Chapter 4: Farewell From The Garden
2 years left…
It wasn't the first time he repeated that reminder in his head, far from it. But Minoru- and by extension Cid- couldn't help but continue to replay it in his head. It hasn't even been a full month since Claire went off to the academy, leaving her younger brother alone with no one but his parents and servants to keep him company until he also comes of age. Ever since she left, things have been much more quiet at the manor, specifically for Cid.
Why… Why can't I stop caring…
He continues to swing his sword at nothing, practicing his stance. Even though Cid's parents now deemed his skill level adequate enough not to bring shame to the family once he leaves too, he didn't want to start slacking now, in the event they change their mind by thinking that he's stopped taking his training seriously. The sun is already setting; Cid's day is soon coming to an end.
I think that's enough practicing today, for Cid anyways.
The boy sheathes his blade and lets out a yawn. Minoru is tired, but he can't afford to go to sleep tonight. Not when he now has other priorities besides his Shadow training.
I said I would be back with them by sunset. Guess I got carried away with the mob practicing. I'll just have to let my-… his parents know that he's going to bed early, leave the decoy under the covers again, and head out to the village.
Minoru smiles in anticipation as he begins to walk back to the manor. It has only been a little more than 1 year since he met Alpha, with the others following soon after, yet he found himself growing more and more attached to them. Though this happiness was rooted in Shadow's new 'organization', uneasiness quickly settled in alongside it due to the foundation the group was formed on.
It's not so bad when I only go after bandits. Even if they think they're cultists, we're still doing the right thing…
He never forgets the fact that they follow him because of a lie, the fact that Shadow himself is a lie. It's a miracle to him that they haven't come to the conclusion that Shadow Garden really is just an unofficial bandit extermination group consisting of children yet.
Deceiving a bunch of young girls into serving me like I'm their master... Okay, phrasing it that way sounds bad, but that wasn't all I did. I gave them a second chance, a home, training, knowledge, and each other…
Minoru rationalized with himself over his actions once more, trying to come up with another good point that makes himself look less bad in his own mind, but came up short. There really is no way of going around this, even though some good came from it.
He sighs as he continues on his way back. It won't do good to continue dwelling on these thoughts. What's done is done. He needs to get his head back into the game, literally.
"Lord Shadow?"
He wouldn't get much farther in his walk, as Cid was interrupted by the cold and professional voice of Shadow Garden's second in command coming from behind him.
Her…
The boy turned around to face her, making sure to stand straight and not show any surprise. Cid would have gotten scared from being suddenly spoken to, but Shadow would never.
Looking behind the elf, he notices that she isn't the only one there. Standing behind her are the six other Shades, watching him silently. He observes their faces to determine what they may want. Beta, Gamma, and Epsilon are the most obvious with how they are feeling, having a shared look of sadness. Their eyes were moist, indicating they must have been crying earlier. That immediately set off alarms in Minoru's head.
"Yes, Alpha?"
Shadow continues to observe the girls, reading them. Delta and Eta both share a blank face. The fact that Delta could be brought to such a state now didn't help with his growing concerns.
What happened…
"We need to talk…"
Alpha's cold tone breaks his thoughts, he looks back at her, also noting Zeta. They both are more similar to each other than they think, and this is just further proof. They simply look at Shadow like they normally do, refusing to show how they're feeling. Regardless of their continued composure, it didn't ease Minoru's nerves.
"Talk? Talk about what?"
Shadow turns his attention to just Alpha, letting his features settle into a more serious expression. He specifically made it a rule for them not to come close to the Kagenou Estate unless he said so. The fact that they're breaking it once more either means that whatever they have to say is so important that they couldn't wait until tonight, or-
"We… We recently learned some disturbing information…"
…they learned the truth…
Shadow's breath hitches, gritting his teeth at Alpha's response. The girls don't seem to take note of it, Alpha remaining stoic. The boy frowns at them, trying to recover his composure.
"Don't keep me waiting. What is it?"
His voice came out more frustrated than Minoru was intending, but there was no taking it back. His mind was racing with what possible information they could have learned.
"The grasp of the Cult of Diablos, it's greater than we initially anticipated. You said they are controlling things from the shadows, and you are right. But it's far greater than just that. They're everywhere, and we're far too behind in everything to put up a good fight now…"
…What?
Shadow blinks, and Minoru's face briefly breaks through, revealing his confusion. Fortunately, he was able to shove it back inside before it got too out of hand.
"That's all you have to say? The cult is too powerful to take on now?"
Alpha shakes her head at him, continuing.
"No, Lord Shadow. It's just… things are worse than we thought. We need to take immediate action if we are to have any success in their destruction in the future."
The future?
"… So what is it that you're asking me for?"
Alpha closes her eyes after hearing his words, and the other girls seem to shift a little uncomfortably.
"We are not asking you for anything. It's just that… we need to do more besides just destroying every base of theirs we find. We need to prepare for war… And we can't do that by just staying here…"
…
"So you're all leaving me?"
Shadow's mouth moves faster than Minoru's head. Alpha flinches at the response, her own blank mask starting to waver too.
"We all decided that it would be in our best interest to spread out. Building up our forces, raising more fundings for our operations…"
"…"
"… We need to leave…"
…
The tension in the air is potent enough that Minoru can practically see as he stares back at Alpha. She opens her eyes to look at him again. Now that she is done with what she had to say, it's become all too clear to him.
They learned the truth, and now they're using my own lies to justify them leaving for greener pastures… I can't even be mad at them for that…
Shadow blankly stares at the girls. For a second, it looks like he is about to take a step forward, but he stops himself. He locks eyes again with Alpha, remaining silent, mind lost in a sea of thoughts and questions.
I should have seen this coming… This game could have only gone on for so long…
Time slows down as he feels himself getting lost in all the memories he shared with them. From the day he saved them, to the theatrics he performed in front of them. The training he gave them, the lessons he taught, and the comfort he would give when they needed it-
…
Despite everything he's done, nothing has changed. He's still a horrible caretaker.
"Beta, I heard you calling my name. Did you need something?"
"Yes…"
Her faint response from the other side of the door was enough permission for the boy to come in. Shadow entered the room, closing the door behind him. It wasn't exactly a spacious room, or a comfortable one like he had back in his own manor, but it was adequate for serving as a bedroom for the newest member of 'Shadow Garden'.
"Are you okay? Did you have another nightmare?"
Shadow approached the young elf, who was still under the covers of her bed, only her small head peeking out as she saw her savior coming. She nodded at his words, still nervous about his presence. Grabbing the chair in her room, he placed it by her bedside, sitting down.
"So, what was it this time?"
The girl doesn't respond for a few moments, before beginning to move, sitting up in her bed. She grabs her pillow, hugging it tightly as she meets his gaze.
"It… It was the same as before. The bad men that we killed, they came back from the ground. And I-I tried to stop them again using what you taught me, but nothing worked. T-They kept on moving, and none of us could stop them…!"
Her voice began to quiver.
"T-They grabbed me, a-and I couldn't do anything. They… They… Th-"
"That's enough, Beta."
The boy brings his hand up towards her, gesturing for the elf to stop herself. She listens immediately, ending her explanation, but is unable to stop herself from shaking in fear, dread preventing her from getting her mind off the dream.
"I'll understand if you don't want to sleep alone again tonight. I can ask Alpha to-"
"N-No, I-I want y-you here."
Despite the anxiety that is clearly radiating from her, she is still bold enough to let go of her pillow and grab his arm the moment he was about to stand up, making him stop midway.
"Hm?"
"I-I… just want you to stay."
Shadow's face remains neutral as he looks down at the girl, who is still clearly unnerved.
"… Are you sure?"
He moves to sit back down, gently removing Beta's hand so she could lean back in her bed again. She nods again at his words.
"Okay… In that case, how about I tell you another story?"
The elf's eyes seem to light up in the dark at his offer, and that was enough of an answer to his question. She brings her pillow back to rest her head on it, ready to hear another one of his tales.
He scooches his chair to get closer to her bed, and clears his throat, preparing himself. He has a feeling that she'll like this specific story and heroine a little more than the others he's spoken of.
I'm glad that she appreciates this. Even though it's not creative on my part at all, she still loves them…
"Alright then. This story is going to be a little different than the ones I talked about before. Not as lighthearted as some of the others, but I think you'll enjoy it nonetheless…"
Shadow began his next tale, putting on his storyteller act once more, to Beta's excitement. He spoke of another boy, one who found himself suddenly taken to another world. It was not the first time he told a story that started off this way, but she didn't seem to care. He continued, speaking of how the boy's first day in the new world was one full of excitement and eagerness. Of how he quickly got himself into a sticky situation with a group of thugs and was about to get robbed of his belongings. Of how he thought he was going to lose one of the only remaining ties he had back to his world, and how he was saved. And his savior? A beautiful half elf, with silver hair as elegant as the finest silks, and a voice that chimed like silver bells.
He wouldn't make it that far, not even to the part where things really started to take a turn, when he was interrupted by soft snoring coming from the bed. Shadow couldn't help but smile, seeing her sleeping face, no longer burdened with the fear that initially awoke her. He breaks character when a large yawn escapes, momentarily revealing Minoru's exhaustion.
I guess she's not the only one having trouble sleeping…
Shadow leaned back on the chair, still watching Beta sleep. He debated over whether or not he should stay like this for the rest of the night, to make sure he's there for her in case she has a nightmare, or quietly go back out and get back to training.
He doesn't realize how long he was having this dilemma until a ray of sunshine comes through the window, the chirping of birds joining soon after.
Did I just waste another night over this… again?
Minoru quietly gets up from his chair, making it out of Beta's room without disturbing her. He never thought something like this would happen in his time here. Before Alpha, he was fine with soloing all of this. But now that these two are here, and have believed every word he's said, there is no going back for any of them.
… This is all for the better… It has to be…
As he made his way back to the Kagenou Estate to begin another day as Cid, he promised himself that this would never happen again.
Looking back on it now, it was only further proof that he's terrible at keeping those.
CRASH
"OW!"
Uhoh…
Shadow couldn't help but look away as the girl face-planted on the ground after running for a few steps.
Again.
"WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?!"
It was honestly more impressive than pitiful to him how this dark haired elf was capable of being this naturally clumsy. During his acts as Cid, he likes to play up some clumsiness and have it be an issue he has yet to and will never overcome. But for Gamma, her genuine lack of dexterity is completely merciless to her. Just walking for more than a few minutes is enough to bring the both of them on edge for which step will be her last before her streak ends once again.
Why can't she just… No. No point letting it frustrate me.
Figuring she had brooded on the ground for long enough, Shadow approached the girl. Making it to her, he knelt down to roll her over so she could look up at him. To Minoru's surprise, instead of the usual sight of a pout alongside her bloody nose, the newest member of Shadow Garden looked at her master with something different.
"I… I…"
Gamma's lips tremble as she looks at her master. Her nose is bleeding again, but her accompanying expression is far more devastating.
"L-Lord S-S-Shadow…"
Looking at him, the girl is on the verge of breaking down in sobs. He lets his blank expression remain as she tries her hardest to recompose herself.
This isn't good. What do I-… What would Shadow do?
After a brief struggle over what to say next, he settles on an attempt to comfort, reaching his hand out to her shoulder.
"… I'm sorry for pushing you so far, Gam-"
"NO!"
Shadow almost flinches from her unexpected outburst towards his concern. Before he could respond, she sits up to face him, tears running down her cheeks.
"Lord Shadow, I'm… I-I'm… I'M USELESS!"
Gamma chokes out her last sentence before she breaks into sobs, covering her face with her hands, unable to look at her master any longer.
"I-I can't do this! I'm not capable of e-ever doing this! I can't help you with anything, L-Lord Shadow! A-Anything!
The elf starts to slowly lower her hands and curls into a ball, no longer caring about decency. Her voice radiated hopelessness as she started to quiver. She tries to speak in between her sobs.
"M-Maybe… Maybe you… s-shouldn't have saved me at all…"
…
…
…
Before she could follow up with her words, Shadow moves closer to Gamma faster than she could notice. He embraces her from the front, keeping a firm grip on her. She jolts from the sudden contact, not sure how to react other than to continue shaking.
"L-Lord S-Shadow?! Why a-are you doi-"
"You are not useless. I don't ever want you to think something so absurd about yourself again."
Gamma feels herself tensing up as she hears those words from him. Her master's presence and tone feels completely different now. It is like he became a different person all of a sudden.
"You're still a valuable addition to us, no matter how new."
His words are comforting. His embrace is warm.
"Please… don't think so lowly of yourself because of your flaws… I know there is more to you than just this."
She is still crying as he finishes, but she is able to calm herself down. Her breathing steadies, and she's able to properly react.
"T-Thank you…"
Gamma hugs her master back, grateful that he had saved her again.
When Minoru feels her reciprocating his hug, he internally sighs in relief.
I shouldn't have pushed her so hard. I'll look for other things she can learn. This training can be put on hold.
He remembers Gamma staying glued to his side for the rest of that night. It was a little bit difficult to get her to stay with the others as he had to go back to his room to be Cid in the morning, but he found it sort of endearing.
He didn't deserve any of this.
"My lord, I think you'll want to see this!"
"Epsilon, calm down."
"Forgive me, but I really think that you will like this!"
"What are you even trying to show me?"
"Just wait and see, Lord Shadow!"
Normally, an Eminence in Shadows would not allow themselves to be grabbed by the hand and dragged around by anyone at all. However in this case, Shadow was taken by surprise when the most recent addition to Shadow Garden came to him the moment he got back to the village.
Hopefully whoever comes after me won't have to deal with such inconveniences…
Minoru does not have enough to continue grumbling to himself as she leads him to one of the houses that was being used for storage. The boy looks at her with a puzzled expression as she opens the door and gestures for him to go inside first.
Did she find something valuable? Even more money?
The prospect of another haul of valuable goods quickly takes over his mind, letting him enter without any hesitation.
Perfect! Maybe it was for the better for things to turn out this way! You've really outdone yourself in the short time you've been here, Epsilon!
Unfortunately, his prediction of treasure proved to be wrong. Instead, placed at the center of the room was an all too familiar sight.
…
…
…
"My lord?"
"..."
"... Lord Shadow?"
"..."
"Lord Shadow? Hello?"
Epsilon enters the house after another unsuccessful attempt at getting a response. She is immediately greeted by Shadow's back facing her as he stares at her 'present'.
"..."
The elf slowly approaches her master, careful not to be loud. Maybe this is how he expresses his awe. That must be the reason… It has to be the reason.
"Epsilon?"
The girl freezes in place when she hears her master calling for her. His voice which used to feel so smooth and assuring now sounded more… terrified.
"Y-Yes, Lord Shadow?"
Epsilon watches the boy lower his face, eyes cast down at the ground instead of her 'gift'. She notices worriedly that his shoulders are tense, his posture stiff, and his breathing noticeably more erratic.
"…Leave…"
She is barely able to hear her master as his command comes out breathlessly.
"W-What?"
"Leave."
Shadow repeated himself, not shouting or even raising his voice. Regardless, the command made Epsilon flinch in horror. She's never seen this side of her master before, heard him sound so… hurt.
"Y-Yes!"
The girl wasted no time, turning on her heel and practically running out of the house.. Making it out, she decides to just quietly walk back to the others, already making it up in her mind to not tell Alpha of what just transpired. She isn't hurt by the rejection of what she thought was a nice present for him. All she has now are questions about his reaction, and a new burning interest in her gift.
"…What happened to you… Lord Shadow…"
…
Now that he is left alone with Epsilon's 'gift', Minoru is finally able to focus on the immediate threat. He slowly brings his head back to face it, desperately trying to regain his composure.
After more than a couple deep breaths, he is able to succeed. But it isn't enough for him. He feels a burning sensation in his gut, leaving him still breathless. Confused. Lost.
Finding no point in staying there, he leaves the house, making sure not to visibly display any distress.
Why… Why can't I remember…
Epsilon means well, she really does. But there's no way he can stand being this close to a piano again. One is already painful enough.
"You gullible mutt!"
"I'm not gullible!"
"You'd believe me if I said the word 'gullible' was on the ground!"
"Ooh, ooh! Really?!"
"NO!"
What are they doing this time?
Though he couldn't even see them yet, Shadow could hear the commotion ahead as he made his way to the 'abandoned' village.
"Wah! You lied to me. There's no word on the ground."
I don't even think Zeta was trying to trick you, Delta.
He sighs to himself as he gets closer to the village, knowing it is only a matter of time before the two pick up his scent.
"No one is trying to lie to you! You're just too easy!"
"I AM NOT EASY! I AM HARD!"
Heh.
Shadow is not able to enjoy their antics for much longer as he enters the village. The petty argument between the two Beastkin is suddenly silenced the moment he takes a step inside.
3… 2-
"THE BOSS IS HERE!"
Couldn't even count to 1.
Just a few seconds later, he spots a blur of black rapidly approaching him from the front. He doesn't bother resisting as Delta pounces on him, wrapping him in the tightest hug she could muster.
"BOSS! YOU'RE BACK! DELTA MISSED YOU!"
It hasn't even been a full day since I last saw you.
Shadow smiles at the girl, silently patting her head as she continues to embrace him. Even though she is much more clingy in comparison to the other girls, he finds it oddly charming. In fact, it even reminded Minoru of-
…
…
…
"Lord Shadow?"
He almost forgets Delta isn't alone. Looking ahead of her, he sees Zeta approaching them, looking slightly annoyed by her wolf counterpart's behavior.
"Are you okay, Zeta?"
"Yes, I was just talking with Delta."
That's what you call 'talking'?
"Boss! Boss! Can we go hunting?! Delta wants to hunt!
The girl interrupts Shadow as he is about to respond to Zeta. He gently pries the girl off of him, now looking back at Delta.
"We can go hunting soon, but I need to speak with Zeta for a bit. Don't forget that she's our newest member, Delta."
Zeta's face seems to brighten at the words of her master. Delta pouts at him before backing away.
"Fine! But don't take too long! I want to spend time with Boss too!"
Delta turns to walk away, but spots a deer running past a tree up ahead. She doesn't waste any of her time, charging away from the two and towards her prey with a speed that betrays her appearance.
"… I hope that you're not having any troubles with the others. I'm sure you already know how very capable they are."
Zeta nods.
"Yes, I don't really have much issue with any of them. They're really nice. They welcomed me without a second thought."
Shadow resists the urge to let out his own smile at that.
They're already becoming good friends.
"Good. I'm sorry that I am only able to comfortably stay here during the night. I still must keep up appearances. Once you become more adept at manipulating slime, you will be able to disguise yourself as a servant in my mansion."
"Actually, that's something I wanted to show you."
Before he is able to question her on what she means, Zeta backs away from her master. In just a few moments, black slime starts to envelop her, covering her entire body. Minoru doesn't bother to hide his surprise.
After a few more moments, the slime dissipates, and in Zeta's place, there is a completely different person standing before Shadow.
Those features… She copied the appearance of one of the servants. But when did she even get close enough to do that?
"Is this satisfactory, Lord Shadow?"
He nods without hesitation. Regardless of her methods, he is impressed with how skilled she is despite how recently she has joined Shadow Garden.
"You can begin doing it tomorrow if you wish, so long as you're able to maintain it, and you don't let the real one see you."
Zeta nods again, before returning to her real self. As she approaches Shadow, she notices something.
"Lord Shadow, are you okay?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Your left eye, it's bleeding."
…
"I need to go hunting with Delta. Thank you for showing me your progress."
"Lord Shadow, wa-"
Zeta is not even able to take a step towards her master when he abruptly withdraws from the area, leaving her alone and confused.
"… What's wrong with you?"
She cannot understand why, but she suddenly feels like something is very wrong with her new master.
"Zzzzzzz…"
Finally, she's asleep.
Shadow gently lifts the girl's head from the couch, slowly placing a pillow below, before laying it back down, careful not to disturb her.
For someone that likes to sleep all the time, she is somehow hard to put to rest…
After dealing with putting Beta to bed for months, he thought he had the method completely down for these sorts of things. But nope, this latest addition to their team had the worst sleeping pattern he has ever witnessed.
… I'm not any better than her though, am I?
The boy slowly backs away from the couch, still looking at Eta as she peacefully sleeps.
What is preventing her from sleeping and staying awake properly? There has to be some sort of problem… Dreams?
Minoru's face turned blank at the thought of the possible reason.
Nightmares?
"Is… something… wrong… Lord… Shadow?"
The boy had become so lost in thought that he did not notice that Eta was now awake and staring back at him as he watched her. He nearly flinches at her interruption, but is able to keep himself from showing his surprise.
"Hmm? No, Eta. Go back to sleep."
He dismisses her concerns and turns to leave her alone.
"Wait…"
Shadow is only able to walk a few steps away when she speaks up again. He turns around to look at the girl, now sitting up on the couch.
Her eyes are droopy, as if staying awake was taking a lot of her effort…
"Can… you… give me… more… of your… wisdom?"
So that's what's keeping you up, huh?
"Oh, you want to learn more? We've already gone over a good amount today. I don't want you to overload yourself with information."
Eta slowly shakes her head at him. She is still obviously tired, but she won't budge.
Like looking in a mirror… Actually, that gives me an idea-
"… Okay then, we can keep on going. But you must go to sleep soon. I'll talk to you about one more thing, and then call it a night."
Eta gently nods her head, accepting her master's terms. Shadow internally smiles at her reaction, going back to the couch and sitting beside her.
"Alright then. Are you familiar with the idea of a bomb?"
CLASH
CLASH
CLASH
"I'm still not done yet!"
"Then prove it. Show me your will."
Alpha jumps back after narrowly parrying her opponent's sword again, regaining her footing. Beads of sweat run down her face as she plans how to go on the offensive again. His defense is as great as his offense, which means that there is no opening for her to exploit-
"You're thinking too much."
Before she realizes what happens, it is too late. She suddenly hears the boy's voice behind her. She barely has enough time to turn around and block Shadow's strike again. The force from the sudden clash sends her stumbling back, disoriented.
"Your guard is down."
This time, Alpha is not fast enough to recover. The moment the last word comes from his mouth, he has already gotten behind her again. She feels her feet being swept from behind, and before the elf knows it, she has fallen to the ground.
"Tsk!"
She tries to get up, but before she can even move her head, her master is on top of her, just barely pressing the tip of his blade against her neck. She feels powerless as she looks up at him, shocked once more by another sudden loss.
"..."
"…"
Shadow doesn't say anything as his blade dematerializes, opening his hand up for her to take. Alpha accepts the offer with no hesitation, getting up to face him.
"I'm… I'm sorry for such an awful display of swordsmanship…"
Alpha can't help but lower her head in shame as she finishes, unable to look at him in the… at where his eyes should be.
"I know we are running short on time. Every day is important, but still… I know I can do better than this. Please. Please give me another chan-"
"Enough."
Alpha would be unable to finish her plea for a rematch as Shadow's calm voice interrupts her. He gently places his hand on her shoulder, making her tense up.
"Alpha, look at me."
She obeys without a second thought, bringing her face back up to meet his gaze. She expects to look at the dark void once more, but is surprised to see something else.
"You're doing just fine."
To her delight, her master's face is now visible. He carries a warm smile as he pats her shoulder.
"Yes, time is always of the essence. But proficiency takes time. Your skills are increasing at an excellent rate."
Hearing his praise makes her look back down, hoping that having only the moonlight to illuminate the sky will help her hide her blush. Not seeming to mind, he continues.
"Great power takes years to acquire. That's how it should be. Something earned through time and effort."
Alpha raises her head to look at him again.
"Is there no way to expedite the process? Make it faster?"
Her master shakes his head.
"Unearned power will take you nowhere. It's used by the impatient and cowardly. There's no need to think about such things."
The elf nods at Shadow's words. Her face turns more serious as she asks one final question.
"Do you think… I… I can ever be your equal?"
The mood of the conversation seems to change immediately as Shadow falls silent. She feels the wind stop blowing, leaving the two in complete silence. Alpha senses a shift in her master as he looks back at her with a blank expression, not answering her question.
The elf, feeling like she has asked something wrong,tries to correct herself, but he beats her to it.
"That depends on how much work you wish to put into it."
Shadow's answer is simple, but it speaks volumes to his subordinate's mind. Just the sheer possibility of being able to stand by his side… in more ways than one…
"Thank you, Lord Shadow."
She bows her head slightly to him. Taking a few steps back, the girl materializes her sword once more, getting into her fighting stance.
"Let us continue then, until I can no longer stand."
Shadow's face becomes covered once more as he materializes his own blade, getting himself 'ready' for their next round.
She still does not know how proud she made him that night.
Beta, the first one to join us after Alpha. Happy to listen to whatever story I would tell her, not just because she liked them, but because it was me that told them. I'll miss her…
Gamma, our third Shade. She could never get rid of her clumsiness no matter how much we trained her, but that didn't matter to me. She had her mind, and it's sharper than any blade I can create. I'll miss her…
Delta, the fourth. Not the latest member, but acts like the youngest. A bright ball of energy that could never be dimmed. She was always the most eager to play with me. I'll miss her…
Epsilon, the fifth to join. She had a hard time at first given her past, but we were able to help her move through it. She may not have been the kindest one, but she cared for us all the same. She even made… that 'thing' easier to stand. I hope she'll grow on her skills with it like-…
…
…
…
…I'll miss her…
Zeta, the sixth, and more similar to Alpha than she likes to admit. She excels in anything she tries. She wasn't the most social, preferring to spend time with just me. But I could tell she still loved them all. Who wouldn't? I'll miss her…
Eta, the last member of Shadow Garden. Her curiosity could never be satiated, no matter how much knowledge I fed her. She knows almost practically everything I know about technology. She may be more slow-paced, and always tired, but I don't care. I'll miss her…
Alpha, the genesis of Shadow Garden. Always professional, serious, caring, and understanding. Shadow's closest confidant. The older sister of everyone else. The reason that they're here. I'll miss her…
I've only spent a little more than a year with them, but I feel like we've known each other for far longer…
They're a part of me that I'll never get back. I saved them, but what did I do to them? I lied to them. I stole what remaining childhood and innocence they could have had. I turned them into killers…
I shouldn't stop this. I've wasted enough of their life already here…
…I'll miss you all…
…I'll miss you… Alpha…
"Lord Shadow, did you hear what I said? We're not finished."
"Huh?!"
Shadow flinches harshly when Alpha's words reach his ears, taking a step back from them. The girls look at him, now seemingly more confused than sad.
"Lord Shadow, are you okay?"
Alpha takes a step towards Shadow, concerned about her savior's actions.
"Please… speak to me…"
Alpha continues to move closer. Shadow remains rooted to the ground, unable to back away.
"…"
Before she is able to close the distance, Shadow moves his hand out in front of him, stopping her from getting any closer.
"L-Lord Shadow. Why are you doi-"
"Go… Just… Just go…"
"Lord Shadow, wait! We're not finished!"
"I heard all you said. I get it. Now go."
"WAIT!"
Shadow visibly flinches when he hears Alpha yelling out. That's something she has never done to him.
Maybe it should be expected now that she knows the truth…
"What? What is there left to say?"
His expression contorts with frustration as his former subordinate gently grabs his arm, lowering it back down.
"I said, we were not finished. We are leaving, but we will remain in contact with you, and still want your input on our decisions."
…Huh?
Looking back at the other Shades, they seemed to also be looking at him with worried expressions.
"One of us will still remain with you. And we will rotate that position with our own set schedule."
…
"That's the full announcement, Lord Shadow."
…
…
…
"Oh… I see…"
The Shades see their master look back at them with a neutral expression, seemingly unbothered by their reactions, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
"In that case, there's no time to waste… Go…"
Minoru is barely able to utter the last word without stuttering and ruining that already pathetic excuse of larping.
The girls all turned to leave, with Alpha being last. Even though he was able to recover his act, there's no way he can scrub their memories of that major screw-up.
"… Goodbye for now… Lord Shadow…"
She gives him one last smile, before she turns to follow the others.
Minoru doesn't dare leave where he stands. He watches the seven as far as his eyes would allow, until they disappear beyond the trees.
So… That's it…
Despite what Alpha said, he's not fooled. He knows they found the truth, and at the end decided to lay pity on him and give one last performance.
Credit where it's due, she made it very convincing. I almost believed her.
The boy lets out a sigh, looking up at the sky. The moon has already begun to rise, replacing the nearly completely set sun.
I'm already late to 'bed'…
Without another word, he begins his walk back to the mansion. He has the next two years with almost no friends, so he has that to look forward to.
At least I can now devote all of my time into training and gaining more power again.
Gaining more power. As Minoru likes to say, without power, he is nothing.
AN: Damn, I was not expecting to be late for this by more than 5 months considering its size(sorry for not a whole lot in regards to Delta). I'm sorry for keeping you waiting if you were actually looking forward to this. Now that all this setup is over, the actual fun and suffering for Minoru can begin.
I already have outlines for the next few chapters, but considering how long they're gonna be, probably much longer than chapter 3, I'm considering making mini-chapters in-between each one that provide some content both relevant and irrelevant to the main story. Maybe gag ones too. Not too sure if that is something you would want though, so let me know if it's a thing I should do.
Thank you for all the support you've been giving, and that what I'm writing is actually being considered entertaining to you. I don't know when the next chapter will be finished, so until next time.
My editor really carried this chapter fr.
