[Part 10]

Farewell
- - -

The two finally meet after their last encounter, Ryuuji, the man that pursuit and Natsumi, the woman that he was looking for. Ryuuji quickly noticed the body that Natsumi was holding, trying his best to ignore it. Wondering why the female had half a face mask, only to realizing that the mask remembered the student Delthea.

"So... this is what you been looking for, huh?" Ryuuji questioned.

Natsumi showed a smile on her face, widening little by little, as a softly giggle left her mouth.

"Why... yes. This woman... she is my everything, Shizuka-Chan is finally mines as of today.~" Natsumi replied, whole she got up, carrying the body in both arms. "If you are here to stop me, it's too late... the academy is now in ruins. All because you guys got careless."

Ryuuji bit his lip, trying to maintain himself. Wanting to control the situation, now that he has the culprit in front of him.

"Capturing you is my main objective." Ryuuji stated, taking a step forwards as she took a step back, "You stolen countless lives. You severed family ties. All because of her! What makes her important?! Was it truly worth separating your moral compass!?"

Natsumi began to laugh, at the fact that he believed in the moral compass. Turning her back at him, she slowly walks away with Shizuka in her arms. Taking a look around as the Elite Guard finally showed, glaring down at the two. Natsumi held Shizuka's body closely, while Ryuuji raised his arm. Reacting towards the signal, they guard drawn out their weapons if choice, all blades were pointed directly at Natsumi. Showing intent to kill on sight.

"Oh? We aren't going to settle this with a duel, Ryuuji?~" Natsumi asked nicely, tilting her head to the side with a gentle smile on her face.

"Duel Monsters aren't the deterrent towards the laws. You will be executed like the savage you are." Ryuuji stated, glaring down at Natsumi with a cold expression.

They all watched as she put the body down along with the duel-disk in a slow and gentle manner. Turning towards Ryuuji, walking slowly until she instantly dashed towards him. Taking a leap and within moments, she swiped her leg towards Ryuuji. Luckily, he reacted quickly. Blocking the attack with both arms, but received damages on them. Afterwards, the Elite Guard rushed to aid Ryuuji until the duel-disk activated which resulted into summon Frightfur Leo. Looking behind them, the stuff lion with hacksaw and blades was staring down at the group. Letting out a powerful roar that drove chills down their spines, in their minds they know the beast cannot be allow to go into rampancy.

"GO! I GOT HER!" Ryuuji ordered.

By his command, they acknowledged his decision and redirected their attentions towards Leo. Rushing towards the untamed monster hoping to put it down like the animal it portrays to be. Natsumi withdrew, landing on all fours, rushing towards Ryuuji once more. Punching his stomach, not giving him any reaction time to set up a defense.

"You truly are stupid! You know that, Ryuuji!" Natsumi yelled out, pushing back Ryuuji by a few meters. "That is why Seijuro ended in this state! Look around! Not a single soul was saved. You failed, not only as a student. But as a leader of the Elite Guard."

She was right, Ryuuji took a moment to look around his surroundings. Flames were scorching the area, everything that was cheerful was now turned into dread and despair. The smiles of people are now empty expressions, with scattered remains of human part and blood.

"Now then... how can you honestly rebuild this!? Huh!?" Natsumi asked him, quickly appearing in front of him. Punching his face, delivering another, and another. "C'mon! Show me! Show me! I said show me damnit! SHOW ME TRUE JUSTICE!"

Her punches got more and more brutal after every contact. Showing signs of bruising due to the physical assault, unable to respond. His mind was clouded by her words, not giving him a fighting chance.

While the struggle of the two continued on, the Elite Guard finally engaged Frightfur Leo. With orders of lethal extermination, a group of highly trained students. Serving the purpose of order, only set out to cease mayhem and chaos when needed. One of the guards leaped over the monster, using a dual-wielding katanas. In hopes to cut off its arms, but failed to realize that Leo opened it's mouth. Within seconds, half of the guard's body was in Leo's mouth, without hesitation, bite him in half. Blood gushes all over the mouth as the lower half of the body landed on the ground. Munching on the top part, showing signs of distraction, the others didn't let the opportunity slide. Three more guard swooped down, ready to behead the beast until at the last seconds, hacksaws were revving up. Afterwards, hacksaw blades were launched out of it body, slicing the three in half. Bodies fallen on the ground like flies, as Leo let out another battle cry. Showing what it means to survive in battle. Within the first minute, only four guards were killed out of eight.

"Why... why... why is this happening!?" Yelled out one of the guards, dropping his weapons, and fled the battlefield. "This isn't worth my lif-!"

Before he finished his sentence, Leo jumped over to the fleeing guard. Unaware of its actions, Leo bit off one of his arms, instantly collapsing on the floor, scream in agony. Munching on the arms slowly, Leo decided to step on the guard with full force, causing a splatter of blood. His screams were annoying the beast, looking over at the remaining three guards, laughing at them. For their countless amount of failed attempts to behead the beast. Finally deciding to avoid any further interruptions, it launched another wave of hacksaws towards the trio, only able to finish off two of them. The final moment, the last guard jumped in the air, throwing a kunai at the beast eye. Unfazed by it, until an explosion happened. Chipping part of it's face off, screaming from the sudden changes, berserks like the animal it truly is.

"That should work for now..." said the final guard, rushing over to aid Ryuuji in close quarters. "RYUUJI!"

"Wait! Fafi, don't!" Ryuuji yelled out, not realizing help was on the way.

"You fool." Natsumi stated, grabbing hold of Fafi's neck when she was in close range attempting to choke her. Putting the female in front of Ryuuji, smiling at the situation. "You truly believe I wouldn't be prepared, you truly are a fool..."

"Let her go!" Ryuuji demanded, moving closer towards Natsumi, which causes her to squeeze Fafi's neck even more. "STOP IT!"

"Why? She brought this in herself, besides..." Natsumi said, looking over to Fafi. Watching her golden eyes, finding them to be beautiful for a girl her age. "Never mind... you just reminded me of someone. No matter... you won't live long enough to know that answer."

"Your words... mean nothing... to me!" Fafi clarifies, struggling to speak, saliva was trailing down her mouth. "Ryuuji... don't blame... yourself..."

Smiling at him for one last time, Fafi was prepared to die by Natsumi's hands. Squeezing her grip tighter, causing Fafi's breathing difficult, looking like her eyes would pop out any given moment. Every time Ryuuji would move in attempt to save her, the more brutal her upcoming death would be. Natsumi did nothing but smile the whole time, showing that her sanity was long gone. Tears were trailing down Ryuuji's cheek, not only he lost his entire vanguard, but now the only person he called his friend was at the verge of death row.

"Please..." Ryuuji begged, collapsing on his knees, in tears, hoping that Natsumi would at least spare Fafi. "Please... I beg you... DON'T KILL MY FRIEND!"

From his call, something finally happened, two crashes landed next to Natsumi. Easing up on Fafi for the mean time, after the smoke finally cleared up, to cloaked figures took stage, and glared over at Natsumi.

"Honoka... Daisuke...?" Natsumi said, stating their names in a casual matter. "What are you guys doing here? I thought you guys left."

"Things have changed, Natsumi. We came to pick you up, I am pretty sure the Elite Guar-" Honoka explained, looking over and noticing the girl that Natsumi was holding was part of the Elite Guard. "Oh? Looks like... you took care of that yourself."

"Seriously Honoka there is nothing to worry about, this girl is the sole-survivor of them." Natsumi said, smiling at Fafi, "If I may? I prefer to finish off what my lovely Leo started."

"Natsumi, we don't have time for your childish banter. We need to go, now!" Honoka demanded.

Natsumi looked over Honoka, releasing Fafi from her gasp and walked over to Shizuka. Looking down at Shizuka, keeping her eyes locked onto her beauty. Slowly Natsumi was getting on her knees, placing her hand over Shizuka's cheek, showing a gentle smile.

"Time to go home, Shizuka-Chan." Natsumi said, lifting Shizuka's body with both arms. "You will love it there. I promise."

The two walked up behind her, looking over at the corpse Natsumi was talking too. As Honoka nodded at Daisuke, moving directly behind her awaiting for the signal.

"You know she can't come with us." Honoka stated, snapping her fingers. "But however... you on the other hand..."

At that moment, Natsumi felt a sudden surge of pain through her chest. Looking down, noticing that Daisuke's arm pieced through like it was nothing. Causing Natsumi to collapse on her knees, letting go of Shizuka, and looked over Honoka, showing a surprised expression.

"You delayed the mission, you disobeyed our orders, and more importantly, you kept us in the dark after you finished your part." Honoka said, watching over Natsumi with her cold eyes. "This will be your punishment, the girl stays behind. But you will come with us, you have no to blame but yourself for this."

Afterwards, Daisuke carried Natsumi in his arms, passed out from the sudden attack. As Leo stood it's ground, looking over the trio, Honoka gave it a look.

"I am sorry, but trust me. Your master will be alright." Honoka clarified, watched as the monster disappeared into thin air. Afterwards, she directed her attentions towards Fafi and Ryuuji, "You can consider this as a victory, but seeing how everything collapsed. I am pretty happy with the results."

"V-Victory!? How can you say that!? Lives were taken today!" Ryuuji yelled out, he ran reckless towards the two, "You bastards ruined many lives and countless families"

Hoping to land a punch at Honoka, only standing still until Daisuke intervened and knocked Ryuuji off with one punch at the face. His body crashed down onto the ground, Daisuke did not hesitate to stomp on his back, causing him to scream in pain from the overwhelming pressure.

"RYUUJI!" Fafi called out, too scared to move her legs due to their situation. "How... how can you guys be so calm after countless deaths of the innocent were made today!?"

Daisuke removed his foot, as the two turned their backs at them. Walking away into the flames, without saying a words until Honoka stopped, turning her head to the side. Looking over to see Fafi, the expression on her face, which was fear.

"Even if I were to tell you, the answer wouldn't be something you liked." Honoka said, with those being her final words, the two disappeared into flames, escaping from Seijuro Academy.

It didn't take long for the fire department to reach Seijuro, calming down the wildfires. While the medical core arrived tending to the wounded, and moving the corpses out of the area. Everything was a mess and all happened too fast in less than a hour. No one knew what could od been done to prevent the disaster, the academy cannot keep it's students safe. Soon after the commotion settled down, Takashi and Yurika regrouped with Johan and Delthea. Along with twins, Siegfried and Yoshino. Without a moments delay, Yurika rushed over to Delthea, hugging her tightly with tears. Overjoyed with the reunion, causing Delthea to allow herself to be happy, crying as well in joy of being with them once again.

"Yurika... I'm so sorry...!" Delthea said, trying to calm down, "I just wished... things didn't go this way..."

"It's fine Delthea..." Yurika replied, stroking her hair slowly, putting her mind at ease. "We're all safe now..."

"Where is Shizuka...? I want to apologize to her..." Delthea ask, looking around for her.

Noticing the two looked away, with a grim expressions. Delthea didn't know what to say, but she decided to stay quiet as the group finally left Seijuro to the hospital. Being told that is where their friend is placed in, it didn't take long to reach the designated area. They all checked in, asking for Shizuka's room, after a few minutes of walking around. They finally found her all bandaged up and in bed rest. The four were around her, looking at the heart monitor. Silence is what remains.

"Guys." Takashi said, breaking the silence, "I am sure she will be alright. The doctor said... she needs bed rest, but they do not know when she will wake up."

The others let out a smile for a brief second, until it turned to frowns until the second half of the news. Delthea walked to the side of the bed, placing her hand over Shizuka's. Sighing, as she looked over.

"Hey..." Delthea said, tears rolled down her cheeks and hitting Shizuka's face. "I know we got off the wrong foot. We may never seen eye to eye, but I... I always did find you entertaining... despite you being a amateur..."

With that, Delthea took a step back as Takashi stepped in.

"Shizuka. You may have been an oddball and a shy person." Takashi stated, smiling down at her. "But no matter what, you cared for others more than anyone I ever knew."

"Shi-Chi, you had a good heart. A great personality. And you valued everyone more than yourself." Yurika compliment, as her voice started to crack, "I was so happy to be friends with you. I honestly... I... I honestly believed it was going to spend another year of isolation from the world... thank you... for breaking down my walls and reached out for me... I will... no... we will never forget you!"

Silence returned to the scene, until a nurse came by and whispered to Johan's ear.

"Guys. It's getting late, visiting hours are over. We can come back tomorrow." Johan stated, getting his stuff along with Delthea's. "I am taking you home myself for now on okay, Dell?"

Delthea didn't say anything but nod, showing a gentle smile on her face. Knowing that she isn't alone anymore, the two left first.

"Yurika, let's go. Shizuka will wake up someday, for now... we should let her rest. She overcome an obstacle that was out of our control." Takashi mentioned, taking hold of Yurika's hand and left with her.

"Goodbye... Shi-Chi..." Yurika said, looking back one last time before she head out the door.

At the main lobby, Siegfried and Yoshino were carrying food to take home. After their visit and examination for the encounter they had a while ago.. Yoshino notices Johan and Delthea leaving the lobby, smiling happily.

"For an idiot, he has a good heart." Siegfried compliments, taking a bite of bread.

"... tThat is awfully nice of you to say brother." Yoshino said, holding his hand as usual, "Guess... today was very... scary."

Siegfried nodded, taking a firm grip on her hand. Not wanting to let go after what happened today, leaving the hospital after Johan and Delthea. Lastly, Takashi and Yurika took their leave, she coughed signaling Takashi while maintaining her blush.

"Taka... you can let go now..." Yurika mentioned.

"Huh? Oh right! I am sorry Yurika!" Takashi said, laughing nervously hoping to avoid getting hit.

"No... it's fine, kinda helped me in a way, ya know." Yurika replied, leaning against him, blushing lightly as her mood slightly lifted. Showing a sweet smile at him, "Just a little longer, that is all I need..."

"R-Right..." Takashi stuttered, not knowing how he got himself in this situation. Not going to question it, but instead live in the moment. "Let's go home, Yurika."

The moonlight strikes down on the neighborhood, lightening the path for all. With a small delay for the street lights to turn on, the night finally seem calm for once. Trailing back to Shizuka's room, her face showing a smile.

Shizuka's Dream

... Where am I? Is that a park in front of me? If so... where are all the people? Oh, well it doesn't matter anymore. The sun feels nice today and the park bench feels cozy for once. Today... Today feels nice, like all my troubles went away. Wait...

Troubles...

That's right, I was protecting my friends from Natsumi. Did I win? Maybe I should get up and check, but I do feel tired. Too tired to even think. Maybe... just maybe... I could take a little nap before I take my leave. Yeah... That'll work.

'Shizuka.'

Hmm? Someone is calling my name.

'Shizuka.'

It's probably Yurika looking for me, probably Takashi tagging along as well. That numbskulls usually going out looking for adventure. While Yurika keeps him at bay, aha! However... Those two make a cute couple.

Makes me wonder... Will I ever find something that special to call my own?

'Shizuka.'

Hmm? I hear another voice... Delthea? It has to be her! Maybe... We could finally be friends! I hope so! I waited so long... So long, I will do my best to get along with her. Maybe Johan will be snarky with her like he usually does. He always teases her, like siblings of course...

'Shizuka.'

I am over here guys, just let me rest and then... We can go out once more... to the Cherry-Blossom Festival. I can't wait...

I should hurry up and nap, so I can have energy for later...

I want to spend more time with them soon...

End of the Sakura Arc...