has is the Blood of Diablos which I've neutralized. Make it make sense.
I let her cry once more. What do I feel about all of this? The Cult is worse than I expected—I'm annoyed. They not only kidnap children, but also torture them for who knows how long until their body can't handle it anymore. It's - once again - barbaric. It's lunatic. It just reinforces my goals against them.
"S-Shadow… Do you know why?" She asked between sobs, "Why they kidnapped me… why they did all of this to me… why…"
"You said it yourself. Power. It's all that matters to them. Power. Your blood - I believe - is special. It was not your fault."
Her eyes met mine. Her breath hitched. Tears she couldn't dry up. "I…. I just wanted to be left alone…"
I said nothing; I stayed still for a moment. Wondering what was the right thing to do. Then, I moved closer and hugged her. A hug is what I gave her. She froze at first, but then she broke down again. Her arms reached towards my back as mine reached hers. I can't give her the time she has lost. I can't fix the heart that was broken. I can't heal wounds that are too wide open. But I can at least give her a second chance to live; a second chance at life.
She might not trust me much, after all I barely said anything… but the fact that she can hug me like this even after everything she went through… it's admirable.
The silence between us lingered, heavy but not uncomfortable. She clung to me like a lifeline, her quiet sobs gradually fading as the moment stretched on. I didn't rust her, didn't say anything, I just let her be. My mind wandered, but I kept it grounded—she needed this, and I wasn't about to push her away. I'm being nicer than I'd normally be, but I feel genuinely bad for her.
Eventually, she loosened her grip. Her arms dropped, and I let mine fall as well. I took a step back, giving her space. Her eyes, red and puffy from crying, met mine briefly, before darting away.
"...Sorry." She mumbled as she used the blanket I had given her to dry off her tears.
"There's nothing to apologize for."
She sniffed before she once again looked around the room. This time, not looking for a way to escape, but as if analyzing where she's at. She looked at her arms and touched her face. As if finally understanding… she's not in any danger with me.
She once again looked at me, and this time asked in a way more calmed manner, "What… are you?"
It seems that the topic of conversation has shifted to me, I nod, "That's a big question. I guess you could say I'm a problem solver, or maybe a meddler. Depends on who you ask."
I answered vaguely, and I could see doubt flash her eyes. I don't know "what" I am, but I do know "who" I am. What is different, because everyone can see me differently depending on how they consider my actions, but who… they'll never forget it was Shadow who caused said actions.
Her brow furrowed as she continued staring (or trying) to stare at my eyes, "Who are you, then?"
"I am Shadow, he who lurks in the Shadows to hunt down the Shadows." I said, my theatrics in full effect as I leaned back and my posture being pretty much perfect. I could see her look in wonder, and I myself am pretty happy that she's at least trusting me enough.
Her shoulders sagged, almost as if fatigue was consuming her, but she pushed through. A frown appeared in her features, as if not satisfied with the answers, but she didn't argue. "Why… Why did you save me?"
"Because you needed saving."
Her eyes widened. She tried to find any deceit… and there wasn't any. I know there wasn't any. I knew she needed saving. I… I wouldn't leave a defenseless person on their own, especially when they deserve nothing but to live a normal life.
"W-Why did you take so long?" She looked at me. Desperate. To that, I have no answer. I still have my Shadow persona to play as, so I can't say the whole truth…
"Why did I take so long?" I repeat her question. She nodded, waiting for an answer. Desperate for an answer. "Because timing is everything."
"I had to understand their actions. Saving you wasn't just about breaking in and pulling you out." I said, folding my arms. "It was about understanding why they chose you, what they were after, and making sure no one else would suffer the same fate. Without that knowledge, I would've been tearing at shadows while the real threat stayed hidden."
I lied. I didn't know she existed. I didn't know the Cult existed when she was kidnapped. I didn't know Vlarc (or at least much of it) before Hitomi-san came to our mansion. But… I can't tell her that… I guess I can't at least. It'd ruin my Shadow persona.
"Y-You left me to suffer for…for three years?! Y-You couldn't see their plan beforehand?!"
It seems like all the trust I had built had just crumbled thanks to poor wording from my part… It's most definitely poor wording on my part…
"Left you to suffer?" I repeated. She's not wrong, but at the same time, she is. I never knew of her to begin with, so I technically never left her to suffer, but I'm acting as if I, my Shadow self, knew, so I'm lying there.
"I didn't leave you." I said after a pause, my tone measured and deliberate. "I knew you were gone—taken. But I didn't know where. Finding you wasn't as simple as rushing into the dark web and hoping to stumble across the right path. It was a matter of uncovering the pieces, tracing their web, and putting it all together."
Her firsts tighten around the blanket, her trembling shoulders betraying her emotions. I could feel the simmering anger in her glare.
"Do you think I wanted you to endure what they put you through?" I continued, stepping closer towards her, "If I could've found you sooner, I would have. But the Cult is not careless—remember, they've worked for hundreds, if not thousands of years. They're aware, they're not stupid. They bury their victims in layers of shadows, hiding them where no one can reach. Unraveling those layers takes time."
Her voice shook as she glared at me, defiant, "So what? You just let me rot there…?" her eyes dipped.
"I didn't let you rot." I replied firmly, my voice sharper now. "I moved as fast as I could. The moment I found the threads leading to you, I acted. But until then, you were one of many pieces hidden in the puzzle designed to keep you buried."
It's technically not a lie, after all. This jumbled mess of papers—this puzzle is proof of that. It's all incoherent nonsense that I'm trying to make sense of. It mentions nothing of people they've kidnapped, but… she doesn't need to know that.
Her eyes widened as she looked at me, this time, in disbelief. "You… you knew about me?"
"I knew someone had been taken," I clarified, my tone gentler now, "The Kingdom wasn't willing to give details on who, though. I had to search deep, and that's when "Soe Funtas" popped up, and I began investigating your whereabouts."
"I knew of you, though, I do not know you… just as much as you do not know me."
I finished for a minute, letting my words be processed in her head, before I continued, "The Cult is more advanced than I give it credit for. Their Artifacts are far beyond what even Vlarc and Midgar combined could ever hope for; more than they can fathom. It's funny, because King Ecno is part of the Cult, a higher-up at that, yet he can't depend on the Cult because it'd ruin the trust the people have on him…"
She looked at me in disbelief, her grip on the blanket loosened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp… she wanted to believe me, but she was still wary.
"The ability to manipulate and conceal their operations is unmatched. Even the citizens of Vlarc, people living in the very same Kingdom you were kidnapped and kept in, couldn't detect where you were. You were hidden right under their noses, and no one could see it."
Her lips parted slightly, a mix of surprise and lingering anger on her face, "T-They kidnapped me… and had me inside the Kingdom the whole time?"
"Yes." I nodded. "The Cults' power can not be underestimated. They run through roots I can't trace. Who began it all? Why…? Layers upon layers of misdirection, concealment, and technology. No one outside their circle truly understands how deep it goes. But… you've escaped their grasp. You're free from their torture."
The blanket fell to the ground. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that it's because she has fully trusted me. She stared at me, clearly not worried about her appearance.
"You… you said the Cult. What's the Cult…?"
"The Cult—The Cult of Diablos. People whose primary goal is power over anything and everything else. You're not the first person they've kidnapped, nor will you be the last. The heroes from eons, they were real, and through their blood ran the Blood of Diablos, which ran down genetically, and it's known as "possessed" in today's day and age." I said with a firm yet soft tone. Trying to simplify it as much as possible for her to understand.
"Their primary goal seems different every time I hear it, but I assume it's the revival of the beast itself. My primary theory is that: Since the beast itself is the reason they gain their power, I think they assume that having the beast directly and its blood directly will give them even stronger power…"
I never thought of that and it actually makes a lot of sense.
"How… how did you figure out about them… then? How did you figure out about me…?"
"As I said, 'You're not the first person they've kidnapped, nor will you be the last'. I've saved people before. I am entirely against them, their actions, ideals, and what they stand for. I've been fighting them for a while now, and… as for how I know about them, information has a way of finding its way to me."
"Let's just say, they've made enough noise in the right—or wrong—places. And when someone innocent such as yourself is tangled up in their mess, it's hard not to act. How I figured out about you… well you're a ranking noble as you said yourself."
She looked down. She bent her knees and held them close to her. "How… did you save me?"
"That was the easiest part." I said with a shrug. "After finding your location, it was just a matter of stirring up the King and in his eyes showing him what he and his son had done. But the hardest part wasn't finding you—it was ensuring that no one else would try to reclaim you. The Kingknows my name, and that's enough to keep him wary."
"N-No, I mean, how did you cure my…"
"Your body? I simply neutralized the power of Diablos within you. It can't grow out of control again unless you over use the power they forced upon you."
"A-And, what happened with the King and Xander-san?" She asked, hesitantly.
"I left them weakened. I couldn't just have killed them, as it would've caused more trouble than good overall. As annoying as it is, he was the ruler of a Kingdom that was thriving before the anarchy. Had I killed him, it would've caused more trouble than good for everyone and everything in general…"
"I repeat though, they're weakened. They're not out of the game. At any time, they can strike again, be it against you, against me, or against a random civilian, but by then, I'll be ready."
"...why?"
I tilt my head in her direction as she continues staring at me. It felt as if she couldn't believe her eyes. Disbelief was present on them; evident, even. "Why would you go through all of that? F-For me?"
"Because someone has to." I said simply, "If it were you, or anyone else, I would've done the same. I do not like the Cult nor their actions. When people like you—people who do not deserve it—get caught up in the Cult's actions, I'll act, no matter the consequences."
Soe's gaze didn't waver, her lips trembling as if another question lingered on her mind. She seemed hesitant, but I raised a hand before she could ask. "That's enough for now." I said, my tone was firm but not unkind (I hope).
Her shoulders sagged as she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper, "Will I ever be… normal again?"
I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I turned towards the dim light flickering from the lone candle. "Normal? Normal's just an illusion for people who haven't seen what you have. But you're still alive, Soe. And that's the first step."
She didn't respond, and I didn't expect her to. Her body was still weakened and tired. I needed to go get food for her and tell her how things were going to work around here, since I don't have my Shades who can take care of her, I have to work something out with her. I gathered the papers I had left on the table before I opened the door to the tiny room I was in, "Rest while you can. I'm going out to get you food. Don't worry, once again, you're safe here."
I walked out and closed the door, barely hearing a 'thank you' behind me. You know, someone being grateful to me doesn't feel bad…
I'm sorry to say, Soe Funtas, but… "Normal" was never something. No-one is normal; no-one will ever be. I walked through the remains of what used to be the hideout. The moon light barely shining ahead, my path visible, but for anyone else, pretty much invisible. The Cult is after the innocent, and my intention was never to be a "Hero", but I guess, it's "Normal" for someone who's against evil to become a Hero, eh.
It's been around a week since I got to finally talk to Soe Funtas. Every night I've been going to the treasury to talk with her. To get to know her better and vice-versa. It's been hard to break through her shell, and I didn't bother her when she didn't want to speak; I waited for her to be ready. She's playful. It's been mere glimpses of it, but she's playful. She's also quick to assume things, but I think that has to do with what she went through, so I let it slide.
Currently, it's the middle of the night. I had told her that I'd be leaving early today, because regrettably, Hitomi-san had been growing suspicious. She knew that I went out on nights, that's clear, but ever since the Shades moved out, well, I hadn't been leaving. But now I pretty much have a reason to, once more, and it's a bit more serious. This girl was tortured for years and needed a pillar of support; I was going to be that pillar.
She asked me about her family, and I had to be honest then. I knew nothing of how they were doing or what, for that matter. But she has calmed down, at least… opposite of Hitomi-san.
"Say, Cid-kun." Hitomi-san said next to me. We're (for whatever reason) next to each other in bed (once again). "We really haven't spoken as much lately as we used to huh…"
"Well, your parents are now living here, Hitomi-san. You have more to handle than just me."
Her parents are good people. They're genuinely trying to teach me and train me to be a Dark Knight… and I've had to deal with it.
"Yeah, that's true…" she murmured. I've made some improvements to my room: I've got some curtains. The moonlight glow hit her face directly, making it entirely visible to me at moments like this which, uh… cool?
I do wonder how they're doing mentally though; her parents. I mean, they were pretty much abducted from their Kingdom because their daughter was in danger, and her last name would've been a dead giveaway. I personally am sad that things went that way, I totally did not envision it going that way, but they still did!
"But that doesn't matter! What should we do tomorrow?!" She's enthusiastic. We should be trying to fall asleep as of currently, but her energy seems to not be dying down. Her eyes even had sparks on them, which is kinda cool.
"Train, I guess."
"No, I mean after! We have freetime, do we not? Want to go… buy something?"
You see. She was almost kidnapped (again) and for seemingly even worse of a reason, yet she can still act as if nothing had happened. She's really tough, or at least her facade is. She was grinning at me mischievously—with pure intention.
"We could go watch a show, a circus maybe? Or, we could go shopping for clothes."
"No, no, and most certainly, no. I'd like to stay home and just lay lowwwwww…"
"What? Does that mean that you do not want to hang-out with me?"
"You got that right!"
"Whaaaaaat?!"
Silence between the two of us hit. I merely stared at her while she (mouth wide-open) stared at me in disbelief. After what felt like an eternity, she smiled, cheekily.
"Well, it doesn't matter, because I'm not taking "no" as an answer. If there's something that Iearned about Claire-san, it is that "persistency is key"." She said smugly. That's a grin that reminds me way too much of Nee-san and that's nightmare fuel.
Silence between the two of us hit. She continued staring at me, and I continued staring at her… a staring contest of sorts. Before a small—a miniscule smile appear on her face.
"You know… I'm glad… Shadow saved us…" Hitomi-san said out of nowhere. From staring at me, she started staring at the roof.
"Where did this come from?" I raised an eyebrow. Her energy shifted entirely.
"It's just that… Well I don't know how I would've continued had I not been saved, or even moved from the Kingdom. If my parents didn't move me here, would I have been kidnapped like Soe Funtas? Would I continue living under lies?"
"Well, I don't think that "living under lies" is always bad…"
She froze at my words, before she began staring at me.
"I don't know what you went through while we were at Vlarc… but maybe, you would've been happy under the illusion of "happiness", get what I mean—"
She slapped me hard on my left cheek (Current sleeping position between the two: I'm on the left of the bed, looking right; she's right of the bed, looking right). She didn't seem angry, but in disbelief. Her eyes were wide open before she registered what she did.
"I-I'm sorry, but Cid, that's… no. Tell me. Imagine… had something happened to me. I was possessed a while back… I never told you. I got healed here, actually. Imagine, in Vlarc, would something happen to be under that illusion? Be it perish or even worse… Xander…"
She mumbled the last part, but I heard it loud and clear. It seems that everything that happened with the Kingdom's Prince has left her with a bit of a bad-taste.
"I might've lived happy, but… then the consequences of said happiness would've come.. I think."
"..."
I said nothing, because she speaks the truth. For something there's always a price, no matter how big or small.
She could've died because of possession. She could've been kidnapped while her possession was dormant. She could've been experimented on just as much as Soe. Her family could've been put in danger because of her…
"That's not "happiness", even under the illusion. Once something - the most minimal thing - had gone wrong… the illusion would've been broken." She said, a small smile on her face before her palm rested on where she slapped me, "I don't think I would've… lived with what Shadow showed me…"
Suddenly she raised her palm and patted my hair, "Plus I'm glad to have met you again. If this is not "genuine" happiness, then I do not know what is."
"...I see. And you're right. I guess illusions do have a cost, don't they?"
"Mhm!" she smiled once more.
This makes me think and honestly makes me think hard. Hitomi-san right now is wondering how everything would've gone had I not rescued her. And with that, what about everyone else? I've said stuff about the Cult; it's everywhere, kidnap people all the time, this and that… How many lives have they trampled over? How many lives have they destroyed? How many taken—all for their bullshit dream? How many families were destroyed?
Hitomi-san's family is safe because Hitomi-san herself made a solid point back then. They would've recognized their surname, "Shitori". And that was only Vlarc. Sure, magic-wise and technology-wise, it's advanced, but… according to the King, they were the one with the least shit. Now am I believing that guy? Obviously not (completely) but I couldn't sense anything other than.
"...say, Hitomi-san." I called out of her, although I didn't need to because her attention was directly on me already. "Want to go out shopping for something tomorrow?"
I should've known. After what could be a traumatic experience, she doesn't want to risk her life in such a manner once more. She wants to make the most of it. And, it's the least I can do.
"Of course!" She beamed, "Where should we go then?!"
I looked in a different direction as her smile was brighter than the sun itself. It made me realize: Nee-san's clothes are still here, which I now have grown accustomed to… the problem is that they're all over the room. They're still not organized even after everything. So…
"I'm thinking of buying a closet, I guess."
"For Claire-san's clothes, I assume."
"Got it in one."
"Well, I need to go buy clothes myself… sooooo…"
"As long as I ain't payin' for it."
"That's fine!"
With all of that said and done—
"We also need to get you clothes and stuff…"
"Huh? Me? What for?"
"Well, we're not only still dancing together, but… we're about to be fourteen in a few months! A year after that, we're going to be fifteen, and we'll be heading towards Midgar's Dark Knight Academy!"
"Yeah, but that does not explain the need for me to get clothes…"
"Well duh, I need you looking your best for when the time comes!"
"The time comes?"
"You'll figure it out! But we need my parents' best impressions of you, and the general public's best impressions of you, for that matter…!"
What are you planning, Hitomi-san?
"Well, not like I really care. I just want to buy the closet for all… Nee-san's clothes."
I shrugged before I closed my eyes, trying to fall asleep. If I want to get the headache that is tomorrow, I need the most amount of sleep required, fast. So as I got comfortable and prepared for Morpheus to take me to sleep… Hitomi-san asked.
"Neh, Cid-kun, are you related to the Kagenou family at all?"
And I was wide-awake then. I sat up, while she continued laying her head against the pillow. I stared at her, where did that come from? Where did that question come from? Why?
"Where did that question come from?"
"It's… Well…" She looked away, "Miki-san is not really… discreet, I guess. I was able to find a notebook, describing your and Claire-san's life from the beginning to today thus far… and well…"
Kaa-sama keeps something like that? Huh? Like, a diary of our actions throughout the years? Why have I never seen it?!
"It-It's not like I intended to know what was inside, but… as I started reading, I was just… hooked and continued on and on and on…" She rambled on, trying to justify reading something Kaa-sama had kept quiet throughout the years Hitomi-san has been living here. I think that me being adopted is a detail nobody sans Oto-san, Kaa-sama, Nee-san and myself knew…
"You went through Kaa-sama's stuff?!" And with that I also wonder—did she write something about me (Shadow)?! Oh man I hope she did! I'll find that notebook! "Where was that notebook?!"
"A-A-AH she left it in the dining room b-b-but she saw me reading it and… well… got scolded for it…" she chuckled to herself while I gave her a deadpanned look, "She then took it from my hands and I don't know what she did with it…"
"...couldn't you have just hid?"
"I was hooked, alright?!"
Her voice sounded half-defensive, half-embarrassed, and I could feel the gears turning in my head. If she's reading this from Kaa-sama's notebook, which the notebook having sources from Kaa-sama herself directly, she's reading more about me?!
"That does not justify your actions!"
"Stop trying to switch the topic!"
Crap! Caught in the act! It's not like there's anything suspicious but I was a young "kid" with a worrying amount of "failure". Did she write me as such in her notebook?!
"Well, to answer your question: You fucking read it! You should know!"
"W-What if she was lying?!" Her words came fast, as if trying to backtrack, trying to save face.
"Well she wasn't." I said bluntly. No reason to hide it after all—... there might've been a reason, now looking down on her face. She froze. She stood straight up, looking me directly in the eyes before asking:
"So you're adopted?!"
"Yes!"
"Ah… is that why Claire-san was so… clingy?"
"She has always been like that— what are you trying to imply?"
I scrutinized her. She struggled to even form a thought (or so I think, I don't know what she's thinking) while her whole body shuddered.
"N-Nothing. Nothing. B-But tell me… do you remember anything before you were adopted?"
She asked me, and to answer the question right now: No. I don't remember anything, because I don't think I could form coherent thoughts by then… I do remember everything before I died in my previous life, though, so uh…
"What did you read about when I was found?"
I'm genuinely curious, after all. She stopped fidgeting after I asked her. She seemed to think of what she saw, or in this case, read, about me in my past.
"There's not much that is mentioned, but that you were found in the woods randomly… and that a decent amount of magic, then, was felt. She said something across the lines of 'Claire must've tested magic or something, because that's how we were able to find her, and Cid, that day'."
Oh yeah I remember…. The moment I finally got magic.
"But other than that, it… just talked about you being just as loved as Claire-san…"
Kaa-sama really cares for me, huh.
"Well, I don't remember much about them or about then, even… I mean, I was told I was a baby, then. They didn't have any problem on telling me the truth of me being adopted, but they – or at least Kaa-sama and Nee-san – made sure I was part of the family, although Oto-san also wanted me as heir at some point… though I think that's out of the question by now."
She nodded a few times, seemingly agreeing with my words although she was not there for any of that, I think.
But that does also make me wonder: Who left me there? There must've been someone, something.
"And, do you know who left you there?"
"Great timing, Hitomi-san!" I said, while making her confused, "But to answer your question: No… and if Kaa-sama or Oto-san did, then, they never told me." And I know they don't know, because if I, a reincarnated guy who could form solid thoughts back then, didn't see anyone, I doubt they would've seen someone.
"That's so weird…" I shrugged at her words, before she grinned and her arms went around my neck, "Not like it matters, though. You're here, and that's all that matters!"
And with one strong pull, she brought me down to the bed with her. I guess it's time to sleep.
"So that pest strikes again…"
A man muttered.
The room he was in exuded an eerie stillness, bathed in the pale green glow of a multitude of massive cylindrical tubes that lined against the sides of the room. Inside said tubes, there were figures, tied up; hanging within. Tubes were connected to their body, draining blood at a certain pace. A liquid made the figures move with it, making it a bit creepier to look at. A crimson hue flashed every now-and-then, as the Blood of Diablos' was drained from their bodies.
Some bodies inside the cylinders were alive, but unconscious. Others were morphing; black spots all over their bodies, or certain body parts not resembling that of a human, or semi-human for that matter. Others were completely morphed and put down… others didn't morph, but were simply dead inside the tubes; had to be replaced.
"'Strikes' is an understatement, Fenrir-sama. Not even this Kingdom's military power can match that of Vlarc's, yet, Shadow made a fool out of it."
There were three men in between all these tubes. One a scientist who was trying his hardest to be out of the conversation, simply there doing the job he was paid to do. A bald man with a gray beard. Brown eyes that drifted from one corner of the room to another; from one tube to another. Trying to make sure that everything's working as it should. Another, a silver-haired man with crimson-red eyes. He watched with fascination as the blood traveled from the tubes, to blood bags.
"Did you even warn them of Shadow, Fenrir-sama?"
"No, I did not."
Another man with short black hair that reached his ears, circular black glasses that blocked the colors of his eyes. He too wore a lab coat, but it was mostly to wear something different compared to his usual attire.
"Why wouldn't you, knowing the risks that may come? The Third seat was stronger than you are, was he not? Shadow defeated him, and his Kingdom in Combat. Not even his technique "Crimson Resonance" could help him…"
Petos questioned Fenrir's actions. Petos is the 10th Seat in the Round of Knights, but his influence is shorter than that of Fenrir because of the power differential. Petos stared as Fenrir walked closer to one of the many tubes and his hands rested against the glass between the figure and Fenrir himself.
"Crimson Resonance" is a cheap version of what we're trying to achieve, Petos." Fenrir muttered, "Even as the Third Seat in the Round of Knights, he grew accustomed to Crimson Resonance to give him the advantage, and that was what made him lose. The more power of Diablos I can get for myself, directly, without a technique that gives you a diluted version of such, the better…"
"Even Xander, who still doesn't have a technique as Ecno does, was defeated. Shadow's impact is something that must be dealt with; the sooner the better." Petos chided Fenrir, who turned around to face Petos.
"Does that mean what I say is incorrect, Petos? It does not." Fenrir said, eerily calm, "While you're correct that I should've warned the Rounds of such a thing; of Shadow, you have to remember, we're all still in a race for power, and it's a race I'm not willing to lose. I might be the Fifth Seat in the Round of Knights, but it's not a Seat I am comfortable with, as I am aiming to the top."
Fenrir's face turned to that of bloodlust. A twisted, fucked up grin was all that could be seen as his eyes narrowed dangerously. "His power I couldn't match then, but it does not mean that I will commit the same mistake twice."
"You do know that he found the girl with Royal Blood in abundance, right?" Petos asked, matching Fenrir's calm way of talking, "I do not know how, as not even we were able to detect her… and Ecno, as much as I respect him, does not wish to revive the beast…"
"Having lost someone with so much potential will surely hurt… but there's always more. Ecno messed up in not handing her over, trying himself to get the power without the resources required."
"You could've handed him resources yet you didn't, Fenrir-sama." Petos argued, a frown appearing in his features, "While it would've been more of an inconvenience for you, in the long-term, it might've been beneficial."
Fenrir's calm features appeared once more as he stared at Petos, who waited for a response. "I just said something that contradicts what you're saying, did I not? We're still in a race for power."
Petos's gaze narrowed, "And we're in a race against Shadow as well. Do not forget that."
"..." Fenrir didn't respond. "Might be the truth. I do not intend to lose any of these races."
"Fenrir-sama, if I may. I completely agree with you when you say that, Ecno's failures are his own. Attempting to hoard the resources; attempting to hoard the power of Royal Blood all for himself without truly understanding on how to make the most out of it was completely stupid… This race against him and any other Seat is not as crucial as Shadow."
Petos told Fenrir in a "matter-of-fact" tone. Fenrir stared at Petos but Petos could not read Fenrir's facial expression. It was blank; nothing could be seen. Not anger, not curiosity. Silence lingered between the two for a minute longer, before Petos continued.
"I, for one, suggest we contact all Rounds. We're now at a time that, if we do not do something about this Shadow figure, we could lose it all." Petos said as he took a step forward, making Fenrir look at him with a frustrated glare. "I remember when you first fought him; you had run out of magic power. You had to take the beads to heal. You, of all people. Someone who's constantly fighting and improving—you lost. And now Ecno, with "Crimson Resonance", which can be argued to be one of our strongest, is humiliated. Does that not call for action?"
"The Rounds?" Fenrir spat, his voice cold and unforgiving, "I understand your worry, but there's no power that matches that of Diablos. Do you think I'll grovel for their help? No. I'll be dealing with that figure myself."
"..."
"We just need more Diablos'. That's it. What's the worry? Are Ecno and Xander even dead?"
"No. They were injured and there was mass destruction in their Kingdom once I got there, but…" Fenrir raised his hand, stopping Petos from continuing his talk.
"Then what's the worry? He did not kill me, nor did he kill any of them… Maybe he does not have the guts to do such a thing to begin with."
"Do you think this is a game, Fenrir-sama?" Petos said, his voice getting increasingly angrier, "Do you truly not understand the position we're in? Maybe Shadow has mentioned nothing of the Vlarc and about the Cult to the public… but what if he's gathering evidence for such? Shadow's strength, be it in battle or in intellect, seems to be impossible to reach."
Fenrir stood quiet as he turned around once more and just watched as the scientist did his work. You could see sweat from the poor man as he watched his higher-ups have a discussion which he did not have a word he could say.
"We do not know anything about Shadow, either. He has destroyed countless of our bases, our most loyal soldiers, and every piece of important evidence has disappeared. Even in Vlarc, there were no papers that we had given Ecno before. I checked."
Petos continued and Fenrir did his best to ignore him. The silence he produced was more than enough of an answer to many, but not to Petos. You could feel the temperature in the room dropping, almost as if something was going to happen.
"We do not know his reasons or his true strength, yet you do not want to join forces with the other Seats in the Rounds because of a petty race—"
"Enough!" Fenrir's voice cut through the air immediately. His eyes staring at Petos with unadulterated fury. The air, from cold to colder in the room. The scientist hurriedly went to the furthest point in the room to continue working, intimidated by the force of the exchange.
"I have said, enough." Fenrir growled, his voice low and unyielding. His crimson eyes stared directly at Petos with barely any restrained fury. His voice had no need to rise; the sheer weight of his authority and presence rendered the words a blade in itself.
Petos didn't budge. He didn't move. He didn't respond. He knew the dangers of pushing Fenrir to such extents, but he still did it voluntarily; deliberately, knowing that if they were to stand against Shadow's growing influence, they needed clarity, even at the cost of friction.
"Very well." Petos said, exhaling sharply as he continued staring at Fenrir. His calm exterior did nothing to calm Fenrir. "I know your ambitions, Fenrir-sama. Heck, I support most of them. You desire the top seat, the peak of power… But these ambitions can be destroyed by the hands of Shadow, whom we have no countermeasures for. Please think things logically for a second."
Petos saw even more anger in Fenrir's eyes yet continued, "This is no skirmish between the Rounds. This is an existential war; a war against the unknown. A War against Shadow."
Fenrir resisted the urge to hit Petos in the straight center of his glasses… he turned his head to the side and stared at the figures floating within the tubes. His voice, steady, spoke once more.
"And yet, I refuse to grovel." He shook his head, his voice full of disdain. "It's personal now, after all. It's something about him, against me. Fuck all that "Crimson Renonsance", Ecno, Xander, bullshit. Diablos' power has never gone stronger through me, and trust me when I say: I'll be taking care of it."
"You think you can handle him alone?" Petos's voice was filled with disbelief. It seemed as if he was maintaining—trying his hardest to maintain his composure. "I have not faced Shadow myself, but his strength alone isn't something one can face with sheer determination. He has humbled two Seats in the Rounds, Ecno, and yourself. You've already experienced defeat at his hands—"
"It does not matter. I am not making the same mistake twice." Fenrir stopped Petos, his voice a bit more calm now, "Diablos' power has never felt so potent inside me… Next time, it will not be the same."
The scientist had to walk close for certain details, and you could see him sweating; face pale and trying his hardest to be as invisible as possible. His presence, small and insignificant, emphasized how far removed these men were from the battle unfolding between ideologies, ambitions, and threats.
"Then you are blind, Fenrir-sama." Petos retorted, stepping closer, his voice now a blade of its own, "The issue isn't your personal pride or Diablos' power. Let's say hypothetically you did defeat Shadow… what's stopping from another one appearing? It's not power, but it's intelligence, resources and alliances. We're in the Cult for a reason—we have to help each other. Shadow isn't merely brute force from what we've seen. Many of our bases were destroyed in a matter of minutes, or during important missions. With that, we can say that he's patient, strategic and cunning. How long before his plans catch you unprepared? How many of our soldiers and assets will be lost because you refuse to acknowledge the scope of this threat?"
Fenrir's body tensed up before his neck snapped in Petos' direction.
"You're not wrong, but I have said that it's enough." His eyes narrowed as his hands almost broke the glass of the cylinder the figures were in with nothing but pure pressure. "Resources and alliances? It is one person we're dealing up against!"
"And do you think that going in wave after wave is the way?"
"..."
Finally, Petos decided to leave it there. He sighed, took off his glasses, cleaned them before putting them back on. "...Very well. I'll leave it at that. I've said what I wanted to say."
His goal could've been a multitude of things, but it seems that his primary goal was to get Fenrir into thinking the consequences of his future actions; what his actions may have when he only focuses on himself instead of helping everyone on counter measures against the seemingly unstoppable force that is Shadow.
Nothing was said between the two as the scientist began working at a normal pace once again. They watched as the scientist got the blood and extracted the blood of Diablos. They had said everything they wanted, now they're thinking, what to do next.
Currently, we're standing near the edges of Vlarc's walls. It took us a while to get here, but suspicions had to be cleared. We were going to investigate this place regardless, as we're trying to do with any Kingdom and or Empire within reach… but something called us here sooner than we thought.
It was purely by chance, but in the two weeks it took us to figure out where this place was, and how we could get here, we heard a lot of rumors—low whispers, carried through townsfolk and merchant caravans. An unknown figure had attacked this very Kingdom we're looking over as of currently.
We sent a few people to actually investigate, and as soon as they were able to confirm damages, we arrived. The King of Vlarc himself apparently got attacked and damaged pretty heavily, alongside his son, Xander.
I, Alpha, am accompanied with all other Six Shades in this operation. We left Kaida and Gamma to take care of everything back in Alexandria, as progress has been quick.
"Details that you may have, Beta." I asked Beta who hurriedly opened a notebook and pulled some papers. She's currently the only one next to me alongside Eta and Delta. Everyone else went below to investigate further than our members could.
"That's all I have…" She said as she handed me some newspaper papers. "Merchants had this on their way out of here."
I looked at the papers and it's as most rumors had said, "An attack came out of nowhere. The streets were blown up for what seems no particular reason. All that can be said is: King Ecno's might could not stop the power that was brought upon the Kingdom himself—injured and battered, he was left alone. Whoever attacked was far stronger than anyone else who has invaded these lands."
"...fat stronger than anyone…" I muttered as I raised an eyebrow. Who would attack this Kingdom, and for what reason?
I looked up from the papers and saw as many dragged carts full of rubble out of a certain location, seemingly where most destruction was caused. Hard to see, since it was quite far away, but still visible nonetheless. A giant hole in the ground so wide, and what emitted from it felt oddly familiar.
"Apparently, all of that destruction was caused by the attacker themselves." Beta said as she sat on the edge of the wall. "But no-one would attack a Kingdom for no reason, then leave the King of said Kingdom alive."
I stared at her as she wrote. Lord Shadow had helped Beta in a lot of ways, and she herself improved on her own in a lot of ways. One of those ways was: writing. She has made quite the name for herself as an author, albeit unknowingly by just writing Lord Shadow's stories into reality. She goes by the name of "Natsume Kafta"... and this gives me an idea.
"Beta, you should go there."
Her head whipped in my direction immediately, almost staring at me in disbelief. "Huh? What do you mean Alpha-sama?"
"We need information, and it's been over two weeks since the destruction was caused. And, well, you are perfect to gather such information from the one in the battle himself…"
She blinked as her pane halted mid-stroike. It seems the gears in her head were turning; trying to understand what I was putting down on the table. "Ah… Right… As Natsume you mean?"
"Yes." I nodded to her words, before she asked. "You could go asking without raising much suspicion."
"Natsume is a writer, though, Alpha-sama. Not a journalist nor anything like that…" Beta said.
"Does not stop you from actually trying, does it?" I grinned at her, her ears deflated. A sigh left her lips before she nodded. She pulled some glasses out of who knows where and modified her slime, completely changing her appearance.
"I'll ask around, but asking directly to the heads of the Kingdom might raise suspicion so I will avoid doing so, as of now." I nodded to her words, and off she went.
Delta, Eta and myself stayed above, merely staring and waiting for anything that might need our immediate action. The wind blew softly. It made me curious who was this person that attacked the Kingdom… and for them to cause so much destruction that even two weeks after, they're still cleaning up.
Buildings filled with cracks, people, even with a curfew, walking around and helping those who were still working. Delta stayed patiently behind me as Eta herself didn't do much sans mere theories. Without Lord Shadow's support as constant as it was before, she has taken it upon herself to do everything "research" related in his absence.
"Alpha-sama." my thoughts were interrupted. A voice called out for me. I turned to my side and saw Zeta walking calmly towards us. Every little piece of slime hid her body and if it wasn't because she made herself visible pretty much, I would not have been able to tell that she was there… She is improving constantly.
"Zeta. Have you found anything?"
"Yes. The King and the Prince are both imbued with the Power of Diablos." Zeta said. My thoughts halted there. Zeta said that as if entirely sure of what she found—of what she figured out. No doubt in her words.
I blinked and stared at her eyes, "Are you certain?"
"Never have been more certain. That power is unmistakable… and it's a power I myself can not beat." She said with a small frown. She seemed angered by the fact that she herself can not face the King and Prince, huh…
"Is that so? What would it take for us to beat them, then?"
"Without a doubt, all seven of us would have our hands full. With Kaida-sama, maybe it'd be easier, but with Lord Shadow's rule of Kaida staying back in Alexandria…" She shook her head, her ears wiggling.
"Then, whoever attacked here defeated someone with the Blood of Diablos whom we can not even defeat without the doubt of losing, yet, left them weakened?" I blinked, "Wait, does that mean they're related to the Cult at all?"
"About that…" another voice interrupted us. We looked to our side, and saw Epsilon approaching us. A small smile on her face, "I might not be as good as Zeta when it comes to espionage, but I can still do it quite well…"
"Then, what were you able to find?"
"Not much, if I'm being honest, but they're part of the Cult. That's for sure. I don't know what part of; higher-ups or just members… but they're part of the Cult nonetheless. Going through the main castle was dangerous on its own, but I was able to find the Beads of Diablos within one of the many rooms."
Epsilon walked towards us and showed what she had in her hand, a small bottle with a multitude of beads of Diablos within them. The beads are small, blood-red colored. You could barely fit them in a single hand without the chances of them falling, yet the power they sustain…
"It raises the question of who attacked, and was their reason…" Epsilon continued as she turned around and stared at the crater where it's said the fight happened. "For someone to have beaten the power of Diablos, they must be powerful."
"That's what we should look into first." I said, "We need to find whoever did this and their reason, and then, see if they're against or with us in the mission against the Cult."
Zeta and Epsilon nodded to my words, before Zeta raised her head to look at me directly, "Where's Beta, then?"
"Not so long ago, I sent her to go ask questions. She might be able to find answers; she's very persuasive." I said in a matter of fact tone, which made Zeta grin.
"I'll go find her and look over her, then." She said and as soon as those words left her mouth, she left me, Epsilon, Delta and Eta all together.
"Was there anything else you could find?" I asked Epsilon who shook her head to my question. She sighed.
"Not many details other than what I've already said." she crossed her arms, "I did feel… a power somewhat similar to that of Lord Shadow's though, but… it's very faint."
"Lord Shadow?" I raised an eyebrow. Why would Lord Shadow be here? Well, according to Epsilon, the Cult of Diablos is here, so it makes sense…
"I-I can't confirm, but the presence I felt…" She shook her head, "Way too similar to his."
…I think I have to go down there myself. You see, we're covering ourselves with our usual Shadow Garden attire; a tight yet completely invisible (in the night) look that hides us and our actions when most needed. But, even though it's the middle of night-time, to gather information as of now, it is best for us to just go there ourselves.
"Delta, come with me. If anything feels or smells out of the ordinary, let me know immediately. Epsilon, stay here with Eta." I said to Delta who had been waiting for a mission. She was sitting down beforehand, merely staring bored at the night sky, mumbling stuff about bandits and 'bossman', Lord Shadow.
The moment I said her name, she shot up, her eyes filled with stars, "Yes, Lady Alpha!"
We jumped down the walls towards the roofs and from the roofs to the ground. Our slime outfits changed right then and there. Mine switched to a dark dress; a side-slit evening gown with black gloves, heels and a choker. The choker was all black, with certain sparks of light blue and purple through the middle of it. The dress itself was black, with light blue flares here and there. It's still not the best I can come up with, I'm certain, but for now, it'll do.
Delta, though, merely stripped herself, leaving herself with slime that barely covered her bust and panties that showed too much of her buttocks. It does not seem like she minded, though, so I guess I'm fine with it… I do have a sneaking feeling that it'll catch a lot of attention.
But, even with the curfew - as I said earlier - there's still people walking around, mainly helping with the destruction that was caused. We saw one of those groups walking back from wherever they were throwing the rubble to.
"Hey, young girls. You're not supposed to be out at this time. You're aware of that, right?" One of the many men said. I nodded to his words.
"We may look young, but we're over the age of twenty eight." I said whilst pointing at Delta and myself. "It's the sole reason she's… so not very elegantly dressed."
"Alpha-sam—" I put a hand on Delta's mouth before she continued to speak. She may be incredibly strong, but she's also incredibly stupid. As Lord Shadow says, 'The price of power'... Had I not stopped her from talking, I can assure you, she would've said our names and probably our ages then and there.
"Her name is Lila, my name is Aria. We're adopted sisters." I motioned to her and then myself. "We - a few days ago, actually - moved over and we have yet to see what happened in the Kingdom and were curious. Is it possible for you guys to show us the way?"
The man that spoke to us raised an eyebrow, as if doubting my words, "Are you sure you two are the age of twenty eight? You seem way too young." his eyes landed on Delta, "Especially her… physique."
"I need you to believe us." I sighed whilst resting a hand on my forehead, "If not, we'll figure the way ourselves, although I must still thank you for your worries."
"No, it's fine. Come over, we'll lead you there. But don't go far, the guards are making sure every perimeter is safe." Well, not safe enough because we could just walk and act as citizens of the Kingdom even though we have nothing to do with them…
There was a small conversation between us and the group. Not really that big of stuff. Mainly wondering what reason we were in Vlarc. Coming up with excuses is tiring, I must say. But, they didn't press, which I am thankful for.
We reached the place where the rubble was being thrown to for others to pick-up and throw out of the Kingdom. It was far away from the crater itself. I could still feel a bit of a remnant of magic power…
"Alpha-sama…" Delta whispered, her tail wagging in the speed of light. Her eyes were lasered in the direction of the crater, if not the crater itself. "It's as Epsilon said!"
"What do you mean?" I asked her. She didn't dare look anywhere but the crater. She sniffed the air, and I could feel her excitement.
"That's bossman's power…! That's bossman's smell!" she whispered exclaimed. My eyes widened. Lord Shadow was here? How precise can Delta's nose be in a two-week old scenario? I looked towards the crater, and although I felt the remnant of power… not Lord Shadows…
"Are you certain?"
"We have to jump in the crater to feel the power on its absolute!" She said before she started running in the opposite direction without a care in the world.
"This girl…" I muttered before also dashing myself, following after her. I could clearly see her intentions. She wanted to jump, change her slime outfit and head straight towards the crater, and, while not the smartest of decisions since there are guards all looking around the crater itself… I was curious about what we could sense when we were within the crater.
Following Delta, she jumped on top of a building before completely switching her attire. I followed suit. I looked over all the roofs and… to say the least, there's no easy way to get there without getting attention.
"We'll need to brute force our way through, and prepare for the worst outcome." I said to Delta who beamed with a smile upon hearing my words, "You heard what Zeta said about the King and the Prince. Be ready."
"Yes ma'am!" And she went running towards the crater.
Getting there was fast and there was no bother…
"Are those people?"
"Who are they?!"
But we were seen.
"Are we going to be attacked again?!"
"G-Guards! Guards!"
And there would be no easy way out. Maybe it was the moonlight itself which revealed our location, but it was bothersome nonetheless. As soon as we were near the crater, we jumped with pure intention of landing inside the crater… and once we did…
"Lord Shadow was here…"