Shizuka's emerald eyes gazed upon an eerie sight - an abandoned two-story building, standing tall amidst a desolate landscape of leafless trees. The entire area was blanketed with snow, creating a hauntingly beautiful scenery. It was at this very place that Ayashiro and Hakken had first entered this world, and the memory of their arrival resonated within the stillness of the silent surroundings.
Shizuka found herself standing at the snowy entrance with her trusted companions Hakken, Ayashiro, and Granny Takiko by her side. She could feel her heart beating faster as she took a deep breath, knowing that once she stepped through that door, there would be no turning back. The cold air nipped at her skin, and the snow crunched under her feet, creating an eerie silence. Despite her fear, Shizuka felt a sense of determination and resolve welling up inside of her, knowing that she had to face whatever lay ahead.
Hakken murmured to himself, his voice barely audible as he looked at Fujino Shizuka with a reassuring smile. "You've got this," he said, his eyes filled with confidence and encouragement.
Granny Takiko, with her wise eyes, beckoned the group forward towards the entrance. "Your journey begins here," she said softly, as she carefully opened the creaky wooden door. The abandoned building was shrouded in clouds of dust and overgrown with moss, giving it an eerie and mysterious air. The darkness inside was so thick that they had to rely on their flashlights to see. As the teens cautiously made their way inside, Shizuka felt a sense of anticipation and excitement building within her. Descending down an underground passage, they finally caught sight of the round, dark portal that connected both worlds. Shizuka's heart was pounding with nervousness and excitement, as she prepared to embark on a thrilling new adventure into the unknown.
"Well, ladies first." Ayashiro motioned Shizuka to enter the portal first.
"Okay. Eden Land, here I come!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As soon as Shizuka stepped out of the portal, she took a moment to survey her surroundings. She found herself standing in the middle of a vast grassy field, stretching as far as the eye could see. The blades of grass were a vibrant green, swaying gently in the soft breeze that brushed against her skin. The sky above was a deep shade of blue, with a few fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across it. Despite the unfamiliarity of her surroundings, the scene was strangely calming, almost as if the field was welcoming her with open arms.
Emerging from the depths of a mysterious portal, she was accompanied by her three watchful guardians, who followed closely behind her as they stepped into the unknown.
The Divine Knights, with their faces reflecting confusion and perplexity, were at a loss for words as they gazed around them. They had expected to arrive at the entrance to the fabled country of Kaishi in Eden Land, yet they found themselves in an open, grassy field, devoid of any landmarks or structures. The emptiness that surrounded them was overwhelming, and they couldn't help but wonder where they were and how they had ended up here.
Shizuka was taken aback by the sudden shift in weather. While winters in Japan are known for their cold and snowy conditions, they had arrived in an environment that resembled a hot and humid summer. The stark contrast between the two seasons left Shizuka feeling uneasy and out of place.
"I'm feeling weird" Shizuka grimaced and clutched her stomach as an unsettling sensation overtook her. With a low groan, she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, trying to ease the discomfort.
Ayashiro was feeling extremely restless and frustrated as he muttered, "Hold it together, dumbass. We don't have a clue what's happening here." The uncertainty of the situation was weighing heavily on Ayashiro's mind, and he was struggling to keep his composure.
Hakken's voice trembled with anxiety as he turned to Takiko. Beads of sweat had already formed on his forehead and were now dripping down his face. He couldn't help but ask, "Takiko-Sensei, what's happening?" in a worried tone.
Takiko's senses were on high alert as she felt a sense of impending danger. She couldn't quite pinpoint the source of the unease, but she knew that something was wrong. Without wasting a moment, she focused her energy and summoned her ki, feeling it surge through her body. Takiko's hand moved instinctively to her gear and she grabbed her throwing knife, holding it between her thumb and pointing finger. She was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Get ready. Someone is coming." With a swift movement, she shifted herself into her fighting stance, her muscles tensed and ready for the upcoming confrontation. Her eyes focused intently on the direction of the approaching threat, and she braced herself for the imminent fight, determined to defend her students against whatever danger lay ahead.
As the four guests stood there, a man suddenly materialized a few meters away from them. He stood before them, his eyes fixed upon them with an intense gaze. "Welcome to Eden Land," he said, his voice ringing out clear and strong. "You are the child of the prophecy." His words hung in the air, pregnant with meaning and mystery.
Granny Takiko felt a sudden jolt of surprise as she recognized the man behind the voice. Her eyes widened involuntarily and she was struck speechless, completely taken aback by this unexpected turn of events.
Granny Takiko's eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at the man standing before her. Despite the surge of anger rising within her, she made a concerted effort to maintain her composure. "What. . . What on earth brings you to this place, you wretch?" she exclaimed, the mixture of surprise and indignation evident in her voice.
"Long time no see. "The Wind Assassin" is becoming an old hag now, I see." With a wry smile, the man uttered at ease.
Shizuka's eyes filled with disbelief as she turned her head toward the man. The sight before her was so astonishing that it completely took her by surprise.
"Fa. . . Father?" Shizuka was left speechless, her mouth agape in shock and disbelief. She could feel her teeth grinding together as she laid eyes on the man who had abandoned her when she was just a child. The memories of his absence came flooding back, and she was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions - anger, sadness, and confusion. Despite wanting to say something, she found herself at a loss for words, unable to express the depth of her feelings at that moment.
The man, donning a black cape, let out a wide smile as he spoke, "You've grown up beautifully, my dear daughter." His words were filled with pride and admiration for the woman before him.
As the man drew closer, his cape trailed behind him, flowing with the wind, the hem brushing against the ground with each step he took. Granny Takiko, sensing the impending danger, sprang into action and conjured up a protective twister shield, swirling around her granddaughter and the students. The man's hood obscured his face, and his movements were slow and deliberate, sending shivers down the spines of those around him. Granny Takiko stood her ground, determined to keep the innocent ones safe from whatever harm he might bring.
Granny Takiko's voice rose to a panicked pitch as she cried out, "Stop! Don't come any closer!" Her usually calm demeanor was replaced with a visible sense of fear, causing those around her to pause and take notice.
Ayashiro was caught off guard by the sudden chaos and confusion unfolding around him. He let out a startled voice, "What on earth is happening?!" and quickly turned to face the source of the commotion. His eyes fell upon a man who had suddenly appeared before them. Ayashiro couldn't help but feel intrigued and curious about the man's identity and blurted out, "That's your father?" In that moment, Ayashiro's instincts took over and he activated his powerful surge of bluish energy flowing through his body.
Hakken didn't have a clue, but the sight of Sensei, usually fearless, looking terrified, made him believe that the situation was grave. He swiftly summoned his Ki, shielding his eyes from the gusts of wind produced by the swirling twister.
Filled with intense resentment, Shizuka frowned.
Tch! I can't believe I'll be seeing that guy's face again.
Takiko's heart was pounding in her chest as a menacing figure slowly came closer. With lightning speed, she drew her knife and flung it towards him. The blade spun rapidly through the air, its trajectory carefully aimed to strike the ground just inches in front of the advancing man. As the knife embedded itself in the earth, Takiko stood her ground trying to stop the man.
Takiko's voice rose in a sudden outburst, "I said stop!" She quickly reached for another throwing knife from her gear, her fingers deftly reloading it with practiced ease. The tension in the air was palpable as she stood her ground, her eyes fixed on the target in front of her.
The man came to an abrupt halt as the forceful gusts of wind caused his billowing cape to soar upwards. He fixated his gaze upon the glinting blade that was impaled into the ground, a few inches from where he stood.
"I guess you still don't have the guts to kill me, Mother." The man sighed deeply.
Three teenagers huddled inside a protective twister shield, their eyes fixed on a man standing before them. Granny Takiko, a watchful presence beside them, scanned the surroundings for potential escape routes in case the man attempted to make a move.
With the man's calm and reassuring voice, he said, "Relax, I'm not here to fight," his arms raised in surrender. His casual gesture conveyed an air of peacefulness, making it evident that he meant no harm. It was clear that he had come to have a conversation, as he added, "In fact, we have a lot to talk about."
The gentleman possesses a mane of brown hair that falls to a medium length, complemented by a striking pair of eyes that bear a deep maroon-red hue. His facial structure is reminiscent of Shizuka's and appears to belong to a mature individual in his forties, with a chin that bears shades of brown beard.
In his left ear, he adorns a sleek silver earring that gives him a hint of edginess. His attire consists of formal red long sleeves that make him look dashing and sophisticated. He pairs it up with a long cape that's attached to his hood, giving him an air of mystery. His skinny black pants hug his legs perfectly, making him look effortlessly stylish. Completing his ensemble are his classic brown leathered boots that add a touch of ruggedness to his overall appearance.
Takiko's voice was laced with anger as she shouted at Taisuke, "Absolutely not! I refuse to talk to you about this, especially after what I discovered about your deceitful activities in the guild. I knew all along what you were up to!" Her words were sharp, and her tone conveyed a sense of deep betrayal.
Taisuke's face broke into a leisurely smile as he turned towards the old lady, unfazed by the gusts of wind emanating from the twister shield.
"I'm not actually talking to you, Mother."
As they turned around, a sudden and powerful suction force emanated from the portal behind them, causing everything in its vicinity to be drawn inside.
"What the . . !"
"This is bad!"
"Prepare yourselves!"
As the portal twisted and contorted into an ominous "Black Hole," its dark energy seemed to pull everything in its path closer, and the three Divine Knights, who had vowed to protect Shizuka with their lives, found themselves unable to resist its powerful force. The swirling twister conjured by Granny Takiko to shield Shizuka from harm dissipated into thin air, leaving only Shizuka and Taisuke, the man she had always blamed for the tragedies that had haunted her.
With her guardians gone, Taisuke couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. He approached Shizuka with a calm and relaxed demeanor, thankful for the opportunity to finally have an uninterrupted conversation. "It's good to have a peaceful moment to talk, don't you think, my dear?" he said, offering a warm smile to his daughter.
With a fierce gaze fixed upon the man standing in front of her, Shizuka's jaw tightened as her anger boiled up within her. She stared intently, her eyes burning with a fiery intensity that spoke volumes about the depth of her emotions.
"Even though my mother has passed away, it seems like the one I despise the most, the man standing in front of me, still manages to survive. It's as if the universe has a twisted sense of justice where the wicked get to live longer." With an intense glare, she spoke these words, her eyes filled with resentment and bitterness towards the man.
"Woah. That tongue reminds me a lot. You won't even ask how am I doing?" the man replied with his carefree tone.
Shizuka stood still, her eyes fixed on the man in front of her with an intense gaze. She remained silent, not uttering a single word, but her body language spoke volumes about her feelings towards him.
Taisuke let out a heavy sigh and scoffed, "I suppose that's your answer then," he said, his tone laced with disappointment.
"You're useless. For me, you died a long time ago before my mother. You're now just a ghost who used to be my father." Shizuka spoke impulsively and without considering the consequences of her words. In that moment, she seized the opportunity to express her frustration and resentment towards her parent who had abandoned their family.
Taisuke slowly lowered his head, contemplating the words that had just been spoken. "You have a point," he replied, his voice quiet and contemplative. "Maybe I really did die a long time ago..." His mind raced with thoughts and questions, but he couldn't seem to reason them out.
The experience of seeing her father today was vastly different from any time before. His appearance had undergone a complete overhaul, rendering him almost unrecognizable. Gone was the innocent look, with his once ruffled chocolate brown hair now grown out and unkempt, paired with a full beard. Even his emerald green eyes, which he shared with his daughter, seemed to have changed. The bright smile that used to light up his face, reminiscent of Shizuka's mother, was nowhere to be seen.
Everything has changed since.
However, his attention wasn't on the past as he spoke, and he made it clear with his words, "But that's not the reason for my presence here."
" You...!" exclaimed Shizuka in anger as she clenched her teeth.
Taisuke leaned in towards Shizuka and spoke in a hushed tone, "I actually hacked into this world's portal to welcome you and..." Shizuka's curiosity was piqued and she clenched her fists in anticipation. Taisuke moved closer to his daughter and continued in a whisper, "And to warn you as well." His words were almost a breath on her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Shizuka stood frozen, unable to articulate a single word as a wave of disbelief washed over her. She felt her throat constrict as she swallowed hard, and her hands balled into tight fists, the knuckles turning white.
"Don't you dare to get in my way, Shizuka. Ever. Or else I'll have to kill you and your loved ones." He added, wearing a sly and malicious grin.
"Kill me?" The first words that greeted her in this world were not words of endearment or comfort. Instead, they were laced with malice and aggression, serving as a foreboding warning of the tumultuous path that lay ahead of her.
Taisuke calmly turned away, revealing his sleek, black cape that bore the emblem of a bright, red snowflake. As he gracefully draped the cape over his shoulders, he pulled up the hood, shrouding his face in shadows. With his hood up, he resembled a dark, foreboding figure, reminiscent of a Grim Reaper.
Despite having so many emotions and thoughts swirling inside her, Shizuka finds herself unable to express them to her father whom she has been separated from for a long time. She tries to speak, but her teeth remain tightly clenched, as if holding back the words that are fighting to escape.
"You moron. . ." Only these words were able to escape her lips.
"Oh. Before I let you go, I'll give you some advice as well." After making a threatening remark to his daughter, Taisuke couldn't help but suppress a wry smile that had formed on his face.
"Advice? Are you trying to become a real father now?" Shizuka's eyebrows furrowed even more tightly.
"I don't think I'm the best person to give you fatherly advice," he said with a carefree tone in his voice. "However, if you're ever in need of power, find me."
Shizuka expressed her frustration by blurting out, "I refuse! Why would I need you?! You're already dead to me!"
Taisuke scoffed and then shifted his gaze back to Shizuka.
Taisuke's sinister grin stretched across his face as he spoke in a low, ominous tone. "If you truly are the reincarnation of the Red-Eyed Princess," he said, "you will need to rely on your Dragons as your ultimate source of power."
Perplexed and confused, she asked with a hint of desperation in her voice, "What do you mean?"
"I am the Black-Flamed Dragon. The most powerful Dragon of all time. You're nothing without me." Taisuke shot a piercing glance at her, his lips curling into a sly smirk.
Shizuka was taken aback by the sudden force that pulled her towards the black hole behind her. She let out a blood-curdling scream as she felt herself getting sucked into the abyss of darkness.