In the midst of an inky abyss, the relentless patter of rain echoes, accompanied by the intermittent flash of lightning that paints the scene in stark contrast. A sense of negativity hangs heavily in the air, the storm mirroring the turmoil within. Amidst this atmospheric tempest, a woman's voice rings out, a cascade of angry and accusatory words cutting through the gloom.
"It's all your fault! You're the cause of this!" the woman's voice booms with a deep resonance.
"I'm sorry..." a younger, more fragile voice responds, teetering on the edge of despair.
"Sorry won't bring him back, Claire!" the older woman's voice slices through the air, laden with bitterness and sorrow.
The scene morphs, the obscure void giving way to an expansive, opulent room adorned with luxurious furnishings. Golden chandeliers cast their radiant glow, illuminating the sheen of expensive furniture and the gleam of polished floors. Amidst this opulence, a disheveled and bruised young Claire sits on the floor, tears tracing paths down her cheeks. Across from her stands an older woman, adorned in elegant attire yet with smeared makeup that betrays the emotional storm raging within. This older figure, presumably Claire's mother, appears to berate her daughter, the reason shrouded in mystery but carrying a weight of pain.
The somber truth unfolds as Claire relives this poignant memory, a pivotal fragment that shattered her just as Light's own experiences had left him emotionless. But Claire, unlike Light, veiled her pain with a smile.
"Get out my sight!" the older woman's voice thunders, sending tremors through the atmosphere.
In haste, Claire rises from her seated position and flees toward the staircase, her footsteps echoing in the chamber as she ascends the steps with a purpose. Her destination is her room, a sanctuary from the turmoil below. Tears continue to cascade, indifferent to her battered state, her only concern to escape the woman whose glare bears down upon her.
"Brother! Brother!" Claire's thoughts resonate with a mournful timbre, a silent plea borne from a heart burdened by sorrow.
January 14 4005 12:01PM
In the present, Claire crumbles beneath the weight of her emotions. Her ability to contain them crumbles, her hands instinctively covering her face as tears flow unabated. Before her stands Light, rendered speechless by the intensity of her display, his mouth slightly agape as he watches the scene unfold.
"I lost everything the moment he was gone!" Claire's voice shatters the silence, her cries reverberating with overwhelming grief. "Rose is the only one left that I care about, she was my friend, my sister and she's gone, caught by the same people who killed my brother and your sister!"
In the midst of her anguish, Claire's words spill forth, a torrent of raw emotion. As her tears cascade, she continues to pour out her heart, her voice a mix of desperation and sorrow. Her tearful gaze meets Light's emotionless one, the chasm between their emotional states evident.
"Why do you think I lost my emotions?" Light's words slice through the heaviness of the moment, his tone devoid of sentiment.
Perched at the window's edge, Light remains a figure in the night, his cloak dancing in the winds that sweep through. His gaze, unfeeling, is drawn to the image of a sorrowful Claire seated on the edge of his bed, tears glistening in the dim light.
"My emotions left me a long time once I lost her, and I don't want anyone to suffer what we suffered again, so whether I die tonight or not, atleast I'm fighting against the person who broke both of us..." Light's words ring hollow, devoid of emotion, a stark declaration of his intentions.
"Ironic, isn't it?" Claire's voice trembles with melancholy as she speaks. "The last person that I thought I'd ever be with is the same person I thought would be the only person who would understand and be left for me... Now your risking yourself in a suicide mission that might be the very last time we'd see each other..."
A fragile smile graces Claire's lips, a façade she presents before Light, masking her true emotions. In the face of his stoicism, she regards the one person left in her
"Well, I know, despite my plead to you, there is no stopping you..." Claire's voice, though accompanied by a feigned smile, reflects a genuine blend of sincerity and sorrow in her eyes.
Light watched as Claire reached under his bed, straining slightly to lift something heavy with both her hands. Slowly, the object materialized into a gray sword right before his eyes, revealing itself from invisibility. The weight seemed to be heavy for her her, but she held it firmly and handed it to him.
The weapon consists of two gleaming silver blades, finely honed to perfection. The edges of the blades are sharp as a razor's edge, capable of slicing through even the toughest of armor.
The blades are held together by a handle made of a unique blend of black and dark gold colors, creating a striking contrast against the silver blades. The handle is wrapped in a smooth, dark leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip for its wielder. Etched into the handle are intricate runes and symbols, hinting at the powerful magic that resides within the blade.
At the center of the handle, there is a gleaming gemstone, radiating with a mysterious energy. The gemstone pulses with a faint glow, hinting at the immense power contained within.
Light was taken aback, unsure of how to respond as he looked at the sword she held out to him. Mixed thoughts swirled in his mind, and he hesitated, contemplating whether he should accept the gift or not.
"Take it! It's heavy, you know!" Claire exclaimed, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, despiye her sorrowful look.
He nodded silently, accepting the sword as he glanced at her emotionsly, grabbing the sword as she took a few steps back and sat back on his bed
"It's called 'Everglaive.' I went on an artifact quest the other day, before we got taken hostage by the bandits. Despite the danger, I still do believe in you," Claire said, her face bright with a fake smile and a small blush.
"You didn't have to do this for me," Light said emotionlessly as he sensed Claire's fake smile
.
Claire giggled and playfully nudged him despite hiding her emotion. "Come on, don't ruin this for me," she said with a fake laugh.
"Right..." Light replied, emotionless and shocked.
Claire's smile suddenly waned, replaced by a hint of sorrow as she gazed at Light. She knew he often hid his emotions behind a stoic façade, but deep down, she could feel the weight of his unspoken thoughts. However, she refused to let it dampen the moment, and her smile returned with warmth, despite her smile being fake.
"Now go, this school won't save itself, you know," she said playfully, letting out a slight fake giggle to lighten the mood.
With an unexpected burst of energy, Claire stood up and grabbed Light by the arm, gently pushing him towards the window. She held his black cloak, the same cloak he wore when he saved her.
"Well, I suppose this academy full of 'warriors' and 'heroes' won't save itself..." says Light sarcastically while maintaining his stoic look
Claire couldn't help but smile, this smile finally being real, seeing right through his emotionless facade. "Oh, believe me, I've noticed," she responded with a hint of playfulness. "They may think they're warriors, but most of them couldn't handle a real challenge."
"Right..." responds Light emotionlessly
Light approached and stood in front of his shelf, the black cloak draped over his shoulders like a reminder of his past. He carefully reached for the old scabbard that once held his Metalink Sword. As he drew the broken blade from the scabbard, a rush of memories flooded his mind.
The Metalink Sword, a weapon he had wielded for so long, now lay broken and shattered, a reflection of the challenges and trials he had faced. He couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the battles they had fought together, and the comrades who had fought beside him.
With a heavy heart, Light gently placed the broken sword back in its scabbard and returned it to the shelf. It felt like saying goodbye to an old friend, but he knew it was time to move on. The broken sword was a reminder of his past, but he needed to embrace the present and the new challenges that lay ahead.
As he looked at the new blade, Everglaive, in his hand, he felt a sense of renewal and determination. In a way, it was a symbol of Claire's belief in him.
As he strapped his sword on his back, he returned at the window, ready to step out, but right as leaped out, he looked back at Claire, who sat silently in his bed, with a sorrowful look on her face
"You're not coming?" asks Light, turning his emotionless gaze towards Claire.
"I'll catch up later, unlike you, I don't have a disguise..." responds Claire with a hint of sarcasm in her voice despite her sad look
As she stood up, approached him, before holding Light's hand with hers, a mixture of emotions crosses her face. Her smile fades into a sorrowful look, and she holds onto his hand tightly, feeling the warmth between their palms. For a moment, she lingers in the connection they share before slowly letting go.
"I'll be right behind you," she assures him, her voice softening. "Just promise me you'll be careful."
Light nods, understanding the concern behind her words, though he doesn't say anything in response. He appreciates her support, even though he struggles to express it.
"Hey, just be careful, okay..." says Claire, her voice tinged with concern as she looks at Light.
"Oh, and, don't give up on humanity just yet, you know..."
Light swiftly rose up to the window's ledge and leaped out, his black cloak billowing behind him in the gusty wind. As he landed gracefully on the ground, he unsheathed Everglaive, its silver blades gleaming in the moonlight, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
Claire watched from the window, her heart pounding in her chest as she held her hands tightly against her chest. She couldn't help but feel a mix of worry and admiration for him, watching him go to face the danger that threatened them all. Her cheeks flushed with a blush as she gazed at his back.
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit confines of Dylan's dorm room, Cain cautiously approaches the door, his heart pounding with adrenaline. Like Light, he shares the same plan of action—to venture out of the academy unnoticed to confront the looming threat posed by Theseus and his bandits. However, unlike Light's dramatic exit through the window, Cain prefers a more stealthy approach, choosing to slip out through the academy's official exit.
With every move he makes, Cain ensures he minimizes any sound, for he knows that the bandits are patrolling the grounds, ever watchful for any signs of resistance. His staff, the source of his magical prowess, is gripped tightly in his hand, ready to unleash its potent spells at a moment's notice.
As he inches the door open, a sliver of moonlight pierces the darkness, casting faint shadows on the floor. Cain's eyes scan the corridor outside, ensuring it's clear before he steps out with silent footsteps. The quietude of the night weighs heavy on him as he proceeds through the academy's empty hallways, avoiding the areas that might be under the bandits' watchful eye.
With every step he takes, Cain's mind is consumed by thoughts of Rose, the innocent student taken hostage by Theseus. He feels a deep responsibility to protect her and his fellow students, even if it means taking great risks. His determination to save Rose and the others strengthens his resolve as he navigates the labyrinthine passages of the academy.
Cain's heart races as he carefully tiptoes his way outside, ensuring the door to Dylan's dorm remains closed to avoid arousing suspicion. His staff, a conduit of magical energy, remains at the ready in his hand, granting him both a sense of protection and a means to defend himself if needed. Determined to avoid detection, he moves swiftly and quietly towards the academy exit.
However, just as he reaches the exit, he freezes in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief. Before him stands a horde of bandits, their presence a chilling reminder of the danger that looms over the academy. They move with purpose, searching and checking the students' dorms, and Cain can't help but wonder what sinister motives have led them to this place.
"What are they doing here?" Cain whispers under his breath, trying to make sense of the situation. His mind races with thoughts of the impending danger that now surrounds him. He knows that the safety of the students and the academy as a whole is at risk, and he feels a sense of responsibility to protect them all.
His instincts kick in, and without a moment's hesitation, he hides behind a nearby pillar, hoping to remain unseen by the bandits. From his concealed position, he watches them closely, trying to gather any information that might help him devise a plan to confront this menacing threat.
As he observes, he notices a few bandits getting dangerously close to the dorm he just left. His heart sinks, fearing that they might discover his absence and raise the alarm. In that moment, Cain's mind races with thoughts of what he can do to divert their attention and ensure the safety of the students he has left behind.
His grip tightens on his staff as he contemplates his next move. He knows he can't take on the entire group of bandits by himself, but he also can't stand idly by while they wreak havoc on the academy. The weight of the situation bears down on him, and he feels the weight of his responsibility as a student and as a wielder of magical power.
Cain moved stealthily through the dimly lit corridors, his heart pounding with each careful step. His objective was to slip past the white-clothed bandits unnoticed, but fate had other plans. In a twist of bad luck, one of the bandits spotted him from a distance and swiftly threw a dagger in his direction. Cain's reflexes kicked in, allowing him to narrowly dodge the weapon, but the noise alerted the other bandits to his presence.
"You! What are you doing here?" the bandit called out, his voice echoing through the corridor.
Cain found himself surrounded by the hostile bandits, their weapons gleaming ominously in the dim light. He knew he had to stand his ground; if he fled, they would report him to Theseus, putting everyone at risk. With his staff firmly in hand, Cain assumed a battle stance, ready to defend himself against the horde of oncoming attackers.
"Well then, if you wanna play dirty, then I'll beat you at your own game..." Cain retorted, his confidence mixed with a touch of sarcasm.
In an instant, he unleashed a torrent of fireballs and thunderbolts, striking the bandits with relentless force. His spells found their mark, bringing down several of the attackers. However, in the heat of the moment, he stumbled, momentarily halting his barrage. Though most of the bandits lay defeated, one remained standing, charging fiercely at Cain.
Just as the bandit lunged forward to strike, a swift punch from a feminine silhouette interrupted the attack, saving Cain from a dire situation. Startled, Cain looked up to see Rhea, with her short pink hair and fierce eyes, standing before him. Wearing gauntlets on her hands, she was a force to be reckoned with.
"Hey!" Rhea's powerful voice rang out, as she effortlessly took down the remaining bandits with her impressive combat skills as she wiggles her tail after her initial beatdown.
Cain was both amazed and perplexed by Rhea's sudden appearance. He couldn't help but voice his confusion. "W-what are you doing here?"
Rhea smiled confidently, wiggling her tail, her eyes filled with determination. "Same reason as you, going out and finding an exit to stop the bandits."
As they exchanged a brief conversation, more bandits appeared, some of the fallen ones rising to their feet once more. With weapons drawn, the bandits charged at them, eager for revenge.
"Let's do this then..." Rhea declared with unwavering resolve.
"Right!" Cain responded, ready to fight alongside his unexpected ally. Together, they stood as a formidable force against the approaching horde, determined to protect the academy and its students from the looming threat.
Cain and Rhea stood back-to-back, their weapons ready to repel the oncoming horde of bandits. The air crackled with tension as the bandits closed in, their white garments blending into the shadows. Without hesitation, the first wave of assailants lunged at the duo, weapons raised high.
Cain unleashed a torrent of elemental spells, fireballs streaking through the air, while Rhea launched herself forward with astonishing speed and precision, her gauntlets striking like thunder. The bandits struggled to keep up with the swift and powerful attacks, finding themselves quickly overwhelmed.
Rhea's acrobatic movements were a spectacle to behold. She somersaulted through the air, delivering devastating kicks and punches that sent the bandits sprawling. Her gauntlets hummed with energy, their impact leaving trails of crackling light in the darkened corridor.
Meanwhile, Cain's mastery over his elemental spells proved equally formidable. He conjured gusts of wind, knocking bandits off balance, and followed up with lightning-fast strikes that left them incapacitated. His spells danced through the air, creating a dazzling display of elemental prowess.
The bandits' initial confidence waned as they faced the combined might of Cain and Rhea. They attempted to regroup and form a new strategy, but the relentless duo gave them no respite. Rhea's powerful punches and agile movements kept them off-balance, while Cain's spells rained down upon them, leaving no room for counterattacks.
The fight continued with seamless coordination between Cain and Rhea, their skills complementing each other perfectly. Rhea's martial prowess drew the attention of the bandits, allowing Cain to take precise shots with his spells, while Cain's spells disrupted the bandits' advances, giving Rhea openings to strike.
As the battle raged on, it became clear to the bandits that they were no match for this dynamic duo. Their forces dwindled as Cain and Rhea systematically incapacitated them one by one. The once-confident bandits now hesitated, unsure of how to overcome the overwhelming force before them.
With every strike, Cain and Rhea drew closer to victory. Their teamwork and determination sent a clear message to the bandits—they were not to be underestimated. Finally, the last bandit fell to the ground, defeated and disheartened.
Breathing heavily but triumphant, Cain and Rhea stood side by side, surveying the aftermath of their victory. The corridor was now devoid of the threat that had once filled it, thanks to their combined strength and unwavering resolve.
"Well, that was fun," Rhea remarked, a satisfied grin on her face as she wiggles her ears.
Cain chuckled in response, a newfound admiration for his unexpected ally. "Yeah, you're not so bad yourself," he said with a smile on his face.
With the immediate danger neutralized, Cain and Rhea knew their fight was far from over. As the bandits lay tied up on the ground, Cain wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling a mix of relief and awkwardness. Standing next to Rhea, he couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious in her presence.
"Hey, you good?" Rhea asked, her eyes filled with curiosity as her ears slightly jiggle.
Cain tried to brush off his awkwardness, "Nothing, nothing... Really... Right! Interrogation!" he blurted out, trying to regain his composure.
As the bandits slowly regained consciousness, Cain took the lead in interrogating them. With his staff pointed towards one of the bandits, he attempted to sound intimidating, but his weak and innocent appearance only seemed to amuse the bandits. Rhea watched with a mix of annoyance and concern as they taunted Cain.
"Tell us where the person who sent all of you is!?" Cain demanded, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Is that supposed to scare us, little girl?" one of the bandits teased, causing laughter among the others.
Cain's cheeks turned red with embarrassment, and he stammered, "Hey! I'm a b-boy... I mean a m-man!"
The bandits continued to taunt him, finding his attempts at interrogation entertaining. Rhea had enough of their disrespect and stepped forward, pushing Cain aside. She cracked her knuckles, holding the bandits tightly by their shirts.
"What did you say about my friend?! Better answer his question or I'll send all of you to hell with my fist!" Rhea interrogated, her voice deep and intimidating.
Shocked and scared, the bandits sat, tied up and trembling in fear in Rhea's presence. Despite their loyalty to their leader, they couldn't withstand Rhea's fierce determination. After some serious interrogation, they ultimately revealed the location of Theseus' base.
Satisfied with the information, Rhea let go of the bandits and turned to Cain, who looked at her with newfound respect and admiration. With a nod, she confirmed that they were ready to leave.
"So are we allowed to go?" one of the bandits asked, hoping for a way out.
"What do you think?!" Rhea responded, her voice still intimidating as her ear hardens in anger.
In a swift and powerful move, she punched the bandits one by one, knocking all of them unconscious with a single blow. Cain watched in awe as Rhea efficiently dealt with their captives.
As they walked through the dark and cold hallways of the academy, the wind blowing against them, Cain couldn't help but feel a mix of amazement and confusion. The events of the night had been nothing short of thrilling and terrifying, and now, finding himself on this unexpected adventure with Rhea, he couldn't help but wonder about the newfound connection between them.
"Did you really mean that?" Cain asked, his voice filled with vulnerability.
Rhea turned towards him, her expression slightly puzzled, her ears jingling, "What do you mean?"
"I meant you calling me a friend, did you mean that?" Cain clarified, unsure if he was misinterpreting their interaction.
Rhea raised an eyebrow, "Yeah! Obviously... Why'd you ask that?" she replied, her tone holding a hint of surprise.
Silence enveloped them as they continued their journey towards the academy exit and the bandit's base. The only sound echoing through the cold hallways was the soft howling of the wind.
Cain's voice held a slight sorrowful tone as he continued, "Well, you observed that I am not good with conversations, everyone refuses to be my friend back in Dark Fire, and the only friend I've got is students here... So it really confuses me if you meant that..."
Rhea's reaction was immediate. Without a word, she slapped him on the back, shocking him and snapping him out of his sorrowful thoughts.
"Ow!" Cain yelped in pain, rubbing his sore back.
"Don't be ridiculous! Yes, we're friends now. Come on, we've got a long way to go..." Rhea insisted with determination, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Cain couldn't help but smile back, feeling a warmth in his heart. For the first time in a long while, he had someone who not only accepted him but also embraced their friendship. It was a feeling he never thought he would experience again.
With their friendship reaffirmed, Cain and Rhea charged ahead, side by side, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. Their motives were aligned with Light and Claire's, united in their resolve to stop Theseus and his army of bandits from wreaking havoc, leaving a trail of Rhea's tails wiggling as she rushes next to Cain.
As they charged forward, a newfound sense of camaraderie and determination filled their hearts. In this dark and treacherous night, they found strength in each other, their friendship guiding them towards the path of bravery and heroism. With their eyes fixed on their goal, they ventured forth, knowing that together, they would face whatever dangers awaited them and emerge victorious against the black scar bandits.