MARVEL I AM DRAGON GOD

The air in the garden grew heavy, thick with the magic Arthur had called forth.

A cold, blue light seemed to shimmer around his hands, making him look taller, stronger, and much more dangerous. His eyes, usually friendly, now had a sharp, glowing look, like a predator ready to strike.

The quiet garden, full of sweet-smelling flowers, suddenly felt like a place where something big was about to happen.

Dino, the Turk, looked like a small bird caught in a storm. His sharp face was pale, and his hands, which had been ready to fight, now trembled slightly.

The brave look he had moments ago was gone, replaced by pure fear. He took a step back, then another, his eyes wide and fixed on Arthur.

He was trying to think, to understand what was happening, but his mind seemed to be stuck on one scary thought: First Class Soldier.

"So, what's it going to be?"

Arthur's voice was still calm, but it had a deep rumble, like thunder far away. The shadows around him seemed to twist with his words.

"Are we going to dance, or are you going to tell your bosses that you had a... little problem?"

Dino swallowed hard. He looked around wildly, as if hoping someone else would appear, someone stronger, someone who could help him.

But there was no one. Only the broken church doors, the quiet garden, and the terrifying man standing before him.

He knew the stories of First Class Soldiers. They were legends, almost like gods among men. Fighting one was not just dangerous; it was suicide. He was a Turk, good at his job, good at chasing people, but this was too much.

"I... I will report this,"

Dino stammered, his voice thin. He took another step back, then turned quickly, ready to run.

"Shinra will know about this! You won't get away!"

Arthur just watched him go, a slow, chilling smile spreading across his face.

Dino didn't even wait for an answer. He moved with surprising speed, darting back through the garden paths, He then brought Rude with him in a hurry.

The sound of his hurried footsteps faded quickly as he disappeared, probably to find a way out and call for backup.

The moment Dino was gone, the heavy feeling in the air lifted. The shadows around Arthur softened, and the blue light in his eyes faded. He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. '

"Some 'enforcers' they are."

From behind the thick rose bush, a small, delightful giggle floated out. Then, a moment later, Aerith stepped out.

She was still smiling, her pink dress a bright splash of color against the green leaves. Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"First Class Soldier, huh?"

She teased, walking towards him.

"That was quite a story, You almost had me believing it."

Arthur grinned, feeling a warmth spread through him. Seeing her safe and laughing was all that mattered.

"Well, I had to make it sound good. Can't have them thinking they can push me around."

He winked.

"Besides, it's good to keep them guessing. A little mystery is always fun."

Aerith reached him, her smile wide.

"You were amazing. Rude didn't even stand a chance."

She looked back at the church, a small frown touching her brow.

"Is he... okay?"

"He'll be fine,"

Arthur said, waving a hand dismissively.

"Just a bruised ego and maybe a sore arm. Nothing he can't walk off. Shinra probably has good doctors for their top thugs."

He looked around the beautiful garden.

"We should probably go. Dino will be calling for backup, and we don't want to be here when the cavalry arrives."

Aerith nodded.

"Where do we go?"

Arthur thought for a moment.

"Somewhere safe. Somewhere Shinra won't expect us to be. Do you have a place in mind? A hideout, maybe?"

Aerith's eyes lit up.

"I do! We can go to my house. It's not far from here, in the Sector 5 slums. My mother will be there. She'll know what to do."

"Your home it is, then,"

Arthur said, gesturing towards the garden's edge. He felt a surge of energy. A clear destination, a person who could help. This was better than just running aimlessly.

They walked quickly through the garden, Aerith leading the way. The flowers seemed to glow in the afternoon sun.

They exited the garden through a small, overgrown gate that led to a narrow, winding path. The path was barely visible, covered in tall grass and wild bushes, clearly not used by many people.

It snaked away from the town, heading towards the edge of Sector 5.

"It's just past this path,"

Aerith said, her voice a little breathless from the quick walk.

"It's a bit of a climb to get to the main road, but it's worth it. My home is really nice."

Arthur didn't mind the climb. His true dragon strength made it feel like a gentle stroll.

He just enjoyed watching Aerith, her light steps, her happy chatter, her complete trust in him.

It was a strange feeling, being so powerful and yet so focused on protecting someone so delicate.

He, a Level 6 Adolescent Reality Blending Cosmic True Dragon, was playing bodyguard to a flower girl.

It was almost funny.

As they walked, Arthur kept his senses sharp. He listened for any sounds of pursuit, any distant sirens, any sign that Shinra was already on their tail.

He could feel the vibrations in the ground, the subtle shifts in the air. Nothing yet. Dino was probably still trying to explain to his superiors what had happened, and they were likely trying to figure out who "a rogue First Class Soldier" could possibly be. That bought them some time.

The path grew steeper, winding through a small, almost forgotten part of the slums. The homes here were simple, made of corrugated metal and salvaged wood, but they had a lived-in warmth. Children played in the narrow alleyways, their laughter echoing between the makeshift buildings. The air smelled of cooking food and damp earth.

"Almost there,"

Aerith whispered, pointing ahead. Through a narrow gap between two shacks, Arthur saw a small, charming house made of slightly more solid materials, surrounded by a vibrant, thriving flower garden.

It was a splash of natural beauty in the industrial landscape of the slums.

They reached the house. The gate to the garden was a simple wooden one, and it opened to reveal a riot of color – reds, blues, yellows, and pinks, all growing in neat rows. It was clear Aerith spent a lot of time here. The front door was slightly ajar, letting out a faint scent of a warm meal.

"Mom! I'm home!"

Aerith called out, her voice bright and cheerful, as if she hadn't just escaped from a dangerous situation. She slipped inside, and Arthur followed, stepping into a cozy, well-kept living room.

The living room was small but tidy, filled with simple, sturdy furniture. A low table sat in the center, and a worn but comfortable-looking couch lined one wall. The walls were decorated with a few framed pictures and colorful tapestries. The air was warm and smelled deliciously of stew.

A woman emerged from a doorway at the back of the room. She was an older woman with kind eyes and a gentle face, her grey hair tied back neatly.

This had to be Elmyra, Aerith's adoptive mother. She was wiping her hands on an apron, and a warm smile spread across her face when she saw Aerith.

"Aerith, darling! You're back! I was starting to worry."

Her eyes then fell on Arthur, and her smile didn't fade, but a keen, watchful look entered them. She was sizing him up, quickly and silently.

"And you've brought a friend."

Aerith rushed forward and hugged Elmyra.

"Mom, this is Arthur. He helped me at the church. Shinra tried to get me again, but Arthur stopped them!"

Elmyra's eyes, still fixed on Arthur, now held a hint of alarm beneath their initial warmth.

"Shinra?"

She repeated, her voice lower. She gently patted Aerith's arm and then stepped forward, extending a hand to Arthur.

"It's good to meet you, Arthur. I'm Elmyra. Thank you for protecting my daughter."

Arthur took her hand. Her grip was firm, stronger than he might have expected from her gentle appearance. He could feel her assessing him, trying to understand what kind of man he was. He knew his presence, especially after what Aerith said, would raise questions.

"It was no trouble at all, Elmyra,"

Arthur said, his voice calm and reassuring. He made sure to keep his more intimidating aura completely hidden. He was in someone's home, and he wanted to be respectful.

"I was glad to help."

Elmyra studied him for another moment, her gaze surprisingly direct. She seemed to be looking for something, some tell or sign. Arthur stood still, letting her look. He knew she was trying to figure out if he was trustworthy.

"Well, you must be hungry after all that excitement,"

Elmyra finally said, her expression softening, though the sharp look in her eyes didn't completely disappear.

"Come, sit. I've just made some stew."

They sat at the small table, and Elmyra served them bowls of steaming, fragrant stew. It was simple but delicious, warming Arthur from the inside out.

Aerith chatted happily, recounting the events at the church, though she left out the part about Arthur being a "First Class Soldier," simply saying he was "very strong."

Elmyra listened, her eyes moving between Aerith and Arthur. Every now and then, she would glance at Arthur with that same knowing, assessing look.

Arthur understood. She was Aerith's protector, and she had seen enough of the world to be wary of strangers, especially those who brought trouble like Shinra.

After they finished eating, Elmyra cleared the dishes. "So," she began, turning to Arthur, her voice calm but firm,

"Aerith said Shinra was after her again. Did they send those men, the Turks?"

Arthur nodded.

"Yes. Two of them. Rude and Dino."

He briefly explained what happened, leaving out the more fantastical elements of his own power. He just said he "handled" them.

Elmyra sighed, a weary expression on her face.

"They never give up, do they? They've been after Aerith for years. They want her for her abilities... to talk to the Planet."

She looked at Arthur directly.

"You seem different, Arthur. Most people, when they hear about Shinra, they run. You stood your ground."

"I don't run from bullies, Elmyra,"

Arthur said simply.

"And I don't like what Shinra is doing to the Planet, or to people like Aerith. She deserves to live her life in peace."

Elmyra's lips curved into a small, appreciative smile.

"I agree. But it won't be easy. Shinra is everywhere. They'll send more people. Stronger people."

"I'm aware,"

Arthur replied, his voice steady.

"And I'm ready for them. For now, Aerith needs a safe place, and a plan. We can't stay here forever if they're going to keep coming."

Elmyra paused, looking from Arthur to Aerith, a deep thoughtfulness in her eyes.

"You're right. This house is safe for tonight. But you're a new element, Arthur. A strong one. Shinra won't just ignore that. You'll draw more attention."

She seemed to be weighing options, making a difficult decision.

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