The Greatest Threat

Shizuka was left in a state of shock after discovering the truth about herself. Feeling confused and overwhelmed, she abruptly left the three Divine Knights and headed straight to her room. As she replayed the conversation with her grandmother in her head, she couldn't help but feel a mounting sense of irritation. The question her grandmother had posed to her, whether she could trust her or not, seemed to haunt her every thought. Despite her best efforts to push the matter aside, the question lingered, gnawing at her insides like a persistent ache.

As she stood nervously in front of Granny and her students, she gazed deeply into their eyes and posed a question that hung in the air like a thick fog. "Will you trust me?" Her voice quivered with uncertainty, and the silence that followed was palpable. Everyone in the room was struck by her sudden vulnerability and wondered what could have caused such a loss of self-confidence.

Granny Takiko spoke in a serene and composed tone, "Knowing you right now, it's too early to decide."

When her grandma shared those words with her, she turned away without any display of emotion.

Shizuka's heart felt heavy as she walked towards her cozy bed and sat down with a deep sigh. She gazed out of the window beside her, her eyes vacant and staring blankly at the world outside. The silence in the room was only broken by the sound of the wind howling outside, which seemed to be a reflection of her inner turmoil. Suddenly, she felt a strong impulse and slowly opened the window, letting in a gust of chilly breeze that hit her face. The icy wind's touch sent shivers down her spine, but at the same time, it made her feel alive and in touch with the elements. She could feel the raw power of nature and its unpredictability. However, she also felt vulnerable in the face of the elements, as if she was at the mercy of something greater than herself. She let out a deep breath and closed the window tightly instead, trying to regain some sense of control. "Out of all times, why did the snow suddenly come?" she wondered, feeling a sense of frustration and uncertainty.

Despite the late hour, Shizuka found herself wide awake and unable to drift off into slumber. She clung tightly to the soft pillow beside her, but no position seemed to bring her any comfort. As she lay there, her mind wandering, she was suddenly struck by a vivid memory from her childhood: the warm, comforting embrace of her mother. In that moment, she longed to be held once more, to feel that same sense of security and love that only a mother can provide.

"Mother, if only you were still alive. . ."

The memory of her mother picking her up from the playground was etched vividly in her mind. She could recall the warm sun on her face, the sound of children laughing and playing in the background, and the feeling of her mother's comforting embrace as she lifted her off the ground. It was a moment of pure joy and safety that she would always cherish.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shizuka's mother was determined to go home, and she employed a cunning trick to persuade her young daughter. Knowing that her child loved nothing more than her father's chicken curry, she promised that he would be the one to cook it for her. Shizuka, being as naive and trusting as any child, fell for the bait and eagerly went to her mother. Taking advantage of the situation, the mother hoisted Shizuka onto her back and began the slow journey homeward. As they walked, young Shizuka's mind raced with anticipation, completely oblivious to her mother's ulterior motives.

Fujino Asuka is the name of her beloved mother, whose charming appearance is sure to captivate anyone's attention. She boasts a head of lustrous, medium-length blonde hair that cascades down her back in gentle waves, shimmering like gold in the sunlight. Her bright, bluish eyes are like two pools of happiness and tranquility, sparkling with an inner light that radiates warmth and comfort. Looking into her eyes is like gazing into a serene oasis, where all worries and troubles fade away.

Asuka is carrying her child on her back and asks, "Shizuka, have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up?" Her voice is gentle and filled with curiosity, as if she genuinely wants to hear her child's dreams and aspirations. While carrying her daughter, Asuka was walking along a path surrounded by tall trees, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The sun is shining, casting a warm glow on their faces as they enjoy this precious moment together.

"What do I want? Hmm. . ." Young Shizuka was lost in her thoughts as she pondered about her desires. She was unsure of what she truly wanted in life and her current interests were limited to playing and having fun.

Her mother attempted to clarify the situation, asking, "Did you aspire to become a doctor, a lawyer, or perhaps a teacher?"

"Nah. I don't want any of those. That would be too boring, mommy." 

Asuka's shoulders slumped, and she let out a long, drawn-out breath, a sense of despair washing over her. She felt as though she had exhausted all her options when it came to helping her child, and a heavy weight sat in her chest as she contemplated what to do next.

Asuka's voice was laced with disappointment as she spoke softly, "I suppose it's too soon to ask you, Shizuka."

"I just want to be a hero someday." Shizuka's face lit up with a bright smile. 

Asuka wore a perplexed expression on her countenance as she inquired, "A hero? What do you mean?"

"I am determined to be the hero this world needs. With unwavering bravery, I will conquer even the most formidable dragons, stealthily infiltrate the goblins' hideout, and ultimately vanquish the most terrifying evil of all, Lucifer, to ensure the safety of all." The child exclaimed with an enthusiastic voice, full of determination.

"It would be great if they existed though," Asuka let out a light chuckle, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Shizuka's eyes widened in bewilderment as she gazed at her mother.

Shizuka is a bright-eyed and adventurous young girl with a deep passion for all things fantastical. She spends her days eagerly diving into a wide variety of fantasy literature and immersing herself in the captivating world of online role-playing games. Her mother has taken notice of Shizuka's love for these enchanting realms, and has a strong hunch that her daughter may one day wish to explore the magical world of Eden Land firsthand.

"Joining a dojo is the first step towards defeating all evil in the world," Asuka suggested with great enthusiasm.

Shizuka looked at her mother with a blank expression as she struggled to comprehend the meaning behind her mother's words. "Dojo?" she repeated, her mind still trying to process the unfamiliar term.

"Yes. A Dojo. It is where you train and learn to defeat evil through martial arts, karate, kendo, and more! A friend of mine owns a dojo around here." She excitingly tried to convince her child.

"I would love to join a dojo, mommy! Shall we start training today?" without thinking, young Shizuka replied.

"We should start tomorrow. You should first eat a lot of nutritious food since it will challenge a young girl like you. Will you still do it?" Asuka suggested, her voice was filled with enthusiasm.

"Yes, I'll do it, Mommy!" exclaimed Shizuka, though her face twisted in a pout. "I just don't like eating vegies, but I can start training today!"

"That's the spirit. Well then, it is set! I will enroll you in Dojo and start training tomorrow!" Asuka carefully lowered her daughter. As she looks down at her child, she can't help but feel overwhelmed with love and joy, and she breaks into a warm, bright smile that lights up her entire face.

On that particular day, a realization dawned upon Shizuka's mother that her daughter aspired to be someone who could rescue and protect others, just like a true hero.

As Shizuka closed her eyes tightly, she found herself lost in a sea of memories. The tranquility of those moments washed over her, offering a sense of peace that she had been longing for. Despite feeling comforted by those recollections, she couldn't help but shed a few tears, as if the emotions that had been pent up inside her were finding an outlet at last. The droplets trickled down her cheeks, glistening in the soft light of the room, as she finally succumbed to the comforting embrace of sleep.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As the night progressed, the snowflakes started pouring down from the sky and gradually blanketed the entire city of Tori. The roads that were once bustling with activity were now clogged with snowbound vehicles, causing a traffic jam. The frigid temperature outside was unbearable, making it impossible for anyone to step outside. In this situation, Granny Takiko came to the rescue by turning on the heater to warm up their surroundings.

"Why don't you have a chimney here? It's been freezing." Ayashiro, feeling the chill in his bones, remarked on the biting cold as he shivered slightly. In a bid to combat the cold and warm himself up, he summoned his power and let flames envelop his body, providing him with the much-needed warmth. Despite the fact that he wore an armsling on his right arm, Ayashiro seemed to be in no more pain after taking a little rest.

"Idiot. This world has a technology called a heater. We're not in Eden Land anymore." Hakken, who was seated on the cold, hard floor, placed his palm against his face with force. A deep, exasperated sigh escaped his lips.

"Shut up! Of course I know that! You stupid barbie!" Ayashiro fumed. The fire on his body lit up wildly as his anger rose.

"Yeah yeah, whatever you say, dummy."

"So, what happened back there?" In the midst of their argument, Granny Takiko abruptly interrupted to bring up their previous encounter with Kyoshiro, hinting that something noteworthy might have happened during their interaction.

The two students stopped bickering and assumed a serene posture, resting on the floor with their backs straightened and legs crossed. They gazed attentively towards Granny Takiko, who was sitting comfortably at the couch in a poised and dignified demeanor. Her eyes fixed on the book in her hand. However, it was apparent that she wasn't reading it as the book was upside down. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze unfocused and distant.

Ayashiro gritted his teeth in frustration as he spoke, his eyes still fixated on the floor. "I have to admit, that guy is one tough opponent," he said, his voice laced with irritation. "I've never seen anyone counterattack my fireball like that before." The memory of their battle still fresh in his mind, Ayashiro couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger at the thought of being bested by Kyoshiro's skill and agility.

"I've been informed that Kyoshiro was the kind of criminal who always tried to avoid confrontations. That's why I thought he would just run away like he did with Lost Mjolnir. I let Ayashiro do whatever he wanted thinking he would not get hurt. Unfortunately, I was wrong, and this put him in a dangerous situation. I apologize for my mistake, Takiko-sensei." Hakken's heart sank with guilt as he slowly lowered his head towards his Principal, his eyes filled with remorse and shame.

"Tch! Don't act like you're my captain."

Takiko's gaze remained fixed on the book before her. Despite her attentive listening, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, hinting at a deeper understanding that she was hearing. It was as though she possessed knowledge that was just out of reach, and yet her demeanor remained calm and serene, leaving her students to wonder what secrets lay behind her enigmatic expression.

"Sensei?" As soon as Takiko narrowed her eyebrows abruptly, both students couldn't help but notice the sudden change in her demeanor. Their faces reflected confusion as they tried to decipher the cause behind her sudden shift in expression.

Granny Takiko turned her attention to the students, swiftly shutting the book she was holding. Her sharp gaze fixed on them as she spoke, "If Shizuka joins us in the other world, we should be ready." Her words carried a warning that made them acutely aware of the seriousness of the situation.

"Yes. We will." Hakken and Ayashiro both responded simultaneously with a show of respect, bowing in unison to convey their agreement to their principal.

Legend has it that Fujino Shizuka, a mysterious figure, could be the Red-Eyed Princess, but no one knows why. Her mere presence in Eden Land is enough to make the Divine Knights wary, as they fear that her arrival could spell doom for their nation. The prophecies of Nostradama of Eden, as translated by scholars, indicate that the return of the Red-Eyed Princess might bring about the destruction of Eden Land, or potentially vice versa. Therefore, many Divine Knights consider her to be their greatest threat, as they fear that she may use the Dragons against them, making her an untrustworthy ally.

However, the Divine Knights and the populace have differing opinions regarding The Red-Eyed Princess's possible allegiance. While some believe that she will be the savior fighting against the forces of evil, others view her as a possible villain. Before passing judgment, everyone, regardless of their stance, must first understand Shizuka's motives and possible goals. Only then can a fair assessment of her character and intentions be made.

Takiko adopted the tone of a knowledgeable teacher as she elucidated her thoughts to Hakken and Ayashiro. "I was perplexed to know why the council was taking an interest in her. Is it the right time to start scrutinizing her?" she questioned, her words laced with confusion.

"Then what about Sakaki Kyoshiro? Why is he after Shizuka?" asked Ayashiro in a serious voice, fixing his gaze towards his Principal.

Takiko's lips curled up into a mysterious smile, leaving them to wonder what thoughts were running through her mind.

"It is possible that Kyoshiro harbors doubts about Shizuka's intentions and motives. He may perceive her as a potential danger and has taken measures to prevent Shizuka from reaching Eden Land, no matter what the cost."

Ayashiro appeared taken aback by Takiko's statement, his expression betraying his surprise. On the other hand, Hakken seemed to have grasped the meaning of Takiko's words right from the beginning, his reaction indicating that he was already aware of what was being discussed.

As the heater started to warm the chilly surroundings, the fierce flames engulfing Ayashiro's body began to subside, leaving behind a trail of smoke. The crackling of the flames slowly faded away, replaced by the soft hum of the heater, as the room gradually returned to a state of calm.

"I guess Shizuka will meet that guy more often now," warned Takiko, slowly shutting her eyes.

Hakken, with a hint of apprehension in his voice, chimed in after Takiko Sensei voiced her suspicions. "It's true that he was actively stopping us from coming near to Shizuka not too long ago. Your intuition may be correct, Takiko Sensei. However, we shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. We still don't have a complete understanding of his intentions." A tiny bead of sweat trickled down Hakken's cheek as he spoke, betraying his nervousness.

"After considering all the potential dangers in this scenario, I am curious to know your opinion on The Red-Eyed Princess. Are you inclined to protect Shizuka or do you believe she should be eliminated?" asked Takiko with her serious yet calm demeanor.

The two students sitting in front of Takiko seemed taken aback by her words, as if they had been hit by a sudden wave of fear. They swallowed hard, their eyes wide open, and their bodies frozen in place.

"Be honest." Takiko gave them yet another stern gaze.

Hakken responded with a firm tone, his voice laced with fear of his Principal. "I strongly believe that the Red-Eyed Princess is not a threat to our world, Sensei! I believe that Fujino Shizuka will save us!"

Ayashiro was feeling uncertain about the situation. He knew that his answer could make all the difference, and he was afraid of what might happen if he gave the wrong one. "It doesn't matter, right?" he said hesitantly. "As long as we can persuade her to join our side, she won't try to destroy Eden Land. So I guess I'll trust the Red-Eyed Princess."

Takiko couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as they witnessed their usually emotionless Principal break into a bright and genuine smile for the very first time. The sight was so unexpected yet heartwarming, and it left Takiko feeling a sense of joy and comfort.

Takiko's eyes shone with pride as she spoke to Ayashiro and Hakken. "That's my students," she said confidently. "I have complete faith in her. She has the power to change the world, but I know that she would never use it for evil. And if, by some miracle, she were to stray from the path of righteousness, I would be the first to step in and stop her. But I know that won't happen. . . because she has a kind heart. I raised her well."