Chapter 8: A Heartfelt Promise
New York City, Sinclair-Hoshi Residency, February 28, 2010
The first thing Vali felt when waking up, was the sunlight hitting his face, and warmth surrounding him...
His eyes shot open.
He recalled last night events. Appearing in New York, site seeing for a couple hours and then waiting for nightfall, meeting Shirogane, than battling him, and then after that taking a blast for him and blacking out after that.
He surveyed his surroundings and found himself in a regular looking boy's room...
Then noticed his position.
He was lying in a Queen sized bed, dressed only in his boxers, underneath a set of covers, and a window right besides the bed. However, he wasn't alone in the bed.
Besides him was a kid, who looked much younger than he was. His black hair was in a messy bed head fashion, and he wasn't wearing anything it seemed, possibly wearing only a pair of shorts on his lower half like he was hopefully.
However, the boy was cuddling up against him, arms close to his chest, and Vali blinked in surprise upon also seeing his own arm wrapped around the younger individual.
How the hell did he get like this!?
"Awake I see." Vali's head looked upwards to see Diamond floating before him in his base form, his stick part gone for the time being.
"Where am I?" he asked softly.
Diamond gave a silent chuckle. "After you were stuck down last night, we brought you back, and he healed you back up to 100%." Vali blinked in surprise before turning his attention towards the little boy in his arms and realised.
"This is Shirogane!?" he exclaimed in a loud whisper. The kid didn't look anything like he had seen, and looked like a regular happy go lucky little boy.
Diamond gave a snort. "Don't be fooled by appearances. Anyways, you shouldn't move yet, you were hurt pretty badly last night, so try to relax a little." Vali then felt the strangest sense that the object was smirking smuggly. "And also, I don't think he wants to leave his cuddle buddy."
Vali's face flush as Diamond flew away, chuckling under his breath softly. The teen sighed before making himself comfortable and looking down at the sleeping boy in his arms.
So, this was the famed Shining Light of New York City...?
In all honesty, he didn't look like much, even when they met he didn't look like he would put up much of a fight either. But, he was proven wrong, and greatly so when the youth began to fight him blow for blow, fist for fist, magic blast for magic blast, and looked cool and mesmerizing doing so.
And now, he learned that the same kid he battled, instead of leaving him for dead or anything, had decided to bring him, an unknown person, into his own home and healed him back to full health?
Shirogane had his respect, as well as his debt and gratitude.
Vali laid there for who knows how long, enjoying the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the room, and letting the little boy cuddle with him. However, a while later, he heard a moaning and saw the boy was waking up.
He let go as the younger male sat up and rubbed his eyes, opening to reveal, not Platinum eyes, but soft grey ones as they met his hazel orbs.
"...oh...good morning." was the boy's reply. Vali was confused, wondering why the boy wasn't embarrassed about waking up next to another guy, especially one like him.
Diamond, seeing his expression, was at his side instantly. "Don't bother." the Kaleidostick whispered. "He's only in the Fourth Grade, so he doesn't know any better." the white haired teen nods.
Vali looked at the boy was a smile. "So, I heard you saved me last night, right?" the said boy nods. "Well, you have my thanks kid." the boy frowned.
"I'm not a little kid, I'm nine!" Vali smirked.
"Really? You look like you're seven." the boy huffed and turned away, a pout on his face, and Vali found it amusing. "So, you have a name? I can't call you Shirogane, because, you know, the whole hero business and all...?"
The boy turned and nods. "Yeah, call me Aaron, and what about you, I already know Albion isn't your name, so what do I call you?" The teen sat in silence before sighing.
"Vali, the name's Vali Lucifer." Aaron nods, but then frowned as he remembered something.
"By any chance, are you related to Rizevim Lucifer." before Aaron's eyes, Vali's entire demeanor changed, going from his soft expression, for a far more colder one.
He then looked Aaron in the eyes, and uttered. "Don't ever bring him up." Aaron, not in fear, but rather not wanting to make Vali upsets, nods, now realising there was some very, and he means very, bad blood between the two of them.
But, he couldn't help but wonder why, if they were family after all...?
Then he recalled his own relationship with his grandfather and how the two didn't like each other for various reasons, and Vali probably had the same thing happened to him, or possibly something entirely different.
But, he wouldn't pry about it. It was Vali's choice to tell him or not, and he'd respect it.
Vali calmed down, and gave a soft sigh. "Sorry, but his very name brings up bad memories." Aaron nods, as Diamond gave a groan.
Just great~, two boys with family issues that involved possible Grandfathers...just what the Kaleidostick needed in his life...
The two boys got out of the bed and proceeded to get dressed in their clothing. After they both were dressed, Vali's stomach grumbled audibly, causing both Aaron and Diamond to stare at him, while he just averted his gaze else where.
"Hungry? Follow me, and we both can grab something to eat." Aaron opened the door to his room and exited it, Vali following closely behind him.
Diamond watched them both go and gave a soft hum.
This relationship between the two could prove to be a major boon to both of them without realising it, and help each other learn more of the world around them. Vali was a Devil, so he could give Aaron a better run down of the Supernatural world and how it'll effect him in the days to come.
But, he hoped, the two would at least find a bit of solace in the other, and if not, well...
He didn't want to think about that right now.
-Platinum Hero-
Speaking of the two, they were sitting at the dinning room table as the two boy ate bowls of cereal. However, one could feel the hint of tension in the air around the two, so Aaron decided to break it.
"So, Vali, tell me about yourself." The White haired teen looked up from his bowl and gave small hum.
"There's not much really to say. I'm the Half-Devil Great-Grandson of the original Lucifer, and Holder the the Longinus Class Sacred Gear, Divine Dividing." he shrugged. "That's pretty much it."
Aaron had...many questions.
"Um, what's a Sacred Gear?" Vali nearly fell out of his seat hearing that. He looked at the boy with shock evidently written on his face.
"You don't know what a Sacred Gear is!?" he exclaimed. When Aaron shook his head, he frowned. "Well, if you must know, Sacred Gears are gifts from God himself, and are known as the miracles people have been recounting throughout all of history." Vali's face gained a look confusion. "I thought you know seeing as your Wand is a Sacred Gear."
To Vali's growing surprise, as well as confusion, Aaron shook his head. "Diamond isn't a Sacred Gear. He was created by a man who enlisted my help in attaining the items known as Class Cards, which-"
"-hold the powers and Spirits of figures from History." Vali finished Aaron's sentence, surprising the boy. "My mentor and guardian has been keeping tabs on you for a while." he said with a shrug. "Your powers and abilities interest him, and he wants to study what you're capable of doing."
Aaron slowly nods, not sure if he should feel creeped out, scared, or flattered, or possibly all the above. Vali saw the look in his eyes and he gave an amused chuckle.
"He doesn't want your powers to command or take for himself. My mentor, Azazel, loves studying Sacred Gears, seeing what they can do, what powers they possess, and how they can potentially change with enough time. Your sudden appearance and show had caught his attention."
The eased Aaron much more, and he now wanted to meet this Azazel guy and learn of what he knows.
Vali then looked at Aaron right in the eyes. "So, if Diamond isn't a Sacred Gear, what are they then?"
The grey eyed youth gave an amused chuckle. "Diamond is what's known as a Kaleidostick, an item created by the man who enlisted my help in getting the Class Cards. I don't know much about them, but they're items of near infinite power and given to selective individuals. Other than me, there's only two other people who have a Kaleidostick."
Vali was dumbfounded hearing that. A mortal, a simple mortal, created three of these Kaleidosticks, which potentially hold an infinite amount of power inside of them!?
{Who ever made them is either one of the most powerful people alive, or one of the dumbest people to ever exist.} Albion muttered in Vali's head, to which the Devil discreetly nods.
'Agreed.'
"So," Aaron began once more. "What's your Sacred Gear exactly?" Vali smirked.
"I didn't use it last night, but it's called Divine Dividing, a Longinus, which are Sacred Gears powerful enough to kill Gods themselves. Mine allows me to halve my opponents power and add it to my own every ten seconds." Aaron's gaped at him.
"Okay, first, that's really cool." he said honestly. "And second, that's overpowered!" Vali gave him a look.
"Says the one with a magic wand that holds infinite magic power inside of it." Aaron went to retort, but shut his mouth and folded his arms.
"Touché." was all the boy said. But, Aaron realised something. "Is there more to your Sacred Gear, or is that just it?" Vali smirked.
"Actually, yes. You see, Divine Dividing was once known as the Heavenly Dragon Albion, the Spirit that now presides in my Sacred Gear. God destroyed his and another Heavenly Dragon's body and made them into Sacred Gears. But, the other Heavenly Dragon is my destined rival...the Red Dragon Emperor, holder of the Boosed Gear." Aaron rose an eyebrow and Vali wanted to facepalm.
He needed to give this kid a crash corse on the supernatural, and stat.
"The Boosted Gear is the equivalent and opposite to my own Gear, and it can boost the power of it's holder every ten seconds." now Aaron was upset.
"Now that's overpowered!" Vali nods.
"Albion, the White Dragon, and his eternal rival, Ddraig, the Red Dragon, fought endlessly, and that sworn rivalry has transferred over to their Sacred Gear holders." he frowned and let out a sigh. "Unfortunately the Red Dragon has yet to awaken, so I have to wait to get my fated battle with them."
Aaron was in somewhat awe hearing Vali's tale, before deadpaning in realising something else...
"Tell me more of the Supernatural." Vali nods and the two spent the next hour or so talking about how all religions were real, such as the Christian Mythos, Greek Pantheon, Celtic Gods, etc., the Great War, clashing ideals within Devil Race leading to their own Civil War, and so much more.
Aaron awe grew with each word, realising how much larger the world was outside of just super heroes and super villains as well, and how some looked insignificant to what those in the Supernatural World are capable of doing.
That's when he began to realise something...
"So, where do I fit in within the grand scheme of the Supernatural world?" At this did Vali frown, and heavily.
"That's the thing Aaron. You are a new and unknown face, with powers of history's beloved heroes at - and soon to be in - your fingertips." he hummed. "Everyone will want a piece of you like Rizevim, and be warned, Devils and Angels have ways to bring you into their races, willingly or unwillingly."
Seeing the boy's expression, Vali decided to continue and elaborate. "Devils have what's call the Evil Pieces System, allowing High-Class Devils to reincarnate others, human or otherwise, into Devils such as themselves, all to repopulate their race, and are seen as Servants. It's based off the Game of Chess and gives unique powers to the pieces, the [King] being the Leader, the [Queen] being the right hand and most powerful, the [Knights] being the weapons user and has greater speed, [Rooks] have greater strength and endurance, [Bishops] have greater magic power, and [Pawns] can promote to any of the other pieces.
Angels have the same thing, but in the form of Brave Saints, which takes on the form of Cards rather than Chess pieces. I don't have as much info like the Evil Pieces unfortunately. So, in the coming days, be careful of Devils coming to claim you into their ranks."
Aaron soaked up the words and nods, and found himself deep in thought.
'These Evil Pieces can be a problem if we're not careful.' Jeanne commented, her and Galahad having listened in on the explanation given to Aaron by Vali, and found themselves also in awe of it all.
'Indeed, being force in servitude against our will, it's deplorable.' the Shielder adds.
Aaron nods to both their comments. 'I need to better my power and find the other Class Cards, then I should be able to deal with them myself.'
But, his mission was easier said than done, for the Cards could be anywhere, and four of them are extremely dangerous if left unchecked.
And now he has people after his powers and abilities, and he just wanted to be a superhero on the side of doing his quest. But no...no...life can't seem to get easy for him it seems and now just loves using him as a play thing.
Aaron groaned softly.
Oh well, guess just how it's going to be from now on.
He stood up from his place at the table and collected the empty bowls. "I'll be careful Vali, and if they try something, they'll get a taste of what I'm capable off." The White Dragon Emperor gave a small chuckle as the boy disappeared into the kitchen momentarily.
Vali had to admit, Aaron was taking this rather well, all things considered, and he was surprised by that. Maybe it had something to do with the kid's more mature mind, or he's already used to crazy things happening to him since becoming a hero.
He found that interesting, to say the least, for not many usually can take dealing with people coming after them as well as having their entire world turned upside down and broadened at the prospect of the supernatural being far more extensive than they imagined.
It was at that moment that Aaron re-entered the dining room. "Alright, you ready to explore New York with me?" Vali blinked at him.
"What about your parents?"
Aaron waved him off, a small smirk on his face. "My dad's on another business trip and my mom's out of town for the weekend, so it's just me." Aaron approached Vali's side and grabbed his arm, pulling him out of his seat as he pulled him alongside him. "Now let's grab Diamond and head out."
-Platinum Hero-
The two boys walked down the streets of New York City, side by side, Diamond hiding in the hood of Aaron's hoodie. The sidewalks were less crowded due to it being Sunday, so it gave the two boys more room to enjoy themselves without worry.
Aaron dragged Vali alongside him, planning on showing him more around his home city. "You'll like New York Vali, trust me."
The next couple of hours are some Vali would cherish to this very day.
The two walked the streets, stopping at multiple historical sights along the way, and enjoying the calm and peaceful air. They visited an arcade where Aaron showed Vali how to play some games, and he found he was actually good at them.
They left the Arcade, Aaron having a stuffed blue colored fox in his arms Vali had won him and decided to give to him, saying it reminded him of 'certain someone', making Aaron blush slightly at the implication to his alter-ego.
After they left the arcade, they went to an Ice Cream Parlor, and they both got cones, Vali getting Cookies and Cream, while Aaron got his favorite, Rainbow Sherbert.
And as luck would have it, a park was nearby!
It wasn't Central Pack because it was, unfortunately, obliterated Last Night, but it was nice enough and the two enjoyed their cold treats, conversing and sharing laughs with one another.
Vali never felt so...human and happy before in his life.
Here was a boy he had only known for a couple hours in all, yet even after their battle last night and knowing of his possible relations to that man, he treated him kindly, and he was actually having fun all things considered.
Aaron could only smile. He was glad Vali was enjoying himself, he was worried the older boy wouldn't have any fun today, but found himself worried for nothing. He would make this day one Vali would remember for a long while.
Diamond peaked out of Aaron's hood and looked between boy males, and gave a breath of relief. He honestly didn't know how this day wasn't going to go, and was worried greatly, but he could now rest easy knowing that not only were the two getting along, but they were becoming good friends.
And maybe, just maybe, this friendship would help them both in the long run of things.
Vali finished his cone and gave a satisfied smile. "That was really good Ice Cream." Aaron nods in agreement.
"Yeah, my parents take me there on the occasion, and while they may not be as popular around the city like other places, they make the best Ice Cream around." Aaron shrugged. "I thought I'd show you it."
Vali leans back on the bench, and couldn't help but ask. "So, why did you become a hero?"
Aaron blinked in surprise, not expecting the sudden question. His smile faded as he shifted his gaze from Vali and looked down in thought. "Honestly? I never planned on becoming a Hero."
Vali looked at the boy in surprise. It was every kid's dream to get superpowers and become a hero like the famous Justice League, either for the fame or glory. Aaron, not seeing his look, continued on.
"I guess it was after my battle with Jeanne and getting her did I see I could make a difference." the boy gave a small chuckle. "So, that very night, I patrolled New York for the first time. I don't remember how many crimes I stopped, but it was a lot...that's when I realised why I wanted to be a hero."
Aaron turned to Vali, and the white haired teen's breath hitched in his throat.
The boy had a smile of genuine happiness on his face, the light of the sun shining down on him like he was an otherworldly being. "I wanted to see people live on, see their smile, feel their joy at knowing they could have someone they can always depend on, and that's why I became a hero. To not only make a difference, but to inspire hope and happiness into others."
Vali's face turned a light shade of pink, his heart pounding.
Aaron was so...pure.
His heart, his mind, and his soul. His words were without question the truth and the boy just wanted to be someone everyone can rely on, and he found that so...amazing! Heck, even Albion was also in utter shock and disbelief at how pure a human could be!
'Must...protect.' a small part in Vali's mind said, now wanting to hold onto the miniature cinnamon roll before him. He was going to keep Aaron's light shining, and he didn't want to see that light diminish, or worse, snuffed out.
The world needed someone like him.
At that moment did the grey eyed youth stand up. "Well, we sat here long enough." Aaron turned to Vali and held out a hand. "Ready to continue our sightseeing?"
Vali looked at the hand for a second before smiling and taking Aaron's hand.
At that moment, he vowed to never let him go, no matter what.
-Platinum Hero-
Aaron and Vali walked down the sidewalk, a peaceful air the two of them, and smiles on their faces. They then walked by a TV shack, and what was on was about to catch both their immediate attention.
"-officials are still searching for the remains and whereabouts of Shirogane and the Armored individual he was fighting with earlier." the two males stopped and turned to the TV shack, and both their smiles vanished in an instant. "If anyone has any words-"
Aaron turned away from the viewing window, not wanting to hear anymore, a frown on his face. Vali turned to him, a frown now on his own face.
"Are you alright Aaron?" the boy didn't answer.
"...I don't know." he wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel right now, he was still getting used to his emotions growing more out of his understanding. "Everyone thinks Shirogane is dead, and I just feel like a failure all the sudden."
Vali gave Aaron a look of sympathy. He grabbed the boy's shoulders and turned him so they were facing one another. "Hey, it's okay, people think Albion's dead now too, but you'll just have to show them it'll take more than a crazy loon to take down their hero."
Aaron gave Vali a Grateful smile. "Thanks, I needed that." Vali nods, a smile returning to his own face.
"Good, now, wasn't there somewhere you were going to take me?" Aaron nods vigorously.
"Yeah, come on, let's go-" a sudden beeping in his pocket stopped him, and he frowned once again and gave a low groan.
Vali raised an eyebrow, his smile leaving him momentarily. "What's wrong." Aaron turned away from him.
"Give me a second.'' The boy pulled something out of his pocket and placed it up to his ear, and pulled out his phone so he wouldn't draw weird looks. "Shirogane here...yeah, I'm not busy..." he gave a side glance to Vali. "...yeah, he's here with me..." the boy nods a few times. "...alright, I'll see you soon. Shirogane out." he closed his phone and placed it in his pocket before turning to Vali.
"What's up?" the boy folded his arms.
"We can't talk here, follow me." Aaron turned and walked away, Vali following after him, still very much confused as too what's going on.
-Platinum Hero-
"...so members of the Justice League want to check up on you and meet me?" The two youths were in an empty alleyway, and Aaron told Vali of his earlier conversation over his communicator.
"Yep." was the boy's simple reply, popping the 'p' at the end. "Look, I understand if you don't want to come-"
"Are you kidding!?" Aaron was taken aback by Vali's sudden outburst. "I'm not missing out on a chance to meet members of the Justice League!" the grey eyed youth blinked in surprise, before a teasing smirk graced his face.
"I never thought the calm and cool Vali Lucifer was a fanboy." the White Dragon Emperor froze, and his face turned red. He stood up straight and folded his arms as he gave a small cough as he looked away from Aaron, frowning, but the boy could still see his cheeks a light pink color.
"Yeah, they're cool, whatever..." Aaron laughed.
"Well, we should transform and go and meet them before they get worried or impatient." Vali nods in agreement.
"Right." Vali nods. "Albion, let's go!" It was then, Aaron heard a voice he never heard before.
{Vanishing Dragon Overdrive!} A familiar set of wings sprouted from Vali's back as his armor materialized over his entire being. And not a moment later was Albion standing before him.
"...that was totally awesome!" Aaron said in awe. Vali gave an amused grunt. "And was that voice I just heard, was it Albion by any chance?" Vali gave a nod in confirmation.
"Yes, that was him." The Wing's on Vali's back then glowed.
{Greetings Shirogane, it's an honor to properly meet you.} the wings lit up at every word that was spoken. The boy in question nods in agreement.
"And it's nice to meet you as well Albion." Vali then looked at Aaron's form.
"Aren't you going to change." the boy blinked.
"Oh yeah..." he grinned. "Diamond!" the Kaleidostick flew out of his hood as it elongated. "Transform!" he took hold of the Kaleidostick as the top of it glowed brilliantly.
"Maximizing Magical Connection!" Light engulfed Aaron as Vali watched the transformation sequence, and couldn't help but be in awe at the sight.
It was a few moments later that Shirogane stood before him in all his glory, a smile on his face and his Platinum eyes gleamed brightly.
"...okay, that was pretty cool too." the White Dragon Emperor admitted.
{Agreed.} Shirogane grins as he floats upwards.
"Come on, we should get going." Albion nods as he flew up and the two began to head for their destination.
-Platinum Hero-
"Look, it's Shirogane!"
The two looked down below as they flew over the streets, people looking up and cheering at the sight of their beloved hero alive and well. The boy gave them smiles as he waved down at them as he and Albion continued on their path.
Under his Helmet, Vali gave an amused smirk. "They really like you." Shirogane looked at him and shrugged.
"Well, I just do my job and that's pretty much it." The boy gained a shy expression. "I'm not good with PR yet, so I tend to leave before the press arrives for questions."
Ablion wanted to laugh. So pure and yet he was camera shy, what a combination.
"You're gonna have to talk with them eventually, you know?" Shirogane sighed.
"I know, I know, Diamond tells me the same thing." the Kaleidostick nods.
"And I'll keep doing it until you at least give an interview!" Albion laughed and Shirogane pouted at his plight, and they continued their flight in silence.
-Platinum Hero-
The duo landed on the rooftop where Shirogane was told to arrive at, only to find it empty.
Vali looked around in confusion. "Where is everybody?" Shirogane hummed softly.
"Give it one minute..."
That's when they heard a masculine voice. "Glad to see you both could make it." the trio looked up to see Superman and Wonder Woman floating above them. Shirogane gave the man a smile while Vali was in slight awe at seeing the Man of Steel and the Amazon.
"It's good to see you safe and sound kid." The three looked down and found Black Canary as well as Green Arrow and Batman standing on the roof.
Vali could only stare in surprise, wondering how he hadn't heard them arrive? Shirogane could easily tell what he was thinking and patted his shoulder.
"It's best not to think about it, I just accepted it." Vali simply nods, pushing the thought to the back of his mind. The two heroes above descended onto the rooftop as they stood by the other three heroes, all their attention on the two youths.
"Explain just what exactly happened last night." Batman stated. Albion, Shirogane, and Diamond exchanged glances.
"It started out like this...'' The Magical Boy began to explain how he went out on Patrol, and when he was taking a break, Albion showed up and asked him too a duel, and he accepted. However, that guy from earlier yesterday evening showed up and tried to injure him, but Albion took the blow in his stead. Then how the man blew up Central Park in a last ditch effort to get rid of him and how Shirogane's Magic activated all on it's own and created a force field around them.
"...then I took Albion back to my home and healed him back up to full health, and here we are now."
The five seasoned heroes gave slight nods of their heads, but their attention diverted to the armored individual, their gazes narrowing slightly. While they were thankful he saved their trainee, they still wanted to know if he meant well in the long run.
Albion noticed their looks and he frowned underneath his helm.
"We would like to ask you some questions if you don't mind kid." Green Arrow said. Albion gave a nod, and Shirogane looked at him, a concerned expression on his face.
"Are you sure Albion?" The White Dragon Emperor nods.
"Yes, I have to gain some of their trust like you have." The boy nods. The Armored male took a step forward and began to explain himself...
Somewhere in the Underworld...
"HE'S ALIVE!?" Rizevim exclaimed standing up from his seat.
The Fallen Angel, who had brought the report to him the news, nods, albeit shakily, at hearing his Leader's loud voice.
"Y-yes sir, witnesses saw him flying with the White Armored Figure not even an hour ago." Rizevim turned and gave a low growl.
So killing him didn't work, and trying to get the little bastard to his side didn't either. Shirogane had to be dealt with sooner rather than later, along with that armored pest that dared get in the way last night.
Then, an idea struck him.
He gave a malicious grin as he turned to his subordinate. "Gather all our forces and prepare them to strike New York City." The Fallen's eyes went wide.
"Sir-" Rizevim looked at him with a glare that promised death.
"Are you questioning my authority?" The Fallen Angle paled, swallowing a large bile that had appeared in his throat.
They looked down and shook their heads. "No sir, I'll get right on it." And with that, the Fallen left the room, leaving the man alone.
Rizevim wondered why he never thought to hit the city itself before till now. Why go after the boy directly when he can make the people he protect loose hope and faith in him before he struck Shirogane. And only then will he finally attain that of which he so desired.
And the world and all its people will finally fall!
New York City
"...and that's everything about me for the most part." Ablion finished. He had told the League of who he was, not disclosing his true identity for obvious reasons, and his ultimate goal of being strong for the sake of just being strong and fighting strong people - which made most of the Leaguers sweat drop hearing that.
He also told them of his powers and connections to the Supernatural world, his inhuman status, and so on and so forth. Even disclosing as too why that evil man was after Shirogane in the first place and how its only a matter of time before the rest of the Supernatural world would be too.
The five leaguers listened intently to the armored male's words. They had their fair share of dealing with the Supernatural world at some point or another, but, they didn't know it was that extensive, save Wonder Woman who understood the overall circumstances seeing as she was affiliated with the Greek Pantheon.
But, they were all worried for Shirogane's safety now. Hearing how others would more than likely try to sway or force the boy to their sides for more power unsettled them. They knew Shirogane had yet to reach his true potential, and they knew there would be those who would try to exploit it...
But they never thought it would be this bad.
Batman was running through scenario after scenario in his head, each one worst than the other. The possibility of Shirogane going to the side of evil was a haunting thought, especially with his growing power and with every Class Card he attained, and they would have no way to effectively deal with him.
"Well, I'm just glad you both are alright." Superman said.
Black Canary nods in agreement. In all honesty, she would miss the boy if he had been killed, he was like a breath of fresh air in a crime ridden world, and only wanted to help others.
"But what worried me is this Rizevim man after Shirogane." Wonder Woman began. "I've dealt with people like him before, and he won't rest till Shirogane is his or disposed of." She remembered all the times Ares and Circe, on the occasion, have tried to persuade or force her to their side.
"Well for now we can take a breather." Green Arrow commented. "It's not like the man is planning something." Shirogane turned and glared at the man, and heatedly, making the archer themed hero wilt under the youth's gaze.
"You just had to say something, didn't you?" GA rose an eyebrow and was about to ask what the boy meant-
*BOOM*
They heard and saw an explosion in the distance, and now everyone gave the man some form of look at him jinxing them. GA simply gave a sheepish chuckle at his fault.
"Hehe...my bad." the youngest person present shook his head as he turned around.
"I'll go check it out-" *BOOM!* another explosion happened, this time in the opposite direction of where the first one came from.
Shirogane's eyes widened. He couldn't be in two places at once! Albion placed a hand on Shirogane's shoulder. "I'll go check it out." Shirogane nods, a smile on his face now.
*BOOM BOOM BOOM*
Three more explosions went off in various areas of the city, and Shirogane's eyes widened as horror washed over his face.
'Wha...what's going on!?' he questioned. What the heck was going on, why were their explosions going on all over the place, and who was doing it!?
The eyes of each and every hero narrowed, and knew the situation was now dire. Batman immediately turned to them and gave a command. "Split up and take down whoever's causing this mess!" The others nod and departed quickly, not wasting a second. Batman then turned towards the two youths. "You two, stick together." And without another word, Batman left the roof top.
Albion turned back to Shirogane, and he found the boy looking at the ground, a frown on his face. The teen inwardly cursed, forgetting Shirogane had yet to deal with this amount of destruction and chaos as of yet.
"Hey, Shiro." he began, look at me." the boy turned his gaze to the White Dragon. "We can handle this, I'm not leaving your side, we can do this, just have faith, alright?" The boy looked into the eyes of his helmet for a moment before nodding. "And promise me something..."
The youth rose an eyebrow. "What...?"
"Promise me Aaron, that...after this, we have another day to ourselves?" Shirogane blinked in surprise, then, broke out into a fit of giggles before looking up at the armor Devil with a smile.
"Of course Vali, I promise." The Devil smiles under his helmet, much more glad to see his friend smiling.
But then Shirogane heard something, as if a whisper rode on the very wind itself.
Ḁ̵̡̞̮̬̮͎̦͑̈͆̈́͠ͅ ̴̡̛̰͍̳̣̤͂̿̈́̋̎͐́P̴͚̫̳̜͖̰̘͕̞͒̔͘͠͠r̴̡̛͓̜͈̳̯̀͐͊͌̋̊̚̚ọ̵̞̪̣̹̓̕m̶̨̧̫̙̹̞̃͜ȉ̸̞͙̥̬̬̞̹̯͚̿̉͝ś̷̮̱͛̔e̴͇̙̼̬̰͔̠̦͑̆͌ ̸̱̻̜̦̠̙̽̃̒̅̈́͒͆̄t̴̹̗̥͊̀̃̌̏̊̃͛̎h̶̘͖̠̣̳͆̀̓̚ã̸̲͐͗t̷̮̘͇͖̮͖̓̀́̅͛̈́͜ ̸̜̞̜͓̘͖̬͓̩̓͌̀̽̊̒͂̌b̷̨͇͇̝̜͓̄́͗̄̀͆̕r̴̨̛̮͓̥̋͑͆͐̈́̑̕͠e̶̡̱͑͌̚͝a̷͎͎̰͋̋̾͑̓̂̄͝͠ͅḱ̶͂̐̾͛̋̇̚͜ś̴̱͖͎̯̥̽̊͐̊̚̕͝͝ ̶̧̳͓̘̻̭͉͖̙͑́̇͋̈͜ţ̶̳͉̺̿͝ͅh̴̡̛͍̯̯͕̬́̊̿̄̈́̀͒͗̍r̶͚̭̰̠̬̱̺͇͋o̸̝͇̫̓͑̈̒̿̅̓u̴̢̥̦̦̻̠̙͉̻͆ǵ̵͓̤͙̥̜͖̟̂̋̀̈́́̋̎͝ḩ̵̟̼̬͔͚̘͗̽̉̅̆ ̷̧̺̗͈̯̯̻̈́͗͂́̈͝a̷̢̹̜̣̟̥͖̤̅͠ͅl̶̡̘̝̠̥̳̖͍̞̎͘l̶̯̯͋̉́͂̓̈́͑ ̸̺̖͓͍͈̰̲̗̣̍̈́̒̋̀̏̃͋͊͘͜B̴̨̰̔̈̍́̾̕͘̚̚ȧ̶̡̤͇͈͓̖̮̖̼̈́̐͐̀r̶̨̨̳̹̯̞̒̉̓r̴͈̀͒̎̽̉͗i̶̬̭̜̒̈́̑́̈́͗͛̕̚ẽ̵̢͕͙͓̯̩̳̦́̈́̐r̷͖̖̻̫̺̟̮̻͙͌͂̎̃̆͠ͅs̷͕̬̖͇̳̟̤̼͂̽͜͜
Shirogane turned, searching for whatever whispered to him, only to find the empty air around him. Albion frowned.
"What's wrong?" the boy turned to him slowly, before shrugging.
"I thought I heard something...must be my imagination."
"Alright, let's go." the two took off towards where one of the explosion occurred. Hopefully, Rizevim will finally take a hint, and leave him alone, and if not...
Shirogane didn't know what he would do.