{KINGDOM OF SPECTRA - RANSEI REGION}

Shadecleaver: “This place is giving me the creeps.”

(Shadecleaver walks across the kingdom of Spectra - hoping to find somebody there. Just then, he sees Ginchiyo - the Warlord of Violight.)

Shadecleaver: “Wait, Ginchiyo? What are you doing here?”

Ginchiyo: “Shadecleaver? I could ask you the same question. I am here to see Nō - the Warlord of this place. The note she gave me mentioned a surprise, but I still have no idea as to what it is. What brings you here?”

Shadecleaver: “I’m actually on my day off right now so I decided to chill here.”

Ginchiyo: “A day off? That’s rare for you, Shadecleaver. But I suppose everyone needs a break once in a while. Have you seen Nō around? I’ve been searching for her, but she seems to be elusive.”

Shadecleaver: “Maybe she’s in her castle?”

Ginchiyo: “That’s possible. I’ll head there and see if she’s there. Thanks for the suggestion, Shadecleaver. If you’re looking for some excitement during your day off, you could always join me. Who knows what surprises Nō has in store for us?”

Shadecleaver: “Hmm, sounds intriguing. I could use a little excitement. Let’s go check out the castle together.”

(Shadecleaver and Ginchiyo make their way to the grand castle in the heart of the Spectra kingdom. As they approach, they notice the castle is radiating an ethereal glow, giving it an otherworldly appearance.)

Ginchiyo: “This castle never fails to impress. It always seems to have a touch of magic in every corner.”

Shadecleaver: “Indeed, it’s quite enchanting. I wonder what surprises await us inside.”

(They enter the castle and are greeted by Nō, the mysterious and enigmatic Warlord of Spectra. Nō is known for her unconventional methods and her ability to manipulate shadows.)

Nō: “What the-?! Ginchiyo and Shadecleaver?! What are you doing here?!”

Ginchiyo: “We came looking for you, Nō. You left a note mentioning a surprise, and we were curious to find out what it was.”

Shadecleaver: “Yeah, we thought maybe you had something exciting planned for us.”

Nō: “I see… Well, you’re in luck. I do have a surprise for you, but it’s not exactly what you might expect.”

Ginchiyo: “Well, don’t keep us in suspense. What is it?”

Nō: “Follow me.”

(Nō leads them through the corridors of the castle, the ethereal glow intensifying as they go deeper inside. They come to a chamber that was completely identical to a nursery, but Ginchiyo could swear the chamber was empty before.)

Ginchiyo: “Wait a minute, Nō. I’m sure this room was empty earlier. What’s going on?”

Nō: “Ah, you have a keen eye, Ginchiyo. This nursery was set up ahead of time. The REAL surprise will come in a few more months.”

Shadecleaver: “A few more months? What do you mean?”

Nō: “I am going to become a mother. I am expecting a child.”

Ginchiyo: “Nō, that’s amazing! Congratulations!”

Shadecleaver: “Wow, that’s a huge surprise. I’m happy for you, Nō.”

Nō: “Thank you both. I wanted to share this news with you because you both hold a special place in my heart. I consider you not only allies but also friends. I wanted to involve you in this journey.”

Ginchiyo: “We’re honored, Nō. We’ll be there every step of the way.”

Shadecleaver: “Absolutely. We’ll support you and your child in any way we can.”

Nō: “Thank you. It means a lot to me. This child will have a unique destiny, just like all of us here in Spectra. I believe they will grow up to be a formidable force.”

Ginchiyo: “I have no doubt about that. With you as their mother, they’ll be unstoppable.”

Shadecleaver: “Let’s raise a toast to Nō and her soon-to-be child. May their journey be filled with joy and strength.”

(They raise their glasses and toast to Nō’s surprise. The ethereal glow in the nursery seems to brighten, as if acknowledging the celebration.)

Nō: “Thank you, both of you. This means everything to me. Spectra will continue to thrive with allies like you.”

Ginchiyo: “We’re honored to be a part of this, Nō. Spectra is lucky to have you as its leader.”

Shadecleaver: “Agreed. Let’s continue to protect and support each other, just like a family.”

(With their glasses raised, they share a moment of celebration and anticipation for the future. The surprises in the Kingdom of Spectra never cease, but this one, in particular, holds a special place in their hearts. A few months later, the day finally arrives - and Nō goes into labor.)