Chapter 3: The Turquoise Fields
Opening 3: Casey Edwards - Bury the Light
Shadow was asleep. Mary was left awake, letting her to ponder of her recent events. From her first encounter with Shadow, to the surprising revelation from the library, she couldn't fully focus on her thoughts till now. It was a thrill to her in solving a mystery.
'I never thought I would meet someone from the distant past. He looked lost and almost hopeless. I'm glad I was able to help him, but his aura feels strangely familiar to me. It's just like how I use my archery…' She thought.
She soon went to a nearby mirror. A small light bulb was shown shining. It didn't stir Shadow from his sleep, but it allowed a clear visage for Mary to see. Her fingers glided around her face, feeling a strange sense of nostalgia. She soon saw a visage of her mother, albeit faintly, from the mirror. It was a blonde haired woman, with long ears and bright blue eyes. Her form was wearing a baggy cloak that covered her body. The cloak also had the hood on, mostly obscuring her head.
'I promised myself that I would help find the answers. My mother wanted me to search for her lover… She was always crying, but she never gave up hope, even after I was born. Even though I never met him, it was he whom made me continue living.' Mary thought.
She soon looked to Shadow's sleeping form. It was as though she couldn't get rid of the feeling that was enveloping her. It didn't feel foreign, but strangely familiar.
'My mother often talked about her lost lover, whom was my father… I wanted to find out more about him. This is why I left my home to go out in an adventure.' Mary mentally concluded.
Soon feeling a wave of drowsiness, Mary went to a nearby bed and fell asleep. Before she lost her consciousness in a dream, she looked at Shadow's sleeping form before falling asleep herself.
######
The next morning, the sun was shining bright. Birds were chirping loudly, despite the land masses floating in the sky. The bustling town of Neo Europa soon became active as though the once silent place at night became lively with no proof of the quiet tone. Shadow and Mary were waking up from their nightly sleep, yawning.
"Good morning." Shadow said, rubbing his eyes to get the sleep off.
Mary also woke up, albeit groggily. Her hair didn't had any issues as she slept. Unfortunately for Shadow, his hair looked mostly the same, but he had several cowlick spikes, making him look disheveled. Upon seeing Shadow's current hairstyle, she giggled in response.
"What is it?" Shadow asked, confused.
"You should see from a mirror." Mary responded.
######
Shadow soon went to the bathroom to discover his hair looking disheveled. Having a nervous chuckle, he soon applied water to fix his hair. Having realized he found a nearby bathtub, the Gandálfr decided to take a bath.
"Mary, I'll be using the bathroom to wash myself up. I'm sorry in advance." Shadow apologized.
"Don't worry, Shadow. It's okay." Mary said, smiling.
Shadow shrugged his shoulders before taking his clothes off, placing them on a nearby basket and entering the bathtub. He could see the technology was just like his former home back in Mobius. Twisting the water knobs, the shower cap soon sprayed water at a lukewarm temperature.
"Phew… That's nice…" He commented comfortably.
Feeling the sensation from the water splashing his body, Shadow soon got a bar of soap to wash himself. The smell was a rich vanilla scent, making it a decent wash in his opinion.
######
Mary waited as she heard Shadow showering. She still remembered how his hair looked when he woke up.
'He does remind me of how much my mother talked about her lover. Is that really him? I hardly know of Shadow, yet it's that same feeling of remembering something close.' She thought.
She soon brought her bag next to her to pick out a transparent container. It wasn't glass, due to the luster being dull, but it looked stronger. Inside, a familiar plant was shown glowing brightly with a ruby red color.
'My mother gave me this plant, hoping one day we can meet. Though my father disappeared before I was born, I wanted to at least find if he's out there.' She thought, clinging on to the container.
######
Shadow soon finished bathing. He was wiping his body with a towel to dry himself off. Hien sounded amused, knowing Shadow would've used his elemental powers.
"Why did you end up using a bath instead of using your elemental powers?" Hien asked amusingly.
Shadow gave a small chuckle in response. He soon began speaking to the flame spirit.
"It's a way of life, Hien. Yes I do possess powers beyond what people could do back in the past or even today. However, I rather not let myself be some kind of 'omnipotent' thinking person. Yes, I have the power, but why not understand the people around us when I can walk among them?" Shadow explained with wisdom.
The flame spirit chuckled, knowing Shadow has more understanding of living with people than himself.
"I'll have to admit, that soap does make the scent better." Hien commented.
"You're telling me that." Shadow joked.
######
After drying himself, Shadow got his clothes from a nearby basket and put them on. He soon vacated the washroom. Mary was waiting for him.
"Do you need a bath as well, Mary?" Shadow asked curiously.
"Of course. Wait here for a moment so I can bathe. After that, we can head out to a diner to eat before setting off." Mary said.
Shadow nodded in response. Mary left her bow behind for Shadow to watch. This left him and Hien to wait patiently.
"You know, Shadow… Something about that elf girl feels strangely familiar. Yet, it doesn't seem as such." The flame spirit spoke.
"It's rather unusual as to how I can feel a sense of nostalgia. Yet, this is what's driving me forward." Shadow said, procuring the glass container within his bag which held a familiar yellow flower that shined.
Looking at the flower filled Shadow's mind with determination. This indicated that Tiffania was still okay to him. It made his yearning to return to her stronger.
'Wait for me, Tiffania. My battle with Mephiles is not yet done.' He thought.
About half an hour had past. Shadow soon heard the bathroom door open. He placed the glass container within his bag. He didn't want Mary to notice the flower he held as of yet.
"I'm done, Shadow. Ready to get a bite and go for the place in question?" Mary asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Shadow responded.
######
Shadow and Mary soon exited the inn. They were ready to head to the Turquoise Fields, but decided to get a quick bite from the local diner. Shadow had some croquettes with a cup of coffee while Mary was eating a creamy soup. A cool breeze fluttered across the town as they are.
"You know, Shadow… It's starting to feel strange today." Mary said off-handed.
"What do you mean?" Shadow questioned.
"It's as though I'm hit with a sense of nostalgia. Whenever I'm near you, it's as though a part of me is resonating from within." Mary explained.
"That does sound coincidental. I'm getting the same feeling from you." Shadow confirmed.
Mary was surprised of what Shadow said. He soon began to explain his part.
"I've noticed you have super speed, like I do. I don't know that many people from my timeline that can move as fast as the speed of sound." Shadow remarked.
"Really? I was always born with that ability." Mary replied.
"Also, I've never seen an elf like you before. Sure I heard of different elves, but nothing of the legends that depict of them describe what you are." Shadow noted.
"That's because I'm not a full blooded elf. My mother was also the same thing." Mary replied.
"In what way was your mother like? You mentioned she wasn't a full blooded elf." Shadow pondered.
"My mother was half-human and half-elf. Despite this, she inherited most of her elven traits from her mother. I ended up with how I look because of my mother's blood and my father's blood." Mary explained.
Shadow stood quietly, listening to Mary's explanation. Though his posture didn't show any hints, he was surprised internally. This made him realize she was a descendant from his bloodline.
"Is there anything I should know from your current circumstances?" Shadow asked.
"Yes… Seeing that you were truthful, I'll tell you this. All elves, even my kind, have been hunted. Neo Europa and much of Mistral have declared it an act of barbarism, but it never subsided. Even now, mobs would go hunt for them." Mary answered.
Shadow growled silently. Mary noticed his posture looking aggressive, not knowing she did more than just anger him.
"Have they…hurt you in any way?" Shadow reluctantly asked.
"They've given me this strange name… I'm called 'Dark Elf' due to my dark hair and red marks. Even then, I'm called an abomination due to my human and elf lineage." Mary somberly remarked.
A raging storm of anger flooded Shadow's mind, wanting to tear apart the people responsible. Knowing he would cause more problems if he lashed out, he exhaled, breathing a small stream of fire in response.
"Remind me to make sure none of these mobs get close to you." Shadow warned.
Mary nodded, seeing Shadow looking angry of hearing what happened to the elves and herself. This became a somewhat comforting feeling to the elven girl.
"Let's get ourselves a meal so we can erode this negativity." Mary suggested.
Shadow kept his guard up, but agreed to have breakfast.
######
(Play Wild ARMS 3 OST - Our Memories are Just Beginning)
Shadow and Maria went to a nearby cafe to eat breakfast. Shadow had a few coffee beans with a waffle laced with maple syrup. Mary had a pancake with butter and syrup. Both had glasses of water.
"Funny. You're having a waffle while I'm having a pancake." Mary mused.
Shadow chuckled, savoring his meal. He ate calmly without making a mess.
"Everyone has different tastes, yet some can be similar." Shadow spoke in a mysterious manner.
"Wisdom?" Mary questioned.
"You could say that. Life has been ever changing so it doesn't hurt to know of the world around you. Helps in providing wisdom." Shadow replied.
"I can vouch for that. Here's to an adventure of a life time." Mary said, raising her glass of water.
Shadow followed as they both had their cups clang with a satisfying sound. Both had their meals in peace till a rude, male customer decided to ruin the atmosphere.
"Hoh? I never seen you before and are you eating with that monstrosity of an elf?" The man asked.
The man wasn't alone. He had two lackeys that sported muscular physiques. They were wearing tapered vests of different colors, which showed the scars on their bodies. Their pants appeared to be somewhat dirtied, along with their shoes. The men were all fair skinned with blonde, brown, and dark hair.
'They're looking for trouble to come to them. Best to ignore unless they want to get physical.' Shadow thought.
(Our Memories are Just Beginning OST ends here)
Mary and Shadow remained silent, opting to continue eating their meal. Soon, the man whom questioned them slapped Shadow's meal away before he could finish it. This roused him, holding the man from his throat with his left arm alone.
"Do you have a problem with me or my companion…?" He asked in a cold tone.
The strength from Shadow's grip was choking the man. He struggled as his breath was giving away. The henchmen watched with stunned silence as their leader struggled to remove himself from the death grip, but to no avail. Shadow hardly looked fazed from the attempts.
"Let it be known that you and whomever share your ideology will perish in a gruesome fashion, should you attempt to go after me, my companion, or any elf. You were warned." Shadow spoke.
The icy tone was a clear indication for murder. The men could only watch as Shadow hurled the leader on the ground, causing him to bounce like a ball. An audible crack was heard from the right arm of the leader. The henchmen, not wanting to suffer the same thing, fled with their tails behind them, carrying the leader whom groaned.
"Misfits like them only cause problems in the later run. At least there wasn't collateral damage done." Shadow mused.
The waitress of the cafe saw the ordeal and felt ashamed for not helping. She, with guilt, walked to Shadow.
"I apologize for what happened. That man, Gambo, was often causing trouble to newcomers and the elven folk. Despite local authorities trying to arrest him, he claims his actions were in self-defense." The waitress explained.
"So this guy is elusive like the snake he is." Shadow noted.
"Yes. I hope this doesn't happen to every newcomer in Neo Europa." The waitress spoke.
"It's not an issue. It was beyond control from the start." Shadow reassured.
"Consider the meal on the house." The waitress offered.
"No thanks. I'm choosing to pay for the meal, including the damages." Shadow said.
"You don't have to be so humble." The waitress pleaded.
"Consider it an act of good will, plus the meal was good here." Shadow said.
"Thank you." The waitress spoke.
"You're welcome." Shadow replied.
######
(Play Wild ARMS 3 OST - Migratory Birds/Wandering Bird-Scoundrel)
Mary and Shadow were on their way to the Turquoise Fields, heading southwest outside of Neo Europa.
"So the areas are separated from these wind bridges but some places like this are lucky to have natural ones?" Shadow asked.
"Yes. It's the nature of this land." Mary replied with no hesitation.
The pair was crossing across a floating isthmus that connected Neo Europa to the Turquoise Fields. A magical barrier acted as a fence for those who walk across. The ever present wind billowed in gentle gusts.
'This is the future of Halkeginia… It still feels somber despite the bright nature.' Shadow thought.
The walk was quiet. No monsters were seen among the pathway. Shadow noticed how tranquil it was.
"This path appears to be quite peaceful. No monsters or anything." Shadow noted.
"This is due to the magical gates. The dark wind creatures won't bother us, even if they attempt to." Mary reassured.
Shadow nodded, though he didn't let his guard down.
(Migratory Birds/Wandering Bird-Scoundrel OST ends here)
######
(Play Sonic CD JP OST - Tidal Tempest Present)
After minutes of walking, Mary and Shadow arrived at their destination. The area was more akin to stone ruins with water flowing across in channels. Fields of grass and several trees were grown on the pavement. Despite the architecture appearing near Medieval, areas of advanced technology were seen in some sections uncovered from the stone. Despite the water washing at the exposed areas, magical runes were flashing, repairing possible damages from the elements. Overall, the Turquoise Fields was a mix of nature and technology in harmony, shown by the serene image it gives.
"So this is the Turquoise Fields…" Shadow noted.
"From what I can understand, years ago, before this place was built, research was conducted about high altitude use of water, including the effects. There were concerns of high altitude sickness when Mistrat was formed. That's when they discovered the windstones within the lands projected a field that prevents anyone from getting the sickness. This facility in question conducted research on water gathering from the clouds, even finding ways to boost one's health." Mary explained.
"An abandoned hydrology research facility? Now that is surprising." Shadow admitted.
The pair entered the premises without hesitation. Both marveled the area, despite looking dilapidated. Seeing that some of the passages were out of reach, Shadow attempted to leap across to land at bridge near the entrance, only to be repelled, by a magical force.
"What the?" Shadow questioned.
"Some kind of magical barrier seems to be erected. We won't get through that easily." Mary said.
"How can you believe that?" Shadow asked.
"I tried to punch through one, only to fall into a pond." Mary admitted.
"Fair point." Shadow commented.
Seeing there was no other way, Mary and Shadow made their way across an open path to their left. The path led inside one of the abandoned buildings. Water was channeled into what appeared to be tanks. Runes were shown shining in the water, making it glow a turquoise blue color.
"This appears to be some kind of water test and storage section." Shadow noted.
"How can you tell?" Mary asked.
"Those water tanks are constantly being filled, filtering the water from this place via the runes before flowing out. The water looks pristine, judging how those runes are still active." Shadow noted.
"Rune magic has become a norm for maintenance and other activities. Despite that, many mages today rely on old style magic like wands and staves. Few adopted how elves use magic." Mary added.
Shadow took a mental note of what he heard. Despite wanting to know more of the future of the world around him, he needed a lead to find a Chaos Emerald.
'If this is how the future becomes, I have to go back to my timeline to put an end to Mephiles.' He thought with determination.
######
The pair soon found themselves in a research room. Terminals of computers were running with magical runes providing power to keep the machines working.
"Looks like these terminals can still be interacted. Let's see what they reveal." Shadow commented.
Fragments of data files were shown in the terminal. Shadow recognized the technology, comparing it to the modern times smart touch technology. He touched the screen on one file to read the contents.
'This is just like those PDAs or smartphones that my former home was developing.' Shadow thought.
The file soon opened, but there was only data collected in research. Variables and advanced equations were shown. From what Shadow could understand, the file pertains to data collection.
"It seems this terminal has various files in the hydrology study. All these equations seem to refer to quality, changes of water through different temperatures, cleansing of water through magical runes, even development of water capable of healing flesh wounds." Shadow explained.
"The researchers were probably trying to find ways to utilize water in various ways, even developing healing treatments." Mary realized.
"Exactly… Not just magic, but with science together, they found near infinite possibilities in the usage of water." Shadow deduced.
"I never knew water could be used or changed in ways never thought possible." Mary said with surprise.
"I'm equally surprised as well. To think water can be manipulated in various ways outside of combat. Cleaning, medical, even quality of life, it's all there." Hien admitted.
"Hence why water is regarded as a valuable source for life to exist. Without its life giving properties, no one would be able to live in such harsh conditions." Shadow chuckled.
"Touché." Hien remarked.
Mary giggled in response. Splashing was soon heard, alerting her, Shadow and Hien to where it came from. They saw a webbed hand coming out of the water. From the water, a strange creature emerged. Its appearance was humanoid, but it had various accessory organs that give it a fish like appearance. Arms and legs had fin like projections. The head appeared to be shiny with scales that lined its whole body. Its eyes were red, with a gaze of a dead body.
"What the hell is this thing?" Shadow questioned.
"Mermanoids! These guys are territorial monsters. These creatures possess the same dark aura from the darkwind creatures." Mary spoke with a warning.
"Judging from their appearance, I surmise it may be due to Mephiles's doing. Whatever he did, these guys have to be put out of their misery. They must have been human at one point, but now…" Shadow paused in sympathy.
(Tidal Tempest JP Present OST stops)
(Play Combichrist - Gotta go!)
Shadow equipped Zenyōso, ready to fight it off. The mermanoid soon bellowed with a bloodcurdling screech. More showed up to join the fight.
"A scout!? We've wandered in their trap!" Shadow realized.
One of the mermanoids soon leaped to Mary, attempting to slash her. She moved out of the way, aiming her bow at the creature's head. She fired an arrow that pierced the skull, killing it.
'Looks like their scales are just cosmetic. It's possible to pierce their flesh with little to no resistance.' Shadow observed.
Not knowing how much of a difficulty to fight them off, Shadow shifted Zenyōso in its fire form. He performed a swift slash that managed to cleave one down via decapitation.
'Their flesh is almost rough to cut. Even my sword's fire form won't be much help. I need to sharpen the cuts or provide piercing power. Plus, these creatures live in water.' Shadow noted.
Realizing his sword's fire form would be little help, he switched to using wind elemental powers. Enhancing the cutting edge of the blade, Shadow performed swift cuts imbued with wind. Several wind blades were produced, cleaving through the mermanoids.
'I don't even want to know how these creatures came to be. If Mephiles was indeed the one responsible, he has a lot to pay for…' Shadow thought.
Having killed the monsters, a single thought soon plagued Shadow's mind. He was staring at the water.
'Could it be that the water may be the cause? Or something else?' He pondered.
Shadow used with his elemental powers to 'see' any abnormalities of the water. It was akin to using sonar based on elemental changes. Oddly enough, there was nothing wrong. The water was bright and pristine.
'The water is not the cause so that's good. That means they were definitely afflicted from Mephiles directly.' He thought.
Mary noticed Shadow thinking deeply. She was concerned for him due to the various encounters they've endured
'He has that far off state again… This being, Mephiles, sounds more like a person of torment or a demon. I wonder what he is doing now…' She thought, watching Shadow.
(Gotta go ends here)
(Resume Tidal Tempest JP Present)
Shadow could feel Mary staring at his form. He knew based on the fact he sensed her sight.
"You don't have to ponder on what I was thinking. It concerns of events from the past that created this future…" Shadow spoke.
"That's why you had a far off expression… It seems you have been wracked with guilt." Mary deduced.
"You're right. I'm guilty of not saving this world from a cataclysmic event that changed it forever. Moreover, I failed in preventing something that can be changed for the better." Shadow confirmed with a somber tone.
"Does it have to do with the decree of the elves?" Mary asked.
"Yes." Shadow answered.
Mary was now piecing it together. She could see a correlation of Shadow and her mother, yet she was unsure.
'I can't presume right away he is my father, let alone my mother's lost lover. If he is, he's been living in guilt.' Mary thought with concern.
Pushing the thought aside, Shadow and Mary continued their way through the Turquoise Fields. Several rooms had hidden mechanisms that required some puzzle solving. One room feature a strange magic crystal that was glowing blue before it soon turned red after being touched. A nearby passage opened when the crystal turned red. Another featured a strange blue switch that was like a floor pad. Once stepped on, it gave a bright glow before fading in red. This activated a hidden door that opened a new passage.
"This is definitely like an adventurer's time for dungeon crawling." Mary commented.
"Going through unknown places and finding treasure, if that is what you mean." Shadow noted.
Mary giggled, finding Shadow's company more tolerable than being alone. They continued their way through the place.
(Tidal Tempest Present JP OST ends here)
######
Shadow and Mary soon arrived at the end of the facility. A large tree was shown, glowing emerald green due to the sunlight and magically laced water that flowed. Though it appeared like a tranquil, natural area, there were several machines that transported water. Several runes were shown among the water transport pipes, filtering and purifying the water.
"The area looks so serene… It feels as though my mental fatigue and physical fatigue have been washed away." Mary commented.
Shadow could physically feel his body being rejuvenated from the presence of the area alone. He looked around and spotted several strange plants that were glowing in a white aura. They appeared with a white bulbous body with a pure white flower. Snow couldn't be compared to them, making it appear grey in contrast to the plants.
"What is this plant?" He asked.
"My word…! That's a Sanctified Plant!" Mary exclaimed.
"What is it that the people know of it?" Shadow questioned.
"This plant is known to be a powerful panacea to any known poison or condition that ails the body. It is said to purify any illnesses, curing those who have been afflicted." Mary explained with wonder.
"That truly sounds astounding. A plant capable of such an ability must be sought after." Shadow commented.
"It has been sought after since its discovery. There aren't many locations to regrow them, plant and all. Plus, the select few areas they thrive in make it difficult due to the darkwind monster infestations." Mary said.
"I see. That means expeditions to finding this plant sound risky." Shadow noted.
Near the Sanctified Plants, there was a large marble statue. Its height was over 100 feet. It depicted a female figure graced in a robe. Shadow could make out the elven feature of the statue thanks to the elongated ears. The statue had its hands in a holding position. Within it, a glimmer of hope for the Gandálfr.
"A Chaos Emerald! It's the Red Chaos Emerald!" Shadow exclaimed.
Wasting no time, he leapt to the statue's hands and grabbed the Chaos Emerald. Upon seeing the statue up close, he recognized what the figure was depicted. A wave of somber nostalgia came to him.
'Tiffania… Even if I'm lost in the future, you're still guiding me.' He thought with a somber smile.
Mary watched as Shadow went to the Chaos Emerald and looked at the statue with a downhearted smile. He soon teleported near her. Mary could see Shadow's eyes on the sclera were red, evidence he was shedding tears.
"We were lucky to find this." Shadow said, presenting the Chaos Emerald to Mary.
"So that's a Chaos Emerald. One of the seven that you told me of." She commented.
"Yes. However, if I plan to return to my timeline, I'll need to gather more. It seems that two alone won't be much help, even if someone invoked the Chaos Control." Shadow spoke.
"Why is that? Is it due to this world?" Mary questioned.
"Maybe. Anyway, we got one down and six more to find." Shadow replied.
######
Having found the item they needed, Shadow and Mary were about to leave the Turquoise Fields. Their way back was blocked by a group of humans led by a familiar man.
"You again. You haven't learned from our previous encounter." Shadow growled.
"I have no quarrel with you, but I am interested in your elf partner." Gambit said, holding his sword up.
Shadow noticed Gambo's arm was moving fine. He knew the man was hurled hard on the ground arm first.
"So you went to a medic to get that arm fixed up." Shadow deduced.
"You got that right. Cost me a fortune, but it was worth getting myself healed. Now step aside, I have business with that elf." Gambo spoke.
Shadow merely got his sword out. It shifted in its water form. Hien could sense his anger becoming a raging storm, waiting to open its flood gates.
"I suggest you and your friends get out of our way. Otherwise I won't be merciful compared from earlier." He warned.
Mary stood near Shadow as he kept her protected, something Gambo noticed.
"If you're intending to get in our way, then we will kill you too." He spoke.
"Very well then. Bring it." Shadow taunted.
Gambo and his men charged forward. Shadow stood still for a moment before whipping his sword out in a fast fashion. Water was channeled on the blade, creating a small extension. Two of Gambo's men stood still before getting sliced into bloody confetti.
"If you want to make this easy, go back and stop this hunting of the elves. Otherwise I will not hesitate to make your miserable lives cut short." Shadow warned.
"Take him down! We will deal with them both!" Gambo ordered.
"You were warned…" Shadow spoke in an angered tone.
He dashed forward, taking down the rest of Gambo's men. Swift slices were seen on their bodies. Soon, blood sprayed in a crimson fountain. Gambo watched with dread, seeing the blood soaked Shadow, making him look more menacing than he already is. Mary wasn't fairing any better. Though she was tolerant with Shadow, the sight of the massacre in front of her made the elven girl queasy. She stomached the thought, having dealt with elf hunters like Gambo.
'This is what I have to endure to survive… I know it won't be easy, but I have to fight them back.' Mary thought.
Shadow was now walking to Gambo in a threatening posture. The man could only fall to the floor in fear, having lost strength to his legs.
"What's the matter? You're the one who started this whole ordeal and now you don't intend to fight back?" Shadow questioned.
"Monster…!" Gambo spoke with fright.
"I gave you a warning and you refused to listen. The moment you pick a fight with me, it isn't over till one of us finishes it. Now perish." Shadow spoke.
Shadow aimed his sword at Gambo. A beam of water soon pierced the man's heart, killing him instantly. This didn't suit well for Shadow, having taken lives in such a cold tone, despite warning them prior.
'Those fools. If we encounter any of these people whom hunt elves, I won't be so willing to hesitate.' He thought.
Mary went to Shadow, wary he was still angered. Soon, she saw Shadow create of torrent of water that washed the blood off of him. It didn't make things easy as she could see a sullen expression on his face.
'He didn't want to kill them, but he knew what to do…' She thought in sympathy.
With a sigh, Shadow moved his sword back in its scabbard.
"Let's head back to Neo Europa. We'll need to rest after today's events." Shadow said.
Mary nodded as she followed Shadow back to the city.
######
In the past on Tristain, Tiffania wasn't fairing any better. She held the Eclair D'amour on her hand, which appeared wilted. Her eyes were stained with tears.
"Shadow…" She somberly spoke.
Her gaze on the flower was soon overwhelmed with memories of the Gandálfr. Many memories were with him, from simple moments of chatting to romantic times, even on missions.
'Why did you go so far to keep me alive? Is it due to this new threat?' She questioned.
Her tears briefly blinded her as she held the magic flower close to her heart. Tiffania didn't believe Shadow was dead, despite the flower showing its wilted appearance.
'Please Shadow… Come back to me and us.' Tiffania thought.
Louise and Saito were with her. Louise was more sympathetic to Tiffania as she heard the elf girl crying from her loss. She briefly thought the same scenario with Saito, making her dread of enduring such a scenario. Saito took it hard on Shadow's disappearance. He recalled his friend asking to protect Tiffania while he stayed behind to fight Albion alone. It made him guilty of not being able to help in anyway.
'Where are you, Shadow…? I know you're not dead out there. Come back to us. Tiffania is crying for your return.' He thought.
Tiffania soon felt a wave of nausea before racing to the restroom. She was retching in response, surprising Saito and Louise.
"Tiffania! Are you okay?" Louise asked out of concern.
"Are you alright?" Saito asked.
Tiffania was breathing heavy as the nausea soon stopped. She then looked at the mirror in shock. Her emotions soon went into overdrive, realizing what was happening.
'Is this…what I think this is?' Tiffania thought.
Ending 3: Play Cold Bullet Blues by Kurosaki Maon
Sorry it took me so long. Life has been tough.