Chapter 11: Inventor's Plight
"EDISON!"
Tesla's furious snarl was heard right after Edison's boisterous entrance. His anger is shown in the form of wildly arcing electric currents flowing across his body and crackling lightning jumping off of him in erratic bursts.
Having heard his name being called, but unaware of the anger and the familiarity behind the shout; Edison continues his boastful introduction.
"Haha! Yes, it's me! Edison! The greatest inventor!" He happily cheers, arms spread out wide in a proud gesture. Behind him, the robotic choir stops their chant and falls into a silence only broken by their low humming.
"To think I'd see your ugly mug once more! You bastard! You fraudulent hack! You, you…furry?" Tesla's enraged rant tapers off into surprised confusion as the bizarre appearance of his hated rival finally registers in the Archer Servant's mind.
"What?! No!" Edison's lion ears twitch upon hearing the debasing word, and he reacts with indignation. "I'm a man! This head of mine represents my endless courage! It's intellect that separates man from beast, and with my shining brilliance, I represent the pinnacle of man!" He roars in denial.
Finally, the pieces connect within Edison's mind and his eyes narrow in suspicion. "That arrogant pitch…that grating shout…it couldn't be." Head quickly snapping to face the offending speaker, his eyes widen in disbelief and he reels back in shock, "Tesla?!"
"A lion…you're a lion. You have the head of a shaggy, oversized cat. A kitty wearing tight spandex." Tesla mutters in continued shock, eyes and tone conveying the scientist's incredulity.
"…"
"Bwahahahaha!" Sardonic laughter erupts from Tesla's shaking form as he throws back his head high to the skies.
"Am I dreaming?! Do my senses deceive me?! A beastly Edison stands before me, clad in such a gaudy suit. I see, I see. Have you finally decided to appropriately dress like the joke you are?! Bwahahahahaha!"
Madame Blavatsky steps forward, hands up in a placating gesture. "N-Now now. Let us calm down—"
"Shut it, you lunatic! Don't you dare insult the power bestowed unto me! This suit is the faith of those who led before me and those who lead after! An eccentric loser like you couldn't possibly understand!" Edison angrily roars, stepping close to his rival. He leers down at Tesla; their faces inches apart.
"Lunatic?! Eccentric?! Of course an ordinary man wouldn't recognize the genius before him! That's all you are Edison, a mediocre man who couldn't achieve anything by himself, relying on the stolen ideas of others!"
"Here he is! The oh-so-brilliant Tesla whose 'genius' couldn't be measured! We've all heard your boasts a million times, you delusional fool! I had a spouse! I had children! What does this say about you, that you couldn't achieve what a 'mediocre' man could?!"
"Idiot! There simply wasn't someone to match my intellect! Only those who share the same vision as I could possibly hope to understand me! Not that you could comprehend the notion! You've never had a creative thought of your own throughout your entire lifetime!"
"Are those the useless excuses you tell yourself to feel better?! Your vision?! Hah! Look around you, you bumbling fool! Look at my city and its people! We live in an age of advancement! Power flows through every district, every street, every home! The people live safer, cozier, smarter! All of this, because of my efforts! I did this! These are the results of my governing! The brighter future shall be reached through my success! Me! The Presi-King!
"Your mind is duller than your taste in spandex suits, you wannabe poser!"
"You're the looney who died penniless and alone, you mad freak!"
The air was thick with hostility, a tense silence passing between the two rivals as they glared at each other with contempt.
"Fursuit-wearing dullard!"
"Egotistical screwball!"
Tesla's unarmored fist strikes Edison's snout, sending the lion man lurching back in pain. The offending Servant lowers his raised hand, offering Edison an unapologetic smirk.
"Terribly sorry. It seems my hand slipped."
"…"
'Did he just punch the President?!' Was the general thought that went through the minds of everyone present to witness the action. Expressions of astonishment and stupefaction filled their faces—except for Gudako, who was wearing a jolly grin.
Madame Blavatsky overcomes her surprise and turns to admonish the Archer Servant, giving him a fierce glare. "Mister Tesla! Violence will not be tolerated—"
Edison's electrified blow across Tesla's face sent the scientist staggering back. An empty look on his face, the President apologizes with zero emotion.
"Whoopsies, my fist slipped."
"…"
Recovering from the sudden blow, a wrathful growl escapes from Tesla's lips as he touches the area in which he was struck.
"EDISON!"
Power crackles around Tesla's form as he lunges at his nemesis with his fist raised. Edison matches his charge, drawing back his fist and sprinting forward.
"TESLA!"
Two jabs connected at the same time, whipping the head of both Servants' to the side. Without missing a beat, the two rivals continue their brawl, throwing a flurry of jabs and grapples to gain the upper hand.
"LEFT HOOK! LEFT HOOK! GRAB HIM BY HIS STUPID FUR!" Gudako encouragingly shouts, throwing punches into the air and bouncing on her toes in excitement.
"Don't egg him on!"
The Control Room was in total silence as they all watched the bizarre set of events unfold right before them, through the eyes of Chaldea's systems.
Onscreen, a strong haymaker swung by Edison was blocked by Tesla's raised guard, allowing the Archer Servant to counteract with a swift uppercut. Behind the duo locked in brutal melee, the pair of adolescent Masters was seen struggling against each other. A Gudao trying to settle down the determined female Master as she attempts to pry herself away from his efforts of covering her yelling mouth with his hand.
Hunched over at his station, Alex was desperately trying to stifle his laughter, tiny snorts and snickers periodically escaping from his shaking figure.
Romani sat at the head station in bewilderment and beside him, Da Vinci stood with an amused grin. Never could the doctor have imagined such a scenario occurring, and as he sat there listening to the thuds of punches impacting flesh and the panting breaths of the two combatants, he truly wondered how they had reached this point.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, two inventors of renown who advanced the age of man, empowering the progress of humanity and further stripping the World of its mystery. They, who took the authorities of the thunder deities and placed it within the hands of mankind. The fathers of the electric world.
The duo notoriously known for their feuds and arguments that led to the war of the currents, the competition in which one of the two electrical systems would become the one to power the planet in its entirety.
Two rivals in history. Both gathered in the same Singularity. Currently locked in a fistfight on a peaceful negotiation mission. One of which being the ruler of a massive army. Possessing the land in which a Holy Grail resides.
Hanging his head in defeat, the doctor lets out a weary sigh. "You geniuses really are a complicated sort, aren't you?"
"Don't lump me into the same category as them, Roman."
"We're from the Chaldea Security Organization, and we're here to correct this Singularity." Gudao informs the bruised President after briefly introducing himself and the rest of the Chaldean group.
Some time into the fight, Madame Blavatsky had stepped in, placing herself between the spiteful inventors. She had held the two away from each other, sharply criticizing the duo for being childish and irrational. They had grudgingly conceded to her points, backing away while glaring daggers at each other.
To Wyatt's side, Tesla and Gudako silently stood together, both upset and glowering at the lion Servant. Swelling bruises littering the scientist's face and teared rips on his coat indicated the spots in which he was struck.
Across the room, Edison sat proud on his regal throne, sporting his own fair share of injuries while ignoring the provoking glares his rival was directing at him. Parts of his mane are singed by Tesla's lighting and a good portion of his fur had been torn away by his rival attempting to grapple him.
"Fujimaru, was it? I'm very glad to see you here!" Donning his role as President, Edison tossed away his furious nature from earlier and took on a professional stance. The smiling President spreads his arms out wide in a welcoming gesture. "'Correcting the Singularity' means that you would aid us in our war against the Celts, no?"
"Help would be appreciated. Especially if it means that our dear Pres-King can finally stop working himself to death." Madame Blavatsky comments from the side of the throne.
"Aw come on now, Helena. You and I both know that Servants don't require rest to continue functioning. And I'll have you know that I had five minutes of relaxation in the past seventy-two hours!"
"That's exactly the issue I'm talking about."
Tesla scoffs. "I suppose that's the perfect illogical schedule for a delusional fool such as him." He snidely mutters, just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
"Why you—!" Taking a deep breath to cool his anger, Edison calms himself and turns his passive gaze back to the teen male Master. "Now, where were we? Ah yes, our joining against the mutual enemy. Of course no service ever comes free, and I've heard of your intentions to negotiate. Well, let us begin. What is your offer?"
Romani's digital screen pops into existence right before Gudao. "If I may, Fujimura. We'd like to inquire about the Holy Grail in Jefferson City, Mr. President. We need to determine whether or not the artifact is affecting this age. Its existence may be an important factor in fixing this era."
Staring at the blue screen in interest, Edison couldn't help but wonder out loud. "Communications through magecraft, even with the convenience of telephones? You mages really are such frivolous creatures."
"Says the man with the head of a lion." Tesla once again mutters, his Master snickering beside him.
"Um, telephones wouldn't work for what we're trying to accomplish. They must operate within the same time and space, something that unfortunately we are not. Our systems cross this threshold, allowing for communication to navigate through eras."
"I see, I see. A phone call transmitting across time…how interesting…Hmph, if it can be done by magecraft, then science can accomplish it as well. I, Thomas Alva Edison, will create a spirit phone!" He suddenly declared enthusiastically, driven and motivated.
"Banking on the ideas of others. How shocking." Tesla sarcastically mumbles, turning Edison's joy into visible—and growing—irritation.
"Let's focus on important matters for now, we must address the Holy Grail." Geronimo reminds the two parties, casting a careful glance in the throne's direction.
Eyes falling upon Geronimo's form, Edison inquisitively gazes at the Native Servant. His feline pupils thin and the friendliness they once held evaporates. Body stiffening, a single finger begins tapping the armrest of the throne.
"Ah, Geronimo. Infamous warrior of the Apache and leader of the resistance group running amok. I'd like to thank you for all the assistance you've given in fighting the Celts. It truly is appreciated. It is a pleasure to greet you here today, though if I may ask, why now?" Edison curiously questions.
"I've extended many olive branches in hopes of uniting our powers under the onslaught of the barbaric raiders. Time and time again I have been rejected by your little outcast group, refusing to play ball. So why now? What has changed?" His gaze was that of an apex predator, sharp eyes overseeing every movement, never missing the tiniest of errors.
Somehow, it felt like the conversation had entered dangerous territory.
Geronimo calmly responds to the interrogative questions, "I assure you it's nothing personal, your majesty. It's just that the celestial bodies foretold the saviors' arrival, and the spirits whispered of the liberators' presence. So I tasked myself with greeting them at their coming and my faithful comrades simply decided to aid me. I apologize if my actions have offended you."
Silence met Geronimo's explanation. Edison's judging eyes continue to probe the Caster Servant's face and actions. Eventually, the President spoke.
"Hm, I can't pretend to understand your words, but if those are the circumstances then so be it. All of it can be placed behind us when a compromise is reached. And as you have stated your pieces, I would like to state mine."
Leaning forward and clasping his hands together, the Presi-King declares his judgment, "Your demands for the Holy Grail are reasonable. In fact, if the grail is what you seek in turn for the aid of your organization and the resistance faction, then I see this as an absolute win. However, you surely must be aware of the grail's cost, no?"
Gudao scowls, "The sacrifice of a Heroic Spirit…"
"A cruel price. One that I'm neither willing nor able to tolerate. I will not lower myself to the levels of you deplorable mages." Tightly gripping the armrests of the throne with disgust and anger, Edison snarls.
"So listen and listen well. Hear me now! No commander of mine will be given to that depraved cup! Each one of them is an indispensable part of our nation! To lose one is to an arm or leg! Losing one means losing a piece of America! This war shall be won through American might and spirit alone! That filthy grail shall never be touched by these hands! This, I decree as the Pres-King of the United States!" He finishes his speech with a roar of finality, leaving no room for argument.
"These are the first of my conditions. If these terms are unacceptable, then I'm afraid our little alliance will end before it ever begins. What do you think, Gudao Fujimaru?"
The King of Inventor's question was similar to that of a ferocious snarl. Hostility was conveyed through his tone, and it was made clear to everyone there that a wrong answer meant dangerous repercussions. Stern gaze falling over their gathered party, Edison awaits their response.
Gudao hesitates, heart beating nervously beneath the President's stern glare bearing down upon him. He couldn't understand why he was hesitating. He knew his answer from the very depths of his soul, it came to him easily, to the tip of his tongue but refusing to leave his lips. What's he doing?! Speak, he needs to speak!
Wyatt immediately understood the situation; this was a test. He was testing them, placing pressure on the young Master and forcing a decision out of him. He was looking for something in them, judging them of their worth. Even now, his penetrative gaze never left the dark-haired Master's face, expecting something out of the teen. Based on the looks of realization the others had around him, it seems they have come to a similar conclusion. What is Edison searching for?
Rising from his throne, Edison approaches the group, stopping short before them. Sharp eyes narrowing, he towers above the male Master, a low growl escaping from him. "So? What do you say, Master of Chaldea?"
Words choking in his throat, the teen Master struggles. The suffocating silence, only broken by the clanking of the mechanized machines moving to stand behind their creator, weighed greatly on his nerves.
He jolts in surprise as a gentle hand touches his shoulder, and glancing to his right, he sees Mash giving him a reassuring look.
"I believe in you Senpai, you can do this." Her thoughts were shared to him through their link, encouraging him to speak.
Further down the line, to Mash's right, he makes eye contact with his childhood friend. This time, he didn't need a Servant link to understand the grin she's giving him.
"Just say it, ya dunce. What happened to the goody two shoes I know?"
Geronimo, Isabel, Tesla, Gogh, and Wyatt await his answer, waiting for him to speak up. That's right, he has no reason to hesitate; no reason to be nervous. Not as long as he stood alongside them. Steeling his nerves and gathering his courage, Gudao speaks.
"Absolutely. We won't force anyone, especially any friends, to give themselves up for the grail. We will fix this era. We will defeat the Celts. We will find another way to obtain the grail. That is our promise." His determined expression matched by those surrounding him, there was naught but confidence in tone as he spoke those words.
Edison blinks in surprise.
"Hm, perhaps you are different from the regular magus." Edison notes as a great smile began to stretch across his feline face, the tension in the air dispersing away. "Your will is admirable! I, the Presi-King, commend you!"
"Mr. Edison is really intense, but sort of in a good way, I suppose?" Mash shyly observes. Tesla remained silent, not bothering to deny the statement or make a snarky quip. To his great frustration, the scientist found that it was something he could grudgingly agree with.
"He's always been a big softie on the inside. Isn't that right, Thomas?"
Ignoring Blavatsky's playful jest, Edison resumes with his praise. "I shall look forward to working with you Gudao Fujimaru! With this, the grail is yours to acquire! Do with it as you will! Now, let's move on to—"
Echoing footsteps alerted the individuals within the area of someone approaching from the hallway leading to the throne room. Edison perks up in slight surprise, staring at the great wooden doors behind the Chaldean Group.
"Ah, speak of the devil. That must be them, my great commanders. They're here earlier than I expected, but…hm, yes, earlier is good. Productive and reliable, as expected of those under my employ! Greetings are in order!"
The dark oak doors swing open as they're pushed with great force. From the hall, a lone figure strides in, walking urgently and with purpose. She brushes past the gathered Chaldeans and resistance, making her way to right before the Pres-King.
Ruby eyes stare into the President's feline pupils. Spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture, Edison warmly greets the pink haired lady, "Miss Nightingale! How lovely it is to see our beautiful angel once more! Er, where is the rest of—"
"I'm leaving."
Author's Note:
Damn, Edison is getting dumped by his hot berserker nurse. On the other hand, yay, hot berserker nurse is here! Also, it came to me when brainstorming, that Edison is both a masochist and a sadist in regards to work. Boom. Deep. Lore.
Next chapters will follow soon, whenever time allows it. For now, let me know your opinions of this story; likes, dislikes, thoughts, ideas. Until then, see ya next time.
Heads up, the omake below involves SCP-2700. Go read it, it's a good read.
Omake: The Madman
"I have a couple of inquiries, if it's alright with you."
"Hm? That's perfectly fine. Curiosity is the key to advancement and a genius serves to educate the world. So ask away." Approached by Chaldea's third and newest Master while within its halls, Tesla found himself facing the man who held a clipboard of apparent questions he wished to ask.
"Thank you. Alright let's start off simple. You are certainly Nikola Tesla, the genius scientist and inventor, yes?"
"The one and only." Tesla proudly answers, glad to be recognized and praised for his brilliance.
"From a genius like you, I'd say you built many devices in your lifetime, is that right?"
"Of course, though I faced numerous hardships, my inventions and ideas revolutionized the world, living even to this day."
"Mhm, and what could you tell me about this device?"
From the clipboard, Wyatt lifted a photo, showing it to the Archer Servant. The image was that of complex machinery of three different components. To sum it up, there's what seems to be a command console, a linear particle accelerator, and a "core" aglow with something within.
"Hmmm, interesting. I've never seen something such as this. A generator of sorts? No, it doesn't seem to be so. It could be more akin to a weapon of some kind…"
"Don't recognize it? But it's your handiwork. Well, at least partially."
Was it? No, he definitely would've remembered creating something like this. Clearly, the work behind this device was phenomenal. In some form, the design of it was almost alien, in the regard that it exceeded what could be called human reach. In fact, something about the photo called out to him, a feeling of familiarity.
"I apologize, but I can't make a concise assumption on this device just from a photograph—"
"Who's the traveler, Mr. Tesla?"
The abrupt question from nowhere threw him for a loop. "Huh? I beg your pardon?"
"Teleforce. Reversal of entropy. The reset of a universe. Who is the watcher?!"
Confused and worried, the scientist carefully inspected the agitated form of Wyatt. "Are you alright Mr. Oid? Perhaps you're not feeling well."
"I'm fine. We have three-hundred years. How do we stop this?!"
"Once again, I wouldn't know—"
"Answer me, Nikola Tesla!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"I'm terribly sorry, I seem to be worked up and confused. Please ignore my meaningless rambles."
And they called him a madman. "It's quite alright, Mr. Oid. I understand that becoming a new Master and facing the behemoth of a Grand Order may be nerve-wracking."
"Yes, of course. But…um, may I ask one final question?"
"Sure, what may it be?"
"Why did you choose to bring the bomb back to our universe? Couldn't you dispose of it in a lifeless one?"
"…"
"…"
"I still have no idea of what you're talking about, Mr. Oid."