Chapter 12: World After Ruin

The world has been in shambles for the first few months after the network collapse, and it took great effort to start over again from the basics of computers, having to resort to the older units to manage getting things working again. The province of Seikuu is one of those that have suffered less from the collapse, due to the readied backup systems that did not rely too much on the more recent network systems. Still, there are things that cannot be recovered, no matter how much backing up is accomplished.

At the Hall of Celestials in Hokuto, a new monument has been erected beside that of Seitamashii Hoshi Kojuro and Laser. Gaius, posthumously granted the name Shield of Earth, stands beside the silent monument in the form of a holographic projection. The noble and loyal Navi's sacrifice is not forgotten, and people strived to get the province's systems back in working order for the sake of those who have been claimed by the collapse.

"Hmph, all that work, and the only thing they can make up for it is to erect a monument for Gaius," Earl muttered, leaning against a pillar by the entrance as he listens to the speech given in dedication of the armored Navi.

"It cannot be helped, given that it has always been this province's custom to at least remember those who have fallen," Jian spoke to Earl, standing beside his former partner as they continue to watch the ceremony, "No other province gives more importance to its predecessors than here in Seikuu."

"Whatever, but what about Ryuu?" Earl asked as he got off the pillar and turned to look to his companion, with hands in his pockets, "I mean, he has been in a state of shock for about… three, four months?"

"Three months and twenty days," Jian corrected Earl on that, "I have to admit it is beyond the ability of any of us to reach out to him and help him for now. Ryuu has to be aware of his own condition in order to be able to get by this loss."

Elsewhere…

"How is your condition, Allseer, were you able to recover from your injury?" one of the members of the Council inquired the doctor. Several swathes of bandages have wrapped around Daikou's head, particularly covering his left eye.

"The loss of my left eye is the least of our worries, Council…" Daikou responded with a bow before getting up to look to those present, "I have premeditated that such a sacrifice would be worth making if the safety of others are at stake."

"And what of the Shieldbearer?" another member of the Council asks, leaning forward to get a better look at the doctor.

"His wounds will heal, but…" Daikou paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully before proceeding with his explanation, "The shock he has experienced is best described as traumatic. We will be lucky if he is able to finally get up from his bed without assistance, but for now, we have yet to find a way to bring him back to his senses."

"Very well, Allseer," the Council responded as some of its members start to leave, "Do whatever you can to see that he stabilizes and recover. We have recently received some means to repair the network, but would utilize of some other means aside from Navis in navigating. We will give you further information once the system is fully established."

"As your request," Daikou responded with a bow as he steps back and turns toward the door, heading off to work on Ryuu's condition.

Hospital in Hokuto, intensive care ward…

The steady beeping of the heart monitor is the only sound that can be heard in the dim and solemn room. Lying in the hospital bed is the youth known as Seitamashii Ryuu, a determined youth with a unique capability of Full Synchro to empower his skill with that of his Navi. After the collapse however, Ryuu is but a fragment of himself. Seeing his dearest companion disappear from him has shattered his world, and most likely, his will to go on.

'Gaius…' Ryuu thought as he clutched the object wrapped by his hands and arms closer to his chest. It was the PET that once housed his partner and teammate Gaius. The PET is still bloodstained, with faint red patches that have already dried up on its surface. The medical staff has tried many attempts to get Ryuu to let go of the device, but could not break the youth's grip from the damaged PET.

Even with his eyes wide open, Ryuu could not notice what is going on around him. He did hear sounds and voices around him as he was rushed from the site and to the hospital. The pain has melted away as he passed out, as he awoke with a leaden feeling within his chest. Nothing seemed to matter ever since the moment Gaius disappeared from his life.

"How is his status?" Daikou asks as he enters the monitoring room, with a window having a full view of the ward that Ryuu is in.

"His life signs are okay," Arisa replied as she looks to the doctor and then to the graph that has been monitoring Ryuu's condition, "But he still showed no signs of recovering from the trauma…"

"And we have tried everything else that is available to us…" Daikou added as he gave it some thought. Arisa turns to continue watching and waiting, hoping that Ryuu would finally come to his senses from his almost-vegetative state.

Daikou watched, as Ryuu remains motionless in bed, completely oblivious to his surroundings and his condition. Taking the time to think of a solution, Daikou finally thought up of a plan that just might bring about Ryuu's original condition.

'It seems to be the only remaining option we have to get him back to us,' Daikou thought as he knew the risks that were attributed to the new system the Council has spoken of, 'But knowing hints of the system's nature, it will be the only way to bring him back.'