*Moments before Kato arrive at the Shadow society*
Ervin was summoned by the Council of Elders of the Shadow Society.
The Council is composed of the wisest and oldest Shadows, responsible for making and enforcing laws within their society.
Despite their absolute authority, Ervin had always managed to negotiate changes for the betterment of the Shadows.
The Council had called him to discuss the recent events involving Kato and his survival of the shadowfication process.
1st Elder: So, it’s possible that he could be a descendant of the Hamorabi Clan?
Ervin: Yes. I suspected it when my daughter befriended him years ago, but he lacked any detectable shadow energy back then. Now, however, he possesses shadow energy and seems to have used a technique that might be linked to the Hamorabi Clan.
2nd Elder: Is that feasible?
3rd Elder: It is possible. We haven’t seen any Hamorabi Clan descendants for over 500 years. It’s conceivable that Kato himself might be unaware of his lineage.
4th Elder: But that would imply that one of his parents was either a Shadow or a Shadow conduit.
Ervin: It couldn’t be his mother, as she wouldn’t have been affected by the shadow bug. This implies that…
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*Present Hour*
Kato was struck by the beauty and vitality of the environment as he arrived at the Hashido Estate. The place was lively and vibrant, with Shadows going about their lives in a way that defied his prior assumptions.
Kato: (to himself) So Shadows live like this? From everything I’ve been told, I’d expected them to be monstrous. This is how they live?
Mira: (noticing Kato’s awe)
As they approached the main building, Ervin was waiting for them at the entrance.
Ervin: (waving at them) Hurry it up. They're already waiting for him.
Kato: They?? Who am I going to meet?
Kinara: The council of Elders.
Kayomi: Ervin will explain to you as you go
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Ervin: (to Kayomi and Kinara) Thanks for bringing them.
Kayomi: Yeah sure
Kinara: (cartoonish face) Yeah no problem
Ervin: (to Mira and Isaiah) You both did well in saving Kato.
Mira: Thanks Dad
Isaiah: Hmmm.
Ervin led Kato into the building, which was grand and left Kato in awe.
Kato: So who are the Elders, and why am I meeting them?
Ervin: The Elders oversee the affairs of the Shadow Society. As the head of the Hashido Clan, I play a role in these affairs too.
Kato: Mira mentioned the clans and that you’re the head of the Hashido Clan.
Ervin: (cartoonish face) Oh she did that already??
Kato: (cartoonish face) At least try to look like a Clan head
Ervin: Anyway, the Elders want to meet you because they believe they know why you survived the shadowfication process.
Kato: Really????
Ervin: Yes. They’re aware of the Shadow Society’s history and the conflict with the Lighters. They might know why the Kaimi Daja are after you and how you survived. You ready?
Kato: (breathes in and out) Yeah I'm ready.
Ervin: Then let's go
Ervin opened the door to the Council chamber. The room appeared empty initially, but Kato soon saw the four Elders seated at the far end. Ervin stayed in the corner while Kato faced the Elders.
The Elders, looking like they were in their 70s, and they were:
Randar
Kiba
Akami
Kuyomi (Female)
They stared at Kato for what felt like an eternity.
Kato: (to himself) Why are they staring like this? It feels like a horror movie.
Randar: Let us begin. First, tell us who you are.
Kato: (lowering his head in respect) I’m Kato Hamura from Benville City.
Akami: Kato Hamura? It resembles Hamorabi. Ervin was right.
Ervin: Of Course I'm right
Kiba: And how old are you Kato Hamura?
Kato: I'm seventeen but I'll be eighteen by December.
Akami: Such a young
Kuyomi: And quite a fine young man, too.
Kato: (to himself) They really are old people.
Randar: To address the matter at hand, what is your opinion on Shadows?
Kato: (keeps quiet for a while)
Randar: (sternly) Speak up! I don’t like to wait.
Kato: From what I’ve seen over the past few days, shadows aren’t the monsters they’re made out to be. Mira, whom I’ve known for years, isn’t like that. Ervin took me in and cared for me, even when I accused them of wrongdoing. Seeing how peaceful this place is made me realize that not all Shadows are evil. I understand now that my previous beliefs were misguided.
Ervin looked at Kato while The Elders exchanged approving glances.
Kato: The recent events made me realize how little I know about myself and how weak I am. I want to understand Shadows better, know my own strength, and discover who I am. To answer your question: I want to find out what it means to be a Shadow while I live as one.
Randar and the other Elders looked impressed with what he was saying.
Ervin: (to himself) Such a resolve and determination. To think he actually developed one after last night...... he's growing on me
Randar and the other Elders were quite pleased with the resolve that Kato had developed and it brought all smiles to their faces.
Randar: I'm impressed Kato Hamura
Kiba: Your resolve is commendable.
Kato: This was a test, wasn’t it?
Akami: Yes, we needed to assess your mindset. If you had been against us, the Imperial Guard would have been called to eliminate you.
Kato: Imperial Guard???
Ervin: (gestures upwards)
Kato looked up and saw four masked Shadows on the ceiling, poised to draw their swords.
Kato: (cartoonish face) HUUUUUUHHHHHHH???!!!!! Who are they?
Ervin: The Imperial Guard is the personal security for fhe Elders. They protect the Elders from threats.
Kato: (cartoonish face) Scary.
Randar: Now, you must be curious about why you survived the shadowfication process.
Kato: Yeah I've been wondering how I survived because I've been told that it kills normal people and lighters.
Akami: Indeed it does. But we the elders and Ervin......
Ervin: (cartoonish face)
Akami: (ignores him).......have talked about your situation and We believe you survived because you were a shadow conduit.
Kato: A conduit???