Author's note
Anyone miss me? It's not perfect but it's still something. Had to edit a few things after publishing I really hope I didn't mess up this time (14/5/2015)
Special thanks to Piterio for supporting me all these time, Seph12285 for allowing me to flourish under Kings of Revolution and everybody at In Flight forum.
Characters from Type Moon franchise and DC Comics don't belong to me.
Prologue: Still water run deeps
Unlike most cafes, Ahhnerbe cafe stood out in the competition considering that it is only place to exist in various world across the new reality. The cafe exists everywhere in every nation including Fuyuki, Japan.
Being a neutral area outside Gaia, Ahhnerbe was the sole place where people across worlds to meet with one another without irking the wrath of Alaya or the counter guardians for that matter.
It helped that the cafe has a powerful boundary field that disengages conflict the moment you walk into the establishment. The only people allowed to cause damage under such circumstance would be the staff whom had signed the working contract with the cafe's owner.
Across the board, the staff of Ahnnerbe took pictures with the patrons across the worlds. Hibiki was more than excited to take group shots with famous people from different worlds whereas Chikgi rolled her eyes, not wanting to be part of the picture.
Family photos were also pin up on the board, even a photo of the Emiya family was taken.
DING!
"Welcome!" Katsuragi Chikagi was no stranger to the strange. Patrons coming in and out of Ahhnerbe are rarely normal. Unlike her co-worker Hibiki, Chikagi had less patience dealing with the bizarre considering that she prefer not to dwell too long in a world she did not recognize. It was after signing the contract she realizes that dealing with the strange had become part of the requirement working in the establishment.
Despite that, there were hardly any ruffians though she had her issues with costumed patrons entering the cafe. "Oh it's just you." Scratch that, her polite demeanor vanished upon seeing a familiar face. A familiar face she would prefer not to entertain often due to reputation preceding the patron.
It was Wizard Marshall Zeltrech at the door.
Being a waitress in a place like Ahnnerbe, Chikagi had a share of experience dealing with customers from various backgrounds. Many were familiar faces but had different origin stories which were difficult to root out considering that the multiverse theory was a complex subject; constantly updating itself. She remembered having to serve costumed superheroes and supervillains over the counter, listening to their plans of world domination and conquest. Heck, she was pretty sure one time the director from the UK Magus association came in here for exotic meat her friend Hibiki-chan couldn't find at such short notice.
Still, No costumed weirdos managed to place themselves on the same pedestal with Zeltrech the Wizard Marshall.
"Hello." The wizard Marshall greeted back. Zel was one of the cafe's usual patrons much to Chikagi's chagrin. She would treat him no different than the rest of the customers entering the establishment though the man's reputation preceded him. She had heard all sort of stories about the old vampire and each tale becomes fantastical over time.
"Fish and chips?" It was a question she knew the answer from the wizard Marshall. Ever since The Flash changed reality that was the only dish Zeltrech ordered which sometimes made Hibiki the cook wondered why he suddenly wanted the same dish every time. "Again?" She wasn't angry that's for sure, it's just that the old man rubber her the wrong way every time they meet.
"Yeap!." And that was his answer. The wizard Marshall ruffled her hair, treating her like a little girl.
Ignoring his remark, the waitress fumed as she walks to the back probably to scream at the top of her voice before going back with his order.
If a sudden shrilling scream from outside was any indication, that actually happened.
Zel slumped down on his seat; massaging his aching shoulders. The suitcase he brought back contains mystic codes similar to a certain treasure chest he left at Tohsaka manor for laughs. He has just returned from adventuring; sitting down at his usual table while waiting for his meal. This is the life he reminded himself. No longer being human removed his limitations, allowing him to walk the earth(s) at his leisure and exploring to make new discoveries.
Travelling across America was a hassle considering that it has become the 1950s all over again. Concerns regarding metahumans was on the rise and already topic about World War III was being debated among world leaders. It wasn't anything for the Wizard Marshall to be worried about right now but it was something that requires close surveillance.
Speaking of which-
The wizard Marshall took out an unfinished sketch of the new multiverse. He had already visited several worlds prior to coming down to Ahhnerbe for lunch and already he made a lot of discoveries that astounded him.
Looking at the illustration, there was a clear description of the current multiverse as it is along with the tomes he discovered from the USA and UK magus association. Their findings weren't enough to decipher the answers for everything he faced in his journey. Still, it had became an adventure he enjoy and the wizard would like it to stay that way before another crisis emerges. Heaven't feel he would not want another Anti-monitor causing so much trouble to the multiverse.
There were similarities with previous worlds wiped clean from Flashpoint. The Keene Act from the Watchmen world was implemented in this new earth, banning masked vigilantes from operating unless registering for the Justice League of America. To be more precise, superheroes and metahumans had a choice to register with the American government back in the Justice Society of America was the first established group of masked superheroes to disband.
Superman exists in this new reality but the man of steel has been deceased for years since he flew himself towards the sun and was never seen again. Photographs stuffed inside the envelope from the briefcase showed a giant red letters S erected by the people of Metropolis. Superman has been immortalized as a figure of Truth, Justice and The American Way though the people of metropolis had a stronger connection with the last man of Krypton.
A sketch of The Second Flash Barry Allen was drawn on a page of his journal. Unlike Jay Garrick, Barry Allen wore a bodysuit that covered his entire body in red. The wizard Marshall was reminded of this one world where the hero's signature costume was designed for firefighters. Speaking of which, he remembered Dr. Harrison Wells feeling uneasy when he was around for some reason...
"Excuse me."
Before he could begin a new sentence in his journal, the wizard was interrupted during his thought process.
It was a girl, an elementary school girl to be exact. Her uniform reminded him of little Rin when the magus was the same age as this black-haired girl.
"Why hello there." Zel greeted back. "Have we met before? You do look familiar." Indeed the girl was familiar to him for some reason. An alternate world version of her maybe?
After all, the cafe connects worlds to each other but always make sure that the customers return to the world they originated from to avoid confusion.
"No." The girl answered meekly, bowing her head down lower.
The old man couldn't help but chuckle at how shy the girl was; noticing that she bit her lip as if she wanted to say something but restraining herself from doing so. "Then you shouldn't be talking to strangers." He advised.
While this was happening, Chikagi is observing the scene. She recognized the old man but had couldn't place her finger where she has seen the little missy before...
"Are you Zeltrech the Wizard Marshall?" The girl asked; trying not to look rude staring at him in the face. She was taught to be a proper girl and respecting her elders even if they are wizards from the other side daddy didn't want her to get involved with.
"Why yes I am. And who am I speaking with?" It wasn't often for someone to approach the Wizard Marshall rather than the way around. The last person who he considers as his apprentice didn't got off so well as one would expect...
"Oh! M-my name is Emiya Miyu! Please to meet your acquaintance!" The girl introduced herself. Being Japanese, she bowed to him.
That was it. Zel's brain snapped into a more serious demeanor the moment he heard the surname Emiya. Throughout worlds before Flashpoint, he had heard various stories relating to the surname name Emiya Miyu on the other hand, was a rare occurrence. Worlds branching from Nasuverse prime had no records of Emiya Shirou having a relative before being adopted by the magus killer.
Cracking through his brain, The wizard Marshall did remembered one world where a girl named Miyu and related to Emiya Shirou was the actual grail everybody is fighting over.
"Does your brother know you're here?" The old man would like to meet this reality's Shirou; curious how much change his character would be now that he has a younger sister in tow. The wizard couldn't help but feel excited to see how much change that blasted Barry had done to the current reality; feeling slight appreciation for the speedster now that he has something interesting to pursue in his spare time.
"N-no." The elementary school girl looked away; clearly feeling guilt about not telling her older brother where she had run off to. "Wait how did you know I have an older brother?"
That caught the old man offguard. He didn't want to sound too suspicious (more than he already is anyway) but the the last thing he wanted was to make himself look like a bad person. "Because I'm a wizard."
His answer seemed enough to convince the little girl if her sparkly eyes indicated anything. It was the same look he would get from children belonged to the magi in Clocktower when he comes to visit.
"Where's your brother?" He asked. If the girl was that idiot's little sister, he must be nearby or at least within distance. "Does he know you're here?"
"No..." Miyu admitted, avoiding his gaze and looking at the floor suddenly became more interesting.
"Well that simply won't do." Having a soft spot for children, the old man was clearly someone overprotective when it comes to little children. His journey gave him the opportunity to witness children in less than ideal situation especially that young Dick Grayson under the guidance of What Zel believes is an impostor wearing the Batman costume. "Why don't we go call your brother to pick you up?" He suggested a logical course of action. What? Sure he was insane but he is stil capable of rational thought when the situation demands it.
"You can't!" Miyu suddenly shrieked in horror; covering her mouth in embarrassment when she noticed that she interrupted the other patron from enjoying their meal times. One large man with pink colored skin looked over from his seat; monitoring what the commotion was about before resuming with his meal. "If you do that I'll be in big trouble!"
"Excuse me Chikagi-chan but can you get me a telephone?"Zel called for the cafe's waitress for help; relishing watching her frown. "My little friend here would like to call her brother to pick her up."He lied.
Whether he noticed Miyu's flabbergasted look on her face or not was up to debate. Really, someone like him would notice this but there wasn't anything that even suggests he did.
"Uh huh really old man?" The waitress obviously did not believe the old man's excuse. Being working in Ahnnerbe for so long and having the wizard Marshall as a usual patron have taught her much about him. 'Be right back." She went to the back to pick up a certain item.
It was a red colored rotary phone covered in a glass case. It caught Miyu's eyes; piquing her curiosity.
"It's the Bat-Phone." Zel stated; trying not to laugh too hard at the little's girl shocked expression on her face.
"This is Batman's phone!?" Miyu's eyes suddenly widened; realizing the heavy implication behind the wizard's words. "Wow..." Immediately, her attention was diverted from her request to a phone belonged to the dark knight. Being a child, she was fascinated with the gaijin dark knight just like the rest of the kids from her class.
That is, until she has to use the actual phone.
"How do you work with this?" The phone back home wasn't as ancient as the rotary phone. She was accustomed to pressing the buttons to make a call to her older brother's cell number or Fujimura-sensei's number.
The amused look on the wizard's face made the little girl pout . He did however gave her instructions how to use it which she thanked him but still she was miffed that he thought it was funny for her to look ignorant.
"Hello? Onii-chan?" Miyu took one big gulp calling her brother. It was too late to stand back from this as she takes it head on like her brother would do.
"Miyu! Where are you? I've been looking all over for you!" True enough, Shirou was concerned about his younger sister.
"I'm ok. I'm at Ahhnerbe right now. Can you come over and pick me up?" The little girl bit her lip, knowing that she was in trouble.
"Ahhnerbe? What are you doing there? I thought I told you to not to go there!"
The girl winced from her brother's scolding. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help overheard what your teacher said last night. I want to know more what dad's world is like..."
"Alright just wait for me there. I'm coming right now." The call broke off; leaving Miyu to sigh. She came here to find Zeltrech the Wizard Marshall and already she has been told off to go home by everyone else. It wasn't fair she told herself. The little girl wanted to stomp her foot down in righteous anger but restrained herself from doing so. She immediately slumped her head down the table in defeat.
"Must be tough being his sister isn't it?" Zeltrech couldn't help but send his condolences to Miyu. He also couldn't help but overhear the conversation between two siblings and already he deduced that the older brother is very protective with his younger sister. "Let's be thankful it could have gone worse." He laughed it off; only to have his attempt to make the situation light failing miserably. if he was in a cartoon-ish world, Zel would notice a cloud of despair hanging above the girl's head.
"Auu..." miyu sat down, slumping her head onto the table.
Watching her feeling sad pulled Zel's heartstrings. He didn't have any bad intentions just doing what he thought was the best course of action. Then, an imaginary light bulb above his head was flicked on as he has an idea to cheer her up.
After all, her sudden appearance made his job simpler.
"Let me show you something while we wait." The old man took out a briefcase, opening it.
Being a child, Miyu was easily intrigued with the items stored inside. Why? They resemble transformation items from the magical girl on TV.
Said transformation item was purple in color with star shape surrounded by a circle.
"What is this?" Miyu asked; completely marveled at the sight.
"A mystic code I created long before you were born." Zel explained. "Her name is Sapphire."
"Her?" Miyu titled her head to the side, staring at Sapphire as if she could identify the object's gender with a single look. She has no idea how the old man identify his own creation as female but at this point she agreed that it was for the best she just agree with his assessment.
"She's a girl. Can't you tell?" The way the wizard Marshall pointed out her lack of observation made the girl mad inwardly. She was smart and has good grades in mathematics so she can't be stupid.
"No." Before she can proceed to asking why, Sapphire circled around her in mid-air. "Uh Mr Wizard what is it doing?" Miyu was afraid how the flying object suddenly scanned her body from top to bottom.
"Well what do you know I think it likes you." Zel chuckled; watching Sapphire nuzzling itself against the little girl's cheek. "Tell you what I want you to keep it." After all, Sapphire's previous master was Miyu herself before reality was re-written.
"Eh!? I can't keep it! Onii-chan won't even let me bring home a cat!" The girl lamented.
Really? Zelrech thought to himself.
Sapphire came back to the old man's side, projecting a screen displaying stats belonged to her current master before colliding itself against the wizard's forehead as if was offended earlier.
"Bloody hell." Zel cursed; forgetting that there was a child within hearing range. If what Sapphire displayed is correct, The little girl in front of him is something else entirely.
"Mr. Wizard?" Miyu stared at him with wide eyes; wondering if there was something wrong.
"Oh nothing to be worried about." Zel assured; Sapphire closing the projected screen in front of him. "Nothing bad news." Technically speaking, there was nothing indicating that the child will be in danger. for now He thought the last two words to himself.
It would seem that the young girl has potential rivaling her past incarnation pre-Flashpoint and this is something he would have to watch out for in the meantime until she reaches adulthood.
DING!
"Miyu?" A new voice interrupted the conversation. It was a familiar voice Zel had heard before as it belonged to Emiya Shirou. There was nothing different about him, still adorning his school uniform on his back. His hair remained to be red though the old man did spot several white strands on his head.
"Oi what happened to you?" Asked Chikagi.
In all seriousness, the boy resembled a mummy. His hands were covered in bandages along with his head. There was also a bandage on his left cheek for good measure. If the wizard had to guess, the girl's big brother look like he went through a lot of pain as if he was involved in a big brawl and beaten up to a pulp and surviving the experience.
"It's nothing." Shirou assured. "Miyu I've been looking all over for you." Zel couldn't help but notice that this particular magus showed big brother instinct this early without Ilyasviels's presence in the scene. This suddenly became a new discovery in his eyes.
"Don't worry Emiya-kun. Your sister is in good can ask the waitress over there if you're not sure." Zeltrech pointed his thumb at Chikagi.
"Oi don't get me involved in this." The waitress warned the Wizard Marshall, giving him a glare that could melt butter with a single look. Sadly, her attempt was futile as he isn't fazed by it.
Back to Shirou, to be referred as Emiya-kun wasn't strange. There were plenty of people who referred him by that honorific. This case however, it was strange for him to be referred as Emiya-kun by a foreigner. "Wait how did you know my-
"Don't be like that Chikagi-cha haha you miss!" Shirou's curiosity ceased, watching the scene. Even Miyu couldn't help but stare the strange scene. Who could blame them? The waitress from earlier tossed a dirty rag at the old man's face, only to miss the target.
Naturally, she was pissed the old man refers her with "-chan" suffix. He was old enough to resemble someone's grandfather in her eyes but there was no way she wanted to be referred as one by the Wizard Marshal. Thinking about anything resembling adventures with comic book silliness sent chill to her bones.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble she caused." The older brother bowed down; apologizing to the wizard Marshall.
"Nonsense. Your sister's been a good girl." said Zel. "Don't be too hard on her. It's natural for someone her age to be very curious about the world." He chuckled, watching them leaving the front door. "Bye bye! You two best stay out of trouble!"
All that was left is an akward silence between him and the waitress.
"So...what's the big idea handing your stuff to her?" Chikagi would have stopped the transaction but getting involved with the wizard Marshall was hazardous to one's mental health so she stays her hand and play it cool. Now that it was over, her curiosity was piqued with what the old man have done.
"Sapphire wouldn't respond to anybody else since Mr. Allen re-arranged reality. My guess? She trusts only the Emiya girl to work together with." Zeltrech theorized. There was nothing else he could work with to explain why Sapphire refuse to function despite being checked for damages multiple times prior to this meeting. "I like to believe Fate chose her for a reason." He smiled, sipping his English tea without a care in the world. "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."
Chikagi raised an eyebrow that. Having customers coming from all corners of the world, she picked up foreign languages. "Huh...Well then there's nothing I can do about it." The waitress walked back to her working station; having nothing else to say to the wizard Marshall.
"Did you say something Chikagi-chan?" The cook Hibiki appeared from the kitchen's entrance at the back. She had just finished cooking the fish patty over the grill for a hungry customer and was wondering what happened to her co-worker/friend.
"Huh? Oh nothing important. Just having a small talk with the old geezer." Assured the waitress, though she add venom in her voice referring to the patron in question.
"Excuse me! Mind if you turn on the telly? Chikagi cringed, hearing the wizard's Marshall's request.
"Alright alright." Chikagi rolled her eyes, grabbing a remote control. She turned on the television set, tuning into news.
Today was a special feature news with what seems to be people mourning for the loss of their loved ones. A giant memorial was erected by those left behind to remember the day of tragedy.
"Today, we celebrate another anniversary of the Great Fuyuki Earthquake-
DING!
"Welcome." Chikagi greeted. Her usual demeanor dropped upon realizing who had entered the front door. "Aquaman?" The waitress gaped at the superhero, identifying him instantly from the costume.
"Uwah~" Hibiki-chan on the other hand, was enamored with the man. Unlike her co-worker, she was more interested meeting foreign celebrities. "Aquaman!"
The Atlantean superhero entered the establishment trident and all. His large figure towered over the waitresses yet he did not display any thuggish behaviour. He was humble and his body language shows it. The bright orange color of his tunic grabbed attention considering how it contrasts with the surroundings. He even had a goatee with a mullet. Last but not least, he was visibly muscular that Hibiki couldn't avert their eyes away from the sight.
Chikagi on the other hand, did not share her friend's enthusiasm. Aquaman was simply a superhero or vigilante with an ocean theme. Granted not many people she knew hail from the ocean but there are simply too many weirdos to keep track of and she doesn't need a migraine. Besides, anybody entering the premise is a customer and have a purpose for coming here. Whatever the reason that may be, it has to be important-
"Fish and chips." The Aquatic Superman ordered. The currency he used was ancient as it was gold coins from a sunken ship in the middle of the ocean. The carvings suggested it was Spanish gold coins.
"R-right away!" Chikagi's eyes nearly bugged out upon realizing the old currency on the counter. He gave out enough money to support the cafe for years to come including the expenses for the upcoming company trip. "Let me show you a seat!" She eyed the trident strapped on his back,her mind racing where to seat him so that nobody will get their eyes poked out.
END