Chapter 4: Will of the Heart
New York City, February 13, 2010
Shirogane sat atop a skyscraper, legs dangling over the edge as he looked at the city he called home with a calm gaze. It had been almost three months since he started being a superhero.
For starters, he was still nowhere near close to finding another Class Card as of yet, that and he had no way of traveling long distances either. Next thing was the aftermath of his battle with Klarion, the media was in a frenzy to learn about what he did, how he did it, and if others could do the same.
And the last thing was, true to his sister's words, the memorabilia. They had already begun distributing them as of last week, and kids everywhere either had a Magical Diamond Wand or his flag pole, and know the possible luck and seeing the future cards he'll collect, they'll be making more toy products as time goes by.
"Something on your mind little one?"
Shirogane looked behind him at Wonder Woman. The Amazon had taught him the basic use of weaponry as well as advanced his melee combat further, much like how Black Canary taught him different fighting styles.
The youth shrugged. "Just thinking about everything up till now, I guess." the Amazon gave him a soft smile.
"Still surprised by how things have been going for you?" he nods.
"To be honest, yeah. I'd never thought I'd be a superhero learning under the Justice League, all while trying to do a mission I was given." The Amazon sat down right next to him, and gave him a small smile.
"I think the same could be said for a few other heroes, myself included." Shirogane looked at her in surprise.
"Really?"
She nods. "Indeed, if it hadn't been for Aries escaping or that Pilot for crash landing on our Island, I wouldn't've reconnected with man's world or became the hero everyone looks up to today." She places a hand on his shoulder. "You see Shirogane, when the world needs a hero to save, it shows them the way to do so."
The boy took her words to heart and nods, a bright smile on his face, and the heroine couldn't but think.
'So cute…'
However, the moment was ruined when Diamond came flying over to them.
"Uh, I don't mean to ruin the moment, but we may have a problem." The two heroes looked at the Kaleidostick with confused expressions.
"What kind of problem…?"
*KABOOM*
In the distance, an explosion rang out as they could see smoke rising from the event, and Diamond sighed.
"That problem." He looked at Shirogane directly. "It's even worse, one of the Class Cards is here in the city, and from what I can sense, they're the cause of the explosion." Shirogane and Wonder Woman frowned.
The Azamonian looked at the boy and asked, "Can you handle this by yourself Shirogane." The boy looks to her and nods without hesitation.
"I did the same with Ruler, I can do the same with them." she nods in approval at his words.
"Then you know what to do." Without another word, Shirogane took hold of Diamond and the two flew into the sky. Wonder Woman watched them go with a hopeful expression on her face. "May the Gods be with you…"
-Platinum Hero-
Shirogane reached the scene in less than five minutes, and what he and Diamond found was shocking.
Over the entire street laid nothing but destruction, fires roaring across the streets, shops on fire, cars turned on their sides or onto their backs, and people running for their lives. But at that moment did the two find their target.
At the heart of it all was a shadowy figure. They wore armor over their form, and in hand, they seemed to have what looks to be a giant shield of sorts.
Shirogane descended slowly before he was hovering a few yards away from the figure.
"Hey you!" he called out. The shadow spirit looked at him, and their glowing red eyes narrowed upon seeing him. "Who are you and what are you doing destroying my city?"
"So," they said in a slow, and low voice, "you're the Card Capturor, and have Ruler under your thumb." Shirogane nods as his grip on Diamond tightens. "Well, I am Class Shielder, Name, Galahad of Camelot."
Shirogane's eyes widened.
"Wait," he muttered, "this guy's a knight of the roundtable!" Diamond looked at Shielder and analysed the Heroic Spirit.
"He has high endurance and magical resistance stats, so be careful Shiro." the boy nods.
"I will." he got into his stance. "Ready Diamond?"
"Affirmative!"
The boy nodded as he landed on the ground and held the Kaleidostick firmly in his grasp as he exclaimed, "Listen, oh corrupted Hero of the Past, for I, Shirogane, shall Purify you!" he struck a pose.
The entire area was silent and the onlookers were either in awe, or looked on with exasperated expressions, Diamond included.
"Ugh, just fight him already!" the Kaleidostick shouted.
With a sigh, he exclaimed, "Install: Ruler!" now adorning Jeanne's armor, flag in hand, he twirled it as he got into his stance as he and Galahad stared down one another.
Neither one moves as the crackle of flames rang out around them, a few brave souls watching the scene from afar, recording and hoping to catch the fight. From atop a building, Wonder Woman watched the confrontation with a critical expression, and wondered how this would play out.
Suddenly, both fighters charged, both flag pole and shield made contact, causing a clang as the impact caused the air around them to send dust flying outwards as an auditable clang reverberated through the area. And before the observers knew it, the two were exchanging blow for blow, the sound of metal hitting metal sounding throughout the air.
Shirogane then spun his flag pole as he swung it into the shield, sending Galahad skidding backwards into a car. The Shadow Spirit gave a slight groan of pain, but wasn't deterred so easily.
He picked himself up and out of the car and launched himself forwards, Shield raised and ready to strike.
He was right upon Shirogane and swung his giant shield, but the boy, thanks to his short height, back bent under the attack, and using his gained momentum swung his flag right into Shielders abdomen, causing the Shadow spirit to gag as he was sent hurtling back.
It was by some unknown stroke of fate that the knight of the Round Table managed to keep standing, but even then, he won't back down.
And thus, he and the young hero resumed their fighting once more.
Unknown Location
"The child is something else entirely." a voice began. "To have such powers and skill in only the span of three months when it takes others years to achieve such a feat."
A group of six unknown individuals were meeting to discuss the matter of the youngest solo hero to date...Shirogane. They had the video feed of him battling Galahad up and on display, and all of them watching it with calculating expressions.
"Be as it may, such power should be in far more...capable hands." a womanly voice commented.
"We have linked the source of his power to the Wand he uses, without it he is rendered powerless." a gruff voice explained.
"But what of this new power he has, the ability to take on the powers of history's beloved heroes, it will be troublesome to us." A refined voice adds.
Then, a familiar voice spoke out. "Worse off, that form of his is completely impervious to magic!"
"If that's true, imagine the power these other heroes possess." an olden voice inputted. "Perhaps, we could possibly gain these 'Cards' he's attempting to attain, and use them for our own benefit."
"It could work, but the problem now is how do we exactly track down these 'Cards'? From what we know, the child could be the only one to track them down."
The group began to bicker about this and that, who's right, and who's wrong, what they should and shouldn't do about the situation, before finally, their leader had enough.
"Enough talk." he told them, which got all of them to shut up. "The boy, if he knows it or not, will be of use to us, and before long all the cards, his included, will fall into place, and whether or not he likes it, he and the world will know the Light.
New York City
Swing, slash, thrust, repeat.
Slash, thrust, swing, repeat.
Thrust, swing, slash, repeat.
These were the inner mantra of Shirogane as he continued his battle with the Knight of the Round table. He didn't know if Jeanne had another Noble Phantasm he could use to end this situation, or if she was withholding it from him for some unknown reason.
But, above all else, he needed to end this battle, and end it now.
Galahad went to strike him, but Shirogane stopped him with his pole once more and knocked him off before hitting him with a swing of his pole.
'This isn't getting me anywhere.' he sighed and stood up straight. "Uninstall." in a wave of light he was back in his original magical attire, and Diamond looked at him in shock.
"Why did you uninstall!?" Shirogane looked at him.
"The fight would go nowhere. I need something bigger and magical, something that'll put the guy down for good." Diamond sighed.
"I was afraid it would come to this." Diamond looked at his holder with a determined expression. "Shiro, you have to harmonize with me, our magic power will be unified as one and only then will we have a better chance at winning."
Meanwhile, Galahad picked himself back up from off the ground and looked at his opponent. At first, he was surprised to see the boy was no longer wearing his armor, then thought he had given up.
"So, you give up?" he asked.
Shirogane looked at him and got ready. "Not on your life." he held Diamond close to him. "Diamond, Magic Synchronization!" The star on the Kaleidostick gleamed.
"Confirmed. Muscular, Nervous, Vascular, Lymphatic Tissue...Magic circuit conversion, complete!" A Platinum Light engulfed Shirogane, and blinded half the city by the sheer intensity of the light show.
When it subsided, all fell into pure awe.
Nine glorious tails seemingly made from pure crystals emerged from his tailbone, the night sky forever captured in their glittering depths, each tail calmly swishing about. The color of his attire seemed to darken and reflect light off of them, and bring out his seemingly glowing Platinum eyes. His gloves gained frills around the wrists of them, and ribbons extended from his bow tie, which itself seemed to have doubled in size. And his belt seemed to have gained a buckle similar to what Diamond normally looks like…
Which leads to the Kaleidostick itself.
The top looked like a snow globe made of the glittering starry heavens, three stars swirling around in its depths. Around it, three sets of angelic wings emerged from the sides.
With new found strength and vigor, Shirogane held Diamond tightly in his grasp. Galahad, knowing the possible attack that was coming next, prepared himself.
"I shall rise to the Siege Perilous." he propped his shield.
"I won't give up on anything so long as I stand!" Shiro began, magic building up at the end of Diamond's Globe.
"The place that cures all wounds and dissolves all hatred, our home, sits here―!" Galahad raised his shield.
"And I will give it my all!" The intensity of the building pressure began to cause the ground to shake as red and gold energy began to converge as one in a singular point.
"Manifest, Lord Camelot!" Galahad slammed his shield down as a giant magic circle burst to life alongside Majestic castle walls of white coloring that glowed proudly.
"Quintett Feuer!" Shirogane pointed his Kaleidostick as a giant beam of unfathomable energy burst from the end of it, sending out a whirlwind of air and energy that blasted away anything and everything around it.
The attack collided with the magic circle, and once again, an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object.
Shirogane gritted his teeth.
Why did this seem so hopeless? Galahad meached him in terms of fighting, and now was able to block his giant magical attack! What hope did he have of beating a guy like this?
"Don't give up!" Shirogane looked at Diamond. "You made a vow, you promised yourself to not give up as long as you stand, didn't you!?" Shirogane nods. "Well, don't back down on that vow! Remember, true power lies within you Shiroogane!"
The young hero blinked.
Diamond was right, he shouldn't be doubting himself, especially now when he had only begun his hero career.
"I won't give up." He muttered. "I can't. I have t push through this!" his resolve was found once again. "I CAN'T GIVE UP!"
Suddenly, the beam of energy doubled in size, and the knight of the round table found himself in shock, but also awe.
'Amazing, he just doubled his power output somehow!' this boy, he wasn't just some ordinary child. But then, to his surprise, his barrier cracked. 'But how!? My shield is meant to trump all attacks! Unless…' he realised, the boy's will and resolve to wind was somehow overpowering his own.
More and more cracks began to appear, and Galahad knew he was done for. Then a moment later, the circle shattered, and he was engulfed by the beam of energy. He wasn't upset about his loss. On the contrary, he was actually quite pleased with the results.
He wouldn't mind being in the boy's hands, for his will and resolve were more than enough to please him.
The beam sailed onwards, flying into the sky as it illuminated part of the city by its radiance before it died down and faded away.
Shirogane, still holding Diamond in hand, gave deep and heavy breaths, and felt like he was going to keel over at any moment. In a small burst of light, his form returned to its original state, his one Platinum tail swaying behind him before dropping down, showing that even it was tired.
"That...was...something…" he finally commented, taking a breath between each word.
"You could say that again..." Diamond added, almost too tired to even float. The two made their way over to the Shadow spirit, who laid defeated on the ground, his shield destroyed. He turns his head slightly to look at the duo, and give them a soft look.
"You have proven yourself worthy of my power young hero, and I, the Heroic Spirit of the Shielder Class, Galahad, give myself to you." Shiro grabbed Diamond without a word and uttered his phrase.
"Cleanse." Much like with Jeanne, golden light enveloped the street.
When the light subsided, the once decimated street looked good as new and where Galahad once laid, was a golden card in its place. It floated upwards before bee-lining for Shirogane, and like the last card, went right into his chest, and housing itself inside his soul.
"Alright! Two cards down!" Diamond cheered.
Shirogane smiles and nods. "That leaves twelve cards, but I don't think they'll come looking for us like Galahad did." he placed a hand on his chest.
Who knows if the other Cards will be as tough, or even tougher, than Galahad was. But he'll think about that more later.
"However, right now, I could use a nap!"
The Kaleidostick agreed, shaft down. "Yes, let's get back home and sleep." Shirogane took hold of his partner once more, and in a swirl of energy, the two vanished from sight.
"Aaron, are you in here?" Isabella Sinclair entered her son's room, and like usual, found it nice and tidy. She was thankful that her son was a neat person, and so she or their maids didn't have to always clean up after him.
But, instead of finding her son on his computer, or having his nose deep in a book, she found him snoozing away on his bed.
She was, at first, surprised, before giving a soft smile.
'He must have stayed up last night again?' she sighed. 'He's so much like his father sometimes, but I wouldn't ask for it any other way.'
She approached the boy and looked down at his prone form. Aaron always acted so mature and so smart whenever he was awake, but when he was asleep, his true age showed.
It was honestly an adorable sight seeing him like this.
She missed the old days when he would sometimes climb into her and Kaito's bed, either wanting their company or if he had a nightmare and wanted them to make the bad dreams go away. Or when him and his sisters were around and the penthouse was full of life, joy, and laughter.
But time changes things, and she accepts that, but sometimes misses it when times were simple and clean.
'Even still, he will always be my baby boy I love so much.' she leaned down and gave him a peck on the forehead. "Sleep tight my little star." she stood back up and made her way out of the room, closing the door gently behind her.
And once more, the room was silent.
Dreamscape
Aaron once again found himself in a familiar field of flowers, an eternal stary sky sitting above him.
"Welcome back Aaron." the boy turned to see Jeanne standing behind him, only this time, she wasn't alone.
Right besides her was a man recessed in black armor with purple accessories added into the mix, silvery-white hair and golden brown eyes. He wore a calm and neutral expression on his face.
Aaron approached the new person and knew who he was instantly.
"So, this is how you normally look Galaha." the man nods.
"Indeed. I've already acquainted myself with Ruler, now, it's time I get to know my holder." Aaron nods in agreement. He did this before with Jeanne, he'll do it again with all his other Spirits.
"Alright, we better take a seat, we're going to be here a short while." the trio sat down on the grassy floor and began to exchange stories with one another.
The world, meanwhile, was still reeling at the event that transpired in New York City involving the young Hero Shirogane and his new transformation as well as the new hero he defeated.
The sight of Shirogane's nine crystal tails were already trendy online and the entire spectacle itself was becoming the supposed 'eighth' wonder of the world!
The world was also in shock upon hearing his enemy was a famed Knight of the Round Table, a time far back to the age in which King Arthur ruled, and the prospect of King Arthur being real, and potentially had people wondering if one of the Cards Shirogane is after was the King of Knights themselves?
But, certain individuals, however, saw this as a threat to them, and wondered how they could counter such a force.
Batcave
Bruce Wayne, or sometimes known to the world as the Dark Knight of Gotham, Batman, watched the scene over and over again on his computer monitor, a calculating look in his eyes.
Shirogane had grown faster than any sidekick or hero has in his short amount of time being active, and the situation surrounding the entire ordeal was off. He had seen from recordings how his first appearance he was clumsy and such, but everything after that, he began handling with skill and ease.
It also didn't help that the Dark Knight didn't even know his secret identity either, so he had no way of contacting the boy or knowing his current whereabouts.
His prime focus, however, was the boy's new transformation.
He'll admit, it really is a sight to behold, prehensile tails made of pure crystals with the starry heavens in their depths. And his wands appearance was met with similar appeal as the boy's tails.
But the energy output they produced was astonishing.
To think, such a small human body having the potential to hold so much energy inside of it. It shouldn't be possibly, but then again he had seen the impossible, and knew such a thing could happen. But now led to his current problem.
What to do if he went rogue?
Obviously the Wand was the source of his powers, but if by chance he could grow out of using it and then what could they do? He could transform into his Class Cards and take others down with the utmost of ease, and seeing how they were magical in nature, even Superman would be susceptible to their power.
Tedious indeed...
"Hey Batman," a young voice spoke from behind him. "Whatcha lookin at?" Batman glanced to see his protege, Robin, the Boy Wonder. The thirteen year old looks up at the screen and blinks upon seeing the scene on replay. "You're looking at Shirogane's transformation?"
The Dark Knight nods. "Affirmative, the League has been keeping watch of him for the past few months now, recording his growth and seeing what he's capable of." Robin nodded before he turned his attention back to the screen and looked at the younger male.
In all honesty, he's both jealous of him, yet highly interested in the boy. Jealous because he has super cool powers a person would have in Anime and stuff, and the fact he was his own hero over a city such as New York City of all places. Interest, well, that was pretty much everything else, his looks, his will, and his mysteriousness he wants to find out more of.
He wants to meet Shirogane more than anything really.
Batman, not even looking at him, already knew what he was thinking. "I'm seeing him next week if you're interested in tagging along." Robin's expression lit up.
"Really!?" he stopped and gave a cough, returning to a serious expression. "Yeah, that sounds good." Batman nods, a small, unnoticeable smile appearing on his face.
"But, as of now, there seems to be nothing major going on other than Shirogane's newest appearance." the Boy Wonder nods.
"Arlight, I'm gonna do some more training." Robin left the Dark Knight on his lonesome.
Bruce was glad he took Richards in those years ago. He reminded him of himself at that age, having his parents taken from him right before his very eyes and wanted revenge on the man who did it. The man was brought to justice and Robin was born soon after.
Maybe a friendship between Robin and Shirogane was the thing he needed to be sure if the boy hero could be one he can partially trust like Robin.
With a silent sigh, he resumed his work, for crime never rests in Gotham City.
?
"Why can't I go see him Sirzechs-chan!" a voice cried out.
The person she was conversing with gave a sigh. "Because Serafall, we know next to nothing of what he's capable of or if he will be a threat do Devils as a whole."
The now identified Serafall gave a pout. "But he's a Magical Boy! Having him on my Peerage and show, which will boost the ratings of it!" she then gave a large grin. "And the fact that he's so cute is an added bonus!"
Sirzechs Lucifer gave a sigh, running a hand through his crimson red hair in slight annoyance at his comrade. Honestly, sometimes there was just no getting through to her, and even then if he did it would only hold Serafall off for a while before she goes and does it anyways.
Serafall, meanwhile, was plotting how to attain the Magical boy into her peerage as her newest [Queen]. She, first, has to find out what his other identity is, then, appear in his home when he's alone. After that, possibly bribe him with all sorts of things, or ask whatever he wants granted to his heart's content.
Oh, she couldn't wait to have him by her side!
However, she was pulled from her plotting by another one of their friends/partners. "Serafall, Sirzechs makes a valid point." the girl turned her violet eyes towards the speaker, a blonde haired, blue eyed, handsome fellow who was giving her a slight look of disapproval.
"Shut it Ajuka! Us fighters of Love and Justice must stick together!" The current Beeleezbub gave a sigh.
"We might as well give up." the last member of their group said, a bald man with a goatee known as Falbium Asmodeus, drawled out, head resting on his arms lazily. "She's hell bent on getting the kid to join her, and when she sets her mind on something, she's bound to make it happen by all means."
The other two frowned, knowing he was right in that regard.
The four Satans were having a regular meeting, before it took a turn and Serafall went on to how she was going to get Shirogane as part of her Peerage.
"But, speaking of Shirogane, we've received word he has attained the spirit of a Knight of the Round Table, Galahad." Ajuka began. "Then followed by a power up transformation that is said to radiate magic."
A screen appeared and the group watched the entire battle, from the beginning where Shirogane made his declaration, much to Serafall's complete joy, to his transformation, their battle of will power, all the way to the end where he purified Galahad's spirit and his card joined his deck.
Once it ended the entire room was silent…
"That's it! I must have him!" Serafall proclaimed, eyes shining. No doubt in her mind now, Shirogane was a true magical boy, and she must have him at her side so they can save the world from the forces of hatred and evil!
Sirzechs, however, put his foot down "Absolutely not! We must handle this with care otherwise we'll make a great enemy of the Underworld!"
The current Lucifer and Leviathan exchanged looks, neither wanting to back down from their ideals, one wanting Shirogane to join them, while the others didn't want a Supernatural incident to occur because of Serafall's plan.
However, Ajuka had enough of their bickering. "Will you two sit down, we have to look at the larger picture before we do anything to hasty!" the two stoped their stare down and both sat down. "Now, this new development will lead to more things than we realise."
Falbium turned his head and looked at the Super Devil, an eyebrow raised. "What do you mean by that exactly?"
Ajuka sighed. "He has the powers and souls of the Holy Maiden of Orleans as well as a Knight of the Round Table. And with his sudden power show, it won't be long before other Devil's catch wind of it and soon the entire Underworld will be gunning to get Shirogane in their Peerages."
The others were silent as it dawned upon them how right he was.
"And the added fact the two heroes he has are prevalent in the Church, Heaven and the Vatican will also act soon enough to sway him to their side. I don't think Heaven will have him outright join them, more like an alliance or having a mutual understanding, but it's the Vatican Church that has me worried, they'll do anything, even going to extremes to get the boy in their grasps."
A grave looked passed over each and everyone one of their faces at the prospect of such a powerful individual becoming their greatest adversary, knowingly or unknowingly so.
With a sigh, Sirzechs stood up. "Then till we can get a proper handle on the situation revolving around Shirogane, I'm placing an immediate mandate, until further notice, Devils are prohibited from entering New York, and Shirogane is prohibited to all Devils from joining their peerage."
Sinclair-Hoshi Penthouse
Aaron gave a yawn as he sat up on his bed.
'Man that was a good nap.' he thought. He stood up and gave a great stretch, cracking more than a few bones as he did so. He then was about to walk out of his room…
Till he caught sight of himself in his full body mirror.
Did his eyes always seem to look brighter…?
Realising something was wrong, he was in front of the reflective surface instantly. His grey eyes had a much brighter shade, looking almost silver in color, and his black hair seemed to have a more glimmering undertone to it. He opened his mouth and found his canines had elongated slightly as well.
And that's only what he found on him so far.
Diamond gave a yawn as he lazily floated over to his holder. "Ah, I feel much better, right Aaron...Aaron?" he looked at his wielder, but the moment he made eye contact the Kaleidostick fell into shock.
"Uh, Diamond?" the boy looked at his partner. "I think something's off about me."
Diamond gave a hum, "Your appearance hasn't changed fully, but this aura I'm feeling…" the stick flew around Aaron, and after one more check, his suspicions were confirmed. "I knew it, you're developing a magical core alongside your magical circuits!"
"Say what!?" the boy exclaimed. "How the heck did that happen?" Diamond gave a sigh, and it was a moment later that Aaron realised how it happened. "When we harmonized…?"
Diamond nodded. "Indeed. When we became one, your power began to mutate into something more. Remember what the old man told you should you over use my power?"
"But be warned dear lad, Diamond is a special wand unlike his siblings, and over using him will result in unseen consequences that'll take away your humanity, or in worse case scenario...you're very life."
Aaron nods. How could he forget such an ominous phrase given to him by such a guy like Zelretch? "Yeah. I'd either die or lose my humanity."
"Correct. But, it seems like luck is with you. You're nowhere near close to dying, but…" Aaron didn't like where Diamond was going with this.
"But what?"
The Kaleidostick gave a sigh. "Aaron, while you Magic Core is growing day by day, it won't necessarily harm you, but should we harmonize 9 more times...you will lose your humanity."