The episode opens with a pan shot of the entire school, with the Knights despair-analysing the sitch. {Shadow Garden}, led by [Gamma] the Klutz, meanwhile, have managed to move on top of the auditorium where the students are held, receiving a flash signal from [Nu]. [Rose] reflects on the fact that the lack of magic has basically rendered them powerless. Then again, she looks significantly at the Gaunt Knight, noting that it wouldn'tve mattered. Meanwhile, [Sherry] has finished the modification of the {Control Device}, under [Cid}'s watchful eyes. She then opens a secret tunnel to the auditorium, at which point the Opening plays.


"Go, Sherry!" Alexia enthusiastically encourages the on screen girl, even as the girl in question tries to smile, but Lutheran's choices render it as more of a grimace.

Aurora perks up suddenly. She also grins, since she recognizes something about the magic threads that she was playing with.

"You know, this could be useful in controlling puppets- In fact, I think I wanna use it like that!"

"What are you, stupid?" Minoru simply retorts. "Human puppets and zombies are soooo not cool enough for either of us! I mean, think of the elegance in your attacks!" While the coolness factor is just his own idea, Aurora had to concede that he had a point in the fact that it was not an elegant method of attacking when used that way. "Besides, the threads are super restrictive when used in that way… try using the threads as a trap- unless you can turn to mist, your opponent's pretty much screwed that way." Before he managed to remind everyone of why he's a scary opponent, AGAIN.

Beatrix frowned regardless, "Can me and Alpha try countering them anyway?" Sounds interesting, Eta looking curious.

They briefly sparred in the background.


[Sherry] remembers witnessing her mother's murder, followed by [Lutheran] taking her in, using honeyed words. Curiously, [Sherry]'s mother's killer looks a lot like him. She decides to try helping him. [Cid] encourages her, though he plays his role down a LOT, to stay in character. Though he lays it on a bit thick- claiming it to be an event that would save the she goes down the tunnel, we pan to the auditorium, where the siegers are wondering about their precious [Rex] and the guards. As this happens, [Rose] stops a reckless attempt at a counterattack- citing, rightfully, that they have no access to magic, and the Gaunt Knight is rather magically powerful.


Klaus and Iris nod in approval of Rose's actions. Zeta even smiles at her prioritising the lives of everyone over the need to counter.

"That was a good tactic, a commander should always prioritise the lives of those he's in charge of," Epsilon approved, Rose smiling.


Then the siegers begin shooting students for amusement. Gloating about it as they have the advantage. [Sherry], having heard it, moves forward. Rose and the others, however, are forced to hold back, because they, as the strongest, cannot do anything, regretfully. The victims receive treatment immediately as [Sherry] reaches the auditorium and activates the {Control Device} and throws it. This removes the barrier, and [Rose], recovering her magic, immediately begins the counterattack. The other students rally behind her, as they push the scum back. Too bad that they can't kill, having a mental aversion to it. Not to mention, they haven't recovered fully. All this, as the Gaunt Knight retreats and [Nu] disappears.


Everyone winces at the shots and the words of the scum. Minoru glares a bit at them, as they remind him slightly of the people who laugh at everyone else's dreams, so he is understandably happy at the fact that Shadow can now appear.

Beta notes to keep more combat-ready people in the city- since this shouldn't be allowed in the future. Gamma may be strong, but more combat personnel need to be deployed at the right spots.

Rose, noting the mentality of the students, resolves to make them have their first kill at the earliest, to remove their reticence of killing. Iris, noticing the same, resolves similarly, Claire wonders where her class is, she's not seeing herself in the crowd...


[Rose], noticing the Gaunt Knight's retreat, gives pursuit, but the mooks are gaining on her, due to their lack of magic… Fights are never fair. As she takes one out while thinking of [Cid]'s 'feelings', she sees her blade resembling a kid with a paper bag over his head. As she smiles, [Shadow], accompanied by {Shadow Garden}, jumps down from the roof, right behind her.

"Impressive, you who wields the beautiful blade"

Before the SG Catchphrase is uttered, some mooks are killed like flies. After it is uttered, they move to attack, the rest are taken down easily, although the Knight takes the time to escape and commit extensive arson as [Shadow] is held back for a bare second.


"Nice Entrance!" Alexia marvels, given that she understands his motives the most… "Though I'm not sure Rose's blade is that special" she haughtily exults.

"Actually, Rose is using a self-made blade. The beauty of it is that it's based on a rougher version of mine, but that makes it rather impressive for its current form" Minoru deflates her easily, while offering a bow to the princess in question. Rose blushes at that, though she is rather interested in learning his blade.

Beta laughs at her uproariously, Delta blinks, not understanding Alexia's glare.


As [Iris] and the {Knights} regroup and take care of the evacuating students… although [Iris] has classified {Shadow Garden} as enemies, judging by her reaction to the identities of both their saviours and captors. {Shadow Garden} and [Sherry] retreat as the explosions get hot and there is nothing left to get. As [Sherry] wonders about [Lutheran]'s whereabouts, the Knight burns a few books and is discovered by [Cid], who's sitting and reading a book on the windowsill. He also casually reveals his identity- that of [Lutheran]- as he used his walking style as the clue.


Minoru has now tightened his grip on Sherry, even as she starts blinking back tears. He knows that the following scene isn't going to be pleasant for her. He also has an inkling about what he's going to do.


[Cid] asks for reference about [Lutheran]'s reasons for doing this, and it is revealed that he was a part of a big organisation that he was going to be a leader of- Likely the Cult, given [Rex]'s involvement. However, he fell sick, and had to step down. In search of a cure, he had worked with [Sherry]'s mother, which was when they had discovered the {Eye of Avarice}. [Sherry]'s mother, being smart, suggested giving it to the Kingdom for safekeeping, but [Lutheran], enraged, killed her (giving exact details of the gore, of course.), then proceeded to adopt her daughter to manipulate her into doing his research for him. Of course, he never really loved her- she was a useful tool to him.


Sherry was crying loudly, holding onto Minoru tightly as the tale unfolded. As each detail was told, she could only ask herself if anyone could be trusted, moments with her father flashing in her head.

Minoru, on the other hand, knew what his on-screen counterpart was about to do. It was obvious, after all. Alpha and everyone else with abusive families clenched their fists.

"Sherry… Listen to me" He got her attention, only to discover that she was almost completely broken. He knew what he had to tell her- the complete truth.

"What you're about to see is something you won't like. I know that almost anyone else wouldn't like it as well. I promise you, however, that whatever happens, you are dear to me. You will have nothing to be blamed for. That I swear, on all my names and titles." He said it as he placed her hand on his heart. Internally, he was also happy at crossing another of his Eminence In Shadow bucket-list, but that was secondary.

Sherry knew that Minoru making that kind of promise is seldom done- The Shadows and Claire's reaction (genuine shock, comically dropping jaws to the ground, courtesy Seiichi) guaranteed that. Since he promised that, she'd place her trust in him, no matter what- that was what she decided. She gripped his shirt tightly.

Meanwhile, Klaus was wondering whether his kingdom even could help in case of a disaster caused by the damned Cult- Seeing the events that were unfolding, it seemed unlikely.

"Iris-sama, it seems appropriate you investigate anyone involved with the artifact," Beta suggested, the princess nodding.


[Cid] reaffirms the fact that he throws away stuff that he doesn't care enough for, in response to the fact that he seems unaffected by the revelations. Soon enough, he is slashed outta pocket by [Lutheran], but returns as [Shadow]. Despite the power-up and curing from the {Eye}, [Lutheran] is inferior to [Shadow] in every aspect, which disappoints said chuuni. As he reveals that {Shadow Garden} has been successfully framed (all kinds of evidence apparently, though I'd like to see it personally), he is snorted out of his satisfaction. The following declaration really seals the deal for [Lutheran]'s sanity though.

"Our syndicate was never for righteousness, nor was it for evil. We simply walk our own path. If you, bastard, can do it, then do bring us all the sins of the world. We shall shoulder the blame gladly… with absolutely nothing changing as a net result, while we simply do what we must do."

With [Lutheran] trying to kill him, [Shadow] proceeds to pierce him in four different spots on his limbs, before grabbing his head

"You took her limbs out and then stabbed and twisted your blade in her heart, no?"

With that, [Lutheran], realizing that he told his murderer how he killed [Sherry]'s mother, died in agony, with [Shadow] silently leaving the scene to allow [Sherry] to mourn his death in peace, noting that it was better for her to not know.


Any lingering affection Sherry felt for Lutehran melted away- It really was a sad thing for everyone else to note. Seiichi smiled a watery smile, knowing that there was nothing he could do for her. At least she seemed to take some vindication in the killing that was done on-screen.

'I don't think you're changing this part. Or is there a difference this time, Minoru?'

Minoru thought for a second about his reply. 'Maybe I'd consent to Sherry recovering her memories after this event… In hindsight, or is it foresight? Anyway, she is the perfect yangire, after all. But how do I tactfully do so?'

While Minoru pondered that, Sherry pondered her reaction without the foreknowledge. She was horrified to admit to herself that she'd be targeting Shadow if she knew nothing about Lutheran.

Aurora was rather untouched, but she was worried about Minoru's tendency to not consider consequences for his actions. Beatrix wanted to hug the poor girl.


The {Seven Shades} meet and reflect on [Shadow]'s words… resolving to really become the enemy of the world. [Cid] reveals that as the damage was arson-basd, summer vacay begins early for the lucky bastards at the Academy. (I'd like to see you lot deny that you would've liked Summer Vacay to last forever), running into Sherry, in mourning clothes. She reveals that she's off to {Laugus}, the top research spot in the world. Or so she thinks. She's off because there's something she needs to do (translation, she wants to take revenge on [Shadow]/[Cid]), and needs more knowledge for that… and because she's lost all reason to stay there (Much as [Cid] is worth it in her mind, she has a different agenda). She doesn't state what she has to do, but he cheers on anyway- does he not get that she wants him dead? They promised to talk in the future, as she boards her carriage to leave. Cue Ending featuring [Zeta].


That seemed to settle it for Minoru, 'Let Sherry keep her memory, nothing wrong with being a yangire, but she deserves something nice and letting her attend that academy is the least I can do.'

Sherry knew he respected whatever choice she made regardless, but it was nice of him to confirm that.

"You're also… welcome to… shadow garden…!" Eta promised, lethargically punching air.

Alpha also gave her blessing, Rose doing the same for her kingdom.

"... Is it just me or by the end of it everyone here will enter?" Claire blinked, Iris laughing strained at the very real possibility, judging by Alexia's eyes.

Klaus already felt a headache, Minoru obliviously planning ways to keep in touch with Sherry later.


AN: I know I promised a double episode bonanza, but I decided that it'd be better to finish the rest of Season 1 in mostly dual episodes, that way, I can upload Season 2's chapters with this...

Anyway, With this, Seiichi and Neutral are Bonkers at the Races! (I haven't been reading them as much, but my sustenance is reviews, so go on!