Shadowverse: Maura Abelard Story Arc Kanon58
Summary: Events took place before the main plot of Shadowverse. Maura soak in the streets like a damp cat, Leon pick him up and gave him a home. Not knowing despair awaits when he had hopes they were family. A Dedicated Mauro/Maura Fanfic
Note: I rewatch again Shadowverse Anime. I saw a lot of hidden messages and events finally makes sense once you put all the puzzle pieces together. The budget for Shadowverse and the secret details are insane to be discovered! Now am more inlove with Mauro/Maura. He should be the real protagonist since he is the root cause and the ending.
Before you get angry universe of Champions Battle, Shadowverse Flame and Shadowverse anime is merge in my fanfics. inshort expect all characters in one world as crossover. FANFIC IS FANFIC.
ENGLISH SUCKS BUT DONT BOTHER, JUST ENJOY THE STORY.
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Glossary:
Chapter 1 Soak Stray, his name is Maura
Chapter 2 Meeting other Orphans
Chapter 3 Grooming his IT
Chapter 4 Disliking Hiro and Kagura
Chapter 5 The Prince of Shadow
Chapter 6 Tattoo of Age Ceremony
Chapter 7 Tree of Woe's Sacrifice
Chapter 4 Disliking Hiro and Kagura
TIMELINE: 9 YEARS OLD MAURO
Maura's POV
Everynight Leon-sama would call me to go at his room while lights off.
CREAK~
"Come here Mauro."
"Yes Leon-sama."
As I closes the door, the only light that illuminates the room is the glass window where you can see your neighboring busy buildings how their lights at open.
"Mauro."
Somehow, Leon-sama is in a hurry than usual.
'Can't he wait.' I covered my irritation with a blank expression as I headed towards him.
"I'm ready Leon-sama." I offered my self.
As I stood at his front, Leon-sama is sitting at his bed while wearing his sleeping wear.
Leon-sama wears a rather glittery bathrobe, he apparently likes yellow and gold colors.
Which is why most of the times my custom clothes are always with either yellow or similar contour to any yellow.
"Now strip." Leon-sama ordered without hesitation.
I still get shy whenever he ask me to expose myself to him.
"Understood." But I don't have a choice, Leon-sama had stop calling doctors to check on me.
"Let's see..." Leon-sama remove his gloves. I do find it unusual how he always wear gloves. Apparently because he works as both a scientist and archeologist that he is required to always wear gloves. It became a habit of him to wear one unconsciously.
Once in a while I would indeed see and feel Leon-sama's raw touch.
"Hn!" His hands were surprisingly too hot and until now am not use to it. My body is rather cold due to my condition of being always hungry. I'm not hungry anymore but Leon-sama would control the things I eat.
"Bare with it." What is Leon-sama doing at me?
Fear not.
He just basically checking every nook of my body parts to make sure am not too fat nor too skinny. Leon-sama would also look at me intently if I have any rashes at my skin or other sensitivity.
I wonder why it has to be lights off whenever he looks at my naked body.
It could maybe for my own sake.
After all, I would die out of embarrassment if the lights were all turned on and here am exposing my nakedness to my master.
That is right, Leon-sama is my acting master not a father.
He always tell me not to call him my dad even though I was his adopted son unlike the Shadow Knights.
"Uhh...is it d-done yet Leon-sama?" Am getting ticklish now. Leon-sama's hot fingertips tapping at my bones. "Stay still."
Ahh, he has no reaction at all.
I guess because he IS a scientist. He doesn't find it disturbing to see other naked bodies.
I do feel weird. After all Leon-sama smells so nice. I can see his halfway exposed chest through his elegant bathrobe.
Comparing my little self to his, I want to be like him someday.
For now I genuinely thought so. But who knows? I actually hate working so hard for nothing.
"Ok were done." Leon-sama says in a relaxed tone. As if he is satisfied whatever he saw and feel to my body while I felt his seriousness in checking me up and down with his touches.
I don't know if I want to be touch or not.
Getting back my own clothes, Leon-sama then switch sits from the bed to his cozy solo sofa.
"Once you get dress, it is time for our special lessons."
I gulps.
Ahh...Special Lessons.
I hate this.
"Alright Leon-sama, give me a second."
Getting fully cloth with my pajamas which is also a white bathrobe style, I sat across the other sofa.
Leon-sama seem drunk. Now that I notice behind his his small round shape table has a bottled red wine and a halfway drank glass.
"Leon-sama...are you drinking again?" I said out of concern, same time curiosity.
Leon-sama chuckled though. "Hehehe, fascinating." He then look into my eyes. I can see he is up to no good.
Leon-sama will make me cry again.
"Now Mauro, as always...Shadowverse is fun. You do not need to see. Just remember it by your body." He did not even answer my question from earlier, I sighs mentally as I entertain his instructions to our special lessons.
"Yes sir."
I revealed my smartphone and so Leon-sama too.
"Battle, Shadowverse!"
In a quick swift.
"Ahh!"
I almost got blinded by the last spell attack, the light was too much.
"I-I lost...as always..." I can feel the frustration tears lingering at my eyes but I ordered my body not to spill any.
"Hahaha!" Leon-sama laughs. "You still are far from Grandmaster...Mauro..."
I can see Leon-sama is beginning to feel sleepy. Since I love him and I care for him, I wipe my pending tears and walk towards him.
"Leon-sama, you'll catch a cold." Gesturing to him he should go back at his bed. "Please go to sleep, you are...drunk."
Leon-sama smiled but his smile lingered some sadness.
Maybe he remember again his bestfriend Eiji.
"Right...If I sleep...I will see good dreams..." Leon-sama allowed me to help him walk to the bed.
"Aah~ I wonder why..." As I lay and cover Leon-sama with his bed sheets to make him want to sleep.
He ended up saying the most disturbing one.
"How I wish the whole world be trap in a paradise of good dreams." He knowingly look at my face. "Wouldn't that be a bliss Mauro?"
I don't know what to react.
That sounds...suicidal.
However I smiled at Leon-sama pretending to follow along. "If such thing exist, I wish am part of your good dreams Leon-sama..."
Leon-sama kept his sad smile as he slowly closes his eyes.
The sleepiness took over him.
Walking to his labeled wine, I sniff on the glass.
"...Leon-sama been drinking hard lately."
To be honest am not fond of drinking, but for the sake of joining Leon-sama's loneliness am willing to take a shot with him.
I eyed him with tenderness and I hope he will see me inside his dreams.
"Leon-sama...if my existence is to make sure your dreams come true. I will devote myself to you and only at you."
I approached him and kissed him in the cheeks.
"I love you Leon-sama."
I know it is wrong...but I still hope someday he will allow me to call him my father.
Even if just in a dream...I wish it would.
.
.
.
.
.
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TIMELINE: 10 YEARS OLD MAURO
Outside POV
At Genesis Tower...
Wearing his usual custom clothes with loose collar that makes his skin get exposed like an off shoulder when it is not. His body is not the problem is the clothes are not tight enough to cover him. His measurements are perfect and he can only wear what is tailored for him. Consuming delicious and healthy food but not to the point of gluttony.
Maura Abelard is living a luxurious life.
Doing nothing like a cat paying for his cuteness only and nothing else.
Here at the sofa, Maura is waiting for the clock.
"Ahh~ boring day." Grabbing a grape from the cherry basket like a spoiled lazy kid.
Munch, munch.
"For how long will you work on those papers? Can you get out already~?" Is Maura's cat face smug.
Ein who happens to be at the room where Maura just acting like he is above them.
"Have some manners." She remarks.
Maura laughs in a bratty tone. "Ahaha! Are you perhaps envious? My, my pardon." Smirking. "It must be good to be me~"
Maura likes using polite words in Japanese but still ended up sassy and rude.
This time though Ein smirks back at him. "Oh I'm sure you are very lucky indeed being chosen by Leon-sama."
Maura did not like the confident smirk at her face.
"What do you mean by that?" Despite how Maura is now able to smile and speak so polite, he still has short temper as ever.
Although less aggressive.
He is triggered though.
"Must be your imagination."
Ein avoids eye contact with her usual stoic face.
"Are you hiding something I don't know?"
Ein closes her eyes as she makes her exit. "Hmp, I have no obligation to tell you. Enjoy your life while you can."
As she walks away, Maura shakes his head.
"As always peasants would be like bugs! Saying things that only makes air pollution~!" He says out loud, Ein heard it but did not give a shit.
After all Leon already revealed to them the role Maura has to be...The Sacrifice.
They were told not to tell him, so as revenge they would sometimes give him hints and it will annoy Maura to the core.
"Finally alone again." Maura mutters as the door shut. Ein just delivered some papers at Leon's desk that is why she was here earlier.
Silence.
"Hmm~"
The former homeless child is very blessed.
Maura Abelard is starting to get bored.
"I have done almost everything I wanted to try...probably."
The un-satisfaction is silently whispering behind his ears.
They say being rich is lonely, Maura is not lonely he is just running out of things he wanted to do. Maura gave up finding friends, only his Leon-sama matters, the Shadowverse and his personal desires.
Speaking of which, Maura doesn't know what he actually wanted.
He is basically getting out of touch.
Here at the penthouse lying down at the couch he has not move since eating the basket of fruit, Maura spends his day in idle. Children at his age has to wake up early and go to school but unlike him what a bliss he does not have to go school.
Maura is homed schooled and he had every access on books he can read, books that is out of reach of normal people. Even ancient books, cursed books or super old books. Modern technology so and so fort.
You can say Maura's knowledge is very advance. Which is why no need for him to compete on dumb students outside.
Maura can say he is pretty confident about his IQ nowadays, to the point the older Shadow Knights he see them as idiots.
Aside that issue...Maura heavily sighs as he looks above the ceiling.
"Is there no stronger player I can play with?"
Ever since Leon let him out, Maura at first bullied people at the Shadowverse Stadium Play yard. Next he did is play with random people at park with Shadowverse and put them to shame.
It is for the sake of ranking up his stats as what Leon had commanded him. Specially when Maura gets upset he pour all his frustrations in defeating other players, mock them, laugh on them. Put them in hopes to win then slam them with despairing lost.
"Who would have thought tormenting other people is so fun~?" Maura says as he held up his manicured fingernails.
How glossy.
"Hehehe..."
Well, Maura had become...A sadist.
In the eyes of Shadow Knights, Maura Abelard is heading to a destructive toxic life. In reality Maura is just being spoiled because Leon led him so.
Although Maura does not admit himself being spoiled, more like gaining freedom. To the point Maura begins insulting people.
Things that were spat at him before he is now using it against others.
Like lowlife, drecks , scumbags, poor people, pitiful.
The world is round as they say.
Now he is literally at the top above all things.
"My life is his..." Talking to self.
Sometimes Maura would think about Leon how he at first the man looks peculiar to him until he starts to actually like him.
Until he loves him.
"Am here for a reason but Leon-sama has not yet told me."
There has to be a hidden agenda right?
Maura is not that dense. Sometimes he can see how Leon look at him differently.
As if reading every movements he make. Telling him what he should be doing.
You can call Leon a dictator but not in a bad way.
Example his hair, he was told to always tie up his hair because he had such thick strands.
"Come to think of it my hair is getting longer again..."
His hair grew so fast because he is that happy.
"I should have my hair trim again or Leon-sama will be frowning."
Leon is a neat freak actually. Its one of the reason he always wear gloves aside from habit, he genuinely does not like to dirty his hands in general.
"...Shadow Knights really gets on my nerves."
Maura had always been bitter and he kept it for so long...but not anymore. Leon told him he should be more himself.
The more Maura becomes himself the more he looks appetizing to the Tree of Woe...he is yet to find that out in near future.
Once again he whines to nobody. "Aah~aah so boring!" Rolling on the sofa's other side, Maura can hear nothing but the sound of heater.
As he trained so much into playing Leon's card game...Soon he got tired of just getting serious on Shadowverse to the point Maura starts to stroll around Nekome City without intention of playing.
Maura decided to please himself. Like eating ice cream, eat parfait, eat anything looks good in sight like restaurants or random stalls as long as he does not overfeed himself. Going on fashion stores, stuff toy stores, flower shops or any general shop he finds interesting like a curious cat he had always been then finally getting to arcades, mall and many more.
'Places I was not allowed to enter because I was a street rat.'
Not this time. By just carrying his cellphone he can access almost everything thanks to Leon Aurenche's authority on almost every part of Nekome City.
Maura does not carry any money with him. The money he had saved in his Shadowverse app is solely spend in Shadowverse.
There was no need for Maura to bring money anyway, he did not need to use his virtual money. All he had to do is mention Leon Aurenche's name he can bypass anything, buy anything.
Leon gave him every reason to be devoted.
'Leon-sama trust me enough to make use of his name to wherever I go. He really believes in me!' He feels so special.
He is special.
After all Maura is the only one who had such privilege's. Leon reasoning on giving him such luxury is to make sure Maura is always happy so he will be inspired more and more to do his best on mastering Shadowverse and to be his loyal sacrifice.
Maura swore to be Grand Master ranking and today his ranking risen up. Maura held up his smartphone, the screen shows his rank.
"Grand master rank...the thing Leon-sama wanted."
It took 2 years to get to this ranking. Maura admit doing Shadowverse was not his priority, he is slacking most of the times.
Honing his reading and writing took more much meaning to Maura and he learned to love books.
He learned so much about other countries that someday, Maura hope he can travel and see the wonders of the world himself.
"I can't wait to become an adult." Maura is filled with hopes he will reach that age. "Same time, I still want to be a child so that Leon-sama will spoil me!" Feeling funny, Maura learned already to always put a smile no matter what the situation is.
As if Maura had become a walking Pierrot with a pipe. That is the kind of smile he is giving and it creeps everyone out.
"Speaking of which..." Maura remember something. "Leon-sama said he will tell me something once I reach grandmaster rank." He wonder why it sounded so important whenever Leon brings that up.
The door made a noise.
"Leon-sama!" Excited, Maura hops towards the door to greet his owner more than an adoptive father. The door opens...
"Welcome back!" Maura properly greeting Leon from work, Leon just got back from another business trip.
"I'm back." Leon gives him a paper bag. "New artifact the team dig up. From your beautiful irises and good skin complex, I'm sure this will fit you well Mauro..."
Maura looks inside and he pick them out.
Red oval shape gem necklace, light gold bracelet and neck.
Maura is surprised that Leon's gift is jewelry.
"Really am allowed to wear these...?" Knowing they probably belong to the dead since Leon mention it is dig up from somewhere.
"Just think of it like God of Curses." Leon joked.
Maura though doesn't bother him either way if what Leon giving are all cursed items, they fascinates him.
"Thank you very much!" Quickly Maura puts them on.
"Woah!" It slip off his hands, Leon catches the jewelry. "Safe!"
Then took Maura's hands to gently give it back to his grip. "I can put it on to you if you want."
Maura slightly lushes and nods. "Y-yes please."
As if a child still being groom to look presentable.
Leon puts a finger at his chin admiring Maura's appearance. "It does fit you so well as expected!"
Maura looks like a rich kid...well technically he is now considered a rich kid since Leon officially adopted him.
"Umm!" Maura still blushing, thinking he should make Leon happy as well so he lifts up his phone and shows Leon. "I became a Grand Master while you were away Leon-sama!"
Heart beating fast...
Leon claps.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
"Wonderful!" Leon is thrilled. "Well done Mauro!" Maura almost freaks out. "E-eh!" He never saw Leon this excited before.
Like super...super pleased.
Leon noticed his behavior shy Maura away. "My apologizes for zooming my face and raising my voice." He proceed to grab Maura's both shoulder and praises him.
"I'm proud of you."
The pressure of warmth from Leon's glove hands.
"The pleasure is mine Leon-sama."
Unknown to Maura what is Leon thinks of him right now. '...'It makes me happy you are happy about my achievements.' Left unsaid. 'Am keeping your body measurements to make sure you look tasty to the Tree of Woe. Am so glad this object listens to everything I tell him. So cheap.'
"Mauro."
"Yes Leon-sama?"
Cutting the heartfelt temporary victory.
"Have you gotten accustomed living with me?" Maura very energetic with all honesty said.
"Yes very much!" Leon nodding.
"Are you happy?"
"Yes!"
"Then...Do you know the reason why you were here?"
"Eh?"
The atmosphere changed.
"I ask you..." Leon starts to circle at Maura. "Why do you think I took you in?"
Blinking.
Maura is bothered the way Leon changed from a sweet proud master to a somewhat grinning boss. "That's..." something is off.
'Come to think of it...why me?' Maura recalls he thought of this a seconds ago before Leon came.
The promise if he become Grandmaster Leon will tell him something...sounds important or big deal.
"I...I do not know the reason, sorry Leon-sama. I cannot seem to guess."
Apologetic polite boy he had grown this way at Leon's front but not to others he is sadistic.
Leon smiles at him, its still the same smile but Maura can tell there is a huge difference from earlier.
Leon is thrilled a while ago, not his smile kinda feels dark.
"I took you because you are the only one who can handle such special task." The man begins to explain.
"...task?" Maura had no choice but to entertain it. "You mean Shadowverse?" Leon chuckles.
"Partly..."
Maura starts to frown as he held his smartphone. 'Leon-sama didn't seem like he took me to take over his chair if time comes.'
...What is going on?
"I pick you up for the reason of saving this world along with my Shadow Knights."
Huh.
"Save the world?"
On the back of Maura's mind he think Leon is something crazy, but Leon look so serious same time he look so...so passionate?
"Leon-sama I...I don't get it. Save the world from what?"
Leon tells him. "Remember back you were younger I always told you so you have something else that only you can do?"
Hesitation is lurking but he is a good boy, he would always agree and make sure to listen. "...I remember. Meaning you'll tell me now?"
Leon stood near his office table waiting for Maura.
"Come closer."
Maura slightly with trust issue, he obeys anyway.
Once he approached, Leon held up the familiar frame. "This is..."
Leon with unknown emotion displaying in his eyes. "Yes my childhood friends and bestfriend who got married to each other. Ryuugasaki Eiji and Asagi." The man closes it eyes as if looking back to the past. "You see we had a dream called Nexus Project. Then the Tree of Woe devoured them."
Wait.
What.
"Huh?"
Maura is speechless is mind is starting to debate if this is a real story or some hard prank from Leon. 'Devoured? Means...eaten right?'
Maura is trying to search up his imaginary library inside his brains and there is no doubt Leon literally said the word they were devoured.
Leon feeling sorry for himself. "Which is why I need 7 heroes who will defeat the Tree of Woe."
Did Maura signed up for this shit?
Maura actually wanted to laugh and ask Leon if he is joking.
'Is he drunk again?'
No, Leon smells fine.
But the man look so dedicated that a cat caught Maura's tongue.
'Keep it to yourself.' Then again Maura starts to twitch. '...But hero? As in Hero like in books? Me a hero? But am a child...what is Leon-sama saying?'
Maura made sure he won't let Leon know that somewhat this conversation feels funny. It cannot be real...it just can't be.
"Err, to...to free them?"
Leon delighted to hear Maura is believing his story. "Yes and to save the world on it's incoming dooms day."
Maura can only feel the out of place in this set up.
"...Doom's day?" The boy continues to talk at himself mentally. 'Leon-sama is confusing me. But whatever he tells me is probably the truth and the righteous.' Even though he love Leon much, most of the time Leon covers his own emotions. To make sure he won't hurt the person he loves.
Side comments he made sure to keep at himself, always obey Leon...always make sure Leon won't find out that most of the time he did not care or he wanted something else.
Because Maura owes him a lot.
He took him and his life became better. So he should probably trust in him and follow along for now. But now Leon is saying crazy stuffs and sometimes...Maura thinks Leon had a few screw loose.
According to the book he read, scientist usually goes coo-coo.
However Maura would never hurt Leon, or what he believe so.
"Mauro, enjoy the last days of earth. However when the time comes I want you to aid me." Suddenly Leon's reaching out to his hand.
Maura made sure he would smile even though he still so confused.
"I would...like to Leon-sama, but what could I child like me do if you an adult can't do it?"
"Hahaha!" Leon laughs. Maura getting worried. "I didn't mean to offend you Leon-sama."
However Leon is actually happy. "Wise, wise answer. I knew Mauro you were smart and mature. I'm very delighted." He says as if it was natural for Maura to behave this way.
"You are right, am a useless adult. I can't save the world. But with the power of my money to finance those who can save the world, I will do so."
Here comes the pressure of being adopted.
"Mauro, I have high expectations on you. Please work with me. Please save this world, walk with me Mauro Abelard!"
Maura had mix emotions on it, proud and uncertain. "Leon-sama..."
The fact someone like Leon would expect so much from him is an honor, same time Maura himself is still partly not that confident that he can make it that far.
After all Maura is just putting a strong farce out of self pity and for the sake of not ruining Leon's image.
Even though Maura doubts himself for the job, he made sure to say the words Leon wants to hear. "I-I promise I will do what you say! If defeating the Tree of Woe with Shadowverse will save the world, will fulfill your dream of peace Leon-sama, I will do so!"
Leon's ears are celebrating. "Yes! Yes! That's the spirit Mauro! You are special! Always remember this task is an honor!" Then he turns his back. "Until then I will keep the other details for now. It might overwhelm you. So I hope you focus on improving from Grandmaster to being undefeatable in Shadowverse."
Maura clouded with thoughts. "Undefeatable..." the boy is trying to contemplate.
"Ah I forgot." Leon snap his fingers making Maura look again at him. "Today is his birthday."
Leon is talking to himself.
"Who?" Maura concerned how Leon smirks. The man is making him guess. "Is it...your bestfriend Ryuugasaki Eiji?" Is what Maura thinks so, because it is no longer his birthday.
"Nope." Leon sounds like an excited father. "Its Ryuugasaki Hiro, Eiji's son."
Maura felt a vein pop at his own cheeks. "Hiro..."
Leon who seems to be focused at him earlier suddenly change in a whim towards Eiji's son's birthday. "I will visit my best friend's son today, in hopes to tell him the truth." He starts to pack some stuffs.
Maura wishing Leon would stop sounding so happy whenever he talks about this Ryuugasaki Hiro, but he is indeed curious as well.
"Eh? You mean...that Hiro did not know his parents were inside the Tree of Woe?" Maura waiting for Leon to answer, the man showed a sorrowful look. "Unfortunately his grand father Ryuugasaki Shigefumi hide the truth. He lied to the child that his parents died in a car accident..." And switch to hidden anger. "I will unleash him from lies." Then switch one more time to the Leon he knows whose always sound like he made something magical. "And someday you will work with Hiro to save the world!"
Maura nervously chuckles as he repeats back. "Work...together...hehh..."
After this crazy conversation, Leon dismiss himself and allowed Maura to lock himself at his room.
...
Sighs.
Falling off to the bed, Maura hugs his pillow. "...Ryuugasaki Hiro, I don't like hearing his name."
"Is this jealousy?" He says in a pout.
Then it hit him.
This feeling.
"Am afraid...Leon-sama would prefer a child like him than me?" Maura starts to freak out.
"No! No! No! Am Leon-sama's favorite! I can't let anyone take it from me!" He ended up throwing the pillow at the wall.
Good thing its a pillow, no loud sound of its thing falling down the floor.
"Hmp." Maura huffs. "I have to get better. Stronger and terrifying!" He boosted his own confidence.
Using jealously into a challenge. "The God of Curses is with me and Leon-sama's blessing!" Maura having a creepy smile. "I swear I will trample that brat if ever he dares to take my Leon-sama from me..."
Gasps.
Maura took another change of emotion.
Recently as he grow older he realize every little details...how Leon changes his emotions and hides them as well with a chill smile.
"For some reason...Leon-sama smiles differently whenever he mentions Ryuugasaki Hiro's name. Very different smile when he talks to me and comforts me..." now Maura felt sad.
Clutching his heart. "No...Am sure he just find him pitiful. Of course that is! After all everyone is miserable and pitiful! And Leon-sama is here to give salvation to everyone!" His hate towards Ryuugasaki Hiro has been implanted.
Maura Abelard can be childish of course.
But then again...it haunts him.
"Just like how he save me..." Every time he opens his eyes he can see his old memories of being a beggar.
Maura walk off from the bed to grab the pillow from the ground and he hugs it. Trying to brainwash himself for devotion.
"Leon-sama I love him. I love you Leon-sama!"
Yet he actually had teary eyes.
"So why...? Why won't you...smile at me and spark your eyes the way you do on Eiji's son?"
Burying his face to the pillow as his back rested at the wall. "Unfair." Maura slides down until he is now in a yarn ball position.
"Leon-sama..."
...
The next day...
Because he wants to lighten his own mood, Maura went out and Leon is once more busy with his Genesis business partners. He also do not care wherever Maura wanders around as long as he get back home before crew few.
"Descend, God of curses!"
"Uaaagh!"
The battle is over.
"KyaHahaha! Look how hopeless you are! This is what happens when looser like you try to challenge the God of Curses!"
Right now Maura is at the Shadowverse stadium where people gather to practice and play Shadowverse.
Maura's madness scaring the audience.
"Eeek! He is freaky!"
While his opponent.
"Y-YOU ARE CRAZY!" And runs off.
"Tsk." Maura cross his arms as he watch his last prey for the day runs towards the exit. "He run away." Evil grinning, Maura is proud of today's achievement of humiliating 5 people for the span of 4hrs.
Until...
Tap..))
"So you are the rumored creepy boy." Maura looks at his front.
"Hm?" A long black haired wearing silver mask in a jumpsuit.
Maura shrugs. "And who are you trying to cosplay Masked girl?" Feeling unbothered.
"I don't need to give you my name." It is actually Kirisame Kagura hiding her real identity by wearing the mask Maura just insulted without exactly saying the actual words..."
Kagura steps inside the battle field were Maura still at his play circle.
"But I know it will be strange not to call me in any means...therefore I can give you one." Kagura introduce her penname. "Masked Maestro."
"Hehh~ Masked Maestro. How dramatic, should I call myself God of Curses then?" Maura taunts her. "Anyhow what does Masked Maestro need from someone like me?"
The derange boy seems to be enjoying himself, it is making Kagura's stomach sick.
Maura needs some spanking.
"I heard about your evil deeds." Masked Maestro started.
"Evil deeds?" Maura raised am eyebrow clearly unaware his actions of tormenting other Shadowverse players actually spread wide into a horror story.
"You challenge players whose not even in your level and trample their confidence on playing Shadowverse. You are very wicked." There was a hint of personal hate against him.
Amused. "Hehh~ Says the one hiding in a suspicious silly mask." Maura opens one eye in a form of wink. "Well I was taught with the etiquette to give my name, but...I guess you can call me Maura."
The reason why Kagura knows Maura is the Mauro she met back then it is because he had some iconic green hair with black highlights. Although those highlights are being covered by his thickening hair.
The fact Maura is using the same exact ponytail up his head when Leon tied it up for him.
Lastly it gave away with the familiar brouche. There is no doubt it was that kid who pushed her off the party. 'He is using Maura not Mauro?'
Kagura reveals her ready to battle smartphone.
"I don't know how you were raised, but your behavior is disturbing!"
Maura made a whistle sound before spreading a confident evil smile. "Hn, Interesting. I do not know either who raised you but I bet your parents does not approve of your hobbies to the point you have to hide in a mask with a pen name like Masked Maestro so you can play Shadowverse to your hearts content!"
This time Kagura is triggered. "...!"
Noticing this Maura rub more salt at her wound.
"~Ohh? Did I hurt a spot?"
Kagura glared between her masked face. "I will make you pay."
Maura chuckles. "Ehehe!" Feeling dumb. "Pay for what? Ahh? In behalf of those powerless worms?"
He also readied his smartphone.
"Fine by me, am quite in a bad mood after all!"
Thus they battle.
"Battle! Shadowverse!"
It was Masked Maestro's turn first. When Kagura pulls her first card, Maura is surprised.
"Hn? Havencraft as well...?" Yes they both play Havencraft deck. Interested. "Very well, I will show you the difference in our strength!" Maura licks his lips. "Come Guardian Fox!"
Masked Maestro accidentally peek at her mobile screen where it would show your opponents stat info.
Kagura never thought of it she ended up saying out loud. "Wait you are a Grand Master rank?!"
Oh shoot. She is only A rank.
Will she win this battle?
Maura teases her more. "Took you long enough to notice who you even challenge to a battle! Ahaha! A low rank like you as A rank will not beat me or whatsoever!"
Then picked his best card.
"Descend now! God of Curse~!" Crazily laugh. Maura is feeling rather good mood now. "Kyahahaha!" He is too excited that he grab his own bangs and brushes it up. His bangs are getting longer. "Hehe, Your despair is about to start and it will make you admit defeat!"
But the Masked Maestro live up to her name and shows her best card. "Holy Saber!"
Maura had a short serious look as he recognize that card. It is a Legendary Follower. "Hn, is that your best card?"
But does it really matter?
"How cute...but not enough!"
Maura takes pride on his special night lessons with Leon, he cannot afford to loose.
In a swift time passes the final attack was given.
"Kuhh...!" Masked Maestro life points went zero, because she couldn't stop the God of Curses to revive every turn.
"W-what the...I lost...?" Unbelievable.
"Kyahahaha! Hahaha!" Maura getting out of hand. "Ahaha! Hahaha..hahaha!" His laugh echoes to the whole stadium and people are whispering how they feel bad for the Masked Maestro...how her beloved Holy Saber got disgraced.
"That is too much for a laugh..." Says Kagura narrowing her eyes within her mask.
Maura wipes his own tears due to too much laughing. "Of course I will laugh! After all, you challenged me then you miserably lost! How embarrassing! Serves you right! What a weeb!"
He looks at the audience to add more embarrassment to the masked player. "That is what everyone thinks right? To all who watches our match just now! Isn't Masked Maestro a freakin weeb?!"
Kagura stood up with her feet as she fell down from the impact when Maura sent her ass whoop.
"Is this your own power in Shadowverse Maura the God of Curses?"
Maura stops laughing, this time he is keeping it cool now. "I can't say for sure it is my own power, after all a precious person gave it to me. Everything I have at this moment...is for that person's dream!" Smiling.
Kirisame Kagura whispered to herself. "I see...so you are also tied with..." and turns her back to walk away.
Not expecting the Masked Maestro retreating so quickly, not even challenging for 2nd battle. "And where are you going?"
"I lost. Therefore do what you like as you play Shadowverse while trampling the hopes and dreams of other players in despair."
What a drama.
"Fuu, never ask for your opinion anyway. So long Masked Maestro!"
Maura knowingly smirks at her back.
"Till we meet again..."
...
Evening, back at Genesis company. Maura is ready to call it a day.
The words of Masked Maestro rings in his ears.
((""Is this your own power in Shadowverse Maura the God of Curses?"))
It may not be obvious but a lot of things weighs Maura's mind after being told by Leon whether he is crazy or serious.
The fact he was adopted to be a hero sounds like a hard work.
Obligation.
Maura hate being tied to something the most but...
"My power...of my own..." He look at his hands. He is worried if he can do it right. 'Sounds wrong.'
Eyeing the big glass window where he see the darkening sky with clouds floating and the familiar lights in other buildings.
Maura stoods alone at the living room contemplating.
"After all...Leon-sama would train me hard every night..."
It suddenly click on Maura.
'Every night he would ask me to come at his room. Come to think of it... Leon-sama would always check my body?'
Maura approaches the mirror stand. He look at his loose clothes that shows his collarbone. It is not exactly an off shoulder but because he is petite.
It dawns to him. 'He says always look presentable. So meaning Leon-sama reasons he doesn't want me to be too fat nor too skinny. He also wants my skin to be maintained smooth and how I should always smell nice?'
Maura swore to himself. "I should ask him, he won't be mad right?
Finally when Leon got home from work, night time with the usual weird night lessons.
"Maura, remove your clothes." Leon says rather quickly. Maura did not hesitate this time. "Yes Leon-sama."
Leon reveals his satisfied smile. "Good...you are growing pretty well." It was not that long the body check is done. "You may dress now."
Maura also in hurry to dress up himself, couldn't bare any longer. "Umm...Leon-sama may I ask?"
Leon unhinge. "What is it?"
Maura avoiding eye contact. "Why do you always check my sizes?" It took courage. "Its not because of my tailor clothing's right? You already know my measurement..."
Leon puts a thumb at his chin, he does this when he thinks of a reply when he finds it rather difficult. "I see you would be questioning it. Fine let me answer that for you. I want to make sure when the world ends you are in your best condition to fight against the Tree of Woe."
'Whaaaaat.'
Maura almost want to phase palm, that was the answer?!
"Anyway Maura, are you ready for the real act of the night?"
Somehow the line sounds erotic if you think differently. Maura never really like their special lessons.
"Now that you are a Grand Master, I want you to show me if you can defeat me as well a Grandmaster." Leon is looking forward to it.
"Yes am ready Leon-sama." Maura knows he can't afford to loose this battle.
Leon brainwashing him again. "Always remember, you don't need to see it...all you have to do is remember it by your body. The mastery of cards." He mused. "Back then when you were younger you cry a lot when you loose. Now show me you will aim for victory. Do not disappoint me Mauro."
"I promise I will maintain my Grand Master ranking Leon-sama! So please do not hold back...!"
Leon applauses him.
"Well said!"
And they begin.
"Battle, Shadowverse!"
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The next morning.
"Good morning Mauro. Anything to report?"
Leon drinking coffee early in the morning. Maura notice he wears a different business suit not his usual iconic suit.
"Actually yesterday I met a Masked Maestro, Leon-sama." Maura got ahead of his self. "Such a weeb cosplaying Shadowverse!" He almost slips out his sadistic side.
Thankfully Leon did not react and remained his smile that always makes Maura happy.
"What about you Leon-sama?"
"Me?"
Maura remembered yesterday Leon told him. "Were you...able to tell the truth on Eiji's son?"
Leon taken back. "No luck. The house is well guarded for an old man. Hiro is not even allowed to have a cellphone nor any means of gadget." Sips at his coffee. "As if Eiji's son is getting raised in province. Poor boy...he is missing out a lot."
Maura worried. "Leon-sama..."
As Leon finishes his cup. "Very well Mauro let us change the topic, enough about me. You have a duty today."
He approaches Maura and brushes his hair. Maura rather accepting from his early touches.
"W-what is it Leon-sama?"
Leon points at the wardrobe, there was a hanger and it has a white tuxedo size of a boy.
"Are you ready for party politics this time?"
"Eh...?"
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At the Party Floor.
A familiar scene.
Maura at the very back of the crowd with crossed arms wearing the white tuxedo with a gold rose pinned at his left chest pocket. 'Who would have thought I will come back at this scenery.' Rather nostalgic and makes him emotional. 'To think I don't even tremble anymore.' Nostalgic yet feels stupid nowadays. 'The only thing I felt right now is annoyed and boredom.'
Maura searched his pocket and revealed a small chain toy. 'I guess I'll just play with this Chain Puzzle I won from a Gacha arcade.'
Making himself occupied, he eventually sat down at the lined up chair prepared to those who want to take a break from greeting each other. You know rich people ceremony.
He talks at himself. "Look at those rich people, so bland and boring." Maura is running his mouth again.
"And you are one of them."
A voice.
"Nice meeting you again Mauro Abelard."
Kirisame Kagura in a purple dress with a gold rose pinned at her right waist.
Maura pauses before he thought of something to raise a nerve. "Aahh~ do I know you?"
Kagura can tell Maura is being mean. "Can't believe you would have change drastically in a span of 6 years." Crossing her arms.
Maura stops playing his Chain puzzle and put it back to his pockets. "Whatever do you mean?" He stop the mean joke and stood up from his seat. "My apologies, I was just joking." He admit he is being silly.
Kagura does not joke around though.
Maura proceeds the gentleman bow method. "It is a pleasure to meet you once more Kirisame Kagura, the heir of Tensei Academy." Even though he still wears the annoying smug that Kagura couldn't erase.
"Hehh~ seems like you did some research."
She says in a offensive way. "Frankly you were quite the cutie when we first met. Shy, timid...and lack of words." But Maura is thick face like his hair.
"Ufufu, my, my what a compliment~"
Kagura is short tempered too, they are the worst combination. "But now you are very un cute. Rude and always wearing a smug." She says the truth.
Maura pretends to be hurt. "Oh? Smug? I believe this is what they call smiling even to people you do not like." He evil grins at the end of his words.
Kagura vein pops but remained composed appearance wise. "I don't know how your adoptive father raise you, but definitely you sound so spoiled right now that I cannot even comprehend the negligence of Leon Aurenche against you-"
Maura snaps.
"Don't you dare insult Leon-sama!"
But the voice is not that high enough for other guests to hear.
Kagura sweat drops, somewhat terrified of Maura might push her off again. "You...you still hot headed..."
Maura does not even wear a mask but he changed his face back to Maneki Neko smile.
"Ahh, I lost my composure. I'm sorry, your mouth is full of bull crap that I cannot hear you."
Woah.
"Are you seriously saying that to a girl? How ungentlemanly."
Maura chuckles. "Who says am a gentleman? That could only be Leon-sama, I could never be like him."
Kagura actually just wanted to talk to someone who can relate to know, now that she knows Maura plays Shadowverse too.
"Leon-sama huh...I guess you are just like me, we cannot call them our father. It is always the title."
However.
"How sad and pitiful you are Kirisame Kagura."
Raised an eyebrow. "I was talking in behalf the two of us."
Maura yawns. "Hmm? Must be hard forced to be a school president at such young age."
Kagura shakes her head, talking to Maura is a headache. "Were the same age. It is natural I have to be the very best in leadership. Specially Tensei Academy is our family's business and pride. Unlike you! All you do is idle, how careless for the Genesis Company heir-"
"Heir? Leon-sama never said I have to be his successor in the company. I think you are misunderstanding something..." Maura approaches her and he bends forward.
His twerk posing revealing his despairing eyes.
"You see, unlike you Masked Maestro. Leon-sama is proud of my Grand Master rank."
Kagura blushes out of embarrassment. "Y-you knew?!"
Maura steps back and boast his privilege's. "Of course, why wouldn't I? I'm Mauro Abelard...I love secrets~ And am still the standing heir of Shadowverse. I have access on everyone's profile at Shadowverse enrollment log."
Teasing Kagura more. "After you lost at me, I kindaaaa check it out and realized your real identity."
Kagura panics. "B-blackmail?"
Maura shrugs. "Hmm~ Are you even worth of that level?"
Then he noticed Leon walking out of the crowd, it is the que to move and follow his master.
"Oh, I must go."
Kagura grabs his wrist. "P-please don't tell father!"
Embarrassing.
Maura removes her hand but not with force. "Rest assured, as long as you shut your mouth. I won't spill your tea either. Because you are not worthy unless you produce results~"
Is the assurance statement.
Kirisame Kagura can only dies out of piss.
'That...devil...!'
And that's it.
The party ended.
Leon and Maura went to their limousine. The driver is no other than Marguerite.
She can pretty much hear all the conversation between the father and adoptive son, but she also knows their relationship is more like a master and a servant.
Leon trust her much that whatever she hears from them she will keep it to herself.
Marguerite is the one person Maura does not hate but does not give a damn either. Marguerite simply does not exist in Maura's range of attention.
Therefore their relationship is just neutral. Although Marguerite already know how sadistic Maura had grown up too, but she always had that business mode that it doesn't bother her. On the other hand Maura thinks she is simply boring and as long she does not piss him off he is good with her presence.
Specially she is very loyal to his Leon-sama.
But this time, Marguerite cannot help but peek at the car glass above so she can see Leon and Maura sitting beside each other.
Leon starts saying things like this. "Mauro are you ready to become an adult?"
Maura sounding innocent. "Adult? Me?"
He is friggin 10 years old. Why would he graduate from being a kid into an adult without becoming a teenager?!
Marguerite tried to stop herself to make a face and focus to driving.
But she hears it again.
Maura always sound like a cinnamon roll whenever he talks to Leon.
"What do you mean Leon-sama...?" Frankly Maura does not want to grow up yet.
"Age of Ceremony." Leon simplifies. "In your tribe, your birthplace. Young boys has to go through the sacred ritual of becoming an adult."
Marguerite twitches. Is Leon seriously going to...
The conversation sounds like heading to child abuse.
"Umm...so what am suppose to do then?"
Leon sounds excited.
"Tattoo."
Maura repeats.
"T-tattoo?"
Leon pulls out a book hidden at the secret compartment of the limousine. "Exactly! Come here Mauro." He opens the pages and points at the black and white photos. "This is the Tattoo we will put at you."
Marguerite wants to butt in but she is not allowed to tell Leon how he wants his adoptive son to be.
But...Maura is too young for a tattoo!
Maura unsure if he would like a tattoo. "Is there a reason why its that shape and color Leon-sama?"
Leon tells him the half truth. "Its about Love is Sacrifice when put under someone's eye."
What it actually meant is Love and Sacrifice.
Marguerite wants to comment but she puts her lips tight shut as she continues to drive them way home.
"Like a teardrop tattoo..." Maura looking at the picture he mentally repeated what the man just said. 'Wait did Leon-sama just said someone's eye?'
Wishing it is a prank. "L-Leon-sama where are you going to place that tattoo on me?"
Leon closes the book.
"In your face."
"Eh?"
Sounds pushy, Leon caress Maura's face making the boy too stunned to speak nor move.
The sudden change in atmosphere, the obsessive feeling of being owned by someone.
"Mauro you have such beautiful eyes and attributes. I consider a thing like you a previous trove."
Marguerite feels uncomfortable while observing the two from the car glass mirror.
"I-I'm pre...cious...?" Maura enchanted by Leon's charisma. "So tomorrow we will set your date of tattoo. Be ready alright?"
This can't be happening.
"O-ok, as you wish Leon-sama..."
Maura can only pray it won't be bad as it sounds.
'I'm scared. Will it hurt?'
Arriving back at home.
Marguerite is able to kept her thoughts to herself how badly she wants to tell Leon not to push the boy on having a tattoo just because he came from a tribe.
Watching Leon and Maura goes inside the building, Marguerite can only tell herself.
"They had such a weird relationship."
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The very next day Leon called a tattoo artist.
It is illegal for a kid to get a tattoo so he hired a illegal yet professional tattoo artist who will turn Maura to an adult as per what his tribe claims to believe.
"Here we are."
They arrive the 8th floor where the Medical Center is. This is a small private clinic of Genesis company. Right now it is solely book for him and Maura to be in it.
Maura noticed how nobody else is here. The area is cold than usual because no other human is on sight except him and Leon.
Badump, badump.
His heart beats so fast.
They arrived the room where the session will partake.
Two big man waiting for Maura to lay down and one is an old man who had a lot of tribal tattoos.
'It must be the tattoo artist.'
Maura is about to do a relief sigh but he stop himself. 'Hold up...' The moment Maura saw the bed, it is similar to a dentist board bed except...
There are chains!?
Maura's voice trembles as he look at seemingly calm Leon. "L-Leon-sama why are there handcuffs?" Nervous laugh. "This won't hurt right...?"
Leon kept the straight face with his smile and gave Maura a pat in the back. "Those hand cuffs are for safety for the person who will tattoo your face."
Excuse me.
'It's not a safety for me?'
Leon holds both of his shoulders with pressure. There is no escape!
Maura squeaks. "Iiih!" Similar to the old him getting scared of touch.
Leon can feel the boy is trembling cold feet upon the sight beholds.
"Listen Mauro, a real adult, a real man can handle pain." Sounds like an order. "Now is the time you throw away your crybaby self."
Maura wants to run away but Leon looks scary right now.
"This should be the last time you shed tears."
Maura could only gulp down his saliva.
'Wait...so its going to be that painful?!'
He pleaded for mercy. "Leon-sama...am scared...I don't think am ready-"
But...
"Mauro!"
"Eeek!"
Leon raised his voice before it went back to his soft ones.
"Do as what I say." He pats Maura's back. "I promise you will like it later on. It would look beautiful on you." Leon smirks up his lips. "I already pictured it." There was a hidden behind it but Maura cannot guess what is it this man thinking forcing him to get a tattoo at such young age!
"Uhhh..." Maura braced himself. "A-As you wish..." he walk towards the bed.
The two big man suddenly pins him down. "Oow! What was that for?!"
The fact Leon just went ahead and sit to the nearest available chair and watch Maura getting handcuffs.
"L-Leon-sama!" He starts to cower. "I don't think am entirely prepare for this! Please! Let us...do it next time!"
Leon arch an eyebrow. "Are you talking back to me what is best for you?" But he remained authoritative and nice at the same time. "Mauro, believe me in this. Have I ever lied to you?"
A lot. He lied a lot but to Maura at this timeline he has no slightest idea how Leon been grooming him into a sacrificial lamb.
Before he know it.
His wrist are chained even his ankle.
"No! No! I don't want-"
His vision blurs from tears. "Leon-sama help!"
The tattoo artist begins. "Please hold his head for me." He says to the two big strong man and lock Maura's face up to look at the old man.
Maura struggled his head but he might break his neck.
There is no anesthesia at all?!
"Wait! Wait...wait!"
The tattoo pen tool begins to make a sound.
"No!"
And it dig to his skin.
"Aaaaargh!"
All of Maura's veins showed up. He turned instantly red and the whole room is covered by his painful screams.
"It hurts! It hurts! Stop! Please stop! I'm dying! Help...help! Leon-sama!"
Leon just chilling. "Bare with it Mauro. After the session you will surely see the world differently. You will become like me!"
Its no use, he will probably die from intensive pain.
"AAAaaahhhguhhhh!"
He cannot remember what else happen for Maura collapsed.
His body can remember the caged bed caused by his own struggle while his ankle and wrist felt the metal chains hurt him.
Then the smell of ink with his blood.
His bone cheek felt shattered as if he got skinned alive.
It was a terrifying experience he cannot forget.
"Mauro...")))
Maura opens his eyes, still dizzy.
Leon taps his face to wake up.
"Mauro...this is not strong enough to kill you..."))
Leon's voice sounds far away.
"Leon...sama...I..." Maura mutters but he sounded like on drugs that he cannot really speak clearly.
He can see Leon's worried look in a short glimpse of his fading vision once more.
He heard him.
(("You can't die yet Mauro, I need you."))
All turn black.
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Leon's POV
Did I made a mistake?
Back at the penthouse, am at my office desk. Viewing the people down the window. It is already night when the session ended.
"How is Mauro?" I turned my back and there is Ein making her report.
"High fever and...having delusions."
Right now the object had been defeated by the applying of tattoo and the IT looks messed up.
"Will he survive?" I genuinely got concern that if the object dies, I would need to find another sacrifice.
But I was never wrong. I refuse to believe so. I always had the correct discretions.
I cannot wait for Mauro to turn 12. It has to be now to brand him like a cow waiting for its slaughter date.
However he is out cold after getting two red diamond shape tattoo applied at his left side cheeks.
"He better be, he should not disappoint me for I chose him and I should never be mistaken."
Ein says nothing.
Of course, I made sure Mauro does not have friends. Of Shadow Knights gets attach to Mauro they might tell the secret of his one and only purpose.
To be fed to the Tree of Woe. In order to replace Asagi. The deadly shadows of woe shall take over Mauro and become the next Nexus.
I made sure he fall for me so he would listen to me. I can control god, Mauro shall be god then after that I will become the next god!
So the object must not die.
I cannot stop it.
"Let me see him." I went to his room as Ein leads the way.
There is IT.
The boy in his pajamas shivering while his forehead is all wet.
"Mauro...can you hear me?" I tried to call him out, yet he speaks such nonsense.
"I feel so cold. Save me...save me...am scared...so scared...help..."
He is trembling from head to toe.
I must do something.
"Shhh..." I comforts him. "It's painful at first but eventually you will get used to it." And show him the positivity of this situation. "Always remember being out of the streets is harsher than getting a tattoo in the face."
To my surprise he objected. "But...that's not what I wanted..."
Then IT starts to sound dramatic. "You are not...going to abandon me right...?" Oh gosh, the object is crying. "You'll always...be there with me right?"
But this means he likes me this much. Then its good results for me.
"Yes, we will save the world together Mauro."
I tells him.
But then he lost consciousness once more.
"Ughhh...Leon...sama..."
...
3 days later.
He went thin in a short span of days.
After all the object is not able to eat properly nor drink water.
But then, I know he would survive. After all he went to a harsh environment in the street where he is used to having an empty stomach.
So not being able to eat for three days is not something can bring him down.
Second and important to mention, his high fever and hypothermia also cannot kill Mauro. He lived outside where he is always drench and possibly have fevers too.
Which is why I know am not wrong to mark him. The sooner the better.
"You finally able to get up." I greets him while I was browsing through the news.
There is a memorial held for a family who got into a car accident. And now the two siblings who survive, rumors says the elder brother is recently playing Shadowverse.
I look forward if he is one of the strongest player as time flows.
For now...
"Leon-sama...my apologizes for the unsightly of myself." Mauro in his usual apologetic self.
"Its fine, I knew you did your best. At least you are alive Mauro." I made sure he would not be shamed.
"Leon-sama..." it work like magic.
But you know, we are not yet done.
"Now lets change your hairstyle."
I came closer to him. Mauro's hair is all over the place, looks untidy.
This is how Mauro looks like whenever he does not tie his hair up, he looks like a hobo. I tried to straighten up his hair with shampoos, conditioners and good brushing...it still has it own pointy strands, so I always tell this object to tie the hair up.
"Eh?"
I can feel he still feels violated after the tattoo thing.
I lighten up his mood. "Let's eat outside like a date." Finding good reasons to convince him that I mean no harm. "We are going to have your left bangs shave off so that the black highlights in your hair can be seen. And...cut your hair in shoulder length."
Mauro's hair is above his waist, I feel disturb how his hair bounces around.
It needs to look refined.
"We'll also make sure the jewelry you wear will match your outfit." I tells him. "You will look born a new!"
Mauro forced a smile. The patch at his left cheek is still there. His face is swollen.
"You will be fine Mauro." I demand it.
"I-its my pleasure Leon-sama..." and of course a good boy is a good boy.
Mauro is mine.
Outsider POV
Maura who has not even recover yet, Leon already ordered him to get ready for their date. Leon said they will make over him, but after the tattoo thing...He is terrifyingly worried whatever Leon doing at him.
'Slowly by bit...am being groom as a different person...who am really?'
Maura can't tell him.
'What am...?'
...
At the salon.
The hairstylist cut his hair to his shoulder length. Then indeed they shave off his bangs from his left. Leaving the right all of his hair like a side bangs.
Then next they went to the shop were Maura had his tailor clothes ordered.
"Wear this." Leon is treating him like a doll getting dress.
"O-ok."
When Maura opens the curtain he wore an off shoulder and short black pants.
Leon stared at him then...
"Let's fix you up."
Leon grab his beloved brouche that has been attached to the red scarf he had been using to support the said brouche.
Then his accessories from artifacts were positioned properly by Leon.
Then Leon remove his patch.
"Ow!"
It was sudden, but Leon chuckles.
"Sorry."
Maura just accepted his fate anyway.
Then...
"Splendid!" Leon praises himself.
He pulled Maura to face the mirror and the boy's eyes widen.
"This is the new you Mauro. Look at the mirror."
Maura cannot believe it.
He saw his new look. Green hair tied to a ponytail but shorter and lowered this time. He finally see his black hair on the back of his hair and the necklace with four green gems and one middle red gem. His off shoulder outfit consists of a yellow tunic, short pants and brown boots.
Then it was there the dark red tattoo on his cheek.
He looks exotic!
"W-wow...I look cool..."
Maura genuinely thought he would become ugly with the tattoo and the shaving of his hair but, he looks damn sexy.
"See? Ain't it fits you?" Leon is happy, Maura is happy too. "Leon-sama..."
Leon gives him an absolute order.
"From now on this is how you dress and act. Make me proud Mauro."
Still using brainwashing methods. "Remember you are not like other kids who went through such hardship. Always remember you are the chosen one." Maura unaware these are not inspirational words to boost his confidence but to make him believe he has a duty to embrace as a hero to save the world.
"Surely people will fear you, always do what I say Mauro you will be in good hands."
Maura Abelard did not yield this time.
"Yes I will Leon-sama!"
...
At Leon's office.
A report from Marguerite came by that Shadow Knights failed to awaken the Legendary Cards.
"Shadow Knights you have disappointed me."
The Shadow Knights are genuinely terrified.
"F-forgive us Leon-sama!"
Today is actually the first attempt of Shadow Knights since they are all now Grand Master rank and went to intensive training.
Leon expected the Legendary Card will response to them.
The Shadow Knights went to each of the hidden ruins and yet none of them is able to unlock the card's seal that Eiji has put before the incident.
Leon recently curious about some other players around the same age as Maura.
Example, this Yonazuki Lucia who started Shadowverse and he is already rising up to the ranks.
Eiji's son is unfortunately still not playing Shadowverse.
Oh well, he can wait.
"But its ok...Mauro will shoulder all your faults." Leon Aurenche smiles deviously to the Shadow Knights.
"The sacrifice is ready."
To Be Continued.
End Notes: phew, I finally finished this chapter. Am very excited to showcase Maura and Lucia's connection in the Champion's Battle! Expect I extend some scenes that I believe sounds canon enough! Remember we pretend this is the OVA...this fanfic is serving its purpose for that!
**IF I CANNOT FINISH THIS DON'T BLAME ME, IM DOING THIS TO SPREAD MORE LOVE TO MAURO UNTIL I GET TIRED OF THE ANIME**