Not much to say, I want to finish this part of the story because after this Imma do ma own thing. I mean the story is still going to be here but I want to be original y'know. Anyways, out with it.
Have a nice read.
This being… This man walked slowly towards us. He stared at us. He stared at me. I could feel my soul being placed in front of this very man. I felt in danger, even more so compared to how I felt when Zenon appeared before me. Those red-eyes turned to Zenon, who stood up, smiling. The man stopped, and waited.
"A person cloaked in pure black… so you're the stray dog who has been baring fangs against the Order as of late." Zenon said as he eyed the figure that had appeared before us.
So this person has been attacking their bases?
"My name is Shadow. I lurk in the shadows, and I hunt the shadows." That voice filled with power…! 'Shadow'... He stood there, as Zenon readied his sword.
"You feel full of yourself, don't you?" Zenon grinned, "You crushed several of our small hideouts, small bases of operations… Yet not a single person of importance for the Order was there. You're nothing but a coward."
"Who we hunt, where we hunt, how we hunt… the result is always the same."
"Unfortunately, it's not always the same. A core power of the Cult; of the Order is here." The cult… the Order, "Today, you'll be the one hunted."
Shadow stood there. He almost as if he didn't care for Zenon!
"Hear me and fear! I am Zenon Griphi…! The person who will soon become the 12th Seat of the Rounds!"
He pointed towards Shadow with his free hand, "Taking your life, the one who has destroyed our bases… shall become my achievement.
Szn!
Zenon went flying towards Shadow, who stood there—
The sword pointed towards Shadow's chest-
"—?!"
It hit nothing. No blood was spilled. No fabric was cut.
"Now tell me, Zenon Griphi." Behind me?! I turned around, and there was Shadow, staring daggers at Zenon! "Are you a member of the Cult of Diablos?" I couldn't understand why… but that sounded almost in jest…
I turned to Zenon, as Shadow placed an arm in front of me, almost as if guarding me from Zenon, who had frozen up. "Well yes, Shadow. I work for the Cult of Diablos… and our intentions are to resurrect the Diabolos itself…! Aurora to its full power!"
Shadow froze… I can't understand why… but he seems shocked. Then, he chuckled. "I see. So it's real?" Shadow turned to me and eyed me, those red dots looking all over my body. "Your blood seems… important. Wonder how they could do that?"
Suddenly, Shadow pulled his hands out of his pockets and grabbed me—!
We're behind Zenon, who had thrusted his sword towards where we originally were! "For a 'Core Power', there's not much to see."
Zenon's face, even when turned around, distorted into anger. I bet he has never felt such humiliation before. He turned around, a glare apparent on his features. Shadow crossed his arms, almost as if making fun of Zenon…
Zenon then sighed, "It seems like I underestimated you… you did have the strength to destroy several of our hideouts, after all."
A yellow-ish aura surrounded his body… He guarded up, and was boosting himself with magic. The magic made the air and their surroundings vibrate. The swords from the fallen soldiers, and the one I stole broke into smithereens just being within range… Yet Shadow stood there, unfazed.
"I shall show you… This is the strength of someone a mere step away from becoming a member of the Rounds!"
He disappeared and appeared in front of Shadow…! My eyes couldn't keep track of whatever he did!
"You sure boast a lot about becoming a member of the 'Rounds', Diablos really have no talent in their Cult huh."
Shadow had grabbed Zenon's blade— wait not even! He had his index finger holding the blade in its place, and with it Zenon! Shadow grabbed the blade with his free hand, and pulled him close.
"So tell me this, does the 'Knight of Rounds' control the Cult of Diablos?" Even in the middle of a fight, Shadow stood calm… he didn't let his emotions take the best of him. He grabbed Zenon by the collar and forcefully pushed the sword out of his hands.
Zenon spit on his 'face', if it could even be called that, before he pushed himself off using his legs, groaning, "Wouldn't you like to know?" he grabbed his blade once more, "Those in the Order control everything, 'Shadow'."
Shadow disappeared and—
A blade, jet-black appeared against Zenon's neck, pressing gently. Behind Zenon stood Shadow, "Is that the case? Thanks for the information. Though, you haven't shown me what this Rounds-wannabe strength is."
Zenon's face turned to that of fear before rage consumed him. He moved away before turning and howling. "Don't yOU DARE BELITTLE ME!" Continues strikes, dashes, swinging his sword without a care for fencing, his intentions clear.
He wants to kill his opponent. Sadly, none of his attacks land. Shadow avoided them without much effort! Those sword strikes I can't even see, being dodged with such elegance… such delicacies. He, Shadow seemed to be calculating his every move. As every sword thrust, he got closer to Zenon. Using his sword once, he blocked an attack before he roundhouse kicked Zenon on his stomach, sending him flying to a wall. Zenon groaned in pain before standing up, a look of fury on his eyes.
Zenon sprinted towards Shadow, who didn't even move a finger as Zenon approached him–
Sword strike? Blocked. No matter what Zenon did, Shadow deflected it.
"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Zenon let out a battle cry, as all his efforts in this fight were going to waste. All his energy was depleted when Shadow wasn't even attacking.
When was the last time someone has seen him like this? His composed self, his mask of this 'perfect character' thrown out the window, and showing this… pathetic man… I can't imagine it… Someone so strong, as Zenon being neutralized… I know my sister can handle him, but even then she'd have trouble.
The blade sparks flew all around. I could see Zenon; feel Zenon's distress as he got nowhere against Shadow.
"Pathetic."
Shadows blade… It's so similar to my own. Ordinary. He barely moved, he barely made efforts, he didn't even put magic into his attacks, yet he was holding off against Zenon, and if he wanted to, I believe, could push Zenon back without much trouble at all!
The sword I so much dreamed of… a perfect craft right in front of my eyes. The amount of effort this person, this 'Shadow' must've put, practicing. It's not even something I can imagine. It's truly amazing.
'Are they basic? Yeah, sure. But if it weren't for them, would anyone know how to fence? No. If you mastered the basics, it's pretty hard to be deterred or defeated, I think. Don't you?"
" 'I like your fencing style.'." Nee-sama… Cid…
"GAH- Shit!"
I was looking at the ground. Looking upwards after the screams, Zenon's body flew through the air, crashing against a wall. He glared at Shadow as he stood up immediately, denying reality, refusing to believe that this was happening.
"You-You bastard! Who are you?! Who do you hide yourself… when you have such strength?!"
And it was a great question from Zenon's part, one which I too wondered. He hasn't even used magic, only dodging, weaving, blocking and punching Zenon when upclose. He hasn't really 'fought', as much as played with Zenon.
If he reveals himself, if he shows his strength… all the wealth, the fame… all in his fingertips. His strength would be known, feared, and admired all across the world…
Shadow shook his head, "We are Shadow Garden. We lurk in the Shadows and hunt down the Shadows. Anything other than, it's unnecessary for our goals."
So it's like that, huh? I won't be able to forget this… no matter what happens. Shadow's blade… his style, his strength. They're engraved into my head. He doesn't want riches, nor does he want glory. What does he want… then?
"A-Are you insane?!" I wondered that for you too. "Your power could help benefit our goals! Why don't you help us?! Your power would certainly make this easier for us!"
My eyes widened. I don't know what the Rounds goals are, nor the Cult of Diabolos… heck, I thought it was but a myth. But here they were discussing it, as if it were the real thing! Shadow Garden, apparently Shadow's group… but how will he respond to Zenon's words…? I fear…
"I made this organization, Shadow Garden, with the intention of cleaning this world of people like you." The red dots glowed brightly as it stared at Zenon… who trembled in anger at being denied by Shadow.
"Very well, then." Zenon pulled a small bottle. "Since you're serious, then I shall answer in return."
I don't understand what these two are fighting for. I don't understand their ideals, their goals… I don't understand the reason this fight is taking place. All I understand, it's never been more one-sided.
Zenon in one-fell swoop opened the bottle, and some… beans… were in it. He swallowed them all in one fell swoop. He grinned maniacally. "These lozenges turn people who've crossed the limits of being human..!"
A gust of wind, before a sudden small yet explosion happened. All of Zenon's wounds healed in a matter of seconds. I was sent flying back, but something grabbed me– Shadow grabbed me, and placed me behind him, shielding me from Zenon's burst of power. Zenon's muscles tightened, and his pupils turned bloodshot… "No normal human can control this power… the moment they swallow these… they'd self-destruct… but we, the Rounds are different…"
Suddenly, another explosion, albeit stronger than the last one, happened. The surroundings collapsed as Zenon's magic power tripled— quadrupled! "Third Awakened."
This overwhelming power… this overwhelming sense of dread… this… Zenon is currently stronger than Onee-sama has ever been… His body grew wide, and he seemed overall stronger. Though, his appearance…
"So terrible…"
"How terrible..."
Zenon was surprised by our comments, it seems… Wait Shadow and I thought the same? I looked up to Shadow, who chuckled while looking down at me.
"Terrible you say?" He shook his head, "This 'terrible' looking man will show you the power of the almighty."
Shadow stood there, before he pushed me back— a gust of wind. A clash. A sword had clashed against Shadows' left side, yet all it hit was another blade.
"This is the power of the strongest!"
Suddenly, Zenon vanished, and reappeared all around Shadow, who lazily moved his arms around, blocking almost every strike without much of an issue, just like before…
"This has grown stale." Suddenly, Shadow used magic. So refined. So powerful… and so minimal. It pushed Zenon back enough that Shadow himself had to approach him, "Don't pretend to be the strongest with that mere level of strength. It is an affront to the truly strong… to the Almighty."
Zenon growled as he dashed, this time Shadow used magic to block the attack and cut Zenon's chest, "You fucker?! What do you know about strength?!"
"You are the one who should be asked that. There's no path towards the Almighty with borrowed power!" Shadow said, speaking louder than he had previously before. He walked towards Zenon and raised his foot, "None!" he stepped on the bottle Zenon had… and destroyed it.
Suddenly, I felt it.
Shadows magic once more. It gathered up… and it condensed. To such a point that I couldn't even feel it. I knew it was there, instinctively, but… To be able to hold this power…
A flash of purple before darkness took over once more. Lines of magic, violet ones of pure power…! It appeared beneath Shadow and began surrounding all around him…! It even came in my direction… before it stopped directly in front of me.
"W-What is this…?" Thin lines, extremely thin… yet they felt more powerful than Zenon felt even after the beans thingies. Each light, so dense, so refined. The amount of practice… It's so beautiful… It was truly enchanting… and he avoided me being in its reach… protecting me.
"You think you know the power of the Almighty?" Shadows blade materialized, Zenon's eyes widened. "Let the true meaning of Almighty be carved into your soul."
This is no artifact. This is no joke. This is pure power… from Shadow.
The magic gathered into the jet-black blade.
"Do you truly think you can take out the Cult of Diablos?! Do you think you can take out the Round of Knights?! You're nothing but a fool!" Zenon screamed.
Then, purple mana thickened. A spiral formed and continued being swallowed by the blade. "This is my Almighty power."
Shadow brought his sword upwards, into a lunging position… ready to strike his enemy down,
"D-Don't…"
Everything began to shake. The walls. The ground. The gone roof… whatever debris were, shaking. The blades that were nothing but smithereens? Shaking… Zenon, shaking, and even I… shaking…
"Behold."
This… This is the sword of the strongest… This is no artifact… This is pure power…
"I…"
Zenon stood up and tried to attack him, but his blade dematerialized upon trying to reach Shadow. Zenon cried as he tried to punch Shadow, but seemingly hit a wall between him and Shadow every time he tried… he could do nothing but fall to his knees…
"Am…"
All the lines seemingly disappeared. What was left there were Shadow and a fallen Zenon, who had seemingly accepted his fate.
"Atomic."
Suddenly, nothing could be seen. Shadow's blade had swerve and circled above him, but that's there was… before a small flash of white—
WHAT THE FUCK?!
A torrent of light consumed Zenon and Shadow…! It reached me and then went further…! There was nothing to see but white…! I tried to reach for my surroundings… Nothing! Almost as if everything had dematerialized! Vanished! Seized to exist…!... I…
Where am… I?
Did I collapse…?
"You did well on your own, even at a disadvantage." I've heard that voice… I can't stand up… "It takes guts to go against someone who you know is above you. That mindset keeps you going."
I tried looking around. Raindrops hit me… The moonlight reached me… Looking above, there was a giant hole above me… Must've been Shadows doing… I couldn't stand up, but I looked towards where I heard the voice, and there sat Shadow, on a pipe that was throwing water like there's no tomorrow.
"Tell me, Alexia Midgar. What is your question?" How did he know?.. He has given me the opportunity, at least… I should try to make the most of this…!
"How are you so strong?"
"There's no difference between you and I, except our mindset and goals. How far are you willing to go for what you desire? Have you tried hard enough? Have you tried harder than that, even?" Shadow said as he stood up in the pipe and looked to the moon. "You could be as strong as I, or even stronger if you set your ideals straight. Why are you holding yourself back?"
I looked down to my fist as I stood up, clenched up, "The opportunity is right in front of you. It's your decision if you reach into it and expand further."
I have to push myself harder, and even harder…. To be close to your level of strength… don't I? "One final question… was it an artifact?"
"No. There was no such thing." Shadow shook his head, his red eyes staring right into my soul, "Borrowed power inhibits your growth. Limits you, and your potential. You grow dependent on it. Use your own will and power to go further."
"That was an artifact, and there's nothing more to it." That voice–! Nee-sama?!
Turning around, there stood the Crown Princess, Iris Midgar! My sister…!
"Nee-sama?!" She stood before me, shielding me from Shadow… why?!
"Iris Midgar. A pleasure seeing you here."
"You're the leader of Shadow Garden, aren't you?" Nee-sama already knows, doesn't she? How, though?
"Hm… You met Alpha when dealing with—"
"That is not answering my question, Shadow." I could feel Nee-sama's anger, or distress…
"Nee-sama… he saved me from—"
"The damage you've done to the city with whatever artifact you are hiding is more than enough reason for you to be executed, and the secret organization which you control is in my Kingdom… staying here is something that I won't allow."
Shadow merely chuckled as he landed in front of Nee-sama, "For someone whose sister was saved by said Leader of the Organization, you're quite rude, are you not." She raised her sword, pointed directly at Shadow who turned around. "Believe what you want to believe, Iris Midgar. If you want to live in a world of lies, then so be it." his cloak majestically began floating, "But one day you will have to open your eyes, and one would much rather for that to be sooner than later."
A blink of one's eyes, and Shadow was gone. He was nowhere to be seen. Not even an ounce of magic was felt. He… whoever he is… thank you. Not only for saving me… but…
"Alexia, are you alright?" New-sama… she turned to me, her features saddened… I'm so sorry…
She hugged me immediately, and pressed my head onto her chest. I could only nod and hug her back, "I'm so glad you're alright…"
Me too… I'm glad you're here… I'm glad you're safe… I'm sorry...
…So it's fucking real… I think? There's no way the girls somehow managed to get someone to play this Cult thing with me. Right? There's just no way. 'Knight of Rounds', 'Cult of Diablos'...
Mr. Zenon, who I just happen to vaporize (oops) continued spouting stuff like that… but there's no way, right? I looked up to the night sky. The moon's shine being the only lighting landing on me.
But there's just no way. I made it up. I told Alpha nothing but a lie, right? There's no Possession. It's merely the power growing uncontrollable on one's blood… Mr. Zenon could control it, Alexia's blood is neutral, currently… So why? Did I fabricate a story which happens to be real…?
My goal has always been to be the Eminence in Shadow, working and pulling the strings of what happens from within the shadows… while I lived a neutral life as an ordinary character… Wait.
Is Shadow Garden real?
Okay, so hypothetically. The Cult is real, and their superiors are the Knight of Rounds… is Shadow Garden real…? If Shadow Garden happens to be real… does it mean I succeeded? But I don't even know if it's real…
I feel a headache incoming.
"You know what? I'm not going to worry about it… at least just yet. No matter what, Shadow has been introduced to the world." I grinned as I stood up on the roof, "...Now… I just have to perfect what has been perfected, and push it further!"
What am I talking about? Mobfu techniques. Sword styles. Most importantly… Magic.
It's like a muscle. You can feel it. You can understand it. The more used, the more thought, the more condensed… It's really beneficial. Since being a child, I've felt how magic travels through the body… and with its help, I used it to perfect my muscles for fighting… I've learned how to use the most minimal amount of magic for anything necessary… But now, I need to go further.
But this headache— Shadow Garden, The Cult of Diablos… I have to distract myself.
"Hm…" I'll ask Alpha for more information, just confirm if all this is real… without letting her know that I didn't know… What will happen then? If it's fake? If it's real…? I don't know…
"Yeah too much of a headache." What to do, what to do… "We let the Mist Dragon live, didn't we? Imma go fight it… Mr. Zenon was kind of disappointing."
Yeah that'll do. If someone dares ask why I, Cid Kagenou disappeared I'll just blame my Shadow persona. Let's just cover my face, and let the slime surrounding my body disperse. I need some fresh air.
This place seemed more lively. This mist reminds me deeply of the Dragon itself. A bluish-purple mist surrounded the place. Currently, I was east of Midgar, beyond the 'Abyss Woods'... from what I recall from Claire.
Hm.. it's poison. I'm also being watched.
I went towards it and I felt the strongest presence, which I recognized… The cliffs surrounding me were truly amazing to see. The poison had no effect. The combination of the night and the mist together were doing a proper job hiding everything in sight…
Oh?
What's this?
I felt more pairs of eyes looking at me. I also felt their power, and while all of them were stronger than the Knights from Midgar, they were still weak. Although, their power felt similar to that of my Shades. Not in terms of power level but their origins.
Suddenly, while walking, I was met with a city… the City Beta had told me that the Mist Dragon had been destroyed, currently standing and better than it had ever been. I approach the center of it all, whilst walking past the ghost town. The eyes followed me and whatever step I took.
Okay… since when has this castle been like this?
The Mist Dragon had destroyed the castle, no? It's only been a few years. The castle had been nothing but rubble…
So someone explain to me, why is it standing? Why is it here? And why do I feel Alpha and the other six shades inside it?
The castle, it's walls pure white, shining and reflecting the moon light–
Wooh.
A blade of slime had attempted to strike my side. I dodged with ease, before the person took a step back and I had to dodge another blade. This time from above. Suddenly, the person thrusted their sword towards me, as someone else appeared behind me– scratch that, around a hundred people were surrounding me. All using slime.
"Sloppy." I said as I grabbed the slime blade and pulled the person towards me, noticing the black cloak, slime, covering their appearance… "You wouldn't happen to be from Shadow Garden, would you?" Should I kill them? I mean they're using slime, which is pretty smart, and I believe they're from my organization, if real… haaah I don't know, I don't think I will.
Four other people attacked in the blink of an eye. I used my own blade to block their strikes, "Your techniques are fine, but implementing magic out of pure reaction is unreliable." Someone tried to tackle me, yet I didn't budge, merely grabbing said person by the cloak and throwing them onto the group.
"Everyone! Take a step back! Hundred and third and their group is quickly approaching!" Hm… a feminine voice yelled out. Everyone that happened to be nearing me took a step back, and readied themselves. Suddenly, a group of seven with precise moves, precise amounts of magic… all calculated went towards me.
A punch, full of power directed towards me. Slime manifested above me, it taking the shape of a multitude of small throwing knives, all ready to strike me down. A long sword thrusted to my left side as two others began approaching from my right. Almost as if calculated.
"Let's take the fun somewhere else!" I grabbed the punch and used my own power to manipulate their slime, it deteriorating to exist. I spun the lady around and threw her mid-air, "While the teamwork is commendable, your slow actions made your plan fail."
I vanished from their point of view before I appeared with the lady mid-air, "Now this… is how you act accordingly!" A kick sent her flying towards a statue of sorts that looked somewhat similar to me in my shadow form... I'll check that out later… for now though.
Spark flew, my blade happened to crash against another one. Then another one. Sparks continued flying. "You're wasting energy. Minimize your movement." I adviced as they glared at me. Scary.
I ducked mid-air, as a flurry of punches aimed at my head were thrown. A therianthrope, blond hair… dog-like. Her eyes looked at me with nothing but fury as each punch was thrown out. A kicked the blade wielding one and grabbed a fist, before grabbing another, as we landed with nothing but elegance. "Calm yourself in the midst of a fight. The angrier you get, the more energy you're using, the easier it'll be to read you or for you to waste your magic."
A punch to the gut will do.
More thrusts of blades, but the speed at which they came was fast, but it seemed that they focused on that rather than the target they were supposed to aim at, "Focus on your target. The speed matters not if the target is not on your sight."
I pulled my own blade and aimed at her, using her very own speed. I was able to clash blades and disarm her, before the point of my sword was in her neck. Noises— footsteps. "Rushing all at once causes nothing but an inconvenience to those in the midst of the fight."
I used my slime to grab the lady in front of me and throw her mid-air, before using her as a meatshield. "This is a prime example of what distractions in battles can do."
They all came to a stop. "If you don't want her life to end, you must work in perfect unison." A blade manifested in her neck as I took a step-back and waited. "Now, what's your move, Shadow Garden?"
Rumbling.
"Don't mind me! Whatever must be done to fulfill Master Shadow's goals…! Will be done!" the girl I held captive—hold up. Master Shadow? "So please! End this man's life for the greater good! Even if I'm taken down too!" I don't care about taking your life right now…! I care about—I sprinted off towards where I threw the other lady at. Towards the Statue. I knew I felt Alpha's presence in the castle earlier... but this can't be... their place... right? The lady I threw was nowhere to be seen, but there…
"How did this come to be?!" There stood a statue of me, in my Shadow Persona—! It's so cool! It's made of gold and what seemed to be valuable gems! How did they make this?! How did this come to be?! How does this exist without me knowing— I was probably told I just forgot. Honestly, wouldn't be surprised. After all I thought it was all in jest until... tonight pretty much.
"This is where he ran off to! Call our Ladies! This intruder is strong!" More people shouted, "We'll hold him off even if it costs our lives!"
…This just pretty much confirms that it's real, no? "Shadow Garden. Their leader, Shadow… hehe…" So it exists?! I am… The Eminence in Shadow?! This is awesome—!
"He knows of Shadow-sama?!"
"We must take him out! Quickly!"
Suddenly someone rushed, their movement oh so precise. Each punch thrown at me, their heartbeat regulated. They must've done some serious training. She had pink hair, strawberry pink hair to be more precise that reached her thigh. She took a stepback– hold up she got horns? First person I've seen with those… oh wait no.
It's not part of her, it's a tiara. Darn it, would've been so cool.
She took a stepback and materialized two swords, and used it to try to attack me. "A named one by Master Shadow himself is taking on this intruder! Help her in any way necessary!"
Hm.. named one? And they earlier screamed 'hundred and third'... so there are ranks to this huh? And I'm the leader, of course…hehe… I moved my head back, a sword almost cleaving it off. "A named one… so you must be quite strong." I muttered, loud enough for her to hear.
"Master Shadow himself gave me this power, and I will not allow the likes of you to taint his castle nor his land! So I must purge you from this world!" Did I? I dunno...
Rumbling.
Hm, that's the second time, "Hahaha! I see! Very well!" a grin appeared on my features, even if they couldn't see it, "Let me show you the true power of a Master!" Suddenly I let my magic roam.
It pushed her back, and I jumped towards her, my own blade aimed at her. She glared, her eyes filled with nothing but hatred, her cold nature look—damn she's beautiful… Clash of blades, before I disappeared from her sight. I could see her eyes widening as I appeared behind her and raised my sword, ready to strike her down (and not hurt her too badly, of course.)
Before someone rushed full force towards me, and I allowed myself to be distracted, to see what their plan was—not someone, around three people did. A lot of blades were thrown my way, and I just dodged and weaved.
"If your target is moving, try to predict his movement, or in this case, my movement." Someone jumped., and normally I wouldn't comment on such a thing… because it's smart to attack from above when the target is surrounded… but this person left such a crater that completely destroyed the fact that I wasn't supposed to know.
Disappearing from my sight, a sword strike from above landed where I was. I looked, seated on one of the roofs, as the group of people tried to find where I was. Clearly, my organization was stronger than the Knight Order, and definitely stronger than Mr. Zenon ever was even after his power boost stuff.
"You all work together just fine, but you are not perfecting what you master." They all turned to me, the pink-haired woman frowning, "What's the point of strength when you don't pursue further?"
Rumbling— SF!
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind and mist showered where I was seated. I knew this power. "The Mist Dragon!" many screamed, as a grin appeared on their features. "Even with someone of his strength… they can't defeat the Mist Dragon! Only Shadow-sama and Alpha-sama can!"
I see.
"THE MIST DRAGON HAS PARTED! REINFORCEMENTS INBOUND!"
I was currently rushing, Beta, Eta and I trying to understand what was all the noise about. All the commotion. The alarm we specifically set for intruders going haywire. I, Alpha turned towards someone who was running behind us, their face covered in sweat as she tried to gasp for hair.
I had just arrived after what happened in Midgar, ready to write the report and have it sent towards Lord Shadow, but the moment I stepped foot into the meeting room, the alarm went off, and all of us seven Shades immediately took action, trying to find the rason why.
Zeta found the reason, and even where, but reported back before going to where the trouble was happening. Someone burst through the doors and warned of an intruder, and strong. How did they find this place? Did they track us?
"Fifty seventh, report." I was mainly protecting Eta, while Beta was ready to go into battle in any moment had any of the other Shades taken damage.
"Lady Alpha… the intruder appeared out of nowhere… and the moment he neared our walls… we all went into high alert…" She was tired, and seemed like she had fought this being, "This person… hasn't been hit once…"
Dangerous. Epsilon said she went to warn the Mist Dragon, to take down the intruder… and it only responded because Lord Shadow once told it to follow the will of us in moments of dire need.
"He… took off… sprinting towards Shadow-sama's statue… after taking captive one of our members." We stopped, I motioned Beta to go, and help in the fight, which I would be joining after hearing number 57. "He let go of her, and fought Victoria-sama and won without breaking a sweat." She recovered, and talked.
"How many casualties have there been? How many of them are there?"
"Lady Alpha, there's only one intruder… and there haven't been any casualties." What?
"And what has there been?"
"This intruder has been giving tips… He's been… holding back?" Not even 57 could explain what was happening. "...it's a bit infuriating."
"It's true, Lady Alpha!"
"The intruder was… strong… and punched hard…" 68 held her stomach in pain.
Then, "Try to hold this place down. Protect Eta, reinforce the meeting room and Lord Shadow's personal chamber." I narrowed my eyes. "I'm going to see this for myself."
"As you say, Lady Alpha!"
A silver-silver white dragon appeared before me. Four chroma-like wings, which seemed to burn everything it touched. Six hours on the top of its head, a butt-ton of whiskers like a cat… and aura? Damn I forgot how cool this being looked. Its giant tail glowing faintly as the being glared at me.
"You are the one who dares intrude upon the land of Shadow?" it spoke, its voice filled with power not known to man. It had two arms… making it look a bit weird, and there was a protruding rib scale armor, protecting his center mass. "Hm… but you feel familiar…"
"I've come here for a challenge, hoping you'd give me one at last." I said as I stood up. "Now tell me, Mist Dragon. Will you be the challenge I've looked for?" it roared as an answer and began shooting mist, which I've grown accustomed to while being here.
Suddenly I began floating as magical attacks began shooting at me. Beams of pure power, similar to my own, began chasing me in the middle of air. "Everyone, retreat! The Mist Dragon is too potent!"
Everyone was evacuating our fight… hmm.. I used my own power to counter the Dragons attacks. Our magical attacks clashed with one another before a grin appeared in the dragon's features. "Hahahaha! I see! You've come back!" Hm? What's this about? "Then I must give it my all!" I mean that's cool and all but why weren't you before?
Suddenly, a giant orb appeared above the dragon as it rushed towards me, the beams of power targeting me directly while the orb mass produced mana beams. Is it me… or is the dragon way weaker? Or have I grown too strong? Doesn't matter! I dodged a beam, before I jumped and landed on the dragon's arm, and delivered an uppercut imbued with power towards the jaw of the being. It roared as the beams began surrounding and waiting for an opening on me. It flapped its wings, as if it had the intention of pushing me back... which it did, successfully, albeit because I just wanted it to. The magic in the Dragon grew once more.
Its power is so refined, so detailed… better than the pink-haired girl… "I marked you as my master! And I am not going to belittle you with measly powers!" it screamed. Oh, it marked me? I don't… remember that? Wait… Yeah no clue.
Suddenly a huge amount of energy was sent my way, and I merely countered with my own power. It clashed, causing tiny yet noticeable explosions as it all clashed. The pure amount of power that collided between us left others in awe… or fear. Can't really decide.
It rushed towards me, punching and shooting power. I was blocking and completely neutralizing the magic he shot at me. It, though, the dragon itself, tried to punch me and bite me, but I, with a bit of magic, completely overwhelmed the being.
Hm… but it was growing stronger. It was using the magic that I blocked and strengthened itself… hm.
I vanished, and appeared before it. Punching it before grabbing a blade and throwing it near him. "Let's try something new, something different."
Suddenly, slime manifested behind me, all manifested with pure magic and shot towards the dragon. Stabbing him in a multitude of places, but it grinned, maniacally. Hm…
It roared, and all my magic dispersed. Should've put more power into it. He flew straight into me, no technique behind his attack. Just pure power. I disappeared from his sight before landing on his horn, and pulling upwards. It roared once more, but I won't be—avoid an attack, duck under another before letting go of the horns, as someone tried to stab me.
Suddenly, it disappeared from my sight. Hah.
"Then it's time for me to make my reveal." Alpha appeared, with Delta and Zeta in tow, turning to the mist dragon who had taken a bit of damage, but continued grinning maniacally, almost as if it was not bothered with what happened… "Thank you for your cooperation."
"It's not like you're going to win anyways." The dragon flew upwards, "I gave it my all and yet my master barely put any effort." Oi! You're ruining my play! I mean it might all be real now, that I'm aware, but I still want to act as the intruder they've labeled me!
"Alpha." I nodded, as she raised her sword, "I heard you, and the leader of Shadow Garden, Shadow, are the only ones capable of bringing down the Mist Dragon. I want to test that strength." I raised my blade, pointed at her, "Your move."
Delta growled, before her eyes widened, her nose caught… "Bossman?!" she screamed, her ears perked up, and Zeta's eyes were narrowed… then widened. Damn their good scent. Alpha's eyes widened, before she turned to Delta, who was grinning.
"That's bossman! I recognize this smell!" She ran forwards towards me and jumped. Welp, what the mist dragon couldn't do, Delta did. Should've seen it coming.
"Glad to see you again, Delta." She landed on me, and I hugged her as she began—tried to lick my mask off me somehow. "I want an answer to something, though."
"Anything! Bossman!" She continued her licking.
"Was that explosion really necessary?" She looked at me, wondering what I meant, "Back at Midgar, I mean."
When we announced our presence, she had done an attack, I felt the energy; the magic essence… and she caused a major explosion. But we're beings that work in the Shadows! That could've attracted unwanted attention! Delta's eyes flattened, as she looked down… Don't feel too bad. I destroyed countless homes and made a giant hole that would take a year to fix!
"Lord Shadow." Alpha fell to her knees…
This whole time, our members were fighting Lord Shadow. That's why there were no casualties. That's why there were no injuries. That's why there were tips thrown around. Our benevolent Lord had appeared before us. I looked down, as he walked closer.
Delta was happily holding onto our Lord, as Zeta too, kneeled down besides me. "Rise." he spoke. I did so immediately, and glanced at our members. "You all did well. There's room for improvement." I looked at our Lord, and he already had his usual uniform on. His red eyes staring at the recruits.
They seemed shellshock. It's no surprise though, they fought our Lord, our Master, Shadow, and attacked him with pure force in his Kingdom, on his Land. If it weren't for Delta, I would've done the same.
"You're all worthy. But don't stop pursuing strength." He said, his magic exploding right in front of us, but doing us no harm. It entered all of our bodies… how he cured me of possession… how he cured us seven shades… how he taught us… he freed us.
"There's a goal above the goal. Do not be satisfied with the mediocre when there's more to be reached." There were close to no injuries, but he healed all the fatigue. He heal all the damage—
Plop
Four other people fell to their knees. Epsilon, Beta, Gamma and Eta, all here. All kneeling down. All bowing. "Welcome, Lord Shadow." Epsilon said, "We're truly glad that you've decided to appear before us."
Suddenly, all the other members dropped too. All on their knees… Victoria, seemingly singing praises, as low as possible… There was a glow in her face. I understand her, after all. It was not everyday you fought the leader of the organization you worked for. It's not every day you even meet with said person… Not every day you meet with your savior.
"The moment you released your magic, I could tell." The Mist Dragon came back, landing behind us all, "Power so refined, so condensed, and the elegant style of battle, is only done by the one and only…"
"Lord Shadow!" Everyone but us, the Seven Shades screamed. Lord Shadow stood in the middle, as his magic had stopped its work. Everyone healed up, treated for.
"Lord Shadow…" His eyes stared at mine, I could only gulp silently, "Anything we can do for you? Any reason for your appearance?"
"Alpha-sama?!"
"Shadow-sama can come as he pleases when he pleases! Can't he?! He's our Lord!"
"Is she questioning him?!"
Lord Shadow always has plans. He knows everything, and he needs our help. He takes no breaks, as he wants to save the world of the cult's hands. Just how he saved us.
"Silence." Our Lord spoke, everyone felt silent, as he let go of Delta who frowned and whined, but he ignored her, "Alpha is right. I have come to receive details and information about our enemy that I might not be aware of."
I nodded, as the other Shades stood up, "Please, Lord. Follow us." I turned to the members, "Continue with your training… if our Lord told you something, do as he says and triple it."
"As you say, Lady Alpha!" I nodded, before they bowed down to Shadow, who nodded.
I'm not going to lie, I wanted to make it longer, and I really do but if I don't cut it off here, I don't know when. And it's not like "oh I don't know when to stop writing", but more of a like 'this is too crucial to leave for another chapter' type of way. So I just ended it here. It's double the length compared to the first one so I'm pleased with that. Other than, I just think I need to better explaining details, such as clothing, surroundings and such, but yeah. Thanks ya. Hope ya have a blessed day.
ADDED THIS IN: The "Get Started" OST from The Eminence in Shadow is awesome. I've been listening to the OST while I write the story and it's such a blessing. Highest, Nothing to hide, Recovery Atomic, Get Started... there are so many. Yeah, I suggest ya give a listen to the OST, it's a bop.
~Crim Crim