Fire...the feeling of heat scorching the body. Yet he doesn't care. There's no amount of burns he cannot suffer to help. The explosion had rocked the massive facility with its shockwaves. When the doctor had brought up a projection of the control room all it showed was the whole room burning. The conference room he had been in, and the same one he had been guided out of. And his first thoughts, the very first thought to cross his mind, "...what about that girl...?"

"Find shelter immediately. I'm going to the control room!" The doctor had told him so, to get to safety, but he couldn't. He was compelled to follow. The facility's bulkhead would close and trap him inside with the spreading fire, but he didnt care, even as the doctor told him to get out of the facility. He was compelled to follow, whether it was because of the mysterious white animal who had accompanied him or his own thoughts. "To escape now would be..."

"What are you doing? You can't be seriously thinking about following me!" The doctor had exclaimed in surprise. "We can't argue about this! Turn back before the bulkhead closes!" But he had stubbornly chosen to stay, along with the mysterious little creature riding atop his shoulders as they approached the conference room. What waited for them was a scene of utter decimation. The heat hit them both with an intensity that only grew.

He had picked his way through the wreckage with the doctor, looking for survivors. The doctor himself seemed troubled. "This seems to be where the explosion occurred...it's no accident. It has to be sabotage." Sabotage? But by whom?

Only CHALDEAS suffered no damage, but the very destruction of its surroundings engulfed it in a silhouette of flames. The announcement system continued to summarize the situation. Forty seconds and the bulkhead would close, trapping him inside. The main power had been cut, and personnel were required to start the backup generators. The doctor had cautioned him, insisted he turn back and escape to safety even as the man hurriedly rushed off to save the facility and yet...

"Transferring to final stage of the Rayshift System. Coordinates: 2004 AD, January 30, Fuyuki, Japan."

The same robotic announcement system goes on, droning and uncaring for the situation. The experimental system is still active, despite everything in the room having been utterly incinerated. And he's here with it while everything is still burning. All he can sense is heat. What was once pristine and advanced burns away in the fires of the Chaldeas conference room. He was here because of...

"Masters, please enter final adjustments."

The experimental machine is about to go off, but he persists. In his mind, he insists to himself. "I should search for survivors until the last minute." Until the last minute. Hoping so hard she would be alive, even as he digs frantically through the ruins of the room.

And then he sees her, just as she sees him.

"...ah."

The voice comes from amidst the raging inferno, so weak and soft. Even as the blood flows down her forehead, she's able to muster a smile.

The smile he remembers so well even if he had known her for merely a second. The modest and kind smile that would ease his heart even if he can't hear or understand her.

Instantly, he rushes over, his hands scrambling to pick the debris off of her even as the crimson flow continues down her forehead.

"I'll save you! I definitely will!" His voice trembles. After all, those wounds, they're already going to...-

The beautiful smile falters and she grimaces, her voice so frail, so weak. It's barely a whisper, "...it's...fine...please don't save me now. More importantly...you need to hurry and escape..."

Just then, CHALDEAS flares to life. CHALDEAS, the pseudo global environmental model is ablaze, the very picture of a hell upon earth, floating at the center. And yet he hadn't come here to observe a future world plunged into eternal flames.

"Ah..." The girl gasps.

The announcement system buzzes to life again. "Warning to all staff, CHALDEAS' current status is shifting. SHIVA's near future observation data is being overwritten." The model burns all the brighter as the announcement system continues on. "No detectable traces of humanity upon Earth in the next one hundred years. Unable to confirm humanity's survival. The future of humanity is not guaranteed."

That's impossible, his blood freezes at the sound of those words. Humanity, wiped out? But...no his concerns should be to what is in front of him. He'll lift her out of the wreckage and then...-

"Center bulkhead sealed. Beginning cleansing of internal structure in one hundred and eighty seconds."

It had shut on them, their only exit. Looking down at her, he can see she knows just as well. It's too late. But he can't give up, not when he still draws breath, not when she's dying in front of him. "We'll manage, we'll manage it somehow so just...!" And even as he speaks, he knows.

Her eyes, those violet eyes filled with sadness as she draws her shuddering and shallow breaths. "..." They're all he can see, and her fading breaths are all he can hear. Even as the announcement system buzzes on and cautions him of system changes, he doesn't care.

"...uhm...S-Sen...pai..." She mumbles, her weak breathing renders her almost inaudible. But he's here, here for her, so she won't have to be alone. Even if the world would collapse around them. "Is it alright if...I hold your hand...?"

He doesnt need to say anything. Wordlessly, he smiles and nods his head, his dust covered hand reaching over. Gingerly, he wraps his fingers around hers. They're so small, so delicate. But it doesn't matter; he will comfort her, even in these last moments. As the countdown begins to announce itself, he can see her grimace disappearing, slowly changing back into the kind and pure smile he had seen once before. Even as the light fades from her eyes, she wouldn't have to die alone. Even if he would have to be with her when it happens, he's happy to have done just this one task. A brilliant light begins to engulf the room, surrounding them. He can feel himself disappearing, fading off. But his eyes remain fixated on those gentle violet eyes. Silently her lips moved for the last time.

He can't hear her, but he knows what she's saying. "Sen...pai..."

That one word, it continues to echo in his mind as the world fades out to white.

"Sen...pai..." Even now he can hear it. His hand squeezes hers...

"Senpai..." Her voice, it's a little less laboured now, maybe she's feeling less pain. She squeezes back.

"Senpai!" His entire body is shaken, Mashu's familiar voice right by his ear. He can feel a hand on his back as well, shaking him lightly.

"It's not working, Four..."

"Fou, fou!" Another voice, or rather, sound. Much too familiar, especially the sudden wet sensation he can feel on his nose. Wait a moment, "Four"?

Groaning quietly, his eyes open blearily. A fluffy white animal stares at him with deep purple eyes. "Fou!" It licks him on the nose again before sauntering off to the side allowing him vision of the room. His room.

A sanitary and white room, in Chaldeas Security. Wait, if he's here then...

"Ah, you're awake senpai!" Mashu Kyrielight leans over, smiling softly with a look of relief in her violet eyes. Or rather, violet eye, her light pink bangs obstructing her right one as usual. "You must have been really tired after the battle in Fuyuki."

"Something like that." He mumbles. It's true. This girl, or rather, this Demi-Servant named Mashu is his first contract. The same one who fought by his side after the sudden Rayshift to the year 2004. He was inexperienced then, and inexperienced still now in knowing just exactly what it means.

Sitting up and straightening his back, he looks around his room. Same room he had been led to the first time around by Mashu. A generic white bed in the corner, right by the small table he had been sleeping on. Aside from it, the only other contrasting colors in his room are a few bound leather books kept here by Doctor Roman placed on a shelf above his bed, and a potted ficus plant. And of course, Mashu, no, Shielder. At least it's what he's able to see every time he looks at her parameters, the girl in front of him is of the Shielder class of Servants.

"It's alright senpai, I've brought you dinner! It should help you keep your energy up."

Slowly, he nods his head and looks at the small white tray she's holding in her hands. "Thanks, Mashu." Maybe it's because he's never been a master before. But ever since he's contracted with her, he feels as if he's constantly on an energy drain. Though he can tell Mashu has also been exhausted since their return from Fuyuki. A lot had happened during their stay in 2004.

"Don't mention it, senpai. As your kouhai and Servant, this is the least I can do to thank you for your hard work." Gently, she sets the tray down in front of him, albeit a bit shakily. The trembling of her hands are minute, but visible. Gingerly, the girl's black and purple gloved hand pulls out the chair next to him and she takes a seat. Four sits at the corner of the table, looking curiously at the both of them.

"Kyu."

"Ah...are you hungry as well, Four?" The girl looks at the strange animal with her soft and calming smile. Picking up a piece of celery from salad on the tray she had brought, she holds the piece out to it.

"Fou...fou!" The animal responds by taking the piece in its mouth before lying down and staring at the both of them.

"With you around, he won't ever be hungry, and neither will I." Lightly he picks up the fork on the tray. Taking up the spoon provided on the dish he scoops up a small portion of the risotto. "Are there any updates from Doctor Roman, Mashu?" He's curious. After their return, the doctor had thoroughly examined the both of them and found their mana reserves to be severely depleted. It's understandable, he never thought himself to be Master material in the first place, but Shielder's status had greatly alarmed him.

"You said she unleashed her Noble Phantasm twice in a short period of time didn't you?" The doctor had asked him and then Shielder. It was true she had done so to protect them, but he never expected it to tax her so heavily. And even now, judging by how her hands were shaking when she set his tray drown, she's still not completely recovered. The very act of recalling Roman's words weigh heavily in his mind.

"Hai! He says the recovery process may take a bit of time, and we shouldn't rush it." Shielder nods her head at him with a smile. "You should just eat and rest plenty until your energy reserve is back up to regular levels." Lightly she places her hand on his to reassure him.

Just the mere touch of her gloved hand causes his arm to stiffen, if not a bit noticeably. "Uh...yea." He can't help it, she's so trusting him. Such a beautiful young girl, with those wide and blank violet eyes, always assisting him, always smiling. He can't help it when his heart melts at the sight of her smiling so. And in turn, she seems happiest if he simply makes eye contact with her during conversations. It's such a simplistic but peaceful relation between them, but it's also something special. Sometimes he wishes the current crisis with the world would just disappear so he can enjoy these moments with her forever. But both of them know it isn't possible. The responsibilities for repairing the historical irregularities of the past rests solely with them. If only he had more strength...

"Is there something wrong, senpai?" A light squeeze from Mashu's hand brings him back into reality.

"Oh...I uh..." For a moment, he thinks about lying. But only for the briefest moment. He has nothing to lie about to this pure and hardworking girl, and he has no reason to lie. "I'm worried about your mana reserves."

Shielder's violet eyes blink rapidly for a moment before widening with surprise. "Ah...it's because of what Doctor Roman said isn't it?"

Right, it's because of what the doctor had said. "Currently, because of your inexperience as a Master, your Magic Circuits and Aptitude are terrible. It seems she was drawing mostly on her own reserves during the fighting in Fuyuki." Somehow, Roman had a way of making sure his words stuck with him.

"Don't worry so much about it, senpai. It's not your fault, neither of us could have known events would happen like this." She leans forward against the table a bit to better look him in the eyes. "I'm still an inexperienced Servant, but I'll try my best to be my Master's strength. So you don't have to worry about your inexperience, I'm sure we'll both grow to protect humanity!"

"Kyuu! Four! Fouuuu!" Four chimes in, walking over towards the girl's other hand and snuggling his head against it.

Her words reassure him warmly, even though deep inside, he still feels there's something he can do. "You're much more of my senpai than I'm yours, Mashu."

Immediately, a soft pink blush forms upon Mashu's face. "Ah, no! Senpai is senpai! You're the one who was really leading everything in Fuyuki. As your Servant, I was only following your instructions. You've been taking care of everything, even now!" She moves closer to him impulsively, placing both of her hands on his arm. "This is why I can trust you, senpai. You're the only one who really cares about everything!"

She's so close to him now, her eyes so mesmerizing, her delicate face with its beautiful features so innocently looking up at him. He can smell the scent of her hair, a light fragrant scent similar to wildflowers.

"And you should remember, senpai. I'm only a Demi-Servant. I'm not entirely relying on you for a source of mana. If you're really worried, think more about Rider. She's been keeping herself from training too hard for the next Grand Order. And she's relying mostly on you as a mana source."

Rider, of course. A mysterious and spry young girl they had summoned with Mashu's shield as the former Chaldeas Chief had directed them to do. She had identified herself as "Ushiwakamaru". But Doctor Roman had simply called her "indecently exposed", something which seemed to have brought her some confusion.

Personally, as a Master, he found her calm and precocious demeanor to be somewhat off-putting. But she was of great assistance with her athleticism in the Fuyuki City battles. It never occurred to him perhaps he had acted as a source of energy for two separate Servants.

"Oh, right. How has Rider been doing, Mashu?"

"She's holding up well. Ever since we returned to Chaldeas she's been really interested with her surroundings." She pauses for a moment. It would seem she's considering if there's any other noteworthy things to say. "Ah, she's been asking Doctor Roman when the next Grand Order would be."

"She's a bit eager isn't she? And what did Roman say?" It's to be expected. The former Chief had briefed them in Fuyuki about the importance of their mission. Even he wants to get back to it as soon as possible, despite the strain he had endured already.

"Doctor Roman told her the same thing. As soon as you've recovered enough to be an active Master, we'll be going. But you shouldn't push yourself too hard, Senpai." Mashu's violet eyes soften, and he can see a hint of worry within them.

"Oh, I'll be fine. I don't plan on doing fieldwork like this anyways. I think it's for the best if we both rest up. Though Mashu..." He smiles, though in the back of his mind, he wonders. Her hands, no, her entire body has been trembling for a while now. Even if she shows her concerns for him, he has his own concerns for her wellbeing. "...it might be our recovery rates aren't great right now, but you seem to be pushing yourself a bit too much for my sake."

It seems his assumptions are correct. Shielder's mouth opens ever so sligtly in surprise as her violet eyes widen. It looks as if she's at a loss for words. Though he doesn't mind it. It's rather cute.

"...w-well..." She averts her gaze, before looking gratefully back at him. "Your health is much more a concern than mine, Master! You're the one who's providing Servants with their mana to maintain their forms!"

She shakes her head, her vibrant pink hair swaying softly. "You don't need to worry as much for me; I'll be fine with bedrest. As a researcher, all I needed before was a good night's rest and I would be alright the next day!" The smile that follows calms his mind as surely as it enraptures him.

"Mm." He nods his head. Still, isn't there a way to speed up the process? For a moment, he seizes a single thought, something Shielder had mentioned. But it's innocently interrupted.

"Besides, Senpai, the doctor says your recovery rate is remarkable for a novice Master. Maybe that's why your appetite has been so high!"

"Huh? He said that?" But he hasn't even finished his lunch yet. Wait, has he? Looking down, all he sees is an empty food tray, the containers and utensils devoid of any leftover scraps of food. "Oh. Why...of course!"

"It's only been a few days since we've returned. But he says your reserves are replenishing faster than anyone else's. It's just a hunch Senpai, but I think you were brought here because you have high growth potential!"

It did occur to him a few times before. Why someone like himself would have been brought to Chaldeas in the first place. It's a place of technology beyond what his mind can comphrehend, a place of power and responsibility, research and...-wait a moment. His eyes widen. "Research...yes, that's right! Mashu, you're a researcher aren't you?"

Blinking quizzically, the girl nods her head. "Mm, I've been a researcher here for as long as I can remember..."

"Then you probably have more knowledge about most subjects here than I do! Have you ever found out any ways someone can replenish their magical reserves?" His voice is perhaps a bit too excited. But he can't help it. If there is a way, Mashu wouldn't have to push herself so hard for his sake.

Again, the same surprised look adorns her lovely and delicate face. Her mouth opens and stays agape for a good long moment before she finally speaks. "Uhm...well yes. But...-!"

So there is a way. "That's perfect then, Mashu!" His hands come down excitedly on her shoulders, a smile upon his face. "Why haven't we thought of it before? If we could have done it earlier, we could have proceeded to the next Grand Order much sooner, right?"

"Ah...uhmm...well..." For some reason there's an adorable pink blush slowly forming on the Demi-Servant's face. "I-it's true my research has stated all living beings have magical energy within their bodies...and...magic power tends to merge together with fluids such as blood...-"

If it's a bit of blood, he can handle it. It beats having to sit around waiting for the two of them to fully recover when all of humanity is still in danger. A small cut heals fast anyways. "So you just need to drink my blood? Like a vampire?"

"Ah! No, I can't do that with you Senpai! And I'm no vampire anyways..." Mashu shakes her head. For some reason her pale face is slowly turning to crimson. "And...I can't have you cutting yourself for my sake..."

The idea's out the window then. "Well..." He's a bit disappointed, but maybe he's just too enthusiastic. "I won't force you into anything you're not comfortable with, Mashu. As your Master, I'm just concerned with you being able to maintain yourself. Even if I'm well, if you can't fight, I won't be able to defend myself very well. So..." It looks as if she's rather shocked with how much care he has for her. For a moment he considers cutting off his sentence, but decides to finish it regardless. "...you're someone I can rely on!"

"I...see. Uhm...what I wanted to say, senpai..." Sheepishly, Shielder breaks eye contact and looks off to the side. She seems to be considering something even as her hands continue to shake against his arm. "...there might be...another sort we can use...it's...s...sem...something..."

Patiently, he waits for her to answer him. He's not going to try to rush her along if she doesn't want him to hurt himself. Though he does feel compelled to reassure her.

"Whatever it might be, Mashu, I'll be alright with it if you're alright with it." To his surprise, the color in her cheeks intensifies as the pink-haired Demi-Servant suddenly pulls her gloved hands away from his arm and gets up from her seat. "Ah...I-I...just remembered...uhm...Roman...Doctor Roman! I'm suppose to see him right now, Senpai!" Averting her violet eyes, Mashu quickly picks up his tray, looking like she wants to disappear. "I'm sorry...really sorry this is so sudden! J-just...we'll talk later, Master!" Briskly she leaves the room, leaving him sitting in his chair with shock. Did he say something strange?

"Kyu." Four's voice draws his attention. The small and fluffy white animal looks at him with a strange gaze.

"What? I don't know what that's about either!" Somehow, he can't help but feel this has something to do with his what he said. "Don't look at me like that!"

"Fou..." Tilting its head, it simply walks up to him before hopping on his shoulders. Curling up lightly around his neck it settles down to nap.

"...I suppose you're right, it's better to just sleep and forget about it." But still, he wonders why Mashu left so flustered. Getting up from his seat, he moves towards his bed with the cute animal balanced on his shoulders. Settling seating himself on the white sheets, he reaches up to his bookshelf and cracks open one of Doctor Roman's magazines. Not much left to do but a bit of reading and then sleep for the day.

Apparently this game has been consuming most of my time since its release. I figured why not? And the facial expressions from Mashu somehow ticks with me, especially when she smiles. Lets get to it, I wont keep everyone waiting long. Leave a comment and subscrib- please leave a review as per the usual. It helps me keep going.