In the dark alley, the lady in black quietly hide herself as she quietly changed. Controlling the shadows swallowing her black armour changing it into a casual loose black shirt with a coat, denim pants and a rubber shoes. Covering her caramel hair ran down to her shoulders returning to its black color and her shy expression covered by a casual hat then casually left the alley mixing into the crowd.
'Did she recognized me?' The lady in black thought and this lady is none other than Freya Nightshade.
I kinda panicked that I used my power in front of them. Both of them must have seen it but they did not say nor ask a thing about it. Do they already knew about me? Thinking about it. It looked like Rei did not recognized me but he knew about... the shadow-control?
Keep calm. As long as I already have it my mission is done. I have to return to report back. But I did not expect for Marlon to have it for a long time and endure its ravings. Greatly I made it in time before he was to harm "her".
Freya then casually left the street. Keeping out to not meet Yuna and company again.
A few streets away a black car was waiting. Dark owl-eyes symbol was marked at the front and the back of the car.
Freya was stunned seeing the car across the street. She pulls down her hat casually enters a convenient store, ignoring the car she recognized.
The car window rolls down halfway and a skinny shadow figure was seen, at first glance. But it was a young man in early 30's of age. Just like his' shadow portraited, he is skinny and thin.
Wears a black trousers and a white polo shirt even in that simple attire, He gives off an intimidating power and presence. His face is blocked by the night shadow so his facial features were not clearly seen.
He is the potential next Head of the Nightshade Familia, Franzarc Kostroma Nightshade. Franko in short, is also the oldest brother of Freya. Franko has a frail body when he was born but despite that he was called a prodigy because of early controlling of shadows. The main and natural power of the Nightshades.
Naturally shadow-control only manifests on the age of five yet Franko's was when he was born. When he was crying, as if all the shadows gathered around him that entirely covered the delivery room. Everyone was frightened but not his mother the Head of the Nightshade Familia.
Despite being physically weak after giving birth she controlled the shadows to disperse but to no avail. A few times of trying the shadows eventually dispersed as baby Franko's cry slowly went quiet. And so on being able to fully control them at very yound age he was called a prodigy.
Because of that everyone admire him up 'till now. Freya being not as that great or nearly like her brother Franzarc became the lighter shadow that was not easily noticed with light. Growing up like that developed her determination to be stronger but unnoticeable yet necessary.
She insisted in becoming his brother's subordinate as her training for herself following her brother's footsteps but Franko trampled over Freya's pride or humiliate her. Casting her to his shadow and to the Underworld as if a young girl is imprisoned with no way out but to get strong.
Months of suffering alone in the dark world a ball of hatred was created in her heart but she kept it in her. Acting as if imprisonment did not affect her. Franko up until now continues to out-shadow and stepping her pride and confidence so she would not be able to develop. Grow to be a candidate for the next head of the family.
It is their tradition in giving the position of being the leader of the family, the current will choose among their children who has the potential and is responsible for leading the family. Not only the Nightshade family but the whole Familia.
Their mother noticed this then secretly let Freya serve under her directly that she will help her to make Freya, a woman she needed and wanted to be. Freya asked why she did that even though both mother and daughter have not interacted much with each other since at Freya's five years of age nor did not help her from her suffering.
The reason why she did all this was answered by these words,
"Because I am your mother. And I would not let others out-shadow you."
Having this opportunity she accepted her mother's offer. Disregarding her emotions. Thus was given a mission to find Gaea's Treasure Gem and bring it to her directly. Freya did not dare ask why because it is a rule to not question the intention of the higher entity.
Franko was also given the same mission and was told to not tell anyone.
He observed his sister inside the car. When Freya entered the store, Franko rolls up the car window then commands. "Go now. Take me home. I'm tired". Just by speaking, his voice creates a tension in the air.
Two men left the car wear a casual polo shirts changing like what Freya did, then stood beside the window of Franzarc. "You know what to do", he said coldly only for the two men to hear him. They nodded in reply then instantly vanished.
Hiding something from me would not get you anywhere Frey. I can easily track you wherever you go. Franko said inwardly.
Him being around the neighborhood was not because of Freya. Franzarc sensed the Gem using the shadows around the area. By the time Freya "consumed" the Gem, he sensed whose shadow was it but did not act immediately.
After Fanzarc's car left, Freya simply bought a drink and left the store. Cautious about her surroundings, taming the shadows around the area.
Sensing that there are two men with ill intentions. Recognized that they are Franzarc's followers, Freya sped up walking towards where there are many people.
...
Ms. Panilly's Tailor shop
"Everything will finish in 2 to 3 days in time. I'll contact Mr. Lee once they are good to go." Ms. Panilly spoke with confidence.
"Will do Ma'am." Roanna replied. After settling down, the four of them left the shop then went on their separate ways. Roanna left the group first after walking a few distance. Which leaves Yuna, Rei and Marlon together.
"Where and since when did you have it?" Yuna asked plainly.
It took time before the two realize what she means. Marlon was taken aback by the question. He opens his mouth but no words came out of it.
Her words was left hanging but Yuna did not expect for him to answer the question.
Does she know what it was? Rei wonders. But her reaction earlier was obvious that she knew about the Nightshade. Does she? His mind roam around until Marlon spoke up.
"In a mountain on the north. When we had a vacation and went there. I was seven years old at that time so I was excited and curious about things which I got lost. My surroundings were filled with mist that I could not see whats ahead clearly. Even called out to my parents but to no avail.
"My memory around that time is blur so I can't remember much. All I can recall is that I found something shimmering and glowing then picked it up. I don't know what happened after that and as far as I can remember I woke up beside a giant tree where my parents found me, holding the gem."
Rei curiously asked, "What did they said after seeing a gem in your hand?"
"Actually they do not see it as a gem. I was confused when they did not react to it. I even asked them what I was holding and they answered 'Don't you see it is a pebble?' Stunned about what they said I confirmed what it is and decided to keep it" Marlon explained.
"A pebble, huh. It was freaking obvious it was a gem." Yuna wonders. "So does that make you crazy like earlier? or what?".
Recalling what happened earlier. Marlon's face became pale.