Phase 1.2
After the incident, the Demon opened a Hell Gate and returned to its own dimension.
On the ground lay Shouta. His body was all bruised and the acid that was digesting him and Akane was still steaming on his clothes.
“Wait here…” said the headmaster to Akira.
“But-“he was cut off due to the headmaster flash stepping away. It was a unique form of instantaneous travel to those who could master it.
He arrived at the scene, with a weapon drawn in his hand. It was a blade similar to a rapier. It had a guard shaped like angel wings.
Surveying the scene and witnessing the close of a Hell Gate, he was shocked. He saw Shouta lay on the ground two feet from the unscathed Akane.
Suddenly, he was surrounded by inquisitors. They all viewed him with happiness and energetic expressions.
“Three cheers for Earl Leon for defeating the Pit Lord and saving countless lives! – “
“No… it wasn’t me… I had nothing to do with this.” He replied.
“Then who could have done that? No one we know in this region could have sent that thing back!” the cheers of the Evokers and Inquisitors rung through the streets.
“It was… him…” He said as he pointed to his son, still a shocked expression on his face.
All the inquisitors and evokers placed their gaze upon the unconscious bodies of Akane and Shouta.
“Enough!” A deeper voice came from the crowd. Instantaneously, all the men except Earl had bowed their heads for this man. The Fourth General Edwin Godkin approached the scene.
“Restrain the boy and the girl, as well as Earl Leon.” He stated in a deep voice.
He had full plate mail armor on, and had a large two handed long sword strapped to his back, He also wore a cape, but tailored into his cape was the Roman numeral IV, which meant four. He had a white beard and long, white, shaggy hair.
Without question, the men moved, and picked up the bodies. They hesitated to seize Earl however. They knew he was a man of great magical power. And fighting with him would end in certain death. However, he placed a smile on his face and held out his arms, as if accepting his fate.
After the incident, classes had resumed. Akira, who had ran when he had the chance, went to class the first thing next morning, only to discover those two weren’t there. Their names weren’t even called on the attendance, as if all memory of them was wiped.
~-------~A week later~-------~
Another regular school day, but they still have not showed up.
“Excuse me Mr. Lenox! Where is Shouta-kun and Akane-chan?” He stood up, asking hastily.
“Ah them, due to certain circumstances, they could not arrive at school today, I imagine the matter will be sorted out soon however.”
Gritting his teeth he looked out the window. He knew Shouta always loved freedom, and Akira could only assume that being gone for this long must mean he’s being held captive.
He ran out of the classroom, his red hair over his eyes.
“Mr. Nori! Where are you going?”
Akira ran out of the school, and continued up the street. He knew that if Shouta was fine, he’d be at the spot they hung out at since their childhood. He thought maybe it was all a joke to scare him.
He arrived at the Lone tree, outside the neighborhood area and in the forest. Shouta was not present.
“Are you looking for him too? I heard that idiot took on a Pit Lord by himself, to save some woman. Hah!” said a girl’s voice. It was definitely coming from above. Akira looked up and saw a woman in a pure white cloak. It had no number on it unlike the Fourth General’s.
“Who are you!? Do you know where Shouta is?” He screamed.
“Oh so he has a name… Shouta… No wonder my sister fell for him, it’s a nice name, ah as for my name. I’m Yuki Izumi. Akane’s sister.”
She jumped from the tree. She was a bit taller than Akira, and looked down on him easily.
“Listen, I know where he is, and I know where my sister is. We can go help them, but I need your help. Can you do that for me?” she said that and added a slight wink at the end.
“I’ll do anything for Shouta!” he replied with determination.
~-----~Meanwhile~-----~
Shackled to the ground, in an unknown location, there lay Shouta exhausted and bloody.
“Do you know why you are here?” said the fourth General.
“Am I supposed to?” Shouta replied.
“Explain to us once more what happened.”
Shouta recalled the story to the point where he was about to lose consciousness within the demon’s throat. He said demon blood had seeped down his throat. The rest he could not remember
In response to that, two inquisitors took large iron rods and brought them down atop of Shouta’s arms crushing the bones. Shouta let out an anguished scream.
“We’ve been doing this for a week now; do you understand the predicament you are in? You will not be able to leave this place. Now further tell us how you defeated the demon.” He stated once more.
“If I would have remembered, I would have told you! But I do not, so let me go! This is against my rights.”
“Heretics have no rights, only death.” He retorted in anger.
“I am not a Heretic; I don’t know what’s going on!”
“Tell us or we will kill-“He was cut off as bright light filled the dimly lit room. Standing at the door was Earl, who was no lingered shackled. He held up his hand showing a seal.
“This is the seal of the Royal Magistrate Court. Under my command, Shouta Leon is to be released with no charges held. And under no circumstance is he to be attacked by the Holy Empire.”
The fourth General had a calm anger in his eyes.
“Very well, take this eye sore out of my sight and escort them both off the premises.”
“Wait… You… Scumbag… where is Akane?” Shouta screamed.
“Oh right, that woman. We have her locked up nice and tight. And Mr. Leon’s seal can’t do anything about it.” He replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Actually, I have another seal for the immediate release of one Akane Izumi. There is no way I can leave my students in such an unsafe place after all.”
The General looked away and simply nodded to another inquisitor. Moments later, Akane walked through the door way. She had a blank look in her eye; Lifeless and soulless. The headmaster threw his cloak around her and they all walked out.
As soon as they reached the teleportation stone, they were greeted by a familiar face.
“Shouta you bastard, don’t ever do something so reckless again or I’ll kick your ass personally!” screamed Akira half tearing up.
“Akane, are you alright?” asked Yuki. Akane didn't move. “Good.”
The next moment, blood splattered all over the floor. Yuki had pierced Akane’s shoulder with a thin blade.
End Phase 1.2
