Everything was much of a blur to Sereinia who was still under the spell of paralyzing shock. As such, all that transpired before her were nothing more but the hazy passage of time as she stood there with an empty gaze. The only thing that brought her out from that kind of reverie was the rather loud cheer of the soldiers around her. They seemed to be overly glad about something and the sense of consciousness began to bring her back to reality. It was then at the exact moment she witnessed how the Royal Knight Yarun withdrew his swords from Shadow's body which fell to the ground without any kind of resistance as if there was no life to it anymore.
As the cheers of victory continued to echo at the death of the notorious Red-Eyed Demon, Sereinia began to approach the now still battlefield. Her stride resembled that of a child who was learning to walk for the first time. The soldiers that were assigned to watch her were preoccupied with the jubilant knowledge that the Demonic Assassin was no more. It also appeared that the Gods welcomed such a demise as the dark clouds parted to slowly reveal the descending twilight. Thus, it was not much of a hassle for her to go towards the seemingly still body of Shadow. It was also a pleasant thing that Solomon and Yarun did nothing to stop her advancement. However at that moment, she was not in the right set of mind to be grateful for such a thing. The only thing in her head was how unreal the events unfolding around her.
Stopping before Shadow, Sereinia could see the fatality of his injuries without even performing a thorough check-up. Despite her skills, experience, and knowledge, there was still only a meager one percent chance for him to live. Crumbling like distorted glass, she fell to her knees beside him. The tears that had stopped flowing began anew with the just one tear trailing down her cheek. Shaking her head to dismiss her negativity, she felt the desperation to save the man before her. There was no way she would lose someone important to her again. She had enough of that already. What was the use of her becoming a doctor when the ones that mattered to her will be taken away? She could not live with that knowledge anymore.
"Shadow.. Shadow... Please..."
It was spoken with such distress, the sense of helplessness, and a fragile hope. The voice that had been locked up within her had finally come out once more. It held a desperate plea. But one would wonder to who it was meant. Sereinia tore a large portion of her skirt and sleeve as she decided to stop the bleeding first. She also did her best to minimize the pain that he was feeling from his injuries. As words of comfort spilled forth from her lips, it seemed rather odd. For it appeared that she was speaking it to assure Shadow, it was said to console her more than anyone else.
"It will be all right... You will be fine... I told you, I will always fix what you break... I will always be by your side. So, please... Shadow... "
The more Sereinia spoke, the more the tears flow like an endless cycle. Her words were beginning to sound much like whisper while her hands were frantic to save Shadow from his certain doom. Sadness was overwhelming her at such an astounding rate while the cheerful sounds of the soldiers served as a painful reminder that this was supposed to be a momentous event. When she came to a realization that she could not do anything else anymore, she clutched tightly onto his shirt and then buried her face onto his chest. The sound of his slowly beating heart was not soothing at all. It was like the trickling sands in an hourglass that was coming to an end. She did not want that at all.
"Shadow, please do not leave me! I need you! Shadow!"
Sereinia's form trembled as her tears flow even more strongly and her wails were so desperate as the cheers drown it much like the falling of the rain earlier. Pain, sadness, realization, hopelessness, anguish, and fear filled her like a broken floodgate without stop. Everything poured out as she cried. It was such a heart-wrenching scene to be witness as the two knights that had decided to end the Red-Eyed Demon's existence watched the fallen princess who shed her tears relentlessly. Her whole body was shaking from the horrifying grief that was suffocating her. There seemed to be no end to her despair as she lamented for the fallen Demon which caused a lot of curious questions.
As the cheers of victory continued to echo at the death of the notorious Red-Eyed Demon, Sereinia began to approach the now still battlefield. Her stride resembled that of a child who was learning to walk for the first time. The soldiers that were assigned to watch her were preoccupied with the jubilant knowledge that the Demonic Assassin was no more. It also appeared that the Gods welcomed such a demise as the dark clouds parted to slowly reveal the descending twilight. Thus, it was not much of a hassle for her to go towards the seemingly still body of Shadow. It was also a pleasant thing that Solomon and Yarun did nothing to stop her advancement. However at that moment, she was not in the right set of mind to be grateful for such a thing. The only thing in her head was how unreal the events unfolding around her.
Stopping before Shadow, Sereinia could see the fatality of his injuries without even performing a thorough check-up. Despite her skills, experience, and knowledge, there was still only a meager one percent chance for him to live. Crumbling like distorted glass, she fell to her knees beside him. The tears that had stopped flowing began anew with the just one tear trailing down her cheek. Shaking her head to dismiss her negativity, she felt the desperation to save the man before her. There was no way she would lose someone important to her again. She had enough of that already. What was the use of her becoming a doctor when the ones that mattered to her will be taken away? She could not live with that knowledge anymore.
"Shadow.. Shadow... Please..."
It was spoken with such distress, the sense of helplessness, and a fragile hope. The voice that had been locked up within her had finally come out once more. It held a desperate plea. But one would wonder to who it was meant. Sereinia tore a large portion of her skirt and sleeve as she decided to stop the bleeding first. She also did her best to minimize the pain that he was feeling from his injuries. As words of comfort spilled forth from her lips, it seemed rather odd. For it appeared that she was speaking it to assure Shadow, it was said to console her more than anyone else.
"It will be all right... You will be fine... I told you, I will always fix what you break... I will always be by your side. So, please... Shadow... "
The more Sereinia spoke, the more the tears flow like an endless cycle. Her words were beginning to sound much like whisper while her hands were frantic to save Shadow from his certain doom. Sadness was overwhelming her at such an astounding rate while the cheerful sounds of the soldiers served as a painful reminder that this was supposed to be a momentous event. When she came to a realization that she could not do anything else anymore, she clutched tightly onto his shirt and then buried her face onto his chest. The sound of his slowly beating heart was not soothing at all. It was like the trickling sands in an hourglass that was coming to an end. She did not want that at all.
"Shadow, please do not leave me! I need you! Shadow!"
Sereinia's form trembled as her tears flow even more strongly and her wails were so desperate as the cheers drown it much like the falling of the rain earlier. Pain, sadness, realization, hopelessness, anguish, and fear filled her like a broken floodgate without stop. Everything poured out as she cried. It was such a heart-wrenching scene to be witness as the two knights that had decided to end the Red-Eyed Demon's existence watched the fallen princess who shed her tears relentlessly. Her whole body was shaking from the horrifying grief that was suffocating her. There seemed to be no end to her despair as she lamented for the fallen Demon which caused a lot of curious questions.
"Sadness and loneliness are things I do not possess, but..."
Sheathing the swords, Yarun turned his back from the fallen Red-Eyed Demon, Princess, and Solomon. His eyes of rogue pink seemed to have a rather darker shade but not of its usual glowing crimson. Instead, it has a tint that seemed to resemble that of an empty gaze. However, this was only for a very brief moment as he walked towards the army who welcomed his presence with much pride and joy. After all, he had defeated the menacing Demonic Assassin. Ignoring the praises that was directed at him, he could only feel how hollow they truly were. There was nothing to be proud of.
Approaching the gravely injured Eonis, Yarun listened to the doctor who they had in their company as the older man reported the situation of the Emperor. It seemed that Eonis had been stabilized but it does not mean that the he would not need surgery and a great amount of recovery treatments. At the same time, it was imperative for the Emperor to be delivered into a medical facility immediately. The doctor even commented that Yarun also needed medical assistance. With that being said, Yarun quickly snapped at the men who were still foolishly glad about the defeat of the Red-Eyed Demon.
"Stop your infernal noises! Hurry and prepare to leave! We need to take the Emperor back for immediate treatment! We are leaving now!"
The soldiers were quickly silenced by Yarun's angry outburst. They were also brought back to reality that their Emperor was not in the best of conditions. As such, they all hurriedly tended to their Ruler's needs. Others voiced their irrelevant complaints which earned a deathly glare from Yarun. The Royal Knight Captain was certainly not in the best of mood despite the victory he had earned this day. On the other hand, some of the soldiers had now noticed Sereinia's cries looming over the fallen Red-Eyed Demon. They cannot help but view this as very odd. After all, why weep for a Demon? In all the tales, the death of Demon meant peace, happiness, and prosperity to all. So, why bother to shed tear? This question was asked outloud which was heard by Yarun who was passing by.
"Why is she crying for Demon like him? He is a criminal! A menace!"
Unknown to the conversing men, Yarun had stopped from his tracks. His hands were now turned into fists. The wails of Sereinia was now slowly gaining intensity for the cheers had come to an end. They were like a haunting melody for the fallen. He knew for a fact that he should be ecstatic about what he had done today. However, he was not satisfied about the result. The strength he had was not enough in the end to defeat the Demon. Solomon still had to help him. At the same time, why does this victory had such a bitter taste to it? He was still angry that he could feel the tremors shaking his existence. Yet, there was this lingering feeling of vagueness. Closing his eyes briefly, he answered the unwitting man.
"Because he can't cry, someone else has to do it."
After saying those words, Yarun continued on his way. There was nothing glorious about this battle. It was just carnage and the accumulation of things that will never be retrieved again. In his opinion, no one won today. There was also the fact that a memory of his distant past was now being played within his mind like a broken record. This only further irritated the Royal Knight Captain. He hated such sentimentality in battle. Perhaps, it is one of the reason he wants to fight. Because in the heat of a battle, nothing else matters. Everything just melts away and the only thing that matters is the fight.
"If you wanted to die, do it on your own. Stupid demon..."
Approaching the gravely injured Eonis, Yarun listened to the doctor who they had in their company as the older man reported the situation of the Emperor. It seemed that Eonis had been stabilized but it does not mean that the he would not need surgery and a great amount of recovery treatments. At the same time, it was imperative for the Emperor to be delivered into a medical facility immediately. The doctor even commented that Yarun also needed medical assistance. With that being said, Yarun quickly snapped at the men who were still foolishly glad about the defeat of the Red-Eyed Demon.
"Stop your infernal noises! Hurry and prepare to leave! We need to take the Emperor back for immediate treatment! We are leaving now!"
The soldiers were quickly silenced by Yarun's angry outburst. They were also brought back to reality that their Emperor was not in the best of conditions. As such, they all hurriedly tended to their Ruler's needs. Others voiced their irrelevant complaints which earned a deathly glare from Yarun. The Royal Knight Captain was certainly not in the best of mood despite the victory he had earned this day. On the other hand, some of the soldiers had now noticed Sereinia's cries looming over the fallen Red-Eyed Demon. They cannot help but view this as very odd. After all, why weep for a Demon? In all the tales, the death of Demon meant peace, happiness, and prosperity to all. So, why bother to shed tear? This question was asked outloud which was heard by Yarun who was passing by.
"Why is she crying for Demon like him? He is a criminal! A menace!"
Unknown to the conversing men, Yarun had stopped from his tracks. His hands were now turned into fists. The wails of Sereinia was now slowly gaining intensity for the cheers had come to an end. They were like a haunting melody for the fallen. He knew for a fact that he should be ecstatic about what he had done today. However, he was not satisfied about the result. The strength he had was not enough in the end to defeat the Demon. Solomon still had to help him. At the same time, why does this victory had such a bitter taste to it? He was still angry that he could feel the tremors shaking his existence. Yet, there was this lingering feeling of vagueness. Closing his eyes briefly, he answered the unwitting man.
"Because he can't cry, someone else has to do it."
After saying those words, Yarun continued on his way. There was nothing glorious about this battle. It was just carnage and the accumulation of things that will never be retrieved again. In his opinion, no one won today. There was also the fact that a memory of his distant past was now being played within his mind like a broken record. This only further irritated the Royal Knight Captain. He hated such sentimentality in battle. Perhaps, it is one of the reason he wants to fight. Because in the heat of a battle, nothing else matters. Everything just melts away and the only thing that matters is the fight.
"If you wanted to die, do it on your own. Stupid demon..."
"Cry all you want until the only thing that remains is nothing."
It was truly ironic that the sense of accomplishment or honor in defeating the horrifying Red-Eyed Demon was completely lost to those who have personally earned it. The sounds of cheers and victory shouts were nothing more but noise. This was true for Solomon and he could also say the same about Yarun who was quite in rotten mood. Somehow, Solomon cannot see anything wrong about feeling such a thing. It was completely within reason. For, he was also feeling the same thing. Adding to that, he was not pleased on how the Princess wept. It was so heartbreaking that he felt an undefinable amount of regret.
As such, Solomon allowed Sereinia to approach. It was the very least he could do even if it was not much in the long run. Hearing Yarun's outburst, Solomon released a small sigh and knew that they should leave now. The Emperor's condition was stable but not at the very least favorable. He needed proper medical treatment. Furthermore, he could not allow the Princess to be in such a dangerous place any longer. This place was not suited for the likes of her. Certainly, this is something that Shadow would agree upon.
"We must leave now. I can't allow you and the Emperor to linger here anymore."
There was no response as Sereinia continued her cries. Solomon knelt beside her and gently grabbed her by the shoulders. He understood the feeling of being helpless and simply watching someone you care about be taken away from you by the hands of death. It was such a terrible feeling that living seems to be too painful for him to continue. Yet, no matter what happens since we are the ones left behind in the wake. It is our duty to move forward that is what he had came to conclude as the time passed by. As for the pain, it was still there. It never disappeared but now only the dull ache still remains.
"Let him go. He is dead."
Slowly raising her head, Sereinia looked at Solomon with those tearful eyes that were somewhat swollen now. There were no words needed to be said at that point. She was not ready to let Shadow go at any cost. However, there was no time for peaceful negotiations with her. They must now go and leave the Red-Eyed Demon here to die. This was the fate Shadow had chosen. Somehow, he had this vague feeling that when Shadow completed whatever goal he had concocted. The man was the kind that would die.
"Forgive me."
With that said, Solomon immediately carried Sereinia over his right shoulder. As an immediate response, she wildly rejected such a gesture. Flailing her arms to the point that the notion of hurting someone flew out of her concern. She wanted to stay where Shadow was. There was no way she was just going to leave Shadow alone. As a result, her tears continue to flow more than before while shouting for Shadow at the top of her lungs with all the strength she could muster. The occasional stinging on her grazed cheek did not bother her at all.
"Shadow! Shadow! Shadow!"
Sereinia's voice was filled with much desperation while doing so, she continued to fight her way out of Solomon's hold. However, it was an impossible feat to be done. For the White Grim Reaper has no intentions of releasing her at all. Soon, they reached a carriage that had been prepped. Unceremoniously, Solomon threw her inside and ordered it to be locked. He knew that the Princess would hate him for what he had done. Yet, this was the easiest method he could do to remove her from Shadow's side. Behind the locked doors, he could still the screams of rebellion from Sereinia. She was pounding on the door with all her frail might.
"Let me out! Let me out now! Please! Please! Shadow! Take me to Shadow! Please... Help him... Please... I do not want to lose anyone anymore... Please... Mayumi.... now... Shadow... Do not take anything away from me anymore..."
Solomon closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and began to walk away from the carriage. He had ordered for it to move already as he still had some unfinished business to attend to. He walked towards Shadow and knelt beside the dying man. There was no other alternative to stop the Demon's Rampage. Somehow, Solomon was not completely certain about that at the back of his mind. Regardless, he did not let it falter his decisions for now.
"I will hold your responsibility of protecting your charges now."
This was what Solomon declared as he stood and looked at a certain direction where the balcony was in sight. There he saw white hair being softly blown by the cold breeze. It was Shadow's companion and likely prodigy. Although, the girl was asleep or perhaps unconscious. In any case, he has a feeling that something terrible happened to the girl as Sereinia seemed had thought that the young girl was lost as well. Regardless, he would take the girl to ease the Princess broken soul. But before taking his leave, he looked at Shadow one last time and spoke.
"Until we meet again in whatever world it might be."
After saying that, Solomon made his way to the balcony and sensed the presence of another. However, he had chosen to ignore it. For now, it was not something he should be concerned about. Finally reaching the balcony, he looked at the unconscious young girl. A quick check on her vitals had informed him that the girl was fine. Yet, the girl was sleeping much like the dead. This was indeed a curious case. Well, all he could do for now is to take the girl which he did. It would be quite a while before they returned to Cre' Est. Still, they walked through the encroaching darkness of the night as the only light they have was the moon above.
As such, Solomon allowed Sereinia to approach. It was the very least he could do even if it was not much in the long run. Hearing Yarun's outburst, Solomon released a small sigh and knew that they should leave now. The Emperor's condition was stable but not at the very least favorable. He needed proper medical treatment. Furthermore, he could not allow the Princess to be in such a dangerous place any longer. This place was not suited for the likes of her. Certainly, this is something that Shadow would agree upon.
"We must leave now. I can't allow you and the Emperor to linger here anymore."
There was no response as Sereinia continued her cries. Solomon knelt beside her and gently grabbed her by the shoulders. He understood the feeling of being helpless and simply watching someone you care about be taken away from you by the hands of death. It was such a terrible feeling that living seems to be too painful for him to continue. Yet, no matter what happens since we are the ones left behind in the wake. It is our duty to move forward that is what he had came to conclude as the time passed by. As for the pain, it was still there. It never disappeared but now only the dull ache still remains.
"Let him go. He is dead."
Slowly raising her head, Sereinia looked at Solomon with those tearful eyes that were somewhat swollen now. There were no words needed to be said at that point. She was not ready to let Shadow go at any cost. However, there was no time for peaceful negotiations with her. They must now go and leave the Red-Eyed Demon here to die. This was the fate Shadow had chosen. Somehow, he had this vague feeling that when Shadow completed whatever goal he had concocted. The man was the kind that would die.
"Forgive me."
With that said, Solomon immediately carried Sereinia over his right shoulder. As an immediate response, she wildly rejected such a gesture. Flailing her arms to the point that the notion of hurting someone flew out of her concern. She wanted to stay where Shadow was. There was no way she was just going to leave Shadow alone. As a result, her tears continue to flow more than before while shouting for Shadow at the top of her lungs with all the strength she could muster. The occasional stinging on her grazed cheek did not bother her at all.
"Shadow! Shadow! Shadow!"
Sereinia's voice was filled with much desperation while doing so, she continued to fight her way out of Solomon's hold. However, it was an impossible feat to be done. For the White Grim Reaper has no intentions of releasing her at all. Soon, they reached a carriage that had been prepped. Unceremoniously, Solomon threw her inside and ordered it to be locked. He knew that the Princess would hate him for what he had done. Yet, this was the easiest method he could do to remove her from Shadow's side. Behind the locked doors, he could still the screams of rebellion from Sereinia. She was pounding on the door with all her frail might.
"Let me out! Let me out now! Please! Please! Shadow! Take me to Shadow! Please... Help him... Please... I do not want to lose anyone anymore... Please... Mayumi.... now... Shadow... Do not take anything away from me anymore..."
Solomon closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and began to walk away from the carriage. He had ordered for it to move already as he still had some unfinished business to attend to. He walked towards Shadow and knelt beside the dying man. There was no other alternative to stop the Demon's Rampage. Somehow, Solomon was not completely certain about that at the back of his mind. Regardless, he did not let it falter his decisions for now.
"I will hold your responsibility of protecting your charges now."
This was what Solomon declared as he stood and looked at a certain direction where the balcony was in sight. There he saw white hair being softly blown by the cold breeze. It was Shadow's companion and likely prodigy. Although, the girl was asleep or perhaps unconscious. In any case, he has a feeling that something terrible happened to the girl as Sereinia seemed had thought that the young girl was lost as well. Regardless, he would take the girl to ease the Princess broken soul. But before taking his leave, he looked at Shadow one last time and spoke.
"Until we meet again in whatever world it might be."
After saying that, Solomon made his way to the balcony and sensed the presence of another. However, he had chosen to ignore it. For now, it was not something he should be concerned about. Finally reaching the balcony, he looked at the unconscious young girl. A quick check on her vitals had informed him that the girl was fine. Yet, the girl was sleeping much like the dead. This was indeed a curious case. Well, all he could do for now is to take the girl which he did. It would be quite a while before they returned to Cre' Est. Still, they walked through the encroaching darkness of the night as the only light they have was the moon above.