“Chapter 8 - Part 2 – Sudden Strike!”

xXxXx

Edward and Shiori strolled by the many stands set up for the festival. They saw the traditional “Goldfish Scoop” and “Target Shooting” games, as well as some unique ones, like a “Bamboo Tower Cut” game. They found many snack and dessert stands as well, like a Snow Cone stand, and the one they currently found themselves standing in front of, a Candy Apple stand run by Sister Halibel. Edward felt someone was watching them. He looked back, and saw something rather unusual following them, but it seemed harmless, so he didn't pay any heed to it for now.

“That'll be two Candy Apples please.” Edward asked the woman behind the counter. “Would you like the traditional one or the fudge coated ones.”

“I'll take the fudge one, Ms. Halibel!” Shiori told the Draconian woman responsible for the stand.

“I'll take that one too.” Edward told her.

“Ok. Just one second.” Lisa said, turning back to prepare their order.

“So,” Shiori faced Edward. “How are you feeling~?” She asked him, staring happily at the tall teenager. “Um...I'm feeling good.”

“If you're feeling anything unusual, I want you to tell me, ok?” Shiori request, her expression shifting to a concerned one.

“I...I will. Thanks Shiori.”

“Here you go!” Lisa said, handing them the Candy Apples. Shiori stared at the delicious-looking fruit like a child craving for candy, before she began to happily lick it. “Mmmm~” She happily licked her lips. “It's so delicious~”
Edward couldn't help but smile, seeing his date so happy. He felt swayed by the girl's innocent charm. “Edward, you have to try them! It's so good~!”
Edward felt his heart pound and his cheeks flush seeing such an adorable girl in his company. He took a bit of the apple, chewing on it with a happy smile.

“It really IS good! I've never tried this before! It's delicious!”

“I know, right~?” Shiori spoke before resuming feasting on her apple, savoring each bit of it. The male blonde smiled warmly, feeling happy in a way that he haven't felt in ages. He stared at his Celeste companion with an admiring looking, finding something about the way she ate her apple alluring. He then remembered what his older brother Jet told him once.

“Lesson for life, bro. You can learn a lot about how a girl kisses by watching how she eats apples.”

With that coming to mind, Edward's trail of thought shifted to a different direction entirely. He couldn't help but notice how sweet her lips looked. Snapping back to his sense, Edward shook his head trying to shake off those thoughts.

“I shouldn't be thinking of Shiori like that! Stupid stupid stupid!”

Edward decided to talk about something to help drive the thoughts away.

“Say...Shiori.” Edward called the girl, poking her shoulder with his finger.

“Hmm? What?”

“Do you have any pet bears?” He asked her, Shiori being understandably weirded out by the odd question.

“No...I don't. Why do you ask?”

“Well, A bear with wings has been following us for a while now.” He looked back, prompting Shiori to do the same with a curious look. She saw indeed a bear following them, rather clumsily too. The bear was short, the height of an 8 year-old child, with gray fur, a clearer shade around its belly and had celeste wings sprouting on it's back. They saw the bear tripping and falling on the ground. The bear then started to act as if it was crying. “Oh my...” Shiori giggled. “That's...a cute bear.” Edward said, laughing softly upon seeing the bear tripping.

“Ed, that's not a bear~” She walked to the bear. “Huh?” Edward muttered perplexed, following Shiori. He watched Shiori pick up the bear and cuddle it. Upon closer inspection, he saw it was only a costume wore by a person. Said person wore blue and light-blue striped high socks and panda slippers, and the costume was in fact a black dress adorned with black silk ribbons, with bear claw gloves and a bear hoodie.

“What are you doing here, Maria~?” Shiori asked, removing the hoodie to reveal a girl's face, with shoulder-length black-hair and white bangs around her face, eyes as green as Shiori's, and hair tied in two small pigtails, crying from the fall.

“There...there...” Shiori whispered, rocking the girl gently. “It's not hurting that much~ It's ok now~” After a short while, the girl calmed down, letting out one weak sob.

“I'm so happy to see you~!” Shiori happily exclaimed, hugging her little sister like a teddy bear. “Come here my cute teddy bear~”

“...missed you...” The girl shyly muttered, burying her face on Shiori's shoulder, nuzzling the Celeste girl.

“Aww~ I missed you too~” Shiori petted the little girl's hair in a smooth motion.

Edward watched the moment with an amused smile. Shiori placed Maria on her back in a piggyback, the little girl peeking over Shiori's shoulders.

“This is my little sister Maria, Edward~” Shiori told the blonde, whispering “Say hi, Maria~” to the celeste, who shyly waved to the blonde teen. “...boyfriend?” She whispered to her big sister, pointing to Edward. Both Shiori and Edward blushed violently and began to stutter. Maria giggled.

“...joking.”

xXxXx

“...wow...You've faced a lot.” Beatrice said with a puzzled expression, upon hearing Luna and Sora's story. The three girls were currently in Luna's room, sitting around a table, having some tea.

“...yeah...but I did manage to free myself from all that, all thanks to Luna's help.” Sora spoke with a smile, causing Luna to blush slightly.

“It...was nothing, really.” Luna muttered flustered. A knock was then hear from the door. “Hey Luna, Tenshi. We're all meeting up at the festival!” They heard Yumi's voice from the other side of the door. “You two coming?” Ryuuga's voice was heard.

“Well, the whole crew is coming together, it seems.” Beatrice said with a smirk, getting up. She was looking forward to pass and start over a new leaf, but she doubted Ryuuga would be as accepting of her as Sora and Luna were. Luna got up and head to the door, glancing at Beatrice with a smirk before opening it.

“Well, hello everyone.” Luna greeted. “Hello.” Ryuuga replied. “What's up, Luna?” Yumi said. Luna chuckled lightly. “Oh not much.” Luna replied with poise. “Just relaxing.” She noticed the new face with them. “Why, we seem to have a new face here.” Luna glanced at the girl's purple hair, which made her recognize the Hundian immediately. “Oh, you're...Rin aren't you? I've heard a lot about you from those three.” Luna offered Rin a friendly handshake. Rin, feeling rather touched by the nice greeting, was happy to oblige.

“I figured you would.” Rin replied in a matter-of-fact tone, accepting the handshake, feeling rather warm inside. Mostly she hung out with Yumi, Jin and Ryuuga,talking and playing around with them. She, like Ryuuga, wasn't one to make many friends, so she couldn't help but be quite happy about making new friendships so soon.

“A pleasure, Rin. My name is Luna. I hope we can get along.”

“Pleasure is mine, Luna-san. I hope we can get along as well.” Rin replied. As she glanced over Luna, noticing she had a rather imposing presence coupled with her composed behavior. Although for someone as lady-like looking, she dressed rather simply, wearing nothing but a white blouse and a black flowing skirt. “I wonder what Sora's connection with this girl is...” Rin thought, remembering her encounter with Tenshi early on.

XxXx

“Well, looks like we made it in time for the festival the teachers mentioned.” Beatrice said as she and Rin disembarked from the airship. “Yeah..but you know, you kinda surprised me. I never thought you of all people would try to apply for Fortuna Academy.” Rin playfully said back. “Hey, I can have goals too. I feel there's a lot to learn here. And besides, I could learn magic enough to design clothes that'll be remembered for ages!” Beatrice replied, squeeing amid her short daydream.

“You're really serious about being a clothes designer, aren't you?” Rin asked with a puzzled look. Both girls walked through the main entrance, now stepping within the academy grounds. Beatrice stopped on her tracks, with a astounded look. “Beatrice?” Rin poked her cheek. No response. “Hey, Beatrice, I'm talking to you!” She repeatedly snapped her fingers in front of the felian girl, trying to get her attention again. Rin grew increasingly annoyed, not being one to take being ignored well. Beatrice, still staring in awe at whatever she was looking at, cupped Rin's chin, making turning her head to the same direction as hers. Both girls beheld the wondrous sight of the academy grounds. The lush green fields filled with varied flowers and plants, the impressively large sakura trees, the lined stone pathway and many fountains around the academy grounds. They could see the many buildings within the island. The school building looked like a castle, complete with matching towers on each corner, the staircase to the school building was decorated with small fountains on each side. They noticed a lake with a bridge they could cross to get to the other side which seemed like a park with a Colosseum, and a gate that led deep into the woods that surrounded the academy. Looking around, the girls saw numerous stands being set for the upcoming festival.

“Wow...” Rin spoke, feeling like a child who had just entered a huge candy store. “...this place...this place is simply BEAUTIFUL!” Rin found her self unable to hold her amazement and happiness. She felt nothing but pure excitement, being able to study at such a beautiful place.

“It is amazing indeed...Such a noble looking building, don't you think, Rin?” This time, Rin was the one who didn't give out any sort of response. She was completely lost in her own world. “Hey, snap out of it! You're supposed to be the serious one! Don't go passing the ball to me like that without a heads up!” Beatrice shook Rin frantically, who then sniffed something familiar in the air which finally snapped her out of her daze. “Rin?”

“I smell Sora...” Rin muttered, sniffing around repeatedly, tring to find the source of the scent she had just picked upon. “That way.” Rin turned towards the cafeteria and saw Luna and Tenshi walking in. “That's her? She seems...a bit boyish, no?” Beatrice observed the two celestes entering the cafeteria. “That's her, all right. I wouldn't forget a scent as pleasant as hers.”

“Pleasant scent, huh?” Beatrice nudged Rin teasingly with a playful, coy smirk on her lips.
It took a while for Rin to catch up with the implications in her words. “That's not what I-”

“I'm just playing with you. Well, I'll try to find out more on that.” Beatrice said walking away. “You just go catch up with your crew for now. I'll meet you guys later.”

XxXx

“So, congratulations on passing, and welcome to the academy! Any friend of Yumi is a friend of mine!” Luna spoke, snapping Rin out of her daze.

“Ah, right~ Thanks Luna!” Rin bowed in gratitude.

“This is how you guys do it in Kuni, right?” Luna said returning the gesture. “You're welcome, Rin.”

“I'm Tenshi, nice to meet you.” Tenshi walked up to Rin and offered her a handshake. The hundian girl arched an eyebrow and hesitantly accepted it.

“ Oh you can be sure I'll be demaning some answers from you, Sora! But for now...I'm just happy you're safe and here.” Rin thought, smiling at the teal-eyed celeste. “A pleasure, Tenshi.”

Ryuuga then spotted Beatrice in Luna's room as well. “Oh...you're here too, huh?” Ryuuga said with a rather mellow voice. “Well, if you think you can get rid of me so easily, you've got another thing coming, handsome.” Beatrice spoke playfully, walking towards her former crush with an equally playful smirk. Ryuuga and Beatrice stared at each other for a moment, the people who witnessed the meeting feeling a sort of tension between them. There was a moment of silence before their voices were heard again.

“Congrats on making it here.” Ryuuga spoke politely.

“Heh. Thanks.” Beatrice replied before she and Ryuuga bumped fists. “Huh...I thought you two would be less...friendly.” Van pointed out. “Guess life's a mystery, huh?” Kanade added.

“Well, good to have you here, girl.” Yumi gave Beatrice a back pat.

“Good to see you all too.” Beatrice gazed at Van, Miku and Kanade. “I assume you're all new friends of theirs as well?” She asked the trio.

“Yeah...we are...” Van spoke, eyeing Beatrice with somewhat distrust.

“Hey, Ryuuga, are you sure about this?” Van asked his silver-haired friend. “I mean...if you guys are ok with her being around, that's cool, but...should we be so quick to trust her like that?”

“Eh, don't worry. Beatrice's harmless. “ Ryuuga assured Van.

“Well...ok then.” Van spoke, walking to Beatrice. “Sorry about that, name's Van.”

"Eh, no hard feelings. Nice to meet you all.” Beatrice replied.

“Same here~” Kanade happily replied. “It's such a delight to have so many pretty girls joining us this year~ I'm filled with joy!!” The blonde felian jumped around excitedly. Beatrice...wasn't sure what to say to that.

“Don't mind her~nya~ She's always like that~” Miku told the redhead, trying to get her sister to calm down.

“Hey you two,” Luna called Yumi and Jin. “I need you guys' help with something.”

“Sure thing~” Yumi replied entering Luna's room.

“I don't mind helping.” Jin added following Yumi. “Hey Ryuuga, could you go ahead and tell everyone we'll catch up with them soon?” Yumi asked the draconian teen.

“Sure thing.”

As they talked thoroughly, a ringing sound came from Van's pocket. “Oh?” Van pulled his Student PC from his pocket and flipped it open, a holographic pop-up window coming out of it.

Get over here.

                                    Hiruma

“Duty calls?” Kanade asked.

“Duty calls.” Van told her. “Well, I gotta head to the committee room. We'll all meet up at the festival later on.” Van waved them goodbye as he headed to the Committee Room. “Nya~!” Miku meowed before turning into a cat and leaping on top of Van's head. Van chuckled. “You can't let go of me, can you?” He spoke, petting Cat Miku's head, causing the feline to purr. “No~nya~”

“You never change...”

“That bad?”

“Nah~ I like you exactly like that~”

“Who says cats and dogs don't mix~?” Kanade happily laughed as she spoke.  

“Well, I'll be going on ahead and meet up with everyone that's waiting by the festival.” Ryuuga muttered. “You guys will be ok right?” He asked his friends.

“Yeah, we'll meet up with you as soon as we help Luna out with whatever she needs help with.” Yumi replied.

“Ok. Well, I'll see you all later.” Ryuuga waved at them as he made his way outside. Once he was out of sight, Beatrice was the first to speak. “Such a waste...” She sighed.

“What are you going on about?” Yumi quirked an eyebrow.

“...a man that good-looking, alone at such a big event like this... I bet he'd be happier if he had a certain girl by his side.” The redhead gazed teasingly at Tenshi after finishing her last line. Tenshi saw Beatrice scribbling something on her hand underneath the table they were sitting at. The felian motioned Tenshi to look discreetly at her palm. Tenshi did so, and saw a message written there.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Go spend time with your man already!”

Tenshi took a moment to absorb what was read, and shortly afterwards, gave chase to Ryuuga. After a moment of silence, Yumi decided to speak.

“Uh...why did you have to do all that to get Sora to go after him? It's not like we all don't already know she's disguised.”

“Oh, so you noticed?” Beatrice chuckled. “As expected from Yumi.”

“Well, we all already know Tenshi is actually Sora.” Jin spoke.

“Well...Not ALL of us...” Luna pointed behind them. They all turned to see Kanade standing by Luna's door, eyes widened in shock, blubbering random gibberish.

“Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

“Oh...I guess we overlooked that...” Rin mutered.

“A-ARE YOU GUYS SERIOUSLY TELLING ME THAT ABSURDLY HOT BUTLER IS ACTUALLY A GIRL!?” Kanade shouted in surprise. “My god...the route now takes an unexpected change!!!”

“Route? What you going on about, Kanade?” Rin blinked trying to understand the blonde felian's words.

“I thought those two were going for the BL route seeing how well they get along...But the forbidden love route...That's an even more appealing plot!!”

“Ah, I think I understand what you mean.” Yumi explained. “I'm thinking the same! If Ryuuga found out too, things would be a bit tough in a way. I mean, Sora'd have to maintain the disguise...and I do wonder how they'd handle that.”

“I doubt Ryuuga'd care about people thinking he's into guys.” Jin said.

“Knowing him, that's most likely.” Beatrice added with a chuckle.

“Huh...that makes things easier then...” Luna pointed out.

“Well, you needed our help, didn't you, Luna?”

“I just wanted to know how “Tenshi”'s been holding up with you guys.” The white-haired celeste explained, feeling pretty concerned about how her butler's friends being around would affect their plan.

“No one suspects a thing! “Tenshi”'s holding up just fine!” Yumi gave Luna a thumbs up.

“That's a relief.”

“How did you and Sora meet anyway?” Jin curiously asked. “Come to think of it, what's with the whole disguise deal?” Rin added. Everyone but Beatrice began to stare at Luna with curious eyes.

“Guys...I'd love to tell you...But I'd honestly..."

XxXx

...prefer that “Tenshi” told you all in due time.”

As Sora rushed through the student building's floors to the festival outside, still disguised as Tenshi, she could only think about the last festival she went to with Ryuuga, about the fun times and memories the two of them shared, and...then the thoughts trailed to a different route that caused the Celeste's cheeks to be taken over by a luminescent blush...and she reminded the intimate moment they shared before their goodbye. She frantically shook her head.

“I shouldn't be thinking of that!!!! She scolded herself. “But it felt so good...”

A sudden impact got her out of her thoughts. And so, once she got up, she saw she had bumped into Alice.

“Oh, Miss Alice.”  Tenshi greeted as he got up and helped the elf girl up. “Sorry about bumping on you.”

“It's fine Tenshi. Don't worry.” She assured the Celeste. “What was the rush anyway?”

“I was looking for Ryuuga, he had just left Lady Luna's room, so I thought I could catch up to him if I was fast enough.

“Ah, what a coincidence!” Alice smiled. “I was just looking for him as well!” Tenshi blinked.

“You were?”

“Yeah! I found out something that I'm sure he'll be interested to know!!” Alice spoke excitedly.

“You seem pretty excited about whatever it is.” Tenshi commented. “Well, why don't we go look for him together?”

“That's a lovely idea.”

XxXx

Ryuuga walked through the festival grounds, looking around all the stands, trying to ignore the other girls fangirling over him. He observed the stands, smiling at the memories they brought back. “This is a really nice setup. It's even bigger than the one I went with Sora that day.” He laughed when remembering that night. “It'd be great if we were enjoying this one together.”

“Hey kid!” A familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to the voice and saw a large stand managed by Timoteo and his family. “Timoteo!” He walked to the stand, instantly noticing the pleasant scent of the food sold on the stand. “So, how you enjoying the festival so far?” Timoteo asked as he and Ryuuga shook hands.

“I just got here actually. I was busy with some committee stuff. It's a pretty great setup you all have here.” Ryuuga replied politely. “Do you do this every year?”

“We hold it each semester, actually. We usually have a lot of new students between semesters.” Bertha explained as she served a lunchbox to one of the customers.

“Ah yes. I've noticed some of the people here aren't from the academy.” Ryuuga pointed out.

“That's because the Festival is pretty much open to everyone. Most of the people you see here are from Fortuna Town.” Lina told the half-draconian.

“That's the town just across the island, isn't it?”

“That's right!” Timoteo spoke.

“Found you!” Alice's voice was heard. Ryuuga spotted Alice and Tenshi running in his direction. “Oh, hello Prez.” He greeted, noticed Alice stopping to catch her breath. “Were you running?”

“Yeah, I'm in a bit of a rush. Looking over things for the festival and whatnot, but I had to find you to let you know of something.” Alice explained.

“Oh, ok. But first-” He turned to Timoteo. “Timoteo, do you have any water over there?”

“Here.” Timoteo served a glass of water which was handed to Alice.

“Ah, thanks!” Alice drank the whole glass, wiping the water around her lips with a handkerchief she always had on her.  “That was refreshing~”

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Ryuuga asked politely.

“Well, do you remember our party, and how we used that memory projection to scan yours, Yumi's and Jin's memories so we could watch that video together?” Alice questioned.

“I do. Come to think of it, there were a few bits where Sora appeared without any of us being around. Since we had no visual witnessing of what Sora did when we weren't around, the projection shouldn't be able to catch on that, right?” Ryuuga asked back, Tenshi's heart racing upon hearing that.

“Well, that's just it! It is possible that Sora is here with us! And even more likely that she was among us somehow that day.” Alice concluded. “She's been sending you letters, haven't she? She's probably somewhere on this island.”

Ryuuga was shocked once the realization hit him. As was Tenshi. Althought Tenshi was less shocked and more surprised that Alice managed to catch on that so quickly. The celeste didn't really seem to be concerned about being found out.
By how things have been following lately, Tenshi could tell that that everyone could help keeping the secret.

“You know...I didn't really realize that until now...But it makes so much sense!” Ryuuga facepalmed. “How didn't I think of this before!?” Ryuuga paused for a moment to process everything that was going on at the moment before he started to laugh. “So she's closer than I thought~ That's just great!” He spoke with a joyful grin, which caused Tenshi to smile as happily.

“I figured you'd like to hear it!” Alice said.

“Well, that's great to know. Thanks Alice!” Ryuuga bowed as a gesture of gratitude, which surprised Alice a bit.

“I-it was nothing, really~ I just wanted to help out a friend! And besides...I wanted to repay you as well.”

“Huh?” Ryuuga blinked. “What for?”

“You helped Hiruma with investigating the incident with students being injured, didn't you? I just...can't stop worrying about what had happened if he and Van went there all by themselves...You were a great help.” Alice answered calmly, trying to brush off the haunting thoughts of her closest companion being harmed. Ryuuga and Tenshi smiled. Ryuuga looked quite happy hearing Alice's words of appreciation, appreciation being something he always enjoyed. “So thank you for it, I mean it.”

“Don't mention it, prez. I just can't stand by and allow innocents to be harmed. Particularly when my friends are involved.” Ryuuga laughed nervously.

“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

“What the-”

“It came from nearby the Academy Center!” Alice pointed out, her fear increasing as she heard screams of panic.

“That's not good...” Ryuuga muttered, flaring up his wings. “I'll go check it. Tenshi, Alice, you remember our plan in case of emergencies, right?”

Alice nodded. “Alright. Take care of yourself Ryuuga.”

“You all too. Be careful.” He told both of them before getting ready to take off. Before he did, however, Tenshi gripped his kimono sleeve. “Tenshi?” Ryuuga noticed Tenshi's uneasy and concerned look. He could see fear in his eyes.

“Please...be careful...” Tenshi stared at him with begging eyes. The way Tenshi looked at him set something odd inside his heart to go off. “Please promise me.”

Ryuuga felt something familiar from Tenshi. Something that he could only feel from one person. The worried eyes, the concerned voice. But he decided to put it off for now. He smiled in appreciation for his friend's concern, placing his hand on top of his head. Tenshi looked up and saw the wide grin he had.

“I will. I promise, Tenshi!”

XxXx

Meanwhile...

“So Mom and Dad were around town and dropped you here~?” Shiori asked Maria, who was happily eating a cotton candy gotten from one of the stands. The little girl nodded without saying a word. “They'll pick me up later.” Edward noticed Maria added a growl of some sort at the end of her sentences, like, indeed, a bear.

“Oh, so I get to see them~? Yay!!” Shiori cheered, jumping happily. “Sis...” Maria tugged at her older sister's sleeve. “...bathroom.”

“Ok, I'll take you there~” Shiori picked her up, putting her on a piggyback once again. “Do you mind waiting here, Ed? We'll be right back~”

“Don't worry about it~ I'll be right here, Shiori~”

“Thank you~” Shiori told him before heading to the bathroom. Edward watched her walk away, and while he did so, he couldn't help but smile. He felt someone tapping his shoulder, prompting him to turn around to see Tamashii there.

“You look like you're having a good time!” Tamashii spoke with a happy smirk.

“Tamashii!”

“How you holding up here?” Tamashii asked him.

“I've been good. “He” seems to have quieted down for today. I'm really enjoying the festival~! The academy really goes all out to welcome the students~ I've been having a lot of fun since I got here~”

“I was watching you. You really do seem happier than you were back at Redhill Town.” Tamashii told him, remembered vividly the ordeals he witnessed Edward facing in his hometown. Edward felt his mood drop upon mention of his past, but shook it off instantly.

“Yeah...I really do...” Edward said, laughing rather sadly.

“But...for the first time ever...I...made a friend...who wasn't afraid of “him”...”

“Eh?”

“Ryuuga...could sense “him” inside me...He and Jin...They said...

XxXx

 " If something like you losing control happens, all we have to do is kick it's ass and force it back, right? Simple as simple can be."

"If the worst happens, we'll stop it. No question."

XxXx

“They said that? Really?” Tamashii spoke perplexed. He couldn't believe he heard that. He was baffled. He'd never think someone would be willing to face a threat as huge as “him”. “Heh, I'm not sure if I commend them for their courage, or if I worry about their recklessness.”

“Well-” Tamashii placed his hand on Edward's shoulder. “-I don't think we'll have anything to worry about, then.”

“But-”

“You see, they actually brought up a good point. “He” can come out and we'll force him back as many times as it takes, but what matters here...Is how everyone is gonna deal with it once they find out.” Tamashii explained with a serious face, noticing Edward's mood dropping even further.

“But I want you to remember this: You may be carrying a dangerous being inside you, but that doesn't make you dangerous. If anything, it makes you the jailer. You're not a monster. If anything, you're a hero!”

Tamashii's words caused a reaction of shock in Edward, who reminded a similar thing his brother said a while ago.

XxXx

“You were fighting again, weren't you, Jet!?”

Edward could hear a male voice from his room speaking, as if scolding someone, which was, in fact, happening in the living room.

“Shut uuuuuup!” Jet, Edward's older brother, lazily spoke back. “These guys were calling Edward a monster! You expect me to stay put while they badmouth him like that!?”

“Look son, I know what you're feeling, but you have to understand them as well. They fear “he” may come out at any-”

“Understand!? What the fuck am I supposed to understand here!? That our townsfolk are ungrateful assholes!? Ed's been fighting to control “Him” his entire childhood! Do you even know what that is!? Do you even know what HE must be feeling when people treat him like a monster!? He's anything but a monster! Edward is our town's hero!! He was “his” jailor for his whole childhood, and what did he get!? People isolating him, treating him like a monster and a childhood devoid of friends!! And you're seriously expecting me to be understanding towards people who are ostracizing your own child and my little brother out of pure ignorance!?”

Jet's speech rendered his parents speechless. They really had no arguments to what they had just heard.

“...I thought so.” Jet spoke bitterly as he walked away.

“D-do NOT think we don't know what he's going through!” Taki, Edward's mother, spoke. “We understand what he feels!”

“Oh yeah? Then why are you defending the people who are treating him like shit? Why aren't you doing something about like TRUE parents would do!? Is dealing with this so hard for you two that you forgot what being parents is like!?” Jet shot back, once again having no response from his parents.

“...I thought so.*sigh* I swear sometimes it feels like Aria and I are the mother and father in this house...” He once again spoke bitterly before walking away from his mother and father, leaving them speechless. As Jet walked past Edward's room, he stopped in front of the door.

“You heard it all, didn't you?” Jet asked loud enough for Edward to hear from the other side, taking him by surprise.

“I-i didn't mean to-”

“Don't forget this: You are a hero. You're keeping all of us safe. And no matter what happens, you'll always have us. Even if mom and dad can be screw-ups sometimes, they're always looking out for you. As am I and your sister.”

“T-thanks brother...”

XxXx

“A...hero...?” Edward muttered, allowing those words to sink in. He smiled.

“And don't you forget that!”

“Hm?” Tamashii gazed northwest and spotted Kato and Gato walking around the stands.

“Those two...What the heck are they doing here of all places?”

“Hey Ed, I gotta investigate something. Sorry about the short notice.” Tamashii spoke, pulling a card from his sleeve. “Don't forget what I said. And have fun!”

Those were his last words before vanishing leaving a trail of flipping deck cards behind.

“He sure is a busy one...” Edward muttered. “...come to think of it...Weren't we supposed to be on the lookout for something suspi-”

“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

“What the heck?” was all Edward could say upon hearing the screaming!! He looked where the scream came from, spotting a crowd of terrified students, running away in fear. Edward could see how horrified the crowd was just by their expression alone.

“IT'S HIM!!!! HE'S RETURNED!!!!” One of the students in the crowd screamed in horror.

“RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!”

“Oh no...That's where Shiori is!!!” Edward muttered in despair, leaping over the crowd and to the top of the stands, running to the direction the crowd was running away from...Spotting a horrifying, familiar figure, dressed in a black short sleeve coat with red bands on the arms, light brown pants with red and blue strips on the legs, red and black sneakers, black sash, dark purple fingerless gloves, Brown, spiky hair pointing upwards. The person had a psychotic smirk, enjoying the crowd's fear. It was a face Edward could never forget. A face that filled him with fear...and worry.

“Kekekekekeke!!! It makes me happy to hear you all haven't forgotten how terrifying I am!!!” Beattia laughed wickedly. “You're better off running, you bunch of weaklings!!! Isn't there anyone who's brave enough to face me!? Kekekekekeke!!!”

“If it's a battle you're looking for-”

“Hm?”

Edward leapt in front of him. “Then your search is over, Beattia.” Beattia out out a larger smirk than before, followed by a chuckle once he recognized the familiar face.

“Oh? Edward? You of all people here of all places! Who could imagine that!” Beattia laughed amused. “Who'd have thought a weakling like you would have made it here! Fate has an odd sense of humor, don't you think?”

“Cut the crap. I'm not the same kid you used to pick on back in Red Hill. I don't know what you're doing here...” Edward spoke firmly, leering at Beattia with a strong gaze, extending his palm in front of him, a burst of purple energy that behaved like flames coming out of his hand as a large sword was brandished. The red hilt was adorned with golden lines and an eyeball in it's center. “...and I don't doubt you're powerful enough to strike fear in most students here...” He swung his blade in front of him. “...But I won't hesitate in cutting you down if you threaten my friends!”

Beattia chuckled lowly in response to Edward's challenge.

Hahaha!!!!

“So the scaredy cub is finally baring it's fangs!! That's a nice stare you've got there! You've definitely become less of a coward than you were before! But...”
An odd sound was heard, wing-shaped visible sound waves forming over Beattia's ears. Edward could feel a strong pressure coming from Beattia, no doubt from the Aura he gave off.

“...That doesn't mean you have become stronger than I have.”

Edward, faced with the powerful fighter in front of him, didn't waver, and held his sword in front of him with both hands.

“...I'll beat you!! I don't care how strong you are!!”

Edward's stare filled with killing intent was soon replaced with despair, however, as he spotted Shiori running towards him.

“Edward!!!”

“Shiori!!! Stay away!!! This guy is dangerous!!!” Beattia grinned widely baring his sharp teeth, his eyes possessing a malevolent gaze. Shiori recognized that student instantly. “Beattia!!!”

“So Shiori's your girlfriend, huh?” He spoke in a taunting manner, trying to provoke Edward, who carefully watched his every move. “Allow me to give her my greetings.” He pointed his open palm at her, charing a powerful plast of mana to fire at the Celeste girl.

“No!!”

Beattia suddenly felt someone stepping on his right shoulder.

“Sentouryuu”

He looked up to see Ryuuga standing on his shoulders with his other leg on kicking stance, coated in flames.

“KurenaiRyuuTsume!”

He suddenly appeared front of the brown haired teenager and then landed a devastating roundhouse kick to his face,sending him a few meters away yelping in pain. The sudden impact caused Beattia to  misfire the blast towards the sky.

“Shiori!!” Edward ran hurriedly towards the Celeste. “A-are you-” Shiori pinched his nose.

“I'm ok~ Ryuuga-san came just on time~” Shiori spoke with a gentle, happy voice. Ryuuga chuckled and smirked proudly.

“Shiori, where is Maria?” Edward asked concerned.

'She's ok~ She is on the shelters with the others~ Alice and Laura are taking care of her~” Edward sighed in relief. “That's good...”

“Ed, don't lose focus. We still have that guy to take care of.” Ryuuga sternly spoke, brandishing his sword. Edward and Ryuuga were already positioned to start fighting. Beattia nonchalantly emerged, still smiling. “So... Ed is not the only new face around here.” Beattia smirked and chuckled. “ Although unlike the scaredy cub, you really are one to watch out for.” Beattia noticed Ryuuga's fierce gaze. “Your killing intent is palpable. Kekekeke~”

“Ed.” Ryuuga called, ignoring Beattia's words. “Let's get this kook.” Edward smirked surprisngly confident. Shiori never seen Edward giving off confidence like that. She giggled a bit. “Shiori, please-”

“I'm not running away.” Shiori spoke firmly, stepping forward. A magic seal formed underneath her, emmiting a strong light. A  powerful flash of light was released from the seal, and soon as it dissipated, Shiori's clothes had changed. She was now dressed in an angelic-like blue robe with white outlines and a silver-colored sash tied around her stomack. She brandished a silver-colored staff with a red crystal orb on its end, adorned with wings made from the staff's material on its sides. Her expression was a serious one as well. “I can fight too! The three of us can surely take care of him!!” Shiori spoke strongly, surprising both Ryuuga and Edward. Beattia chuckled and laughed loudly once again. “Well, that could be true, IF I was alone.” Beattia smirked as several clouds of purple mist-like energy formed on the floor around him. Out of the clouds, several armored skeletons emerged.

GYAHAHAHAHA!!!

The eerie, maniacal laughter could be heard across the festival grounds. Ryuuga, Shiori and Edward looked around trying to find the source of it. Ryuuga looked at the top of the School Building and saw standing at the roof a figure that would forever be carved on his memory.

It was Sakki. The necromancer that was close to ending his life that night in Kyoko Town.

“My undead army!!! Go and pound fear into the folks' very core!!! Bring me their souls!!! Gyahahahaha!!!””

Ryuuga's hands shook as he gritted his teeth. “Youkai...Sakki...”

“Oh? Someone who's heard of me~?”  Her smile was chilling. She gazed down, recognizing Ryuuga. “Ah~ It's the one lucky fellow who manage to escape death~” She laughed tauntingly. The trio started to tense up. “Beattia...and on top of that, the necromancer who almost ended Ryuuga...” Edward thought, feeling his heart race. “This isn't good...”

“ I see you have company once again.” Sakki cackled. “Is this going to be a repeat of last time~?” She sadistically inquired, not noticing a shadow that crept closer to her from behind.

“Not this time.” The person spoke, the sound of two swinging blades echoing. Sakki instinctively raised her swords to block the blow. It was ineffective, however, as the blow' s force was enough to knock Sakki back.  She didn't have enough time to recover, however, as her attacker had already a spell ready to fire at her.

Kazemahou – Kazetaihou

A powerful blast of compressed air was fired at the necromancer, blowing her off the roof and towards the floor. The attacker gave chase to her instantly. Sakki regained her balance and landed on her feet. “Who-”

“So...you like fear, huh?” The graceful female voice spoke, it's owner landing on the floor right in front of Sakki. The necromancer's face contorted in annoyance as she spotted Yumi in front of her. The Black-haired girl carried the most angry expression she could muster. “...I'll teach you the fear those who threathen my friends face.”

"Oh me, oh my...that is indeed a frightening look..." Sakki said getting up and approaching Yumi with a bloodthirsty smile. "This...should be interesting..." She licked her blade.  

“Cut the crap, you psycho bitch.” Yumi gripped her shortsword and katana firmly, snarling at the necromancer. The girl's chilling gaze sent shivers down Sakki's spine, which excited the white-haired necromancer further. She began laughing hysterically. “Yes...this feels good...” She moaned in pleasure, her cheeks turning red from the pleasurable sensations she felt. “...You should make for an interesting challlenge....” Her sclera turned black before both girls lunged at each other.

XxXx

“Looks like Yumi is taking care of the necromancer.” Edward remarked, not allowing his focus on Beattia and the armored skeletons that he had with him to be disrupted. “She'll be ok, won't she?” Shiori was concerned, recalling her encounter with Ryuuga. “Don't worry about her.” Ryuuga spoke with an assuring smile. “Yumi is strong! That psycho doesn't stand a chance!!”

“So you were prepared for us, huh?” Beattia said, getting into fighting stance. “No big deal. That won't change anything. No matter how many people you bring, they're all gonna fall.”

“Kukuku...” Ryuuga chuckled lowly, in a mocking tone.

“Aren't you underestimating us?” Ryuuga smirked in a provoking manner. “Do you think we aren't prepared for an attack like that?”

XxXx

“Let's see how powerful your Lightning magic is, bro!” Jin energetically voiced to Hanamaru, as both students faced an army of Sakki's armored skeletons. “Don't look down on Raikou Island's lightning users!~kura”

“Take this seriously, you two!” Natalia scolded them, brandishing special archer glovers and a long, silver bow, taking aim at the skeletons.

XxXx

“Let's finish this quickly, Tenshi.” Luna told Tenshi, facing the armored skeletons that crept towards them.

“I don't have time to waste here...I gotta go help Ryuuga...”

XxXx

“Try not to slow me down, Crow.”

“Oh hush it, doggy.”

XxXx

“Ryuuga, do you hear me, handsome?” Kanade's voice came out of the special communicator placed on Ryuuga's ear. “Kanade?”

“We've evacuated all civilians sucessfully! I'm with Miku and Lyn in one of the shelters, and we got confirmation from the other shelters which the Student Council Members are watching over! All evacuees are successfully sheltered. There should be only the teachers and the other students who are fighting with you guys out there!”

“Perfect!! Good job Kanade, thanks for your help~”

“Kyaaa~ You complimented me~” Ryuuga sweatdropped sweating nervously. A smacking noise followed by Kanade saying “Ow.” was heard. “Good luck Ryuuga~nyan~” Miku added.

“Take care you guys!” Were Ryuuga's last words before cutting communications. “Well, looks like we don't have to worry about the civilians anymore.” Ryuuga's pupils twitched as they became slitted. “Whatever your name is, you better be prepared...because I'm going all out right from the start.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.” Beattia answered before he lunged at his opponent.

“Hold it”

These words echoed through the air before Beattia spotted a barrage of cards flying towards him. The spiky haired teen extended his palms in front of him.

Sound Tuning – Barrier

The wing-shaped visible soundwaves around Beattia's head vibrated, the same odd sound from before being heard again. Beattia projected a barrier in front of him that had the same aspect as his wing-shaped soundwaves. The barrier stopped the barrage of cards, but it couldn't hold them for too long. Beattia dodged them instead. The cards gathered in front of Ryuuga, Shiori and Edward, Tamashii emerging from them. Although he had no trace of his usual upbeat demeanor whatsoever. Tamashii looked intimidating, and somewhat angry.

“T-tamashii!” Edward exclaimed.

“Sensei!” Shiori said.

“Go. I'll handle Beattia.”

“Sensei?” Ryuuga questioned his sudden change of behavior. Even in emergencies, this just wasn't like Tamashii at all.

“Go help the others! Beattia....isn't an opponent you can take on yet!!”

“But Tama-”

“Remember, if there's this much of a conflict here, what must be going on in the manor right now?” Tamashii questioned. “Please go check on it. I can handle Beattia.” He requested. The students nodded. “We will.” was Ryuuga's answer. “Ryuuga.” Tamashii called the student. “Be careful. There are some dangerous guys here that might might be after you.” Ryuuga nodded in silence.


“Let's go, Edward.” Ryuuga motioned Edward to follow him. “Shiori, I have a request.” Ryuuga pleaded to the Celeste. “Yes? What is it?” Shiori spoke readily. “Could you...go check on Tenshi? I have this feeling he might be needing help...”

Shiori, remembering who Tenshi was in fact, smiled widely at her half-draconian friend. “I will! Good luck you too!” She flared her wings. “And Ed...” She stared at him with begging eyes. A look that made his heart sway. “...be careful.”

“I will! I promise you, Shiori!!” He looked at her with a wide, assuring smile. The trio split to do their assigned tasks.

Ryuuga and Edward were unaware, however, of a third person who tracked them.

XxXx

"Long time no see, sensei!" Beatia spoke in a faux friendly tone, with his usual laugh and grin. "I see you're going serious right from the start. The "Shuffle Striker" is gonna get serious with his former student, huh?"

"...You're no longer my student. Not after you what you did to Ryuushin." Tamashii's voice sounded deep, almost a growl.

"Oh yeah...That weakling!! He wasn't worthy of living! He was too weak!! The weak...are only prey for the strong!!"

The green-haired man remained silent as he released a greater output of his aura, causing a massive increase on the pressure around them. The pressure became slightly over what Beattia could stand. That only increased his excitement, however.

"This is it...kekeke...Sensei at full power..." Beattia's face contorted in a psychotic manner not unlike his Necromancer ally. "...come, sensei...Let us unleash your full power in battle!! This grudge I harbor towards all of you...I'll make all of it my own power to wipe you all out!!!!"

"You still...don't understand a damn thing. A pity..." Tamashii's killing intent was clear in his expression. "...As a teacher watching his student go the wrong path...I'll do what I must."

And with that exchange of words, their clash began.

XxXx

“This way, Edward.” Ryuuga guided him deep in the woods. Both students marched hastily through the woods in direction to the manor. “I hope nothing's happened.”

The duo stopped on their tracks when multiple shuriken and kunai landed on their path. “Ambush!” Ryuuga called out, the duo rapidly summoning their weapons and getting into battle stance. They heard rustling from a nearby tree before a shadow jumped out of it, landing skillfully in front of them. It was Kato. “Ryuuga Yoshida?” He asked Ryuuga.

“Who are you?” Ryuuga said back.

“I'm Kato Tetsuga.”

“The Assassin?” Edward thought.

“I'm sorry but...I was ordered to bring you down right here...No hard feelings.”

Ryuuga didn't say a word. Instead, his eyes simply turned red as he once again carried his fierce gaze.

“It's just one against the two of us...” Edward shook his fears off and took stance. “...we can handle it!”

“Huh? Only one?” Kato looked around and noticed his brother was nowhere to be seen. “Where did my brother go, dude!?”
XxXx

Nearby...

“Gato Tetsuga... The Phantom Shooter” Hiruma spoke calmly, facing Gato. Both Gato and Hiruma had their guns pointed at each other. “Never thought I'd see the likes of you around a place like this.”

“I have a job here. There's nothing more to be said.” Gato answered coldly.

“I can't believe this guy caught me off guard...!!” He mentally cursed in his mind. “Now that idiot is by himself!!” That's gonna be a bother to our plans...”  

“Yeah...Well, tough luck. We're on the lookout for suspicious people and you fit the lot. I'll have you come with me.” Hiruma answered.

“You can try.”
 
XxXx

“It's one after the other...” Ryuuga sighed. “Ed, let's take care of this quickly.”

Edward nodded. “Yes!”

And so, the battle to defend the academy began!

XxXx