No Pov
After the whole events in the capital, the Knight Order had set up emergency tents, where many of the students were being treated. Because of their block magic, many of them were having troubles even healing wounds, so it fell upon the knights to do it. However, among the many students, they were also others who were waiting for their friends.
One such student, is revealed as she opened the tent in a hurry.
Entering quickly, while also breathing heavily, is Rose Oriana.
She looks around the tent, in both desperation and hope. As she couldn't seem to find who she was looking for, she turns toward one of the knights in charge.
Rose: *Panicked* Excuse me! I heard that you're treating someone wounded on his chest and back! Is he...Is he here!?
As Rose asked that, she once more looked around in the area. She hoped to find the person. No, she needed to.
This person to find him, no matter what. She needed to fix what she had done wrong.
As Rose kept looking around, a doctor had come over and look at her annoyed.
Even thought she was a princess, that didn't give her special treatment.
Doctor: This is a medical tent! Keep it quiet!
As the man said that, he turned back toward the rest of the students. Meanwhile, Rose just continued to look at around, but wasn't able to find him.
As despair had once more reached her, her eyes widen as she heard a conversation. Her hope had returned as it did, almost immediately.
Nurse: Mr. Kagenou, I do not care what you think, you're injured!
Kagenou?: It's fine, ma'am. It was only a flesh wound.
Nurse: You were stabbed! It was not a fresh wound!!!
As Rose heard that, she slowly turned around toward the voice. There, around some other students, the face of Kai Kagenou was present. He had a small, awkward smile as he argued with the nurse.
Seeing him, Rose couldn't help but smile.
She couldn't contain her happiness, as she was able to see him alive and ok.
Rose: Kai Kagenou!
As he heard his name, Kai turned toward the side, as the nurse left.
He exchanged glances with Rose before smiling.
Kai: Hey there, School Prez.
As Rose heard him, tears fell out, as Rose tried to hold them in.
Rose: I'm so glad...I'm so glad you're alive.
As Rose said that, she approached Kai's bedside. He was currently wearing his school uniform, however some bandages were present.
Kai: Yeah, I guess I was lucky that the man didn't hit any major organs. Still, I'm more glad that you're ok, Princess. And even more, that you manage to keep your promise to me.
As Rose heard that, she blushed once more, as he was more worried about her than himself. She the continued to approach him until she was right beside him.
Rose: *Smiles* Your effort and unbreakable love must have produce a miracle!
Rose. Then grabbed Kai's hand and put against her cheek, as Kai's eyes widen.
Kai: Ms. Rose!?
However, Rose was now in her own world.
Rose: I have no words but know that your feelings have reached me. *Smiles Fondly* You gave me your life...And for that, I will offer you my heart...
When Rose said that, Kai's own heart skipped a beat. Rose, was by no means, someone that didn't get Kai's attention but he didn't see this coming. And from using his Sense skill, he could tell...Everything Rose said was truth.
With that, Rose stood up smiling.
Rose: Unfortunately, I can't stay here for long. I must leave your side however...*Smiles* This small obstacle won't get in our way. Our love will overpower anything, in our way.
With that, Rose left the area, as the doctors had told her to leave. Meanwhile, Kai was sitting by his bed, looking down.
Kai's thoughts: Rose...Likes me now? Eh?
As those thoughts wonder in his head, he ended up smiling, as there was nothing else he could do.
If in the end, he end up becoming closer with Rose, he wouldn't be against it.
Timeskip
A few days later, after everything that happened, Kai and Cid were currently outside of the academy getting their things. Because of the fire, the academy had close up early for the summer vacations and students had to either go back home or stay in the city.
As they were doing that, Cid was apparently gonna rent stay at the dorms. However, Kai was going to go somewhere else to stay for a while. He already had a good idea where he would.
As they were leaving, they encountered the two mobs, Skel and Po on their way.
While the two mobs were happy that Cid was alive, they were also...Exaggerating.
Skel: Man, I'm surprised to see you alive! My bad for not being able to help. Keeping my power under control took all I had...
Po: *Sobbing* Same here, sorry I couldn't help. I was too focused on analyzing the terrorist behavioral patterns.
As the two say that, Po and Skel both look toward the ground disappointed in himself, as they sobbed. Meanwhile, both Cid and Kai look at them with exasperated expression.
They did not believe it one bit.
Seeing the two brothers expression, they decided to keep going.
Skel: *Dramatic* If I had let my true powers loose, I would've destroyed the world as we know it.
Po: *Dramatic* Dang it. Focusing so much that I lost sight of what's going on, is my only weakness!!!
As the two said that, both brothers look back at them.
Cid/Kai: Weird way to say that you " Pissed your pants".
However, the two mobs denied such a thing and still tried to claim that they did good. Cid had told Kai how when he was stabbed, although they were sad, they pretty much pissed their pants after the whole encounter.
Many of them had went through something similar. Non of them were truly prepared for what happened. Everyone had gone through something this tragic week...
???: Uhm...
Some suffered more than others.
From behind them, Kai and Cid heard a voice, as they both turned around.
There, both of them were met with the figure of Sherry. She was currently wearing a barnet hat, as she also a suitcase by her hand. She was looking mostly at Cid, blushing a bit, however there was something else.
A dark and even a little empty look in her eyes, almost as if she was holding onto a last bit of hope, barely hanging on a thread. However, even so, she looked back at them, with her last bit of determination.
Sherry: Could we talk for a bit...Alone?
As she asked that, Cid nodded, before looking back at Kai.
Cid: Guess I'll see you-
Sherry: Actually...
Right when Cid was about to tell Kai to meet up later, Sherry call out of them. This time however, she also looked toward Kai.
Sherry: Mr. Kai...Could you also join us?
As Sherry asked that, both Cid and Kai exchanged glances.
Cid and her were friends, so why did she wanted to join him.
Kai just nodded, with Sherry returning it. With that, the three of them walked away from the place, as they look around.
All of this destruction was because of Lutheran and Ryuji. They thought they could get away with their plan, however in the end, not even they could expect that Shadow Garden would be too strong for them.
Finally, after staying in this silence, Sherry finally talked.
Sherry: I wanted to thank you both for saving me back there. *At Cid* I managed to escape thanks to you and...*At Kai* You...Stopped the Vice-Principal from killing me...
As Sherry said that, her hesitation was showing, as her demeanor changed.
Learning the truth about her father, and later him trying to kill you, it was unbelievable.
Cid: *Dismissing* Nah, i didn't do much. As you said, Kai here saved your life.
Sherry: *Flustered* But you did! You gave me the push I needed to...
As Sherry said that, she finally stopped, as she looked back toward the academy. She then looked at Cid with a blush on her face, as she tried to get her words out.
Sherry: *Blush* Any way, there's something I wanted to tell you both...*Looking down* I will be studying abroad.
When she said that, both brothers exchanged glances.
Kai: *Curious*Abroad? To where exactly.
Sherry: *Smile* Laugus. A kingdom known for it's scientific research. It's actually the same place...My mother went, when she was younger.
As Sherry said that, she look up, almost as if she was reminiscing.
Sherry: *Determined* I found something that I must accomplish no matter what...! My mother isn't here to help, yet I wanna follow in her footsteps and expand my knowledge.
As Sherry made her remark, both brothers nod. It was a simple yet honorable goal. Work toward her mother's legacy, now that she learned of her father's actions.
Sherry: And if all of that's over...Could you both listen to what I have to say when I come back?
As Sherry ask that, her eyes flicker. Right now, the two brothers who had helped her, were the last string holding onto her sanity. Everything else had gone in flames.
Whatever both brothers said, could easily affect her...Which is why...
Both Kai and Cid end up smiling as they looked at her.
Cid: *Smiles* Of course. Good luck out there.
Kai: If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to send us a letter.
When she heard that, Sherry's eyes widen. She thought that in the end, she was gonna be alone. However...In the end, those two accepted her. Supported her.
As she did, she couldn't help but smile. The hesitation that was there before was now fully gone.
So, with one final smile, she looked back at both brothers, as she waved at them, as there was nothing that could go wrong.
Sherry: *Smiles* I'm sure we'll meet again! And then, we'll talk lots and lots!!!
As she said that, the three of them went on their one separate ways. Perhaps they wouldn't see each other again.. Or maybe...
One day, in the distant future, they would meet. However, whether that was as friends or allies, was yet to be seen.
As they did, Sherry went to get her things ready, while Cid returned to his dorm.
Kai? Kai on the other hand, had some business to attend to...Some unfinished ones.
As they did, from top of the school, the same figure that had been watching Kai was looking at the interaction before he also left once more.
The figure couldn't understand what Kai was doing, so for now, it would only watch.
Timeskip
Currently, in Shadow Garden's hideout inside of Mitsogushi Company, Alpha and Gamma were currently drinking tea. As they did, Alpha seemed to be smiling, as she grabbed a piece of paper and looked at it.
While she did, she could only enjoy what it was, as she found it funny and entertaining.
Wearing a beautiful, black dress, Alpha finally looked back toward Gamma.
Alpha: The kingdom sure doesn't waste time. *Handling the paper* Look, they're handling these out around town.
As Alpha says that, Gamma grabs both of the papers and examines them. When she does, her eyes widen.
Gamma: These are...Wanted posters!?
On the cover on both posters, they were two people. The first one, was a hooded man while the other portrayed a man knight with a black mask.
As Gamma look at them, Alpha walked toward the window, seeing the city of Midgar.
Alpha: Yes, they were well made, don't you think? *Amuse* "Enemies of the state, Shadow and Kaiser. Both wanted for Mass Murder, False Imprisonment, Arson and robbery". What a pair of nefarious criminals, right?
As Alpha said that, Gamma went over the contents. On the letter, just like Lutheran had claimed, Shadow Garden had been blamed for everything that has happened, however that wasn't the worse.
As Gamma kept reading, her eyes widen even more.
Gamma: "The man known as Kaiser, is also suspected to be a practitioner of the forbidden acts of...Necromancy...Please, report any signs or even the slightest amount of doubt". *Panicked* Lady Alpha, this is bad! Shouldn't we do something about this!
Because of Kai's action inside of the gate, many students had witnessed what had happened, especially one of the crown princesses of a neighbor kingdom.
Necromancy was an act of forbidden and unnatural magic. In the history of the world, only creatures such as Diabolos held a power like that, so now, people were gonna fear Shadow Garden even more.
Not only that. If the Kingdoms knew, then that meant that the Diabolos Cult also knew.
Gamma: *Panicked* We can handle the false accusations but now they know about Lord's Kaiser powers!
Gamma's fear was well placed. With just the enemy knowing, it could mean a lot of things for them. They might try to be more ready, with artifacts what could work against his Shadows or even other measures.
However, Alpha just waved the paper before it lit up flames and walk toward the desk once more.
Alpha: Leave them be. I'm sure that Lord Kaiser knew what he was doing...Besides...
One the day that the academy was attacked, while Shadow and Kaiser fought against Lutheran, Alpha was close by and heard what they said.
Alpha: " Even if we become humanities enemy, we'll accept hate, instead of recognition. We'll take on this worlds sins and uphold the balance ourselves. And shoulder them we will. It changes nothing. We will do what we're meant to do". That's what our Lords said. Truly words to live by...
As Gamma heard that, she couldn't help but blush as she imagined it herself.
Alpha: Some part of me though, that the Diabolos Cult were evil, while justice was on our side...I even once hoped to be recognized for my actions. However, not them. Ever since the beginning both of them had been acting as they best believe.
Alpha: *Serious* They don't care if they become the villains of the story. They will do what they must, no matter what. And, as their Seven Shades the 7 of us-No, all of Shadow Garden must live up to that resolve.
As she said that, Alpha then looked back at Gamma with a serious gaze.
Alpha: Gather the Seven Shades. At least those available. We need to talk about our plans.
Gamma: *Small Bow* Yes! Right Away...
As Gamma said that, however she had a realization.
Gamma: Wait, even Delta?
When Gamma said that, Alpha stopped in wonder. She then looked back at Gamma, with a very calm expression.
Alpha: Yea, besides, I'm sure she has completed her task already.
Gamma: *Curious* How are you so sure?
As Gamma asked that, Alpha just chuckle, as she moved her hair behind her ear.
Alpha: *Small Blush* I used a motivator...Which technically would also work on me...I was sure it would do wonders...*Clears her throat* But above all, she is with "him".
As Alpha said that, Gamma stayed looking at her confuse yet complied anyway. Whatever she had used, it seemed like it would work. However, something that would also inspire Alpha to work harder? And that she shares with Delta? What could that be? She understood who "he" was, yet the couldn't help but wonder indeed.
Somewhere Else
Currently, in a forest in the outskirts of Midgar, a figure could be seen running away. They were trying to escape the while beast behind them. However they used to be a group.
All running away from a fiasco...The fail mission of the academy.
It was supposed to be an easy job. Get there, recover the artifact and get out. However, everything that turned for the worse.
Not only had every member been killed, but he also lost his artifact.
As he kept running, he could almost hear his own heartbeat...However, he heard something else...
???: Uwa? You thoughts you could run away...?
As the person said that, the man's eyes widen as he looked back. However, he was met with a powerful force sending him back, as he fell down.
When it did, the same voice as before spoke again, this time, however the man could identify it. It wax a female one.
???: There! You're are caught and now...
As the figure said that, the moonlight illuminated her, as the man's eyes widen.
Delta: *Excited* Delta will receive reward from boss-man because she found you before him! Delta so happy!!!
As Delta yelled that, the man looked at her with a glare.
??? 2: Shadow Garden...
As Delta was distracted, the man grabbed his red katana and lunged towards her.
As the blade was closing in, Delta took a side glance...Before she let out a sadistic smile.
Delta then proceeded to bite of the blade, as the man's eyes widen.
When he did, he took a few steps back. However, he end up met with something, as he was stopped.
When he did, he turned around and his eyes widen in fear. Meanwhile, Delta's tail wage in happiness.
???: Good work Delta.
As she heard that, she smiled sheepishly.
The other individual shakes their heard before looking back at the man infront of him.
???: Now then, I believe we had some unfinished business...*Glare* Ryuji Goto...
That's right. The man that Delta was hunting, was Ryuji Goto. After he managed to get away from Shadow Garden, he was supposed to reunite with other members of the Cult...However Delta was already there...And even worse...
???: Don't worry...If you answers my questions...
As the figure said that, his shadow grew larger, as a large one with red skin and robes emerged.
Seeing it, Ryuji's eyes widen. However, the gaze of the man infront of him, already broke whatever spirit he had left.
Kaiser: Then I'll give you a quick death...Right, Tusk?
As Kaiser said that, Tusk raised it's hand, as it revealed the Orb of Avarice.
Kaiser: Now then...Tell me everything or...
Kaiser: *Glare* Suffer pain beyond your imagination...
When he did that, later that night, all that was heard were screams. However, even if it seemed immoral, it needed to happen. Cause even though it seemed wrong, Shadow Garden would so whatever it took, in order to fight against the injustices of the world.
A/n: And that's it. Small chapter today because I need to finish up this arc before going forward to the Holy land Arc. And oh boy, do I have many ideas for it. The lore of the world is gonna be expanded a lot. I promise you guys, you'll see the first actual, most dangerous fight of Kaiser's life.
Also, a quick vote for you guys. What should be Ryuji's Shadow name?
1. Ronin
2. Shogun
3. Samus
4. Or you tell me and I choose the best.
Please live your likes and I hope you guys enjoyed. See you later.