Chapter 2: Questions, Answers, Resolution

The trip home was quick and quiet, a relief to Daichi. Ever since accepting the role, ideas of danger loomed behind his neck. A bit excessive…The thought of 'Archer' vindicated it. The apartment complex he called home was unremarkable within the Ogikubo District. Set on the 8th floor, home had a good view of his school two blocks away. Daichi glanced at the time. Dark at seven, most people would be coming back home or soon. He glanced around before entering his apartment.

He turned on the lights. "I'm home." No one answered. Daichi undone his shoes and checked the house to be sure. Nobody was in. The bedrooms were clear, kitchen clean and untouched. The small blue bathroom was dry and unused. I am really getting too paranoid. A cold shower and a glass of milk helped his nerves before returning to his room. More calm and collected, he took a seat at the computer in his room. A question that was asking to be answered. What truly lies within the picture? Who was that woman? Why is she familiar to him?

Armed with a collection of photos from Kazuko, he made a simple image search to find any possible leads. A few web links appeared and he read through them. This is probably where Kazuko found out about it. It was the a few forums where fervent discussion was taking place about the picture. He studied it to gather some information. They were going along several theories.

The main premise were leading the discussion that the photo had been faked and the discussion was mostly on the various techniques attempting to prove or disprove the idea. Daichi ignored it because Kazuko's information had already contradicted the notion. The second premise was leading on the idea of a film set for a live action movie. Live action films based on Anime are getting very popular nowadays. They were reaching the same conclusion Daichi had earlier so he discarded it.

The few minority premises were going about government conspiracy, illegal biological experimentation, occult and the supernatural. Daichi felt they weren't right. The idea of super humans was neat but there are too many open questions. Why there? Could someone had screwed up? Super humans can't fly…wait maybe they can. If it was a government conspiracy, he'd suspect there would be more censorship. Nobody's touching the posts so far. Could this be the right lead? He kept it aside for now.

The idea of the supernatural stifled him. This is the modern era, while convenient but was unjustifiable. He shelved the ideas with a sigh. The conclusion of reading the web forums was a bust. A glance of the clock led it to be eight. That was a good waste of time. The thought of studying instead felt irrelevant. Exams are important but the questions demanded to be answered. There's more than it meets the eyes.

He could not answer the question of what happened thus far. Maybe I should try another lead. Who was the woman in the cloak? The familiarity is a clue. Where had he seen her? He wrote a list of points on paper. First, she is not a local. Second, she is not someone I know in daily life. Third, why did nobody recognise them? What did he know that these others don't? His hobbies were nothing unique within the norm. Games and Manga, where do these two lead to?

He glanced at the bookshelf to his left. Not that many books as I'd liked. He flipped through the small collection. The Mangas were several seasons back. Ah, I need to get the latest light novel of Vogelchevalier. He put the books away. Nostalgic but irrelevant. No leads thus far, he turned to his game console for more ideas.

Flipping through the list of games, he questioned his actions. Why would the girl be within a game? She wouldn't be a cosplay by any chance. Ugh, the idea of fighting in skimpy or bulky kind of clothes. He continued scrolling through the list. Maybe he should sleep it off and have better ideas in the morning. Shizuka would kill me if I try to skip school again. His finger paused. The name on the screen jogged his memory.

Avalken of Reminisce

Something stirred. Could it be? Could it really be what he was looking for? Daichi started the game. He hadn't touched the game for months and by now it was starting to become old in the market. Maybe, just maybe… A few more screens and he met her. Meteora Osterreich. The woman in the pic resembled this character, the Librarian of the Kundst Wunderkammer. Unease filled his veins as he blinked a few times. It doesn't make sense. Can anyone look exactly like a game character? Or maybe is it really supernatural stuff? Wait, how does it even apply to this anyway? He remembered the 'Archer'. Someone could pull it off.

He answered the first question to unveil a half dozen more. If she is really is Meteora, that woman has the answers. His guts tightened. This is starting to get really dangerous. How many times had people try to find out the truth before they end up dead? More than I'd know probably…and then some. Should he call it quits here? Tell Kazuko he found nothing? That guy's never going to quit until it satisfies him. He'll take awhile to find out but he'll get it eventually. Daichi reached for his milk and realised the glass was empty.

Find her or forget it. He took a look at the photo. That's right. They were fighting. There may be more of them. Other people could get hurt if he didn't stop it. Could he accept the guilt of doing nothing?

For evil men to accomplish their purpose it is only necessary that good men should do nothing

He can't let that happen. Kazuko had given the address of the read it before frowning. A long way across town. How much time does he have? Could he go in the morning? It likely won't happen in daytime. A glance of the clock. 9:00 PM. It would be a while to get there. Daichi has to go now or he would miss the last train back. He grabbed his things and made way.

Emiya breathed the cooling air. Winter must be coming. Standing at the top of a tower, he set to work in accomplishing his first goal, finding a place for the night. From there, he would find himself a job and eventually a place to stay. Not having any papers and money will be troublesome. His options would be limited and the time would be tough but compared to his experience, it would be cakewalk.

Anywhere quiet to stay will suit his needs for now. Those rooftops are filled with holes. Worth checking out. He leapt, coasting across the sky. It would be a while to travel there. Beggars can't be choosers. The rooftops led him towards the coast and moving at speeds twice of a train, the trip was quick. Archer didn't recognise the area. The signboards depicted the area as being the industrial zone of the Kawasaki bay. He would see the occasional bus of tourists travelling around to see the industrial buildings on sightseeing. They called it Kojo Yakei. His destination fortunately was deeper within the zone, away from the common path or interests for the tourists given the signages planted around for common courtesy.

The target was one of the larger sized industrial warehouse complexes. He suspected it to be dark and abandoned. It wasn' lights were on. This is messy. The tall stacks of racks had been overturned and toppled. Many boxes were scattered about, opened and damaged. He recognised telltale signs at a wall. There was a fight. What happened here? Footsteps, behind him. Damn my E-rank luck. He turned around to face the source. The first impression was soldier given the uniform and hat. The long white hair tucked into a twintail suggested a high ranking. The metal gauntlets cautioned him. He stood ready on guard. She is a fighter.

The woman smiled. "Congratulations, you have been freed."

Alarm bells rang. Emiya relaxed his fists, weapons ready for summon. "You know who I am."

"Yes I do, Archer or would you like me to call you Shirou Emiya?"

Dangerous. What else does she know? "Who are you?"

"My name is irrelevant." She pressed a hand to her chest. "Just know that I am also a creation."

"Creation." He repeated.

"Exactly. You and I are creations from the Gods of this world."

Is this why I am here? Was this her doing? I am at a disadvantage. "How do you know who I am? What do you speak of these gods?"

"I am the one who brought you here. You asked to be free. I granted it." The woman spread her arms wide. "This entire realm you see here is the source of our world's suffering."

So this is what's going about. "What do you want from me?"

The woman stepped closer. "How do you feel about your world?"

A rise in his chest. "That's nothing of your concern. Answer the question."

"Is it? Do you not feel betrayed? That the Gods created your life as entertainment. Everything you've been through is a sham, a mockery."

"And what are you proposing?"

"Join me. The creators can change our worlds. Your world doesn't need to be the sad thing it is. Your people can be happy. Peace can return. Your friends, your loved ones would be saved. The land of Gods only needs to be changed and for that I need a few hands."

"Then you've made a bad choice. Of all the people you found, I'm planning to do nothing." Their eyes met. "Are you going to make that a problem?"

Her reply was a smirk. "If you are bent that way, no. However the chance to change your world is once in a lifetime. Are you a coward within your story that you cannot bear to try to change the fabrics of your life? What do you fight for? Are you going to waste this very opportunity?"

Archer studied her expressions. It felt the truth. It was a reasonable logical assumption. If he could get his creator to change the world, there would be no need to fight. Suspicion grew like a bud. If only things were that easy. I sold myself once to Alaya because I needed it. Taking a step back, it was clearer. The opportunity is good but it felt too much like ahard sell. Never trust anything that sounds too good.

"Very well. I'll think about it." He turned around. "I'll find you when I have an answer." He leapt and was out the door. His feet were swift and quick, sensing for anything behind him. None. There will be no fight.

Reaching the roof of the warehouse, he had a short moment to think. His predicament has changed. A chance to change the world. His world. Should he go for it? He must decide. First, he need to get rid of this eavesdropper.

Daichi regretted not bringing a torchlight. The place was dark. The light on his phone was barely able to guide his steps through the area. The ambiance is noisy from the moving machines and generators a few factories away. Slow and steady, he made his way across the open area cluttered with metal pieces, parts and the occasional scrap.

The first sign was found easily. A deep gouge into the concrete floor. His fingers guided along the depression. Woah, they're really deep. Kazuko was right. The cut was smooth and man made, done in a single stroke. This is why Kazuko was so convinced. He took a photo and stood up. There should be a few other signs I can find. That way I can -

He felt pain before realising his face was on the floor. A grunt from the mouth as with arms held down against his back. "You again." A breath beside his ear. "Don't go prying into people's affairs."

Shit. Am I going to die? Cold travelled down his limbs. Adrenaline pumped into his veins. He struggled but it was fruitless. He was turned over onto his back. "Why…why are you here?"

"None of your business." The man pressed a leg on his chest. It didn't hurt. It just held him. "Now spill the beans."

Tell the truth or you will die. "I was finding something."

Archer gestured around them. "In a place like this?"

He's not going to believe me. His voice was choked. "Yes, yes, I know its weird and all but it's the truth."

"What are you looking for that brings you all the way here?"

Super humans. Would he believe it? By any chance, could it be? "Super humans." A pause. Daichi added more to his defence. "Are you really…Archer?" Silence. "You're like the bona fide. Those clothes. That voice. It all fits. I mean why are you here?"

A click of the teeth. Daichi felt an arm grab, lifting him up. He couldn't feel the floor. Hands too short to reach at the man. "Forget all this unless you want to die."

Daichi bit back. "Is it for my sake? Tell me the truth. Counter Guardian Emiya."

"To hell with you. I gave you enough warnings, enough chance for you to back away. Now you accept the consequence." Archer dropped him hard to the ground. "Yes boy, I am indeed Emiya, Guardian of the Counter Force."

I was right after all. Daichi asked through the pain on the wrists. "Why, how are you here?"

"I don't know myself."

Daichi rose to his feet. His legs felt like jelly. "How long have you been here?"

"Today."

I should let Kazuko know. He would know what to do. Daichi reached for the cell phone when a hand stopped him.

"Don't. There's no telling to who is listening." Archer gestured towards the city. "Do you have a somewhere quiet?"

Daichi nodded. "Yes…we can talk more over there."

"I'll carry you there. It'll be faster."

When Archer offered to carry him, Daichi didn't thought of the impact it would bring. Seconds later, he regretted it. Taking deep breaths, a hand against the wall, Daichi panted. "That…was way too scary." He glanced at the watch. "Half, the time, still not worth it."

"I thought kids would be more excited. Then again, its Japan. Forget what I said." Daichi opened the door to his apartment. "Do you live alone?"

Daichi turned on the lights. There's nobody else waiting. "Yes, My parents work overseas."

"Hoh, sounds like a typical life for a manga."

"I'm surprised that you people know of them."

"Our lives are not stones and sticks." They settled down at the dining table. Tea in hand, Archer voiced. "Now we're here. Talk."

"What are you after?"

"A quiet life."

Daichi blurted. "I thought you'd want to go back."

Archer stared at him. "There's no reason to. I've done my part for a nonexistent world; to hell with them." Unyielding as stone. Daichi was uncomfortable to maintain the constant eye contact. "Your turn, what are you after?"

"Answers. You're one of them."

Archer snorted. "Finding superheroes. That's a far fetched idea."

"I did find you."

Archer sighed. "More like I found you, snooping around like a thief. What luck I have."

Daichi chuckled. "Moving on, how did you come to this world?"

"Beats me, I just appeared here."

"Any other details? I mean like memories or images?" Archer shook his head.

"Why are you looking for heroes like me?"

"I'm investigating a rumour. That super humans or heroes like you are appearing in this world." Daichi leaned back against his seat. "It doesn't make sense but you're here so its real."

"That's your problem to figure it out."

"I see. I'd expected as much from you." Daichi felt a tingle of danger.

"Don't think that you know the world I was from or my history that you would understand exactly who I am."

Forewarned, Daichi pulled back. "I'm sorry." He stood and bowed. "My name's Daichi Hideaki. If you're staying for a while, I guess its good to know each other more."

Archer nodded, the tension dissolving. "You're right. You know a lot about me. In return, share me something about yourself."

"I'm a high school student, third year. I'm planning to go to university. Not sure where yet."

"Third year, you have a long way to go, kid."

"Archer, what are your plans?"

"Find a place for tonight. Get a job somewhere. Start a new life." Daichi noticed. He sounds tense. Is he unsure? This is something unnatural after all.

"Since…you've nowhere to go, you can stay here for the night. You can sleep in my room. We can sort things out tomorrow." Daichi saw softness before it faded.

"Thanks."

First time within the night, Daichi smiled. "That's rare to hear."

"You're in luck. You won't hear it any more."

A bright morning. Another routine trip to his house. She stepped out of the lift towards the apartment. He better be awake. A smile as she unlocked the door. Entering inside the room, she noticed the door to the bedroom ajar. The rinse of running water in the bathroom. Taking a bath. Well, I'll just surprise him. Her small lithe hands picked up the tools in the kitchen and began making a meal.

The fish is going to expire soon, better to finish it. The rice is running out. It'll still be just enough. We'll need to shop for more groceries later. That will be a good chance.

Ten minutes later, the main portion of the meal is ready. The bathroom door opened. The soup should be almost done too, perfect. She turned around. "Morning Daichi. Breakfast's almost ready." She froze. A dark skinned man, clothed only in a towel. Big, tall, strong. Gray eyes met red counterparts. She screamed.

Daichi woke up to the bright morning. He blinked as memories of the previous night returned. "It's not a dream." The clock read seven in the morning, a little later than the norm. It was odd. Something wasn't right. He shot up the bed. "Uh oh, she's coming."

A scream. Rushing off the bed, Daichi got out of his room to see flying utensils. "Pervert! Robber! Murderer!" He closed the door, avoiding a flying pan. That's going to make a dent.

Archer was yelling. "You're the one who barged in!"

She screamed. "What kind of man walks around the house naked?"

Daichi sighed. Too late. He opened the door and yelled. "It's okay. Everyone calm down." A flying fork went by the left ear. His childhood friend stood ready, knives at hand with red eyes glaring. Archer was on the other side, equally distrusting.

She snarled. "Daichi, Who's this man in the house?"

Daichi stood in between them as a mediator. "Shizuka, this is a friend, Shirou Emiya. Shirou, meet Shizuka Katsumi, childhood friend. Please, really please do get along." Daichi imagined sparks clashing between their eyes from the cold stares. They backed down and minutes later, they were seated at the table for breakfast.

Ominous, ominous, ominous. This is tense. Daichi could feel the silence like grey clouds. Dead motions of picking food from the table. Normally delicious breakfast felt like prison. Daichi glanced at both sides. Archer, fully dressed thankfully was paying no mind, eating nonchalant. Shizuka was cautious given how particular she picked bits only after Archer took his. Her red twin tails were on edge, sharp like weapons. He heard her whisper. "Who is he?"

Daichi answered. "A friend from Okinawa."

"Why is he staying here?"

"Visiting a few days." Hope that'll help.

Shizuka narrowed her eyes. "He looks like a bully."

"I heard that." Archer spoke up. Their eyes clashed. "I was working mostly out in the sea. Need to be strong to bring in the fishes." Nice one there.

A furrow of brows. "I see."

Daichi observed. I don't think she's convinced yet. "Emiya's planning to study further here in Tokyo. He needed a place while he finds another home so I offered." Shizuka's suspicion remained, mostly. "I'm sorry. I forgot to let you know ahead, please forgive me."

Shizuka sighed and gave a nod. No further words were spoken. Empty dishes, Daichi checked the time. "We need to head out to school." Getting them away will hopefully defuse the mood. A quiet clean up and they were by the door.

Archer said. "Kid, I'm going to use your computer." Daichi grimaced. "Don't worry. I'll keep good care of its secrets." The door closed.

Shizuka crunched her brows at him. "What is that about?" Damn you Archer.

Daichi arrived to the classroom of Ogiukubo High School, relieved for a moment from Shizuka's persistent interrogation. Class was starting to fill, ten minutes early from home room. Eyes glanced around for his target. There. He settled his stuff into the desk and walked over to Kazuko sitting by the window.

Kazuko noticed his approach. "Yo, you looked tired. What happened?"

"Just a small incident at home." Some things are just better kept quiet.

Kazuko asked. "Did you manage to find out anything?"

What should I say? "I did." He summarised last night's experience. From identifying Meteora to discovering Archer at Kawasaki bay. Kazuko was intrigued throughout the story, given the deep stares and smiles now and then. "Now that you know the answer, what are you going to do about it?"

Kazuko leaned back against the chair. "Hmm, put it up on the net. Get it to spread like wildfire. Hopefully that'll bring the media to you. You can then prove the world super humans exist."

"You know it'll bring me a lot of trouble before that'll happen. Who knows what they might do. Besides, Archer might not be so keen on this."

Kazuko bit a lip. "You're right. What a terrible mistake it would've be. I'll leave it be for the time being." Kazuko flipped his phone. "Also, I found something related." Daichi leaned over to read the details. "A forum post yesterday about the final boss from Dark Night, Exclusive Underground."

Daichi recognised the purple haired man with goggles. Another battle, this other old dude with a gun. "Yuya Mirokuji. You think they're another case?"

"You've already proved it not once but twice. Third time's the charm."

Daichi paused. "These are not normal people. Things will be dangerous. Maybe we should report it to the government, let them do something about it."

Kazuko raised a brow. "The government would rather cover this up than solve this mystery. It's up to us Daichi. We are the ones who need to uncover it. Sure, one man might be an anomaly. So, we get a team of super humans to reveal the world what they really are. That'll force their hand."

There is no victory without hardship. Daichi steeled himself. "You're right. The government won't do much unless we make them. I'll talk to him and try to convince him." The class bell rang. With agreeing nods, they returned to their seats and started school.

He must have been a fan to keep a decent collection. Emiya mused as he purveyed the shelf of books, DVDs and miniature models. Half of it were related to the Fate series. He felt a bit bad denying Daichi information but experience as a Counter Guardian countermanded. Never play all your cards. It is how you become a victor. Emiya used the computer to find the answers.

Damn, I am quite a playboy. A smirk grew on his lips as he continued reading. There was a significant archive of about his story. Three different possibilities, three versions of Shirou Emiya. He understood where he stood within the apex of these paths. He watched the animes, accelerated to three times the speed. At least I had a good moment in Unlimited Blade Works. He remembered the fight, between him and his past self. Felt just like days ago.

He understood the situation. What really happened. How his father, Kiritsugu Emiya became the Magus killer. The perilous and painful journey of the 4th Holy Grail war. The loss of his beloved wife, Irisiviel. The curse and the beginning of Shirou Emiya. He went through hell to save me.

Next of his list were the three heroines.

Rin

Saber

Sakura

Each of these girls have suffered and endured. Rin and Sakura lost their parents from the war, more so for Sakura being tortured daily for the years since the war. How could that young girl suffer so much and yet smile. Ironic.

Saber endured a lone quiet life, never understood by her people for her duty is to protect her kingdom. Archer understood her attempt for the Holy Grail, to attempt essentially an erasure of herself from history in hopes for a better Britain. You've endured long enough.

Staring at his worn hands, he remembered the girl's offer. Join her and he could change his world. Remove his chains to Alaya, remove their pain, remove their suffering. He could bring smiles to their faces, not despair. Should he change their fate? Would it be worth the price? Things are not always as they seem.

As much as you want to save them, they do not need you to fight for their fate. Their journey is not for his to invalidate. Their past should not to be turned into a happy fantasy. He had no right to do so. Their struggles are not for nought for it made them strong to face their challenges, their journey. Just like my own.

He laughed. Damn it Zelretch, this feels just like something you'd cook up. That crackpot would be laughing all the way whilst doing it. He might have gone through with it to see the possibilities. Maybe this is how he sees things having the Kaleidoscope. Countless branches of futures with each a differing result. Maybe Zelretch could come here. That would be an interesting spectacle to see.

In theory, this travelling is akin to his experience as a Counter Guardian. Another world, another time. Just one that led to the origin of the Fate universe. Why should he be so concerned about his sense of existentialism? A moment of idiocy. Lucky Rin wasn't around to see that.

Probably there would be no such opportunity for Zelretch. This world is a land without magic. The rules of nature would not allow it to happen. Curious, he projected a copy of Kanshou and Bakuya. The twin blades of white and black, married by their history appeared as easily it would be. The blades felt a familiar tension. There is still a form of Gaia in this world. This world acted his magic to erase it from the world. That is strange. He willed the blades to disappear, the twins vanishing in a cumulation of pixels.

I was right. Gaia exists and there is a reaction to magic. The intriguing fact is that Gaia's rejection was unstable, fluctuating and inconsistent. If given what the kid was saying, there will be other heroes with unnatural powers. Gaia should work on them as well.

The Magecraft in his universe would weaken the more people used a specific effect. A limited vessel of magic, dampened by the number of its users. That principle might not apply here. What would happen if the world had too much inconsistencies to reject? Could the world collapse from the strain?

If that woman brought more heroes from the other worlds here, it could happen. The woman was determined to make the creators in this world change their stories. His doubt was growing. Or something else? Why was she concerned for everyone else to change their stories when all she needed is only her story? Could this relationship be her intent or doing?

He only saw one woman thus far but if the boy was right, there should be other heroes in this world. They might know more about this phenomenon than him. He will need to act. It'd be hell to be free only to have the world blow up.

Evening was approaching. The Kid should be finishing school soon. Best not to overstay his time here. Archer prepared to head out. The question must be answered. As he turned out to leave, the phone rang.

Author's Notes: First and foremost, thanks for reading Beyond Worlds. Some of the reviews have raised considerations and requests that shall be noted for the future chapters. I will not spoil anything now but I will do my best to foreshadow them (if any) for your enjoyment.

Secondly, I will be honest. This story will take a long time to update. I've been working far ahead of the other chapters but they need a good amount of work to satisfy me (Even this chapter was relatively just barely passing the bar). You can expect an update perhaps earliest within 4 weeks , maybe later depending on my D-rank luck to resolve them.

I hope to hear your reviews and preferably if you can, please do tell me how easy it is for you to read this.

Regards

MarksmanKNG