The Eminence of a True Monarch of the Shadows

[Third Person's PoV] 

"Now that you've got your daughter safe and sound, you can leave," Shadow said, waving Cid and the others away dismissively. His voice carried a hint of mockery, and a sly grin stretched across his face, further irritating Cid.

Cid felt his eye twitch, a vein threatening to pop as he inwardly grumbled, 'Was he always this insufferable' 

"Come now, my lord, there's no need to be so brusque," Alpha(2) chimed in, stepping forward with a gentle smile. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced at her counterpart. "They could stay for a while, couldn't they? I'd like to learn more about them and the world they come from."

Alpha(2) turned her gaze back to Shadow, her voice growing persuasive. "Imagine what we could learn, especially if they hail from a time beyond our own."

Shadow's eyes narrowed into a sharp glare. "No," he said flatly, his tone brooking no argument. "I don't want spoilers. One word out of place, and I'm kicking all of you out."

Cid scoffed, crossing his arms. "Who said anything about staying? We were just leaving." His voice dripped with challenge.

"Good," Shadow shot back with a matching scoff.

"Great," Cid retorted, his volume rising as if in a petty contest.

"Fantastic!" Shadow barked, stepping closer.

"Couldn't have it any other way," Cid sneered.

A soft chuckle broke through the tension as Alpha stepped forward, swaying gently as she cradled the baby in her arms. "Staying a little longer wouldn't hurt," she said, casting a sidelong glance at her counterpart. "We could share stories about how we first met you."

Alpha(2)'s eyes lit up with excitement. "Lord Shadow found me locked in a cage on the brink of death," she said, a bittersweet smile curving her lips.

Alpha met Cid's gaze with a knowing smile, her baby nestled securely against her chest. "I was found in much the same way. He restored me, showed me the hidden truths of the world."

Alpha(2) nodded solemnly, eyes glistening with a shared understanding. "Yes, especially the truth about the Diabolos Cult…"

Shadow's eyes darted to Cid, a rare moment of uncertainty flitting across his face. 'Did he feed them the same story I did? Are we really that alike?'

Cid's eyebrow twitched at the familiar look of realization on Shadow's face. 'He's an A grade dumbass, that much is certain,' Cid thought.

Amidst the reunion, Cid shifted and handed his daughter, Loriel, to Alpha(2), who looked taken aback by the sudden gesture.

"Huh?" she murmured, eyes widening as Loriel settled into her arms.

Cid stepped past the gathered crowd, his expression hardening as he gestured for Shadow to follow. "Come with me," he said, voice low and commanding. He strode toward the jagged opening in the wall—a remnant of Shadow's recent clash with Igris.

Shadow bristled, crossing his arms defiantly. "You can't order me around—ugh!" His protest was cut short as a shadowy tendril, summoned by Cid, wrapped around his neck and dragged him forward.

"Release me!" Shadow snapped, sputtering as he pointed a finger threateningly. "I swear, I'll go Atomic!"

Cid let out a long, exasperated sigh, eyes rolling so far back they nearly disappeared. "You're insufferable."

Meanwhile, Alpha(2) cradled Loriel, gazing down at the child in wonder. The baby's soft breaths and tiny fingers curling against her own filled Alpha(2)'s heart with unexpected warmth.

Beta(2) leaned closer, her eyes flickering with curiosity. "What do you think they're discussing?" she asked.

Aurora shrugged lightly, her expression bemused. "Boy stuff, I'd guess."

Beta(2) stared at Aurora, her brow knitting as an awkward silence grew. The tension was palpable until Aurora shifted uncomfortably and tilted her head. "Yes?" she asked, trying to break the silence.

"Sorry, I'm just a bit surprised to see you…" Beta(2) said awkwardly, "You know, being who you are and with a child no less" 

Celeste, who was in her arms, looked up towards Aurora tilting her head in confusion, "Mommy!" Celeste said, pointing up towards Aurora, as that's what she has always known her as and nothing else. 

Aurora gained a bright smile as she kissed Celeste cheek, "That's right, I'm simply your mommy now~"

---

A few paces away, the conversation between Cid and Shadow grew tense.

"What?" Shadow snapped, regaining his composure. "Did you drag me out here for a fight? Just because you seem stronger doesn't mean I'm afraid of you."

Cid ran a hand over his face, exasperated. "The more I talk to you, the more I want to smack you," he muttered, his voice low and gravelly. He took a breath, then fixed Shadow with a serious stare. 

"Are you going to fix that wall, or not? It was your Knight that made the mess." Shadow asked, pointing to the giant hole on the wall. 

Cid sighed, rolling his eyes. "Yes, yes, I'll fix it." Cid's expression shifted from irritation to gravity. "Stop acting like an idiot. I can see it, and so can you. This—everything—you treat it like a game, like some elaborate act. Do you honestly believe the Cult of Diabolos is just a made-up story?"

Shadow's gaze flickered, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "Of course. It was just a fairytale I pieced together from Claire's old books. Resurrecting a demon lord—how cliché can you get? And since your Alpha mentioned it, I guess you spun the same tale in your world."

"It's not a fairytale," Cid insisted, stepping closer. "You were right by accident. There is a cult. They are trying to resurrect Diabolos."

For a moment, Shadow's expression was unreadable, eyes narrowed and thoughtful. "I see…" he finally said, one hand rubbing his chin as if considering.

'Wait, is he actually taking this seriously?' Cid wondered, caught off guard.

Shadow's lips twisted into a half-smile. "I must be so deep into the role that I'm starting to believe it myself. I'll have to be careful, or I might end up like you."

Cid's face fell, and he massaged his temple, already regretting the conversation. "Why am I even bothering? You're hopeless Minoru." 

Cold sweat ran down Shadow as he flash stepped in front of Cid, "How do you know that name?" Shadow asked with a frown. 

"What part of I'm your counterpart did you not understand?" 

"Even that part of my life?" Shadow asked, a bit taken aback, "I see, so you were also reincarnated…" 

Shadow then narrowed his slightly as he then said, "Look, this makes believe maybe real in your world, but that doesn't make it true in mine, maybe that's what separates your world from mine," 

Cid only gave a little head shake as he began walking away shaking his head, "Just… look into it, will you? The girls are serious about this. If you treat it like a joke and someone gets hurt because of it, that's on you."

Shadow stood silent as Cid turned on his heel and strode back through the hole. The scattered stones began to shiver and rise, reassembling until the wall stood whole once more.

Shadow blinked at the seamless repair.

"..."

 "That bastard locked me outside," he muttered.