"How bad were your injuries?" Claire would ask, her entering the hospital room with Matthew and Erica in toll.
After Claire showed up, the rest of Selections and the few Slayers in the area had all served the role of escorts. Liddy, Reitia and Emilia were sent to bring Artorian back to Little Garden for treatment. Everyone else would serve to get Sakura back to her venue, however her rehearsal was canceled on the grounds of her running through all her energy.
The Abysswalker would've preferred to see the idol back to her hotel room personally, however he lost the vote by a resounding 1-to-everyone saying no. His procedure was much more cut and dry than previous ones, as the extent of his injuries were much more tame compared to his previous ones. He currently had dozens of bandages wrapped around his torso, special medicinal ointments coating the inside to help treat the deep bruises on his chest and back.
"Eh, couple cracked ribs and another scar to decorate my arm. Aside from that, nothing to worry about." Artorian would answer, sitting up on the bed with his legs off the side.
"Ms. Kashiwagi warned the blade had cut right to the bone, he was lucky he kept his arm after the attack." Liddy informed, getting a look of betrayal from the boy.
"I trusted you!"
"Lying about your condition won't help you." She responded, before focusing back on the president. "He isn't in a critical condition, however his injuries are warrant enough to pull him from duels until healed."
"It isn't that bad, Char said he should be fully healed in less than a week." Emilia spoke up, siding with Artorian. "He'll be back to 100% in no time."
"We shouldn't be encouraging this behavior Crossfode." Liddy stated to the white-haired cross-dresser. "He's been a Slayer for a month and has needed recovery for serious injuries three times now."
"To be fair, one of those was because of Claire so…"
"And the other time was for both of you, so let's just leave this out for now." Artorian would speak up, getting the two to look away at the call out. "Anyways, I guess we're not all here to wish me a fast recovery?"
"Yes, Matthew informed me of your encounter with the Hunters; and I can only assume your more pressing injuries were a result from them." Claire would say, looking to his arm, tight bandages around his cut with dozens of stiches underneath to prevent the wound from reopening.
"Yeah, they were crazy strong. I wasn't even able to follow most of their movements." Reitia commented. "And their energy control was ridiculous, the amount they produced so quickly caught me off guard."
"And if there's Hunters like them running around, we need to know everything we can." Erica nodded.
"Well then I can save us a lot of time, I'm pretty sure I have them all nailed down." Artorian commented, rubbing the back of his neck as he felt the muscles tighten.
"You do?" Half the room echoed, looking to the Abysswalker.
"Yeah, it isn't really that difficult to put together with a good look on them. The darkness doesn't really mess with my eyes so I could take in every detail on them, a lot that Matthew likely missed when explained his side of the story."
"Then what is there?"
"They're from Al-Salaam, their physical features match the country's populace to a T. Black hair, black iris, dark skin and surprising resilience for a young age." He'd begin to explain, recalling the small details on each of them. "Although given their builds, they're young and extremely new to combat, probably have been using the Hundreds for a couple months at the most."
"No way, the amount of skill they had and the energy they produced? How could that only be from a few months of training?' Reitia questioned.
"Simple, they're Variants."
"What!?"
"Ow, not so loud, the docs put pain meds in me and my damn ears are sensitive still." Artorian winced at the near collective shouts, only Matthew not reacting at the news.
"Artorian, do you know what you're implying?" Claire asked, looking to the hybrid. "Three Variants attacked you, all in synchronization with a plan and goal. A goal that actively goes against us as targets."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I got the impression when the fucker gut punched me into the ground."
"Are you certain that they were Variants?" Erica asked. "Being one is extremely rare, how could three show up all at once, especially with the amount suspected to be on the world?"
"I can explain that too." Artorian would then turn to Reitia, motioning to Matthew with his shoulder. "He already told you the story behind Variants right?"
"A little, I only know they're developed by Savage fluids entering them right?" The Slayer questioned.
"Does she know about, um…" Emilia would try to ask, having to dodge the verbal response to Matthew by motioning between herself and Artorian.
"No, but I'm guessing there's no point in keeping that a secret anymore." Matthew shrugged, waving Artorian on. "Get on with it, how can you be certain they are Variants?"
"They're not real Variants, at least not like me and Emile." He'd begin to explain, thinking back to the glow in the Hunters' eyes. "They didn't get the fluids in them by Savage directly, not the full stuff anyways. Most likely they were pumped full of it with dilution, a higher chance of surviving the Variant Virus."
"Diluted Savage fluids?" Liddy looked to the hybrid, her expression shocked but her mind fully realizing the meaning. "You're not really thinking…"
"They're artificial, they were created through a process of several injections to synthesis the powers a Variant has." Artorian's eyes turned somber as he recalled Sakura's story, of how the idol watched so many kids go crazy and kill each other. "They're the result of an experiment almost a decade ago to create Variants. And it appears the tests never stopped."
"Impossible, creating Variants like that would be excruciating." Erica spoke with shock. "When it was attempted with rats, they either frenzied and turned into a Savage hybrid or completely rejected it and died from the pain. The testing was stopped on the fears of what it could do to humans."
"Well then it's time to call big brother, because Warslran funded the original testing."
"That's a bold accusation Artorian, I assume you wouldn't state it without evidence." Matthew said, narrowing his eyes to the Abysswalker.
"Vitaly Tynyanov, Warslran's former top scientist and a ruthlessly effective scientist." Artorian dropped the name, looking to the Dragon Slayer with an equally cold stare. "I saw the name a few times in my dad's notes, but a recent… revelation had brought it up again, this time in greater detail."
"Interesting…" Claire muttered, looking to the side for a second. "What exactly was this revelation, did one of the Hunters say something about her?"
"…It's not my place to say." He'd answer. "But I can tell you I have full confidence in what I was told: Vitaly created Artificial Variants and is having them gather Hundreds, Savage cores, and variable stones for her. I'd say that enough would warrant some kind of investigation into her, preferably the kind that ends with her head on a pike."
"A little extreme, don't you think?" Reitia responded, taking a step back at the dark stare she received in return.
"Bitch experimented on kids, I'd gut her if I got the chance."
"I will… look into it." Claire would say, getting the whole room's attention. "I don't know how much Judal would be willing to confine in me, however I will get what I can on Tynyanov."
"Well, it'll at least be a start." He would sigh, his hands tightening into a fist for a second before slacking. He then pushed himself onto his feet, giving a silent grunt at the feeling of the bruising and cracked ribs shifting.
"Hey, hey, don't get up so quickly." Emilia would say, both her and Reitia attempting to guide him back to sitting down.
"You're injuries haven't gone down yet, you shouldn't push yourself suddenly."
"I'm injured, not crippled." He responded to the two. "Besides, I can relax once I get back, my day's not done yet."
"And what exactly could you still have to do?" Liddy questioned.
"I left my dad's sword at a clothing store, I want to go and get it." The Lord answered, walking past the Slayer. But before he could step further, Claire stopped him at her side with a hand to his chest. "What?"
"You were recently targeted by a rouge group of Hunters potentially involved in the Anti-Slayer organization. As per regulations you are not allowed to leave Little Garden unless directly sent on a mission for 48 hours." The president stated, her hand lowering while she turned to him. "Not only that, curfew began two hours ago. You're expected to be back in your room since you don't have official Slayer work and along with any on site jobs."
"You're fucking kidding me right?" Artorian cursed, looking down to the blonde. "I am a 6'5, 200 pound male who can carry a 100 pound sword casually. I don't think curfew is meant to protect someone like me. I can handle walking by myself at night to a fucking store."
"You were defeated swiftly by one Hunter, if the three are still on the island I doubt you'd manage to survive, even with a variable suit on."
"Bullshit, he got a lucky hit. I would rip him apart if I got the chance."
"You are to return to your quarters Artorian, that is an order." Claire stated, the two staring the other down as they remained solid in their views. If it were not for the two's previously established difference in skill and power, the standoff would appear comedic with the height difference.
But without variable suits the fight would be similar to how it was in the duel. Artorian had raw strength against Claire, but the blonde's superior technique and speed could more than make up for the disadvantage. And the tension being sensed from the two left most of the occupants on edge, the personalities of the two appearing to clash once more.
"I'm going to get my sword."
"You will return to your room and rest. Your body takes priority, someone else can go retrieve your blade tomorrow."
"I appreciate the concern, but I'm not taking no for an answ-"
"Artorian…" A quiet and exhausted voice spoke up from just outside the room, the Lord's eyes widening as he looked away from Claire to see Karen in her wheelchair. She was visibly exhausted, barely keeping herself awake as she rubbed one of her eyes.
"Karen, what are you doing up?" The hostility in the room would up and vanish, Artorian quickly going to Karen's side and kneeling down next to her wheelchair. "It's almost midnight, you should've gone to sleep hours ago."
"I read your fortune this morning… saw that there was messages of "battles with a golden iris" and I… I… haaaaaaa…" Karen would tiredly explain, yawning with a tear in her eye as she continued. "I was worried when… you didn't come and visit before I went to bed so I stayed awake…"
"Oh Karen…" Artorian whispered as he wiped the tear off her. "You shouldn't slack on your sleep, it's unhealthy for you to stay up so late." He'd then cup her cheek with his hand, getting the girl to relax as he smiled. "Come on, let's get you back to your room. We wouldn't want to worry Miharu would we?"
"No… but you should rest too." Karen responded, sighing as she felt soothed by Artorian's cool hand. "Sakura's concert is soon and I… don't want you to miss it because of your injuries."
"That's a low blow Karen." Artorian half chuckled, taking his hand off her cheek as he stood up.
"Please…?"
"I wasn't going to say no… if you said something." He'd mutter the last part, going behind Karen's wheelchair to pull her back from the doorway. He paused before leaving, feeling the looks from the others before sighing. "I'm going to get it tomorrow, there's no debating that." He'd then walk off, leaving their sight as he wheeled Karen to her room.
"No matter how much he tries, it seems there's just some things he can't fight against." Erica commented, most of the room smiling at Artorian's protectiveness over Karen.
"Good thing we have Karen around, otherwise we might've had a problem." Emilia laughed a bit, grateful for the girl's timing in helping convince Artorian against leaving Little Garden and potentially starting a fight.
"Would you want me to go and get his sword before he can leave in the morning Claire?" Liddy would ask, offering to retrieve his weapon for him. When Claire didn't initially respond, she would repeat herself. "It shouldn't be a problem if I activate my Hundred, collecting it would only take five minutes."
Once again Claire didn't respond, merely staring at the doorway that the Lord and young girl had left at. Her gaze seemed to be that of evaluation, but hidden in her eyes was the traces of sympathy. She knew of his extreme protection of Karen, but what she saw wasn't the same as the time he incapacitated both Liddy and Emilia from fighting in front of her. This was calm, compassionate and considerate. He wasn't acting like a guardian or protective guard; he seemed no different than a concerned friend.
'He almost seems just like…' She'd begin to think, looking down for a second before feeling a hand on her shoulder.
"You alright?" Matthew asked, the Slayer standing next to Claire as she looked up to him.
"Yes… I apologize, I was absorbed in my thoughts." She would say, rubbing her eyes for a second before turning to Liddy. "It should be fine Liddy, I'm sure Artorian will at least inform us of when he leaves. If then we can send someone with him when he goes."
"Understood." Liddy responded.
"It's been a long night, I expect all of you to get plenty of rest." The president would say, speaking to everyone. "Emillion."
"Y-Yes ma'am!?" Reitia would stand at attention, slightly nervous at being singled out.
"I had heard from Matthew that you had fought well against the Savage, albeit he reprimanded you as well in regards to falling for the Hunter's goads. While we are meant to stay focused and not allow our thoughts to be clouded, you had assisted Artorian and helped keep Sakura Kirishima safe."
"Ma'am?"
"It's a straight forward attitude and steel will that is needed in Selections. You will be put under observation for a slot to bolster our ranks."
"W-Wait, you mean me? And Selections? That I can actually…?" Reitia would attempt to control herself, although slowly losing her poker face as a small grin was forming.
"Keep your focus sharp and remain prepared, we will evaluate your capabilities once we depart from the Zwei Islands." Claire would inform, finishing as she, Liddy and Erica all walked out of the room.
"Understood ma'am, I won't let you down!" Reitia would salute, waiting until the president was a good distance away before cheering. "Yes, YES! Finally, I have chance to be a part of Selections!"
"Congratulations Reitia!" Emilia grinned, laughing as the girl jumped and cheered.
"I can't believe I agreed to staying on this stupid boat." Artorian groaned as he walked through the boy's dorm, having tucked Karen back into bed with a kiss on the forehead goodnight. "To think she really stayed up so late." He then smiled, concerned but touched at Karen staying up to wait for him.
'What am I going to do about you Karen?' Shortly after his thought, Artorian's senses spiked to hyper awareness, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. 'OH what the hell now!?' His senses had already gone off twice tonight, and now the third time just had him annoyed rather than concerned as he ran down the hall, following his senses to his own door.
"Whoever the hell's in here I'm warning you, my night has been long and I am NOT in the mood for this!" He'd announce, unlocking the door and kicking it open, entering right away with his guard up. Taking a close look around, he'd use his foot to close the door behind him and stepped further in.
After nearly a minute of looking, the only anomaly he would find was his window; wide open with the ocean breeze blowing in. Closing the window, he would sigh in annoyance at his guard, feeling stupid for being so defensive.
"Maybe I do need to stay here for a bit, getting paranoid over a fucking window." He'd say to himself, locking the opening and turning back to his bed where he paused. "The fuck…" On top of his bed was his father's sword, completely fine and in the same condition as when he left it. He was so focused on finding someone that he had completely missed it, putting his guard back on as he looked to the window.
He remained silent as he looked out, now fully aware there was more going on than him forgetting to close it in the morning. What's more, he felt the faintest trail of energy, almost being able to see the particles subtly fall to the ground as it went from the bed out.
'I got your energy pal, hiding will be a lot more difficult in the future.' He would think glaring out the window; feeling the trail of energy rise up right after the window.
And on top of the dorm building was a single lone figure, eyes glowing bright green as it stared down the edge of the building. The stare was almost somber, as if the figure was recalling distant memories. The tattered cloak then shifted in the wind for a second, revealing jet-black hair underneath the hood.
'Don't lose it again.'
Turning away from the edge, the figure would correct the positioning of its hood before running off, vanishing into the night as it jumped off the roof.
"Woooooooow!" Karen's eyes were gleaming with excitement. The day she had been waiting for had finally come, and she could barely contain herself as she was rolled to her spot in the venue's audience section. "We're so close!"
"Artorian stated he wouldn't accept any less than front row sitting for you." Miharu informed, recalling the boy's words to her.
"I can't wait, it's so close I think I could scream!" The girl would cheer, wiggling in her wheelchair in excitement.
"She's really pumped up." Emilia would smile, seeing the girl's excitement. She was currently dressed in her uniform, a necessary precaution she and the members of Little Garden attending were required to do.
"Ever since Sakura started to sing it was her dream to see one of her concerts live." Artorian would say, stepping up with his sword over his shoulder. Unlike the others, Artorian was fully dressed in his variable suit, his variable stone stored in his collar at the ready should it be needed. It was unexpected for something to happen, but as Sakura's guard for the concert he was required to be the most equipped for the night. "This might as well be the best day of her life."
"You're already changed? I thought you wouldn't be on the clock until just before the concert starts."
"Unfortunately, that isn't the case." He would shrug. "I gotta keep an eye on Sakura from now until after it's over. Speaking of which, I should get going now before Claire starts to talk my ear off again about "responsibilities" and junk like that."
"I'm standing right here." The blonde president would say, the student council plus Chris having arrived a few minutes after the bulk of the group.
"And?"
"…Sometimes I don't know what to do with you." She would sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Can you at least promise me you'll take your assignment seriously? It's important that you preform well enough as a representative of Little Garden."
"Told you." He'd whisper back to Emilia, getting a chuckle from her before speaking up. "Sure thing Claire, I'll keep Pinky safe." He'd then walk over to Miharu and Karen, kneeling down next to the latter with a smile. "Remember to sing your heart out, this whole night's for you."
"I can't thank you enough Artorian, I just wish you could be here to enjoy it with me." Karen would smile, getting him to pat her head.
"I wish I could too, but duty calls." He then stood back up, looking over to the nurse. "You'll keep a close eye on her, right?"
"I promise, although I feel the several Slayers that would act as better security is much more reassuring." Miharu would respond, looking to the Selections team all gathered together.
"If you saw how clumsy they are by a pool, you wouldn't be saying that." He'd laugh. "But seriously, I trust you to look after her. She'll be in good hands."
"Of course." Miharu would nod, however she'd take a step towards him and place a hand next to her mouth, whispering quietly. "I have my shifts off in three days at around five."
"Perfect timing then, combat training ends before that and I can wash up to be presentable when I take you out."
"I look forward to it." Miharu would wink, the two stepping away shortly after their silent plan.
"What were you two talking about?" Karen would ask, keeping a close eye on the boy as she appeared measuring.
"Oh nothing Karen, just some adult stuff is all." Artorian would respond, rubbing her head for a second.
"Uh-huh, and what kind of "adult stuff" would that be?" Emilia would add in, the boy now the center of focus for two suspicious girls.
"Unfortunately, that is private between Miharu and I. So I cannot answer that at the moment." He'd then begin to walk off, smirking back to them as he headed for the venue's changing rooms. "Have a nice show ladies, you're all wonderful and I wish I could stay."
"Hrrrmmmmm…!" Both Karen and Emilia pouted, keeping measured gazes on the boy as he walked away.
The action caused Matthew to roll his eyes, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. "This is ridiculous, why did I even come here I don't like pop."
"Because Sakura herself paid for our tickets and invited us for helping Artorian." Matthew scoffed at Reitia's claim, getting the girl to look at him in disappointment. "He did most of the work, help is the right word."
"Yeah, sure."
"Yo, Sakura." Artorian would call out, knocking on the idol's changing room door. "You're knight in spandex is here to guarantee your safety."
"Just a minute!" He'd hear the idol call from the other side, answering the door soon after to reveal her in her variable suit. "You're here! I'm so glad you managed to make it!"
"Well, guarding you is my job. I'd be rather bad at it if I didn't show up."
"I guess…" The idol's gaze would slowly go down to his arm, seeing the scarred tissue of his wound he received protecting her from the Hunter. "Does it still…?"
"Nah, it's fine. I heal extremely quickly and it fully closed in two days." He informed, holding the injury up more to more clearly show the part of it not hidden by his glove. "My energy also helped at keeping the wound from reopening, so I guess that's a positive too."
"I see, well it makes sense. Nothing less from a pure Variant like you."
"What about you? You lost a lot of energy the last time I saw you." Artorian questioned, his expression sympathetic as he did. "I heard you passed out as soon as you got back to your room, anything that I should know about?"
"I might only be an Artificial Variant, but that still stands to aid in my own recovery." She'd state. "I really only needed a good night's rest and a few meals to get myself back up to 100%, all thanks to you."
"Well that's good, I worked real hard to get the best bribe deal from Claire to get Karen here." The boy would jest, getting the two to laugh quietly. "But seriously, I'm grateful you got the extra tickets so everyone else could come as well. I think Karen will enjoy it more with Miharu and Reitia here."
"What about the others?"
"I'm pretty sure she's jealous of Claire and Emile, that or extremely weary of them."
"Is it because you went on a date with them?"
"I went on a date with Emile, although that's only between us, she doesn't know." He would say, winking to reveal the loosely kept secret. "As for Claire… well, I mean she's a hot blonde. I think Karen feels most threatened by her in regards to my attention."
"And what about me?" Sakura would ask, her cheeks slightly turning red as she looked to the side. "How much of your attention would I take away?"
"When I first met you? Absolutely none at all." Artorian's honest and quick response caused her to flinch, however her body relaxed when he placed a hand on her head. "But I'm glad to say I was wrong about a lot of stuff on you. You'd definitely draw my attention, but I get the feeling Karen wouldn't feel any hostility towards you."
"Thank you…"
"Always willing to make a young maiden's day with a nice remark." He'd then take his hand off her, giving the idol a smile as he looked down to her. "And after this concert, you still have to meet Karen, so make sure to give it your all but save some strength for that."
"I will, I just wish I could stay longer than the time I have." She'd say, getting a tilt of Artorian's head in return. "After the concert's over, I have about an hour before I have to take off for a promotional; recording in Liberia for my next album. And since the amount of cost this concert's been, I'm not entirely in the position to say no and cancel it."
"That's fine, we can work around it." He'd shrug. "We can meet you at the airport if that works best. You two can reunite, learn about each other and say farewell until you come and visit again."
"I… I look forward to it."
"Well, I'll probably need to get into position. Souffle said I had to be backstage by the time you get on and I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time."
"No it's fine, talking to you helped clear up my nervousness I had. Oh, and Artorian?" The idol would speak up as the Slayer would turn to walk away, getting his attention. "Make sure you watch, there's a present for you in the encore."
"I look forward to it."
"It's starting! It's finally starting!" Karen cheered, barely contained to her wheelchair as the idol revealed herself on the stage.
"I hope you're all ready! Let's all have fun!" Sakura would announce, gripping her variable stone tightly before tossing it into the air. "Hundred On!" As the light shined around her and her Hundred formed, Sakura's variable suit also went under a physical change. The variable fibers altered and shifted, turning into a completely new outfit; the shrine maiden themed get up the idol had in her usual shows and videos.
"Huh, so that's how that outfit's made." Artorian muttered to himself, watching from a catwalk in the backstage. He wasn't visible to anyone below, but he had a good enough view to watch the concert. "Weird how it didn't change though when she showed me it the first time."
"She's able to control when the transformation takes place." The Slayer wouldn't turn as he heard Souffle's voice, keeping his eyes on the idol as her agent walked up to beside him. "How are your ears holding out?"
"Eh, I got some sleep last night so the ringing's pretty low." Artorian shrugged, true to his word still hearing the ringing from Sakura's singing voice, however to a much more manageable degree.
"So you're refreshed again?" He would nod once in return, getting the manager to ask further. "I heard your last time caused a small incident, was it properly contained this time?"
"Yep, I planned it so I got to Charlotte when I was ready. Spent the night in the bottom of Little Garden clamped to a metal table and was only under the Abyss' influence for about… two minutes when I awoke before Karen snapped me back to it."
"How many days does that give you now?"
"About three and a half weeks at most. Longest I've lasted is about 25 days, usually I go to sleep before that but I try to make it as far as I can."
"It's good you've figured out your pattern, it prevents several errors made during the development of the First generation of Slayers."
"Yeah…" Artorian would mutter, his shoulders slacking as he leaned against the catwalk railing. "Souffle I… I wanted to say sorry."
"For what?"
"For what I said about Sakura when we first met." He spoke, watching the idol closely as he reminisced. "I was wrong, I didn't know who she really was and in turn spoke out of turn like I knew everything about her. I've lived my whole life an outcast, I of all people should know better than to judge a book by its cover."
"Well, at least you have you're willing to admit when you were wrong." Souffle would say, watching the concert with a small smile. "I wasn't mad at what you said, but I did feel disappointed that you came to such a harsh conclusion so soon." She would then look to Artorian, her eyes somber as she noted the level of familiarity his face had to his father's. "Did she tell you?"
"…Yes." He said simply.
"I can tell, you have your father's same eyes. The kind that burn with intensity in battle but flicker in the face of others' pain."
"Quite the detailed observation. What, is this gonna be the part where you admit you had deep feelings for my father that you kept hidden for the sake of your research?" The two would share a small chuckle, trying to keep the tone from going down.
"No, your father was too special a case for me to get those kinds of feelings for. But he was a good friend, and a great listener."
"I bet he was."
The two would remain in silence watching Sakura sing; both invisible to the audience while the idol was the center of attention. It was a familiar situation for both, one on instinct and the other from experience.
As the concert was reaching its halfway point, Souffle would notice Artorian's gaze shift to the crowd, focusing on the VIP seating where a girl in a wheelchair was cheering with the brightest smile she's seen.
"Can I assume that one's Karen?"
"Yep, Karen Kisaragi. Childhood friend and the one thing in this world that keeps me sane. Quite the sight huh?"
"You certainly share a similar preference as your father, that's for certain." She'd smile. "She'll do good, she's in good hands."
"I like to think that."
Two hours since the start of the concert would go by, and by then Sakura would have sung twenty songs in total. As she was finishing up the last of her songs, the lights around the idol would die out, the wings of her Hundred dimming to the extent she was completely invisible in the darkness around the stage.
And even then, the spectators were all still cheering, their voices booming as they chanted for an encore. The whole crowd was fueled with passion for the idol's songs, none wanting the night to be over just yet.
"Come on everyone! Raise your voice!" Karen's excitement was beyond containment at this point, her exuberance practically glowing around her as she held a special light up in her cheering.
"Of course, of course." Emilia would smile and laugh, the excitement of Karen bleeding out not only to her but everyone else present in the VIP section. The only one not cheering or showing any energy was Matthew, the hybrid keeping himself quite.
But, he couldn't hide the small smile he had from seeing the youngest of them enjoy the concert.
After a minute of the constant cheers and chanting for an encore, Sakura's wings would begin to brighten. The lights around her remained off as she stepped out from the darkness, her wings illuminating her and the floor around her.
"Everyone, thank you for being patient for the encore. But, could I ask all of you to be quiet for a moment please?" The idol's request was met with instant silence, the crowd waiting on the Oriental Wizard's every word as she spoke.
"I will sing an encore, this will be the first time that I ever sing this song live. On the contrary, it's a song that I had made yesterday, so it might not be made quite to perfection yet…" That would only serve to get the spectators excited, the promise of a completely new song a blessing to them.
"It will be the last song of my next album, I've been thinking constantly on it and how it should flow. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find the complementing tone to it. But, I finally figure it out a few days ago." Sakura would take a deep breath, collecting herself as she would back to the catwalk, sensing Artorian's energy above her before looking back to the crowd.
"The raid of the Savage a month ago and the raid two days ago; I'm dedicating this song to those who fought against such threats in order to protect us."
"…The people who protected us? Is she talking about Artorian?" Karen would ask Miharu, looking back to the nurse.
"I would think, he was present and important to both." Miharu would smile, getting the girl to look back to Sakura.
'So he was protecting Sakura when he got hurt…'
"Well, her I go." Sakura would say to herself, her smile brightening as she looked to the audience. "I hope you all enjoy my song!"
The idol would then begin to sing a harmonious and slow song, each word gentle and warm to both the Slayers and audience alike. Even Artorian above could feel the song's harmony, the ringing balancing it out but the presence of it still there.
'Adorable, she made a song for us…' He'd think to himself, recalling the promised gift the idol spoke of. It wasn't hard for him to tell that among the lyrics he was the inspiration behind it, hearing of "Noble Knight" and "Wolf" among the actions taken during the raids. It wasn't until the second half the song started that the weight of the song hit him.
"And though you walk in a path of fright
My light will guide you back home.
Though it may come after hardship and blight
Our future will be forever tranquil."
'Hold the fuck up…' That phrase in lyrics struck Artorian in realization, the purpose of the song getting through to him. 'You little… clever piece of cotton candy…' He'd think with a somber smile.
As the song came to its peaceful conclusion, the entirety of the crowd would cheer and clap as the concert was coming to its true conclusion. A beautiful song not only to capture the events the islands had endured, but the changes the idol had experienced beside the Abysswalker.
"So, what did you think about the present?" Sakura would ask, approaching the Slayer.
After the concert ended, those involved in Selections were all transported to the airport on the Zwei Islands to oversee Sakura's departure. Among them, Artorian stood closest to Sakura's car, serving as her main security the moment she would exit her car.
"I'm amazed you came up with such a song so soon." He'd admit, looking down to the idol with a small smile. "I'm not a fan of music, but that's definitely going down as one to remember. Might have to download it when it comes out."
"Hmmm…" Sakura would hum playfully, smiling up to the boy before bringing her hand up, poking his cheek. "90 points, could've made a confession to seal the moment."
"You're a real slave driver." He'd chuckle, getting a playful wink from the idol as the two turned. "Well, are you ready for the awaited moment."
"Yes…" Sakura would say, although taking a deep breath to prepare herself. "I'm ready." After readying herself, Artorian would escort her and Souffle to the group, where Karen was sitting at the front.
"Sakura, I would like to introduce you to Karen Kisaragi." Artorian would say, shocking Karen as he motioned over to her.
"Hi Karen, it's a pleasure to meet you." The idol would smile, holding her hand out to the girl.
"S-S-Sakura it's… it's an honor!" Karen would respond, trying to keep her awe under control as she shook the idol's hand. "I'm you're… I love your songs! They're the most amazing I've ever heard and they've really changed the way I see things."
"Thank you, I'm glad to know they've helped." Sakura would smile, finding the girl's excitement adorable. "Say Karen, can I ask you something?"
"A-Anything!"
"Artorian's told me a bit about you while he was guarding me, and I wish to return the favor for all the hard work he's done. Would you mind if I sang you a song real quick?"
"O-O-Of course! I… I mean if you have the time…" Karen would suddenly get cold feet, getting a chuckle from Artorian.
"Thank you Karen, I'm sure you'll love this one. It's my favorite song." Sakura would then begin to sing the song her mother had made for her, Karen initially simply listening to it before slowly realizing the lyrics and tone.
'Wait, this is… this is the same song I…' She began to realize, confusion plastered on her face as the idol finished singing.
"Sakura, how do you know that song…?"
"This song was created by my mom." She would reveal, her smile brightening as she looked to Karen. "And I had only ever sung it to two other people. Artorian a few nights ago, and you ten years ago."
"Wh-Wha… there's no way…" Karen would gasp in shock, her eyes widening in surprise at the idea. "Sakura and I… that can't be possible…"
"But it is. I couldn't believe it either at first, when Artorian mentioned he heard my song before it felt impossible. But then he told me about you, and how you would always sing this song. It was then I knew the same Karen he asked to sign an autograph for… was my old friend from before the Second Attack."
"I remember when we were stuck in the shelter, how scared you were when Artorian and Hayato ran back out. I sang to help you stay calm, and thanks to that night I discovered my passion for singing. It's all because of you that I've become the singer I am now, and I can't ever thank you enough for that."
"S-Sakura…"
The idol would then lean down and wrap her arms around Karen in a gentle hug, surprising the girl at the embrace. "Thank you Karen, for having been my friend."
"I… but I… thank you…" Karen would struggle to say, but found her resolve as she returned the embrace.
"Wait… so you knew Sakura back then?" Emilia would ask, shuffling over to Artorian while keeping a narrowed gaze on him. "Why didn't you mention this before?"
"Because I didn't." He whispered, shushing her as the two girls enjoyed their reunion. "Sakura was Karen and Hayato's friend, I never met her. Now shuch up and let them be happy."
"Did you just say "shuch up"?" Emilia responded, although repressed a giggle and quieted down.
"I'm sorry, but we'll have to get going soon." Souffle had to interrupt after a minute, stepping up to Sakura. "I know you don't want to Sakura, but we can't afford to be late."
"Okay Souffle, but just one last thing before then." Sakura would say, her and Karen separating before she pulled out her PDA. "Let's exchange contacts Karen."
"E-Eh? Is… is that okay?" Karen asked, her eyes blinking in surprise.
"Of course it is, I want to be able to be friends with again. And there's a lot of things I want to ask you about."
"Things you want to ask me?"
"Don't go throwing the whole table at her." Artorian would state, although with a laid back tone and smile on his face.
"I know~" She'd wink, sticking her tongue out playfully at him.
The two would then exchange their contact information, both giving one last hug before Sakura and Souffle would begin to walk towards their helicopter. But as she would reach the ramp, Sakura would pause in her step. Having one last thing she'd want to do, the idol would step back from the ramp and run back to Artorian, confusing the Slayer as she stopped just in front of him.
"We didn't get to know each other for very long, but I'm grateful for everything you've done for me Artorian." The idol would say, smiling up to the boy as she held her hand out. "Thank you, truly from the bottom of my heart."
"Hey, it's no problem." He smirked in return. "More exciting than I thought it would be, that's for-!" Artorian was caught off guard as the idol grasped his hand and pulled him forward more. Under most circumstances the idol wouldn't be able to so much as move him, but a quick use of her Variant energy and his lowered guard would give her the opening she needed.
"Chuu~"
"Eh…?"
Having gotten her chance, Sakura planted a gentle kiss on Artorian's cheek, the Abysswalker seeming completely taken aback by the action.
"Wha…!"
"…You!?"
And he wasn't the only one, as both Emilia and Claire voiced their own surprise, surprised by the idol's forwardness.
"E-Eeeeh! S-Sakura… a ki-kiss to… Artorian?" Karen was possibly the most confused, her brain trying to put together how this situation could have happened.
Sakura would then separate from Artorian, letting out a bright smile before running back to the ramp with a spring in her step. The hybrid was left half shocked at the gesture, placing his free hand against the cheek she kissed as he watched her board the helicopter.
"Bye, Artorian! I'm certain that we'll see each other again soon!" Sakura would call out, waving with the brightest smile she ever had before the door closed.
Shaking his shock off, Artorian would grin as he waved the helicopter off, watching as it slowly disappeared from sight. 'Damn Pinky, managed to catch me off guard like that. Well played.'
(A/N): Another chapter, another step forward to begin an arc that I've been waiting for. Although I must say I've had a lot more fun writing this arc than I was expecting to. And it serves as a good inspiration to keep the story going strong. Not sure when the next chapter may come out, most likely it'll be a bit if my inspiration doesn't come in. Most likely it'll be a type of filler, giving the group a break before the events of Volume 3 take place, with some added guests thrown into the mix as well.
And as a little note, I wanted to say I appreciate everyone enjoying the story so far and leaving their reviews. It always makes me happy to know I'm entertaining my readers, it adds to the enjoyment of writing in the first place. It also serves as a way to encourage better writing from me to make it even better and to think outside the box on new ideas
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and have a good day. Peace!