Author's Note: I'm on an inspiration roll for this story, it'll die down eventually. Also drafting out the next Kaiju chapter as well, even if it's not as popular I still enjoy it. And also Digital Extra, of course. Oh, I rolled pretty well in FGO for Extraverse stuff, finally got to max-out Another Ending! Yay, Hakuno! Also, Hakuno's CCC outfit is so cute on Ritsuka-chan!
Xirons20: You bet! I got my money saved up to roll!
Engineer4Ever: You'll see.
Student: Good guesses.
Achen5041: Gilgamesh would be so overpowered for the Persona universe. As for Reality Marbles… Good question.
Daemon of Crawling Tentacles: Yeah, Hakuno would rather read a book than do a sport. Hakuno won't ever obtain a mask, because she'll never get a Persona.
Kiburner: Decent Social Links guess.
What lies in the body, the heart, and the soul? Are they but physical and metaphysical? The flame caused by her actions now seeks to devour her, but the road to her deletion is yet to be paved. Can this Digital Human change her path?
Digital/Culmination
Chapter 5: Garden
Hakuno Kishinami headed down the stairway, dressed in a clean school uniform and prepared to make way towards Shujin Academy. Hakuno stopped just short of reaching the first floor of the house, it was the voice of a male character, she recognized it as the same belonging to the man about two days prior.
She listened in…
"Come on, can't you help out a bit?" The man spoke.
"I've already told you, Wakasa," Miss Yuyi replied. "My granddaughter lives here now and I can't give you any more money."
"Not even a handful, huh?" Wakasa said. "Fine…" He said and turned towards Hakuno's direction.
Did he see her?
Regardless, he left out the door with a solid thud from a bit of force.
Hakuno entered the room, "Is everything alright?"
Miss Yuyi smiled, "Everything is fine, dear."
That smile didn't look genuine. Hakuno Kishinami already felt a bit worse for lying, so decided to press the issue in hopes of figuring out what was occurring between Miss Yuyi and the young man pestering her.
"He's Wakasa? He was asking for money again?" She said.
The elderly woman looked surprised, "Yes… That boy is nice, he would help us old folk a lot. But now he's strangely asking for money." She shook her head, "He should I know I have to care for you now, Hakuno."
"I'm not troubling you?" Hakuno questioned.
"Heavens, no!" Miss Yuyi said. "In fact, seeing a young girl like yourself grow up under my care… It's been a long time… I'm sorry…"
Hakuno blinked, "No, it's alright…?" She said questionably.
"Your parents," She said. "Your mother was a wonderful woman, and your father a brilliant man. They were too young to die like that…"
Her parents were dead? Wait, she had a parental background in this world? Or was it another factor of hypnotism at work?
"I'm dedicated to my studies," Hakuno answered. "For my future," She half-truthed.
Honestly, Hakuno hadn't the slightest clue what her future could be or what she wanted to become.
"They would be proud to know how strong you are to continue forward," Yuyi replied. "Ah, that reminds me, here."
She handed over 5,000 Yen to Hakuno Kishinami who pocketed the change. The magus looked at her guardian and asked, "Didn't you say you hand money problems?"
"This is small, besides I know a young woman like yourself should indulge once in a while," Yuyi said, avoiding the main question. "Now, off to school! Don't want to be late!" She motioned her hands in a particular manner. "And don't forget your lunch!" She presented a packed bento box.
"Thanks," Hakuno replied, knowing she couldn't press further for now and failed to obtain any information concerning Wakasa. The young girl put the bento into her bag then waved farewell and left out the door, taking a turn and continuing to walk towards the general direction of Yongen's tram station and suddenly had the sinking feeling of being watched.
She restrained herself from being alert, her eyes glanced around briefly, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Hakuno spotted a male figure, stalking her rather close, remaining inconspicuously to all but the critical eye.
Hakuno had noticed him because she had such trained sight, the rigors of the Holy Grail War had provided plenty of moments to hone such skills.
It didn't appear that the stranger had any weapons, so he wouldn't be able to really harm her, a Code Cast would bring down a normal human easily, and she also had Command Spells to forcefully bring her Servant here if worse came to worst.
The Digital Human walked a bit more forward and into a more isolated place where there were fewer people traveling through. It wasn't a back alley, but just another path to the station's gate. This proved to be a perfect time for her follower and he revealed him by walking up to her from the corner of her eye.
She turned to face him, "You've been following me." Hakuno examined the young man, wait… Isn't this Wakasa?
His eyes widened a bit in shock, but he recollected right after, "You're the old lady's granddaughter?" He questioned.
"You're Wakasa?" She questioned.
"Look I don't give a crap about introductions," His tone was completely one-eighty from his earlier conversation with Miss Yuyi. "The lady owes me money and she's not giving it. So hand over what you got from her."
"Why?" Hakuno asked blankly, her monotone face unnerving this man's demeanor.
"Didn't you hear?" He spoke in frustration. "You're just as responsible for her debt. Now hand over what cash you got unless you want something bad to happen in the future."
Something bad?
There wasn't much he could do against her, but it would be troubling for Miss Yuyi. Hakuno already owed the elderly lady for giving her a place to stay. She'll have to get more information on this situation with Wakasa, but in the meantime, better not strike the hornet's nest.
Hakuno handed over the 5,000 Yen she received earlier.
Wakasa counted the money, "Tch, that's it? Only 5,000?"
"It's all she gave me," Hakuno said.
"Look," He grabbed her by the shoulder, Hakuno went on guard. "Dangerous things can happen to a young girl your age… So, be a dear and sweet talk your grandmother into giving you more money next time."
To give to him; left unsaid.
"I'll meet you again tomorrow," Wakasa grinned and stepped away, vanishing behind the corner.
Hakuno sighed.
She was looking forward to buying the Yakisoba Bread at the school store too…
The magus made a thoughtful expression, a curious question had popped into her head thanks to this little chat with Wakasa.
Well, her free time after school was now taken, she'll delay trying to get Rani's attention for tomorrow.
Hakuno decided that later she will head into the metaverse once again.
In contrast to Ms. Kawamaki, Hakuno Kishinami's actual homeroom teacher had been a strict gentleman with an authoritative personality capable of reigning in the classroom. The talkative students had been forced down by the teacher's orders and the class focused on his lesson out of fear to avoid his chalk-throwing skills.
Hakuno Kishinami thought her homeroom teacher similar to Taiga in some ways, so she didn't mind harsh but meaningful methods, besides, Hakuno remained dutiful in her studies and focused on the lessons.
However, like the prior day, this particular lesson was something she was already knowledgeable about. Her thoughts wandered as to what actions to take after the school day's end. It wasn't like she could just head to the rooftop to converse with Rin as to what to do, or head the third floor and check on Rani.
Though… Hakuno was curious as to the rooftop, heading up there to manage her thoughts isn't a bad idea.
Hakuno smiled at the memory and began whispering a small tune, "Time… Old dry wings go by… Lone air comes quietly…" But stopped as a certain sound was heard.
The school bell chimed, signaling the end of the day. In barely contained excitement, the student packed up as the teacher dismissed them with his stern voice, leaving the room. Everyone dispersed, Hakuno Kishinami pulled out her Portable Terminal and began writing down additional notes.
"I'll just add that," Hakuno finished and put it back in her pocket. She grabbed her bag, placing her textbooks and other supplies within before walking out of the classroom.
Her hearing picked up some chatter as she walked through the hallway.
"Isn't that the transfer student?"
"The other one? She's a girl? I thought it would be another troublemaking boy."
"She's cute!"
"Huh? But she's so plain looking, don't see any makeup on either."
"I heard she was with the Student Council President the other day."
"What? Why would she interact with the President? Doesn't she know?"
"Don't think she cares, she seems so focused on her studies. Apparently, the transfer is an honor student."
"Oh! Why couldn't we just only have her instead of the criminal holder?"
Hakuno Kishinami let them have their conversation and continued up the stairwell, remembering to keep going up instead of stopping short on the third floor. She approached the rooftop, which entrance bore a resemblance to the one within the Academy of the Holy Grail War.
Her hand reached for the handle, opened it, and walked out-
-There, at a small extended balcony under the sky of data, stood a girl dressed in red with black-haired twintails, Rin Tohsaka.
The rooftop was completely different than the one she imagined.
"Uh, hey, what are you doing up here?" Ryuji Sakamoto asked. He was sitting on a chair leaning against a wall, near a small collection of old desks and tables. Alongside him were two other individuals, that 'criminal record holder' boy that looked impassively at her and a foreigner girl her age with fair skin, blond twintail hair and cerulean eyes.
"Sorry, I thought the roof was empty," Hakuno apologized.
The magus's eyes caught a cat hiding, it was a rather clever hiding space too, she probably wouldn't have noticed it if she wasn't so observant.
It's cute.
Didn't she have something left from the bento box that Miss Yuyi prepared for lunch?
"Is that your cat?" She asked Ryuji.
"Huh? Nah, it's this dude's," He replied pointing at the other boy.
"I'm Hakuno Kishinami," She introduced herself to the boy and foreigner girl.
"Ren Amamiya," He replied.
"And I'm Ann Takamaki!" The blond girl said. "You're the new transfer, right?"
Hakuno nodded, walking towards them and sitting down near the feline animal. She reached into her bag and picked some sushi from her bento, "Here you go," She said presented it.
It had eel in it, Hakuno didn't particularly enjoy it.
"Is that sushi!?" She heard another voice, a bit high pitched but indeed male, the origin of it came from the cat's direction.
Her face remained monotone despite the revelation; the possibility of a talking cat wasn't anything surprising compared to a magical fox girl Servant.
The cat devoured the sushi roll with great fervor, "Oh, so good! I like you!"
She smiled at that, then patted its head gently, the feline's fur was really soft. Hakuno sat up and looked at the others, "Keep him hidden," She said, referring to the school rules.
Ryuji grinned, "Pretty sure Morgana can hide by himself well enough."
"He does have a keen knack for stealth," Ann commented in agreement. "
"Anyway, Hakuno, we were in the middle of something," Ryuji said. "So can ya leave?"
"Hey, that's rude!" Ann exclaimed.
"What! We're low on time!" He retorted.
Ren spoke up, "We won't take long," He said to her.
Hakuno understood the context, "It's fine, later then."
The frizzy-haired boy nodded.
She stood up and left, closing the door to the rooftop behind her, Hakuno picked up a few sentences one last time before she was out of hearing range.
"How did you convince her dude!? Is there truth to the hidden language between silent types!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
Presumably, Morgana replied, "Nevermind that, we have our route secured-"
The voice faded away as Hakuno decided to not interfere, she had her own problems. She should reorganize her thoughts after further exploration of the metaverse, in which she would enter it after returning to Yongen.
Hakuno Kishinami vision was enveloped by a series of reds and blacks as her body felt a sudden shift, the familiar surroundings of the Yongen district twisting and contorting into an entirely different plane of existence, some mix-mashed culmination of Tokyo's tram stations. The magus knew she had arrived in the metaverse, there were no other places that resembled the chaotic oddity that her surroundings created.
She glanced around for her Servant, but didn't spot Saber.
Yet, she could feel her nearby… What if…
Her magic circuits flared to life within.
"Come out, Saber!" Hakuno shouted.
A sudden display of data appeared before Hakuno and the figure of a petite woman dressed in a crimson ball gown came forth.
"Umu! It is wondrous to have a chance to talk to you once again, Praetor! I have much to complain about!" Saber's mood was positive but held an agitated tone.
"Sorry Saber, I didn't know how to bring you into the real world," Hakuno said.
"An irritating circumstance, but I accept that limitation," Saber said, much to Hakuno's surprise. "What I cannot accept is your lack of visits!"
"Huh?"
"Visits! Praetor! It becomes quite lonely in the Velvet Room and your Empress requires attention! Weren't we near each other every day in the Moon Cell?" Saber questioned with an expression that the Digital Human couldn't help but find adorable.
"I'll try to visit," She replied.
"Mhm… Very well, I'll forgive you, umu! Praise me!"
"You're very gracious, Saber," Hakuno said while patting the Servant's head. Then stopped, "Let's explore."
"Yes! We shall explore like the days in the Arena!" Saber exclaimed. "Lead the way, Praetor! I shall be the sword that cuts down any in your path!"
Hakuno looked down the stairway leading into the depths of this metaverse place. She took a deep sigh, gathering the same courage that drove her into the Arena and began walking down. It was rather short, they arrived what appeared to be an entry point to the floor, eerily similar to Shinjuku's tram station, but without any sign of the vehicle.
The only way forward was to leave the platform and enter through the tunnel networks of the trams.
It appears she would have to walk.
She jumped down to the tram floor, Saber following close behind, and continued into the tunnel with a guarded tense. Hakuno Kishinami followed along the labyrinthian paths and came across what appeared to be a massive bipedal figure of amalgamated colors identical to the sludge from her first trip into the metaverse, strangely a white mask was placed where the face would be.
It looked at them.
Then began charging towards her!
Saber raised her blade, "An enemy, Praetor, what are your orders?"
"Attack!" Hakuno shouted.
Saber rushed forward and struck her blade upward in a diagonal swing, it impacted against the shadow and knocked its face mask right off with a clean cut. Suddenly, it lost its entire form and melted into a puddle of liquid.
The Servant leaped back to her Master, cautious of the strange oddity.
Hakuno noted the liquid converge before it exploded out and took on the shape of a knight in full armor riding atop a mighty steed, still bearing the same hostility as the duel-horn corrupted unicorn from two days ago.
"Cur! I will eliminate you!" The knight proclaimed.
"You shall not have the chance, mockery!" Saber exclaimed with a pointed blade at it.
"Rraaagh!" It's might spear swung in a cleaving motion, which was quite foolish considering the weapon.
"Guard," Hakuno stated.
Saber raised her blade and caught the spear's swing, she batted away the weapon and thrust her own into the knight's mount. It was an easy, straight forward counter and it served effectively and hitting a critical point, Hakuno saw the knight and his mount back away before collapsing into a defenseless stance.
"The enemy is down, Praetor!" Saber exclaimed. "An opportune moment!"
Hakuno stepped forward, "Wipe it all-out!" She commanded.
The Heroic Spirit of the Sword rushed forward and began striking in a quirk fury of offensive attacks, her speed surpassing a human's with ease and overwhelming the defenseless opponent until the shadow vanished into nothing, just like its predecessor two days ago.
Saber returned with a grin, "Umu! Another show for the audience!"
Hakuno nodded, but…
That had been easy, incredibly easy.
These shadows were weak, but considering this was likely the first floor of many, similar to the Arena, they are likely to get progressively stronger.
Still, why hadn't the shadow anticipated a counter? What was Hakuno going to order Saber to do? Just stand there and take it? Still, it had moved slowly, though it might have just been slow to Hakuno. Her senses had been adapted to the high-speed combat between Heroic Spirits, perhaps that also explained the ease in predicting her opponent's moments this time around. She wasn't the same novice girl as at the beginning of the Holy Grail War.
"Praetor! There is some reward left behind for the victor!" Saber revealed some coin Yen in her grasp.
"Okay," Hakuno replied and took it, placing the small change into her pocket. In that way, it was similar to the digital currency used in the Moon Cell and how enemy programs reward it on defeat to the Master.
Theoretically, Hakuno assumed she could stay and explore the metaverse for a while and stock up on money, but something told her it wouldn't do well to stay for such an extended period of time. Besides, time still passed in the real world.
Hakuno Kishinami continued exploring the maze of the metaverse, Saber kept close, remarking on occasion the design choice of the dreary place they were in. The Servant apparently wasn't too fond of it but did praise it's color palette choice of reds.
"Of course, I would have chosen gold over black as the secondary choice," Saber commented. "Black only serves to make it seem lifeless and depressing, while that has a purpose in more dark plays, I do not like watching tragedies constantly."
"Mhm," Hakuno hummed in half-listening to her Servant, turning a corner they spotted a strange occurrence.
It was a massive whirlpool sinking into the wall, like a black hole in space sucking into energy. The phenomenon continued endlessly as if the energy was infinite. Perhaps this was what Hakuno was looking for, this realm, the metaverse, from what hints she'd received from the Velvet Room's residents implied this world to be a place of the heart or mind.
Hakuno Kishinami entered the spiraling void, Saber followed without hesitation.
"Huh? Wakasa?" Hakuno questioned.
They had arrived in an instant to a different place, the young man from earlier in the day, Wakasa, stood there counting his fingers like one would count financial earnings. But, something was off, as evident from the surging dark energy that surrounded him.
"You know of this man, Praetor?" Saber questioned.
"Not really," Hakuno answered. "He threatened me for money this morning."
Saber frowned, "Then perhaps I shall teach him a lesson!"
"Wait," Hakuno stopped the Heroic Spirit from doing anything rash. "We don't know what's going on here, let's not do anything for now."
A chime from her Portable Terminal echoed.
Hakuno grasped hold of it and examined the notification.
Requirements not met for Code Cast: Secret Garden.
Secret Garden?
She didn't know what that Code Cast was… It sounded familiar though.
The magus shook her head and turned to Saber, "Let's head back for now."
"Very well," Saber glared at Wakasa for a moment before returning to her optimistic self. "Remember to visit me, Praetor!"
"I will," Hakuno replied.
They headed back and Hakuno returned to the real world, rather exhausted from her brief journey into the metaverse she would head to bed right away to rest.