As they were heading towards the courtyard, Shirou heard someone shouting towards them. He was surprised that no normal students should detect their presence. He looks at where the sound is coming. There he saw a girl frantically waving her hand trying to catch up.
"Kaichou, wait for me!!!"
Sona came to a complete stop. As she finally caught up to them, her shoulders suddenly slumped. He can clearly hear ragged breathing as she tries to catch up her breath.
"Ruru, I thought you said that you are still sick?"
"Well yes, but I got better yesterday. And when I heard that you will be conducting a combat test on your new recruit I got here as fast as I can"
Ninimura Ruruko, a short girl with brown hair styled into twin tails. Shirou had almost forgotten about her because he hadn't seen her since he became a devil. He's a little embarrassed about forgetting someone, especially since he joined the student council and she's part of it.
From what he heard back when he was human, the reason Ruruko is not present is because she has a flu. Do devils even get sick?
"Who said that to you? I thought I said to you that you should recover more before going back." Sona raised her eyebrows.
Ruruko's gaze shifted to Momo. When Sona noticed this, she turned her gaze to the individual in question. Momo averted her gaze away from Sona's piercing stare. All she can say under her gaze is a soft 'Sorry.'
Sona put her hand on his forehead and let out a sigh.
"So, who is it?" she excitedly said. Ruruko let her eyes wander through her fellow devils trying to find the new member.
"Genshirou is here, Momo too, Yura of course, then Emiya" she said their names one by one "Wait? Emiya? Why is Emiya here!?" She exclaimed.
"Hello?" Shirou awkwardly greeted her. Not that he can blame her, the last time that he saw her was when Shirou was fixing the heater in the student council room. Again.
"Emiya really became a devil?" she asked, clearly baffled.
"Yes Ruru, Shirou really became the devil" Sona answered her.
"That…" she trailed off in her words "How did you become a devil? Did you also volunteer to be part of Sona's peerage?" She closed the gap between the two of them in an instant. Her eyes are practically swarming with stars as she waits for his response.
"It was a very long story…"
"I can listen to it," She instantly replied.
"Ruru, please don't bother Shirou. Besides, there is something we still need to do."
"Yes, Kaichou" She sounded dejected.
"Don't worry, I'm going to tell you. But first we need to test if Shirou has enough reflexes."
Shirou only had one word when they arrived in the courtyard, huge. He can't still believe how big this part of their school is, no matter how many times he's been through it.
He was standing on one side of the court while Meguri was on the opposite side. Meanwhile, Sona and the rest of the student council are standing on the other side, watching them.
Shirou returned his gaze to his opponent. Meguri is stretching her limbs. Shirou returned his gaze to his opponent. He sweatdropped at this. It looks like she was too serious about this combat test.
Shiroi thought that this test was supposed just to be a combat reflex test, no more, no less. However, given his experience in the grail war and what Saber had told him, it's better to be prepared than to be sorry.
"Can you give them this, Tsubaki?" Sona gave her a pair of Shinai. Which in turn Tsubaki gave them.
"Shinai?"
"Since, using live blades is too dangerous. We are going to use Shinais; don't worry I used a spell to strengthen those bamboo swords." Sona explained.
Shirou gripped the sword, secretly structurally analyzing. What Sona said is correct; it is far more powerful than a standard shinai. Her spell is even very similar to his reinforcement. Meguri, meanwhile, was swinging her sword. Left, then right, and finally top. She nodded to the sword before turning to face Shirou.
"I am wondering instead of Meguri what if I fight Shirou?" Ruruko suggested "I think it is better a idea"
Sona flatly looks at her. "Ruru, you are too hot-headed to fight Shirou. Besides you just got out of your devil flu," She said "Meguri on the other hand can adjust her power and has experience in using a sword."
"Fine," she begrudgingly said "I know that Meguri is good at using swords, that is her prefered weapon after all. But isn't it unfair for Shirou to fight her. For all I know he doesn't even know how to hold a sword"
"I don't think you're wrong Ruru but I have a feeling that Shirou knows how to use a sword"
Ruruko tilted her head. Clearly curious. What could be the reason that her Kaichou said this.
"I see…"
"Do you know how to use a sword, Shirou-san?" Meguri inquires. Even though she's seen him jump through rooftops, which she thinks is amazing, that doesn't mean he knows how to properly hold a sword. He can't possibly have any experience with sword fighting, or so she hopes.
"Well.. I had an experience." Shirou answered her.
"That was surprising. I never thought that you have experience."
"Like they say you can judge a book by its cover."
"I guess that's true."
"Meguri, Emiya please ready your weapon. We are going to start" Tsubaki reminded them.
Shirou looks over the sword in his hand. It fell off simply by holding one sword; using kanshou and bakuya had conditioned him to use two swords. He doesn't mind using one sword; it's just that he feels more at ease with dual wielding. Shirou called Sona just as before she said start.
"Kaichou, can I get another shinai?"
"Is that shinai broken? I'm pretty sure that I cast my spell perfectly"
No, no," Shirou said, shaking his hands. "I'm actually more comfortable using two swords."
Sona looked at him for a moment. "I have a feeling that this will happen. It's good that I brought extras" She handed over an extra Shinai towards Tsubasa, which in turn she gave to him.
"Wait, you are dual-wielder Shirou-san?" Meguri-san asked.
"Yes, Is there any problem with that?"
"No, I initially thought you were a novice, but seeing as you are a dual-wielder, I guess I should reconsider; I'm looking forward to our fight."
"Please, don't get too excited Meguri-san I dont think I'm that good."
"Well let's see about that." Meguri smiled at him.
The match will begin, and the winner will be announced when your opponent is unable to fight or forfeits." Sona declared, "and Shirou, you better get serious or Meguri will beat you down into pulp." She said while having a sinister smile. Shirou shivered at this, Sona is playing at something in here and usually it involved something that will make him regret something.
"I thought this was just a normal combat test!" Shirou protested.
"You're correct, Shirou, but that doesn't mean I won't make things more difficult for you," Sona said smugly.
Shirou shook his head. Did she just smugly smile at me? Sona will not act this way without a reason. Based on her personality, she is more likely to warn him before throwing him into the pits. He must have done something to allow Sona to behave in this manner. Shirou rummaged through his memories, looking for a reason, any event, anything that would prompt this, but he couldn't find anything. No, nothing comes to his mind. Then it struck him. It was a long shot, but it was possible.
"Is this revenge!?"
"No, Shirou this is not revenge I'm just trying to get back at you." Sona calmly said.
"Then, it's just revenge. What did I do to you to deserve this" as far as he knows he has been pretty polite towards her. He acts around her as a friend would do. So, why is this happening?
"Oh no, you've done nothing wrong Shirou." She smiled at him "However, you're all knowing smirk irks me especially how you use it to tease whenever I blunder."
Now that he thinks about it, she is indeed right. Whenever he finds Sona getting embarrassed he can't stop himself from smirking. It was just like Tohsaka whenever she accidentally shows her true nature. The difference between her idol persona and magus' self is so contrasting that Shirou can't believe it. Teasing them and seeing their reaction always puts a smile on his face.
"..."
"Now, you can't answer" She proudly said "Be ready Shirou your match is about to start. Meguri shows him what you are made of" Sona said while having a dark smile.
His fellow devils look at their King as if they were seeing a new person. It's very rare for her to act like this, so it must have been a shock. Sona has always been formal, even striking strick and not taking anything lightly, but now that she's like this - their reaction is understable. Tsubaki is taking a deep sigh, Ruru is shocked as well as Yura, Momo and Reya are wryly smiling, while the worst of it is Genshirou as if he just witnessed something that he doesn't believe. However, he seems to be happy that he saw a new part of Sona? Maybe Shirou is just hallucinating.
"Three…" Sona started counting down. He gripped his swords.
"Two.." Shirou took his stance. The same stance that archers used before, albeit in Shirou's case there were differences. Meguri looks at him, one of her eyebrows raised.
"One." He breathes in and out. Shirou relaxed his body, his arms ready to strike. He focused on the opponent ahead of him, Meguri. Just seeing her stance, he can already tell that he had an experience in using swords. To be exact, she seems to be a master.
"Match"
Shirou planted his foot forward then dashed. Meguri was the first to strike, slashing him from below. Seeing this Shirou took a step back, however she already anticipated it. Meguri closes in and executes a modified overhead slash. She raised her sword to the same level as her face and cut down.
Rather than blocking his body, he turns his sword and meets the approaching blade from above with a horizontal slash from below. Parrying it just a few millimeters away from his face. Surprised by the attack, She retreated a few meters away from him.
"Emiya, what did you do?!" She's clearly angry.
"I parried your attack" He answered.
"That is not what I mean!" She shouted "Why did you not use a proper block or even the most sensible parry?!"
She's right. Shirou didn't use a proper block, he didn't position his sword diagonally and properly protect himself. Instead he chose the most dangerous, he defended himself by attacking her. Especially, if his attack just got off by a millimeter her sword will slide and surely hit him. He will not not gain any advantage from it. So, why didn't he just step back or just block it normally?
"Because, that is just how Shirou Emiya learned tp fight."
She was taken aback. To fight like that, the swordsman must have no worth in life. He will put anything on the line, including his own life, as long as he can hit his opponent. Even she, a swordswoman raised in a swordsman clan, will not do such a thing. She was enraged just thinking about how Shirou fought.
"You know Shirou-san, right now you are making me angry. A swordsman will not put his life just so he can hit his enemy! Kaichou said to me that I shouldn't hurt you that much. I need to make sure that you will surrender. But right now I don't think I can't do that. Emiya, I will show you just how dangerous and life threatening your style is!"
Her tone is full of anger and, yet her eyes are full of worry. Distress that her friend will die early if he continues doing what he's doing right now. Even just swinging the sword at him at once, she already discovered a part of how he fights. Not that he really hid it. However, Shirou is not a swordsman. He is far from being called like that.
He stood there. Shirou did not answer her. He sympathized with her, it was normal for her to worry about him. He is already part of their peerage, a comrade, and more importantly a friend. So, it's just her right to worry about him. However, that is just the way he is, the stance that perfectly describes him. He took his position and waited for his opponent.
There is no need to exchange words between the two of them. They both knew what to do. Both of them dash forward again, swords drawn and ready to strike each other. With a slash between each other, another round began.
Left, then up, and finally down. She hit in rapid succession, never missing a beat. Three strikes that were bound to hit him but did not. It was all parried, and blocked. Her hit was hard and true, so why did it not reach him? Shirou is not baiting him, he didn't have any faints, he was attacking her with the same passion as her. So, why?
Shirou can feel her attacks, each strike was backed up by the power and passion of a true swordsman. So, who is he to not receive them and send them back with the same zeal. In this contest, stamina would not be a problem they both seem to have endless of it. Even after a minute of fighting no one seems to be tired, not even a huff. Then, it must be technique.
The more they exchange strikes, the more Shirou can see the hard work, and time Meguri put into perfecting her style. Shirou shifted his foot, then slashed diagonally. Meguri easily dodged his attack, as expected. However, Shirou did not stop there, using the momentum of his last attack he performed a slash again. Surprise, by another attack Meguri just managed to block it by margin.
"You're using a different style?!" Meguri said in surprise.
"I never said that all I have is one." Shirou answered her.
She falters, capitalizing the moment Shirou makes another attack. Using his two swords, he put a barrage of attack towards her. Forcing her into defense. Now, it's time for his counter-attack.
"Wow, I can say I'm impressed. I never thought that Shirou was that good with a sword." Yura said, watching as Meguri and Shirou exchange slashes between the two of them.
"Yeah, I thought that he would be defeated just after a few minutes," Momo said.
The exchange between the two of them sent the dust flying away. Even with the distance Sona and her peerage can feel the power in each slash that they throw. They stepped back, just as precaution if someone is suddenly thrown back flying away Seeing how powerful they're strike are their caution is understable.
"Emiya-san's fighting style seems beautiful, '' Tsubasa said.
"What do you mean by 'Beautiful'? " Sona asked.
"It was like a dance, his way of fighting is like a dance…"
"I guess… I can agree with you on that." Sona eyed Shirou. His attacks are swift and precise, just as Meguri but there seems to be a difference.
For every attack that he makes there is elegance between them. Always taking his partner in caution. Just like in a true dance, both partners have the opportunities however when the time comes one will lead the dance and seize the moment.
"But may I ask Kaichou, Why did Meguri shout at Emiya earlier, like saying that his style is something along the lines of life-threatening."
"I guess that is because Shirou must have done something earlier in contrast to what he is doing right now. I may not be that knowledgeable about sword fighting but I know that Meguri would not be that easily angry. She must have seen something in Shirou when they clashed at first, that led her to act like that" She explained. Tsubasa nodded at this, having the same resentment.
"Now, I know that I can fight Emiya," Ruru excitedly said.
"Again," Sona took a tired sigh "No, you can't fight Shirou. We still need to hunt a stray tonight"
He stepped in. Left, right, then an x-slash, Shirou did not leave any opening for her to attack. However, Meguri won't back down. His simple cuts won't make her, she was trained in the way of the sword. So, it's just obvious that she will be able to take this kind of attack or else she will not be able to call herself a swordswoman.
Meguri saw a small opening, and with a quick motion she moved her sword towards it. But Shirou is already on it. With a clank both swords deflected each other. As both swords left hanging, he let his other sword pierce towards his opponent. Without any way to defend herself, she instantly put force in her foot and jumped back.
"I did not expect you to use that opening." She seems surprised. "I'm glad too that you don't deliberately use your body as an opening." She said in relief.
If she discovered it, the real way he fights. Then, she will be greatly upset.
"Thanks for the compliment."
"Still I need to remind you not to use your body as bait." Yeah, she will be really mad when she finds out how I really fight.
"Please finish it, we don't have all night, '' Sona reminded them.
"Well Emiya, let's finish this," she said with a smile.
"Yeah, let's go"
This time, instead of both of them sprinting forward, only Shirou moves. He immediately takes offense. He cuts her with an overhead slice, which Meguri deflects sideward. That's fine. Knowing this is going to happen, he rotates three hundred sixty degrees and attacks her with his other sword. Meguri blocks it quickly with his sword. She could easily withstand this attack, but Shirou's move made it heavier than it should be due to momentum and gravity.
Surprised by the weight she let his sword slide with her. From that, she instantly put a diagonal slashed before even Shirou could regain his composure. But it failed, her attack never reached its target. Shirou instantly ducked down. Her eyes bulged up, that was not supposed to happen. It was as if Shirou could predict a movement a few milliseconds before it happened.
He gripped his sword. Without missing his tempo he crossed his swords in horizontal motion. Ready to cut the opponent in front of him. Meguri instantly sensed it. The impending danger coming towards his abdomen.Yes, the weapons they are using cannot cut a limb, but that doesn't mean they won't cause pain. And, according to Sona, they are even more durable than before. With the way they're fighting right now, a hit from shinai will be extremely painful
She stepped back for a few meters, but Shirou instantly followed her.
Meguri was too surprised, she had no time to think. As her opponent closed in, Meguri gripped her sword tight.
She slashed down.
There was no technique behind it, a desperate strike that hoped that the enemy would falter or, better yet, hit. As desperate it is, her strike was perfect. Even seeing this Shirou didn't stop him from moving forward. He deflected it with his left sword. Her brown eyes met his amber eyes.
"Wha-"
He unleashed his final attack, a piercing strike on the left of her head.
Both were left hanging at the last moment they were in.
Her hair was blown away, a small cut appearing in her left cheek. She was too stunned to speak. Did Shirou just manage to defeat me? Shirou had truly defeated her, she realized as she looked around. He was right in front of her, with his last attack. Shinai was just a hair's breadth away from her face, and his other sword in its final position after it thwarted her desperate attack.
His heart was beating hard, air going out of his lungs rapidly. If I didn't move that attack I don't know what will happen next. He was supposed to attack her just a few centimeters away from her head, just like what happened. However, it takes more effort than it is supposed to. Due to how Shirou deflected her attack and how she had reacted. Meguri accidentally moved her towards his sword's trajectory.
His pupils immediately dilated. Shirou used all of his strength in his right arm to move his sword away. As he tried to fight his own momentum, his arms and muscles screamed at him. He had worked hard, but he was finally thankful, and before he knew it, he had already moved his sword away. I should apologize for accidentally putting a cut in her face.
"I never thought that I would defeat you, Meguri-san and sorry about the cut on your cheek"
Meguri was cut down in her daze. She slowly moved her finger towards her cheeks, noticing a small drizzle of blood. "No, no, it's' ok Shi-kun '' Shi-kun? "But you are pretty strong yourself. I never thought that you would be that good at sword and to boot you are dual-wielding."
He let out a small laugh "Thank you"
"I could say that was very cool…" Genshirou gaped. Never did he see someone let a sword strike like that. Of course, he had already seen Meguri use her sword before during their hunts together; he is not supposed to be shocked. But due to how Shirou let his sword work against his enemy. Genshirou couldn't stop thinking how it was very impressive. He couldn't agree more that Shirou was powerful, but of course he is more powerful. He would not lose to someone who just became a devil.
The rest of the members of the student council look at their King waiting for her announcement. All of them were shocked too, due to how abrupt it is they even forgot to breathe for a moment.
The only ones who remained composed are Ruruko and Sona. It can barely be said that Ruruko was composed as she was already maniacally smiling, ready to fight Shirou if not supervised.
Moving on Sona's face seemed to remain cold as usual but her mind was thinking overdrive. It was a fact that Meguri is a very good swordswoman. However, Shirou just demonstrates how he is good at swords too.
She replayed the fight in her head. Despite the fact that this was only a combat test, Shirou performed admirably, if not exceedingly well. She won't have any complaints if she brings Shirou along, and she won't have to worry about him. But one question lingers in her mind. Sona knows how Meguri learned to wield the sword, but Shirou, she has no idea. His family does not have any sword fighters, and the only weapons she is aware of is that his family use are guns. So, where did he learn it?
"Congratulations, Shirou. You passed your combat test" She congratulated. "I just hope that Meguri managed to ruff you up more." She fixes her glasses.
Shirou wryly smiled at her. She's really hell-bent on what she said earlier.
"Thank you, Kaichou but I think Meguri did go easy with me."
"Be it… But you passed. So, it means that you will go with us tonight." She may not show it, but she was excited to see what her servant, Shirou, would do. But, based on what she has seen thus far, she hopes Shirou will not do anything that will surprise her and add to her stress.
"Then, I will be in your care once again" he bowed. As for Shirou he is also hoping that this hunt will go smoothly.
""""Let's go fly and hunt that stray!!!""" Ruruko, Meguri, and Genshirou shouted. Tsubaki, Yura and Hanakai smiled at the antics of their fellow members, while Tsubaki approached Sona for a moment and talked to her before nodding away.
His usual E-rank luck always hit him at the greatest time. It has been a shock for him, Shirou had no idea that he had wings at all. Does he even have it? He hopes that he has. Flying through air is infinitely better than jumping through rooftops.
Shirou could already picture the looks he'd get if he asked his question. But if doesn't ask, then how will he know? Without much of a choice he opened his mouth.
He slowly raised his hands "Where are my wings?" and as predicted they stared at him. He took a deep sigh. Being a devil is really hard.
Does he expect it? Yes. Is he surprised? No. Being a devil for Shirou has been really hard, first he cant teleport and now he can't even fly. The look of pity he received from his fellow devils will live with him forever. Thankfully, it's not a total lost cause, he has wings in his back but the bad thing is he can't even make it work. Shirou tried his best to move but no matter what he did, it wouldn't budge even a millimeter.
Sona look at him, contemplating at what she supposed to. "There must be something wrong on the evil piece that I have given to you. "
Shirou tilted his head.
"Dont worry Shirou. I guess I could make an appointment with Beezelbub-sama, though I dont know when he would be free. Let's just hope that it will make time with us."
Ajuka Beezelbub, He is the Chief Advisor for the Technology Department and the creator of the Evil Pieces system and the Rating Game. According to Sona, he is the most intelligent person in the underworld, only having one person rivaling him, Azazel. Based on what he can remember he is some kind of governor general of fallen angels.
He gave Sona a nod. It was obvious that due to Beezelbub's position, a meeting with them would be unlikely, even if Sona is the heir of a prominent family. As a result, Shirou hopes that even with that, Beezelbub will respond to their call and explain why his body refuses to cooperate with his devil side.
That brings us to his current situation: jumping through these rooftops again. This time, however, he was not alone. The student council is flying around him with their wings spread. Sona decided that because their destination was so close, they should fly there together rather than teleport. It was also a precaution if their target was capable of detecting certain magics.
"If I may ask Emiya how did you manage to detect Kaichou's familiar?" Tsubasa.
Shirou, clearly startled by her, did not respond properly. "Wha-" He was even taken aback by the sudden height as he descended one of the rooftops.
"Can you repeat it Tsubaki-san?"
"I ask how did you manage to find Kaichou's familiar."
"Oh! About that" he said in surprise "Well the familiar smells like Sona so I thought that must be hers." Shirou would rub the back of his head if he could. But he certainly can't at this height.
"How that works?" Tsubaki was clearly baffled. How did he smell a familiar? is he somekind of bloodhound? Is that why he was able to jump through these rooftops with ease? Those questions circles in her mind as they both talk.
Do I tell them my abilities? He looks towards the Student council members. Shirou thinks for a moment. I guess I should tell them. I'm already part of them So what will I gain from hiding a secret. "I can smell magic."
Her eyes widen for a moment. What a very ridiculous ability. However, if what he is telling the truth then it will explained how he can find Sona's familiar even it was coated with several layers of stealth magic. "I see… But may I ask are you a part bloodhound?"
"What is a bloodhound?"
"Nevermind..." she dismised him immediately, as his obvious ignorance is the answer. "To begin with, you found Kaichou's familiar because you smelled it and it smelled the same as Kaichou."
"Yes"
Sona was giving Shirou stink eyes from a short distance away. The reason for this is simple: she had overheard bits and pieces of what Tsubaki and Shirou were saying. Of course, without the context, it was impossible to draw a valid conclusion. However, the words she heard were very misleading: "smell," "Sona," and "Shirou can smell her ''. For a lady to hear that kind of words, it is no wonder that her mind will immediately go into overdrive. Ladies are conscious of this kind of topic.
Even though she knows she is missing something during their conversation, she can't help but give him stinking eyes. Sona cannot afford to give Shirou any more ammunition against her. It irritates her just thinking about those teasing smirks. She just hopes they're not talking about what she's thinking about. Calm down, Sona. Don't let that annoying smirk irritate you. She took a deep breath. You can ask Tsubaki later what they are talking about.
Shirou had sensed someone staring at him, the same angry stare he had previously felt. He immediately looks in the direction where it is coming from. When he finally found the source of the stare, he could only smile wryly at the person.
Sona was giving him a stinking stare. Of course, he had no idea why she would give him this stare. All he did was talk with Tsubaki about how he could detect her familiar and how it smelled like her… She must have heard our conversation.
He needs to clear up this misunderstanding quickly or else, it will spiral out of control like a tornado. Just like that time when Shirou ended up half-naked on top of Leys and Sella finding them in the most compromising position that will make your imagination run wild. The worst of it, Upon seeing the two of them Sella's face turns into many emotions from shock then to anger to literally having shadows in his face.
Before they even noticed it, she was already holding a halberd in her hands, looking at Shirou with her signature dark smile. Shirou shivered at that thought. That simple misunderstanding resulted in their house being riddled with bullet holes and broken furnitures. Looking back at those perilous situations reminded him of what he needed to do.
Thankfully, not only Shirou sensed the stare. Tsubaki wryly look at her King, she didn't need to ask what was happening. It was clearly obvious. She was pitying Shirou having the receiver of that look coming from Sona.
"Dont worry Emiya-san I will be the one clearing things with Kaichou," She reassured him "but please tell your ability to Kaichou"
"Yes, I will" and just like that Tsubaki fly towards Sona and cleared things up for him. How do I tell them that I can project swords?
After a few minutes of flying, they finally arrive at one of the forests on the outskirts of the city. Shirou look around the place, it seems very familiar. He shook his head, the forest where he had 'died' is on the opposite side of the city. So, it's impossible for it to be this forest. Maybe it's because of the ambient feeling around the trees.
"According to the file that I receive, the stray we are going to hunt has the strength of a lower middle-class devil. Although he only has the strength of a lower middle class devil, the thing that makes him dangerous is his ability to vanish and reappear a few meters away from his opponent." Sona explained "It's good that he has retained injuries from the last place he escaped and was using this forest as a place to recuperate, according to the reports." She added.
The student council members nodded, clearly used to this type of briefing. They're not even scared of what they're supposed to be fighting. Maybe it's because the person they're going to hunt has already been wounded, but they still need to be cautious.
"Reya will infront together with me and Momo as she was good at tracking. Next, Tsubaki, Genshirou, and Ruru will be in the back to protect our rear" Sona looked at Shirou's direction. "Tsubasa, Momo, and Shirou will be in the middle." She explained their position.
"If their is no question let's go and hunt the stray devil."
Finding the stray is more difficult than it is to say. They are already exploring this forest for an hour and they have yet to find any clue. Shirou looks towards Reya and Sona. He saw that Reya was shaking her head again, meaning that it was another dead spot. Just by the look of their face, everyone is getting tired of walking.
"Shirou-san, may I ask how are you adapting to your devil life?" Tsubasa ask him.
He was taken aback. Tsubasa and him had never interacted much, so her question about his life transition caught him off guard. "I don't think much has changed since I became a devil..."
"Nothing?" she tilted her head "Does that mean that jumping through rooftops, making contracts with people, and fighting with shinais are common to you?!"
"No," he instantly dismissed her. "What I mean is that my life seems not changed. I'm still doing what I'm doing back when I'm human. The contract makings are just an added task for me."
"I see…" she nodded her head "then how did you manage to jump through those rooftops and keep up with Meguri" She was obviously staring at him. He tried to look away, but he couldn't. Tsubasa was waiting for his answer, and she clearly wants it.
Shirou recompose himself. So, that's must be reason that she suddenly talked to me.
"One of my abilities, is to reinforce my body." he truthfully said.
She gave a nod. She, like the others, wants to know how and why Shirou can jump through those buildings despite having only a small amount of devil power inside him. Now that he has responded to her, she feels as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. Though where did he get those abilities? She shook her head. It's better not to ask many question or Shirou will be come hesitant to answer.
"Abilities?!" Momo suddenly interjected with them. She was clearly listening from the start, which is why she was curious as well. Watching Shirou fight Meguri earlier piqued her interest and left her in awe of what Shirou was capable of. Now that she knows that he has the ability to reinforce himself, it will certainly answer how he can keep up with Meguri. That was supposed to be the end of it, but she overheard something during their conversation that surprised him. Shirou has abilities meaning he only doesn't have one. If Shirou can reinforce himself she wonders what abilities he has.
Shirou look at Momo "Yes, hahaha" he nervously laugh "I forgot to say this but I can also sme-" Before he could even finish his words. Shirou suddenly snap his heads towards his left.
"What's wrong Shirou-san, did you see something?"
He didn't see anything, but he did smell something. Shirou immediately looked where the putrid smell was coming from as soon as it made contact with his nose. He recognized the smell; it was the same smell that guided him that night.
There appears to be nothing wrong with it. The trees, the shadows, everything appears to be normal. You could even argue that they passed through similar groves. What was smelling though says no. There is something there.
"Shirou-san?" Tsubasa waved her hands infront of him.
"I think something is wrong in the grove" Shirou pointed.
"Are you sure Shirou-kun? I really feel nothing there" Momo said.
"Yes,"
"If that's what your hunch said then tell it to Kaichou"
"You're not gonna help me?"
"No" Momo shook her head. Shirou moved his gazed towards Tsubasa where she just shake her head too.
"Fine…" He took a deep sigh.
"I think something is wrong there, Kaichou" Sona raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean Shirou? Besides from just being dark like everything in here I dont think something is wrong there."
She is, indeed, correct. At a glance the grove where Shirou is pointing is nothing but an ordinary grove just like every other part that they scour for this past hour. He would just pass by it if it weren't for the fact that Shirou can smell that putrid smell down there. But he couldn't let it go because of the similar smell and the fact that something was wrong there. They must investigate.
"No, I'm sure" Sona look at her for a moment before directing Reya to move towards the grove.
Reya stood in front of the grove, her palm facing it. A small magical circle appeared and then vanished. The dark grove reveals a new path just as the magic circle fades away. One that is related to a tunnel within the mountain. Sona furrowed her eyebrows, the tunnel isn't supposed to be there. Even when she looked at her map, there were no buildings marked with it.
Most of the student council members were shocked as they almost missed the possible lair where the stray could be hiding.Tsubaki and Momo, on the other hand, were looking back and forth towards the newly opened path and Shirou. They had only one thought at the time: Could he see something beyond his naked eyes?
"How- how did we manage to miss that place?!" Genshirou was shocked, they totally almost missed it. "It was just right there and we almost just ignored it."
"I wouldn't blame myself if I were you, Genshirou-san. Even Reya didn't manage to catch it. But I wonder where that tunnel came from?"
"What do you mean by that, Kaichou?" Tsubasa asked.
"From this map we were using there is no supposed structure built in this part of the mountain."
"I really think that place is a trap…" Ruruko said. From her perspective, a place hidden by magic, an abandoned structure from which you cannot easily escape, and, most importantly, a very dark place. It practically screams trap. If that wasn't enough, the only thing missing is a psychopath murderer, and it will almost certainly evolve from a trap into a B-horror film.
"I do agree with you, Ruru. However, that place is most likely where our stray is hiding."
Everyone looked at Sona and nodded. Even though it was painful to admit, that terrifying tunnel was the only lead they had to where their wanted stray could be. Not only is it isolated from the forest, but it is also hidden from view of anyone who would unassumingly wander through the forest.
"I think I need to thank you for finding the possible hiding place of our wanted criminal," Sona says. "I heard from Tsubasa that you can reinforce yourself, but is that all you have?" She was clearly getting there. If Shirou has different abilities then she just only needs to uncover them.
"It is one of my abilities…" Momo's eyes lit up. She was disappointed earlier when Shirou got interrupted in explaining his other abilities. However, now that he is continuing his explanation she won't let him stop no matter what happens.
"Then, what kind of ability let you find that place" Reya asked. As one of his fortes is creating barriers, finding barriers around her and tracking them. She was curious as to how Shirou managed to find the entrance of supposed hideout of the stray their hunting when she cannot.
"Well, I can smell magic" He said as he scratched the back of his head
Everyone looks at him with varying emotions. Some are raising their eyebrows, while others are looking at him ridiculously. Their reaction reminded him of the way Tohsaka reacted to him when he said that he can smell magic. More or so, the only ones who have no reaction are Sona and Tsubasa as they already discovered it, but it didn't stop them from looking at him awkwardly.
He was still not sure how magus was treated in this world. So, Shirou explained the modified truth. That he had accidentally started smelling magic before becoming a devil. In terms of reinforcing himself, he stated that he can always do so, albeit on a smaller scale. He could only jump through the rooftops after transforming into the devil. His fellow devils nodded after hearing his explanation. Sona, on the other hand, was clearly suspicious of him. She certainly knows something is up. However, she just let Shirou go by. Well it will not matter in the end with his E-rank it will not be long when she discovers the truth.
It appears that the tunnel is not your typical 'tunnel.' The tunnel is actually a bunker. It could also explain why it isn't written on the map. The interiors were filled with large pillars, as well as rooms for ten or fifteen people. Despite the fact that the concrete is chipped and the bulbs are already busted, the location appears to be strong enough to withstand a bomb drop.
Though it is a durable bunker in the outside, the place literally screams creepy. Just entering the place shot a chill in their spine.
"ummm… I think I'm going to b- be a lookout outside yes outside where it is not creepy, you know… when our stray accidentally escape" Meguri stammers. Though she appears to be thinking logically, her actions appear to be the opposite. Her knees were trembling, and to make matters worse, she was already sneaking outside.
"No, you are not going away" Genshirou instantly grab her arms "If were going to suffer in this place you are going to suffer too"
"Noooo!" she wailed. "You are a devil!"
"I'm already a devil" He barked "I will not you get away that easily"
Shirou smiles wryly at how they quarrel. They were just like two children fighting.
"Both of you stop being noisy. There is a possibilty that our stray could hear us." Sona chastised them. In that instant, Meguri and Genshirou shut their mouths. But that didn't stop them from murmuring 'it's your fault' to each other.
"Now that both you is not being a child. Let us continue exploring this place" Sona lead them once again.
After half an hour or so. The only rooms they haven't explored yet are the three doors at the end of the hallway. All of the rooms they've seen have the same furniture: a bunk bed, a table, and a closet. Others have a portable kitchen inside. It was also worth noting that some of the furniture appeared to have been used previously. Those furnishings appear to confirm that the bunker was previously a military structure.
Back on the topic on hand, they were already at the end of the hallway. Since there are so many rooms in the bunker and they only have so much time to explore. Sona decided to split their group into three groups, the members of the group are the same in their position earlier. In that case, Shirou is in the second group.
As such, he was about to open the second door. The interior is much larger than the other rooms. In comparison, the room appears to be a hall rather than just a living quarters. And, unlike others, instead of having a bland finish on its walls, it was painted red. Red?
"Ahhh!!!" Momo suddenly screamed.
Hearing her scream, everyone instantly runs to where Shirou's group are. Hearing someone scream in distress sets off alarms in their minds. Sona takes a quick look around to see where Momo is. Her face was pale as white, and her hands were shaking ever slightly. What she has seen must have really caught her off guard to react like that.
The other members of Sona's peerage are also concerned about Momo. They've known her for a while, and her reaction must have surprised them as well. They stand still for a moment before unconsciously moving their heads towards the room.
And with that, they're faces became like those of Momo's. Genshirou even wants to puke. Nobody can blame them for their reaction. The simple paint that Shirou thought was not just paint; it was blood. Splattered through the floor, ceilings, and walls, and the worst part was that the blood had not been made for a long time.
Sona, on the other hand, was frozen in place, unable to move her foot even an inch. She is aware that hunting stray can result in unfortunate events such as someone being caught in crossfire or even witnessing someone's corpse. She instilled in her peers what they can and should expect when hunting the likes of stray. However, no matter how much you prepare, you will never be ready for what was inside that room.
It was a complete massacre. There was blood everywhere, no matter where she looked. She can also see a pile of something far from the doorway. She refuses to acknowledge that pile; she knows it could be "that," but she denies it with her all might. No, she said, shaking her head. It's not the time for her emotions to cloud her judgment. She looked around at her servants and peerage. They were shocked and terrified, but as their King, she had a duty to guide them and pull them back.
"Everyone!" she shouted "Keep yourself we cannot defend ourselves if we are vulnerable. We are not alone, we have each other."
Her peerage looked at her, before regaining their composure. She was correct; now is not the time to panic. There was no need to worry more than necessary because they had each other. The more vulnerable they are, the more likely the enemy will attack them.
While this was happening, Shirou was focusing directly on the blood around him. Some were created a week ago, while the most recent was only an hour ago. The most recent appears to be the result of a battle based on how they were created. However, who could be the opponent that battle? Their stray had no reason to fight as he was already wounded. Is it possible that he was attacked?
He took a step forward. His footing suddenly felt soft. Shirou shifts his gaze downward, where he finds a mangle corpse. He instantly retracted his feet, trying not to disrespect the body of the dead more. Shirou shifted his eyes around, he was wrong not only blood is around, corpses too. Mangled, cut in half, and drained of energy, their bodies littered the ground. He was perplexed as to how he or anyone else had avoided smelling the rotting corpse.
"Oi, Shirou!" Genshirou called him "Dont just stand there let's get out of here Kaichou is already telling us to retreat."
Shirou remained standing still squinting his eyes towards the darkness.
"Shirou, what are you stan-" He abruptly ceased speaking. Genshirou gulped and slowly lowered his gaze. He moved back without even a blink of an eye.
"Wh- ahh!?" He screamed.
"What did happen, Genshirou-san" Tsubasa instanly ask him.
"Ther- is a dead body there" He said as he pointed it with his shaky finger.
Everybody looks at where Genshirou is pointing, and there is, indeed, a dead body there, just as he says. No, multiple bodies were simply laying on the floor, as if they had been trashed and forgotten to be thrown. They all recoiled at the same time.
Even though it terrified them, they remained calm. Only Shirou appears to be unaware of what is going on in the midst of their shock. When they look at his face, there is not a single expression of fear at seeing the diseased body. He stood there, composed and relaxed, looking out into the darkness.
"Everyone move out!" Sona ordered them. Swiftly, they moved their feet out ready to bail out from the wretched place. Just seeing the place full of blood and bodies means that what they're fighting is more than what they are hunting. It will be more like that they needed backup.
Their movement suddenly halted, as they heard a sound of shoes walking.
Out of nowhere, a man emerges from the shadows. He had blue hair and stood about a hundred and eighty meters away. He was holding an uchigatana in his hands, letting it lean against his back. Shirou is certain that the blade was cursed.
"If I were you, I would follow your friends and run now." The man let out a toothy grin.
