Chapter 5

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Chapter Start

It was late at night, the cold winds blew kicking leaves into the air. He stood in the yard

Biting his thumb, Shirou stared at the papers. The design was hardly complicated, calling for copper as the hardest-to-obtain element. But even that wasn't all that difficult to obtain. There'd been plenty in the stray lengths whoever had picked through the area had left behind.

Why wasn't it working? He'd seen it in Kiritsugu's notes multiple times and had even followed him around as he set it up, but it had still failed! Granted, Kiritsugu had told him he was fairly useless at magecraft, but even he could manage formal craft! Yet the design hadn't worked.

Shirou started walking the perimeter of his circle, searching for any inconsistencies that would have stopped it from working as it should have. He found none and turned his attention to the rune work just within the circle's boundary.

Shirou jerked back as something, a smell perhaps, passed by him. It felt like it smelled of a graveyard.

They stepped out of the darkness handfuls at a time, Some sporting silly red flowers meant to spray water or any other liquid put into it. Others had bright lime green hair. Some had it slicked back, and others kept it the more traditional curly. Their weaponry varied nearly as much as the people. Some held chains and giant wooden mallets, blocky-looking rocket launchers, one even seemed to be sporting spines, while another few carried filled water balloons and seltzer bottles.

They also all looked ridiculous.

"I hope you're ready to die, carrot top!" A clown sporting extra large suspenders and ghostly white makeup called. "You're going to regret ever coming here!"

Silently Shirou found he had to agree, if only because he was either getting the bounded field up and running or sending the Jokerz packing. And it didn't look like he was going to get the bounded field going any time soon.

It was starting to seem that every problem that'd come his way since entering the world had come with an unhealthy dose of violence.

"Trace on."

Even as he mumbled the words he could feel the power spread through him.

Taking hold of the broom and Shirou walked out onto the front steps. Every instinct in him roared at him to attack. Beat them all senseless and send them on their way. However, the second part of him demanded he at least tries to de-escalate the situation.

He rolled his neck and shoulders.

"I'd appreciate it if you left."

They all started laughing.

A buffed-out harlequin lowered her bazooka. "Too late! There's already a problem!"

With a bright flash of orange, she sent the missile on its way.

He started to dodge out of the way, but there was only one problem with that, if he did, the missile would impact his house. So instead, Shirou shot forward and leaped into the air. Then, reaching out, he took hold of the missile and dragged it to the ground. Together they spun until the fuel propelling the bomb ran dry, and as the smoke drifted away, he narrowed his eyes.

He could see the shock spread across their faces as he flipped the explosive projectile around in his hands.

"Bad move."

Rearing back, he threw the bomb back at the joker who'd fired it at him with all the power and precision of a bullet. Her head vanished in a shower of bloody pulp before the rocket could detonate. When it did, it sent eight more of the jokerz screaming through the air, their limbs tumbling in alternate directions, blood streaming behind them. Even more, were thrown to the ground in an almost perfect circle surrounding the scorched point of impact.

Some more intellectually able people turned to run while the others were still too busy staring.

"Slip!" A bald clown dotted with a dozen tear drops cried, and it was the twist that opened the floodgates.

"I'm going to ask you to leave one more time."

"Fuck you!"

Everyone moved.

Ratatatatatatatatatatatatatatata.

Shirou rushed to the side as the bullets pelted into the ground where he'd stood moments before. He weaved through the mass of bodies ducking the occasional bat or chain, keeping just a few steps ahead of the bullets. And the dropping bodies.

"Sunny! You're shooting our people!"

The gunfire stopped.

"C'mon, Bop! You saw what he did! Slip's brains are all over the place!"

"Yeah, and we don't need you filling everyone with holes! We're not priests."

"I don't get it."

"He's saying we're not the holy sort you moron."

He didn't get a chance to learn anymore before the clowns noticed he was on the move. The bullets weren't coming anymore. Instead, they rushed him from every direction.

Taking hold of an orange traffic cone, one of them decided to treat it like a baseball bat. Shirou slammed it into the previous holder's face and spun in the same motion, catching two more in the chin.

Shirou caught the descending chain and yanked as soon as it wrapped itself around his hand. The pudgy guy howled in terror as he hurtled through the air and into a pile of bricks.

Turning, Shirou punched a joker dressed in a yellow onesie with bright red hair and a nose to match, the face adding even more red.

"Strength of Hercules!" An all-too-familiar voice announced, and clowns began flying into the air in groups of two or three. She'd cleared a path through the rainbow-colored moshpit in less than a minute.

"Hey, there, handsome! Fancy seeing you all the way out here? Or is this item another of yours?"

Shirou shook his head, magical item? "What are you talking about?"

He stepped close to a jester wielding a barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat and kneed him the sac before moving on to the next.

"Perfect. That means it's up for grabs! Wait, you didn't know there was one here?"

Again he shook his head. Then, plucking the bat from the ground, Shirou smashed it into the knee of a gangly girl that looked so much like a raggedy Anne doll it was creepy. As she fell, clutching her ankle and screaming, he caught her in the jaw with his heel.

"Shirou, why do you think you haven't heard sirens yet? Or the Titans haven't shown up yet?"

Two great questions. And not ones he had an answer for. But her's made enough sense he didn't see the need to argue.

"So why are you here?"

Shirou pointed at the house. "I own that place there."

"So you're not here for them. They're here for you."

He nodded. Seeing the mass of fools backing up, Shirou scanned the crowd for a reason and found it. As was Sunny and his automatic, two more rocket launchers were pointed in their direction.

"Well damn."

Judging the concept of creation…

A sword to determine worth. To weaponize fear.

Hypothesizing the Basic Structure…

A dual-edged blade with a multipronged guard and a hilt wrapped in dark leather.

Duplicating the Composition Materials…

Forged from early Spanish steel.

Imitating the Production Process…

A sword forged for a King and won by a knight.

Sympathizing with the Experience of its Growth…

A tool used in many master plans. Some to wage and win battles, others designed to humiliate.

Reproducing the accumulated years…

Blood and mocking laughter. The tool of a genius, the weapon of a tactician. Nothing considered was ever thrown aside for its cruelty. Everything in the name of the goal was acceptable.

Excelling every manufacturing process…

"Tizona."

Shirou watched as the blade finished forming, and its metal began to flake as an angry red light came forth.

Screams of terror came in droves as he held the sword aloft. Then, almost as a group, they turned and began to run.

"Shirou, what is that?" Mary asked, her eyes locked on the blade as it cracked down the middle.

"That's a sword."

"I see that, but where did you get it?"

Shirou shrugged. "I can't quite remember where I first saw it."

The sword twisted harshly and the metal screeched as it tore apart, and the light grew sinister. As he was about to shatter his image of the sword in his mind, Mary reached out for it, and the red energy began floating into the air. Into the air, and Mary.

She laughed as her eyes began to glow.

He pulled the weapon back and examined it. The crack remained, but the red glow Shirou had already come to understand was a light of destruction had vanished.

At least it hadn't immediately broken.

"Speed of Mercury!" She announced and vanished in a blur of motion. The clowns began flying this way and that. In less than a minute, all of the remaining jokerz were face down on the ground laying in puddles of their blood and vomit.

Only after the last one began to fall did he see Mary again. She sashayed her way over to him, holding a short sword that seemed to be fashioned out of a deer's antler.

As Shirou looked over the weapon, he could almost feel it fall into place in the world he kept within him. As it did, he could feel it. How it had been fashioned centuries before, carved from the antler of an eighteen-point buck and bathed in the blood of a fallen priest. Carried by the pirate Bartholomew Sharp who held it in his off-hand as he moved through the ships he raided. Upon his death, it moved into the hands of the Navy Captain who slew him. When bathed in blood the blade would create a muted field around itself. The more it dipped in the larger the field.

"Why do so many of these things get shaped into something sharp and pointy?" She asked as she held it up to the light. As if it would help in her scrutinizing of the weapon.

Shirou shrugged, "people like magic swords?"

"They really do," She laughed. "I bet they're all guys too."

He snorted, "plenty of girls that like stabbing things."

She deadpanned and shook her head.

"How many do you think are dead?"

She shrugged. "I guess that depends. How many did you kill? We can add them to the ones the one with the gun got."

Chuckling dryly, Shirou made his way over to the nearest of the jokerz. A young man with extremely long bangs and mascara that extended nearly to his jawline had lost an arm.

"So," Mary started and extended the antler blade, "do you want this?"

"I don't thanks."

It was the right answer as she clapped, and the weapon found its way to her belt.

"Now, since your place is right there, how's about you and me, she paused for a moment before adding, "get something to eat?"

Shirou shook his head. "I've got to get home before my sister wakes up."

Mary laughed, then paused. "You're not joking, are you? What do you plan to do? Tie them up and make an anonymous call to the police?"

He didn't have an answer for that. Several phantasms existed that could gouge furrows into the ground with the barest of swings. Others could create a localized firestorm which would reduce the bodies to ash. Both of these would be noticed except for the fact that the antler blade still seemed to be muting the area.

"Seems like a good idea to me, anyway care to tell me why I had demonic bikers after me?"

He turned but Mary had already gone, he took a breath, and so was the graveyard smell.

Shirou rolled his eyes, he should have been expecting that. He made his way into the field of groaning bodies. He frowned, he couldn't just leave them there, could he?


Bandaging the Jokerz had taken more time than he would have liked, but barely less than the time it took for the ambulance to arrive. Because of that Miyu was awake when he arrived home. After explaining the situation Shirou had achieved two things. One, that he would leave a note as to where he was going next time, and two, using her phone Miyu sent off a message or perhaps three.

She received a response from one of them as they entered the school grounds. After spending a few minutes to calm her nerves she made her way toward her class.

Leading him to where he now sat. A cafe a little ways down the street from the school.

Shirou lifted his tea and took a sparing sip. He winced. "Too sweet." He grumbled.

The doorbell rang and he looked up to find a girl in jeans and a long sleeve shirt walk in. Only a glance at her face kept him from looking back at the sorry excuse of a drink they'd supplied him. Then she walked in, Raven. He could have written it off as a coincidence if she hadn't locked her attention on him.

He stood as she approached.

"Thank you for meeting with me. I'm sure you're busy."

Raven slowly shook her head and gestured back to the table.

"It's fine, though I'm surprised you came to me instead of the police."

Shirou scratched at the back of his head. "I did, they said that only a handful of people who'd chosen the Jokerz lifestyle. That they kept their tagging to areas that had given permission. That they'd look into the ones harassing me."

"Harrassing you? They typically don't leave the gated community they call a base."

"I recently got a house in that community."

A look of understanding dawned on her. She drummed her fingers on the table even as she bit her lip. "And you heard about the craziness that happened there last night. You're wondering if we have any information that'll help."

Shirou nodded. "I do."

"The Jokerz are a religious group of people, many of which are those that have been exposed to the Joker's gas. Supposedly, they've found some kind of enlightenment in the way the joker lives."

He blinked. Someone who'd been poisoned found enlightenment through the person that attempted to kill them? That didn't seem right.

"We've a few reports of a member or two commiting a crime but beyond that nothing to link them together as a criminal organization."

Could it really just be a handful of youths rebelling or something? No. That wasn't right. Course it would explain why there wasn't any spray paint on his place.

"If you'd like I'll look into them."

Shirou raised an eyebrow. She didn't seem overly sure of her offer, like it was just for show. But, he wasn't about to let the chance slip by him, not when Miyu's safety was on the line. So, if she was trying to just be polite she was about to regret it.

He nodded. "I'd appreciate it. I don't like the idea of leaving Miyu at home while I work if they're as bad as I'm starting to think."

Her confidence seemed to jump and she nodded. "It's not a problem, we'll definitely check them out. So, where's Miyu now?"

Glancing out the window Shirou looked off in the direction of Jump City Elementary. "School. She started a few days ago."

She stared at him for a moment before interlocking her fingers in front of her. "I kind of figured you'd be the hovering type."

Well that was kind of obvious wasn't it? Still.

"So, you're not wearing your costume?"

Raven shrugged. "I told them I was going out and to call if they needed me. And it's not like I wear it all the time."

She could hardly be a hero all the time, yet he'd somehow thought she was. She was treated like a celebrity and the majority of time he saw her was on the news wearing her costume. Was it because there wasn't paparazzi following her around snapping pictures of her in normal clothing?

"Do you have any other questions?"

"Why did you all choose to live in a giant T, and is Beast Boy supposed to be your mascot or something?"

The words were out of his mouth before he could think them through. He forced himself into a bow and was about to apologize before she chuckled. Shirou stilled. He hadn't been expecting that.

She snorted. "Cyborg thought the T was a good idea, give the bad guys a target he said. None of us thought he was going to get it through the city planning office so we said if he managed it he could design it however he wanted."

"As for Beast Boy. He's not so bad once you get past—." She trailed off.

"Everything?"

She pointed at him and nodded. "Yes, thats it. He's—" She pressed a hand to her head and shook it.

"He's my friend."

Ring. Ring.

Shirou looked down at his phone and flipped it over. It revealed a number but no name.

"Hello, you've reached Shirou Emiya, how can I help you?"

"Mr. Emiya, I'm calling in regards to your sister. I know class only just started but Miyu has a recess break coming up. Is there any way that you can swing by and we can have a talk.

Shirou shot Raven an apologetic glance. "I'll be right there."

He looked up at Raven. "Sorry I have to go."

She shook her head. "I understand."

With one last nod of thanks, he was gone.


A handful of minutes later Shirou was leaning against a table his arms folded and staring at the woman.

She was a woman of middling years, and her hairline had begun to recede, but it didn't seem to bother her. In fact, she seemed to wear it like a badge of honor. Still, between that and the dull beige suit she wore, she looked older.

The crow's feet probably didn't help.

She extended her hand as she approached. "Jane Rainer, Mr. Emiya. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise."

He gave her hand a firm shake.

The teacher gestured to the children's small chairs. Shirou raised an eyebrow. Did she really expect him to sit in a chair made for a child? Were they even made to hold an adult's weight?

"I'll stand, thanks. Now would you care to explain why you're calling about my sister when it hasn't even been a few days?" As he spoke, he looked around the room, which had a very strong hero theme. Including a "you don't need superpowers to be a hero! Just recycle!" Banner above the recycling bin.

The teacher looked surprised before slipping her square glasses back onto her nose and pulling out a file. From it, she produced several tests and a well-rendered apple sketch that Shirou may have been fooled into thinking real if it was colored.

"Miyu's school work has been exemplary. However, her interactions with the other students have been-"

She paused as she searched for the right word. "Well, let's just say that they need work. For example, one of the other students attempted to invite her to play tetherball. Miyu's response was simply to stare at her."

Well, that wasn't What he was expecting. In all honesty, he thought she'd make fast friends.

"That doesn't sound like Miyu."

hmmed. "She also moves as far away from the rest of her class during lunch. You also might want to look into the possibility that Miyu may have OCD. She washes her hands more than a little regularly and sometimes for minutes at a time."

Two more statements that didn't sound right. Even as shy as she could be, he couldn't imagine her outright avoiding her schoolmates. And constantly washing her hands? That wasn't right either.

Why would there be such a huge difference in how she was acting? Was it because of him? Or was something happening at the school?

No. If something was happening at the school, Shirou knew she'd tell him. Right?

Maybe he needs to peek in on Miyu from time to time. Discreetly, of course.

Unaware of his inner monologue, the teacher continued.

"Are you sure you don't want to move Miyu into a higher year? She's incredibly mature, far more than the children her age. Plus, the older students may be more accepting of her."

Shirou shook his head. "You're right. Miyu is something special."

Standing, Shirou ignored the teacher's calls and walked over to the door and opened it. "Miyu, would you come in here, please?"

"Mr. Emiya, we are-"

"Speaking on Miyu's behavior." Shirou interrupted. "What's wrong with me asking her for her side of things?"

The teacher stood and pushed her glasses higher onto her nose. "Mr. Emiya, this is far from acceptable! I have called you in."

Shirou raised a hand, and her face pinched. "I just have to ask, did you ask her why?"

"I did." Mrs. Rainer said, seemingly truly insulted that he'd ask.

"And What did she say?"

He narrowed his eyes, "Did she tell you that she's nervous and not quite sure how to act?"

"Or maybe she told you that she's been invited to a party tomorrow?"

"That- that is neither here nor there!"

He widened the door to allow Miyu entry.

Shirou shook his head, "Miyu, do you think you're having trouble fitting in?"

Miyu bit her lip, "maybe?"

"Miyu, you walked over to Maragret earlier and just held out your hand until she handed you her glitter."

Miyu flushed. "But I'm getting better! I only got called weird twice today."

A glare flashed across her glasses as she stiffened. "Miyu? Who was it that said that?"

Miyu shrugged, "Dana, Will, that boy everyone calls nibby, whatever that means. You did it yesterday when I said I like pineapples on my pizza."

It was Ms. Rainer's turn to turn red. She stood and looked at Shirou, than Miyu. "I am so very sorry. That wasn't polite too say."

Miyu snorted. "It's okay. I'm weird, I like it."

Shirou snorted into his hand.

"Regardless, it is something I will remedy going forward. Now in regards to you moving up a grade."

Shirou smiled as Miyu shook her head. "I like it where I'm at, thank you ma'am."

She didn't look convinced but nodded nonetheless. "Very well, enjoy your time at Emma-Lee's party."

"I will! Enjoy your weekend Ms. Rainer." Taking Shirou's hand in her own she began pulling him from the office.


The next day they were back at the school.

Shirou tugged at his collar as he and Miyu made their way through the gates. The air was as thick with the sound of excited children as it was with the salt air.

"There they are!" Miyu said, jabbing her finger toward where Brad stood in the line for the rental window, a handful of clubs over his shoulder.

When he stepped away he didn't go far, just a few steps from the window and into a group.

"Miyu! You came!"

Emma-lee pulled at her fathers arm until he started to turn at which point she managed to begin to drag him toward them.

"Shirou! Glad the two of you could make it!"

Brad managed to get his balance back a few steps from them and completed the trip with his hand extended. Shirou gave it a firm shake.

"Thank you for inviting us."

He smiled down at Miyu as Emma-lee launched forward and took her by the hand. "We're going to have so much fun!"

Brad shook his head, "it was our pleasure, we were just about to start a round of miniature golf. Would you care to join us?"

He didn't let Shirou have a chance to decline, instead placing a putter into his hand and offering another to Miyu.

"Come on Miyu! To victory!"

Emma-lee announced as she raised her club into the air and darted toward the first green. Beside a sign that said Difficulty: Hard was a long thin path with several sharp turns leading up to a small circular flat where a dragon guarded the entrance to a tunnel that led to the hole.

She placed her ball on to the worn spot Emma-lee was quick to strike her ball forward. The ball shot forward bouncing back and forth between the walls of the path and sped down the track toward the dragon but stopped several feet short of the dragon's opening and closing maw.

"Well, I guess she was a bit more impatient than I thought." Brad said with a laugh as he quickly followed after his daughter. And like his daughter he hit the ball as soon as he straightened.

The ball bounced only at the turns as it made its way down the track. As it reached the green it rolled right for the hole only for it to be scooped up into the dragon's mouth. A moment later it rolled out and back on to the green.

"Shoot." Brad said with a laugh. Than he spun toward the group, "I'm think we play through in groups of say four?" He seemed to think it over for a minute before nodding.

"Yes, that sounds right."

He gestured to Miyu to place her ball on the green. "I think it's your turn, miss Miyu."

Shirou nodded as his sister looked at him. "Just do your best."

She smiled and nodded. Placing her ball she drew the club back and bit her tongue as she screwed her eyes shut and swung. There was an angry hiss in the air and a few of the collective children laughed.

Miyu hung her head and Shirou started to open his mouth when he found his interference wasn't needed.

"Hush." A woman in the crowd snapped at those giggling. "Just try again hon, you'll get it."

Miyu nodded though she didn't look up, in fact she didn't move. Shirou cocked his head to the side, was she whispering something?

"An angle of forty-nine degrees,"

She was, and it was math.

She started to draw her putter back before biting her lip and narrowed her eyes at the implement she'd been armed with. Lowering it down she gave the club the barest of turns and bringing the club back, struck the ball. It zipped forward much like Brad's attempt, however it struck the dragon's descending jaw and was thrown back to sit near the entrance of the green.

"Wow, that was one hell of a shot." A passerby commented.

"Great shot Miyu!" Emma-lee cheered and shoved her club into the air. "Mr. Emiya, it's your turn!"

Well that wasn't what he'd planned. Frowning, he searched for an excuse, any excuse that would keep him from swinging the putter at the dimpled ball. Despite that he found he couldn't find one.

Settling the ball down against the front of a tear and giving it a halfhearted swing that sent the ball flying through the air. It bounced down the strip and struck the concrete, sending it rebounding from side to side. As it hit the green it gave the dragons head a wide berth and dropped into a seperate tunnel and shot it out at a lower level leaving it to come rolling to a stop less than a foot from the hole.

"Wow, that was some shot!"

A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd but a young blond man who had a number of cowlicks lifting his hair into the air stepped forward. "What the hell was that? That was a half assed shot if I've ever seen one."

Shirou shrugged. "I'm not a golfer, or miniature golfer,"

"Well you really got a hold of that one."

Brad clapped him on the shoulder, "it's fine, everyone starts somewhere" he looked over at the boy as if daring him to challenge his statement. He didn't. "If you could pull back on the power just the tiniest bit though, I'd appreciate it."

The man had clearly been spending too much time talking with kids. He spoke like he expected someone to break down into a tantrum.

As he nodded, Shirou received another clap to his shoulder. "Thanks pal! Emma-Lee, I believe it's your turn!"

Shirou quickly learned that the two took a very easy approach to the game. If one accidentally hit another's ball, the other person had the option of playing it where it lay or moving it back to the original spot. Every hit that didn't bounce out of the area and head for the highway was a good shot. Encouraging words were given freely. Finally, everyone was to get to the green before the turn rotation continued.

Than there was Miyu.

With each shot she took, Miyu's efforts became clearer bringing her ball closer and closer to the hole. On the fourth hole, titled the gauntlet, a dozen poles swung from side to side in such a way there were only three moments for the ball to get through without getting knocked into one of the secondary tunnels. Miyu set her ball down, smiled and struck. The ball launched forward.

It struck the first pole and bounced away, but not back toward Miyu. No, it leaped to the side and ricocheted off the concrete and back into the mass of swinging wood. It bounced between them so quickly it sounded like a rattle before popping out the other side where it rolled up to the side of the hole where it stopped. It was closer than both Emma-Lee's and Brads both of whom had taken a power heavy route to overcoming the obstacle.

Each had a score of 7 for the whole and they hadn't even finished the hole yet.

Miyu's smile faded.

"Miyu that was awesome! I've never seen anyone get through the gauntlet on their first shot and I've seen professionals try." Emma-Lee shouted as she wrapped her arms around Miyu.

Miyu didn't seem to know what to do at first before a massive smile grew on her face and she copied Emma-Lee and hugged the other girl right back.

"Shirou, your up bud!"

Placing the orange ball at the start he focused on the swinging poles. None had the same rate of speed but they constantly created three momentary holes. Choosing the opening Shirou began to count.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Opening. 1. 2. 3. 4. Opening. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Opening.

He struck the ball. It swept forward, 2. 3. 4. Crack. It struck a pole and came rolling back. He'd hit it a bit too hard.

"Hey that wasn't bad, bud! Give it another try, I'm sure you'll get it!" Brad said.

"Yeah, you'll get through next time!" Miyu called. "I just know it!"

Sending her a small smile, Shirou caught the ball with the putter as it came into range. Lining up his shot he resumed his counting.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Opening.

He swung just the slightest bit gentler than the previous time.

1. 2. 3. 4. The ball was through! It rolled easily into and through the tunnel. It exited with more speed than it held as it entered and rolled right up to the hole and in with a clatter.

"I knew you could do it big brother!"

"It really was." Brad announced. "Yeah!" Emma-Lee chimed in.

Shirou scratched at the back of his head and chuckled, "It was just luck."

Brad laughed at that. "Luck's a skill, you know. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to help a ball get back to its home."

Shirou allowed himself a chuckle and followed the group down the stairs to the green. Emma-Lee took her shot first. The ball impacted Miyu's and the two dropped into the hole.

As soon as the balls went into the hole Miyu cheered and Emma-Lee was quick to join her.

"Good shot Emma-Lee," Shirou said.

"It was indeed." Brad agreed. "Now, I believe it's my turn!" He raised his club into the air and called, "I have, the power!"

It must have been a running joke as Emma-Lee was quick to join in. Neither seemed to worried about the attention they garnered with their actions.

As soon as he finished his battle cry, Brad made his way to his ball and gave it a tap. The ball rolled. Forward about a foot and a half leaving another two feet between him and the goal.

"You'll get it next time dad!"

"You think so?" He asked as he pasted a massive frown on to his face. It was obviously fake but that didn't seem to bother Emma-Lee, if she even realized it was.

"Of course! You are like the most awesome miniature golfer ever!"

"You know it girl!"

Shirou chuckled at their antics as he glanced about scanning the area. The closest other group was a full hole behind them while the furthest seemed to have given up on the hard course and went for the simpler one.

With another tap Brad sunk his ball and they were on their way.

"Find it. I've got to find it. I need it. Where. Where. Where. Where are you." A young man in tattered clothes rambled as he walked by the fence.

"How sad." Brad said as he stepped beside Shirou, "The homeless population seems to get younger every day."

"Excuse me." He called to the homeless teen. He didn't get a response, the boy just kept walking.

"Young man!" Still no response and than he disappeared from view.

"Come on dad, it's time for the next hole." Emma-Lee said as she came up. "It's the water hazard!"

The man's energy levels skyrocketed as he regarded his daughter. "By george! Your right! It's time we complete the most difficult hole on the course!"

"It will be a total victory this time!" The birthday girl announced and than proceeded to march toward the next hole.

The next hole, "Water Hazard," was a hole that boasted a par of nine. Geysers leaped from the green at intermittant times creating walls, waves and fountains of water each with more than enough power to send the ball flying.

Emma-Lee was quick to take her shot, the ball flying directly into a wall of water and being popped high into the air. It settled there until the pressure keeping the water going cut out and it dropped right into the hole the water had erupted from. It popped out a moment later on the lower green.

"Dang." Emma-Lee said with a groan. "I thought I'd get it through this time."

Shirou jumped as Brad burst out laughing.

"Oh daughter of mine! Don't you know? That would be too easy!"

"I know, I know, if it were that easy it wouldn't be worth doing." The birthday girl chanted. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"It'll be okay Emma-Lee, it was a great shot." Miyu piped in as she took her friends hand into her own. The girls looked too one another before bursting out laughing.

"It's great that you girls are bonding, but you're blocking the green."

Emma-Lee giggled as she pulled Miyu out of her fathers way. "Sorry daddy, good luck."

Brad took his swing with a battle cry that did absolutely nothing as it barreled into the rising stream of water and popped up into the air. A moment later it dropped and with a hollow plastic sound it emerged from the hole just a few feet from his daughters.

"Great try dad!"

"You got really close Mr. Robin."

Shirou was looking at his sister in surprise but stopped when the two looked to him waiting for him to compliment the older man. He briefly entertained the thought of denying them but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he'd no reason to do so.

"You'll get it next time Brad."

Their smiles all but glowed.

"Thanks everyone! Now I believe it's time for Miss Miyu to take a crack at the Water Hazard."

Miyu's happy face morphed into one of focus but she wasn't looking at the ball or the hole, no she glanced at the girl she stood beside. He watched as she bit her lip as she made her way up to carpet and settled her ball just off to the side of the worn patch. When she screwed her eyes shut and brought the putter back Shirou stepped forward and wrapped his hand around the shaft.

"Hey!"

"That's not—" Emma-Lee's comment died but as for the reason found he didn't care.

"Miyu, whats wrong." He spoke quietly and waited as she shifted from side to side. She looked up at him a moment later tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She glanced at Emma-Lee and then back to the ground.

Ah, she was afraid that if she made it through after Emma-Lee didn't and felt bad about it, that it would hurt the other girls feelings.

"I-I"

"You know, I think you'll be surprised by how she acts, I don't think you're giving your friend enough credit."

Miyu froze her eyes wide. She glanced at the other girl and slowly nodded. "You don't think she'll hate me?"

Shirou shook his head and ruffled hers. "I don't, now take your shot kiddo and do your best."

Miyu nodded and turned her attention back to her ball as Shirou stepped back to the side.

"Was going to aim for the hazard so as not to hurt Emma's feelings?" Brad asked seemingly unconcerned if his daughter heard. Not tha the needed to worry about it, Emma-Lee was nearly jumping in place as she watched Miyu line up her shot.

"Yeah."

"Adjust angle of impact to thirty degrees for greatest gain."

Her club flashed as it turned amidst the waning light.

"Strength at eighty-two percent."

She drew the club back and kept her eyes on the water.

It took Shirou a moment to see what his sister did, four out of the seven times the last of the geysers erupted on the right side after fifteen blasts of water into the air.

"Adjusting posture."

She swung, putter struck the ball and sent it flying toward the water gushing skyward. The edge of an eruption caught the ball tossing it higher into the air and over the water attempting to reach it. It dropped onto the circular pad and rolled to the only hole connected to it.

"Yes." Miyu hissed as the ball rattled in the pipe and popped out a moment later where it rolled across the green and dropped it into the hole.

"That was a great shot! Miyu you're amazing!"

"You young miss, should join the golf team!" Brad said, "I know the coach and I'm pretty sure I can get your on the team!"

When Miyu didn't respond he cupped his hands around his mouth. "Pst. Hey. Hey. Just so you know, I'm the coach."

Shirou snorted drawing Miyu's attention to him. A moment later she turned her attention back Brad.

"Is it okay if I think about it?"

He nodded. "Of course. Now, if Shirou will take his shot I'd say were about at a good time for Pizza."

Both girls cheered.

Shirou's attention however was on the bedraggled boy he'd seen before make his way by the fence. Something about him seemed familiar and more than a bit disturbed.

"Earth to Shirou."

Shirou blinked as a hand waved back and forth in his vision. Gently he plucked the hand as it made to pass in front of him again.

"Can I help you?"

"Big brother?" Miyu asked.

"Yes?"

"Would you please take your shot?"

Laughing he released her and made his way to the carpet. Settling the ball in the groove he watched the water and when he saw the last jets falter he began the countdown.

Thirty seconds later he whacked the ball forward sending down the stretch where it breach the first layer of water as it passed. It failed to surpass the second however and moments later Shirou's ball came rolling out of the same pipe Emma-Lee's.

"Well we know who the golfer in the family is." Brad said with a laugh as he led them toward the stairs.

Shirou chuckled. "Yeah, I can see that."

It took Brad four more strokes, Emma-Lee three and Shirou six to finish out the hole. To his surprise, his luck didn't continue on to the next holes. With each one they overcame, Shirou fell further behind, sometimes by a mere stroke or two and others by a devastating five.

By the time they reached the last hole there was no denying who was coming in last place amongst the group.

The last hole looked to be the simplest of the challenges they'd faced so far, a simple uphill slope a mere foot and a half wide, but the hole was a raised stone a short jump from the top of the ramp.

A neon sign surrounded by a chain mesh for protection flickered above the hole.

[Win a free game with a hole in one!]

"I'll go first." Brad announced unconcerned about jumping the line. He started to place his ball down when Emma-Lee stopped him.

"It's okay, I'm not six anymore, I won't get upset about missing a shot."

Brad's smile grew even wider, his pride written all over his face. "That's great! Now why don't you let me take the shot."

He dropped the ball onto the course and she frowned before backing away.

"Dirty move dad." She grumbled.

"Thanks kid!" He swung. The ball didn't roll toward the hole, it flew. It struck the lip and Shirou was sure it was going to bounce off the but the ball shot into the air and fell into the hole. A siren erupted as a red light began to flash.

He raised the putter into the air doing his best impression of a lightning rod and crowed his victory. "I still got it!"

"Mr. Robin, welcome back and congratulations!" An employee grumbled as she walked forward with a remote in hand. She clicked on the button a number of times but nothing happened. Finally as she bit her tongue she adjusted her grip and poked at a couple of keys and just like that the siren died out.

"Thanks Tasha," he said and gestured to Emma-Lee to take her chance.

The girl didn't argue, just placed her ball and gave it a hard swing, the ball launched forward, rolled up the ramp and jumped the distance into the hole without issue.

"Darlin girl!" Brad roared in joy and lifted his daughter into the air. "That was a fantastic shot!"

Shirou clapped as he watched a father spin about his daughter in victory. Beside him Miyu was clapping even more enthusiastically.

A moment later the siren and light had been turned off as another employee approached to congratulate the winner.

As miyu placed her ball Shirou watched on in silence. The ball sped through the air in a perfect replication of brads shot.

"Seriously?" The employee asked as he turned around took stare at the group. "Is there anyone else?"

They pointed at Shirou. "Traitors," he hissed.

He took up a position and dropped the ball to the carpet. With a deep breath he struck and the ball zipped up the ramp and impacted against the cage protecting the neon sign. A moment later it fell into the hole and the alarm went off again.

"Seriously! Did you magnetize the balls or something!" She asked eyeing them. "It shouldn't be possible for all of you to get the ball in. Its so unlikely that it should never have happened!"

"Relax Tasha, it's not a big deal, we've some beginner luck on our side tonight."

"Rah!" She snarled and stomped back toward the window.

"Don't mind Tasha, she gets like that when ever I get a hole in one there."

"Which is everytime dad. You've had how many free games?"

"Fifty? Sixty maybe? Who cares! I'm hungry!"

"Pizza" the girls cheered and together they led the charge toward the picnic tables where a handful of parents and kids already waited.

Brad sighed as he passed a slice of pizza to Miyu, Emma-lee, and Shirou and lowered himself to the table

"I know I'm loud, and can be a bit obnoxious with my antics, but it makes her happy." Brad said as he turned to look at Emma-Lee.

Shirou shook his head, "I don't see how amusing your daughter's obnoxiousness." Shirou offered and took a sip of the cola.

He laughed. "Then you're one of the few, at least around here."

He nodded toward the other parents who were passing pizza out to the children at the tables. They almost seemed as if they were part of another party.

Had they shown up out of pure politeness?

"They haven't been as accepting as I hoped." He sighed. "But you know, their scorn isn't nearly as dangerous as Gotham is, so I can accept that. As long as Emma-Lee's happy and safe."

Shirou nodded. "I can understand that."

Brad seemed surprised at first before shaking his head, hard. "Of course you can. But now the girls have each other!"

Shirou nodded and stopped, there walking once more by the fence was the homeless teen.

Picking up his plate Shirou made his way to the fence. "Excuse me?"

The young man turned and Shirou nearly started coughing in surprise. The boy in front of him looked like a slightly younger version of Shinji Matou. Heat ignited in his chest but Shirou shoved it down, no matter how they looked alike they weren't the same person. They couldn't be.

"Here." Shirou slipped the plate with pizza through the bars.

He jerked back as Shinji suddenly slammed himself into the fence. "Give it to me! I need it! Where is it!" He roared.

"Easy there young man. Easy." Brad said as he stepped forward. "The foo—"

He stopped as Shinji knocked the slices from Shirou's hands and began shaking the bars.

A hand dropped on to SHirou's shoulder. "Where is it?" Brad grunted. "Give it to me."

"Its right there." Shirou said pointing at the pizza on the ground. Brad suddenly surged down reaching for the pizza and rammed his head into the fence. He backed away shaking.

"Well that hurts." He grumbled as he took hold of his head. "Guess I need to slow down a bit."

Shirou frowned. Could it only have been that? Brad seemed to mellow to react that way. Or was his mellowness an act?

"Young man!" Brad's call pulled Shirou from his thoughts, "if you just wait a moment we can call someone and at the very least get you some warmer clothes."

However if Shinji heard him he didn't respond, instead he just kept walking.


"SHIROU! HELP!"

A jolt of energy ripped its way up his spine and he shot to his feet. Miyu stood amidst a crowd of people and step by step they were closing the gap between them. And she wasn't alone, Emma-Lee was beside her, the big fluffy pink hat was a dead give away.

"Relax a bit man, give her a minute to figure it out—"

"Trace on." Shirou snapped and even as the circuit pattern spread across his skin he moved, a blur to those watching. He knocked the swinging logs aside with enough force that the plastic facade cracked, and bounded over the clown who was still rolling its eyes. He landed and launched an open handed strike into the chest of the closest person, a blue haired young man coated in viscous gunk and tattered clothing. Shinji.

He flew backward into the reaching crowd sending the crowd behind him stumbling backward.

"Miyu, what's going on?"

Shirou circled around his sister and her friend knocking a handful of the people stepping forward back with each pass.

"I don't know." Miyu raised her putter high, "they came out of nowhere, but they haven't said anything."

"Daddy!" Emma-Lee whimpered as she looked around at the crowd.

"Give it to me." Shinji from amidst the crowd.

"Give it. Give." The people chanted

"Emma-Lee?!" Her father called.

Dipping beneath a pair of extended hands Shirou shifted and gave the woman a nudge sending her tripping backward into the reaching crowd.

"Get away from my sister." Shirou snarled as he delivered a heel strike to a man who could only be described as bald and buff sending him tumbling to the ground.

"HA! They can't do anything I don't want them to!" Shinji snarled.

"Can't. Can't do anything." The living zombies chanted most were emotionless but there was one or two who looked at him with tears streaming down their faces.

They were more than aware of what was going on around them.

"Now unless you want to join them give it to me!" Shinji roared his pupils shrinking down to the size of a pinprick.

"Give you what?"

Keep your mouth shut. Even if he is after the cards, its better not to just bandy them around. He could be another moron after your wallet.

Though something told Shirou that, that wasn't the case.

"Girl," Shinji snapped looking to Miyu. "Come here."

Miyu wrinkled her nose. "Uh, thats a no." She said sounding both scared and offended.

Shirou watched as Shinji grit his teeth and began pulling at his hair. "What is it. What is it? It's mIne MINE!" He looked to the zombies surrounding him.

"Bring it to me."

At a snail's crawl they started forward but SHirou wasn't content to wait for the fight to come to him. In two steps Shirou crossed the difference and took hold of a stocky man and hurled him into the crowd, sending a group of six crashing to the ground. Reaching for Shinji, Shirou paused as he saw a slight flash cross the boy's eyes and prepared himself to fight whatever influence that was coming.

Or not. Either Shinji had run out of juice or there was something else stopping him ability from working. Not that it mattered. Not when Shinji had presented him with such an opening.

Shirou struck, taking Shinji by the front of his shirt he raised him into the air. "Release them," he snarled.

"Get him!" Shinji ground out. With a hard turn Shirou sent Shinji flying and caught the fists seeking him out. He caught one in each hand and started applying pressure only to stop as he caught sight of the tears slipping down his face.

"Girls get down." Shirou snapped as he began to turn pulling both of his attackers into the air as he did so.

Miyu tackled Emma-Lee to the ground as the mens feet filled the area near where they stood.

In no time at all he'd become a whirling twister of flailing body parts. He let go just moments later sending the two up and over the crowd and into the water hazard. Considering the fence he was willing to bet it would take them a minute to rejoin the fight.

"What's going on here!" The young woman from the rental counter cried as she skid to a stop a short ways from Shirou, her focus on Shinji who remained frozen in place where he was hunched as he tried to make his way back. She lifted her club as if it were a baseball bat. When Shinji moved she went to swing only to fall still.

"Bring me the girl!" He snapped at her.

She immediately moved to follow his directions only for her path to be blocked by Brad.

"I don't think you should be going anywhere." He offered as he lowered himself into a fighting position, even if it was a bit shaky.

Shinji's eyes flash and Brad went slack.

"I've still got it!" He roared and pointed at Shirou. "Beat your buddy to death and bring me the girl!"

Brad turned, his body tilting in a way that couldn't be called healthy, his eyes void of any recognition.

"Daddy!"

Brad stopped like a clockwork toy that had wound down to nothing. He was still and made no noise but a tear slipped down his cheek.

Shinji roared wordlessly. "Just get them!"

The crowd began pressing forward.

Shirou glanced at the girls and then at the people. The ones who kept getting up whenever he threw something they could get up from. There wasn't time. Slowly his hands curled into fists.

It was time to—- "Hey what's goin on? Where Pauline?" "Yeah, get us out of here!"

The two men he'd tossed into the fake river seemed much less zombie-ish. A small smile spread across his face. He could work with that.

A fact that Shinji seemed to pick up on. "I told you all to get him! What are you waiting for!"

They came faster than before. He caught the first fist in his palm and sent him flying a moment later. He landed in the water with a splash.

"Shirou!" Shirou turned and caught a closed fist to the face for it, but if it bothered him he didn't show it. Instead he focused on the leader of the group of teen heros who stood just feet from him assessing the situation. "What's going on?"

"Guy with blue hair can control minds. Water seems to snap his victim out of it."

Almost as if to validate his point he took hold of the front of the next and heaved him over the small chain link fence and into the water.

"Right, Titans you heard him! Cyborg we're leaving the mind controller to you. Everyone else get those afflicted into the water. Titans GO!"

Than the fight which Shirou had been preparing himself for was all but over.

Beastboy leaped into the water and assuming the form of an elephant, filled his trunk and sprayed the water at the crowd. Raven took on a similar philosophy, bring the water to the zombies. She scooped the water up with her dark energy and dropped it on the unexpecting group sending them to the ground by the force of it.

Robin and Starfire took a more physical role in things, with the alien scooping up two people at a time flying over to the water and dropping them in before going back for more. Robin on the other hand took and threw them in one at a time.

Shirou however focused on Shinji. The mind controller had turned tail and sprinted fo the double doors that led into the arcade, Cyborg a handful of steps behind him. Starting forward he stopped when he found something, no, someone pulling on his shirt.

He turned ready to punch or snarl at whoever grabbed him, maybe even punch someone only to find himself Emma-Lee looking up at him her eyes full of fear.

"My Daddy's going to be okay right?"

Shirou nodded. Sparing a glance toward the doors he sighed, Shinji was gone.

"He'll be fine once we snap him out of whatever control Shinji has on him."

"So his name is Shinji?"

Shirou started to answer yes but paused. He'd no idea if it really was Shinji. A bad guy sure, but Shinji?

He shook his head. "I don't really know his name, he just looks like a guy I knew once."

"And you're sure this Shinji was the one?"

Shirou shrugged, "pretty sure he looked younger than Shinj."

Robin hemmed as he looked over to where the other Titans were now pulling people from the water en masse. "Do you have any idea what he wanted?"

Shirou answered with a shake of his head. "He just kept demanding I give it him."

The green boy giggled, earning himself an elbow to the side from Raven. She flew over to Miyu and lowered herself in front of the younger girl. It was clear they were talking but he couldnt hear their conversation. Not that he was worried about it. Not when Miyu was the one being watched. The girl didn't make mistakes like that.

Cyborg stepped back out the the doors, half of his covered in ketchup and the other with mustard. Relish coated his head. He drew everyone's attention as he approached and because of that he brought silence with him as well.

"Yes, I ran into a hotdog bar, No, I don't want to talk about it," he grumbled.

Beastboy fell onto his back laughing.

"Can I go? I've got to get this one back to her father."

"Beast Boy can take care of that." Robin said forcing the green youth to shift into a more professional personality.

Shirou shook his head. " No chance. I'll do it myself."

Robing frowned but nodded. "Than as soon as you give your statement your free to go."

Shirou snorted. "I was eating over there when I heard Miyu scream. I came running and next thing I know Im fighting off zombie-like people, theres a kid that looks like that bastard shinji and you guys are showing up."

"Dude, why were you here?"

Raising a hand Shirou pointed to the signs that said "Happy Birthday Emma-Lee" above it.

"Oooooh."

Robin jotted one final thing into his notepad. "Yeah, thanks for your help."

Shirou shrugged. "Best of luck." He adjusted Emma-Lee in his arms and walked her over to Brad who seemed to still be coming out of whatever he was put under.

"Emma-Lee." He croaked as he took his daughter from Shirou. "Are you all right?"

Shirou couldn't make out what she was saying through her blubbering but that didn't even seem to be slowing Brad down.

"I really am sorry sweets. I'd no idea he could do that."

"Of course I'll thank Shirou for saving you, though I think he'll be happier top have you thanking him yourself.

More blubbering.

Shirough sighed and began making his way toward Miyu.

"Of course she can stay over, but we have to get Shirou's permission first.

"Kay," Emma-lee said with a large yawn. "Shirou, can Miyu come spend the night?"

He froze, of course someone was going to want Miyu to go to a sleepover, but he hadn't even considered it. Thinking about Rainer's words, it would be a step in the right direction. But…

"I'm sorry young miss. Tonight Miyu's going to sleep in her own bed. It's been a long day after all."

Though she didn't look like she totally understood.

"Sorry darling. Maybe next time?"

Emma gave one last overly loud keening yawn before her eye drifted shut. "Poor girl whole thing must've exhausted her."

Shirou nodded. "Yeah, I don't think Miyu's to far behind. Thanks again for inviting us."

Brad shook his head. "It's our pleasure. You guys be safe on your way home. We'll call to set up something soon."

"Right. Have a great night."


He stared out the window of their suite as the traffic move through the street. There wasn't much given the time of night but he wasn't really watching. He was trying to figure things out.

"Shirou? You haven't said much."

"Sorry Miyu, just trying to figure things out."

He needed a way to protect Miyu. There was no guarantee whoever it was that broke in wouldn't come back. And if he was away while Miyu was at home when he did.

Shirou shook the dark thoughts from his head. Strong strides took him to the cabinet where he kept the book and pulled the door open wide. Taking the demonnomicon in hand, Shirou flipped open the cover.

He could feel the pages rustle beneath his fingers as the faint scent of decay grew.

"Quit it." Shirou groused at the book and began thumbing his way through the first few pages. Apparently, whoever wrote the book wasn't particularly ordered and shoved spells in almost as if he was doing it as he thought of them. Not that it was hard to tell that many of the newer pages had been recently added.

Bit by bit, Shirou made his way through the book, and he was surprised. While none of it was something he'd call nice, a good chunk of the book was filled with petty spells. For example, a ritual to cause baldness in an enemy's family line. Or create minor misfortunes in an enemy's vicinity. Or, in the case of one angry son, a spell to set gerbils upon his whiny mother. In the margins, the author had gone off on a tangent about how awful she was.

On the other hand, there were the ones that created slaves out of whoever it was cast on. Forcibly change another person's species. Shredding someone's face at a glance. And spells to summon various demons and spells that would bind them.

All in all, there were only three rituals that could be used to safeguard anything. They all required living sacrifices.

Oddly the cheapest one, requiring only a single chicken's life, was a spell only titled Prison False.

Apparently, it was created while attempting to find a way for Trigon to escape prison, and they'd hoped they could transfer the demon god from his current cell to theirs and then release him. It had failed.

Even after sacrificing a score of virgins.

But that was fine as far as Shirou was concerned.

The next, a spell that would supposedly create a bottomless bog would take the lives of three goats.

The last and one Shirou resigned himself to use only if there was no other choice required the sacrifice of a live person. But, if he had no choice and could get an evil person, he'd probably be willing to begin creating the army of skeletons. Upside, they'd fix themselves once buried in the dirt and be ready for combat in minutes. Combine that with any dead would join it and the bottomless bog. Well, Shirou decided he might have the start of the apocalypse in his hands.

Literally.

But, for now, he'd settled on just the first. As a reactive spell, it would require the attacker to spring it like a trap, and then Shirou would have to unlock the prison door once in a while. Or not.

Shirou glances at the caged chicken, clucking away where it sat at the door.

"You ready?"

The chicken didn't even spare him a glance.

Moving out onto the patio, Shirou began spreading his ingredients."

Shirou stepped lightly around the last of the runes he's carved into the soil so as not to damage it and checked it against the image on the papers. The two were identical.

Nodding to himself, he stepped back. Only a few ingredients remained.

Plucking a knife from the air, Shirou pressed it against his hand until the blood within began to freely fall into the rune. Turning his hand, he began walking around the house, spilling the crimson liquid into each of the thirteen runes.

"Mugryp siugnas." He intoned. "Tnus icimini iila senmo. Erarongi meuq serics tu. Muutrom mutamina time mulos non, arret bus soe acilpmoc."

Again he made his way around the property, repeating the phrases. Flames of red, white, and amber danced through the markings.

When he reached his starting point, he lifted the corpse of the Jokerz and tossed it onto the ground, and watched as it slowly began to sink into the earth. Within thirty seconds, there wasn't a body on the ground.

He pushed the remaining three into the area and walked away.

Some might call it cruel to sentence them to an eternity in an unmarked grave. Shirou wasn't one of them. Not when they attacked him.


"They thought they could hide, could keep me away from it. Wrong. Wrong. They're wrong! No waiting. No more. No more waiting."

His breathing hitched, and he quietly began to chuckle in his throat. He was going to find whoever was in there, find them, and make them regret trying to keep it from him!

What was once a howling wail and a siren's song had become a rapturous deluge of a melody, so tantalizing that he was salivating. His goal was right before him. He started forward and found the muscle at the door had locked his attention on him. How he did it, Shinji didn't know, but whatever he did, it worked.

He was stuck fast. Panic filled him, and he knew he was going to be caught. They wouldn't have a security guard that focused and still have blind spots. No, perhaps it was time to leave? Consolidate, rest.

Rest sounded— No. He needed it.

"Do it," he told himself, "just do it."

Turning back on his heel, he slowly made his way across the street and circled around to the side entrance. Two employees, both men, stood smoking as they broke down boxes.

"Hey man, can we help you?" The younger one asked.

"Yes." Shinji chuckled. "Yes. Help. You'll help."

"Hey man you need us too—"

Shinji struck throwing his energy against the bubble like shields guarding the minds in front of them and felt them crumble against the effort.

"Come." He chuckled, he forced his way between them and marched into thhe building. A security guard stood at the end of the hall.

As they got closer he caught the guards eyes and pushed, the wall came down and he was in control. His parade grew with each person he person he passed. A bellhop, following behind him still clutching the luggage he'd been hauling. The old woman with a bucket of ice? Currently using said ice to numb her hand so that when she punched someone there at least wouldn't be pain. None were spared. By the time they reached the desk he'd taken control of twelve bodies.

"Okay," the receptionist said as she regarded them. "Can I help you with something?"

A red head just walked out of here. I want his room number. And yours."

Nanby's face pinched. "Not even if you learned to use soap."

Shinji's grin only grew. "That's fine."

Catching her eye he tried to force his way into her mind but only got a flash of pain that spread through his mind. Fighting off the urge snarl he looked at his retinue. "Take her."

They moved forward like a flood, parting only around him, they slammed into the counter as they stretched to try and grab her. She screamed and rushed toward the circular desks exit, but it was already far too late.

The fastest of his puppets was already waiting for her.

"Now his name, or room number, or I'll have my friends, make you wish you had."

He nearly giggled in glee as the color drained from her face. Good. The bitch deserved it.

Nonetheless, she shook her head.

Shinji shrugged. "Break an arm."

The guard didn't wait, he took hold of her appendage and slammed it down on the low door one the desk.

'Crack!'

She screamed and Shinji sighed in pleasure.

"Now, the other one."

"Wai-"

"Nancy! What's going on!" The guard roared as he came running into the room, a pistol readied in his hands.

"Kill him." Shinji announced with a wave of his hand. He turned his attention back to the receptionist he leaned against the counter.

"So, would you prefer the fingers of your other hand next? Or maybe your toes?" He snapped his fingers. "Oh, we could just break your other arm."

She didn't answer, instead just cradling her arm against her chest. Shinji sneered and reaching forward and gave her arm a jerk.

She screamed and raised her good arm but Shinji took hold of her face.

"Listen to me you little bitch! What's his name."

When he didn't hear her even start to answer he started reaching for her arm.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," she blubbered. "His names Emiya, but he's in the computers under the bank of perez."

"Right, thanks." Shinji reared back and punched her in the face busting her nose in a gout of blood. A moment later she lay on the floor unconscious.

After typing at the computer for just a moment he found what he was looking for. Room Forty, the harvest suite.

"You two." He pointed at two of the bigger guys beside him and jerked his head toward the elevator. They trotted toward it instantly. "The rest of you, feel free to kill each other.

Joing the two on the elevator Shinji made his way up and walked down the ahll until he reached it.

His hand shook as he took hold of the knob and slowly he turned the handle.

The door was locked.

Snapping his fingers he took the offered key. A moment later and he was in. Peering into the entry hall, he found nothing. A short ways down the hall there was a light was on. It was the only lit room in fact. Keeping close to the walls stepping slowly so as not to jar the undoubtedly old wood. He had a small squeak just as he reached the door and waited with bated breath to see if anyone was coming. No one did.

Glancing around the corner, he was surprised to find a girl there, sitting beside a lamp and reading a book. It was something like he'd seen his grandmother do on the few occasions he and his mother visited before the old woman passed. The girl couldn't be older than eleven, and she seemed thoroughly engrossed in the book.

Stepping to the other side of the hall, he sidled along at a slow but steady pace and kept as quiet as he could manage. The girl didn't even look up. Then he was past her. Doorway after doorway, he paused to look in, peering through the darkness, hoping for a hint or the voice to grow louder, to beckon faster, something to indicate he was in the right place. The kitchen, the sunroom, and the bedroom looked unused, and none of them revealed any sign of being in the right place. None of them but the last door, a room that was a curious mix of What looked like a study, and he found himself locked in place by another barrier like the first and a pulse that made his chest ache. Like a piece that'd been long cut away was calling to What it was missing.

Forward he pushed, and though it took more than a minute of pushing while that same feeling of frozen cloth wrapped about his brain, he found himself moving through What he could only describe as molasses, and then he was on the other side. The sound seemed to echo off every surface, but he didn't need it, not anymore. The pulse was guiding him in a twisted game of hot and cold, and soon he found himself in front of a section of the wall bare of anything but a picture, one of a bridge and flowers and ducks.

Done was he with silence as he ripped the picture from the wall and pulled the back away to find a card, not a greeting card, nor a playing card but something more akin to an old-fashioned tarot card, one depicting a man in black wielding twin daggers and on a banner at the bottom of the image, "The Assassin."

'Please, please, be one, include, call for us to be one. CALL.

The frame's glass crashed against the floor as he held the card, staring at it as if it were the only thing to exist in the entire universe.

The sound of crashing steps racing down the hall toward him forced him from his moment, and he looked wildly around.

'Install,' the voice came again. 'INSTALL'

"How am I supposed to install-" and as soon as he repeated the word the voice spoke, everything changed. The card vanished from his hand, and a dizzying pain filled his head. Skills he'd never possessed or even knew were possible unfolded within him, abilities he never thought possible, except maybe from a meta. There was also a name, Hassan I Sabbah.

The song was gone. The only sound amidst the steps was silence. He backed his way into the shadows nearest the window, and he looked down at himself. He was dressed in loose black form-fitting clothes. He looked every bit like a ninja, an assassin.

It was, of course, the girl who appeared at the door, peering in, lit phone in hand, and though her eyes cast over where he stood numerous times, her attention only ever paused for a second before moving on. Showing that he was effectively invisible, a fact which he somehow already knew. He grinned at the line of bone curving with him in a disturbing sight. Finally, he thought, finally, he had power!

As soon as the girl turned away, he started for her but a loose bit of sleeve caught a basket sending it crashing to the floor, and her attention was back on the room before the glass even struck the floor. He twitched as from the shadows of his cloak, a spindly hand that was his and not his emerged, followed by the rest of his body. It wasn't him. However, his hair was blue, and the clone had purple hair. It also happened to be half a foot shorter and distinctly female. She pulled out two dirks and started forward into the middle of the room.

The girl was a threat. She had held the Assassin, held it, and knew of its power. She must've if she'd hidden it away. There was no way he could leave her be, not when she knew as much as she did. No one needed to know someone had joined with the Assassin. No one.


Miyu could feel her heart hammer in her chest but did her best to keep her attention focused on the book in her hands.

Don't stop moving your eyes or turning pages, a voice that sounded surprisingly like Shirou filled her head. "Right," she mumbled, "what would Shirou do?"

Not have gotten himself into this position, the sarcaster answer came. A jar in the other room rattled. Her breath hitched and she jerked toward the phone in her pocket. SHe just needed to get to her phone.

With a small groan she shifted her position on the couch letting her body obscure her arm. From there she slipped two fingers into her pocket and began pulling the device free.

It wasn't the simplest project considering the phone was borderline too big for her pockets but after a few dozen unsuccessful attempt she had it. She pressed her thumb against the down volume button she pressed the button on her phone.

"Call onii-chan." She whispered.

The phone gave a small 'ding' and she shoved it between herself an d the couch just in case he popped his head into the room. He didn't.

"Calling school."

She wasted no time in striking the end button.

"Call onii-chan" she tried again.

"Calling school."

"Seriously?!" She snapped striking the end key again.

"Call Onii-chan."

"Calling Onii-chan." The phone answered.

She sighed, the phone rang. Once, twice, three times, four—-

"Miyu whats going on? You should be in bed."

"Shirou, the guy from the party's here and I thi-nk,"

"Hello."

Miyu looked up and found she was looking at a face that seemed partially carved out of bone. She screamed.


Well that's the chapter. There's more chapters up on everfiction. Com

If you'd like to chat you can find me over on discord. just search Samwryder in the search and you'll find me. Or you can find links to my discord on everfiction.

Later.