Crimson Order

**Crimson Order** (紅くれないの騎士団きしだん, *Kurenai no Kishi-dan*?) is a recently formed military organization affiliated with the Midgar Kingdom's government that strives to protect the country, both in terms of security and order from all threats led by the First Princess Iris Midgar as one of the most powerful swordsman practitioners and magic users on the continent.

They are currently investigating the Cult of Diablos and Shadow Garden after the kidnapping of Second Princess Alexia Midgar. However, the Crimson Order was unable to achieve satisfactory results on their progress due to suffering failures in the assignments they had received and having fallen into dire straits until the Order sustained a lack of resources in personnel and support.

Eventually, the Cult was able to worm one of their spies into the Crimson Order's ranks, approving fabricated evidence to incriminate Shadow Garden for past evils of the Cult's while disavowing the Cult as a fantasy.

## Overview

The Crimson Order works as a special investigation unit. Even though it was only a newly formed small knight order, the Crimson Order was made up of trusted people. As an official military organization devoted to internal security, their sole primary goal is to fight against all threats to maintain order and peace within Midgar Kingdom.

During the early days of its formation, the Crimson Order has been launched a kingdom-wide investigation into two shadow organizations, the Cult of Diablos which had carried out the kidnapping of the Second Princess Alexia Midgar, and Shadow Garden which had rescued Alexia and destroyed the Cult's hidden facility, as well as eliminated the people within the facility, especially Zenon Griffey who was the main perpetrator of the kidnapping.

However, the Crimson Order was unable to run smoothly due to the limited funds caused by the sudden construction of the new order. In addition, the Crimson Order had suffered from several failures that which have lost support with the death of their best knight after not long joining the organization, most notably Princess Iris Midgar' public defeat at the Bushin Festival.

## History

Crimson Order was first founded by Iris Midgar, who is the First Princess of Midgar Kingdom and strongest warrior in the kingdom which consists of her trusted members, namely Glen of the "Lion Mane" and Marco Granger who voluntarily joined the new Order.

Iris Midgar establishing the Crimson Order in order to combat forces that would disrupt the Midgar Kingdom after the kidnapping of her younger sister, Alexia Midgar by Zenon Griffey who known as a respected person because of his reputation is a mastermind of her sister kidnapping, as well as secretly a member of the Cult of Diablos. Knowing this, Iris formed this new Order because her distrust within the Knight Order.

During that incident, Iris also encountered Alpha from the Shadow Garden organization. Being unable to determine if Shadow Garden were friend or foe, the Crimson Order also pursued them with all their might as they also pursued the Cult of Diablos.

## Organization Strength and Influence

The Crimson Order is a powerful military organization in the Midgar Kingdom and become a major force to be reckoned with, containing members of knights that have been carefully selected from the Knight Order with only being able to recruit 8 people, especially Glen who is known as the strongest knight and become the Vice-Commander in the organization. However, the true strength of the Crimson Order lies in their commander, the First Princess Iris Midgar who is recognized as the strongest person in the kingdom whose name has been famous by the populace and her famed have extraordinary achievements.

Although only formed as a new order tasked with investigation and law enforcement, the Crimson Order's current standing influence is weak enough and could possibly survived more than ten years with Iris's sufficient contributions, despite having a limited budget. Not long after its founding, the Crimson Order had taking several failures which had lost a lot of support and cast doubt on Iris' capability in running the organization.

## Membership

The Crimson Order was formed as a special force consisting of trusted people that Iris Midgar herself picked from the Knight Order in order to fight and eliminated any mischief forces that could threaten the Midgar Kingdom. Due to Iris' sudden recklessness in constructing a new Order, the Crimson Order does not have enough resources which is needed for forming into become a proper Order and then began to collect funds and stockpiling weapons, in order be able to build up its military strength.

During the failure of their first mission, Iris admitted that the Crimson Order had lost their strongest member shortly after joining which resulted in losing the majority support of the Knight Order and since there was little chance of them being replaced, its probably wouldn't be able to rebuild the Order.

## Chronology

### Creation

Following the Second Princess Alexia's kidnapping, the First Princess Iris Midgar invites Glen and Marco Granger to conduct a private meeting regarding the post-situation they are currently facing in forming a new special investigation unit, after learning the existence of both secret organizations such as the Cult of Diablos and Shadow Garden which aims to protect and defend the kingdom from all threats.

Iris requested them to join the new Order that she has prepared due to her distrust towards the Knight Order after learning that Zenon Griffey who is known as a respected person in the Midgar Kingdom with his distinguished reputation is the mastermind behind the kidnapping of her sister and secretly a member of the Cult of Diablos. In fact, there has been a report about the confiscated warehouse that stored evidence of secret documents and objects from the Cult's facilities that the Knight Order brought with had been burned down by unknown person leaving all the evidence gathered there to be nothing left.

Understanding the situation, Glen and Marco are agree in helping the princess to investigate both organization and becoming the first members of her Order which will be known as the Crimson Order. Princess Iris is currently still recruiting trustworthy people and was only able to recruit 8 member, due to their Order limited budget.

### Midgar Academy Terrorist Attack

For their first assignment, Iris Midgar had Glen of the "Lion Mane" and Marco Granger to protect Sherry Barnett as she worked in her lab at Midgar Academy to analyze an artifact called, the Eye of Avarice which they seized from a Cult facility.

Alexia Midgar who decided to take a more active role in the internal affairs of her kingdom by joining Iris' investigation and asked for her sister to help in the investigation, regarding the recent serial murders targeting citizens by individuals publicly believed to be Shadow Garden and **Shadow** which she accepts.

During a night patrol, Alexia encountered three imposters who are disguising themselves as members of *Shadow Garden* and was nearly killed until **Shadow** saved her. Alexia warned **Shadow** to not become an enemy of her kingdom, which is met with cold indifference. After the encounter, Alexia was put on lockdown by her sister.

Almost a week later, Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy was soon under siege by the "Children" from the Cult of Diablos pretending to be *Shadow Garden* to incriminate the opposing faction. Rex attacked and killed Glen while severely wounding Marco, but Sherry was still able to complete her research and allow the Knights into the school to restore order when Shadow Garden had rescued all the students who were being held hostage in the auditorium which at that time was burning along with all the facilities inside the Academy.

With the failure of the Crimson Knight's first mission, Princess Iris lost the majority support from the Knight Order with Glen's unexpected demise shortly after joining. Iris notes to herself that her Crimson Order has lost their strongest members and probably won't be able to rebuild them as it is unlikely that they can be replaced.

### Sanctuary Infiltration

The Second Princess of Midgar Kingdom, Alexia Midgar visits the Sacred Land, Lindwurm as a VIP guest for the Goddess's Trial event and also intends to investigate the Archbishop Drake's dark rumors regarding corruption and missing orphans, as well as his ties to the Holy Church of Divine Teachings along with the Crimson Order member.

Hearing the news of the archbishop death, Alexia goes to the cathedral and having an audit with Acting Archbishop Jack Nelson, explaining that she was there to investigate the previous Archbishop's death, to which he replied that the Church will be handling the investigation and she will need to be reapproved to conduct an investigation on the issue as Nelson already send the letter to the king Klaus Midgar and also telling her to enjoy the "Goddess's Trial" event.

The "Goddess's Trial" event was doing well until the last challenger is a student from Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy, Cid Kagenō was called out. When the student was called out **Shadow** appeared out of nowhere much to the audience's surprise. Nelson ordered his men to gather the Church’s Paladin to surround **Shadow**, before he was shocked that he didn't activate any summons and saw the figure of ancient warrior known as Aurora, the Witch of Calamity. **Shadow** and Aurora only faced each other until they started clashing blades, as **Shadow** decide to end the match by closed in the distance and managed to defeat her with ease.

Upon Shadow's victory, Nelson in shock and irk tried to order his men to capture him when the barrier breaks and a magic door suddenly appears in the middle of the arena. He became startled and wondered if the magic door responded to **Shadow** and that he was worthy enough to pass through the Sanctuary. As the door starts opening, he gives orders to evacuate the citizens and canceled the trial. Nelson then tries to order Alexia and the rest leave however, Shadow Garden member led by Alpha appeared and asked the princesses to not do anything until the door is closed and then enters the door. Epsilon had taken down the Archbishop's guards and stated he will be coming with them inside the gate, but Nelson refused and calls his guard Venom to kill her. This attempt in resisting failed as Venom was cut down with her asking the witnesses if they saw anything to which they responded that they did not see anything before apprehending the Archbishop.

Alexia and Rose Oriana went to entering the gateway alongside members of Alpha's squad with the captured Nelson and the "hostage" Natsume Kafka to find themselves in the Sanctuary. Inside the Sanctuary, Alexia would then come to have learned about the truth of the Three Heroes, Demon Possession, as well as the Cult of Diablos's origins and true objective to perfecting the Tears of Diablos until Alpha revealing Nelson's true affiliation as the 11th Seat of the Knights of Rounds, to which he confirms it by revealing himself as **Nelson the *Avaricious*** and tends to separating them into groups.

Alexia saw the fight between Alpha and Delta against Nelson and his deluge of copies in the Sanctuary defense system as she was stunned to see Delta brutality by fighting like a berserker with no technique. When the defense system breaks as Nelson is surprised that over hundred of his copies have been defeated without even breaking a sweat. Alpha states that even if he was able to create a hundred copies, they all still have one brain and he couldn't control them all that well. Nelson then sees a statue of Olivier and calls for Olivier to come. Olivier comes out, but at the same time Epsilon's team joins Alpha and states they are done with the investigation and can leave. Nelson is surprised that they are running away, but Alpha explains their objective is to cut off the source of power and now know how the Sanctuary defenses work, so they will be returning again.

Alexia then decide to escape from the Sanctuary along with Rose and Natsume until outside, the three saw **Shadow's** magic annihilate the Sanctuary and flood Lindwurm. Concluding they were ignorant to the true battle even have learned the connection with the recent events with the two organizations, Alexia alongside Rose and Natsume made an alliance in hopes of protecting anything they dear most, which they swore friendship by gathering and sharing information to learn what they could.

Hearing the news of the Sanctuary being obliterates by **Shadow**, Princess Iris Midgar approach King Klaus Midgar, as she wanted to use the kingdom's authority to investigate the Holy Church. Even after hearing reports of suspicions of collusion between the Holy Church of Divine Teachings and the Cult of Diablos, Klaus did not try to deal with it on the pretext that it was not a certainty with the facts at present and had no crucial evidence to justify a long term investigation.

Furthermore with the approaching of Bushin Festival event along with many honored guests from abroad to whom he must presently play host, Klaus think that this is certainly not a time where he can afford to present himself being antagonistic toward the Church for causing any undue turmoil. Also, Klaus wants to avoid upsetting his allies in Oriana Kingdom and receiving a visit from their king, Raphael Oriana. Iris is determined to get results and prove that she has power to stand up against the Divine Teachings, which Klaus often finds it tiresome to remind Iris of his words and also holds high expectations of her.

After that, Iris want to hear every detail from Alexia who went to Lindwurm to attend as a guest in the Goddess's Trial event to provide every detailed report she knew while she was in the Sanctuary by confirming the assumption that Holy Church of Divine Teachings was indeed suspicious by revealing that the murdered Archbishop Drake and Nelson, who was the Archbishop's killer, had ties to the Cult.

Even though the rest only knew so much that all the evidence was covered up and the entrance to the Sanctuary could no longer be found, Alexia insistently asked Iris to investigate the Divine Teachings because there must be a big organization that are capable of keeping a facility as big as the Sanctuary a secret that kept hidden from the public which should be impossible to hide without having a very significant powerful influence, even if they had to force it under the pretense of following up on leads related to incidents in the capital.

Despite Alexia's insistence, Iris tell her that she also had suggested the same thing to their father, Klaus Midgar to use the kingdom's authority to investigate the Holy Church. But, the King told both princess not to do anything and prevented them from investigating further due to political reasons with the Bushin Festival is almost approaching which was about to start coupled with the arrival of the Oriana Kingdom delegation and receiving their king's visit, had shown that this was definitely not the right time where Midgar Kingdom can afford to present itself being antagonistic toward the Church for causing any undue turmoil and wants to avoid upsetting their allies.

However, Iris told Alexia that they need to either present clear evidence or demonstrate the strength to overcome any sort of national crisis by revealing that if she won the upcoming Bushin Festival tournament again and become the winner this year, then she will have more backing and support of the people which is a perfect way to draw further backing from the Knight Order with earning the prestige of successive wins at the festival.

After bringing the honor of victory at an international tournament to Midgar, it will also raise and solidify the **Crimson Order**'s rank further after receiving the kingdom's citizenry support and once gaining a strong position in political power, their father could be able to listen to his two daughters and those in the palace could not ignore what they have to say. When Alexia wonders if the Cult of Diablos or Shadow Garden won't get involved in the Festival since they have acted at every major event so far, but Iris is sure of her sword skills.

### Bushin Festival Tournament

There has been a great deal of criticism on the Royal Bushin method because of its questionable credibility, particularly from the propagators of the method, Zenon Griffey whose reputation has now been tarnished by his actions and as a result, his scandals have disgrace the Royal Bushin method.

Fearing for the kingdom's future, Iris Midgar plans to enter the tournament to participated and became a recurring champion in winning the Bushin Festival, in order to regain the good name of the kingdom's fighting technique that she had been trying so hard to contribute and restore public faith in her kingdom's knights order and the royal family, hoping that her victory would assuring her kingdom's confidence, in both her strength and their security as the public would raising support upon her victory.

During Bushin Festival tournament, Iris won numerous match until she against Mundane Mann in the semifinal match only she face an utter humiliated defeat. After that, Mundane goes into the VIP seating and rescuing Rose Oriana also reveals his true identity as **Shadow**, even helping the fugitive princess escape from the stadium arena. Seeing the person's real figure was the leader of Shadow Garden, Iris became angry and when Beatrix started to battling him, she decided to help the War Goddess in her confrontation against Shadow.

#### Novel/Manga

Iris Midgar who was beaten by the time she fought **Shadow** in her match as a Mundane suddenly decide to join their fight after Beatrix was overwhelmed when the leader of Shadow Garden started to exert his effort against her as she didn't want him to walk away after ruining the event. Iris suggesting that she'll sacrifice herself in stopping him while the Goddess cut him down.

This backfired as not even an obstruction could stop him as **Shadow** ultimately defeated them. The wounded Iris asked why he didn't kill them with him responding that he only kills his enemies, departing while reminding her that she shouldn't lose sight of her "true enemies". Immediately afterwards, **Shadow** disappears in a halo of light, leaving a clear sky in his wake.

Iris was initially confused by his response due to her being given an utter humiliating defeat before the public and had developed a deep hatred towards him, as she concluded that **Shadow** is an enemy of not only her kingdom but to the whole world.

#### Anime

In the middle of their fight, Iris Midgar shows up and states she wants to join the fight to confront **Shadow** as she wields an artifact mithril sword with ancient runes, surprising him but also amusing him that she would resort to what he sees as a clutch, which annoyed her and turns the blade into a large fire magic from the sword and swings at **Shadow**.

But, **Shadow** easily dodges and states that it has good visuals and is more fit for a festival spectacular as he block Beatrix attacks and continuing their fight, with Iris joining Beatrix to fight **Shadow** as their fight continues through the city and the two manage to push him towards a construction on a building. It was then **Shadow** stumbled upon a pair of crowbars and takes them to blocks both Iris and Beatrix attacks, noting that crowbars indeed have potential and they are keep on fighting on top of a train and on the water until reached the clock tower.

Knowing that **Shadow** is a very powerful opponent, Iris tells Beatrix that she will immobilize him even if it costs her her life and then Beatrix can take him down. Iris attacks **Shadow** by swinging her sword until she lets it go and attempts to grab **Shadow**, however, **Shadow** kicks her in the chin with his knee. At the same time, Beatrix already finishes charging her attack technique to strike in that moment to take him down when she knocks **Shadow's** sword. But, **Shadow** dodges her attack as he grabs and slams her over Iris until he stomps both of them.

**Shadow** attempts to leave, but the girls manage to stand up and Iris tells him that by now every knight in the city should have been mobilized as he has turned the whole kingdom into his enemy and there isn't a place he can run to. However to their shock, **Shadow** starts laughing maniacally and then states he ain't running as there is no reason to at the same time he activates his power, covering most of the city and states that the playtime is over. Seeing his power, the girls are left stunned. **Shadow** starts casting his **I am Atomic** attack, but stops before the end and leaves. Seeing that, Iris drops on her knees and cries.

This incident made Iris realize that her swordsmanship was inexperienced and she became pessimistic that she had crushed the face of the kingdom by being defeated in front of the public. After that, she trained to defeat **Shadow** and Alpha. However, Alexia is worried about her desperation due to her crazy appearance.

### The Academy Disappearances

During the new term of the Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy, the Crimson Order had recruited Hubb as Glen's successor as Vice-Commander. Unbeknownst, Hubb is a spy for the Cult of Diablos as he infiltrated the Crimson Order to manipulate Iris by giving her false evidence and mislead Iris that Shadow Garden were evil, behind many past events that were actually the Cult's evils. From Hubb's manipulation of information, Iris overturned her previous views, concluding the Cult did not exist and all disturbances were Shadow Garden's anarchy, becoming a puppet of the Cult. Iris then became obsessed with taking down Shadow and Shadow Garden believing them to be her "true enemy".

## Equipment and Artifacts

As a newly formed organization, the Crimson Order has already lacking in funds, weapons equipment, and only possessed one Artifact.

* Swords (*standard issue*)
* Holy Sword of Freya (**Anime only**): Iris uses the sword of Freya in her battle with Shadow.

## Known Members

There were originally only eight total members who had joined in the organization. At Volume 5, it is revealed that there are more members, but most of them seem like cowards. Even the Cult of Diablos had brought in their members to manipulate Princess Iris, with Hubb providing false evidence that their past evils in the world were *really* Shadow Garden.

* Iris Midgar (Founding Commander)
* Glen of the "Lion Mane" (1st Vice-Commander; *Deceased*)
* Hubb (2nd Vice-Commander/Cult infiltrator)
* Marco Granger (Senior Knight)
* Alexia Midgar (External Staff)

## Trivia

* Crimson Order members wearing red cloaks, likely due to Iris's notable crimson red hair.
* Claire Kagenō is one of the few students that Iris wants to recruit, after she graduates from the Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy.
* Even though Iris had recently build this Order for almost half a year, the Crimson Order has been losing public support from mishaps and failings regarding to their pursuit of **Shadow**.
* With Hubb already taking over the Crimson Order by manipulating Princess Iris, the order is effectively became an asset to the Cult.

## References

1. ↑ Episode 14
2. ↑ Episode 20
3. ↑ *Volume 1 Chapter 4: The Two Sides of the Shadow Garden?!*