Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Where exactly am I?" a voice asked, echoing through a strange void.

"Just give it a moment. This sort of confusion happens to people when they die," another voice explained casually.

As the haze lifted, the speaker came into view—a stunning, tan-skinned woman with flowing white hair tipped in red, crimson eyes, and a body wrapped in thin white robes that barely concealed anything. The robes stopped just above her knees, adding an air of ethereal elegance to her provocative appearance.

"Who... are you?" the voice asked hesitantly.

"I am the goddess Alundra, and you are Xavier Lincoln," she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. With a snap of her fingers, a mirror appeared out of thin air. "See for yourself."

Xavier peered into the mirror and saw the reflection of a young African-American man, around 19 or 20 years old, with dreadlocks and multiple piercings in his ears. He wore a checkered shirt, black jeans, and red sneakers.

"Huh... so this is me," he said, examining himself. "But why am I here?"

Alundra hesitated, sweat forming on her brow. "Well... there’s no easy way to put this, but... you died."

Xavier blinked, confused. "Weird. All I remember is... wait, I was on a trip to Japan and then—"

Flashback....

Xavier had been walking along a highway, enjoying the sights, when he noticed a young boy repeatedly banging his head against a tree. Concerned, he approached cautiously.

"Hey, kid, you okay?" he asked.

"Magic, magic, magic, magic, magic," the boy chanted, headbutting the tree with disturbing enthusiasm. Before Xavier could stop him, the boy darted into the road.

"Wait, hold on! You can’t just—"

Xavier ran after him, only to see a truck speeding toward them both.

Back to the present....

"That damn kid got us both killed?!" Xavier shouted, his voice echoing in disbelief.

"Yeah... about that," Alundra muttered, bracing herself. "You weren’t supposed to die for another eighty years."

"Excuse me, what?" Xavier asked, his voice suddenly calm—too calm. The unnatural serenity unnerved Alundra.

"Well... you see, your guardian angel had to step away, so I was filling in. But, um, I got... distracted," she admitted sheepishly. "Another goddess told me something funny, and I went to check it out. When I got back, you were... well, dead. I’m very sorry."

Xavier crossed his arms. "Oh, that’s what happened? It’s all fine," he said, his calm demeanor startling her further.

"You’re taking this way too well," Alundra said, frowning. "Maybe you should’ve been a therapist instead of... hang on, let me check my notes... oh, the guy who ended world hunger. Shit."

"Wow," Xavier deadpanned.

"Okay, look," Alundra said, panic creeping into her voice. "What can I do to make this right? A prime spot in heaven? Your own angel servant? Blank check—as you humans say."

Xavier's expression shifted, a sly grin forming. "In that case... I want to be a god."

Alundra blinked, stunned. "Excuse me, what?"

"You heard me. Make me a god,flamebrain" he repeated firmly.

"I feel like there’s been a... tone shift here," Alundra muttered.

"How else do you expect someone who was supposed to live another eighty years to react?!" Xavier snapped.

"Hey! I already got yelled at today by my sister Valkyrie, so cut me some slack!" Alundra shot back. "Also, you’re supposed to respect gods and goddesses!"

"Kind of hard to respect someone who doomed humanity," Xavier retorted.

Alundra huffed. "I can’t make you a god. At best, I can give you powers and reincarnate you in another world."

Xavier smirked. "You will give me what I want. Otherwise, I’ll make sure everyone knows how much of a screw-up you are. Imagine being the laughingstock of heaven and hell. What would your boss think?"

Alundra paled. "I could destroy you in an instant," she threatened.

"I’m already dead," Xavier countered. "And if you destroy me, it’ll only prove my point. You’re terrified of someone finding out—maybe your boss?"

Her silence was all the confirmation he needed.

"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I can’t make you a god, but I’ll grant you powers and reincarnate you in another world."

Xavier tilted his head. "Go on."

"I’ll also give you a chance to confront that kid who got you killed. His name is Minoru Kageno. I can send you to the same world he’s in. If you decide to... settle the score, I can have the angels look the other way."

"I don’t want to kill him," Xavier replied. "Just talk to him—and maybe hit him. Really hard."

"Fine," Alundra said. "Anything else?"

Xavier's grin widened. "I want the combined powers of all the Ghost Riders—plus magic. And now that I think about it... your built like Mirajane from Fairy Tail with the face and hair of Akari Watanabe. Maybe you could—"

Alundra cut him off, her face bright red. "I’ll grant the powers, but as for that—no way!"

Xavier leaned in, his smirk devilish. "Imagine being embarrassed for all eternity, fired by your boss, and dragging your sister Valkyrie down with you."

Alundra groaned. "Fine! When I’m not busy, I’ll... visit occasionally. Happy?"

"Is the goddess blushing? Have you never had a boyfriend or maybe a virgin?" Xavier teased.

"And what if I am?!" she shouted, immediately covering her mouth.

"Not a problem," Xavier said with a laugh. "You’ll make a fine wife."

"Wife?!" Alundra sputtered.

"Of course. I’m not just going to mess around randomly. But if you don’t want to—"

"Okay! I’ll marry you!" she blurted, her face crimson.

Xavier grinned. "Engaged to a goddess. If my friends could see me now."

Alundra summoned a glowing door with a wave of her hand. "Just go! Through this door, you’ll be reincarnated. I’ll make sure you meet Minoru early on. You’ll know him when you see him."

Xavier winked. "Thanks, beautiful. See you soon." He stepped through the door, which disappeared behind him.

Moments later, a lavender-haired angel appeared beside Alundra. "So, how’d it go?"

"I just promised myself to a mortal," Alundra muttered, tearing up.

The angel rolled her eyes. "Between you, Aqua, and Ristarte, I swear..."

End of chapter.

Chapter Text

Cid, now an eight-year-old boy, stood amidst the chaos, surrounded by the defeated bodies of bandits and the faint cries of the wounded. His latest target, a beastkin with golden fur, had been blinded and subdued. Just as Cid began to bask in his handiwork, he froze, sensing someone behind him.

“So, this is what you've been up to, Minoru,” a calm voice called out, cutting through the still air.

Cid whipped around to see another boy, around his age, stepping forward. His confident smirk and piercing gaze were a stark contrast to his otherwise plain noble attire.

“Who are you?” Cid asked cautiously.

The boy chuckled. “It’s me, Aiyden. Surely you remember me from the last time I visited your family. Or maybe you’d remember me better as the guy you got killed back in our past lives.”

Cid’s eyes widened. “Wait… Aiyden? You… you’re the one from Japan? The kid I—”

“Yeah, the one you led into the road,” Aiyden interrupted, crossing his arms. “Dying because of you wasn’t exactly on my to-do list, but here we are.”

Cid scratched his head nervously. “I... I didn’t think you’d remember that.”

“Oh, I remember plenty,” Aiyden said. “Like you slamming your head into a tree screaming about magic. You were an absolute menace then, and it looks like not much has changed.”

Cid hesitated, unsure of what to say. “So... are you here to get revenge?”

Aiyden smirked. “Oh, you’ve got a punch coming, don’t doubt that. But not right now. I’m more curious about what exactly you’re doing here with a bag over your head.”

Reluctantly, Cid explained his aspirations of becoming the ultimate shadow ruler, his grand dreams, and his "training." Aiyden listened with growing disbelief and amusement.

“Let me get this straight,” Aiyden said. “You’re trying to live out some sort of shadowy hero fantasy? And you actually think this is working?”

“Hey, it’s a process,” Cid replied defensively.

“Well, whatever it is, count me in,” Aiyden said with a shrug.

Cid blinked. “Wait, seriously?”

“Why not? Life as a noble kid is boring. Learning swordplay and etiquette isn’t exactly thrilling. At least this sounds entertaining.”

With that, the two shook hands, forging an unlikely alliance.

As the pair surveyed the aftermath of the battle, Aiyden’s sharp senses picked up something. “Hold up. Someone’s still alive over there.”

They approached to find a young foxkin girl with nine tails lying unconscious over the lifeless body of an older woman. She wore a torn pink kimono, and a deep wound marred her back.

“She’s barely alive,” Aiyden muttered, kneeling beside her. “But I can heal her.”

With a glow of hellfire magic, Aiyden sealed the wound, saving the girl’s life. “There. She’s stable. What she does next is up to her.”

“You know, you could’ve been a little more discreet with your magic,” Cid pointed out.

Aiyden shrugged. “It worked, didn’t it?”

As they left, the foxkin girl stirred, her memories of the massacre returning. Among the chaos, one face stood out clearly in her mind—Aiyden’s.

In the months that followed, Aiyden and Cid grew closer. Cid’s bizarre experiments with magic culminated in his creation of a slime-based suit, while Aiyden honed his hellfire abilities, even designing a flame-resistant cloak to match Cid’s theatrics.

During one of their escapades, they stumbled upon a decomposed body that, despite its state, clung to life. Intrigued, Cid poured his magic into it, restoring the body to its original form: a blonde elf girl.

“I can’t believe that worked,” Aiyden muttered as the girl stirred.

“This is my moment,” Cid said, leaping onto a crate.

As the girl opened her eyes, Cid began his performance. “I see you’ve awakened,” he declared dramatically.

“Where… am I?” she asked, dazed.

“You were cursed,” Cid explained. “I have freed you from the vile magic that imprisoned you. The world may have forgotten the truth, but I haven’t.”

Aiyden stifled a laugh as the girl, visibly moved, clung to Cid’s every word.

“And the ones behind it all is… yes, The Mastermind is… No, it's too soon to speak name” said Cid.

“(Code for he can't come up with anything)” Aiyden thought to himself while chuckling.

“ Tell me who did this to me” she said with a stern look on her face.

“ I see, uh…In that case, I'll tell you ah…” he said looking around then looked at Aiyden.

“(Don't look at me, you got yourself into this mess)” Aiyden thought to himself while looking back at Cid.

Cid nervously looked around until he saw a bottle next to Aiyden.

“Cult of Diablos, a group of zealots who are plotting to revive the great demon, they never come out into the light of day. Me and my friend’s mission is to remain in the shadows to end their evil schemes” He said transforming into his life suit.

“ My pleasure to meet you, my name is…Echo” he said as his skin began to disintegrate forming a skull that was on fire which scared the girl at first.

“My friend here was given the power of vengeance, and my name is st… Shadow, he who lurks in the shadows to hunt the Shadows” he said.

“ Echo and Shadow? “She asks.

“ Our path is not an easy one, but it's necessary to fulfill our mission. Child of the heroes, are you prepared to walk my path with me?” he ask.

“ When I became ill or rather when I was struck with this horrible curse, I lost everything. my only future was to waste away as a hideous Beast. but you saved me, so if it's what you wish, I will give you both my life and I will punish the guilty with death” said the girl, which made Cid smile and puts his hand out which she accepts and part of his life suit was put on her.

“ Will probably be up against some very powerful government leaders but I'm sure they'll be people under their control that don't know the truth” Cid warned.

“ So what? I'll show no mercy to any who stand in our way.We will need to find the other hero descendants and take them under our protection” she said sternly.

“Of course, isn't that right, shadow?” Aiyden teased.

“Uh , right” he said nervously.

“ As we expand our organization, we'll need to strengthen our base of operations we'll need to collect funds to that end” said the girl.

“ In moderation. All right then we shall call our organization Shadow Garden and the name you will answer to is Alpha” he said pointing at her.

“ (YYYeah he may have gone too far with this one, might as well play along for the girl’s sake.This is getting ridiculous. But I have to admit, it’s kind of fun.)"Aiyden thought to himself.

End Of Chapter

Chapter Text

Years passed since Alpha joined their fold, and the Shadow Garden grew steadily. Many of the afflicted were rescued, finding solace and purpose under Cid and Aiyden’s leadership. Some worked discreetly within the confines of Cid's home, while others served at Aiyden's estate. Aiyden, now 15, spent his days honing his abilities, growing stronger with each passing year.

One morning, Aiyden trained with his younger brother, Louis, in their backyard. Thema, his little sister, sat nearby, her eyes wide with admiration as she watched her brothers spar.

Louis lunged forward, his sword a blur of motion as he attacked with a flurry of strikes. Yet, to Aiyden, it was like moving through water—slow, predictable. With ease, he disarmed Louis, sending his sword flying into a nearby tree.

“Again!” Louis barked, frustration edging his tone.

“We’ve already done this three times today,” Aiyden replied with a smirk, turning to leave. “Take a breather, Louis. Maybe next time you’ll keep up.”

“Where are you going?” Louis demanded, annoyance bubbling.

“Maybe when you’re stronger, I’ll tell you,” Aiyden teased, his words earning a giggle from Thema and a glare from Louis.

Aiyden disappeared into the forest, ensuring no one followed him. As he reached a secluded spot, a beam of light shimmered before him, materializing into Alundra. His grin widened.

“If it isn’t wife number one. Long time, no see. Did you miss me?” he teased.

Alundra’s cheeks flushed. “Hmph! As if. I’m here to deliver your communicator, not to check on you.”

“Sure you weren’t keeping tabs on me?” he pressed, his grin growing.

“I-I only peeked occasionally,” Alundra admitted, folding her arms. “Your Shadow Garden has grown, but your control over your powers is still lacking.”

Aiyden sighed. “Yeah, I’m getting the hang of it. Still, I feel guilty about this whole Cult of Diablos thing. It was supposed to be a made-up story.”

Alundra chuckled softly, her gaze shifting. “Made-up? Right.”

“What do you mean by that?” Aiyden asked, his brow furrowing.

“Nothing,” she replied with a sly smirk, tossing him the communicator. “Take this and—”

“Wait, aren’t you forgetting something?” Aiyden interrupted.

“What now?” Alundra asked, confused.

“My goodbye kiss,” he said with mock seriousness, causing her face to turn crimson.

“Shut up!” she snapped before vanishing in a flash of light. Aiyden chuckled to himself.

His amusement was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Turning, he saw Beta, a silver-haired elf in a black-and-gold slime suit, approaching with a confident smile.

“Beta, my favorite. What brings you here?” he asked warmly.

“My Lord, I am honored,” Beta replied, brushing her hair aside. “But we have urgent news. Lord Shadow’s sister has been taken by the Cult. He’s already moving to their location.”

Aiyden’s playful demeanor shifted. “Very well. Let’s go.”

---

Later that night, the Shadow Garden infiltrated the Cult’s hideout. Echo, his hooded figure wreathed in flames, faced off against the guards.

“Mercy!” one pleaded, trembling.

“Damn,fresh out of that. You'll have to take burning in hell,” Echo growled, his flaming chain whipping forward and setting the man ablaze.

Nearby, Zeta and Eta dispatched fleeing guards with precision. Their black-and-gold suits glimmered in the firelight.

“Zeta, Eta, any sign of her?” Echo asked.

“Not yet, sir,” Zeta reported.

“Regroup with the others,” Echo commanded.

They gathered with the rest of the team, scanning the carnage. Suddenly, a teal-haired man emerged, his face twisted with panic as he saw the bodies of his comrades strewn about.

“W-Who are you?” he stammered.

“We are Shadow Garden,” Alpha declared coldly.
“ We already know everything about your Cult” Gamma added.

“And about the arrival of the demon Diabolos, the hero's descendants”Epsilon added, making Echo cringe in guilt.

“Maybe now's a good time to tell them about Cid before things get out of hand” he thought to himself.

“Don't forget about the truth of demon possession” said Alpha.

“Listen girls about-”

“Did you say the cult of Diablos?!”He asked while drawing his sword.

“Huh?” Echo thought to himself.

“How’d you find out? Where'd you hear that name?! How do you find that secret?!” The man asks while rushing at Alpha who forms a slime sword and fights with him.

“Lord Echo should we-”

Zeta just looks and sees him watching Alpha fight this man, saying nothing at all with his arms crossed.

“ I see. Lord Echo wants to see how good Alpha has gotten over the years. I should have realized sooner” Zeta thought to herself.

“ (The cult actually exist?! I just thought Cid bullshitted that whole story. Did he know? Hold on a minute, think about this logically. There's no way that dumbass knows. He would have either told me or-)”

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed the man pulled something out of his jacket and swallowed it. The man then attacked Alpha but she was able parry his attack.

“ That was an interesting trick” she replied.

He then slammed his sword into the ground creating a crater and dust. Once the desk was clear, they could see that he vanished.

“I'll go after him” Beta said ready to pursue but is halted by Alpha.

“No need, he's headed straight for him” said Alpha.

“Is this the reason we split up? Lord Shadow is so brilliant” said Beta.

“(Brilliant is not a word I wouldn’t use)” Echo thought to himself.

After some time they ended up finding Cid's sister Claire. She showed up back home the next day in a very bad mood, and her injuries were more or less healed overnight and she went off to the Royal capital.

On the rooftop of their base, Cid and Aiyden stood with the girls, watching the horizon. Alpha stepped forward, her expression grave.

“Lord Shadow, Lord Echo… the time has come. It is time for us to part ways,” she announced.

“What?” Cid exclaimed, taken aback.

“This is goodbye,” Alpha said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. The girls followed her lead, disappearing one by one into the night.

Aiyden sighed. “Didn’t see that coming.”

Cid turned to Aiyden. “Well, looks like it’s just us now—”

“Uhmm..Actually,” Aiyden interrupted. “I need to focus on mastering my powers. Besides, do you know how old I am in this world?”

“Same as Claire…Oh,right” Cid trailed off as realization dawned.

“Exactly. I’ve got time to grow stronger. But don’t worry. In two years, I’ll be back,” Aiyden said confidently.

“Two years, huh?” Cid muttered. “Well, try not to overdo it.”

“Who, me? Never.” Aiyden smirked before turning to leave.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

In the Realm of the Gods…

Alundra was peacefully reclining in her celestial domain when an unexpected knock at the door broke the stillness. With a sigh, she opened it to find a tall, muscular woman standing there. Her tan skin glistened in the ethereal light, and her short white hair with fiery red tips framed her sharp features. Her attire—or lack thereof—consisted of strategically placed chains that barely covered her, exuding an air of raw confidence.

“Valkyrie,” Alundra greeted flatly.

“Hey, little sis! Just thought I’d drop by after my latest world-hopping adventure,” Valkyrie declared, pushing past Alundra and making herself comfortable.

“Oh, how thoughtful of you—”

“And to see how you handled that mortal you let die,” Valkyrie cut in with a smirk.

Alundra froze. “Him? Oh, you know, standard procedure. Reincarnated him into another world, nothing special,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

“So you reincarnated him? Did you give him anything extra, or was he just lucky?” Valkyrie pressed.

Before Alundra could respond, another knock interrupted them. She hurried to the door, relieved for the distraction. This time, it was a petite woman with short red hair adorned with a golden clip, her delicate blue dress emphasizing her refined elegance.

“Aria! Come in!” Alundra exclaimed, nearly dragging her inside.

“I was just visiting, especially after hearing how you got blackmailed—” Aria began.

“Shh! Valkyrie’s here!” Alundra hissed, glancing nervously over her shoulder.

“Blackmailed?” Valkyrie repeated, her sharp ears catching every word. Her tone turned icy, and both goddesses shrank under her glare. “Explain. Now.”

One explanation later…

Valkyrie rubbed her temples in exasperation. “Let me get this straight. Not only did you give this mortal powers and send him to the same world as his killer, but now he’s engaged to you?!”

“In his defense, it was her fault he died,” Aria interjected meekly.

“Unbelievable.” Valkyrie folded her arms. “So who is this guy? What’s so special about him?”

Alundra conjured an image of Aiyden, his sharp features and confident smirk filling the air. Valkyrie raised an eyebrow. “Well, well. He’s…hot,no pun intended. If you don’t want him, I’ll gladly take him.”

Before Alundra could retort, her phone began to ring. With a roll of her eyes, she answered.

**Back in the Mortal Realm…**

Aiyden, now 18, stood alone in a secluded forest clearing. Eight months had passed since he left home, and his training had only intensified. Practice dummies surrounding him were ablaze, the flames flickering as he waited for Alundra to pick up.

“Aiyden” she answered. “What do you want?”

“Two rings. Maybe we could get that down to one next time,” Aiyden teased.

“Again, what do you want?” she snapped.

“Just a couple of questions.”

“Funny, I’ve got a few for you too,” she retorted.

“Aw, you want to know more about me? I’m touched,” he said with mock sincerity. “Honestly, I don’t remember much from before I died. A mom, dad, siblings—fuzzy details. Why?”

“That’s… not ideal,” Alundra muttered.

“Another one of your mistakes?” he quipped.

“Moving on! What’s your question?” she said, steering the conversation.

“I’ve been testing my powers. Which Ghost Rider abilities did you give me?”

“Uh, Robbie something,” she answered vaguely.

“Robbie Reyes? So, I’ve got super strength, speed, durability, pyrokinesis, and portal creation. Interesting,” he mused.

“Glad I could help. Bye,” Alundra said, hanging up before he could continue.

Aiyden pocketed his phone, focusing on opening a portal. Concentrating on the village where he first met Cid, he summoned an unstable rift that fizzled out. After several attempts, his thoughts drifted to a certain fox girl he’d once healed, inadvertently stabilizing a portal.

He stepped through, finding himself before an enormous building. “Not the village,” he muttered, stepping back into the portal. Refocusing, he visualized his dorm room, creating a new portal that transported him to a tidy space adorned with posters.

“Well, at least I’ve got that down,” Aiyden said, glancing at the clock. Realizing he was late, he headed to class.

The day dragged with mundane lectures and uninspired swordsmanship lessons. After class, Aiyden stayed behind in the gymnasium, practicing his strikes on a dummy.

“Almost a year since I’ve seen Cid and the others,” he mused, slicing the dummy cleanly in half.

A slow clap interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he found Iris Midgar, princess of the kingdom, watching him. Her crimson hair framed her striking features, and she was clad in the school’s training attire.

“(Iris Midgar, first princess of the Midgar Kingdom and the last person I thought I'd see here at this hour)” he thought to himself but noticed her walking towards him.

“I didn't mean to disturb you, I was just an awe at your swordsmanship,” she said, approaching.

“Hardly, compared to you, Princess,” Aiyden replied, bowing slightly.

“Is that so? Then you wouldn't mind a simple sparring match” she challenged, drawing her sword.

“(If I say no, she'll most likely tell a teacher I've been here, and it wouldn't be smart to piss off the princess.)"Aiyden thought.

Reluctantly, Aiyden agreed. They bowed, and the match began.

Aiyden then charged at her and attempted to deliver a hit to her ribs but she was quickly able to dodge it.

“(I see multiple ways of taking her out but I imagine if I beat her, she'll probably ask for a rematch or something. I'll put in a good effort and then lose)” Aiyden thought.

Iris then strikes at his ribs and in response, he blocks with his sword taking most of the hit but sending him a good feet away. Not giving him a moment to breathe, Iris then rushes at him with a flurry of strikes which Aiyden reflects until the final blow which sends him into the wall.Iris then put her sword away and walks over to Aiyden putting her hand out to help him up and he accepts.

“You have potential. Keep up your training,” Iris said with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Princess,” Aiyden replied, masking his irritation.

“Your name is Aiyden Hendrixson, isn’t it?” she asked.

“Correct your highness. If you'll excuse me, I shall take my leave for the night” said Aiyden.

“You may” she said moving to the side letting him leave.

“ Aiyden Hendrixson… I'll remember that name” Iris thought to herself.

Back in his dormitory, Aiyden sensed a presence behind the door. Opening it, he was greeted by Beta, her delicate features framed by the school uniform. She smiled warmly.

“Long time no see, Lord Echo,” she said.

“Beta,” Aiyden replied, a smirk spreading across his face.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Beta sat gracefully across from Aiyden, sipping the tea he had prepared. The faint aroma of herbs wafted through the room, a calm contrast to their intense discussion.

“So, Shadow Garden has been gaining more members lately?” Aiyden asked, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, and we’re expanding our influence significantly,” Beta replied with a hint of pride. “I’ve even become a well-known author, using the wisdom you and Lord Shadow have shared with me.”

Aiyden smirked. “(Cid probably has no idea she’s doing this.) So, is there a specific reason for your visit? Need help with a mission?”

Beta hesitated, her calm demeanor faltering. “Actually, yes. We’ve discovered another Cult of Diabolos hideout. Inside, we found a descendant afflicted with the curse, but the area is heavily guarded. I was… wondering if—”

“Say no more,” Aiyden interrupted, standing up. “We’ll save them and take out the Cult members while we’re at it.”

Beta’s face lit up with a wide smile. Aiyden transformed in a flash, his form cloaked in Shadow Garden’s signature hooded attire. His face burned away, revealing a flaming skull—the terrifying visage of Lord Echo.

“Lord Echo, I shall guide you to—”

“Come closer, Beta,” Echo said softly, his commanding tone causing her to blush.

“V-Very well, my lord,” she stammered, stepping closer.

Placing a finger on her forehead, Echo concentrated for two minutes before a portal opened before them. They stepped through, emerging near a cave guarded by two knights.

“How did we arrive so quickly?” Beta asked, amazed.

“It’s a new technique,” Echo explained. “If I focus on an image in someone’s mind, I can create a portal to that location. This seems to work—or at least, it brought us near where you were hiding.”

“Incredible,” Beta breathed, her awe unmistakable.

“Would you like to do the honors, Beta?” Echo asked, gesturing to the guards.

“After you, Lord Echo,” she replied, her voice filled with reverence.

With a blazing sword in hand, Echo dispatched the first guard in a single fiery strike. Before the second could react, Beta had already taken him down with effortless precision. Together, they charged into the cave, cutting through Cult members like a storm.

In the heart of the cavern, a massive, muscular man stood waiting. Echo exchanged a look with Beta, who understood immediately and stepped aside, leaving him to face the man alone.

“Who are you?!” the brute bellowed, raising a colossal axe.

“Shadow Garden,” Echo replied, his voice like an ominous growl.

The man charged, swinging his axe with all his might. Echo caught it mid-swing, the flames surrounding him incinerating the weapon in an instant. The man’s expression twisted from anger to terror.

“Pl—”

Before he could finish, Echo severed his head with a single strike. Turning around, he found Beta holding a trembling, robed girl.

“Excellent work, Beta. I’ll return to my place,” Echo said, noticing a book on the ground. Curious, he picked it up and began reading.

“Wait, that’s—” Beta began, but her face turned crimson as realization struck. The book chronicled tales of his and Cid’s adventures, complete with a love triangle involving a silver-haired elf girl.

Beta’s embarrassment deepened as Echo handed the book back to her.

“Lord Echo?” she asked, her voice uncertain.

“First, I’m flattered you’d write about our adventures. Second, your writing has improved immensely since the old hideout,” Echo remarked with a small nod of approval before opening a portal.

“Thank you, Lord Echo!” Beta exclaimed, her smile bright and genuine.

“Oh, one more thing,” Echo added, halfway through the portal.

“Yes?” Beta asked eagerly.

“Consider having the silver-haired elf end up with… the flame knight,” he said with a playful wink before disappearing.

Beta stood there, blushing furiously. The robed girl stared at her in confusion.

“Could Lord Echo…? No, but what if he actually does?” Beta thought to herself, her mind racing.

A Few Days Later...

Night had fallen, and Aiyden was training in the forest under the moonlight. He was about to open a portal when he sensed someone nearby. Turning, he called out, “You might as well come out.”

From the shadows, Beta emerged, her usual composure replaced with uncharacteristic fidgeting.

“Oh, Beta. Another mission?” Aiyden asked.

“N-Not this time, Lord Echo,” Beta stammered. “I wanted to talk to you… about a new story.”

“Of course. Let’s discuss it at my place,” he said, opening a portal.

Back at his home, Beta took a seat, her movements stiff and unsteady. Aiyden noticed her nervousness and excused himself to prepare tea. When he returned, he handed her a cup and sat down beside her.

“So, tell me about this story,” he said with genuine interest.

“Well… it’s about an elf heroine,” Beta began, her voice soft.

“Interesting. Go on.”

“She was saved by two rogues, and over time, she developed feelings for both. But eventually, she found herself drawn to one of them more strongly,” Beta explained, her cheeks flushing.

“What does she do?” Aiyden asked.

“After much thought, she decides to confess her feelings to him. I was hoping you could help me decide how it should end,” she said, her eyes downcast.

“(She’s clearly talking about us.) I think the rogue feels the same way about the heroine. Beta, I have feelings for you too,” Aiyden said gently, his words bringing a radiant smile to her face.

“My lord… could you stand for a moment?” she asked nervously.

“Sure, but why—” Before he could finish, Beta stepped closer, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips to his. The kiss lingered for several moments before she pulled away, her face glowing.

“I must go now, but I’ll visit again soon, my lord,” Beta said, winking before leaping out the window.

“I look forward to it,” Aiyden murmured, a small smile playing on his lips.

*End of Chapter.*

Chapter Text

It had been two years since Aiyden last saw Cid, but now they were both attending the same academy as Aiyden’s sister. While they occasionally spent time together, Cid had his own group of friends. One day, his friends dared him into a bet: whoever scored the lowest on their next test would have to confess their love to the academy’s most popular girl.

“So, you agreed to this? Why?” Aiyden asked, skeptical.

“Because this is the exact kind of background character event I’ve been waiting for,” Cid explained, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

“Riiight…” Aiyden said, rolling his eyes.

“Princess Alexia is the perfect target for this. Watch and learn—this will be the most background character confession ever!” Cid proclaimed with dramatic flair.

That evening...

Aiyden stood with a small group of Cid’s friends, watching from the shadows as Cid prepared for his “confession.”

“Pr-Princess Alexia!” Cid stammered, nervously rubbing his palms against his pants.

*“He wasn’t kidding when he said this would be the most awkward confession ever,”* Aiyden thought, barely containing his amusement.

“I-I-I… I like you! W-Will you please be my g-g-girlfriend?” Cid asked, bowing so deeply he almost toppled over.

Aiyden braced himself for the inevitable rejection—this was where she would laugh or walk away, right?

“All right, I accept,” Alexia said with surprising ease, gently taking his extended hand.

“What?” Cid blurted, his head snapping up in shock.

“What?!” one of his friends exclaimed.

“What…” Aiyden thought, equally stunned.

“I’ve been waiting for someone like you. Here’s to our new relationship,” Alexia said with a small smile.

“Uh… sure,” Cid replied, clearly baffled.

“Well… that backfired. And now he has a girlfriend. So much for the background character plan,”* Aiyden thought.

Later, in Aiyden’s Dorm Room...

“That wasn’t supposed to happen!” Cid ranted, pacing furiously.

“You went from background character to rom-com protagonist,” Aiyden said, sipping tea.

“I know, right?” Cid groaned, flopping into a chair.

“I figured she’d turn you down like all the others. Maybe she was moved by your—”

“It doesn’t matter! I need to find a way to get rid of her,” Cid interrupted, his determination clear.

“Well, if we’re going full rom-com, you could try making her dump you,” Aiyden suggested with a shrug. “But that’s—”

“Brilliant!” Cid declared, cutting him off again. “We’ll call it Operation *‘Dump Me, Dammit!’* Now, give me some ideas.”

“(I wasn..argh...Just go with it,)” Aiyden thought, sighing. “Fine. Start by ignoring her or acting completely unbothered. She’s a princess, so that’ll probably irritate her.”

Cid scribbled this down in a notebook. “Keep going.”

“Don’t open doors for her. If she grabs your arm, pull away or look annoyed. And, of course, the classic: when she calls your name, roll your eyes and say, ‘What?’ Can’t go wrong with that.”

“This is perfect! Thanks!” Cid exclaimed before promptly leaping out the window.

“Would it kill him to use the door?” Aiyden muttered.

The Next Day...

After class, Aiyden found Cid waiting outside his door, a blank expression on his face. He sighed, opening the door to let him in.

“So… how’d it go this time?” Aiyden asked, closing the door behind him.

“She’s using me to get out of her engagement to Zenon,” Cid admitted flatly. “And she knows I confessed because of a bet.”

“Well… damn. So, I’m guessing that means you two br-?”

Cid interupts“Nope. We’re still ‘dating.’ Mainly because she’s paying me.”

“…Sorry, what?”Aiyden asks.

“I’m pretending to be her boyfriend for money,” Cid clarified.

“Don’t your parents already give you enough?”

“This is for funding The Eminence in Shadow! I can’t pass up an opportunity like this,” Cid said, completely serious.

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself… Oh, and this time, could you maybe use the—” Aiyden started, but Cid was already out the window again.

Aiyden groans"Dick."

Days Later....

During lunch, Aiyden overheard whispers about Cid and Alexia. The rumors were everywhere. As he sat alone, a tall, slender girl with long black hair and piercing red eyes approached him. She wore the academy’s uniform with an air of authority.

“We need to talk,” she said curtly.

“I’d rather finish my lunch—” Aiyden began, but she grabbed his arm and dragged him outside, ignoring the stares of passing students. Once outside, she shoved him lightly against a wall.

“What do you know about Cid and Princess Alexia?” she demanded.

“(Protective older sister mode.)” Aiyden sighed, brushing himself off. “I don’t know if I want to answer after you dragged me out here.”

“Just answer the question,” she snapped.

“I might, if you apologize,” he said smugly.

She let out an irritated sigh. “Fine. I’m sorry for dragging you out here.”

“Thank you. As for Cid and the princess, he asked her out, and now they’re dating.”

“Do they… get along?” she asked hesitantly.

“Somewhat,” Aiyden replied, careful with his words.

“That’s all I needed to know,” she said, turning to leave.

“Of course it is. You’ve made that clear,” Aiyden said, stepping away. Before he could get far, she grabbed his shoulder, spinning him around to face her.

“What are you implying?” she asked, her glare sharp.

“I’m saying that unless it’s about Cid, I don’t exist to you,” Aiyden replied, his voice steady. “You ignore me at school. You’re never home when I visit. I’m tired of always being the one to try.”

Her expression softened, regret flickering in her eyes. “Aiyden, I—”

“I’m interested in someone else, and it’s clear you’re not interested in this. You can blame me if it makes it easier. Just leave me alone—you’ve had two years of practice at that,” he said, walking away.

She stood there, fists clenched, staring after him. “Damn it, Aiyden… you idiot.”

A Week Later...

On his way to class, Aiyden noticed a group of knights surrounding Cid.

“What’s going on?” he asked a nearby classmate.

“Princess Alexia didn’t return to her dorm last night. They think she was kidnapped,” the student whispered.

Aiyden froze.“Which makes Cid suspect number one… Shit.”

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

Aiyden wandered through the bustling streets of the city, tracing every step the princess had taken before her disappearance. He scoured the area, questioning locals and examining every corner for clues, but the night yielded no results. Frustrated, he was about to head back when a blonde-haired woman brushed past him, slipping a folded note into his hand.

He paused, unfolded the paper, and scanned the cryptic message. Without hesitation, Aiyden pocketed the note and returned to his apartment. The air was still as he unlocked the door, stepping inside to find Alpha waiting for him, her hood concealing most of her face.

"Lord Echo," she greeted with a bow.

"What have you uncovered?" he asked, leaning against the door.

"The Cult of Diablos is responsible for Princess Alexia's disappearance. The royal bloodline carries a higher concentration of hero’s blood, making her a prime target," Alpha explained.

Aiyden’s brow furrowed in thought."(They won’t harm her immediately, but someone managed to abduct her without leaving a trace...)"

"Alpha, inform Cid not to trust the Knight Order. Also, focus on locating the princess. She’s still within the city—I'm sure of it," he instructed.

"As you wish, Lord Echo," Alpha said before vanishing out the window.

A sudden knock interrupted his thoughts. Aiyden opened the door to see Claire, her face bruised and weary.

"May I come in?" she asked softly.

"Sure. I’m eager to hear the story behind this," Aiyden replied, stepping aside to let her in.

A few minutes later...

Claire settled on the couch, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Aiyden sat across from her, the silence between them heavy.

"My injuries are nothing compared to what Cid is enduring," she began. "I tried visiting him, but the knights wouldn’t let me through.I was met with…resistance"

"That sounds about right," Aiyden replied, his tone edged with irritation.

Claire noticed his expression, and a pang of regret flashed in her eyes. "It's awkward between us," she murmured, breaking the tension.

"Well, excuse me for not being the perfect host," Aiyden shot back, starting to rise.

"Wait," she said, reaching out to grab his hand. "That’s not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?" he asked, his voice softer but skeptical.

Claire sighed deeply. "Can we talk? Just for once...without arguing? No sass, no anger?"

Aiyden studied her for a moment before nodding and sitting back down.

"I know you’re upset with me," Claire admitted, locking eyes with him. "You’ve been putting so much into this engagement, and I’ve done the bare minimum. At first, I saw you as just my brother’s friend—a nuisance, even."

"Ouch,Thanks for sharing" Aiyden muttered, his lips curling into a wry smile.

"But after I was kidnapped...after everything...I saw you differently. You tried talking to me, checking on me, even visiting the dorms. I wasn’t ignoring you on purpose—I just didn’t know how to talk to you."

Aiyden was taken aback, his words caught in his throat. Claire leaned forward, covering his eyes with her hands.

"I don’t want to end our engagement—not like this. Once Cid is safe and everything settles down, I want a fresh start. You don’t have to answer now—just think about it," she said, her voice trembling slightly. Before he could respond, she slipped out the door.

Guess I’ll have to think about it, Aiyden thought as the door clicked shut.

The next day...

The following day passed uneventfully until Aiyden returned to his dorm and found an envelope on the table. He opened it to find a message from Cid, instructing him to meet at a specific location. Without hesitation, Aiyden activated his powers and leaped across rooftops until he reached the site.

Sliding through the window, he found Cid arranging an extravagant scene: expensive artwork, a fine bottle of wine, and lavish furniture.

"Quite the setup," Aiyden remarked, crossing his arms.

"Now, we wait," Cid said confidently.

Minutes later, Beta arrived through the same window,opens the doorwhere she was greeted by a gust of wind that followed. Cid, now seated like a king, raised his glass of wine.

"This night belongs to the shadows," he declared.

"The perfect setting for a world of shadow," Beta echoed, her voice reverent.

Aiyden, watching silently, couldn’t help but think of Claire"(I’ll need to talk to Beta about her later)".

“Everything is in place. Under Lady Alpha’s orders,we have gathered all personnel in the Royal Capital. They number a one-hundred-fourteen-”

“ one-hundred-fourteen?”said Cid, surprise.

“(I didn’t know we had that many)Aiyden thought.

“I-am terribly sorry! No one else could mobilize,it was the best we could do” Beta apologetically responds.

“Did you hire extras or something? Cid asks.

“What?said Beta asks.

“What? Cid asks.

“Ahem,Beta continue”said Aiyden.

“Our plan is to launch simultaneous attacks on all the fenrir sect hideouts of the Diablo's Cult scattered throughout the capital. At the same time, we will search for the traces of princess Alexia's magic. As soon as we find her, we will bring her into custody. Gamma will take General command, well lady Alpha leaves the troops on site, I'll be assisting her while Epsilon will take charge of support from behind and Delta will take lead on the Vanguard and signal the start of the operation. Each unit will consist of-”She is cut off when Cid reveals an envelope in his hand and opens it which she takes.

“ Is that-”

"My apologies to Delta, but I’ll be playing the prelude.Tonight the world will finally know us" he announced, striding towards the window.

“(Well I guess I'll have nothing to do with that-)”

“ Echo,Could you help the others with the operation?”Cid asks.

“ (So much for that) Consider it done, Shadow” he replies.

Following Cid’s orders, Aiyden stepped through a portal to join Delta. Perched on a rooftop, he found her practically vibrating with anticipation.

"Second boss!" Delta exclaimed, her excitement evident.

" ( Second boss isn't wrong but..) Just hold your energy for a moment. The fun is about to start," Aiyden said, grinning.

As the signal to attack lit the night sky, Delta and Aiyden charged into the fray. Delta’s enthusiasm caused some collateral damage, sending a piece of the building tumbling.

"Delta, what did I say about going too far?" Aiyden called out.

"Did Delta mess up?" she asked, her wide, innocent eyes tugging at his heartstrings.

"(She’s just like the puppy I had in my past life)" he thought with a sigh. "No, keep doing what you’re doing."

And with that, the shadows consumed the night.

Chapter Text

Aiyden and Delta moved in synchronized chaos, their assault leaving a trail of destruction. Amidst the fray, Aiyden caught sight of a blade arcing toward him. Without hesitation, he drew his own sword, the clash of steel ringing through the air.

"Second boss—" Delta began.

"Keep going, Delta. I'll handle this," Aiyden instructed, his voice calm but firm.

With a nod, Delta darted off to continue the fight. Aiyden turned his focus to the slim figure before him—a man with short black hair, piercing purple eyes, and a uniform that stirred distant memories.

"Impressive reflexes. It’s rare to find someone who can match my speed," the man said, smirking.

"Louis Silva," Aiyden said coldly, his grip tightening on his sword. "Your sins are innumerable. I’ve come to bring vengeance upon your soul."

"Vengeance, huh? Let’s see if you’re up to the task,demon" Louis replied, his voice dripping with arrogance as he lunged forward with a flurry of rapid strikes.

Aiyden parried each attack with precision, countering with a strike aimed at Louis's stomach. Louis narrowly evaded, the edge of Aiyden’s blade grazing him. Smirking, Louis pressed the attack, targeting Aiyden’s vital points. For a moment, it seemed he’d landed a fatal blow to Aiyden’s neck, but Aiyden deflected it with his blade, unfazed.

*I didn’t want to use it, but I have no choice,* Louis thought, pulling a vial from his coat and uncorking it.

Aiyden’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the substance."(Just like in the cave…)"

With a guttural roar, Louis’s transformation began. His skin turned a deep crimson, his hair spiking unnaturally, and a monstrous aura radiated from him. He surged forward with blinding speed, but Aiyden’s weapon morphed into a chain. With expert precision, he ensnared Louis and hurled him into a wall, then another, leaving the man buried in debris.

Aiyden approached slowly, his fiery gaze locking with Louis’s fearful eyes.

"What was it you said earlier? Let’s see if I can? Well... I just did," Aiyden said, his voice low and menacing.

Before Louis could respond, Aiyden grabbed him and forced their gazes to meet. Louis’s mind filled with visions of his countless atrocities—families torn apart, children orphaned, innocents sacrificed for his experiments. The weight of his sins crushed him, and he collapsed, lifeless and broken.

Aiyden turned to leave but stopped as a brilliant purple light erupted behind him, creating a massive crater.

"Guess that’s our cue to wrap up," Aiyden muttered, opening a portal and stepping through.

Next day at the Academy....

The following day, the city returned to normalcy. Aiyden strolled through the campus, his thoughts drifting to the night before, when he spotted Cid covered in blood.

"The hell happened to you?" Aiyden asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I turned down the princess," Cid replied nonchalantly.

"Wait—she asked you out, you rejected her, and she retaliated with her sword? Talk about dodging a bullet," Aiyden said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, I feel sorry for whoever ends up marrying her. Anyway, I’m off to clean up. We’ll talk later," Cid said, walking away.

Aiyden shook his head and continued to his dorm. The day’s classes were uneventful, but as he neared his classroom, his phone buzzed with a message from Alundra: *"Your dorm. Be there in 7 minutes."

"Well, this is new," Aiyden mused, heading inside.

6 minutes later....

As Aiyden entered, he found Alundra seated at his table, legs crossed and arms folded. Her sharp gaze followed him as he stepped in.

"Here I am," Aiyden said, closing the door behind him.

"Sit down. We need to talk," Alundra said curtly.

"About what?" he asked, taking a seat across from her.

"That girl," she said, pointing directly at him. "And you."

Aiyden smirked. "Aw, is someone jealous?"

Her cheeks flushed crimson. "I-I’m not jealous!" she stammered.

"I get it. I’ve been so caught up with Shadow Garden and school that I haven’t made time for you. For that, I’m sorry," Aiyden said sincerely.

Alundra hesitated, her expression softening before she regained her composure. "That’s not... the point. I just want to know why you’re acting so cold toward her. You’re engaged, after all—your parents’ decision or not."

*If I can fall for someone else, this engagement won’t matter anymore...* Aiyden thought. He shrugged. "No real reason. Just curious, I guess."

Alundra stood abruptly. "Well, if that’s all, I’ll be going."

"You just got here. Stay a while," Aiyden said, leaning back in his chair.

"Maybe next time," she replied, her tone guarded.

"You sure? I make a mean drink," he teased.

She hesitated, then sighed. "I guess I could stay... for a minute," she said, fidgeting slightly as she sat back down.

End of Chapter.

Chapter Text

“So, what is it that you do besides sending people to different universes?”Aiyden asks.

“ Answer prayers-”

“ I take it that's optional?” he asks.

“ Not all of us watch Earth. We also help Heroes we send to of the Worlds”said Alundra.

“ How many Heroes Have you helped?” he asks.

“ I lost track but how many I gotten” she answers, proudly.

“ So is Cid one of those Heroes?” Aiyden asks.

“That's…Anyway, we don't have time to check on most of them. Some others die in battle, take over land and retire, and occasionally go back to their world”said Alundra.

“Interesting, so I'm guessing you're so dedicated that you don't have time to see any gods” he said which made her spit out her tea.

“ I-I-I have seen other gods.. they just so happen to be busy at that time!” she said heavily blushing and Crossing her arms.

“ Oh really?” he said leaning close to her.

She gets flustered and I really gets up.

“ Oh what do you know I gotta go finish work we'll finish this conversation never” she said teleporting away.

“( She makes it too easy)”Aiyden thought to himself.

There's a knock at his door. Aiyden then gets up, walks over to the door, opens it revealing Claire.

“ So how can I help-”

“ We're going on a date, we're going to Mitsugoshi”said Claire.

“So do I have a saying thi-” He begins to ask only to find a sword at his neck.

“ What was that?”she asks.

“ Sounds great, let's go”said Aiyden.

Minutes later on a train…

The two set across from each other which seem to irritate Claire to an extent. She then moves over to him and grabs hold of his arm.

“(What is going on right now?I know she said starting over but) so is there anything specific you're lo-”

“What kind of underwear do you like to see me in” she answers.

“ What?”Aiyden asks nervously.

“Just kidding. I wanted to see what this “chocolate” is that girls were talking about in the dorms”she answered.

They make it to building where it's completely crowded with a line around the building. Just as they were about to wait, one of the ladies walks up to them and smiles.

“ Hello sir, I was wondering if you would like to fill out a survey for us and your girlfriend can shop in the store while she waits” she said.

“ That seems fine, though I should clarify-”

“You go ahead and fill out that form, dear”said Claire.

As they go inside, the first thing they came to his mind is how much it looked like a mall. From the department stores, to the chocolates, and the clothing stores. He follows the woman up to some stairs all the way to the roof. The doors open to reveal a somewhat house. Stores open to reveal a bunch of girls bowing up to a young woman with dark hair and purple eyes wearing a black dress.

“ Well long waited your arrival to our establishment, Lord Echo”

“Gamma, what's on the see.So you're running the store?”Aiyden asks.

“ Yes. I took it upon myself to recreate the wisdom that you and Lord shadow shared with me”said Gamma.

“(By wisdom she means stories of our old world that we would tell each of them)”Aiyden thought to himself.

Gamma begins to walk down the stairs only to trip on the third one but just before she falls on her face,Aiyden catches her.

“(Gamma,intelligence but has two left feet)”said Aiyden.

“Thank you, my Lord. Why not have a seat on-”

“ That Throne is meant for Lord shadow, is it not? I'd rather not”said Aiyden.

“(I can see why he's second to Lord shadow.So humble) Gamma thought herself.

“(That fits more Cid than me)So is the shop turning out a decent profit?” Aiyden asks.

“ Yes, we currently have franchises in major cities in and outside of the Kingdom. We're using a mail order system to expand to remote regions. We have approximately 1 billion Zen it are immediate disposal”said Gamma.

“Impressive(A billion?!Just from the knowledge we gave her?Wait, why didn't I think? I probably still do that actually, plenty of ideas that can make profit in this world)Aiyden thought to himself.

“Are you here about the incident, Lord Echo?”Gamma asks.

“ Uh..Yes, I only heard bits and pieces”said Aiyden.

“ Very well. A killer who appeared in the Royal capital.. fools who donned darkest black and claimed to be Shadow Garden” said Gamma.

“I see, how's the investigation going so far?”Aiyden asks.

“ We have yet to apprehend the perpetrators but I swear that we will put an end to their misdeeds”said Gamma.

“ Very well. Shadow will also look into this matter and inform him when he comes to visit” said Aiyden.

“He will be visiting?”she asks.

“ Very soon(I mean he's got to be curious about chocolate at some point)”said Aiyden.

Few minutes later..

Claire and Aiyden were walking to her dorm room,Aiyden was carrying a lot of bags until he dropped them at her door.

“Thank you for that. I believe our date went well”said Claire.

“(For you, use me as a damn pack mule) Well that's all I'll be on mph-” he begins to say but it's cut off by Claire smashing her lips to his.

This continued for a couple of minutes until they both needed air.

“ That was my first kiss”Claire.

“That was your first kiss? There was so much tongue”said Aiyden.

“ Did you not like it?”she asks.

“ I mean yeah 9 out of 10 would French again”said Aiyden.

“ I really don't understand but it sounds as though you enjoyed it…good”said Claire.

She opens the door, picks up the bags, and brings it in to her room.

“ I will not lose you to whoever this other woman is”said Claire as the door closed.

“(That was…interesting)”Aiyden thought to himself.

End of chapter.

Chapter Text

Aiyden had just finished his classes and was on his way home when Princess Iris appeared in his path.

"Would it be possible to have a moment of your time?" she asked, her calm tone carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.

(If she’s anything like her sister, refusing isn’t an option.) Aiyden smiled and replied cheerfully, "Of course, Princess."

The two walked in silence until they arrived at her office, a well-guarded room with knights stationed at every entrance.

"I apologize if the precautions seem excessive—" Iris began.

"Not at all, Your Highness," Aiyden interrupted. "After what happened to your sister, your vigilance is completely understandable."

Iris nodded, her expression serious. "Let me get straight to the point. I’ve recently established a small, trusted order of knights. Aiyden Hendrixson, will you join the Scarlet Order?"

(So much for hoping she’d forget about me.) Aiyden’s cheerful demeanor faltered briefly. "That’s quite the offer, Your Highness, but I’m afraid I must decline," he said, noting the surprise on her face.

"May I ask why?" Iris pressed, her gaze sharp.

(Think, Aiyden. What’s the best way out of this?) After a pause, he answered, "I wouldn’t feel worthy of joining a group you’ve hand-picked. Besides, there’s someone I need to surpass first. Until I accomplish that, I can’t give my best. Once I’ve settled this, I’ll reconsider."

Iris studied him, her expression softening. "I see. You wouldn’t be able to give your all until you’ve resolved this personal goal. That’s commendable, though disappointing. I hope you’ll reconsider in the future," she said with a faint, sorrowful smile.

Aiyden bowed respectfully and left the room. (Joining would put me under her watch, and that’s the last thing I need. Shadow Garden comes first.)

Inside the office, Iris watched him leave, her mind racing. (Aiyden... you’re more intriguing than I imagined. Perhaps...)

The next day, whispers spread across campus about Cid humiliating himself in an alley. Aiyden overheard classmates laughing but paid them no mind. As he walked down the hall, he noticed one of Cid’s friends being roughed up. Without breaking stride, Aiyden looked away and continued until he found Cid himself.

"Did you hear about the fencing tournament tomorrow?" Cid asked casually. "A friend signed me up."

"You planning to win?" Aiyden asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not. I’m going to showcase my ultimate background character techniques," Cid said with a grin.

(That tracks.) Aiyden chuckled despite himself.

"What about you? Are you entering?" Cid asked.

"Thanks to a certain someone, I don’t have a choice. But don’t worry—I’ve got a plan," Aiyden replied confidently.

Cid raised an eybrow"Well,sounds like I got something to look forward to."

The tournament began the following day. Claire dominated her first match with ease, drawing cheers from the crowd. When it was Cid’s turn, he faced none other than Rose Oriana, princess of the Oriana Kingdom. From the audience’s perspective, Cid was a disaster—stumbling, falling, and flailing clumsily. But Aiyden noticed the subtle art behind his antics. Cid had even used a hidden blood pack to stage an over-the-top defeat.

(He really has perfected the art of losing. Did it have to look that painful?) Aiyden mused.

Finally, it was Aiyden’s turn. His opponent? Claire.

"Ready? Fight!" the referee called.

Claire surged forward, her movements precise and powerful. But before their swords could meet, Aiyden lowered his weapon. The audience gasped.

"What are you—" Claire began, visibly confused.

"I... I can’t do it. I can’t bring myself to raise my sword against my betrothed," Aiyden declared, his voice tinged with emotion.

The crowd erupted in murmurs—some touched, others clearly disappointed. Claire stood frozen, caught off guard.

"I understand if you’re disappointed," Aiyden continued, bowing his head. "But I forfeit."

The referee hesitated before announcing, "The winner is Claire Kagenou!"

(If I fought seriously and lost, Claire would know I threw the match and retaliate. If I won, Princess Iris would tighten her watch. This way, I seem chivalrous and avoid both outcomes. Perfect plan—)

His thoughts were interrupted as Claire approached him, her expression unreadable. Aiyden braced for a slap but instead felt her lips press lightly against his. She stepped back, her cheeks flushed.

"I’m sorry for forcing you into the tournament," she said softly. "If I’d known how you felt, I wouldn’t have."

As she walked away, Aiyden stood stunned. (Well... that’s not the worst outcome.)

The next day...

The 3rd-year students of Midgar Academy boarded the sleek, black train bound for the mountain retreat, a trip designed to strengthen teamwork and forge new connections. For Aiyden, it was just another inconvenience.

As he stepped onto the train, he felt a familiar tug on his arm.

"You're my partner for this trip," Claire announced, clutching his arm tightly. Her tone was sharp and confident, leaving no room for debate.

Aiyden sighed internally. (Why me? Anyone else could’ve been her partner. Just my luck.I was hoping to teleport out to do some practicing.)

Claire, always poised and proper, exuded an air of authority, her gaze scanning the other students as if daring anyone to comment. Her family name carried weight, and her every action reflected her need to maintain that reputation. Despite her stoic demeanor, her grip on Aiyden’s arm was oddly possessive.

"Do you have to hold on so tightly?" Aiyden asked, his voice laced with annoyance.

Claire turned her sharp eyes to him. "Do you have a problem with it? Or are you planning to run off like a certain little brother of mine?"

Aiyden wisely chose not to respond, instead focusing on finding their assigned compartment. (At least she’s not calling me 'Baldy' like her poor father. Small mercies.)

As the train sped through the countryside, Aiyden found himself seated uncomfortably close to Claire in their private compartment. She had her arms crossed, her posture stiff, but her mind seemed far away.

"I just don’t understand him sometimes," Claire muttered suddenly, breaking the silence.

"Who?" Aiyden asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Cid," she replied, her expression softening for a moment. "He’s always so distant. No matter how much I try to look out for him, he finds a way to slip through my fingers. Do you know he once tried to hide under a pile of hay to avoid going home for the holidays? Who does that?"

Aiyden raised an eyebrow. "Sounds... creative."

"It’s infuriating!" Claire said, slamming her hand on the small table between them. "But that’s why I have to protect him. He’s too careless to look out for himself."

Aiyden nodded, trying to appear sympathetic. (And yet, you’re the one always getting into trouble with your reckless stunts.Oh,Hi Pot, that's kettle,have you met?) as the train entered a dark tunnel, the compartment dimming. Claire leaned back in her seat, her intense gaze fixed on Aiyden.

"You’ve been quiet," she said. "What’s on your mind?"

Aiyden hesitated. (I would honestly rather listen to a lecture on the intricacies of student elections than be stuck on this extracurricular trip with—)

His thoughts were interrupted as Claire leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his. "I want to kiss."

Aiyden blinked, startled. "We’re on a—"

Before he could finish, Claire moved swiftly, straddling him and placing her hands firmly on his shoulders. Her proximity sent his heart racing as her usually composed demeanor gave way to something far more direct.

"We’re in a private compartment," she said, her voice low and deliberate.

And then she kissed him.

Aiyden froze, his thoughts a jumble of confusion and disbelief. (Wonder what Cid is up to right now... probably something more peaceful than this chaos.)

When the train emerged from the tunnel and light filled the compartment again, Claire sat back in her seat, a satisfied smirk on her face. Aiyden, on the other hand, was left utterly flustered.

"You can relax now," she said with a hint of teasing in her tone.

"Relax? After... that?" he replied, his voice incredulous.

Claire shrugged nonchalantly. "It’s not like anyone saw us. Besides, you should be honored."

(Why do I feel like I just got swept into one of her reckless plans again?) Aiyden thought, sighing deeply as the train continued on its way.

Outside the window, the mountains loomed closer, signaling the start of their school trip. Aiyden could only hope that whatever lay ahead wouldn’t be as nerve-wracking as the journey so far.

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

The summer heat was already oppressive when the announcement was made: classes were canceled, and summer break would begin early due to a terrorist attack on Midgar Academy. Aiyden stood by the window in his room, watching the quiet streets below, deep in thought about the chaos that had unfolded. The attack had shaken everyone, but for Aiyden, it only raised more questions about who could be behind it.

A knock at the door disrupted his musings. Aiyden opened it to find Claire standing there, her usual confident demeanor tempered by a hint of worry.

"Have you seen Cid?" Claire asked, her sharp eyes searching his face for any signs of deception.

Aiyden quickly masked his thoughts. "( Cid’s probably off doing his Shadow business again.)" He shook his head. "No clue. Haven’t seen him since the announcement."

Claire sighed, crossing her arms. "Figures. That boy has a knack for disappearing when things get serious." Then, with a sudden shift in tone, she said, "Well, since we’re both free now, we’re going on a date."

Aiyden blinked. "A date?"

"Yes, a date," Claire replied firmly, leaving no room for argument. "You’re coming with me. No excuses."

(Looks like I don’t have a choice...)

The day passed surprisingly well, considering Aiyden’s initial reluctance. Claire dragged him to various shops, treated herself to an extravagant meal, and even managed to laugh at some of his dry humor. For a moment, Aiyden thought the day might actually end without incident.

That was until he noticed Zeta in the distance.

Standing on a rooftop above the busy plaza, Zeta was unmistakable. Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, her large cat ears twitching subtly as she scanned the crowd. Her striking outfit, complete with her signature slime bodysuit and flowing cape, made her stand out even more.

Aiyden’s heart sank. (Why now? Of all times?)

"Claire, I’ll be right back," he said suddenly.

Claire raised an eyebrow. "What? Where are you going?"

"Just need to... take care of something. I won’t be long," he replied, trying to sound casual.

Aiyden ducked into a secluded alleyway and jumped to the nearest rooftop. Zeta was already waiting for him, her golden hair glinting in the sunlight, her long tail swishing lazily behind her.

"Lord Echo," she greeted, bowing deeply.

Zeta’s outfit, as always, was striking—her slime bodysuit and stylized jacket accentuating her ethereal beauty. Despite her calm demeanor, her golden tail twitched with barely contained excitement.

"Zeta," Aiyden said cautiously. "What are you doing here?"

She straightened, her purple eyes meeting his. "Lady Alpha has sent me to inform you. You and Lord Shadow are invited to the Holy Land of Lindwurm."

Aiyden frowned. "You’re the head of exploration and espionage. Why deliver this message personally?"

Zeta’s lips curled into a sly smile. "I heard from Beta about… the kiss you shared. And her confession."

Aiyden’s heart skipped a beat. "Beta told you that?"

"She did." Zeta stepped closer, her movements as fluid and graceful as a predator stalking its prey. "And before she gets any more ideas, I wanted to see you myself."

Zeta leaned in, her golden tail brushing against his arm as she whispered, "You know I don’t mind marking what’s mine."

Aiyden stiffened as she moved even closer, her scent intoxicating. He knew he needed to leave before things spiraled out of control, but Zeta’s next words stopped him in his tracks.

"I’ve been in love with you," she confessed softly. "Since the moment you saved me."

Before he could respond, Zeta cupped his face and kissed him. Aiyden’s instincts took over as he wrapped his arms around her, the warmth of the moment catching him off guard. but reality quickly set in, and he broke the kiss, stepping back.

"Zeta, I…" he began, searching for the right words.

She smiled, her tail wagging slightly. "I don’t mind… sharing you, my lord," she said, her voice teasing yet sincere.

With that, she leapt gracefully off the rooftop, disappearing into the shadows.

Aiyden returned to the park, his thoughts swirling. Claire was waiting for him, tapping her foot impatiently.

"You took your time," she said. "What were you doing?"

"Just… clearing my head," Aiyden replied, forcing a smile.

Claire studied him for a moment but didn’t press further. "Come on. There’s still more I want to show you."

As she led the way, Aiyden couldn’t help but think about Zeta’s confession—and the complicated web he seemed to be caught in.

(This summer break is going to be anything but relaxing…)

After finishing the date with Claire, Aiyden returned to his apartment, grateful to finally have some peace. But the events of the day, along with Zeta’s earlier confession, left his mind restless. Deciding he needed a distraction, he opened a small portal to the Capitol in a nearby alleyway.

(Good thing I visited here not too long ago. This makes it easier to slip in unnoticed.)

The bustling streets of the Capitol were alive with activity, lit by warm lanterns and the hum of chatter. As Aiyden wandered, something caught his eye—a crowd forming around a book signing event.

Curious, he approached and spotted the author: Natsume. Or, as Aiyden quickly recognized, Beta.

She sat elegantly behind a table, wearing a white ruffled top, a high-waisted skirt, black tights, heels, and her signature scarf. Glasses rested lightly on her nose, adding to her scholarly appearance.

(She’s using Cid’s stories for her books… The plagiarism would be obvious to anyone from our previous world.) Aiyden smirked as he got in line.

When it was finally his turn, Beta greeted him with a polite smile. “Please hand me your book,” she said, maintaining her professional tone.

“I see things are going well for you,” Aiyden whispered as he handed over a copy of her latest work.

Beta’s smile widened slightly, her voice lowering to a reverent tone. “All thanks to your and Lord Shadow’s wisdom, my lord.”

She signed the book and subtly slipped a folded piece of paper between its pages.

(Gamma’s built a mall with the knowledge we shared, Beta writes books based on stories Cid and I told her… I can only imagine what the others are doing. Cid told her about Shakespeare, while I introduced her to manga. I didn’t think she’d rip them off for profit.)

Beta handed him the book and then leaned forward slightly, her expression turning serious. “Inside, you’ll find the details of the mission. Lord Shadow was here earlier.”

“I see,” Aiyden replied, nodding. He tucked the book under his arm and left without drawing any further attention.

Later that night, Aiyden stood atop a tall building, the cool breeze ruffling his hair. He gazed at the city lights in the distance, lost in thought. That’s when movement in the streets below caught his eye—someone was running, fast and erratic.

Without hesitation, Aiyden leaped down to investigate. As he landed in a shadowed alley, he saw Cid engaged in combat with a hooded figure. Sparks flew as their swords clashed, the assassin moving with deadly precision.

Before Aiyden could intervene, a streak of light descended from above, striking the assassin with unerring accuracy. The hooded figure crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
Aiyden stepped forward, clapping his hands slowly. “And here I was about to give you a hand.”

Cid smirked, casually twirling his sword. “A magically infused strike… I’d expect nothing less from Epsilon.”

Aiyden turned to see her—a young elf with sharp features and long azure hair tied into pigtails. She was striking, even more so in her dark slime bodysuit, adorned with intricate patterns and gold accents. The outfit amplified her figure to an exaggerated degree, a fact that wasn’t lost on Aiyden.

Epsilon bowed lightly. “I’m honored, my lords.”

“I got Alpha’s letter—I mean, the mission,” Cid said, quickly correcting himself.

“How’s that going?” Aiyden asked, crossing his arms.

“The target was eliminated by the Cult’s executioner,” Epsilon reported. Her voice was calm, but her chest subtly jiggled with every movement, an effect of her slime suit’s enhancements. “We dealt with his henchmen, but the Executioner has gone into hiding.”

“Executioner, huh? Sounds cool,” Cid muttered under his breath.

“We’re moving on to Plan B,” Epsilon continued, her tone resolute.

Cid grinned. “Very well. But you do know what that means, right?”

"(I’m pretty sure you don’t even know what that means yourself…)" Aiyden thought, hiding a smirk.

“We are prepared for the consequences,” Epsilon said confidently.

(She’s way too obsessed with that slime suit. Being flat isn’t the end of the world.) Aiyden resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“We’ll proceed with our own plans,” Cid declared, turning on his heel. Aiyden followed close behind. “Do not fail me.”

Epsilon bowed deeply, her voice carrying a note of reverence. “As you command, my lord.”

As they walked away, Aiyden glanced at Cid, whose grin had grown wider.

(This guy really lives in his own world…) Aiyden thought, shaking his head.

Chapter Text

The warm morning sun filtered through the misty peaks surrounding the hot springs. Aiyden, still groggy from the early start, followed Cid to the secluded location. Steam rose in lazy tendrils from the bubbling water, and the gentle sound of flowing streams provided a tranquil ambiance.

"Remind me why we’re here again?" Aiyden asked, lowering himself into the water with a sigh. The soothing heat immediately began working its magic, easing the tension from his muscles.

"Because," Cid said, reclining against a rock with a smug grin, "a hot spring is the perfect place for relaxation... and plotting in the shadows."

"Plotting?" Aiyden raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. It was Cid, after all.

The two had been enjoying the serenity for some time when Aiyden suddenly tensed. He sensed someone in there with them.He slowly opens his eyes to see the figure —Princess Alexia Midgar.

Aiyden sank lower into the water, trying to blend in with the steam. “(So much for peace and quiet…)”

Alexia, wearing only a towel wrapped around her head,sat in shock at the edge of the spring. Her crimson eyes flicked between the two men before landing on Cid.

Alexia growls then sighs"I guess you're all healed now." Her tone was cool.

“Yep,all better” Cid responds.

“Good.I cut you up pretty badly when I lost my temper, I'm glad you survived”said Alexia.

“(He did that? Pretty badly is an understatement)“Aiyden thought.

“Is that how a killing machine gives a compliment?”Cid asks.

“Did you say something?” Alexia’s sharp tone warned him not to push her further.

“Nope, not a word. So, what brings you to Lindwurm?” Cid deflected smoothly.

I was invited too,” Aiyden chimed in. “But, uh… what exactly is this trial about?”

Alexia chuckled, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. “You came all the way here without knowing? The Goddess’ Trial is an annual event. On this one day, the door to the sanctuary opens, and challengers face off against ancient warriors in combat.”

Aiyden leaned forward, intrigued. “Ancient warriors? Like, ghosts or something?”

“More or less. Only those deemed worthy by the warriors themselves can fight. Hundreds apply each year, but only ten actually get chosen to battle.”

“Sounds exclusive,” Aiyden remarked.

“Although,” Alexia continued, “a few years ago, the wandering swordsman Venom caused quite a stir by summoning the hero Olivier.”

“Summoned, huh?” Aiyden asked, catching the key word. “I take it he didn’t win?”

“No,” Alexia admitted. “But I wasn’t there to see it. For all I know, it might not even have been the real Olivier.”

“Interesting,” Aiyden mused.

Alexia stretched, and Aiyden couldn’t help but sneak a glance. “(How is she so comfortable sitting here with us?)” he wondered.

“In case you’re curious,” Alexia added, “I won’t be fighting this year. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”

“(You’re trying way too hard to get his attention.)” Aiyden thought, stifling a sigh.

Alexia’s expression turned serious. “They haven’t made this public yet, but the Archbishop at the Cathedral here was recently murdered.”

“Uh-huh,” Cid replied, unfazed.

“There were always rumors about him, and I was sent here to audit him,” Alexia said. “But if you’re interested in learning more, you’d have to join the Crimson Order.”

“No, thanks,” Cid replied instantly.

Alexia pressed on. “You should consider joining after you graduate—”

“No, thank you.”

“I could fill out the application for you—”

“Don’t,” Cid cut her off firmly.

Alexia sighed in frustration. “You’re so stubborn.” She placed a hand on her chest and smirked. “I assumed you’d be ogling me by now, but I see I was wrong. Both you and your friend are surprisingly composed.”

“I make it a point not to stare at people while soaking in a hot spring,” Cid said matter-of-factly. “It keeps things less awkward. That being said, could I ask you to stop glancing at my Excalibur?”

Alexia’s smirk faltered. “You call that thing an Excalibur? I think the word you’re looking for is worm.”

Without missing a beat, Cid stood, the water cascading off his frame as Alexia gasped.

“You mustn’t judge a book by its cover,” Cid said, his tone calm but with a playful edge. “What you think is a worm… may simply be a sword still in its sheath.”

Before Alexia could respond, Cid casually grabbed a towel, whacked himself below, and walked out of the spring.

“What does that even mean?!” Alexia demanded, her face red with a mix of confusion and embarrassment.

Alexia remained by the edge of the hot spring, her crimson eyes fixed on Aiyden with a mixture of curiosity and frustration.

"What did he mean by that?" Alexia demanded, her voice sharp but tinged with embarrassment.

Aiyden let out an exasperated sigh, leaning back against the rock. "Why are you asking me? You know how cryptic Cid can be."

Aiyden, now thoroughly annoyed, leaned back against the edge of the spring and smirked. “Why are you so curious, Princess? Unless… you’re imagining something scandalous?”

Her cheeks flushed, though whether from the heat of the springs or his comment, he couldn’t tell. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just… want to understand him better, that’s all.”

Aiyden chuckled softly, his irritation giving way to amusement. “If that’s true, maybe you’re asking the wrong person. But…” He let his voice drop, adopting a more seductive tone. “If you really want answers, perhaps I could give you a distraction instead.”

Alexia’s eyes narrowed. “A distraction?”

Aiyden moved closer, the water rippling softly around him. “You’re tense, Princess. Asking so many questions must be exhausting. Why don’t you relax?” His voice was smooth, his gaze steady as he watched her reaction.

Alexia blinked, caught off guard by his sudden shift in demeanor. “I don’t—”

Before she could finish, Aiyden reached out, gently tucking a damp strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered briefly, his touch warm against her skin. “You work so hard, Alexia. Always so serious. Maybe it’s time someone looked after you for a change.”

Her breath hitched, her usual sharpness momentarily dulled. “What… what are you doing?”

“Helping you unwind,” he murmured. His hand moved to her cheek, and before she could protest further, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

For a moment, Alexia froze, her mind racing. “(This is… my first kiss…)” she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, slowly, she melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Aiyden’s neck as if seeking stability.

The towel she had been clutching slipped, unnoticed, into the water. Aiyden’s hands moved instinctively to steady her, his touch firm but careful.

(Warning, lemon scene about to happen, if you don't like it skip to the end..Side note, no she is not getting with Aiyden, this is just a one time… maybe)

The actions Aiyden was about to take would get him arrested but he didn't care. He placed his hands on her back and proceeded the place to lower grabbing on to her ass cheeks.Alexia eyes widen that she felt something huge beneath her, she lowered her hand and grabbed on to it which made Aiyden grunt.

“(So big…And warm)”Alexia thought as mewed at his touch.

Alexia started to rub back and forth,Aiyden then took one hand away from her ass. Aiyden began to trace his fingers around her stomach, then proceeded to go lower, placing one finger toward her lower lips.

Alexia moans as he enters two fingers into her.Not wanting him to get ahead, she begins to rapidly rub back and forth on his dick.Alexia came first but irritated her as she took deep breaths.

“Why don't we stop-”Aiyden said as he was about to get out of the water but a hand brings them back in.

“Continue…What happens in here it's between you and me…”said Alexia.

Aiyden smirks“(She truly loves him…I honestly feel bad for her highness)Very well, your highness.”

Aiyden places his lips on hers for an intense lip lock, he returns the passion as he fondles her perky breast.

“You have nothing to worry about”Aiyden place a trail of kisses down her neck which made her shudder”Doing this is perfectly fine.”

The princess thought about the possibility of getting caught but it was quickly brushed aside when she felt him latching onto her right nipple.

Aiyden grabbed her by the waist and set her on the edge of the spring.Alexia was confused but then saw her lower his head to her cockpit proceeding to eat her out.

“(Ah,Ah,Ah, so good)” she thought as her hands instinctively pushed his head further down.

For the second time, the second princess had came.Before she had time to compose herself, her legs are lifted above his head as he slowly lined himself up with her entrance.

Aiyden decides to tease her by rubbing his cock against her entrance.

“Just do it already” she moans.

“What is it you want me to do, princess?”Aiyden teased .

Alexia whimpers“Put it in, fuck me.”

Aiyden smiled and placed his dick inside of her, she placed a hand over her mouth to prevent a loud moan from escaping, she wanted to make sure no one else could hear the second princess of the Midgard Kingdom in such a way.Aiyden’s penetration stops at a barrier was he proceeds to push in Breaking said barrier and claiming the princesses virginity. Alexia’s red eyes widen, that's here coming out of her eye. Aiyden proceeded to slowly go in and out at a slow pace.

“I'm going to go a little faster”he warns.

He increased his pace to the point where the sounds of her ass clapping against his thighs could be heard. Princess had to use both hands to cover up her lustful moans.Aiyden proceeded to lay her legs down which they wrapped against his waist as he brought her back into the water of the hot spring.

Aiyden lifted one hand up and smacked her left ass cheek earning a loud moan from her.He then proceeded to do it again leaving a red handprint on her ass.She then proceeded to ride him like a cowgirl, her hands placed around his shoulders as she bounced on his dick repeatedly. She had stopped covering her mouth as she did not care who heard her anymore. Alexia felt something in her stomach tightening and realized she was about to have her third release of the evening, She slams down on him one last time and came, she locks her lips onto his in a thirstful kiss, swirling her tongue around his.

Aiyden placed her onto the edge of the hot spring, Place her Palms on her tits and came on to her chest.

(End of lemon, returning back to the story)

The water rippled gently as Alexia stood, wrapping herself in a fresh towel. Her cheeks were still flushed—not just from the heat of the springs, but from the intimate encounter that had just unfolded. She cast a glance over her shoulder at Aiyden, who lounged casually against the edge, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“I’m leaving now,” Alexia declared, her voice steady but tinged with residual fluster.

As she turned to step out of the spring, Aiyden grabbed a nearby towel, giving her a light whap on the backside.

Alexia froze mid-step, her crimson eyes narrowing as she turned to glare at him. “What… was that?”

Aiyden grinned, entirely unrepentant. “Just couldn’t resist.”

“Unbelievable,” she muttered, shaking her head as she started to walk away again. But before she could get far, Aiyden leaned forward, his hand darting out to playfully swat her again.

This time, she spun around, her cheeks redder than ever. “Do that again, and I’ll—”

“Relax, Princess.” Aiyden interrupted, leaning back lazily. “You look cute when you’re flustered.”

Alexia huffed, pulling her towel tighter around her. “You’re impossible. And don’t you dare tell anyone about this.” Her tone was firm, though the faint tremor in her voice betrayed her lingering emotions.

Aiyden stood, water streaming off his toned figure as he moved closer. “Your secret’s safe with me,” he said softly, his voice sincere despite the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Alexia looked up at him, her glare softening. “Good.” But before she could turn away again, Aiyden cupped her face gently, tilting her head up toward him and Aiyden gave her another playful smack on her rear, this time lighter but just as cheeky.

“Just one more thing…” he murmured, leaning in.

Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a passionate kiss. For a moment, Alexia stiffened, but then she relaxed into him, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

When they finally broke apart, she was breathless, her gaze locked with his. “You’re lucky you’re good at this,” she muttered, trying to suppress a smile.

Aiyden chuckled. “I aim to please.”

With one last lingering look, Alexia turned and walked away, her towel swaying slightly as she left the spring. Aiyden watched her go, a satisfied grin on his face.

The next day, the festival commenced in a spectacular display of color and sound. Fireworks burst into the morning sky, their echoes reverberating through the valley, while banners and streamers decorated every corner of the city. The aroma of festival food filled the air as a lively buzz coursed through the streets.

At the heart of the celebration, the grand stadium was packed to capacity, the stands teeming with an eager and boisterous crowd. Cheers and applause roared through the arena, shaking the very ground beneath. Excitement was palpable as everyone awaited the start of the long-anticipated event.

Amidst the fervor, an elderly man stepped onto the elevated podium at the center of the arena. His presence alone commanded attention. He was bald on top, but the neatly combed hair at the sides of his head and his thick, bushy mustache gave him an air of distinction. His suit was resplendent, a masterpiece of craftsmanship with black and gold accents lined by white and light blue trim, exuding both dignity and grandeur.

He raised a hand, his gesture deliberate and measured. Instantly, the deafening cheers subsided into an expectant hush, the only sounds now the fluttering of flags and the distant echo of fireworks.

The man’s deep, resonant voice carried through the silence.”Legend says that long ago to drive away the demon Diabolos, the goddess Beatrix bestowed her powers upon the esteem and courageous hero Olivier. Olivier fought valiantly against the demon eventually severing his left arm which is said to be sealed away In This Very sanctuary.Until this day, the ancient warriors who fought fearlessly at Olivier's side in this Crusade awaits you on the other side of the sanctuary door!”

A bunch of the Warriors raised their swords and cheered.

“Every single one of you knows what it is that these Warriors are hoping for”said the man.

In the audience,Aiyden was standing next to Beta, Princess Alexia Midgar, and Rose Oriana, all seated as VIP guests, their seats elevated to give them a perfect view of the proceedings.Beta who was wearing a white and green dress and had a bit of an underboob.

“(Happy to see if she's in a better mood compared to yesterday..)”

Flashback…

The sun had barely begun to dip beneath the horizon when a soft knock echoed through Aiyden's apartment. With a furrowed brow, he made his way to the door, wondering who would be visiting at this hour. As the door creaked open, his eyes met Beta’s calm and serene expression.

“Beta?” Aiyden raised an eyebrow, surprised by her presence.

“Good evening, my lord,” Beta said with a graceful bow, her voice as smooth as ever. She stood tall, her demeanor sophisticated, but something about her eyes hinted at a deeper emotion, one that Aiyden had learned to recognize—something was bothering her.

“Is there something you need?” Aiyden asked, stepping aside to allow her in.

Beta entered without hesitation, gliding gracefully into the room, her gaze not leaving him. "I was hoping we could talk, Aiyden. There is something I must address."

Aiyden closed the door behind them, his curiosity piqued. He could sense something was off, something that lingered beneath Beta’s usual composed exterior. He motioned for her to sit, offering her a drink, but she politely declined. Instead, she focused her attention on him, her violet eyes intense.

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” she began, her voice soft but carrying an unmistakable weight. “About everything... and about you.”

Aiyden blinked, caught off guard by the intensity of her words. “What about me?”

Beta paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I’ve been... noticing your interactions with others. The princess, Zeta... and Claire.” She didn’t need to elaborate further, but her tone betrayed a hint of jealousy.

Aiyden, sensing the shift in the mood, sighed. He hated seeing Beta like this—unsettled and visibly out of sorts. “Beta...” he began softly, but she held up a hand to silence him.

“I’ve been loyal to Shadow Garden and to you,Lord Echo,” she said, her eyes lowering for a moment before locking onto his again. “But seeing you with others... it bothers me. I know my place, but still... I can’t help but feel... betrayed.”

Aiyden stood still for a moment, feeling the weight of her words. “Beta, you’re one of the most loyal and dedicated people I know. I’ve never doubted that. But... this isn’t something you should be upset over.What happened with the princess was to get information.Claire, I have to keep up our engagement, and Zeta apparently has had feelings for me and said she didn't mind sharing”

Beta’s lips parted in surprise, but the silence between them felt heavier than before. She took a deep breath, then lowered her voice. “I’ll forgive you, my Lord and I don't mind sharing either” she said, the words almost whispered. “But only if you agree to something. I want you to come with me tomorrow—to participate in the Goddess’ Trial as my guest. It’ll give us an opportunity to perform reconnaissance for Shadow Garden. And you will be a VIP guest, so no one will question your presence.”

Aiyden frowned for a moment, considering the request. “Alright,” he agreed finally, “I’ll go. For Shadow Garden and you.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Beta’s lips, and before Aiyden could react, she leaned forward, pressing a passionate kiss to his lips. The kiss was unexpected, but Aiyden couldn’t deny the intensity behind it. As they pulled away, Beta’s gaze softened.

“My lord,” she whispered, her voice almost a purr, “I wish to be next.”

With that, she stood up, her eyes lingering on him for a brief moment before she turned and left the room without another word.

Present day…

“(I wasn't really that mad but it was an excuse to get a date with Lord Echo)”Beta thought staring daggers at princess Alexia.

Aiyden sighed but couldn’t help but notice the palpable tension between Alexia and Beta. The princess, despite her usual poise, seemed irritated, her gaze occasionally flicking to Beta with visible disdain. It was clear that the two women were not on the best of terms, especially considering their shared history with Cid and what happened the other day.

“(Look at the princess have against)” but he looked what she was looking at which was beta's chest and quickly realized”(I could see why someone's bit jealous but hers are pretty nice too.)”

Aiyden then noticed the princess was about to step on beta's foot and he quickly moved her out of the way trying to see through her”Perhaps you'd be better off here,Natsume.”

“Why thank you, Aiyden”Beta said cheerfully.

Alexia raised an eyebrow”So this is that friend that invited you.”

Beta then chimed in“He saved me from a bunch of men who are about to attack me.It was like one of my characters from my books came to life.”

The old man then spoke”Now,great and Define Beatrix, please hear our humble prayer! Allow the Warriors gathered here today to undergo your Supreme trial!”
In the center of the Arena glowed a symbol under the Warriors and then a light hummed.

“And now, without further delay, let the Goddess’ Trial begin!” said the old man as the fighters cheered.

First person stepped up and the crowd cheered.

“(He looks like he's wearing a baseball helmet, even the way he holds a sword is like that of a baseball player)”Aiyden thought.

The matches continued to wind down,Aiyden found himself rather bored.

“(Cid…Please do something, this is all rather boring.The only thing that's entertaining or all these names...)”Aiyden thought but then felt Beta put her hand in his.

He slowly turned to her but but is greeted by a beautiful smile.

Nightfall finally came, the old man talked to Beta, but then.

“Next, from The Midgar Academy of Dark Knights,Cid Kagenou!”said the announcer.

Aiyden's eyes widened“Huh?”

“So we have a student of the Dark Knight Academy, do we? Then he must no doubt be quite the skilled fighter to be chosen for this”said the old man.

“(Who the heck put him in? I doubt he did it himself…He can't win the situation.He could enter the tournament but then everybody would know how strong he is but if he forfeits or loses, the academy will kick him out or worse,Claire will kill him)”Aiyden thought.

But then everyone's attention is drawn to a purple light shining in the night sky.

“What is that purple light?”Alexia asks.

“(There's only one person I know I would do that…Cid, finally something entertaining)”Aiyden thought.

“Look!”

Everyone's attention was then towards the ground and they saw shadow.

“Shadow?!”Alexia and Rose in disbelief.

He raised his hand in the air” My name is Shadow” He then creates a slime sword”He who works in and hunts the Shadows.”

A purple light formed around him and inside of the symbol.

“How's this happening? I did not activate anything like this!” said the old man.

“(So he's the one who's been activating it…Warriors chosen my ass)”Aiyden thought.

The symbol then showed a woman coming out of it.

“An ancient warrior is answering his call”said Alexia, astonished.

Woman floated in the air looking down at Shadow.

“It can't be, there's just no way?” set the old man,stunned.

“Aurora, The Witch of calamity” said Beta, catching The Old Man and the two princesses' attention.

“Huh?”the old man utters.

“Miss Natsume, who is Aurora?”Alexia asks.

“Aurora, The Witch of calamity… she once ring chaos and destruction down upon our world”said Beta.

“I've never heard of her”said Rose.

“And how is it that you know about her?”Alexia asks.

“It comes from being an author, of course.”She then place the hand inside her cleavage pulling something out”That being said, Through the Ages, they called Aurora The Witch of calamity but as to what chaos she caused or destruction she rained down upon us, there's no records left that describe it.”

Aiyden looked at the old man gawking at her”(Oh she good..)”

“Dear Archbishop”Beta pressed her boobs together which also made them bounce”If you would be so kind, please tell me more about the Witch of calamity.”

“Of course, I'd be glad to” he said as the other two princesses look at him in disgust.

“It is only to be expected that your highnesses wouldn't have heard of her.In fact, I'm quite surprised that Miss Natsume recognizes her.After all, even in the church, the name Aurora is known only to a very select few.Still, the Shadow person is rather unfortunate.I can hardly believe anyone would summon Aurora.She was known as the most powerful witch in all of history, a lowly Bandit such as him will be utterly helpless against her” said the Archbishop.

“I'm not so sure”said Alexia which drew his attention”If the Goddess’ Trial summoned this Aurora woman as an appropriate opponent for Shadow, that can only mean one thing.It means that Shadow's powers have reached the same level as the one who destroyed the world.. I doubt this will be over quickly”said Alexia.

Just in a bunch of red spice shot up in the ground and seem to be aiming towards Shadow but he easily dodges it. He moves through them easily cutting them but then more showed up.

“Well, it appears that my prediction was right-”

“I wouldn't be too sure on that”said Aiyden.

“That's an ancient battle technique” said Rose.

“He's more persistent than I expected but I think it's clear that he's outmatched” said the Archbishop.

“But not a single one of her Spears has come close to hitting him”said Beta.

“That's what I'm saying.You're going to say the same thing weren't you, princess Alexia?”Aiyden asks.

She quickly turned from him“Yes, you are correct.That woman is strong, and no ordinary Dark Knight could ever manage against her attacks.. but Shadow is still only watching” she said as he ran against the walls of the protective barrier.

He then rode on one of the spikes and then slowly was surrounded by them. The whole entire shield around the arena was surrounded by her spikes like a complicated puzzle. He then quickly rushed down and cut into her with blood splattering all over the place. Disintegrated into light and he then jumped away, leaving the crowd completely stunned in silence.

“He won”said Rose.

“Yes, he did”Alexia comments.

“Impossible! You're saying that she lost? But Aurora was doing all of the fighting on the offensive!” said the Archbishop.

Just in the ground begins to shake which makes them all gas and the shield that was surrounding the arena against the shatter and break, a red symbol then begin to form around it forming a huge door that only surrounded the arena but the rest of the capital.

Chapter Text

The crowd stared at the strange structure before them, their confusion palpable. Whispers spread like wildfire among the spectators, each person trying to make sense of what had just appeared in the middle of the stadium.

“It’s... clearly a door,” Aiyden thought to himself, bemused by the crowd’s inability to recognize something so simple.

A familiar voice suddenly echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm. “The mortals in this universe aren’t exactly rocket scientists, are they?”

Aiyden’s eyes narrowed slightly as he immediately recognized the voice. “Alundra? So, you’re able to contact me directly in my head now?”

“Well,you can't exactly use the phone in that world and I couldn’t just pop in for a chat with jealous girl number one—Beta—and... whatever Alexia is supposed to be to you.” Alundra’s tone carried a playful lilt.

Aiyden glanced at Princess Alexia, who stood a few feet away, looking as confused as the rest of the crowd. “Alexia? She’s more of a source of information. That’s all she’s been since her breakup with Cid.”

“Oh? When did you manage to work that out?” Alundra asked, her curiosity evident.

Aiyden smirked, speaking to her in his mind while outwardly maintaining his calm demeanor. “You gave me seven minutes, remember? I decided to spend a few of those minutes having a conversation with the princess.”

Flashback…

The soft clinking of swords being sheathed echoed through the empty training ground. The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the academy courtyard in shades of gold and crimson. Aiyden leaned casually against a nearby pillar, watching the fiery-haired princess storm across the field. Her crimson eyes blazed with frustration, and her clenched fists betrayed her inner turmoil.

“Rough day?” Aiyden called out, his tone light but tinged with curiosity.

Alexia halted mid-step, her head snapping toward him. “Who are you, and why do you care?” she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.

Aiyden stepped away from the pillar, his hands raised in mock surrender. “Whoa, easy there, princess. Just a concerned observer. Though, I have to say, you’re not exactly hiding the fact that something’s bothering you.”

Alexia’s glare deepened, but she said nothing, her pride refusing to let her admit the truth.

Aiyden smirked. “Let me guess... you’re mad about Cid, aren’t you?”

Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before narrowing again. “That’s none of your business.”

“Fair enough,” Aiyden replied with a shrug, but he didn’t stop there. “Though I think I already know the real reason you were dating him in the first place.”

Alexia stiffened, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that could pierce steel. “And what, pray tell, do you think you know?”

Aiyden folded his arms, his smirk growing. “You were using him to get out of your engagement, weren’t you? And you vented all your frustrations on him because he was convenient—someone you thought wouldn’t fight back if you paid him enough.”

Alexia’s hand twitched toward her sword, her expression a mix of anger and shame. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“Maybe not everything,” Aiyden admitted, his tone softening slightly. “But I do know that you’re not as heartless as you’re pretending to be. If you were, you wouldn’t be so upset right now.”

She looked away, her fists clenching at her sides. “He was supposed to go along with it... but then he—” She stopped herself, unwilling to finish the sentence.
Aiyden chuckled. “Let me guess: you asked him to keep dating, and he turned you down. Rudely, I’d bet.”

Alexia’s silence was answer enough.

“Then you lost your temper and attacked him,” Aiyden continued, his grin widening. “Am I right?”

Her head snapped back toward him, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Are you going to tell the entire academy or my sister?”

Aiyden laughed, shaking his head. “I could... but nah. I do think, though, you should probably move on. Cid’s never going to want to be with you—or even near you.”

That last comment pushed Alexia over the edge. With a growl of frustration, she drew her sword and lunged at Aiyden. Her movements were swift and precise, but Aiyden sidestepped each attack with an almost lazy grace, his smirk never faltering.

“Is dodging all you can do?” Alexia snarled, her strikes growing fiercer.

Aiyden shrugged mid-dodge. “Look, princess, he’s my fiancée’s brother. That means I’ve got to look out for him. And you making wine out of him? Yeah, that’s not going to go well for either of us. If Claire finds out, she’ll kill you for it... and me for not stopping you. That’s two deaths for the price of one.”

Alexia froze, her sword still raised. She stared at Aiyden for a moment before bursting into laughter, the sound unexpected and genuine. Lowering her weapon, she shook her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Aiyden said with a grin, “but at least I got you to stop trying to kill me.”

Alexia sheathed her sword, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re not like the others around here. What’s your name?”

“Aiyden,” he replied with a slight bow. “And you, Princess Alexia, should probably focus less on him and more on what’s next for you.”

She huffed but couldn’t help the small smile that lingered. “I’ll think about it. Maybe.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

At the Present…

“Interesting choice,” Alundra mused, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and intrigue.

“I’ll admit, what happened in the hot springs… was unexpected. Guess that’s what happens when you’re—”

Aiyden’s inner conversation with the goddess was abruptly cut off as his attention shifted to the Archbishop. The man’s alarmed reaction to the glowing glyphs on the mysterious door was impossible to miss.

“Wait a minute, the door is opening!” the Archbishop shouted, his voice edged with panic. “Get the congregation outside! Don’t let anyone near that door!”

Aiyden’s sharp eyes caught a faint smile playing on Beta’s lips. (Looks like the show’s about to start. We’ll pick this up later, Alundra.)

Chaos erupted as the guards scrambled to evacuate the crowd. The announcement came swiftly: the trial was canceled, and everyone was being ushered out of the stadium. Yet, a select group remained—Princess Alexia, Princess Rose, Beta, Aiyden, and, of course, the Archbishop.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, we don’t want to risk putting any of you in danger. Let’s exit the stadium and—” the Archbishop began, but his words faltered when Alexia reached for her sword.

Beta raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while the Archbishop’s face contorted in confusion. “What in the world?” he muttered.

“Oh dear, dear, dear, dear!” Beta exclaimed, her voice tinged with feigned worry.

Everyone turned as figures in cloaks appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. Their movements were smooth and coordinated, leaving no room for doubt—they were professionals. Aiyden and Beta recognized them immediately.

“You… it can’t be! Shadow Garden?” the Archbishop stammered, his voice trembling with both shock and fear.

A yawn broke through the tense silence, and Aiyden’s instincts flared. That was unmistakably Delta.

“My apologies, but I must ask that you behave yourselves until the door is closed, your highnesses,” Alpha said, her voice calm yet commanding.

Rose and Alexia glared at her, their hands tightening around their sword hilts.

Alpha turned to the figure near the staircase. “It’s all up to you now.”

“Yes, I understand, Lady Alpha,” Epsilon replied with a curt nod.

The Archbishop’s gaze darted nervously between them. “When did you—?”

His question hung in the air as he realized his guards were already unconscious, sprawled across the floor. The cloaked group moved forward, their precision leaving no room for error.

“Come, Delta,” Alpha ordered.

“Yes, your ladyship,” Delta replied, her voice eager as always.

The group approached the door. As Alpha placed her hand on the glowing glyph, the air around them shimmered, and they vanished without a trace.

“They disappeared,” Alexia muttered, her tone a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Hold it right there! Stay out of our sanctuary!” the Archbishop shouted, his voice echoing in the now-emptied stadium.

Rose turned to Epsilon, her eyes blazing with determination. “What are you people trying to do?”

Epsilon smirked, taking a slow, deliberate step toward them. “All we ask is that you behave yourselves and stay put until the door fully closes.” Her gaze shifted to the Archbishop, her smirk widening. “However, we will be taking baldy here with us.”

The Archbishop’s face twisted with rage. “What could you possibly be planning in the sanctuary?”

Epsilon’s smile didn’t falter. “It’s not about what we do there; it’s about what we find there.”

Three more agents materialized, their presence adding weight to her words. Alexia and Rose instinctively drew their swords, but the agents had already secured Beta, Aiyden, and the Archbishop as hostages.

“If you take even one step closer,” Epsilon said, her voice as sharp as a blade, “who’s to say what might happen to these three?”

Beta let out a high-pitched scream, though to Aiyden, it sounded oddly… enthusiastic.

“Miss Natsume!” Rose shouted, alarmed.

Alexia leaned in to whisper, “We could just let her die—”

“No, we can’t do that!” Rose snapped.

“(Such care for your own subjects..)” Aiyden thought dryly, rolling his eyes internally.

Beta, still maintaining her facade, smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”

“Not buying the act,” Alexia said flatly.

Epsilon chuckled, muttering under her breath, “I totally understand how you feel.”

“(Note to self: help Beta improve her acting skills. She desperately needs it…)” Aiyden’s thoughts trailed off as a sudden motion caught his eye.

An assassin appeared out of nowhere, lunging toward Epsilon with lethal intent. To everyone else, it seemed like the blade almost struck her. But Aiyden noticed something most would miss—the blade didn’t cut Epsilon at all. Instead, it sliced through the slime suit she wore, briefly revealing her natural figure. She quickly reformed the slime, her expression unbothered as she dispatched the assassin in a blur of movement.

Chunks of the would-be attacker scattered across the ground.

“(Maybe Cid and I should’ve given her a whole lecture on accepting yourself as you are...)” Aiyden mused, watching her grab the Archbishop by his head.

The other two pretended to take Beta and himself through the door.

On the other side…

The agents quickly released Beta and Aiyden, stepping back with synchronized precision.

“Forgive me, Lord Echo—” one of the agents began.

“It’s perfectly fine,” Aiyden interrupted, brushing off the apology. “You’ve all done an amazing job.” His gaze shifted to Beta, his tone sharpening slightly. “But we’re going to have a talk after this.”

Beta’s mind immediately raced at his words. “(My Lord wants to talk to me? Does this mean he finally wants to—)” Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of an electrical discharge.

A sudden burst of energy illuminated the room as a glowing glyph materialized in the air. Before anyone could react, two figures fell out of the glyph—Princess Rose and Princess Alexia, tumbling directly toward Beta and Aiyden.

“(It’s raining women… Hallelujah,)” Aiyden thought with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

The fall wasn’t graceful, to say the least. Rose landed awkwardly beneath the group, while Alexia crashed onto Beta and Aiyden in an entangled mess.

Alexia ended up on Aiyden’s right side, her hand unintentionally grabbing Beta’s right breast. Simultaneously, Aiyden’s hand, in the chaos of trying to stabilize himself, landed firmly on Beta’s left breast. To make things even more awkward, Aiyden’s head was now resting between Alexia’s chest.

“Well, that hurt a little.Is everyone alright?”Rose asks.

“My dear Rose, please move now and Aiyden, get off of me”said Alexia.

“Princess Alexia,I would ask that you please not grope my breast(I wish Lord Echo would keep his hand there)” said Beta but to a mixture of happiness and Dread.

“I'm not touching this jiggly sack of meat for fun, okay?”Alexia comments.

“Oh, I see now! You are jealous of me”said Beta.

“Of course she is”said Aiyden as he got off and gave her a hand which made Beta blush.

“Let's not fight”said Rose.

They all then notice Alpha staring at them

“Uh-”

“I'm very sorry, I tripped and fell then there was a door right in front of me and I couldn't stop myself-”

“You couldn't care less of a damn about us but you were nosy”said Aiyden, earning a glare from Alexia.

“Fine, do whatever you like” as she turned and walked forward”It may be that you should learn this as well.”

They all walk with her and other agents of Shadow Garden.

“(Can't really use my Powers with both princesses here, at least Delta's not calling me second boss…Had Alpha drill that into her)”Aiyden thought.

“This is sanctuary?”Alexia asks.

“According to legend, this is where they sealed off the left arm of Diablos after he was defeated by the hero Olivier”Alpha explained.

“So this is what it's all about? You heard a fairy tale so you're coming here to find the arm?”The Archbishop asks.

“That sounds fun too.But we're more interested in learning about the cult of Diablos”said Alpha.

“What? What are you talking about?”he asks as the Agents of Shadow Garden started to examine the place.

Alpha walks up to a statue that resembles her just a bit.”I know that you can't answer our questions.That's why we came to see it for ourselves.We're here to find everything from the beginning.The truth that was buried in the dark corner of History.The statue of the Great Hero Olivier.”

“I thought the great hero Olivier was a man”said Rose.

“We have a general grasp of all the facts.We know the true history, the Cults real objective, and we know why this hero has the exact same face as mine” she said as a hood is removed revealing Alpha's beautiful face which made the Archbishop’s eyes widen in horror.

“You're a possessed elf, but you weren't compatible.You should be dead.Why are you still alive?” he asks.

“So you do know about us” said Epsilon holding a tight grip on his arm.

“We are well aware of the truth about the possessed, Bishop.We must be quite the nuisance to a church that's so eager to maintain the current way of things”said Alpha.

“What on Earth are you talking about?”Rose asks.

“We also suspect the cult’s goal is not merely to bring that demon back to life, but we aren't yet certain.So why don't we all just go see for ourselves?” Alpha then Place their hand onto the statue which then a red glow just as earlier you can turn blue to the dismay of the priest.

“This can't be” he shouts.

“There was once a great battle in this very place and many lives were lost” said Alpha as the door had opened with water surrounding them.

“This is impossible! How did you turn it on?” Nelson asks.

“The magical powers of the demon and warrior wield together.And that Vortex locked away the memories that had nowhere else to go.This is the final resting place of ancient Memories and demonic grudges” she said as a vision of the hero who looks similar to her appeared next to her.

“Olivier!” he shouts.

“Let us all now begin our journey into the world of fairy tales” said Alpha.

A white light flashed over the room.The room changed into a futuristic looking glass with walkways and such.

“What is this place?” Rose asked.

“The memories of the hero Olivier that happened locked up in a Sanctuary.Long ago, the Cult gathered orphan children to this place and use them as guinea pigs in their experiments.Most of the children's bodies rejected the treatments and they die” Alpha answered as they saw the experiments being done.

“(Jesus)”Aiyden thought.

“Only a small handful of girls survived” said Alpha.

Alexia placed a hand on her chin in shock“Then they are the possessed.”

“That's horrific” said Rose, disgusted.

They all then look forward to see the hero watching the experiments be done with no expression on her face.“Olivier was one of the few children who were compatible.”

“Compatible with what?”Alexia asks.

“The Diablo cells that is what we call them you see.” they all of them turn to the priest Nelson”The Cult was performing experiments to implant demon cells in children.”

The priest Nelson growls”There was no other choice.If we were going to fight the demon, we needed power.We had to do it!”

“That's the Cult’s excuse anyway.” Alpha then pulls out of the pendant the church was giving out”Whatever their real intentions were, the fact remains that Olivier did sever the demons left arm.”

“Are you saying it's not just a fairy tale?” Rose asks.

“You're welcome to think whatever you like, even the things we're seeing right now, we still don't know how much of it is true.Memories faint and are a place with new ones.In any case, once Olivier had mature and gain the power of Diablos, she was given a mission.”

“To Vanquish the demon,right?”Alexia asks.

An image of Olivier being given a sword appeared.

“In the fairy tale, that is what became of her Quest.But in reality, the mission assigned to her was to extract new cells from Diablos-”

“Stop making of nonsense!” Nelson tries to say but then winces and pain from Epsilon twisting his arm.

“She remained obedient even after she had obtained her powers.She believed that she had completed her task, it would lead to a world where people could live in peace but the Cult had a different goal in mind” said Alpha.

The image then shatters to reveal a dark gloomy area with dark clouds and dead soldiers laid on the ground.

“A battlefield?”Alexia questioned.

They then heard an explosion.

“No matter how many parts she cut off, the demons still lived.”

They saw it was the left arm of a demon they had cut off but instantly regenerated which part of its skeleton killed a couple scientists of a couple of others scientists wielding golden spears at the top.

“The Cult use powerful ancient artifacts to immobilize the left arm.They cut into its flesh, Drew its blood, and researched it.All to gain the marvelous life force contained within Diablos’ cells.”Alpha then pull that a jar with red beads inside of it”This is what they created.”

Alexia gasps.“Those are-”

“(I get it.No wonder when some of the members of The Cult took it, they gained it power boost and change to their physiology.)” Aiyden thought.

“But the side effects are too strong.This is not what the cult truly sought” said Alpha as she dropped the small vial which once again changes that area to sell the lab with the left arm sealed inside of a a case in the middle of the room.

“Is that the demon’s arm?”Alexia asks.

“A Relic.That thing is enormous” said Rose.

“Th-That's impossible! How dare you?! Why would you expose this here in front of them?” Nelson asked but then sees Alpha pointing at the scientist”Stop, don't look!You're the low life descendant of a guinea pig.You have no right to know these things.”

“(It is taking everything in my willpower not to want to burn this motherfucker)” Aiyden thought.

“It was said that with Crimson sheen, it looked just like the blood of Diablos.A single taste of it with Grant tremendous power and a body that would never grow old” said Alpha as they saw the scientists looking at the beed.

“You mean they'd gain ageless immortality?”Rose asks.

“So you're saying that that's what the cult is really after?”Alexis asks.

Alpha Chuckles”Look at our dear priest Nelson.”

He tries to look away but was forced to face them.

“And look at that man over there” said Alpha pointing at one of the scientists who look very similar to him.

“They look the same” said Aiyden.

“Correct” said Alpha.

The two princesses gasps.

“You were there.I would expect you would have some fascinating stories to share with us.What is the name of this drug?” Alpha asks.

Nelson groans from trying to fight back“Fine! If you must know it's”Beads” beads of Diablos.”

“Thank you, but there was a problem.This drug had two major flaws” Alpha continued.

“Claws you say, what kind?”Rose asks.

“Oh, please, one look at him will tell you.Ask Nelson had hair but in the presents-”

“I lost my hair from all the pressure! I was surrounded by idiots who figured since I wasn't gonna die they could make me do all the work.Normally, they were at each other's throats but somehow those bastards work together when it came to making me clean up the mess”said Nelson.

“I'm sorry, I guess I was wrong”said Alexia.

“The first floor is that the beads of Diablos must be taken at regular intervals or the effects will wear off.I would guess about once a year” said Alpha.

“Your guess is right” said Nelson.

“The second is that they can only be produced and very small amounts.In one year?” Alpha asks.

“We can make twelve” said Nelson.

“Come to think of it, I believe the highest ranking organization in the cult is the Knights of Rounds,Contains 12 members, a coincidence?” Alpha asked.

Alexia gasps“Knights of rounds?”

“So if I'm correct, that means all this time you have yet to perfect the beads of Diablos and you assume the keys to your perfect drug are the immobilized demons limbs and the heroes descendants.That's right, people like me, the girl with Olivier's blood running through her veins.Am I right, sir 11th of the rounds?”

Nelson growled but then chuckled”Every single member of the cult wants the power and eternal life you can gain from those beads.And indeed, I am one of the chosen Knights of rounds:Nelson the Avaricious!”

Nelson begin to transform but then Delta steps through him and throws him over the Bridge falling into the water.

“Delta, we were told you not to kill him until we got all the information we needed from him” said Epsilon.

Delta gasp and look towards Alpha who showed no expression“I'm sorry, lady Alpha.But I thought it would be better if I hunted him.I hunted Boars in the mountain and-”

“That's enough of that” said Alpha.

Delta whimpers.

“And I remember what I'm constantly telling you:Always make sure that you pray is actually dead” said Alpha.

“(That's also something we try to drill into her-)”Aiyden’s thoughts were interrupted when Nelson reemerges with evil laughter.He takes a swing and it shatters the room once more, bring them to an all white room.

“It's all white.What the hell is happening?”Alexia said, looking around.

“(The others aren't around..Which means we've been separated.Stuck here with Alexis,Rose, Alpha, Beta, Delta,and Nelson)”Aiyden thought.

He turned to see multiple versions of Nelson in a nano suit with a weapon but there were multiple versions again surrounding Delta.

Chapter Text

Aiyden watched from the sidelines as Delta effortlessly matched Nelson’s attacks, cutting down his duplicates with wild precision. After a flurry of strikes, she backed off and stood beside Alpha.

“Something’s off,” Delta muttered, narrowing her eyes.

“I see it too,” Alpha replied calmly.

Nelson smirked from his perch across the battlefield. “The deeper you go into the sanctuary, the more your power drains. Didn’t realize I was baiting you into my trap, did you?”

Aiyden remained still, arms crossed.

(I’d step in if I had to… but the princesses are watching. Plus, Delta’s got this.)

Alundra’s voice echoed in his mind.

“You’re awfully confident.”

(Says the goddess who’s been busy watching me instead of the battlefield…) he shot back.

Nelson’s voice cracked with disbelief as Delta tore through more of his clones. “How?! Your power should be fading—how can you still fight?!”

Aiyden smirked. (Because she’s Delta.)

His attention, however, briefly shifted as her slime suit morphed, reducing itself to the bare minimum for mobility—just a bra and panties.

(Right. Priorities, focus... Still, Shadow should’ve given her a speech on body positivity.)

Meanwhile, Alpha danced through the swarm of Nelson’s clones, each one falling effortlessly before her blade. As Nelson sent another wave, Delta growled, her aura erupting into a vivid blue flame.

She summoned a massive slime-forged buster sword.

(Okay, that’s new… She’s about to wipe the floor with them.)

“I don’t know if I buy that she’s really with Shadow,” Alexia said, watching the destruction.

“What makes you say that?” Rose asked.

“Shadow’s fighting style is refined, elegant. What Delta’s doing? That’s not finesse—it’s raw, brutal power. No technique. Just violence.”

“Maybe she’s just a musclehead—nothing upstairs,” Beta muttered.

Aiyden glanced her way, deadpan. (Harsh, Beta.)

Once Delta crushed the last clone, the entire room shimmered, shifting from sterile white to a high-tech metallic interior.

Nelson stumbled back, wide-eyed. “How?! How could you defeat over a hundred clones without breaking a sweat?!”

Alpha stepped forward, conjuring a spear. “You were a scientist, weren’t you? Make as many copies as you want, they still share one mind. Without independent thought, they’re just scarecrows.”

Nelson backed into a massive statue and struck it in frustration. The air shimmered again as glyphs appeared around it—and from within emerged the legendary hero Olivier, her figure echoing Alpha’s own.

Alpha narrowed her eyes. “The Hero… Olivier.”

Nelson’s wicked grin returned. “Heh. Now you’re not so smug, are—”

“Lady Alpha, we’re finished here,” Epsilon called out, landing beside her. “We can leave at any time.”

“Well done.” Alpha turned her back on Nelson and Olivier. “We’ll be back when it suits us. This visit was only for recon.”

A portal opened behind her.

“You think I’ll just let you walk away?!” Nelson roared.

“Will you come after us?” Alpha asked, her tone cool. Nelson froze, eyes darting. Delta growled lowly. He shrank back.

“Delta. We’re leaving.”

Delta blinked, distracted, then quickly snapped to attention. “Yes! Sorry, your ladyship, sir!”

A second portal opened near the group.

“If you’d like to join us,” one of the Shadow Garden agents said, gesturing to the princesses, Beta, and Aiyden.

Alexia and Rose hesitated.

“I think I’ll go,” Aiyden said, casually stepping through. Beta followed.

Beta glanced over her shoulder with a smirk. “Dark, gloomy places like this suit you, Princess Alexia.”

“I’m not staying here with that bald creep!” Alexia snapped, storming into the portal, Rose close behind.

In the Realm of the Gods…

Alundra sat slumped in her throne, sighing.

An angel burst in, causing her to jump. “Lady Alundra! Urgent news!”

“I wasn’t watching him to make sure he’s safe—!” She cleared her throat. “Ahem. Go ahead.”

“Your sister, Lady Valkyrie—she’s been granted permission. She’s heading for Aiyden.”

Alundra’s face blanked. (It’s fine… if she kills him, I won’t have to deal with these feelings. Then again… if she does, I’ll never hear the end of it. Should I warn him?)

Back with Aiyden…

The group walked through a quiet forest, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air.

“What we saw back there…” Alexia started.

“That had to be Shadow’s doing,” Rose added.

Alexia suddenly stopped. “Doesn’t it just eat at you?”

Rose turned to her. “What do you mean?”

“We couldn’t do anything. I’ve come to terms with being powerless, but watching all that… I realized I don’t even know what’s right or wrong anymore. I stood there, helpless. If I stay ignorant, I’ll lose the things I care about before I even know they’re in danger.”

Rose nodded. “I’ve been thinking too. Since the academy attack, I knew there were forces moving in the shadows. But we don’t know anything—about Shadow Garden or their enemies.”

“What do we do?” Beta asked.

“We may be weak, but together, we can act. I’m a princess of Midgar. Rose is from Oriana. Natsume Kafka, as an author, you must have a network. Aiyden… maybe you can support her.”

(Wow. Couldn’t even fake a reason for me. Just tossed me in like a spare part.) Aiyden sighed internally.

“Let’s gather what info we can,” Alexia continued. “If we find something big, maybe we form our own group—gather allies. Establish a base.”

(So… her own budget version of Shadow Garden. She’s an idiot… but a well-meaning idiot. With a great ass.) Aiyden thought. (Maybe we can make this work.)

“Not even a shred of a solid plan—”

“I said we’ll gather information first!” Alexia snapped. “We’ll analyze it and then make a decision!”

“That’d be great—if you were capable of analyzing anything,” Beta muttered dryly.

Alexia narrowed her eyes. “What did you just say?”

“Nothing,” Beta said quickly, waving her off.

Alexia turned to the group. “So? Are you with me or not?”

Rose gave a soft smile. “Yes. I’ll join. I may not have much, but I still hold a little influence in my kingdom.”

“I’m in too,” Beta added, placing her hand over Rose’s. “I’ve got connections from my writing circles. I’ll start digging.”

All eyes shifted to Aiyden.

He sighed, shrugged, and placed his hand on top. “Alright. I’m in.”

Alexia nodded, suddenly solemn. “Then it’s settled. We’re a team now. Even if we come from different kingdoms, different social classes… even if our hearts hold doubts—we’re choosing to stand together.”

“Joining forces to uncover the truth of the world,” Rose said softly. “Feels like the start of a legend.”

“We’ve got the hero,” Alexia said, gesturing to Rose. “The wise woman.” She nodded to Beta. “The handsome rogue.” Her eyes slid to Aiyden.

“And the dead weight,” Beta chimed in with a grin.

“You’re talking about yourself, right?” Alexia said, deadpan.

Laughter echoed between them—brief, light, but real.

Everyone eventually returned to the city—except Aiyden. He stayed behind, alone in the forest, his senses on high alert.

He stood quietly for a moment before speaking aloud.

“So, you planning to keep hiding, or…?”

A heavy thud landed behind him.

Aiyden turned to see a tall, athletic woman—broad-shouldered, well-muscled, and nearly nude save for strategically placed chains. Her snow-white hair, tipped in red on one side, framed piercing crimson eyes. She carried herself like a living storm—brazen, feral, and fearless.

“Was gonna kill you while your guard was down,” she said casually, stretching her neck. “But this works too.”

Aiyden raised an eyebrow. “You’re definitely not Alundra. But you are just as hot, I’ll give you that. Alundra wouldn’t show up dressed like that—she’s not one for scandal. So… who are you?”

“The name’s Valkyrie,” she said, cracking her knuckles. “Her sister. And you’re the little human who blackmailed her, yeah?”

Aiyden shrugged. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Then let me make this simple,” Valkyrie said, stepping closer. “I’m here to kill you.”

Aiyden didn’t flinch. “Figured as much. But I won’t make it easy for you.”

“You’re about to go up against a goddess,” she said, eyeing him with a smirk. “And yet you seem… weirdly calm.”

“That’s ‘cause I know I can win.”

Valkyrie grinned wide. “Now we’re talking. I like that cockiness—it’s so much more fun when you’re face-down in the dirt. Tell you what.” She raised a hand. “Let’s make this a bet. If you make me give up or hit the ground, I’ll do anything you say.”

“And if you win?” Aiyden asked.

“You give up on my sister—forever. And you become my personal pet. That includes boot-licking and anything else I decide.”

Aiyden smirked. “Deal.”

His body erupted in hellfire as he transformed—bones shifting, flesh blazing, and eyes glowing with spectral fury. The Ghost Rider form fully awakened, chains slithering to life around him.

Valkyrie cracked her neck again, chains jangling.

“Let’s see if you’ve got the fire to match that mouth, skull-boy.”

Chapter Text

The forest cracked and split as Valkyrie and Aiyden collided, a thunderous shockwave rippling through the trees.

Aiyden ducked beneath her initial blow and countered with a flaming right hook to her ribs—hellfire surging from his knuckles. Valkyrie staggered slightly, eyes narrowing.

He didn’t let up. His chain whipped around her leg, yanking her forward, and he drove his knee into her stomach, following up with a burning backfist across her cheek.

She stumbled, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip, and then grinned.

“Not bad… you’re actually getting me excited.”

Her body shimmered for a moment—red magic sigils spiraling around her skin. Power surge.

Valkyrie’s fist connected with his chest like a freight train, sending Aiyden crashing through two thick trees. Splinters flew, dust clouding the air. He grunted, hitting the ground hard.

But the Ghost Rider rose—bones cracking, flames flaring brighter. He wiped his mouth, still grinning under the heat.

“You’re strong,” he said. “But I’m just getting started.”

“Gods, I like you,” Valkyrie growled, charging forward with reckless glee.

But suddenly, Valkyrie froze. The chain wrapped around her ankle had begun to burn—its hellfire sizzling against her divine flesh.

Yet instead of pain... she moaned.

“Ohhh, that hurts... I love it,” she said with a wicked grin, shuddering.

Aiyden blinked. “...You're seriously enjoying this?”

“You have no idea,” she said, her voice husky with delight.

As she barreled toward him again, Aiyden formed a flaming sword from his chain, flipping into the air and unleashing a flurry of strikes. He tried cutting through her defenses with fast, precise blows—slashes designed to throw her off-balance.

But Valkyrie blocked every one of them—her bare fists meeting steel and flame like a goddess of war.

With a savage roar, she grabbed his blade mid-swing, snapped it in half, and punched him through a boulder, the shockwave cracking the rock like glass.

He flew halfway across the lake, splashing violently.

She strode through the water, grabbing his throat and lifting him like a ragdoll.

“Fun’s over,” she said arrogantly. “Time to be my pet.”

Aiyden coughed... then chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” she growled.

His hollow eyes glowed brighter. “Let me show you something.”

He activated it.

The Penance Stare.

“How many souls have you sent to other worlds, Valkyrie?” he asked, voice echoing like death itself. “I’m sure they suffered. For that… I seek vengeance—on their behalf.”

Her eyes widened.

Visions flooded her mind—faces of those she’d cast aside, warped into suffering. Screams echoed. Agony rippled through her. But part of her… part of her still enjoyed it.

The other part?

It broke.

Tears welled in her crimson eyes, her confident grin faltering.

“P-Please… s-stop,” she whimpered, the strength leaving her limbs. “I… I give up…”

The flames faded.

Aiyden let her go gently, letting her fall into the water.

“Thank you for the fight,” he said sincerely.

She blinked, confused. “...What?”

“I really needed that. Been too long since I had a proper challenge,” he said, flexing his hand. “Showed me what I’m missing in my training.”

Then, casually, he looked at her. “So… can I train with you?”

Valkyrie stared at him like he’d grown a second skull. “You want to train with the woman who just punched you through stone?”

He grinned. “Yep.”

She burst into laughter, then wiped her eyes. “You’re insane. But sure. I’ll train you.”

“Awesome,” he said, then added slyly, “Oh, and about our bet...”

Valkyrie sighed, her cheeks turning red. “Ugh, just get it over with.”

He smiled. “Marry me.”

She choked. “What?!”

“You said you’d do anything if I won. That includes marriage.”

“I—You—!” She groaned. “Damn it… fine. I lost, so I can’t say no.”

“Perfect,” he said proudly. “Now for the first thing I want to do—”

Minutes later...

Alundra landed in the clearing, panic on her face. “Valkyrie! You can't kill—”

She froze.

There sat Aiyden, relaxed and smug—Valkyrie in his lap, red-faced, squirming, and very much groping her breast threw her chains.

“Aiyden! What the hell is happening?!”

“I’m marrying your sister,” he said casually, holding up a hand and revealing a bright red handprint on Valkyrie’s ass.

Alundra's jaw dropped. “You’re WHAT?!”

“Also,” he added with a grin, “because of our deal—I’m marrying both of you.”

Valkyrie covered her face with both hands.“(This is the worst day of my immortal life... and I kinda love it.)”

“So… I wasn’t good enough, and now you want my sister?” Alundra muttered, folding her arms, eyes flickering between the two. “I came here to stop her, but it looks like you didn’t even need my help.”

“No,” Aiyden said calmly, his hand still resting a bit too casually on Valkyrie’s thigh. “She was going to kill me.”

“I see…” Alundra replied, her voice softening with conflict.

Valkyrie, practically lounging in his lap with a smirk on her lips, added nonchalantly, “Also, I’ll be training him from time to time. So expect me to drop by whenever I feel like it.”

Aiyden’s hand casually slid along her waist, drawing a low purr from Valkyrie.

Alundra let out a sigh. “If that’s it… I’ll be leaving. You coming, Valkyrie?”

The goddess paused, looked at Aiyden, then back at her sister. “I’ll stay a little longer. You go ahead.”

Alundra nodded stiffly, turning away—but her thoughts betrayed her calm facade.

(Not just one, but two goddesses are into him… What am I saying? I didn’t fall for him… so why do I feel… jealous?)

She vanished in a soft flash of light.

“I don’t think she took that too well,” Aiyden said, rubbing the back of his head.

“She’ll be fine,” Valkyrie replied, turning to face him fully, cupping his cheeks. “Now then… might as well make this official.”

She leaned in, voice low and sultry. “I, Valkyrie, acknowledge you as my husband.”

She kissed him deeply, passionately. He returned it just as fiercely, his hands instinctively grabbing her ass—earning him a surprised yet pleased hum from the goddess.

"(There’s something about this human… Not just the boldness… but the way he treats me. It’s been far too dull in the Divine Realm. I’m curious… what will he do next?)"

Her thoughts were abruptly cut short by a loud SMACK to her rear. She moaned.

“So,” Aiyden grinned, “about those techniques you used…”

Valkyrie sighed. “Tease me one minute, then ask for training the next? Figures.”

She composed herself and sat up, straddling his lap. “My Valkyrja techniques are advanced, but they should be easy for you to pick up. I only used one during our fight.”

“Sounds like I dodged a bullet,” Aiyden said with a nervous laugh.

“You definitely did. I’m one of the strongest goddesses in the Divine Realm. And then there’s my final move… which you are not ready for.”

“Try me.”

Valkyrie smirked. “It’s called Omega Valkyrja: Valhalla’s Gate. A catastrophic technique that bends the very fabric of reality. It uses the caster’s life force as a catalyst. It’s basically a boss-mode nuke. If you tried it, your mortal body would be torn to bloody ribbons.”

“But I’m not an ordinary human.”

“You don’t know the kind of spanking—” she started, only to be silenced by another playful smack to her ass.

She shivered. “Keep doing that, and you better take me back to your place.”

“I can definitely handle what you’ve got.”

“So you like it rough?” Valkyrie asked, voice dripping with amusement.

“I don’t think you’ve met my fiancée,” Aiyden replied. “She’s rougher.”

Meanwhile…

Claire stood in the city, arms crossed and eyes scanning the streets. She sneezed suddenly.

“Huh… must be the weather,” she muttered. “When I find those two, they’re both in trouble. Especially Aiyden... it’s time we took our relationship to the next level.”
She smiled to herself.

Back with Aiyden and Valkyrie…

“Alright,” Valkyrie said, stretching her arms, “if you really think you can handle it… Just know this—I'm not teaching you Valhalla’s Gate. Even Alundra would mourn if you died using it.”

Another smack made her gasp.

“You’re such a caring big sister~” Aiyden teased.

“That’s it. We’re going back to your apartment. Now.”

Aiyden raised a finger. “One sec. As much as I’d love to ‘consummate’ the marriage… I sense Delta nearby. And she’s crazy enough to fight a goddess.”

Valkyrie groaned but relented. “Fine. Ten minutes. Don’t keep me waiting,” she said, then teleported in a flash.

Aiyden reappeared on a rooftop—and there was Delta, crouched like a wild animal.

“Second boss!” she beamed, tackling him in a hug.

“Delta, why are you still in the capital?”

“Delta wanted to hunt strong prey,” she said, sniffing him. “You smell like a fight.”

(Not good…) he thought.

“Delta,” he said gently, “go back to the others. I promise I’ll go hunting with you later.”

Her eyes lit up. “Okay, second boss!”

She zipped away in a blur.

Aiyden sighed and returned to his apartment—only to find Valkyrie already waiting… completely naked on his bed.

“Took you long enough,” she said, resting on her elbows, eyes smoldering.

“And what’s time to a goddess?” he asked with a smirk.

“Stop being cute,” she said, yanking him onto the bed for a long, heated kiss.

(Lemon warning, if you don't like it skip to the end)

Aiyden gains entrance with his tongue which she grants.As they continue to kiss, he releases her hands which she uses to push him onto the bed.Valkyrie looked up to see that Aiyden had begun stripping as well till he was in nothing but his boxers.She then starts to crawl on top of him, capturing his lips while his hands started to wander her mounds. He then smirks, and flips her onto her back. It always looked at her chest before but seeing her two mounds not restricted filled him with delight and made him even more erect. He moved his head towards her left breast and started suckling while his other hand was on the other nipple twisting and rubbing it.

“Ah-slow down,”she protests, earning a smack to her ass.

“I'm in charge here and naughty goddesses get spanked” said Aiyden.

He then took one of his hands off her breast, eventually making its way past her thighs and to her entrance. He proceeded to play with it, casually pinching and caressing it, earning a bunch of pleasurable moans from Valkyrie.She came for the first time, she was caught up in the moment that she didn't feel him fingering her divine entrance and that he was lying himself up with her.

“You were asking for it-”

“Shut up and fuck me already” she said aggressively which painted a smile on his face.

He then pushed it all inside, after a couple of seconds he then proceeded to slowly pump into her. He kept at a study face but then was taken by surprise but he was flipped onto his back by Valkyrie.

“I'll show you the difference between a goddess and a human.I'm going to ride you till you see stars” she said as she began to ride him.

While she was doing that, he rose himself up and placed his head on her right breast and began to suck on her nipple.He then proceeded to suck on the left one as well as Valkyrie held tightly onto him. He plays both hands on her ass, squeezing and smacking both cheeks which earned A Satisfied moan from her and proceeded to do it again, leaving a red handprint on both cheeks. They would switch from different positions, eventually ending missionary,Valkyrie’s moans were like music to him.He felt that he was about to cum soon.

“I got to-”

“Go ahead, shoot it all into me.I wouldn't mind having your brats” she moans out.

He then proceeded to speed up his pace and climaxed inside of her as she let out as she climaxed as well.

I thought it was all over but then felt him push her onto all fours and spread her ass cheeks open which took her by surprise.

“You still have one hole we haven't tried” said Aiyden.

“Hold on, I'm not-”
“Don't tell me that you're scared” he teased.

Valkyrie felt irritation”Fine, go ahead.But in return, I want to be limping the next day.”

Aiyden smiles wickedly and plunged into her asshole stretching it and he felt a bit satisfaction in claiming a goddesses first time doing anal. He proceeded to fuck her senseless to the point where she had her tongue wagging out and looking up at the sky.

“That's it, harder, harder!” she moans.

Aiyden took the opportunity and laid a couple of more snacks onto her Bountiful ass.

“Think I found someone's kink” Aiyden teased.

She couldn't respond as he laid a couple of more smacks to her ass then placed his hands on to her chest groping them and twisting her nipples. After a few more thrusts, he pulls out and then proceeds to move her to the point where she's face first at his dick. She understood and proceeded the place her mouth onto it and sucked it. He then proceeded to place his hands onto the back of her head.

“(Never thought I'd get a Divine blowjob from a goddess wearing a chain bikini as an outfit.. what a fun way to end the day)”Aiyden thought.

He then lifts her up again and then the blowjob, and then proceeds to a cowgirl position. She rode him long enough and with one final thrust he came inside of her yet again.

“Okay.. that was amazing…” Valkyrie moans out.

“Can't you go one more round~”Aiyden asks.

Valkyrie smirks and crashes her lips onto his.

(Lemon is over, back to the plot)

Hours later…

Valkyrie lay on his chest, cheeks flushed, breath heavy, with two handprints glowing faintly on her perfect rear.

“Never made love with a mortal before…” she whispered. “That was amazing.”

“I could say the same about a goddess,” Aiyden said, pulling her close for another kiss.

“I have to go for now,” Valkyrie said, reluctantly rising, “but your training continues when I return. You’ll know when.”
She teleported.

In the Divine Realm…

Valkyrie landed in her chamber, only for Alundra to be waiting for her.Alundra took notice that Valkyrie was wearing nothing but a sheet.

“You didn’t…” Alundra stared, jaw clenched.

Valkyrie gave a playful smirk. “What’s the point of having a flaming beefcake if you’re not gonna grab a slice?”

She walked past her sister, stretching.

“And trust me, he was amazing.”

With a hum and sway of her hips, Valkyrie vanished into her shower.

Weeks Later…

In the following weeks, Aiyden grew closer to Princess Alexia, Princess Rose, and of course, Beta. Between the friendly connections and chaotic moments, he still found time to train—especially with Valkyrie… among other things.

He was recovering from one such intense training session when a knock sounded at his door. Opening it, he found Claire standing there in a sundress.

“How can I help y—?”

“Are you entering the Bushin Festival?” she asked bluntly.

“I was thinking about it. Why?”

“If you are... then I want to support you however I can,” she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I was also hoping we could go together. Maybe rent a room at a local inn?”

“My, how bold,” Aiyden smirked. “Wouldn’t you rather watch with—?”

“Cid has been avoiding me. I thought he might be here, but clearly not. And when I do find him, I’ll beat him to a bloody pulp,” Claire added sweetly, smiling as if she hadn't just threatened grievous harm.

(I’ve fought literal goddesses... yet somehow that smile terrifies me more.) Aiyden thought, sweat forming on his brow. Still, he had no reason to refuse. He’d been itching to test his skills. What better stage than a festival filled with top-tier swordsmen?

“Alright then. Let’s go.”

“Good.”

They took a carriage partway to the venue, then continued on foot. As they neared the event grounds, a commotion caught Aiyden’s attention—a burly, bald man was lifting a scrawny figure like a ragdoll. The thin man looked more like a walking corpse than a participant.

“I guess they’ll let anyone enter these days,” Claire muttered.

“Perhaps,” Aiyden replied. “But there’s someone else who’s caught my eye.”

His gaze landed on a striking woman with blue hair and eyes. She wore dark blue and gold-accented armor, a flowing white cape, and a light green headband adorned with gems. Her presence exuded strength, and Aiyden could tell she was no ordinary fighter.

She quickly intervened in the scene, stopping the fight. Aiyden narrowed his eyes, sensing something... familiar about the scrawny man.

Claire tugged at his sleeve. “C’mon. Let’s get you registered.”

After signing up, they made their way to the inn. The room they were assigned was surprisingly cozy and well-furnished. Claire’s cheeks turned red.

“I—I’ll go take the first bath,” she blurted out before darting off.

Once she was done, Aiyden took his turn. But when he returned to the room, he froze.

Claire was waiting on the bed… in lingerie.

(Oh god...) he thought.

He sat beside her in awkward silence.

“You have no idea what to do, do you?” Claire asked, glancing sideways.

“Do you?” he countered.

She sighed. “Honestly? No. I’ve only ever heard rumors and gossip from the other girls in the dorms.”

“We don’t have to rush anything,” Aiyden said gently. “We’ll have time. No pressure tonight.”

Claire smiled. “You’re right. Thanks.”

The Next Day…

The Bushin Festival preliminaries had begun. Aiyden and Claire watched several matches, but his focus sharpened when “Mundane Man” stepped into the ring to face Gonzalez. The bald brute lunged forward—

—and was dropped in two clean uppercuts.

Most of the crowd blinked, missing what happened. But Aiyden saw it all. The precision. The speed. As “Mundane Man” exited the arena, another figure appeared in his place.

“Cid...?” Aiyden muttered.

“What was that?” Claire asked, perking up.

“Oh—uh—I think I saw him with a friend a few seconds ago,” he replied quickly, trying to sound casual.

Claire’s smile was pure, but Aiyden could feel the wrath simmering beneath it.

(Sorry, Cid… might’ve just sold you out.)

“Next up, Aiyden Stollen!” the announcer called.

Claire leaned in and kissed his cheek. “For luck.”

Aiyden’s opponent was a man with shaky hands and weak footing. The match was over in seconds—a swift disarm followed by a knock-out strike. The crowd erupted in shock.

“Th-the winner is Aiyden Stollen!” the announcer declared.

“Must’ve been the kiss,” Aiyden grinned as he left the ring.

The Following Morning…

Claire awoke beside Aiyden, stretching before leaning in for a kiss—only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.

She opened it to find a school representative standing there.

“Pardon my intrusion, Miss K—”

“Why are you here?” she asked, clearly irritated.

“Our former representative, Rose Oriana, has attacked her fiancé and fled. She’s disqualified. We need a new representative. We’re hoping you’ll accept.”

“I came here to support—”

“You should accept,” Aiyden interrupted gently.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“I know last time we faced off, I forfeited. But this time will be different—if we meet again in the finals, I’ll fight with everything I’ve got.”

Claire smiled. “Very well. I accept.”

“Excellent. I’ll inform the committee right away,” said the representative.

“I won’t be able to eat breakfast with you,” Aiyden said, grabbing his coat. “I’ve got a meeting with Princess Alexia.”

“I’ll be practicing... and looking for Cid,” Claire added, cracking her knuckles.

Later, in the Meeting Room…

Aiyden arrived to find Beta and Princess Alexia already waiting.

“Glad you made it,” Alexia said.

“Any word?” he asked.

Alexia sighed. “Still nothing. What is Rose thinking?”

Beta stepped forward. “She fled north, but we believe she’s still within the capital.”

“What about the Oriana Kingdom?” Aiyden asked.

“They’ve requested we don’t interfere, stating they’ll handle it as an internal matter,” Beta replied.

“I smell a rat,” Alexia said, crossing her arms.

“Same,” Aiyden nodded.

“Me as well. She’s not a diplomat—just a student. Midgar law should apply,” Beta added.

“But that could strain the relationship between our kingdoms,” Aiyden pointed out.

“My father prefers to wait things out,” Alexia muttered. “If you looked up ‘ostrich policy’ in the dictionary, you’d find his portrait.”

Beta scoffed. “Princess Rose’s fiancé is a Mr. Perv Asshat. The second son of a Duke.If she is arrested on charges of harming him, she will naturally be given a harsh sentence.”

(Who comes up with names like that…?) Aiyden mused, shaking his head.

“She’s royalty, so I doubt they'll go as far as the death penalty,” Alexia muttered.

“They could still strip her of her title,” Aiyden pointed out.

“Exactly. That’s why we need to find Rose before Oriana does. We deserve to hear her side of the story,” Alexia said firmly.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to act,” Beta cut in, flipping through a stack of papers. “Princess Rose hasn’t said a word about this situation. We’re still in the dark.”

Alexia narrowed her eyes. “And your point is?”

Beta didn’t flinch. “I believe she deliberately kept us out of it. If she thought our involvement might spark political conflict between Oriana and Midgar, it makes sense that she’d try to handle it alone.”

Before Beta could finish her thought, Alexia grabbed her by the collar. “So what? You think I’m just some impulsive idiot who can’t think things through?”

“Whoa, she didn’t say that,” Aiyden interjected, stepping between them and gently pushing Alexia back. “Beta’s just trying to keep things in perspective.”

Alexia scoffed but didn’t resist. “If Beta’s got something to say, she should just say it instead of hiding behind careful wording.”

“You didn’t think twice before jumping into that portal,” Aiyden shot back. “And you rarely think before you speak. So yeah, I’d say you’re being a bit reckless.”

That gave her pause.

With a frustrated sigh, she let go of Beta and slumped back into her seat. “Look... I get it. I know Rose didn’t want to drag us into this mess. That’s what pisses me off the most. We could’ve helped her.”

She looked up at Aiyden, her voice softening. “You’ve got the rest of the festival to worry about, right? Go focus on that.”

“But—”

“It’s fine,” she said, cutting him off with a half-hearted smile.

Aiyden gave her a lingering glance, then turned to leave.

He didn’t need to say anything more. The tension in the room had already said it all.

Chapter Text

The festival raged on, the roar of the crowd echoing through the coliseum as match after match passed. Aiyden, ever composed, continued his winning streak, cutting down each opponent who stood in his way. Yet, even as the thrill of battle simmered in his veins, his sharp gaze roamed the entryway, searching for a familiar face.
“Sid. Where the hell are you?”He thought.

His search was interrupted when his eyes landed on a striking figure among the gathering spectators.

An elf.

Her features were sharp, refined with a sculpted beauty that seemed carved from marble. Her figure was no less impressive—graceful yet honed like a blade. Always by her side, a sword hung at her hip, gleaming with quiet menace.

Her attire was... unique, to say the least. She wore a tattered gray robe draped over a white bikini top, paired with a short black skirt trimmed in gold. On her right leg, a stocking reached mid-thigh, while her left leg was bare save for two leather straps hugging her thigh. Black gloves adorned her hands, and her silver-blue hair was crowned with a jewel-studded hairband. Around her neck, a sapphire-like gem gleamed softly, resting against her collarbone.

Aiyden's brow furrowed as he observed her.

“She… looks like Alpha”He thought.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Almost as if sensing his gaze, Beatrix’s sharp, cerulean eyes shifted to him. For a brief moment, their eyes locked.

And in that instant, Aiyden knew she had noticed his curiosity.

As their eyes met, Beatrix's gaze narrowed slightly. Then, without warning, she took a step closer. The faintest twitch of her nose betrayed what she was doing.
"(Is she… smelling me?) Aiyden thought, raising an eyebrow.

“You have the scent of elves on you, like that boy from earlier” Beatrix said bluntly, her tone calm but direct. “Do you know any?”

Aiyden chuckled lightly. “A few. Some are friends, some… less so.”

Her eyes softened just a fraction. “I’m searching for an elf. A pretty girl. Young. She resembles me—though with a gentler face. She is my late sister’s daughter.”

Aiyden's expression grew thoughtful. “I can’t say I know anyone fitting that exactly, but… you do remind me of someone.”

His eyes narrowed, sharp with curiosity. “Why are you looking for her?”

Without answering, Beatrix’s hand went to her sword. The air shifted. With a smooth, practiced motion, she lashed out, her blade slicing toward him in a swift horizontal arc.

But to Aiyden, it was slow. Too slow.

“(This would usually be the part where I fall to the ground and act intimidated but..)”Aiyden thought.

He merely tilted his head, the sword passing harmlessly through empty air.

Beatrix’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. Her strike had not been casual. She had meant to test him. And yet, he had evaded with the ease of brushing aside a leaf.

“…Impressive,” she murmured, withdrawing her blade and offering a curt bow. “My apologies. I meant only to gauge your skill, not offend you.”

Aiyden smirked. “No offense taken. Though next time, maybe give a guy some warning.”

Beatrix straightened, her stoic mask returning. “I hope we meet again… in the tournament ring. A proper match. No cheap shots.what is your name?”

“Hendrixson.Aiyden Hendrixson.”

Beatrix smiles”I'll remember it.”

He watched as she turned away, her movements fluid yet unhurried, the faintest hint of anticipation in her voice.

Aiyden’s grin lingered as he called out after her, “Looking forward to it.”

An hour later, Aiyden sat in the waiting area near the coliseum stands, watching the current match while preparing for his next one. The air was electric with energy—cheers, excitement, and the clash of blades echoing through the arena.

Soon, his name was called.

Aiyden stepped into the arena, facing his opponent—a young man with spiky gray hair, long bangs parted at the center, and striking sea-green eyes. He wore earrings that glinted under the sun.

The boy raised his sword confidently. “This victory… I will dedicate to the woman I love—Annerose Nichtsehen!”

Bold move, Aiyden thought.

The referee signaled the start.

Almost instantly, the silver-haired boy dashed in, attacking from every angle with impressive agility. His footwork was sharp, his strikes relentless. Aiyden smoothly dodged each one, his expression unreadable.

This kid isn't bad. He could probably match my brother in combat… might even beat Claire, Aiyden mused as he sidestepped a particularly quick thrust.

The boy went for a decisive finishing blow, but Aiyden jumped back with a light step, flipping over him and countered with a precise, non-lethal strike to the back of the neck. The boy hit the ground—unconscious but unharmed.

The crowd erupted.

“Alan Wolstein has lost! Victory goes to Aiyden Hendrixson!”

As medics checked on the boy, he groaned and sat up, clearly frustrated. “Can’t believe I made a fool of myself… and in front of her…”

Aiyden walked over and offered him a hand. “Listen. If you really love this girl, then just confess to her. Straight up. And if she turns you down… at least she’ll know you had the guts to try. That counts for something.”

Alan stared at him, eyes wide with admiration, and then accepted the hand. “Thanks… I needed that.”

Later, while wandering the festival grounds, Aiyden kept an eye out for Claire. Instead, he caught wind of a heated conversation behind a nearby tent.

“What were you thinking entering this tournament? You’re not ready to—”

“When are you going to start seeing me as a man?!”

Aiyden paused. That voice... the kid from earlier?

Peeking discreetly around the corner, he caught sight of Alan—Geordo Alan Wolstein—standing defiantly in front of a woman.

A beautiful woman with long blue hair and matching eyes, clad in dark blue and gold-accented armor. Her black bodysuit and white cape gave her a dignified presence, reinforced by the sword at her hip and the slim yet toned physique of a practiced warrior. A light green headband adorned with emerald-like gems glinted in the light.

Annerose Nichtsehen.

She stood tall, composed—until Geordo suddenly pulled her into a kiss.

Her eyes widened. For a second, she melted into it—then she broke away, breathless, a faint flush on her cheeks.

“We’ll talk… after the tournament,” she said quietly, turning away.

Aiyden slowly backed off with a smirk tugging at his lips.

Guess the kid had more guts than I thought.

From the stands, Aiyden leaned forward with mild curiosity, sipping from a drink as the next match was announced.

“The fourth qualifying round! Goldy Gilded versus… Mundane Mann!”

Aiyden raised an eyebrow. Mundane Mann? Who comes up with these names?

Goldy Gilded strutted into the arena like a peacock in gilded armor, his golden hair flowing and ego twice as blinding as his polished sword. Across from him stood a slim, unassuming figure—Mundane. Plain clothes, neutral expression, almost bored. If it weren’t for the sword at his side, he’d be mistaken for a spectator who wandered into the ring.
The referee dropped his hand.

Goldy lunged forward without hesitation, aiming a fierce, lightning-fast slash meant to end the match in an instant.

Clang!

Nothing.

Mundane wasn’t there.

Goldy stumbled slightly, confused, his blade slicing air.

“Classic Cid” Aiyden muttered under his breath.

Before Goldy could reset, Mundane was already behind him, hands still resting casually on his sword’s hilt. The move had been so subtle, so fluid, that even the crowd needed a moment to realize what happened.

Goldy jumped back, visibly shaken. “You dare mock me by not even drawing your sword?!”

Aiyden narrowed his eyes. He’s not mocking you, buddy. You’re just that outmatched.

Red-faced with fury, Goldy began channeling energy into his blade, golden sparks swirling around him as he shouted, “Witness the brilliance of my ultimate technique—”

He never finished.

In a blink, Mundane moved.

There was no flash. No dramatic clash of blades. Just one clean, devastating strike.

Goldy crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, his eyes wide in stunned disbelief before they slowly shut.

Silence blanketed the arena.

Then—gasp! A wave of shocked reactions swept through the crowd like a ripple.

“W-winner: Mundane Mann!” the announcer stammered.

Up in the stands, Aiyden leaned back with a smirk tugging at his lips.

“He's not ‘mundane’ at all,” he muttered. “Makes it all look like a lucky accident, too.”

He lifted his drink for another sip—just as a pair of hands gently covered his eyes.

“Guess who?” a familiar voice teased.

“Claire,” he replied without missing a beat.

“Correct,” she smiled, removing her hands and stepping beside him. “I saw your last match. Not bad. Keep it up.”

Then, more seriously, “Hey, can I borrow you for a second?”

Aiyden raised an eyebrow but nodded.

A few minutes later...

With a flat, deadpan stare, Aiyden found himself face-to-face with the teenage boy from earlier—now bowing deeply before him.

“He was looking for you,” Claire explained casually. “And once he found out I knew you... well…”

The silver-haired boy looked up, eyes shining with admiration.

“My name is Geordo Alan Wolstein! Please… let me learn from you, Master!”

Aiyden blinked.

“…Well, I didn't expect this,” he thought.

Chapter Text

Geordo had been following Aiyden like a lost puppy for hours.

Everywhere Aiyden went—through the tournament grounds, the market stalls, even a brief detour for skewered meat—Geordo trailed behind him, eyes wide and eager.

“You realize this is borderline stalking, right?” Aiyden finally muttered, mid-bite.

Geordo bowed again, nearly knocking over a passing merchant. “Please, Master Aiyden! I promise I’ll work hard! Just one lesson—one!”

With a sigh, Aiyden stopped walking and turned. “Fine. You want advice? Start with your stance. It’s stiff, like you’re bracing to get hit. You need to flow.”

He adjusted Geordo’s posture with a quick nudge to his arm and a tap to the foot.

“You’ve got good instincts, but your style's all flash and no weight. Try a hybrid—take the core of fencing and blend it with quick recovery footwork. Don’t overcommit.”

Geordo listened intently, nodding so hard his earring jingled.

“And remember,” Aiyden said, crossing his arms, “be like water. Water adapts to any shape. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. Water can flow… or it can crash. Be water, Geordo.”

The silver-haired teen looked as though he’d just been struck by divine enlightenment. “That’s... beautiful. Did you come up with that?”

Aiyden scratched his neck. “...Totally.”

Geordo practically dropped to one knee. “You’re amazing, Master!”

“(Sorry Bruce Lee,taking credit for something you said decades ago.)” Aiyden thought.

After an hour more of drills, sparring, and correcting Geordo’s footwork, Aiyden called it. “We’re done for today. I’ve got a match coming up.”

“Yes, Master!” Geordo beamed, wiping sweat from his brow.

As Aiyden walked off toward the arena grounds, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye in the woods lining the coliseum. Annerose, partially hidden behind a tree, was watching him with quiet interest. When their eyes met, she didn’t flinch—just winked before disappearing deeper into the trees.

Aiyden chose not to say anything. “Guess I’ve got another audience.”

Later that evening, Aiyden made his way to Cid’s place, only to find Claire already there, pacing with an irritated look.

“There you are,” she said. “Sorry I couldn’t cheer you on. I thought I’d finally find Cid today.”

Before Aiyden could respond, the sun dipped low—and the door creaked open.

Cid entered, instantly greeted by the chilling sight of Claire smiling too sweetly.

He smiled back. Cautiously.

—Minutes later…—

In the quiet of his dorm, Cid no longer wore that carefree grin. He was pinned beneath Claire, who straddled him like a furious goddess of wrath, fingers clamped tightly around his neck.

“Do you have any idea what I thought about while I stood outside your dorm, waiting for you?” she growled, her grip tightening with every syllable.

Cid blinked slowly. “No, I do not.”

“Wrong answer.” Her grip constricted. “I imagined beating you into a bloody pulp. Over and over. And for every second you kept me waiting, that fantasy got more creative. By the end, I was practically inventing new organs just so I could rupture them.”

Aiyden, leaning by the doorframe unnoticed, grimaced. (He might go down as the worst brother of all time.)

Claire leaned closer, eyes narrowing. “I bet you’re thinking, ‘She’ll cool down eventually. I don’t really care.’”

Red-faced but eerily calm, Cid rasped out, “That’s… not true.”

“Let’s test that theory.” Her voice dropped a pitch. “See how long you can hold your breath—”

“Technically,” Cid wheezed, “people black out from strangulation due to pressure on the carotid arteries. Not because they stop breathing.”

Claire smirked. “Either way works for me.”

“You’re mad about the summer holiday promise, aren’t you…” Cid said weakly.

“Oh? You remember now?” she hissed. “You promised we’d go back home together—and like always, you broke it. You break your promises to me like they’re trash. Like I’m trash.”

She finally released his throat—but stayed firmly seated on his chest, glaring down at him.

“I’ll do better,” Cid muttered, rubbing his neck.

Claire pulled a small envelope from her dress and dropped it onto his chest. “This is your last chance.”

“What is it?” Cid asked, eyeing it suspiciously.

“A ticket. Reserved seating at the Bushin Festival. You’re going to watch me fight. You might even learn something.”

Cid blinked. “Wait, weren’t you sitting out the festival this year?”

That earned him a sharp glare—and a sudden hand around his neck again.

“No,” she said with venom. “I’ve been selected to represent the academy in Princess Rose’s place. Don’t tell me you didn’t know that.”

“I did. Totally. Just… confirming,” Cid said, voice tight under the pressure.

(Note to self: never pull a 'Cid,' or Claire’s gonna strangle me next.) Aiyden thought, watching silently from the shadows.

Claire slowly released her grip again. “If you want to live a long, healthy life,” she said sweetly, “stop neglecting your big sister.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m going to win the whole thing,” she added, voice brimming with confidence. “And you’ll be there to see it.”

As she rolled off to the side, she muttered, “Dogs mount each other to establish dominance. So don’t think for a second I’m letting go until you prove you’re housebroken.”

Cid barely had time to breathe before she turned back to him, arms crossed.

“Now—do you remember my birthday?”

Cid hesitated.

Wrong move.

Claire’s hand was around his neck again.

Aiyden, now quietly moving through the room behind her, took the opportunity to swipe Cid’s Mundane Mann masks from a drawer and slip them into his cloak.
He shot Cid with a sympathetic look. “(You’ll thank me later, bro.)”

Later that evening, after the chaos of the day had settled, Claire set a warm plate of food in front of Aiyden.

“I hope it’s to your liking,” she said, clasping her hands behind her back, trying hard not to look too eager.

Aiyden blinked at the dish. It looked surprisingly well-prepared—neat presentation, nice aroma. And… just a little burnt on the edges.

After what he'd seen happen to Cid earlier, he braced himself and took a bite.

It was a bit dry, but not bad at all. “It’s good,” he said sincerely.

Claire’s face lit up, the faintest blush dusting her cheeks. “R-Really? That’s a relief.”

She took the seat beside him, stealing small glances his way. There was a moment of comfortable silence before she asked, “Did you ever have these kinds of issues with your brother?”

Aiyden raised an eyebrow. “No. Not really.”

Claire sighed. “Of course not. You two probably don’t have searc to find each other.”

After dinner, as they sat quietly under the warm glow of the room’s lantern, Claire surprised him by leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

Aiyden returned it without hesitation.

It lingered. Deepened. Then slowly, they pulled apart—Claire’s cheeks were warm, and Aiyden cleared his throat awkwardly. His hand rubbed the back of his neck.

Claire’s gaze dipped to his lap for just a second, and her eyes widened slightly. “You really are attracted to me…”

“Well, you did just kiss me,” Aiyden replied, smiling faintly.

She smirked, then stood up with a dramatic flair, as if masking her own flustered thoughts. “Alright. Deal time.”

“Deal?”

“If we face each other in the finals of the Bushin Festival,” Claire said, crossing her arms beneath her chest, “and I win—you’ll do whatever I want.”

Aiyden leaned back, smirking. “And if I win?”

“Then I’ll do whatever you want,” she replied, trying to sound confident but clearly flustered under his gaze.

Aiyden nodded. “Deal.”

She turned on her heel, walking toward the bathroom, but stopped and glanced back with a teasing smile. “Don’t forget our agreement.”

“I won’t,” Aiyden said.

As she stepped into the bathroom, her voice drifted back out, sultry and amused. “Also… you’re more than welcome to join me.”

Aiyden let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. “She's going to be the death of me.”

But part of him didn’t mind one bit.

Aiyden lay on his side, one arm draped lazily across Claire’s waist, the soft sound of her breathing the only thing breaking the stillness of the night. The moonlight slipped through the window, casting a soft glow across her sleeping face.

He found himself quietly studying her—how peaceful she looked when asleep, a rare contrast to her usual fire and intensity. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“She’s actually… really cute when she’s like this,” he whispered to himself.

Without warning, one of Claire’s eyes opened. “I’m awake, you know.”

Aiyden didn’t flinch. “Of course you are. Always ready to strike.”

Claire didn’t smile this time. Her voice was quiet, uncertain. “Do you… ever regret our parents arranging for us to be engaged?”

The question caught him off guard.

She continued before he could answer. “I didn’t like it at first. I didn’t know you very well, and I hated the idea of my future being decided for me. But after I was kidnapped… and you kept trying to reach me even after I pushed you away... I started to see things differently.”

Aiyden looked at her more seriously now. “Is that why you’ve been acting so…”

“Not cold?” Claire offered with a small, bitter smile. “I was mad at you. That day you told me there was someone else… I was angry. Hurt. Jealous.”

Aiyden blinked. “Where’s all this coming from?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because for once, I don’t feel like I have to pretend around you,” she said, voice soft. “I regret being cold to you. I just didn’t know how to handle any of it.”

Aiyden reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You’re making up for it now.”

Claire leaned forward and kissed him again. It was deeper this time, slower. When they finally parted, she whispered, “I love you.”

Aiyden raised a brow, curious. “Even if… hypothetically—I got the second girl pregnant?”

Claire’s hand almost went to his throat on instinct but stopped mid-grab. Her eye twitched.

“…I’ll do my best to treat her and the baby as family,” she muttered, strained but sincere.

Aiyden smirked. “And what if there was more than one girl?”

Claire didn’t flinch this time. She straddled him, placing her hands on either side of his face and looking into his eyes with deadly seriousness.

“Dogs mount each other to establish dominance,” she said. “So long as the others know I’m first, I’ll tolerate them.”

Aiyden stared up at her, trying to imagine Claire saying that to Beta… Zeta… and two goddesses.

“(That’s a war waiting to happen…),” he thought.

Claire studied his face. “Do you… still want to marry me?”

His thoughts drifted to a flashback—years ago, when they were just nine. Their parents had sat them down and casually told them they were betrothed. Aiyden hadn’t thought much of it then. Cid hadn’t cared at all. But Claire… her reaction had been unreadable.

Back in the present, he gave her a small smile. “I do. I still want to.”

Claire’s expression softened. She kissed him again, resting her forehead against his. “Then I promise… I’ll beat you in the finals.”

Aiyden chuckled. “And I promise to give you a real fight.”

They lay like that for a moment—silent, hearts beating in sync—ready for what came next, no matter what challenges, or chaos, awaited them.

The Next Day...

Aiyden walked through the festival grounds, a calm breeze brushing through the wide-open coliseum corridors. The energy in the air was thick with excitement, the crowds roaring from the matches already underway.

As he made his way toward the staging area, a familiar, commanding voice called out.

“Aiyden Hendrixson?”

He turned and found himself face-to-face with none other than Princess Iris Midgar.

She looked as radiant and formidable as ever—her violet-trimmed royal knight uniform crisp, her fiery red hair flowing elegantly down her back, and her sword resting at her side. Her crimson eyes studied him with a mixture of curiosity and approval.

“I didn’t expect to see you enter the Bushin Festival,” she said with a slight smile, though her posture remained disciplined.

Aiyden offered a polite nod. “Figured I’d test myself… against the best.”

Iris folded her arms, a brow raised. “Are you going to forfeit again if you face Claire like during the fencing tournament?”

Aiyden exhaled through his nose, half amused. “I didn’t want to fight her back then. But this time… it’s different.”

He looked her directly in the eyes. “We made a promise. I’m going to do everything I can to win.”

There was a glimmer of approval in Iris’s expression. “Is that why you turned down my offer to join the Scarlet Order?” she asked, voice tinged with curiosity. “So you could keep up with her?”

Aiyden thought to himself, (It’d be pretty bad if the second-in-command of Shadow Garden was constantly under royal surveillance…) but instead, he just smiled.

“I’ve got a few things I need to prove to myself first.”

Iris chuckled and turned, making her way back to the stands. “Well then, I’ll be watching. I look forward to facing either you or Claire in the finals.”

(She’s already decided Claire’s joining her personal guard… and now she’s considering me too?) Aiyden thought, watching the proud princess disappear into the crowd.

As he headed toward the arena tunnel, he passed a figure he instantly recognized—Mundane Mann.

Cid.

Aiyden smirked, resisting the urge to say anything. (Still pretending, huh? Alright. I’ll play along.)

He gave the man a subtle nod and continued on his way.

Aiyden’s Match…

His next opponent was skilled, but not enough to challenge him seriously. A few elegant maneuvers later, Aiyden stood victorious. The crowd roared, but his focus was elsewhere—he sensed something… off.

Someone powerful.

He turned, his eyes scanning the shadows near the coliseum arch—and there she was.

Beatrix.

The famed elf swordswoman stood, arms crossed, sharp blue eyes locked on him. Her tattered gray robe and white bikini top looked just as unusual as ever, but the imposing presence she gave off was unmistakable.

“Aiyden Hendrixson,” she said flatly, as if testing the name on her tongue.

“Beatrix,” he acknowledged calmly.

“Have you seen any elves lately?” she asked.

Aiyden tilted his head. “I might’ve met someone who fits that description. But let’s make a deal.”

Beatrix narrowed her eyes. “A deal?”

“I tell you what I know… after we fight. One-on-one.”

A long pause.

“…Accepted,” she finally said.

Then, in a move that surprised him, she pulled a wrapped burger from behind her back and offered it.

“I bought too many.”

Aiyden blinked. “You’re giving me a burger… for a future duel?”

“Not hungry?” she asked.

“…Sure.” He took it, accepting the peace offering with a bemused smile.

Later…

Aiyden found Geordo sitting by a monitor, watching intently.

“You here for Annerose’s match?” Aiyden asked, taking a seat beside him.

Geordo nodded eagerly. “Yeah. She’s fighting Mundane Mann. I want to see it with my own eyes. Do you think she has a chance?”

Aiyden took a bite of the burger Beatrix had given him, thoughtful. “She’s strong. Disciplined. But…”

He glanced at the screen as Mundane Mann stepped into the arena, utterly calm and unreadable.

“My money’s on him.”

Geordo looked surprised. “You think so? That guy’s weird. He always looks like he’s half asleep.”

Aiyden smirked to himself. (You have no idea just how weird he really is.)

He leaned back. “Trust me. Mundane Mann… is anything but mundane.”

Aiyden and Geordo sat side by side in the reserved seating section, the roar of the crowd fading behind the tension of the upcoming match. All eyes were on the arena floor, where Annerose Nichtsehen and Mundane Mann stood facing one another.

“Here we go,” Aiyden muttered, arms folded.

Geordo leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “She’s giving it everything. I can feel it.”

The match began.

Annerose charged in first, her blade singing through the air with practiced precision. Sparks danced as their swords clashed—but Mundane didn’t budge. He didn’t counter. He simply swatted her attacks away with minimal movement, almost lazy in form yet perfect in execution.

“His footwork…” Aiyden narrowed his eyes.

Annerose stepped back, sweat on her brow, finally realizing it.

“He’s letting me think I’m gaining ground… But I’m not.”

With a calm flourish, Mundane Mann unleashed a series of fluid, impossible movements. In the blink of an eye, Annerose’s sword flew from her hand, and she was sent flying and laying down in the ring.

The arena went silent.

Then came the announcer’s call:

“Winner—Mundane Mann!”

Backstage – Medical room.

Annerose sat on the cot, her arm bandaged. Despite her bruises, she looked more contemplative than hurt.

Geordo rushed in. “Annerose!”

“I’m fine,” she said, offering a small smile. “Just a few bruises.”

Aiyden stood by the doorway, quietly watching.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Geordo said, eyes soft with concern.

She looked at him for a moment, then stood. “Geordo… Wait here. I need to speak with someone.”

Moments Later – Arena Halls..

Annerose found him easily. Mundane Mann stood alone in the quiet corridor, a shadow among stone walls.

“I admit defeat.I was helpless against your speed and skill,I left my home country to make myself stronger and I thought that I had improved since then, but I guess I had only gotten better in my head.This was a good lesson for me, thank you” she said plainly, putting her hand out.

Mundane turned his head slightly, silent.

“That was the first time I removed my shackles, you have nothing to be ashamed of,” he said, shaking her hand.

“Thank you…I am very happy to hear that.”

He turned to walk away from her.

“Who are you, really? How did you get to be so strong?”

There was a pause. Then, his calm voice answered:

“I’m just a wanderer… someone who abandoned everything in search of strength.”

Annerose nodded slowly. “Hey,Mundane, you could enlist in government service in Velgalta.I'll make sure there's a post-worthy of you.”

“That world is too bright for me” he said.

Mundane turned, already walking away.

“If you ever change your mind…” she called.

He didn’t answer. Just disappeared down the hall.

Back at the Medical room…

Annerose returned. “Geordo.”

He stood up immediately.

“I’m going back to the Velgalta Empire. I need to become stronger.”

Geordo looked surprised but nodded. “That’s what you want?”

“It is. But…” she looked down, her cheeks warming. “About what you said the other day. I always saw you as a man, Geordo. I just didn’t want to see you get hurt.We've trained for years together and…But when you kissed me…”

She met his eyes, finally speaking the truth.

“I realized… I like you.”

Geordo’s eyes widened.

“She finally said it,I think you should go with her” Aiyden muttered with a smile.

Geordo turned to him. “I want to go with her… but I still want to learn more from you.”

Aiyden nodded. “Then I’ll make you a promise—when I can, I’ll visit Velgalta and help you train.”

Geordo grinned, grateful. “Thank you… for everything,master.”

Annerose turned toward Geordo and took a step forward. “Now, about that surprise kiss.”

Geordo winced. “You’re gonna punch me, aren’t you?”

But instead of a punch, she pulled him close and kissed him.

His eyes went wide in shock—then gently closed.

Later, at the Coliseum Gate...

The sun had begun to set, casting golden rays across the arena grounds.

Annerose and Geordo stood with their belongings packed. Aiyden met them one last time at the gate.

“Guess this is goodbye for now,” Aiyden said.

“Not goodbye,” Geordo replied. “Just ‘see you later.’”

Annerose offered a respectful nod. “Thank you… both as a fighter and as his mentor.”

Aiyden gave a relaxed grin. “Don’t let him slack off.”

“I won’t,” she said.

With that, the two walked off together, disappearing into the crowd and onto their new path—together.

Aiyden watched them go, smiling to himself.

“Go get stronger, you two…”

Back at the Inn...

Aiyden pushed open the door to their shared room, already sensing something was... off.

Claire stood in the center of the room, her arms crossed and her smile far too sweet to be innocent.

He blinked. “Uh… how was your match?”

Claire kept smiling. “Oh, it went well. Thanks for asking.”

Aiyden felt a drop of sweat slide down his temple. “Listen, I meant to be there but—something came up with Geordo. Annerose is heading back to the Velgalta Empire and—well, he’s going with her.”

Claire’s smile faltered just slightly, then returned. “So… you didn’t miss my match on purpose.”

“No! Not at all,” Aiyden said quickly. “I was just making sure Geordo didn’t faint or fall over himself. You know how he gets.”

She sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing. “Fine. I believe you. Unlike Cid, who disappeared all day and pretended like the tournament didn’t exist.”

Aiyden raised a brow. “Is he still alive?”

Claire’s eyes narrowed darkly, that too-sweet smile returning. “For now.”

Aiyden exhaled. “Poor guy.”

“But don’t think that means you’re off the hook,” she added, stepping forward and gently taking his hand.

“Huh? Where are we going?” he asked as she tugged him toward the inner hall.

Claire didn’t answer. She only smiled.

Several Minutes Later – Bathhouse…

Steam rose softly from the bath, curling through the air like lazy smoke. Aiyden sat in the water, Claire’s bare back resting against his chest, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders.

He groaned. “You do realize this is torture, right?”

“Oh?” Claire said innocently. “Why ever would that be?”

“You dragged me into a bath, completely naked, and told me I’m not allowed to touch you. That’s exactly why.”

She tilted her head slightly and then glanced down. “…And yet, someone’s clearly having trouble following orders.”

Aiyden swallowed hard. She took his hands and slowly, teasingly, moved them up to her chest.

His palms landed softly. She gasped faintly as he felt her nipples begin to harden under his touch. He froze, breathing uneven.

“Claire…”

She shifted slightly, pressing back against him just enough to raise the heat in the room even further.

“We’re not doing it here,” she said softly, though her own voice had begun to shake. “Not until after the match.”

“You’re evil,” Aiyden muttered into her shoulder.

Claire gave a smug little hum. “Motivation is important. Just think of how great the reward will be… if you win.”

Aiyden closed his eyes, trying to steady himself as she leaned her head against his neck.

“…Then I have to win,” he whispered.

“Good,” Claire murmured. “Because I’m not going to hold back.”

Chapter Text

The Next Morning…

Dark clouds rolled over the early sky like a brewing storm, the chill wind brushing against Aiyden's skin as he jogged through the stone pathways outside the city walls. The world was unusually quiet—the kind of silence that came before a storm or a revelation.

He stopped atop a ridge overlooking the coliseum in the distance.

“You’ve been following me,” he said without turning.

The soft crunch of boots on gravel answered him.

Beatrix stepped forward, silent and composed, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Her silver-blue hair shifted with the breeze, and her violet eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Aiyden gave her a small nod. “Come on. Let’s run.”

They moved together, a swift and steady pace through the outskirts, until they reached a clearing surrounded by towering trees. Aiyden stopped and turned to face her fully.

“Before we fight… I need to show you something. But you have to keep it a secret.”

Beatrix unsheathed her blade slightly and gave a small, decisive nod. “I don’t betray trust.”

Aiyden exhaled—and transformed.

Black slime swept across his body like a second skin, hardening into his ebony Rider form: a long popped-collar coat styled from slick obsidian material, adorned with purple and gold trim that shimmered faintly beneath the clouds. His boots, high and elegant, thudded against the dirt as a shadowed hood fell over his brow, obscuring his face. Only a faint, otherworldly glow leaked from his eyes.

Beatrix’s eyes widened, then sharpened. Her blade fully drawn, her stance shifted with practiced elegance. “You're something else… I accept.”

From his dark slime suit, Aiyden drew a long, curved sword, the blade crackling with contained energy.

They clashed.

Steel rang against slime-forged steel, a shockwave blasting through the trees. Their duel was lightning-fast and beautifully brutal, each movement flowing with masterful precision. Beatrix’s form was flawless—her reputation as the legendary elven swordmaster was well-earned. Every draw, parry, and strike told the story of a warrior honed beyond mortal standards.

She channeled her magic into a perfect Iaidō-style strike—sheathe, draw, slash. A beam of energy shot across the field, carving a line through the earth. Aiyden dodged by a hair’s breadth and responded with a spiraling sword swing of his own, the black slime twisting mid-air like a whip made solid.

Their blades met again, sparks flying.

Beatrix grinned. “You’re enjoying this.”

“I am.”

She narrowed her eyes, assessing him mid-clash. “I wonder… if our child would be this strong.”

That stopped Aiyden cold.

“…What?”

She chuckled, briefly lowering her blade. “A joke… perhaps.”

Aiyden sheathed his blade. “We should stop. The festival’s starting soon.”

Beatrix studied him as he shifted back into his regular form, the slime receding into his body like mist dissolving into air. “You know someone who looks like me?”

“I do,” he said. “After the tournament, I’ll take you to her. I promise.”

She nodded, slowly sheathing her sword. “Very well. A promise is a promise.”

“I like you,” she said. “And I intend to continue our match another day.”

He chuckled. “Keep what you saw today to yourself. At the festival, I’m just a swordsman. Nothing more.”

“My lips are sealed,” she said.

Later – The Coliseum…

Aiyden stepped into the VIP viewing box, wiping the last trace of his earlier “encounter” from his lips. The air buzzed with excitement, the crowd roaring in anticipation of the matches to come.

His eyes scanned the room.

There was Cid—seated calmly next to Princess Iris. As usual, he looked like absolutely nothing had happened.

Aiyden took his seat with a smirk.

“This just keeps getting better,” he murmured.

From where he sat, Aiyden could hear the two conversing.

“Coffee milk?” Iris asked, curiously examining the beverage in her hand.

“It’s a magic spell,” Cid replied, utterly deadpan. “It makes every kind of coffee taste exactly the same.”

Aiyden watched as Iris dropped cube after cube of sugar into her cup.

“As someone who actually enjoys coffee, I feel personally offended,” Aiyden thought, resisting the urge to grimace.

Then a commotion broke out at the entrance.

“I’m sorry, miss—you can’t carry a weapon into the VIP area—”

“Stand aside,” a calm but commanding voice cut through the tension.

Heads turned as Beatrix entered, white cloak billowing behind her, sword sheathed at her back. Whispers rippled through the crowd like a wave.

Aiyden narrowed his eyes.

Of course.

Princess Iris stood quickly. “It’s alright. I invited her.”

Her smile widened. “Welcome, Beatrix—the Goddess of War.”

Gasps erupted from the nobles seated nearby.

“The Beatrix?”

“The legendary elven swordmaster?!”

“She’s even more beautiful in person...”

Beatrix offered a silent nod, her expression unreadable as Iris motioned for her to take a seat.

Aiyden moved to his own—coincidentally, right beside Beatrix.

“Knowing Cid, he’s probably not even processing any of this,” Aiyden thought, casting a glance at the ever-unbothered figure across the row.

Soon enough, nobles began flocking to Beatrix with small talk and questions, eager to impress or gain her favor. Aiyden tuned most of it out—until one noble blurted:

“Lady Beatrix, is it true you’re searching for someone special?”

“Has anyone… caught your eye?”

Beatrix tilted her head, her gaze drifting toward Cid.

“Perhaps,” she said. “That man there… he has potential. There’s another, too, but Cid... I believe he’ll grow stronger.”

All eyes snapped to Cid.

“Him?!”

“I mean, he’s a student—but let’s be honest, he’s no knight.”

“He doesn’t even hold a candle to Claire Kagenou—or her fiancé.”

“(Little do they know... Actually, it’s probably best we never fought seriously. I’d rather not destroy the city by accident.)” Aiyden mused.

“Kagenou? You mean the son of that bald noble?” one noble scoffed.

“(Funny how people remember his dad just for being bald...)” Aiyden thought with a small chuckle.

“If Lady Beatrix believes he has potential, then I trust her judgment,” Iris added with grace.

The nobles reluctantly nodded, murmuring their half-hearted agreement.

Just then, Aiyden noticed a man walking past the VIP box—a well-dressed noble in his thirties, brown hair tied in a ponytail, and a goatee. Aiyden recognized him instantly. Lord Perv Asshat. Beside him was a pale, baggy-eyed king wearing a crown.

“You stink,” Beatrix muttered flatly, making Lord Perv flinch.

“(Yeah… I can see the sins dripping off that man. Perv Asshat. Honestly, I still can’t say that with a straight face. If I’m right, he’s the one Princess Rose...)”

Beatrix’s eyes flicked to the king. “You stink.”

“How dare you insult His Majesty! Guards—remove her at once!” a noble barked.

“Lord Perv!” Iris called out sharply, stepping in.

“Ah, Princess Iris,” the sleazy noble said with mock warmth.

“This woman is my honored guest,” Iris said. “She is Beatrix—the Goddess of War.”

“…Huh?” Perv blinked, before paling.

“My apologies,” he said quickly. “I didn’t recognize you. Please, enjoy the Bushin festival.”

With that, he and the king retreated. Beatrix’s eyes remained narrowed until they disappeared down the corridor.

“(The look on his face… I’d love to drag his soul to judgment. But for now, I’ve got to play the part of the supportive fiancé and tournament competitor.)” Aiyden thought. “Claire’s match is up next… which means—”

Cid vanished from his seat.

Aiyden sighed deeply.

Beatrix leaned in. “Something wrong?”

“My fiancée is going to be in a very irritable mood later,” Aiyden replied with a tired smile.

Aiyden’s match was next. As he stood to leave, he spotted Claire approaching from the opposite direction in the tunnel.

“Congrats on your win,” he said warmly.

“Thank you. Now tell me—did Cid watch any of it?” she asked, eyes narrowing.

“I… don’t know if he was watching or not,” Aiyden replied carefully.

Claire slammed him against the wall, her hand pressed to his chest. “You wouldn’t lie to your beautiful fiancée, would you? Did. He. Watch?”

Aiyden sighed. “He snuck off at the beginning.”

Claire’s eye twitched. “That son of a—”

“Could you maybe wait to kill him until after my match?” Aiyden asked.

Claire took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Very well. I hope you do well out there.”

Aiyden’s match was over in moments.

His opponent barely had time to swing before Aiyden had disarmed, outmaneuvered, and knocked him out cold without breaking a sweat.

As he left the arena, he caught sight of Beatrix watching from the VIP box—focused. Claire, too, was clapping proudly, though her attention quickly shifted to more pressing matters.

She met him in the tunnel and wrapped her arms loosely around his head.

“Looks like it’s down to me, the princess, you, and that Mundane guy,” she said softly. “As much as I’d love to celebrate with you… I have a certain someone to track down.”

“Just promise not to break any of his limbs,” Aiyden said with a sigh as she turned.

“No promises,” Claire replied, flashing a dangerous grin.

As she walked away, Aiyden smiled—then paused, seeing Princess Iris march past with steely focus.

“(Oh boy… the storm’s about to hit.)”

The arena crackled with tension as the match between Mundane Mann—Aiyden’s well-known frenemy Cid in disguise—and Iris Midgar, the pride of the Midgar Kingdom, finally commenced. From the very beginning, Aiyden leaned against the railing, arms crossed, watching from a private balcony with his usual quiet intensity.
As Iris dashed in with a war cry, sword flashing with sheer determination, Aiyden didn’t flinch.

“She’s fast,” he murmured, “but he’s already ten moves ahead.”

True to form, Cid didn’t move—not really. But his presence distorted the battlefield. Iris halted just inches before her blade would connect, her instincts screaming, her body trembling. Her eyes widened as invisible terror seized her.

Aiyden narrowed his eyes.
“(Ah… He’s doing that again. Screwing with the mind.)”

Iris staggered, seeing flashes—phantoms—of herself cut to pieces over and over, dying in a hundred brutal ways. She blinked, gritted her teeth, and pushed forward, realizing Mundane had done none of it physically. It was all feints—mere shifts in posture, slight motions, but each one was a death sentence in disguise. Aiyden could tell that Iris was processing it too… that realization dawning in her eyes:
This man… might be the strongest Dark Knight alive.

Still, she refused to surrender. Pride burned in her heart. With a final roar, she lunged—and Cid struck once.

Just once.

The impact echoed like thunder. Iris collapsed.

Aiyden didn’t move, didn’t blink. The crowd went silent.

Then—

Rain.

Soft at first, then heavier. Aiyden lifted his chin, a raindrop sliding down his cheek.

“…I smell blood.”

His violet eyes sharpened.

A moment later, he sensed it—a powerful clash. A fight had erupted… fast, violent, and deadly. It wasn’t in the arena.

It was Beatrix—the legendary “War Goddess”—and she was fighting Cid now Shadow.

Aiyden looked toward the VIP box, just in time to see Shadow leap up with a blur of motion, crashing into Beatrix with a violent clash of steel.

Aiyden smirked but then noticed Iris run past him.

“Guess the show’s not over.”

Without hesitation, dark smoke curled around his frame, his slim suit igniting into ethereal flames, eyes flaring red and burning with vengeance and excitement. His flesh melted into a skeleton wreathed in hellfire.

In the next breath, Echo stepped forward, his flaming skull gleaming in the rain.

“…Let’s see if this idiot needs help or a beatdown.”

Chapter Text

Dark clouds loomed over the Midgar capital, the heavy rain now mingled with the metallic scent of blood. Thunder crackled above the coliseum where moments earlier, Iris Midgar had fallen to Mundane Mann—a man she now suspected to be the most dangerous swordsman alive. But Mundane was gone. In his place stood a different figure entirely.

From the gloom of the VIP box, Cid emerged as Shadow.

His transformation was seamless, fluid like night swallowing dusk. The outfit clung to him like a second skin—an ebony slime bodysuit styled as a regal overcoat, its high popped collar giving the impression of looming authority. Gold and deep violet trim ran along the tailored edges, highlighting the dark elegance of his jacket, shirt, pants, and boots. A long hood hung low over his face, cloaking his upper features in darkness save for the blood-red glow of his eyes and the faint smirk etched upon his lips.

The moment Shadow drew his real sword—a weapon forged not of steel but of reality-bending intent—it became clear. Beatrix stood no chance.

Her every swing was artful, trained, precise… and utterly futile.

Shadow didn’t block; he suggested evasion, moving like a phantom between slashes. Each counter left her more exposed, more desperate, more aware that she was being dismantled one movement at a time.

Desperate to shift the tide, Iris charged back into the fray to assist her comrade. But just before her blade could reach its mark, a new force split the battlefield.
Echo had arrived.

Flames erupted across the sky as the Ghost Rider landed before Iris, wearing a similarly styled attire to Shadow—his coat sleeved and flowing, reinforced with shadow-blackened armor beneath. His skeletal features shimmered with ghostly hellfire, and from his right hand, a sword of flames and wrath materialized.

“Though I know you could take both of them on…” Echo’s voice rumbled, almost amused, “…allow me to take on the princess.”

Shadow gave him a slight nod, fading back as Echo stepped forward.

Iris, frustrated, spat, “Stay out of my way!”

Their swords clashed. Hers, a holy relic known as the Sword of the Three Heroes—a weapon of legend. But Echo only laughed mockingly.

“Leaning on a toy? Disappointing,” he sneered. “You won’t survive Shadow relying on trinkets. You’ve thrown away your pride as a warrior.”

Enraged, Iris unleashed everything.

Their duel ripped through the capital like a wildfire. Citizens fled as their strikes shattered streets, rooftops, and towers. They clashed through merchant alleys and tore through castle courtyards until they reached the edge of the city—the towering old clock tower that rose into the weeping sky.

Bloodied, breathing hard, Iris asked between slashes, “Who… are you two?! For the love of God, who are you?!”

“(What would he say in a situation like this?)”Aiyden thought.

Echo raised his sword”His name is Shadow, the man you see fighting is his truth.As for me, I am vengeance for the Fallen and the wronged.”

They're fighting all the way to the bridge into the Clock Tower where above, Beatrix faced Shadow alone—and despite her efforts, was utterly outclassed. Meanwhile, princess Iris sword spewed fire at Echo but it didn't do anything. Beatrix stood near Iris as Echo stood near Shadow, each on opposite sides.

Then Iris, desperation mounting”Beatrix, I swear I will immobilize both of them if it cost me my life.When I do, take them down!”

Iris charged it both of them striking wildly but then through her sword in the air which surprised both Shadow and Echo. Her efforts were fruitless as Echo kneed her in the face.He then noticed Beatrix sore glowing along with patterns on her skin.

Echo’s eyes narrowed. “So that’s your gambit.”

But it was already too late—Beatrix unleashed the spell, tendrils of magic binding both Shadow and Echo in place. She charged, blade raised—
—and Shadow, smirking beneath his hood, moved. Effortlessly.

He had never truly been caught.

With surgical precision, he subdued Beatrix and slammed her onto Iris, then delivered a contained gravity kick to both of them that cratered the rooftop and brought the storm to a silence. The two warriors collapsed, unable to rise.

Rain poured around them.

“This battle is over.”

As Shadow turned to leave, Iris, coughing and wounded, forced herself to speak. “Come back…You have wrought havoc all across the capital..Do you really think I'll let you get away with this?!By now, every knight in the city will have been mobilized.Everyone in the capital, everyone in the Kingdom of Midgar is your enemy! There's nowhere left for you to run!”

Shadow paused… then laughed. Deep and terrifying.

“Run?Who's running? Running where? Why would I run?!”

And then—

The sky split apart.A purple orb of energy surrounded part of the capital.

“What is this?”Beatrix asks.

“No, it can't be.It's too…”

“Play time is over” said Shadow as lightning roared behind him.

“Now observe, ladies and Witness for yourselves my earth-shattering, sky rendering supremely ultimate, Almighty, and unparalleled attack!” shadow shouted, raising his sword.

With arms extended, red eyes glowing like molten suns, Shadow whispered the words:
“I—Am—Atomic.”

An eruption of purple light swept across the capital, encompassing it entirely. Thunder cracked as time itself seemed to freeze. Iris and Beatrix could only watch in despair.

But nothing happened.

No explosion. No fire. Just… silence.

As the light faded, both women blinked—alive, untouched.

And the storm had vanished.

The skies above Midgar were clear.

Shadow and Echo were gone.

Leaving behind only echoes of fear.

The Next Day…

Beatrix stood on the train platform, the cool wind brushing her silver hair back as she cast a final glance toward the city fading behind her.

"I suppose this is goodbye, for now," she said with a small smile, hands on her hips as she faced Iris.

The princess, wrapped in a long coat, kept her arms folded tightly. “I’ll get stronger. You don’t need to worry.”

Beatrix nodded, her golden eyes gentle but firm. “Just don’t get too obsessed with one loss. There are beings in this world far beyond mortal reach—and you're still young. Grow. Rest. Then rise again.”

Iris chuckled despite herself, shaking her head. “That’s rich coming from the woman who throws herself into fights the moment she smells a strong opponent.”

“Touché,” Beatrix laughed. With a casual wave, she turned and boarded the train.

As the doors closed and the train began to roll forward, Beatrix set her sword beside her and lifted a porcelain teacup from a nearby tray.

“You can come out now,” she said without turning around.

From the shadows between cars, Aiyden stepped out, casually sipping his own cup of tea.

“You always were sharp,” he said, settling across from her.

Beatrix smirked. “Is my niece really in Shadow Garden?”

Aiyden’s gaze softened. “Yes. Alpha. Shadow healed the Possession that was destroying her—restored her body and mind. She swore her loyalty of her own will. She's strong. She's not alone anymore.”

Beatrix’s fingers tightened slightly on her cup before she smiled again. “Then I’m glad... truly. She’s where she belongs.”

There was silence for a moment. The rhythm of the train clicking on the tracks filled the space between them.

“Let me help,” she said suddenly.

Aiyden blinked. “Help Shadow Garden?”

Beatrix leaned forward. “You need people who can fight on the surface—someone to walk both worlds.”

He considered, then gave a slow nod. “Alright. I’ll arrange it.”

Before he could say more, Beatrix leaned across and kissed him.

Aiyden’s eyes widened, almost spilling his tea. “...Seriously?”

Beatrix smiled, mischief dancing in her golden eyes. “You were amazing in that fight. And handsome. And you drink tea in the shadows. That’s a dangerous combination.”

Still stunned, Aiyden leaned in and kissed her back—deeper, more commanding, his hand sliding around her back, fingers brushing against her firm curves.

He pulled back slightly, licking his lips. “I don’t like surprise kisses.”

“Oh?” Beatrix raised a brow.

“I’m seeing other women,” he added. “Including my fiancée.”

Beatrix shrugged without hesitation. “I’m fine with sharing.”

Aiyden ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. “Wait for instructions.”

With that, he disappeared in a swirl of smoke and fire, vanishing from the train.

Later that afternoon, the training hall echoed with tension.

Claire stood waiting in her combat gear, arms folded and expression unreadable. “Because that ‘Mundane Mann’ masked his identity, he was disqualified,” she said flatly. “But Iris’s loss still counts.”

Aiyden nodded, stepping into the circle. “And you won the Bushin Festival by coin flip.”

Claire narrowed her eyes. “Which doesn’t sit right with me.”

“So?”

“We fight,” she declared. “Winner takes the real title.”

Their match was fast, fierce, and filled with respect. Aiyden didn’t hold back, and neither did she. In the end, his technique slightly edged hers out. The final strike disarmed her—and the match was his.

Aiyden stepped back, panting. “You alright?”

Claire said nothing. Instead, she ran at him and tackled him to the mat, lips crashing into his with raw emotion.

He barely had time to catch his breath before she pulled her shirt over her head, revealing her flushed, toned figure.

“Whoa—what, you want to do this here?”

“I don’t care,” Claire said, straddling his lap. “You won fair and square. But I’m not waiting anymore.”

Aiyden laughed, hand brushing her waist. “Just don’t blame me if we break the floorboards.”

Meanwhile, in a celestial chamber cloaked in pale light and thick with divine incense, the twin demigoddesses Valkyrie and Alundra sat across from one another on cushions of woven starlight. Their tea lay forgotten between them, the atmosphere far more intense than the serene room suggested.

"So," Valkyrie began, arms folded and a sharp glint in her eyes, "are you finally going to tell me what exactly you gave Aiyden?"

Alundra hesitated, twiddling her fingers, her golden eyes flickering with guilt. "Well… I channeled my divine essence into him to help stabilize the vessel… and I gave him the Spirit of Vengeance as a core," she admitted.

Valkyrie’s brow rose. “The Ghost Rider?”

“Yes. But not Johnny Blaze. It was… Robbie Reyes. Aiyden was..very specific about that,” Alundra muttered sheepishly.

Valkyrie narrowed her eyes and let out a long sigh. "I felt something was off. His flames smell like wrath, not just judgment. That aura… it’s chaotic and demonic. There’s more than the Rider inside him."

“I thought so too,” Alundra admitted. “I did research from comics since I didn't know anything.”

She clapped her hands and summoned a glowing orb, flickering with scenes and pages from Earth’s comics. She scrolled through images of Robbie Reyes, vehicles on fire, vengeance demons, and then—

“Wait…” Valkyrie’s voice rose dangerously. “Scroll back. Back. That’s not Ghost Rider.”

Alundra froze. “What?”

Valkyrie pointed to an image—dark spawns, hellscapes, necroplasmic chains. “That’s Spawn, you dumbass! You gave him powers based on Spawn too?!”

Alundra’s pupils shrank. “Oh gods… I thought it was just a cooler version of Ghost Rider...”

“You IDIOT,” Valkyrie growled, gripping her head in disbelief. “You’ve gone and made him a hybrid—a damn Ghost Rider–Spawn combo!! That’s—what even are we dealing with now?!”

Alundra’s mouth opened, but words failed.

Valkyrie groaned dramatically, then slumped back into her cushion.

There was a long silence.

Then Valkyrie slowly sat upright again, her eyes gleaming with something… else.

“You know,” she murmured, lips curling in a grin, “we're engaged to a Ghost Rider–Spawn hybrid... with the looks of a celestial warlord and the libido of a wild beast.”

Alundra blinked. “That’s… terrifying.”

“Terrifyingly hot,” Valkyrie corrected, her cheeks flushed and breath a little uneven. “I think I need a cold bath.”

Alundra smacked her own forehead. “We’re so screwed…”

“Oh no, dear sister,” Valkyrie said with a dangerous smile. “We’re so lucky.”

Chapter Text

The sun was setting as the trio sat around a finely polished table within Mitsugoshi’s high-end restaurant, its ambiance a blend of luxury and subtle espionage. Waiters moved with elegance, bringing in lavish dishes as Claire, still in her sleeveless uniform, slammed down her glass of juice harder than necessary.

“I won the Bushin Festival by default,” she grumbled, eyeing her brother across the table, “and you didn’t even watch my fights.”

Cid gave his trademark half-smile, leaning back with casual arrogance. “I saw enough. You had... good movements, especially that feint against the werebeast.”

Claire’s eyes twitched.

“That wasn’t me. That was during Iris’s match,” she snapped, her fork clanging against her plate. “You weren’t watching at all, were you!?”

Aiyden, seated beside her, calmly sipped from his tea as the temperature between siblings spiked. He knew better than to get between a Cid-Claire squabble.

“Look,” Cid said, folding his arms behind his head, “I had more important things on my mind.”

Claire narrowed her eyes. “Like what?”

“Like... whether I’ve stored enough dried meat and gold bars to survive a decade-long societal collapse,” Cid said without blinking.

Aiyden slowly turned to him. “Seriously?”

Cid shrugged.

Claire slammed her palm on the table. “You’re coming with me to Lawless City. You owe me for this! We’re going with the Magic Swordsmen Association to take down the Blood Queen!”

Aiyden raised a brow. “Blood Queen? That vampire noble sealed underground? Sounds dangerous.”

“Exactly why I want you to come too,” Claire added quickly, turning to her fiancé. “We’ll need your firepower if things go south. Plus, I want you there when I land the final blow.”

Aiyden nodded with a faint smile. “Sure. I’ll help.”

Cid sighed. “Lawless City, huh...”

He remembered a recent meeting inside one of Mitsugoshi’s private chambers. Beta stood in front of a glowing mana-map, detailing the movements of both Shadow Garden operatives and Devil Cult agents across multiple regions. She spoke with passion and thoroughness, hands dancing across the floating markers.

Cid, however, had only absorbed about 10% of it, his mind instead drifting toward calculating how many tuna cans and mana crystals it would take to sustain his aesthetic lifestyle indefinitely.

“... and that’s why infiltration of the South Archipelago must be delayed by three weeks,” Beta had concluded.

Cid had simply nodded and said, “Sounds like a plan,” which apparently passed as an acceptable response.

Now, hearing about the Lawless City, he realized this expedition could be more than forced sibling bonding—it was an opportunity. A criminal-ridden zone with unclaimed loot, bounties galore, and possibly even opportunities to expand Mitsugoshi’s operations.

“Fine,” Cid muttered. “I’ll go.”

Claire grinned smugly. “Good. You’ll finally be useful.”

Aiyden gave a soft chuckle, setting down his cup. “You really drag people into things whether they like it or not.”

Claire leaned on his shoulder, voice playfully teasing, “And you still love me for it.”

Cid just sighed, wondering how the hell his calm dinner had turned into a mission briefing.

The streets of Lawless City were alive with the constant hum of voices, hawkers, and the occasional scream from somewhere you didn’t want to think about. The smell of smoke and fried meat lingered in the air, mixed with something… less pleasant. Claire was dragging Cid along by the wrist, his eyes darting everywhere like a tourist who hadn’t realized this wasn’t the kind of place you took a walking tour.

“Stop gawking,” Claire snapped, not slowing her pace. “You don’t want to attract the attention of any weirdos.”

“Yes, ma’am. Hey—” Cid started.

“What?”

“Aren’t we going in that tower?” he asked, pointing toward a looming spire in the distance.

Before Claire could answer, Aiyden said calmly, “Claire has to meet with the Dark Knight Association for a strategy meeting.”

Claire gave him an approving glance. “Thank you.”

“Dark Knight Association?” Cid blinked. “Never heard of them back home.”

“That’s because we have our own knight order,” Claire said, slipping seamlessly into lecture mode. “The Dark Knight Association is an unofficial organization. It doesn’t belong to any official institution, but they deal with certain… problems.”

As Claire went on explaining the political nuances, Aiyden’s eyes drifted across the crowd. Something about this place felt off—too many eyes lingering in corners, too many shadowed alleys.

“I brought you here with me out of consideration for your future, you know?” Claire said to Cid.

“My future?”

“If you stay behind me and do everything I say, I’ll pry open a spot for you in Midgar’s Knight Order after you graduate.”

Aiyden smirked and said with mock sincerity, “I see how much you value family.”

Inside, though, a thought nagged at him. (I didn’t think about that… Claire and I are going to graduate at some point, which means we’d be living together somewhere. Might be hard sneaking off for Shadow Garden business… not to mention Valkyrie, Alundra, Beta, Beatrix, and Zeta…)

Before the thought could finish, a voice cut through the air.

“Hello there! Come take a look at my beautiful young lady. Just got a stock of first-rate pets.”

Claire blinked. “You mean me?”

“Yes, I mean you—the most beautiful young lady in the world.”

Claire smirked. “Well, you have a good eye.”

Aiyden’s gaze sharpened at the man instantly, which didn’t go unnoticed by Claire.

“You know he’s just buttering you up, sis—” Cid began, but Claire cut him off.

“You be quiet.”

The merchant grinned and gestured to his “goods,” starting with two miserable-looking men.

“They came in this morning—the pet Dark Knight and little Goldy.”

Aiyden’s eyes narrowed in recognition at the blond man. Goldy Gilded… from the Bushin Festival? He looked nothing like the arrogant duelist from the arena—now beaten,stripped, and humiliated.

The merchant moved to the next cage, showing a bald man with an eyepatch slumped over.

Cid tilted his head. “He’s been sliced in the middle.”

Claire leaned close to Aiyden and whispered, “What do you think? I’m not interested.”

The merchant’s smile widened. “Ah, but I have three others inside.”

Aiyden sighed, and they followed him in. Inside, the air was cooler, the light dimmer.

In one cage sat a young woman with pale skin and a petite but athletic frame, curves that defied her otherwise compact build. Her hair was lavender, tied into a ponytail with a purple ribbon, and her matching eyes held a quiet strength.

“She doesn’t have a name,” the merchant said. “Brought her in just yesterday.”

The next cage held two cat girls—a tiny one who looked no older than twelve, and a seventeen-year-old with sleek black hair and sharp green eyes.

“Caught this two kittens weeks ago,” the merchant said, nodding at the older one.

Aiyden didn’t need long to tell—they weren’t ordinary captives. Both had the bearing of fighters and magic, though the merchant clearly didn’t realize it.

“I’ll take them,” Aiyden said, “for thirty million.”

Claire raised a brow at him. “Thirty million?”

“You already have a ‘pet’ in Cid,” Aiyden said dryly. “These two can keep an eye on him if we’re busy.”

Claire smiled. “Fair enough.”

“Splendid,” the merchant said, clapping his hands. Slave seals were placed on the girls, a master seal on Aiyden’s wrist. The marks pulsed faintly before fading.

“Do you have clothes for them?” Aiyden asked.

Minutes later, the girls were dressed in plain tunics. They stood quietly at his side, but Aiyden’s unease didn’t fade. Something here was wrong. Very wrong.

The inn room was quiet after Claire left, her footsteps fading down the hallway toward the Magic Swordsmen Association’s forward base. Aiyden sat at the low table, his gaze resting on the three girls now in his care.

The lavender-haired girl kept her eyes low, shoulders stiff, avoiding his gaze.

He broke the silence gently. “Relax. I’m not going to do anything to you.”

She hesitated, fingers tightening around the hem of her tunic.

The older cat girl finally spoke, her green eyes steady. “Then… what do you plan to do with us?”

“What’s your name?” Aiyden asked.

“Matilda,” she said after a pause. “But since you bought me, you can change it.”

Aiyden thought for a moment. “Tama. Your name’s Tama now.”

Tama’s ears twitched faintly, but she gave a small nod.

The purple-haired girl spoke softly. “My party just called me… Mage.”

“Before that?” Aiyden asked.

She looked away. “You can change it later.”

The small black cat girl piped up, her voice quiet but clear. “I… don’t remember my name.”

Aiyden gave her a gentle smile. “Then I’ll give you one. Fran.”

Fran tilted her head, as if testing the sound of it in her mind, then gave a tiny nod.

Aiyden leaned back. “What did you all do before you were captured?”

Mage shifted uneasily. “I was in a party with my allies. We got in trouble with the authorities. Two escaped. The dark elf and I were captured. She escaped… left me behind.”

Tama straightened, her tone formal. “I am the only princess of the demi-human kingdom of Grün. I went on an adventure, but when I came to Lawless City to face the Blood Queen of the Red Tower, we met the tower’s watchdog—known as the White Demon. I was defeated.”

Fran’s eyes dropped to the floor. “My parents passed away before learning the secret of evolving. After losing them, I followed their path… carrying their dream. But I was captured by slave traders. Four years… constant abuse.”

Aiyden’s jaw tightened. He reached over and gently patted her head. “Then I’ll help you get stronger. Strong enough to reach that goal.”

Fran was a small, black-haired cat girl with dark eyes and an expressionless face that somehow still carried an air of quiet determination. Black ears twitched faintly above her head, a tail swaying behind her. On her left ear, a golden bangle with a single red pearl glimmered faintly.

Despite her stoic exterior, Aiyden could already tell—she was the type to throw herself into a fight, especially for something she cared about.

Tama, meanwhile, stood tall even in her tunic, her posture refined despite their situation. Careful, attentive, and friendly, her bearing carried the weight of her royal upbringing.

Aiyden decided they needed proper clothes. With a thought, slime shifted and formed garments—Tama received a black dress with a green necklace, black boots lined with green fur.

Mage leaned close, whispering with a faint blush, “My old adventuring outfit… was a black bikini-style set, with golden heart pins, a neck cuff, long sleeves, and… well, it left little to the imagination.”

Aiyden immediately pictured Claire’s expression if she saw that—and decided against it. Instead, he crafted her something still stylish but far more practical: a revealing dark purple outfit with gold accents, a short skirt and cropped top, thigh-high boots, and a flowing cape.

As he studied them, Aiyden wondered if he should tell them about Shadow Garden. He decided to ask Cid first. But when he stepped into the dining room—Cid was gone.

With a sigh, Aiyden returned to the room. “If Claire asks, tell her I went after Cid. And what you’re about to see—keep it secret.”

He opened a shimmering portal. Without hesitation, he stepped through.

A moment later, he was crouched on a rooftop overlooking a crowded street. Below, Cid strolled casually, people “accidentally” bumping into him and trying to lift his wallet—only for him to use slime to take it back… and take theirs too.

Dropping silently to the street, Aiyden matched his pace. “You just enjoy Claire being mad at you, don’t you?”

Cid shrugged. “I was bored at the inn.”

They turned a corner—only to find a ghoul being stomped on by a group of thugs.

"(Survival of the fittest…)" Aiyden thought. (Cid's having a field day down there.)"

The moon above turned red. A heavy wave of magical energy pulsed through the streets. The ghoul twitched—then lunged, killing two of the men instantly.

"(If you get bit by a ghoul… you become one. Which means that fool is about to—)"

The newly turned ghoul rose, its hungry gaze locking onto them.

Aiyden smirked. “Guess I could use a little exercise—”

A woman’s voice cut in sharply. “Get down.”

They turned.

She was striking—long, flowing red hair, golden eyes, a tall, slender frame. Dressed in black with red ruffles at her throat, red and gold accents at her cuffs and boots, and a sweeping black cape. A wide-brimmed, feathered hat shadowed her face like a pirate from legend.

A blade of pure magic formed in her hand, and in one swift motion she cut down both ghouls.

Cid tilted his head. “And you are?”

The woman’s gaze flicked between them. “Mary. My name is Mary—the ancient vampire hunter.”

“Ancient?” Cid echoed.

Mary’s eyes hardened. “Run, if you value your lives.”

“If you value your life, then run,” Cid repeated.

“The frenzy has begun,” she warned.

“The frenzy has begun,” Cid echoed again.

Mary’s eyes sharpened. “The moon is red—we are out of time.”

“We’re out of time,” Cid said again with a smile.

Aiyden’s brow twitched. (Why is he repeating her?)

Meanwhile with Claire…

Claire’s expression tightened as Mage nodded.

“So Aiyden went after him and told you to tell me?” Claire asked flatly.

Mage gave a small, nervous nod.

Claire’s eye twitched. “Cid never listens. I told him to be a good boy and wait here—”

Her words were cut off when a fat man with a mustache came running and screaming out of a nearby room. Behind him, a blonde-haired ghoul in a tattered pink dress lunged forward, fangs bared—
—and promptly had its head kicked clean off by Claire. The headless body collapsed over the terrified man.

Claire stepped past it, addressing the man. “Hey. Have you seen a boy with black hair and black eyes, and a handsome man with golden eyes?”

The man shakily replied, “N-No, I haven’t.”

“Tch. Figures.” Claire turned back to the others. “Come on. Aiyden probably wouldn’t want you sitting around here if ghouls are showing up.”

As they started walking, Tama asked, “What’s your relationship with our master?”

Claire’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she answered without hesitation. “His fiancée.”

The three girls exchanged a look—and promptly decided following her was the right choice.

Claire glanced back. “Any of you able to fight?”

Tama nodded. “I’m a martial artist—close-range combat is my specialty.”

Mage raised her hand. “I can use magic.”

Fran quietly added, “I can fight.”

“Good,” Claire said. “Stick close and keep your eyes open.”

Meanwhile…

Aiyden and Cid—now moving as Echo and Shadow—split up to cover more ground.

Aiyden prowled through the alleys, cutting down clusters of ghouls as he went.

That’s when he spotted her—

A beautiful woman with long, light brown hair and ocean-blue eyes. Despite being a mother, she carried an almost youthful radiance, a small birth mole under her left eye adding to her charm. She was clutching a dead man’s body, her eyes red with tears.

A group of ghouls rushed toward her. Aiyden’s blade flashed—one strike, and they were gone.

“Please—save my husband!” she cried, clutching the corpse.

Before Aiyden could speak, a man suddenly grabbed her from behind, snarling,

“Forget about my useless son. You will bear my children—”

He never finished. His eyes widened in horror at the sight of a flaming skull glaring back at him.

Aiyden’s sword formed in his hands, and with one clean cut, the man fell.

“I’m sorry,” Aiyden said quietly. “Once you’ve been bitten by a ghoul… they’ll turn. If it helps, I can make sure it’s quick.”

She trembled, then nodded tearfully.

Aiyden beheaded the corpse and turned to leave, but her voice stopped him.

“Wait… what is your name?”

He turned his burning gaze toward her.

“I am vengeance. I punish sinners and deliver justice… I am Echo of Shadow Garden.”

Her eyes widened in recognition.

“I’m headed for the tower,” Aiyden continued. “If you value your life, run. The frenzy has begun. The moon is red. We are out of time.”

“Then let me come with you,” she said. “To avenge my husband. I am a warrior—I will not slow you down.”

Aiyden’s thoughts flickered—
"(I was just playing along with Cid’s act, and now this woman wants to tag along… guess it’s fine.She looks like she can handle herself.)"

“Very well,” he said at last.

She ran into her home and emerged moments later—armored and ready.

A detailed metal headpiece framed her face, a black wrap covered her neck and collarbone, a metal bikini top and small black thong contrasted against the flowing hip cloth at her waist. Her right arm bore a golden armband and black-and-gold bracer, her left wrapped in black cloth up to her fingers. Thigh-high boots gleamed beneath the moonlight.

“Lead the way,” she said firmly.

Meanwhile, with Claire…

Claire stood frozen, tears streaking her cheeks, clutching a severed head.

Fran, Tama, and Mage hovered behind her in tense silence.

Mary appeared from the shadows.

“Are you the woman searching for a boy with black hair and black eyes? I met one earlier—with a man who had golden eyes.”

“I’ve already found him,” Claire said, voice breaking. “He’s my brother… I just found him now.”

“That boy didn’t have black hair or black eyes,” Mary replied flatly.

“What…?” Claire’s eyes narrowed.

"(I was afraid to tell her…)" Tama thought quietly.

Claire looked at the head in her hands, realization creeping in.

“…Who the hell are you?”

Mary’s gaze was steady. “I met two men fitting your description. One was with a man with black hair and golden eyes.”

Claire dropped the head, her voice sharp. “Tell me!”

“The first,” Mary explained, “I saw when the moon began to turn red—standing before a rampaging ghoul, smiling.”

Claire shook her head. “That’s not him. My brother would scream in that situation.”

“The second,” Mary continued, “was a young dark knight with no notable features. He was taken by the Blood Queen’s followers.”

Claire stiffened. “They took him? Where?”

Mary glanced toward the horizon. Claire followed her gaze—

a crimson tower loomed against the blood-red moon.

“The Crimson Tower,” Mary said. “The Blood Queen’s castle. They intend to offer him as a sacrifice.”

Mage’s eyes widened. “Sacrifice?”

Mary nodded. “To awaken Blood Queen Elizabeth from her thousand-year slumber, they require the blood of a living young man.”

Claire frowned. “The Blood Queen’s asleep?”

“They’ve hidden that fact, waiting for tonight—the night the red moon rises and grants vampires immense power. With the sacrifice as a catalyst, she will—”

A low moan cut her off. Ghouls shambled into view.

Claire drew her sword. “The point is, my brother and fiancé are in that tower. If they need living blood, they’re still alive.”

Mary readied her weapon. “My target is the Blood Queen Elizabeth. To find her, I must go there as well.”

Claire smirked grimly. “Then we’re headed the same way. Let’s work together. Who are you?”

“Mary. Vampire hunter.”

“Claire,” she said. “And these are Fran, Tama, and—”

“Master said he would give me a new name later,” Mage added.

Together, they charged forward, cutting down ghouls as they made their way toward the crimson tower’s looming shadow.

Meanwhile with Aiyden...

At the Crimson Tower’s Front Gate…

Aiyden and the armored woman sprinted through the blood-slick streets, ghouls scattering in their wake. The red moon’s light bled across the world, casting everything in an ominous glow.

They skidded to a halt.
Up ahead—Shadow stood calmly, facing two figures whose presence radiated authority.

The first was a mountain of a man—Juggernaut the Tyrant. His tanned skin gleamed under the crimson light, brown dreadlocks swaying over his broad back. Black eyes, sharp and predatory like a falcon’s, locked onto Shadow. His massive frame was packed with raw power, muscles rippling as he shifted his grip on a giant sword that looked heavy enough to crush stone. His attire was simple but intimidating: a backless black shirt, thick scarf, gloves, and loose trousers.

on the other side, elegance itself—Yukime, the Enchantress. Her nine white fox tails swayed behind her like banners, each adorned with spiritual rings. Her long snow-white hair framed a face so beautiful it could have been carved by the gods, blue eyes holding both warmth and calculation. The snow-white kimono she wore shimmered faintly in the moonlight, gold accents at her cuffs and blue lines tracing delicate patterns. Two iron war fans rested at her waist, ready to spring into her hands at the slightest threat.

Yukime’s gaze briefly slid toward Aiyden. She offered the smallest nod, a silent acknowledgment, before turning and leaving.

Juggernaut then went his own way as well.

Aiyden exhaled, adjusting his grip on his weapon. “Let’s move,” he said to the woman beside him.

They passed through the gates… and saw what seemed like a quick fight.The Watch Dog—the so-called White Demon remains layed near the gate.Aiyden glanced at the corpse, then at the armored woman. “Shadow loves to make an entrance.Let’s go.”

They moved quickly through the gate’s wreckage.

“What’s your name?” Aiyden asked as they broke into a run again.

She turned her head slightly, the moonlight catching on the gold of her armband.
“…Claudia. Claudia Levantine.”

Chapter Text

Crimson Tower – Inner Library…

The air inside the library was heavy with the scent of dust and aged parchment. Towering shelves stretched into the shadows, lined with tomes whose bindings whispered of centuries past.

In a far corner, Beta stood at a massive bookshelf, flipping through a cracked leather-bound volume. Her hood concealed most of her face, the light blue fringe of her hair the only detail visible beneath the shadows. Behind her, Numbers 664, 665, and 666 moved with quiet precision, scanning through scrolls and relics under the dim light of enchanted lanterns.

666 traced a finger over a page of intricate schematics, brow furrowing.

“If this was the general technology of the time,” she murmured, “then we must conclude the Cult’s level of technology was extraordinary.”
Beta’s eyes didn’t leave her book.

“I see here that the source of their power was found in the demon. That much I understand. But where,” she closed the tome with a muted thump, “could they have possibly found the knowledge necessary to harness such power?”

The quiet was suddenly broken by a loud thud, followed by an explosive crash of books scattering.

A bookshelf near the center of the library shifted—and out of it tumbled Claire Kagenou, Mary, Fran, Mage, and Tama, landing in a tangled heap on the carpet.

Mary groaned.“I told you not to touch things willy-nilly.”

Claire pushed herself up, brushing dust from her clothes.

“How was I supposed to know it would become a slide?”

Tama, already standing, deadpanned.“That’s exactly why she told you not to, ma’am.”

Mary sighed, pulling herself to her feet.“Anyway… at least we’ve successfully made it inside the tower.”

Claire straightened her coat.“I can’t believe that passage turned into a slide and connected everything like this.”

A faint whish of paper turning drew their attention. All eyes shifted to a hooded figure seated calmly at a table.

Beta’s voice was calm, but carried weight.“What am I to do with this? I’m supposed to eliminate all witnesses… but now…”

“(Not only is she Lord Shadow’s sister, but she’s also the fiancée of Lord Echo… I know I shouldn’t be jealous, but—)”

Her train of thought was cut short as Claire and the others instinctively drew their weapons.

“I have absolutely no desire to fight you, Miss Claire,” Beta said, her smirk hidden under the hood.

Claire narrowed her eyes.“How is it you know who I am?”

“You’re the winner of the recent Bushin Festival, are you not? Claire Kagenou.”

Mary’s voice dropped to a whisper.“She doesn’t appear to be a vampire… and we don’t have the time for unnecessary battles. Besides… she’s not alone.”

Claire glanced upward. Three silhouettes stood poised atop the bookshelf.

665 leaned toward 664, whispering far too loudly.“So why do you think Lady Beta keeps hiding her face like that?”

664 hissed.“Shh! Be quiet!”

Claire’s tone was cold.“All right, tell us who you are and what you’re doing here.”

Beta stepped forward, lowering her hood slightly.“I am Beta… of Shadow Garden.”

Claire’s eyes hardened.“Shadow Garden? The punks who burned down our school. So what, you’re going to burn the tower down now?”

“No. I’m researching the possessed—for reasons I can’t share—and I require a blood sample from a progenitor vampire.”

Mary tilted her head.“And what do progenitor vampires have to do with the possessed?”

Beta closed her book, her voice smooth.“When traced back to their origin, the possessed and vampires are the same. Over time, the bloodlines split. That’s our working theory. Which is why the Blood Queen, as a progenitor, is key to our research.”

Claire blinked.“The possessed… and vampires… are the same?”

Mary’s tone sharpened.“That is blasphemy against the progenitors.”

Beta tilted her head, almost teasing.“And why exactly would that make you angry, my dear one-thousand-year-old rumor… Miss Ancient Vampire Hunter?”

Mary froze, her eyes narrowing.“So you do know who I am.”

Beta raised her hands slightly.“We’ll stay out of your way, you stay out of ours. Can we leave it at that?”

Claire’s expression softened just slightly.“Just tell me one thing… Is there a way to cure those who’ve become possessed?”

Beta smiled faintly.“Calm down. You have nothing to worry about.”

Claire frowned.“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said.”

Claire exhaled.“Fine. Mary, Mage, Fran, Tama—we’re moving. If we keep wasting time, we’ll never find my brother or Aiyden.”

Beta’s eyes widened.“Your… brother?”

Claire didn’t slow.“He was kidnapped. And my fiancé may have come here to save him. If we don’t hurry, he’ll be sacrificed to the Blood Queen.”

Beta smirked faintly, but before she could speak, 666 blurted—

“Is that really true? Is—”

“Number 666.”

The sharpness in Beta’s tone made the girl flinch.

“Stand down.”

“…Yes, ma’am. My apologies.”

Claire gave them one last glance.“I assume we’re done here. Oh—and stay out of our way.”

The group turned to leave, but Beta’s voice followed them.

“You have no desire to strive for the Haven once more?”

Mary froze mid-step, her expression unreadable.

“Mary?” Claire asked, but Mary walked past without answering.

Claire called after her, frustrated.“Hey! Hold on just a minute—”

But the group had already disappeared into the shadows.

Beta exhaled slowly.“You disappoint me, Number 666.”

“My deepest apologies,” 666 said, bowing her head.

Beta’s gaze shifted to 664 and 665.“And you two are supposed to keep her in line.”

“We’re sorry, Miss Beta,” 664 said quickly.

665’s muffled voice came through a mouth stuffed with bread.“Mmmf–srry…”

Beta pinched the bridge of her nose.“Our mission is simple—obtain the sample. Lord Shadow and Lord Echo will deal with the Blood Queen. That way, all problems—including the matter of the sacrifice—are eliminated. Understood, Number 666?”

“…Yes, Lady Beta.”

(Babysitting is part of the job, Beta…)

Meanwhile with Aiyden…

The stone halls echoed with the clash of steel and the hiss of dying vampires. Shattered lanterns spilled dim light across the crimson-stained floor as Aiyden—known to Shadow Garden as Echo—wiped his blade clean on the tattered cloak of their latest foe. Beside him, Claudia lowered her sword, her breathing steady despite the battle.

They had moved in perfect rhythm, neither needing to speak during the fight. But as the last corpse fell, Claudia’s gaze lingered on him, her mind racing.

“(So this is Echo… A man tied to Shadow Garden. I’ve heard the rumors—their terrifying strength, their shadows in every corner of the world… and now, one of them stands beside me.)”

Her thoughts were interrupted by his voice.“Your sword style doesn’t match that of this kingdom,” Aiyden said, sliding his weapon back into its sheath. “My guess—you’re from a different kingdom entirely.”

Claudia tilted her head, meeting his calm gaze.“You are correct. I’m originally from the Oriana Kingdom. When I married my husband, I moved here. My father-in-law, Grave…”

She hesitated, but before she could decide whether to continue, Aiyden finished the thought for her.

“Do you hate that I killed him?”Echo asks.

Her eyes softened, but there was no hesitation in her answer.“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t saddened. He was my mentor. Like a father to me. But… earlier that night, he and my husband argued. About us not having children.”

She looked down, her grip on the sword tightening.“He threatened to have children with me himself. And then… my husband was killed in the streets by those...”

The air between them seemed to grow heavier, the quiet only broken by the distant groans of the wounded.

“Now,” she continued, “I have a chance to avenge him.”

Aiyden studied her expression for a moment before asking—

“And after you take your vengeance? What then?”

Claudia hesitated.“…I don’t know. Perhaps I’ll return to the Oriana Kingdom. Or join the military here.”

He stepped closer, his voice lowering.“Seeing your skills up close… Shadow Garden would put them to good use.”

Extending a gloved hand, he offered a choice.“Help us fight our true enemy—the Cult of Diablos.”

Before she could answer, movement flickered in her peripheral vision. A vampire lunged from the shadows, fangs bared—
Claudia’s blade was already in motion, slicing through its neck in a single, fluid strike. The body fell at Aiyden’s feet.

He gave a faint, approving smirk.“You don’t have to give your answer now… Once this is all over.”

The two turned back toward the darkened corridor ahead, their footsteps echoing together as they pressed deeper into the castle.

Crimson Tower – Collapsing Halls…

The stench of iron filled the air. Splashes of red painted the cracked stone as Claire’s sword tore through a vampire’s chest, her blade sliding between its ribs and into the heart.

“Go for the heart,” Mary instructed calmly, her voice cutting through the clash.

Claire snarled back, annoyed.“Yeah, I know that!”

Beside them, Mage conjured crystalline lances of ice, each shard piercing cleanly into a vampire’s chest. Tama and Fran worked in tandem, their blades finding openings as another two vampires crumbled into dust.

The group pressed forward, but Claire’s sharp eyes never left Mary. Something in the woman’s tone, her unnerving calm, tugged at her instincts.

“You’re hiding something from us.” Claire’s voice was cold, her sword still dripping. “Back in the library, you were acting strange. Almost like you were taking the vampires’ side. Just what is it you’re after?”

Mary met her gaze evenly, her expression unreadable.“The Blood Queen.”

Mage glanced between them.“But… it didn’t sound like you wanted to vanquish her.”

“Exactly,” Claire muttered, narrowing her eyes.

Mary continued to walk forward.“I’ve lived this long only to achieve my purpose.”

Claire stepped closer, her tone sharpening.“Then what was all that talk about Haven? You don’t look like an elf, but… they’ve whispered about you for a thousand years.”

Mary’s eyes flickered, but she deflected with a low chuckle.

“Claire, you aren’t any different. One who is possessed can never return to being human. It’s obvious—everyone knows it. So why ask such a stupid question? Everyone has their secrets. I won’t pry into yours, and you won’t pry into mine.”

Claire clenched her fists but bit back her reply.

Then—a surge. A ripple of raw magical energy pressed down on them like a storm. The group turned sharply, drawn toward the source but hid behind a pillar, and their eyes widened.In the great hall ahead, Juggernaut the Tyrant was locked in brutal combat with high-ranking vampires, his sword cleaving through bodies as though they were kindling.

Marys eyes narrowed"Look who it is."

Mage blinked"W-who is that?"

"Juggernaut the Tyrant."

"That's the boss at the Black Tower,right?" Claire asks.

Mary nods"And the one he's beating to a pulp is the third most powerful vampire in this tower"

Tama saw the two vampires on the ground"What about them?"

"On the left is number 5 and the right is a lost number"Mary answered.

"Those titles make them sound tough"said Claire.

“Juggernaut Rose to the top to become one of the most powerful people in the Lawless City through sheer overwhelming violence.We should avoid a fight with him if possible” said Mary.

But their escape was cut off.

Juggernaut’s shadow loomed, and in a blur, his fist lashed out—slamming into Claire and Tama. The impact cracked stone, sending Claire tumbling as blood spilled from her mouth which sent her into the ground to a lower level. Tama coughed violently, thrown against the wall.

Mary cried out but was too slow; Juggernaut’s blade carved across her abdomen. Blood gushed as she staggered, pale and trembling.

The tyrant looked down on them with a wolfish grin.“I thought you’d be better than the grumblings I crushed. Maybe my instincts are getting rusty.”

But then his smirk faltered. A sharp sting in his foot—Claire’s sword had impaled it, pinning him for a heartbeat.

He laughs"You're a tough little lady,aren't you? Most people I fight are down after they get one punch from me."

She pushed herself to her feet, blood dripping down her chin.“You’re only the second person to ever hit me in the face.”

Juggernaut barked out a laugh.“Isn’t that an honor?”

He swung again, but Claire leapt back, pulling Mary with her.

Tama roared and charged, but Juggernaut’s kick hurled him against the wall like a doll.

“Impressive,” the tyrant muttered, eyeing them like prey worth savoring.

Tama rasped,“Fran, Mage—help Mistress Claire… and Mary…”

Mage knelt frantically beside Mary, trying to heal her wound with glowing light, but the gash was too deep. Blood wouldn’t stop flowing.

Mary’s hand suddenly gripped Claire’s wrist, her eyes blazing with desperation."I'm all right..It's been so long...I'm sorry,Claire...Let me suck you blood,I must."

Then—her lips pressed against Claire’s, drawing the blood from her mouth.

Claire’s eyes widened, her face turning crimson.“W–Wh-what are you doing!?”

But Mary’s body trembled as dormant vampiric power ignited within her veins. Her aura exploded outward, dark and ancient, forcing Juggernaut to halt mid-step.

With newfound strength, Mary surged forward, intercepting his strike, her blade sparking against his. She pushed him back for precious seconds—long enough to save Claire.

Juggernaut snarled and lifted his sword to deliver the killing blow—

—but a shadow streaked down from above.

A boot connected with his face, the force sending the tyrant out of the tower.

"WHAT HELL ARE YOU DOING,SHADOW?!!!" Juggernaut’s roar faded as he fell from the Crimson Tower itself.

The girls all then turned to Shadow

"Shadow?"Claire utters.

"The frenzy has begun.We have very time remaining."

Shadow stood there, cape fluttering, eyes burning.before vanishing back into the darkness.

"The hour of awakening is near" his voice echoed.

Mary, clutching her wound, exhaled shakily."Wait a second,isn't it true that Shadow has been identified as an enemy of the church?"

"Did he come here just to help us?"Claire wondered.

“I'm sorry,Claire…for taking your blood"said Mary.

Claire touched her lips"Oh,it's fine.No,it's not actually fine at all but it's done I guess so nevermind.Mary..your secret is that your-"

"Yes.I'm a vampire.I owe you the truth now.Who I am,why I'm here,and the truth about the Blood Queen.”

Mary’s crimson eyes glimmered faintly.“There was a time when vampires thrived—a golden age, when they hunted humans freely, feasting as though people were no more than livestock. But then humans learned their weaknesses.”

Her voice carried the weight of centuries, each word deliberate.“First… sunlight. It burned them to ash. Second, their hearts. Once destroyed, no regeneration was possible. Third… without constant blood, they withered, losing all power.”

Fran’s expression hardened. Mage swallowed nervously. Tama tilted her head, ears twitching.

Mary continued.“Because of these discoveries, humans gained the upper hand. The vampire race declined swiftly. During this time, our ruler, the blood queen, my lady Elisabeth was living among humans as the ruler of a small fiefdom.She wanted to live in harmony with the humans and voluntarily gave up blood.As her subjects, we followed our Queens example and stop drinking blood as well.As a result, we gradually lost our powers but we gained other things in return.The ability to live in the light of the Sun.Tranquil hearts no different than those of the humans.Our thirst for blood waned and we were able to live in A Beautiful World filled with light.But that was not so for Queen Elizabeth.No matter how far she removed herself from blood, the maddening thirst for it never left her and when sunlight struck her, it would burn her skin hideously.Nevertheless she built the place for us called Haven, a land where humans and vampires can live together in happiness.For a while, The Haven she strove for truly did exist in that place.I really believed that.”

Her tone faltered, just slightly.“But peace is fragile. The night the Red Moon rose,Happens once every Thousand Years.The night they gave us vampires tremendous power.Queen Elizabeth was starving for blood, a traitor among us—Crimson—slipped blood into Elisabeth’s meal. She… lost control. Frenzied.Her Massacre lasted for 3 days and three nights.The Haven disappeared into a pile of rubble and Three Kingdoms suffered catastrophic damage.I survived by laughing up the blood of the dead and went in pursuit of my queen.”

Mary’s hand clenched at her side. “By the time I was reunited with her, it was all over.She said herself this mistaken up he repeated and asked me to spread her ashes into the ocean so that her flesh could never revive.Queen Elizabeth took a dagger and stabbed herself in the heart.If she had been an ordinary vampire, she would have disintegrated instantly.However, the queen never turned to ash.There she was, her breath stopped, her heart stilled.I could never defy her wishes, nor carry them out.It was then I realized all I could do was about to watch over her in her Eternal slumber.”

Claire and the others stood frozen, the weight of the revelation heavy on their chests.

Mary’s voice grew tight, bitter.“It was a foolish choice.Immediately after that, crimson and his followers took my lady Elizabeth from me.And now, he is once again attempting to use her for his own selfish ambition.How can I possibly earn her forgiveness?”

Silence followed. The torch crackled faintly.

When the tale ended, the group sat in silence.

Finally, Claire spoke. Her voice was quiet, but steady.“I know better than you.I might be possessed.”

Mary turn towards her.

Claire continued“I began to show signs when I was just a little girl.One day I will become a monster too.I hoped to enjoy my remaining days with my fiance and that I could help my brother achieve something important before that happened.That's why I brought them here… and now it's my fault that they’re..If anything happens to them because of me, how can I ever apologize?”

“That's not true”said Mary.

“So, your Haven… are you sure you can't build it again?”Claire asks.

“I don't want to repeat the same mistake.Besides, I believe that Queen Elizabeth wants to die-”

“You won't know that unless you talk to her.I don't think what you tried to build was a mistake.I don't even want to think about that.It's too sad to let it end this way.So let's do this thing together and go kick this Crimson guy’s butt and get your queen back, okay?”Claire asks.

“Yeah!”Tama cheered with Fran.

“What they said”said Mage.

“You hear them, what do you say?”Claire asks.

Mary blinked“Claire, I…” seeing the determination on their faces and smiles”I'm grateful.”

She comes closer, extending her hand to Claire, which Claire accepts.”And I promise to help you rescue your brother and fiance, too.”

Claire smirked”I'm more than capable of doing that myself with panache.So mind your own business, all right?”

The group exchanged looks—some fearful, some determined.

Claire turned sharply on Mage and Tama, her tone icy.

“Keep what Mary did to yourselves. Or else.”

The two girls flinched in unison.“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

Claire exhaled slowly, then turned back toward the corridor leading deeper into the tower.

“Good. Then let’s move. My brother and Aiyden are waiting.”

Chapter Text

Claire, Mage, Tama, Fran, and Mary burst through the uppermost gates of the Crimson Tower. after hearing a loud rumbling. Claire was looking around for Cid and Aiyden along with the others as Mary looked around.

“I'm not sensing crimson's presence any longer, and I don't see the coffin anywhere.What in the world happened-”

Mary’s keen eyes caught something shifting in the corner of the chamber.

“Claire, look out!”She shouted a warning, but Claire’s reaction was half a heartbeat too slow.

SHLK!

A crimson tendril pierced through her chest.

“Cid… Aiyden…” Claire whispered faintly, blood trickling from her lips as her body collapsed.

“CLAIRE!!” Mary screamed, her composure shattered. The Ancient Vampire Slayer fell to her knees, despair hollowing her out as the Blood Queen stirred fully, blossoming from her cocoon of blood.

The queen’s hunger fell upon Claire’s broken body. She reached out languidly, declaring her choice of first meal.

“No… not her…!” Mary’s trembling voice cracked.

Tama shook her violently. “Mary! Snap out of it—we’ll all die if you don’t fight!”

But before despair consumed them, salvation came crashing through stained glass like a storm.

Four shadows descended.

“Shadow Garden.”

Beta’s sword gleamed as her blade swept cleanly through the Blood Queen’s neck. The head rolled, the body staggered. 664 darted forward, snatching Claire’s fallen form, while 665 and 666 threw up suppressing fire and defensive barriers.

“Lady Elizabeth… my queen..” Mary utters.

She then noticed Beta’s group”Why the hell are you here?”

Beta ignores her”How is she?”

“She’s still breathing!” 664 confirmed urgently, hands already moving for emergency healing. “But I'm not sure emergency first aid will be enough to help!”

Beta’s eyes narrowed as the severed head of the Blood Queen began to stitch itself back, blood tendrils writhing. “I see…It doesn't look like we'll be able to beat a hasty retreat.”

She tightened her grip. (Our Lords have not yet revealed themselves.That means they have some higher priority, some Grand purpose to achieve first.In other words, they have entrusted me to handle the situation.My Lord's sister is dying, I cannot allow her life to be lost.I must finish this quickly.)

“664— continue to care for her! 665, 666—cover me!”

Exploding shurikens and precise strikes tore limbs apart, but Mary’s grim voice cut through:“No use. I admit you people are strong indeed.But my lady is…My queen has always been a slow riser due to low blood pressure.”

And then it happened.

A pulse of ancient magic swept the chamber, heavy enough to make Beta’s knees quake. The elf’s eyes widened.”This magical energy… it's greater than lady Alpha’s?”

The newly arrived Yukime stood on a nearby pillar."My,my, you look like such a darling little thing.But you're quite the monster, aren't you? I shall have to time my departure carefully, I see.”

Juggernaut, undeterred, hurled himself at the queen.”Hey! Quit having so much fun without inviting me!”

KRSH!

The only result: a Juggernaut-shaped crater smashed into a nearby pilliar.

“Stupid little-”

“What do you think that you're doing?” Yukime asks.

“Shut up!” juggernaut retorts.

The Blood Queen’s wrath answered with blood projectiles—hundreds of them. Beta’s slime shield ballooned, straining against the hailstorm, but cracks formed. The projectiles broke through, shredding flesh. Every ally suffered wounds.

“Outmatched…” Beta whispered, forcing her body upright. “666—Keep Ms.Claire safe!”

666 clenched her fists. “No! I can fight! I won’t—”

“You will!” Beta’s voice cracked with authority. “You have ambitions. A future. Don’t throw it away here!”

The situation spiraled further as corrupted tumors sprouted across the chamber, merging with once-healed possessed. Their writhing forms filled the battlefield.

One by one, Beta and the Numbers faltered under the cursed regression. But Claire… Claire’s transformation accelerated.

Inside the castle, the sounds of steel and shrieking blood-born magic reverberated through the halls. Claudia’s ears twitched—battle. Without hesitation, she rushed ahead, her blade ready.

Aiyden, however, halted, sensing a familiar presence behind him.

“You want to explain what you’re doing here?” he asked flatly, turning to face Shadow.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Cid tilted his head.

“No,” Aiyden replied, deadpan.

Cid sighed as if disappointed no one understood his brilliance.

Earlier…

In the tower’s treasury, Cid carefully examined glittering artifacts, magical tomes, and jeweled relics. He tapped his chin.

No, too heavy. That? Nah, cursed. That one? Suspiciously glowing.

Finally, he settled on the practical option: gold coins. High value. Easy to carry.

With meticulous efficiency, he poured one thousand coins—equaling one hundred million zeni—into his slime bodysuit. His entire frame shimmered faintly with the weight of his newfound fortune.

“Perfect. A true Shadow Broker must fund his activities properly,” he mused, hands on his hips.

With his loot secured, he went off to confront the Blood Queen.

When he arrived at her supposed chamber, however, his dramatic entrance was wasted. All potential audience members were dead—a vampire split in half, a black-haired man with his head cleanly removed.

“Eh? My big reveal… wasted…”

He crouched, poking a bisected corpse with his sword. Dust swirled in the silence as he muttered, “Maybe this is one of those group battle scenarios? Or perhaps the final boss is elsewhere. Yes… the plot thickens!”

With renewed determination, he decided to check the basement for a dormant monarch. He left completely unaware of the grotesque red growth germinating behind him.

Back in the present…

Aiyden sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “As I thought.”

Noticing the clash above, he straightened. “We gotta go help. Let me take this one, you run defense.”

Cid tilted his head. “Why?” But then his thoughts clicked. (Ooh, I get it. He didn’t get to show off in the last fight. It was a two-on-two, but I stole the spotlight. Heh…This is his redemption arc..)

“Fine,” Cid said aloud. “But the next one is mine.”

“…Wha?” Aiyden muttered, confused, but waved it off. “Fine.”

On the battlefield, chaos reigned.

Aurora, now possessing Claire’s body, reveled in her temporary freedom. She calmly reversed a barrage of crimson projectiles, sending them tearing into the Blood Queen. Yet regeneration undone her efforts—the queen rose, whole and unyielding.

Aurora raised her hand to weave atomic magic, but Claire’s body faltered under the strain. A fatal counterstrike was about to land—until Claudia intercepted, barely deflecting the blow.

Claudia braced herself, uncertain of what possessed Claire, but unwilling to abandon her.

Then—

A shockwave split the battlefield.

Shadow descended, golden light refracting across his slime suit, gleaming like a knight of treasure under the crimson moon. Echo appeared beside him, flames flickering at his shoulders.

The air grew heavy.

“Shall we?” Shadow asked, voice calm.

“Let’s,” Aiyden replied, his voice deepening as his skull ignited.

Juggernaut groaned. “Him again?! And who’s the one with the flaming skull?!”

Yukime eyes’ narrowed. “The stars of the show make their grand entrance.”

Shadow lands on the ground. “The hour of awakening has arrived… The hour… of awakening has—”

“Arrived!!” Echo roared, igniting the battlefield.

The Blood Queen unleashed a storm. Red meteors rained from the heavens. Shadow’s golden barrier held them at bay, his body gleaming like a treasury turned to armor.

“Sorry, Blood Queen,” Echo’s voice thundered. “Your opponent is me. Since you’re a vampire, you’ll be happy to know… the sun does not rise in Hell.”

The ground quaked as their powers collided.

Mary’s eyes widened. “Such magic energy… he’s holding his own against Queen Elisabeth?!”

“Shadow is more powerful than the Witch of Calamity…” 666 whispered in awe.

Tama trembled. (This person… could he truly be our master?)

Fran bit her lip. (If he’s this strong… maybe… even I can…)

Beta tried to reason it out—why Echo was taking the fight instead of Shadow, when either could end it. Her thoughts were cut short as a blood projectile streaked toward her.
“—!”

Shadow’s slime shield intercepted it effortlessly.Not just her but also 666 and the others from the projectiles.

“I can’t afford to lose a single one,” Shadow intoned.

The words struck Beta like lightning. Her cheeks flushed, and she clenched her blade tighter.”Dear Lord Shadow,I see the noble benevolence of your heart Shining like a glittering gold before me…”

“I can’t afford to lose a single one.”

Beta in awe“Oh Lord shadow, is that how deeply you care? Hmm, then beta has nothing more to say, your grace”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed“No more..”

“I will pray for your victory, Lord Echo.I know you can do it! You shall prevail!”

Echo turned briefly. “Beta, status report.How's everyone here?”

“They're fine!” Beta blurted, cheeks crimson.

“You've done an excellent job at stalling her, Beta.Leave the rest of me”said Echo.

Beta’s heart fluttered, cheeks burning at his gallantry. “Echo-sama…”

Echo surged upward, meeting the Blood Queen in the heavens. Her scythe clashed with his blazing blade, shockwaves cracking the air.

“That’s the almighty Lord Echo!” 664 gasped. “Just as powerful as Lord Shadow. What a fearsome sight!”

Juggernaut squinted. “What’s he think he’s doing, flying around up there?”

“Indeed,” Yukime purred, licking her lips. “Both he and Shadow are… surprising men.”

Echo’s hollow voice reverberated as he parried the queen’s scythe, sparks of flame trailing every blow.

Mary shivered. “That’s… not magic. It’s something else.”

“This has been fun, your majesty,” he said evenly. “But the climax approaches.”

The Blood Queen’s apathetic face warped into a smile. “Then tell me, flaming skull gentleman—what is your name?”

“I am judge, jury, and executioner,” he declared. “I am Echo, the Spirit of Vengeance.”

Mary’s protests rang out, but the Blood Queen only spread her arms, prepared for death.

In that moment, Echo’s eyes flashed green, his flames shifting from orange to emerald. Time stilled as he peered into her soul. Memories—her entire life—flooded into him.

“I see…” he whispered.

He lowered his blade. Green fire washed across the battlefield—not to destroy, but to heal. Ghouls dissolved into ash, allies’ wounds closed, and the queen collapsed into unconsciousness, her body restored.

Mary ran to her side, kneeling, and covering Elizabeth with her jacket. “What did you do?!”

“I saw her memories,” Echo said gently. “She is no sinner. Merely a pawn. Thus… she is spared.She will be back to her normal self.You have my word.”

He turned to leave when Claudia stepped forward.

“Wait!” she called. “Why? Why spare her?”

“Because the ones responsible are already dead. She was used… and I will not kill an innocent.”

Claudia’s grip on her sword loosened. Slowly, she nodded. “I respect that. And… your offer. To join Shadow Garden. Does it still stand?”

“Yes,” Echo answered.

“Then I accept.”

A faint smile touched his skull. “Good. I’ll contact you soon. But for now—go home. Your husband deserves a proper burial.”

And with that, Echo vanished into emerald fire. Shadow dissolved into the night.

The tower grew silent once more.

After the battle, the dust settled around the battered stones of Crimson Tower. Claire, Tama, Mage, and Fran found themselves face-to-face once more with Cid and Aiyden.

Cid scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Uh… sorry for wandering off on my own.”

Aiyden nodded. “We were taken into the tower, but… we were saved. By a man with a flaming skull and a woman. Without them, we’d be gone.”

Claire blinked in astonishment, then lowered her gaze. “…Then we owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Aiyden gave her a soft smile, then casually winked at Tama, Mage, and Fran. The three girls exchanged knowing looks but said nothing, playing along with the secret.

The next day, the cold air of the Lawless City carried a rare stillness. The group prepared to leave. Claire lingered beside Mary as the others waited by the road.

Cid leaned toward Aiyden and whispered, “So, what was that green flame thing you did yesterday?”

Aiyden tilted his head, pretending to puzzle it out. “Hmm… no idea. Maybe a new power? Don't know how but I was able to heal all those who were turned into ghouls and their injuries...last time I checked my flames burned not heal..(Can't really tell Cid I learned it from Valkyrie..I thought if I expanded it,it would just cover the tower,not the city..got lucky on that one..but then where did that green flames come from? Gonna have a chat with Alunda on that)”

Cid squinted at him. “You’re awfully calm for someone spouting mysterious green fire.That fight was pretty cool though I would have said” I am recovery atomic.” but pretty good.”

Aiyden narrowed his eyes”Everyone's a critic.”

Meanwhile, Claire pressed her forehead against Mary’s, whispering softly. Behind her, Tama, Mage, and Fran stood in quiet support. When Mary’s carriage finally rolled away, Claire turned and unexpectedly pressed both Cid and Aiyden into a tight embrace.

“Forgive me,” she said, voice trembling. “For dragging you into the city… for nearly jeopardizing your lives.”

Aiyden rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Really.”

Cid remained silent, though the way his eyes softened spoke enough.

On the road back to Midgar Kingdom, the conversation grew quieter, but Cid’s mind turned thoughtful. (One thing hasn’t changed, he mused. That incident didn’t cure her chuunibyo delusions.)

Sure enough, Claire now wore fresh bandages around her left hand. She held it aloft with dramatic seriousness.

“Cid… Aiyden… I think I should tell you the truth. There are… special powers that have taken root in my left hand. And I… I must uncover the mystery of these powers.”

Cid smiled. “If I know you, sis, you’ll be fine. No matter what path you take, we’ll be right behind you.”

Aiyden added with gentle certainty, “I’m here if you need me.”

Claire gave a small, bittersweet laugh and leaned against Aiyden’s shoulder. “…Thank you. Both of you.”

Behind them, Mage spoke up, glancing at the two sleeping figures of Tama and Fran. “We’ll help too. All of us.”

That night, once they had returned to Midgar Kingdom, the world shifted again.

A train rumbled down the tracks, carrying passengers unaware of the storm gathering inside. Within one dimly lit car, two figures moved like shadows slipping from flesh.

Cid and Aiyden shed their ordinary selves, transforming into Shadow and Echo.

Before them, Yukime stood, arms folded gracefully, her fox tails swaying with unshakable confidence. She had followed them all the way from the Lawless City.

Shadow’s voice cut the air, low and commanding.“Now then, let’s hear what you have to say.”

Yukime’s lips curled into a smile, blue eyes glimmering with schemes.