Within & Without

OCTOBER 8TH 2021,

Darkness surrounded Zero, the air thick with an unfamiliar silence. He stood on what felt like water, with no other soul in sight. As he glanced around, he noticed something unsettling — his reflection. But it wasn't his own. The face staring back at him was shrouded in shadow, except for the devilish smile that stretched across it, sending a cold shiver down Zero's spine.

Suddenly, Zero jolted awake, gasping for breath. The remnants of the nightmare lingered, but he quickly shook them off.

Zero: (to himself) It was a dream huh? Guess I shouldn't think too much of it. But…(remembers the devilish smile of the reflection he saw) why am I seeing stuff like that?

Rising from his bed, Zero moved towards the family altar in his room. The pictures of his deceased family stared back at him as he silently prayed for two minutes.

Zero: (after he was done praying) I'm heading out now, you guys.

With a final glance at the altar, he exited his room. The Kaimi Daja were still recovering from their battle with Joshua Egoshin. Though they had succeeded in defeating him, Joshua's final moments had left an indelible mark on them, and healing would take time.

When Zero entered the living room, he saw everyone gathered, casually chatting. He was relieved to see Gaki awake and seemingly recovering well.

Lorra: (noticed Zero first) Zero.

Zero: (grinning) Looking lovely as ever Lorra. (to the others) Seems you guys are looking fine.(smiles at Gaki) I'm glad you're okay Gaki.

Gaki: (cartoonish face, playfully) What part of this is okay? I lost my hand dude. Kinda lucky he didn't just kill me there.

Zero: (cartoonish face, mocking) Well he slashed me too. (points at the slash on his left cheek) See? See?

Gaki: (grinning) At least you have harmonic restoration to heal yourself and regrow your limbs back if he decided to cut your arm off. I don't have that luxury.

Zero: I'm sorry Gaki. It was my idea for all of us to attack Joshua Egoshin and so I'm equally guilty.

Gaki: Nah, don't sweat it. I wasn't expecting to make it out alive. But since I did, things are looking up. Don't apologize.

Lorra: What about your technique? Joshua cut off your left hand, the one you use to activate it. Does that mean it's gone?

Gaki:It's not like that. The technique's engraved in the body. I can still use it; I just need to use a different part of my body to activate it.

Zero: That's good to hear man.

Jokita: Guess you won't become completely useless then.

Gaki: (cartoonish face) Uh…..I guess??

Zero: (addressing everyone) I know it's sudden, but we need to move on to the next phase of the plan.

Desmond: (exaggerating) For real??????

Zero: Yes, for real. It's time to capture Kato Hamura. Since most of us are still recovering, Dylan and Giles will carry out the mission.

Giles: Huh?

Dylan:(points at himself) Me?

Zero: Yes. Your technique will play a crucial role in what I'm about to explain. Listen carefully…

OCTOBER 9TH 2021

Kato had decided to visit his mother, still in a coma at the hospital. Ervin, who would have gone with him, had been summoned by the Elders. Instead, Arou offered to accompany Kato. Before leaving, Ervin gave Kato a special necklace that altered his appearance, keeping him concealed from society, as he was still considered a wanted shadow.

Meanwhile, in the council room, Ervin stood before the Elders of the Shadow Society: Randar, Kiba, Akami, and Kuyomi. Despite their appearance of unity when Kato was present, Ervin had never gotten along with them — particularly...

Ervin: (sighs) No need for the charade this time. The kid's not here, so why did you call me?

Randar: Ervin, has the boy awakened the god eye yet?

Ervin: He might have. Who knows?

Kiba: You're making jokes at a time like this?

Ervin: Yeah. And if it bothers you, cover your ears, you old fart.

Kiba: (fuming) YOU PRIDEFUL BASTARD!!!!!!!!

Akami: (sighs)

Kuyomi: (sighs) Not again.

Randar: (calming Kiba) Stand down, Kiba. (to Ervin) I asked you a question. Has Kato Hamura awakened the God Eye?

Ervin: Why are you even asking now anyways? You never cared to ask him about him after he first came here three months ago.

Randar: If you're unaware, the Kaimi Daja killed an Heir of the All Mother four days ago. We still don't know why they're targeting the heirs. If Kato has awakened the God Eye, he should be brought to us…

Ervin: (interrupts Randar) …..so you can turn him into a weapon? A tool for your own agendas?

Randar: I don't know what thoughts you have, but everything we do is to ensure the survival of the shadows.

Ervin: (irritated) At least give the kid a break. He was turned into a shadow against his will and his mother has been at death's door for about three months. Now he has to worry about the Kaimi Daja who are after a power he may not even awaken. And now you want to turn him into a weapon? This is why I was never fond of you guys from the start.

Randar: You still haven't answered my question.

Ervin: And you're NOT getting an answer. I'm not letting you turn Kato into a weapon for your schemes. (Starts to walk out)

Kiba: (angered) HEY!! WE'RE NOT DONE HERE!!!!!!

Ervin: Well I am. Maybe you guys should consider retirement because you're getting too old for this line of work. It's making you make dumb decisions. And for the record, I'm not letting you turn Kato into a weapon for your schemes. (Exits)

Kiba: TSK!! Wished there was a way to put a dog tag on him.

Randar: (sighs)

Dana Hashido (Kenji's mother and Ervin's sister-in-law) worked in the same hospital where Kato's mother was admitted and she was the doctor assigned to Korra Hamura's case. Kato and Arou had already gotten to the hospital because of Kinara's teleportation technique but Ervin decided to drive to the hospital himself.

As Ervin drove through the forest roads toward Benville City, he thought about his conversation with the Elders, growing more irritated by the minute. They were so focused on shadow dominance when what the world needed was a way to end the cycle of hatred.

Ervin: Those geezers never change. They just want to rule. They're too blind to see that nothing will change if they keep going like this…

When Ervin stopped at a red light, a sudden barrier appeared, trapping him and the other cars in the area. Everyone around him was confused and helpless, unable to escape. Ervin stepped out of his car and assessed the situation.

Ervin: Now this is a spectacle. (to himself) A barrier huh? So they're making me their next target huh? From what I'm seeing, this barrier has lighter energy in it. But why involve innocent people when I'm the one they're after?

Ervin turned and looked behind him and saw Dylan and Giles on one of the trees behind him.

Giles: He noticed us huh?

Dylan: (scratches his head) We've got his attention now. There's no turning back from this.

Ervin: I take it you're the one behind this barrier huh? TAKE IT DOWN. I'm in a hurry.

Giles: Well, hate to break to you, but you're gonna have to beat us to get out of here.

Dylan: (nervously) HEY!! DON'T TRY AND PISS HIM OFF!!

Ervin: Oh? (grinning) This is turning into something interesting.