Chapter 8: Certainty and Doubt

Trace on

Prana coursed through Magic Circuits. The six lines of Tracing echoed in his mind before projecting the final product. Kanshou appeared within his grip. Relic in history, fresh in form. Emiya's eyes gazed along the grooves of the blade. The inspection proved it to be accurate as it always been.

He placed the blade upright beside the sofa beside several others still in pristine shape. That was worrisome. Gaia wasn't correcting the contradiction. Barely a tug towards erasing the existence. In spite of his lacklustre experience in Magecraft, the warning gongs are ringing loud. How much time did they have left?

The Kid was grumbling from the bathroom. The young boy would suffer for a few days before adapting to the new Magic Circuit. That is the case if the circuit would last anyhow. A boy so stubborn on fighting would learn his lesson only from experience. The same way he did. Maybe that's how Rin felt back then.

Footsteps left the bathroom and into the kitchen. Emiya decided to check on the boy. "You are alive today."

"Thank you. I am surprised I am alive too." The boy groaned as he reached into the fridge. Emiya heard the boy mumble. "Just like a bag of shit. Yup."

"If you feel that bad, then you can just spend a day off just like you always did."

"Can't afford to skip school or I'll be in more trouble." Emiya heard a glass clinking. "Is it normal to feel like this?"

"Yes. Your body is not used to it and it's something that all Magus lived with."

A bottle cap was opened. "Uh wait, did I hear that right? You guys dealt with this for the rest of your lives?"

"You get used to it."

A sigh. "Nobody mentioned about this."

Emiya said as the boy drank. "You didn't do your research. Accept the consequence for strength never comes without a price. Pain and responsibility are good friends." Kid didn't answer, focused on finishing the bottle of milk.

Someone was outside by the lifts and approaching. Another headache of the morning. The door knocked before it opened. The girlfriend arrived. "Good Morning Daichi." She stopped before staring at him. "Hi."

Emiya gave a nod before reaching for a magazine. Ignoring her was easy, restarting the experiment wasn't. The entire test was cut short, having been forced to dismiss the projections.

She focused on her boyfriend. A bit of the lip before she said. "You look horrible."

Kid waved it off. "Yeah, I had a bad day. Come on, let's go to school."

"You can't go to school looking horrible like that. You should be resting."

"I've had worse."

"You look like you went through an entire night without sleep." Not too far from the truth girl.

"Sort of, insomnia or something. Things had been tough."

"It's about that isn't it?" She turned her gaze aside, her hang squeezing onto his arm. "I really want to help."

Emiya kept his eyes on the magazine about machines. So smitten. What a pity.

The boy grabbed his bag. "Thanks. I'll be fine. A good nap later is all I need."

Emiya decided to chip in. "He'll get better if you give him some treatment later in the infirmary." The girl's face went beet red before turning away silent.

The Kid turned and glared. The boy's improving, might be able to scare somebody soon enough. However he said nothing before they left.

Emiya shook his head as peace and quiet returned. He stood up before projecting the weapons again. Putting the weapons aside, he need to get back to dealing with Altair. Some tea would be good for the mind. The kid though was poor on selecting good tea.

Something was amiss upon entering the kitchen. An unnatural smell called danger. Sharp glances went about nutil it stopped at a note on the kitchen counter. A piece of paper that was far too old. English words were written in cursive black ink.

We are watching.

Emiya reached for the parchment. It crumbled to dust under his fingertips. This is swell.

Masaki checked his watch. Seven thirty sharp. He clapped his hands together. "Alright people, let's do this." He was met with silence. Dull faces with black rings under their faces. A dark contrast to the bright room in the government office.

"What are we here for again?" Marine's voice slurred. She didn't look like the cheerful person the other day.

"Marine, you need more coffee. Like seriously a lot more." Matsubara chipped in. That man looked equally guilty.

"Sorry, I'm really not a morning person after all."

I think that speaks for the entire lot. Masaki had experience dealing with night owls but for such a complete one-sided group, it was a first. Maybe he ought to introduce a health program for them. No, I'm going too far ahead. Now to address the first issue. "Where's Yatoji?"

Suruga spun her pen around a few times. "He's not coming. The other day had scared him to death." Does she ever stop drawing?

Her fellow artist shrugged. "Well, he was sort of asking for it. I mean Yuya was already mad."

The group was looking way too glum. Masaki had expected just as much. He'll have to spice things up. "Alright, we're going too far on this. Now then, let me remind you people." He went to the board and started writing. "We're here to continue working on the 'Revision Theory' envisioned by Meteora and the others."

"I see." Suruga placed a hand under her chin. "What is this revision theory about?" A brief explanation later made her raise an eyebrow. "Hmm, so you believe a character in this world can be changed in real time by revising their description. What's been tested so far?"

Matsubara leaned forward against the table. "I've tried to give Selesia a new ability awhile back by writing a few scenes." He opened his laptop and spun it around for them to see. "We then had Selesia try to activate it but to no success."

Marine placed a drawing on the table. It was an artwork of Selesia dressed in a long coat, carrying a longsword. It looked polished and well done. "I prepared this drawing after the first try." She looked down. "I'm sorry but it hadn't work either."

Masaki decided to ask the author. "How many words did you pitch in?"

Matsubara turned towards him. "I did about two thousand. What do you think?"

"Beats me. This is something new so there might be some relationship." Masaki chose to jot it down on the board.

Suruga tapped a pen against her sketch board. "The art looks good. Anything else?"

Matsubara shook his head. "That's it so far. I haven't had much time to think after the first try since a few things derailed us from continuing."

Suruga's hand went to drawing as she said. "Can we try to play with the word count?"

"How would the word count work on making a revision?"

"You have a point there but how do we know it doesn't?"

Masaki listed the artwork as well. "It's something worth trying and doesn't take too much time. Matsubara, can you make something longer perhaps?"

Matsubara rubbed his chin. "How big are you thinking, Masaki?"

"How about ten thousand? Enough for a short story."

The author nodded. "I'll check my schedule where I can fit it in. Ah scratch that, let's do it now or I'll never get it done."

Masaki gave a pat on the back. "In the meantime while Matsubara works on that approach, we should also brainstorm something else to try."

Suruga offered. "Maybe our heroes need to train to get the ability."

"You mean like a hero's journey?" Masaki asked.

Matsubara stroked his chin. "That sounds complicated. How are we going to do that?"

Marine suggested. "Or maybe it's something more intrinsic? Something that they have to accept before they are able to use it."

"Acceptance? Or motivation?" Masaki added Suruga's point to the board.

"Hmm, maybe either. Any idea how are we going to test that?"

Matsubara shook his head. "Getting someone to sit and meditate? The characters here aren't the kinds who'll be up to it." Masaki felt the same. Kanoya would probably get defensive and reject the idea.

"Meditation isn't just about sitting down. There are other ways to go about it." Suruga's artwork was starting to resemble her character Blitz Talker.

Matsubara chuckled. "Ah, you meant about those psychology talks. I don't know if we have anyone here qualified to do that."

Marine tilted her head. "Aren't you authors sort of psychologists to decide all their personalities?" The others were a little astounded before laughing.

Matsubara cracked a smile. "Not exactly but we're cutting it close. I'll think of something and we can try that once Selesia's here. I'm not sure where she is at the moment."

Suruga spoke up. "Speaking of motivations actually, why are they here?" The others turned to stare at the girl. "What is the purpose they are chosen instead of others?"

Matsubara recalled. "Meteora did suggest those who are popular would be more likely." He counted off his fingers before nodding. "It's looking out right so far. Most of them are from the last few seasons except one case."

Masaki understood. "Archer from Fate Stay Night. He is an odd anomaly from the data." The being only from a decade ago instead of few months.

Marine raised a finger. "Fate did have a few movies going now and then. One is coming out quite soon too. So can we really say that it's old?"

Masaki remembered the upcoming movie and anime series, Fate Stay Night: Heaven's Feel and Fate Extra. "Old origins. I think the popularity factor is more important than being recent." The others agreed with that.

"I heard Altair tried to recruit Selesia but she refused," Marine said.

Masaki sketched a few categories for the topic. "Some of them were just caught into it." That would be Kanoya's case.

"What about the others? The ones that are not with us." That stands out Mamika Kirameki, Alicetaria February, Blitz Talker and Magane Chikujoin.

Matsubara nodded. "The others would've been more receptive to the idea to change their stories. That's the feeling I got from Mamika Kirameki when I saw her for real."

"They have their own desires after all. The power to change their world is very tempting." Marine looked crestfallen.

Matsubara leaned and glanced towards Suruga. "What about Blitz Talker? What would his motivations be?"

"He has many motivations. Which one he is here for, I don't know." The woman turned her gaze away towards the paper. He felt a bit of reluctance there. Then again he could sort of emphasise with that. It'd be like asking a private thing to her.

"Is that so? Maybe we'll figure it out somehow." Matsubara didn't pick up on the sentiment and decided to move on. "Now then in the meantime, let's try thinking what else is doable here."

Matsubara sighed as he reached to the roof. They made no progress on the brainstorming session. Muse hadn't been helping him much on expanding the scenes. Sure, the foundation was there but the finer details needed more work. Maybe another scene with the little girl is needed to reinforce Selesia's newfound powers. Then again, that's an external perspective, not intrinsic. Would that do the job in the first place?

The Muse had been gnawing at the problem and had no answer. A smoke for now would be good to calm it down into something intelligible. Unfortunately the building didn't have a smoking room, the roof will have to do.

Reaching the roof was a feat. A huff of breath and his worn legs reached the final steps. I need to get in shape. Grabbing the handle of the door, he heard voices behind it. Sharp ones. Matsubara pushed the door quiet and gentle. Selesia was standing by the edge of the roof, her hair being tossed back by the wind. What was Selesia doing here?

She was glaring at a particular white haired man. Archer said, his voice irritated. "I wish I didn't have to stand to this idiocy."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Selesia glared at him.

"Why are you so persistent in bothering me with every annoying problem? You have Yuya here, right beside you to help with your needs."

Yuya Mirokuji shrugged with the universal don't know gesture. Matsubara noticed her squeezing her fist before saying. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and ask you this first. Did you know Altair before we did?"

"If that is how your benefit of doubt is, I think you'd make a perfect fit for a court jury."

"I've talked to Hideaki."

The man sighed. "I knew the kid was the weakest link. Didn't imagine he'd break so easily." He lifted his chin and met their gaze. "Yes, I did. What about it?"

Selesia's voice intensified. "Why didn't you tell us about it?"

"Did the boy tell you the reason?"

"He said about it not being the best time which is utter crap. I don't believe it at all."

Yuya raised his chin. "What's this thing about keeping secrets?"

"Time critical information. Touching them too early would set off problems instead. Is that satisfactory enough for you?"

"So, Archer, what is that stuff about?"

"Clues about Altair's identity and origins."

Yuya raised a brow. "Why would that be time sensitive? That doesn't add up. We know all about her now."

"Altair's identity isn't critical but the details surrounding it are. I have been looking into it."

"Without our knowledge of course." Matsubara felt the sarcasm in her words.

Yuya shook his head. "Sure it'd sound like something sneaky but is it worth the effort to begin with?"

"That remains to be seen now. I suggest you stand down and let me investigate this. You'll know about it when I'm done."

"Assuming you'll even bother to let us know about it. When would that be I wonder? When the world's about to end?" Selesia's real mad.

"Yes. I'll let you know in our last dying moments. Would that satisfy you?"

Yuya raised his hands between them. "Woah, woah, calm down you two. No need to be hard on each other."

Selesia bit her lip before toning down. "It's his fault."

"Not my problem."

Yuya shook his head. "You two are insufferable mix. Now then Archer, when do you think we can have something to work with? Metchin and the others can pitch in on that while you continue digging."

"I don't need any of you on it."

Selesia sighed. "Speaks the man who tries to handle everything himself."

Yuya clapped his hand. "Sure, I get it sounds top secret and all that. However since we're in the loop, it's the least we can do to make things go faster isn't it?"

"Too many cooks spoil the broth." Archer answered.

"I know I'm not the sneaky kind but I know how to read things behind the lines. You can leave that to me." Yuya assured.

"It doesn't matter. We cannot trust Archer. Yuya, I did tell you about his past. Would you believe such a man who tried to kill his past self?" Selesia wasn't taking any of it. Did I really make her that way?

"That kind of stuff isn't my thing. However if you hate yourself that much, it's something worth working on to change rather than stick to it."

"That's something a man on the run would say."

"What's that you said?" Yuya raised his voice with narrowed eyes. "I'm trying to work things out between you two and you decide to start insult me. That isn't cool."

Archer snorted. "Throwing insults is in my blood after all." Selesia kept a hand close to her sword.

Matsubara knew a screwed up situation when he saw one. If they blew up now, the whole building might go under. He pushed past the door with his hands up. "Calm down people. I mean we can be civil here."

He felt the glare from his Creation. "How long were you here?"

Matsubara scratched his cheek. "Since the start actually. I'm sure Archer here has a reason to do it. Now that we know about it, we can help." He turned towards Archer. "I know you like your thing but we can do something, even if it's a little." The gaze in response was a poker face.

"Thanks but no thanks."

"He was supposed to be a hero. One of the good guys yet keeping secrets around us for no clear purpose," Selesia said.

Yuya chipped in with an irate breath. "An Anti-Hero more like."

"The pot calling the kettle black." Archer chided. "We are heroes but that doesn't make us all grand and noble girl. Honour and hero are not mutually inclusive."

Selesia turned towards Matsubara. Some deep thoughts in her mind. "Since it came to this, I'm letting this slide for now. Give us results and keep us informed about it, daily." No she isn't.

Archer raised a brow before turning around. "We'll keep in touch. Just maybe." The man leapt off the building. Matsubara leaned over the edge to see the small red speckle landing into the bushes nearby.

"We shall see about that, Archer." Her glare turned towards him. "Did you plan that last bit?"

Matsubara chose to hold his ground. "I know what you were thinking and going to do. If I wasn't here, you'd probably do it."

"You already know why I would."

"I know and that's why I suggest you to understand a little more about him as well. I don't know him as well as you but I know enough."

Selesia said nothing as she went down the stairs. Yuya gave a pat on the back as he passed by. "Whatever you did... I guess, it's better for all of us." Both sides were grumpy. Who knows what could've happened. Matsubara didn't know what to do. Yeah, that smoke now would be great.

Curtains were drawn, leaving little light to enter the room. Books were scattered everywhere. Sota leaned back against the chair, his eyes in a long stare at the black monitor screen. The suffocating grip around his heart. The predator smile of Magane Chikujoin remained plastered inside the mind. The way she talked about Meteora and Mamika was so sure and certain. He tried to remember the time he met the Magical Girl Slayer.

It was a few days ago. He didn't know whether it was by coincidence. Mamika Kirameki found him inside the train towards home. She recognised him from the other day and wanted to talk with him.

Ufotable cafe was the nearest place from the station for privacy. "Enjoy your meal." The waitress said as she served the cups of coffee.

Mamika reached for the jug at the side. She said as milk entered the black coffee. The brown mix felt similar to his feelings at the moment. "Do you know my story?"

Sota turned his gaze away from the drink. "Yeah."

"I see." She settled the jug down, her eyes meeting with his. She focused on stirring her drink, eyes absent.

Sota felt the silence gripping around his shoulders. The girl, felt odd. Far too quiet unlike her energetic self. He added. "I think it's suited for kids but even then it's still a good story to enjoy."

"That's good." A faint smile on her lips. "I am sorry for saying this so late but I'd like to know your name." She placed a hand by her heart. "My name is Mamika Kirameki, glad meet you."

Sota smiled. Some of her vigour came back. "The name's Sota Mizushino."

She clasped her fingers together. "When we first met at Sunshine, I think I was the same 'Magical Slayer Mamika' that everyone knows about." Her gaze dropped to the drink. "Now, I don't know if that's what I still am."

Sota was puzzled. Why would she say that?

She continued to speak. "I don't want to make a mistake for the sake of everyone in my story. No, for everyone in all worlds. Being a Magical Slayer compels me to do it although it sounds really stupid." Her eyes returned to meet his, their focus returned. "I don't want to say this but I have something really important to ask someone on the side that was supposed to be my enemy."

Sota leaned forward. "I am not your enemy. We aren't your enemies."

"That is nice to hear. I am really glad." Mamika nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "I'm sorry that things had to become that way." A slight red tinge grew on her cheeks. "In my world, believing in things is what gave me power."

She clasped her hands. "After being here for a while, I realise that this place might be different. That believing in something might be stupid but this world doesn't make it stupid either."

"For some things can only be solved by believing in something. I want to believe this. If you will continue to like my story, for my sake, for the sake of everyone. I want you to tell me the truth. Tell me the truth that I'm looking for."

Sota nodded. "What is this truth that you looking for?"

"I heard your name from the Military Princess. She knows you and my instinct tells me that you know her too."

Everything stopped. Mind and heart to a complete standstill. The will to answer turned into a black wall of pain. Why that? Amongst anything possible, it was the wrong question.

The squeeze in his chest. Should he tell her? If he did, what he was hoping to bury would come back. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I don't know anything." Sota felt something touch his hand.

"Sota, please." Her fingers were atop his. Warm like a real person. Fingers locked together. They felt so gentle. Was it something that he was looking for? This sense of hope against the darkness?

Turning to see Mamika was strange. Her eyes were lit, like a blazing fire, yet soft that would not burn anything it touches. Mamika stood closer towards him, her voice soft in comparison. "Please."

The wall cracked. If she could believe, maybe he just has to believe the squeezed her hand. "I got it. I won't lie to you."

"Thank you." Mamika let go and returned to her seat. Sota tried to dismiss the lost warm feeling. It wouldn't go away. She asked. "Do you know her? The Military Uniform Princess."

Sota took a breath before nodding. "I know her." He hadn't remembered her the first time they met in the short glimpse within Selesia's world. However the growing familiarity compelled him to look up on it. Finding the music video was enough to jog his memory. The rest, was better not spoken.

"The person known as 'The Seeker of a Thousand Miles' told me about her."

Sota paused for a second. "You mean Meteora."

Mamika nodded. "She said that the Military Uniform Princess isn't gathering us here to change the world. And she is planning something very bad. Is the Military Uniform Princess someone who would do something like that?"

Sota tightened the grip around the legs of his pants. "I think so. She is, Altair is my… I think she really hates this world."

"I see. That is her name" Mamika closed her eyes. "Why does she hate this place?"

His throat clammed up. "I don't know. Honest. I feel in my heart it's because of something, something very bad that happened." Finding the right words was hard. To express something like this, it felt like a crawl through the mud.

"Something very bad happened to her. She felt it was horrible and wants revenge. Is that right?" Her words were so soft and encouraging.

Was it what Altair wanted? He nodded anyway. Her gaze softened. "I understand it is hard. We will stop here. You have given me enough. It has been helpful to me." She stood up with a small bow. "Thank you so much for your time."

Sota felt a little down. "I'm sorry." What he wanted to help was so little yet appreciated like gold. He asked as she stood up. "What are you going to do?"

She turned, a faint smile on her lips. "I will do what Magical Slayer Mamika have always done." He couldn't say anything. Not even when she paid the bill and closed the door behind her. The thoughts in his head were blank like the black coffee on the table. Doubt plagued his sense of being. Was his actions the right thing to do?

Mamika was never seen since then. There was no sign of Chikujoin. How did she know about the conversation? Super hearing wasn't one of her special abilities. I don't know what to believe anymore.

Sota leaned back against the chair with a sigh. Maybe he should just reveal the truth. It was an effort to help them. What would be the worst scenario if the others knew?

My judgement of you had been poorly mistaken. I am surprised that you had done such a thing.

I trusted you. Yet you betrayed us. Why?

Come on Sota, staying out of the way is one thing but to actually collude with the enemy? That's a bad taste in my mouth. Honestly, I'm disappointed.

Sota closed his eyes. No, it wouldn't work that way. They'd hate him for it. For the horrifying mistake made. I should have done something. If he had, it wouldn't have happened in the first place. He wouldn't be here trying to find an answer within the cracks of a wall.

Chikujoin was a scary girl. What else did she know? A single word from her and he is done for. Deep breaths weren't helping to keep him in control. Not against such a monster. Maybe some tea, that'll help his nerves. He stood up to get it when the phone rang.

Sota jumped before staring at the phone. It continued to ring as dread crawled inside his throat. A hand stretched slowly towards it before grabbing it. It wouldn't stop ringing despite the hope it would give up. His stomach churned after reading the Caller ID. He answered. "Yes Chikujoin."

"Oh so slow, Sota. I'd thought you were ignoring me. It'd be very sad thing if you did." He'd love otherwise.

"What else do you want? I've already called him." Sota demanded. Playing around the girl's tricks was like walking through a minefield.

"Woah, in such a rush, what are you up to? You wouldn't happen to be doing something naughty isn't it?" He said nothing. "I know about the plan. Today something else came up and I have something extra to add."

"Extra." Sota hated that word.

"That's right Sota. I want to like to know a little bit more about something."

"Fine." His throat tightened from the answer.

"Oh yah, that sounded very wrong. You shouldn't be saying it that way to a friend." He clenched his teeth. "I'm sure you're thinking how troublesome Magane is right now."

Sota squeezed the armrest of his chair. He wished it could break, just like her neck. "I'm, I'm sorry Chikujoin. Please forgive me."

"That's much better." That voice of hers, so condescending. It felt like being a small bug waiting to be crushed under her feet.

"What do you want to know?" The question came and it struck him as odd. "Why, why do you need something like that?"

"Hmm, how about you take a guess?"

"I know it isn't for a good thing but to do something like that. That's horrible."

"You know it's horrible yet you do it anyway because you have to. Isn't that such a hypocrite?" Her laugh in the phone was painful. He bit his lip and told her what she wanted.

"That wasn't so hard wasn't it?" The snicker grated against him. "Ta ta Sota." The call ended. Sota dropped onto the bed, fighting the exhaustion on his back. Trapped in a corner by gunpoint. No escape in sight. What the hell should he do?

At first, she didn't realise her existence. A life that had no form. No thoughts. No sentience. It had been slow, methodical to grow. One emotion to another. Each, akin to a step from a drawing to image, to art. Video taken to form her mind. Her God poured emotions into every fibre of art. Each line, sketch an art that represented her desires and wishes to the world. Fragments of those memories were still remembered of a life she never experienced. Then everything was turned on like a switch.

The world she lived in was a dark place. A place of war and death. She was its Reaper and bringing justice upon those who have sinned. The Holopsicon later revealed the truth. The world she lived in was false. An imaginary world amongst hundreds of similar ones. All created by the Gods of Creation.

The world was so bright, vibrant, ever changing. The people smiled with joy and hope carried in their hearts. The world her God lived in was bright, changing and filled with hope. It felt good to see something so strange but warming. Creation wanted to see her Creator. Who could have been so extraordinary? The Gods paid no heed as she travelled across the city. The First Movement of the Cosmos told where she needed to meet her God. It didn't tell the horror behind the doors.

Her God was murdered. Death by suicide.

Rain thundered as she stood outside the morgue. A gruesome passing, crushed by a train. Watching the zipped up black bag containing her God bored a hole to drain her heart dry. A memory she never want to see again. In the aftermath, she visited her God's abode. The room was locked, her works abandoned in a growing coat of dust. An armoured hand brushed it aside. She saw the paper that led to her birth. A picture of her, the very first prototype. Accessing the information within the computer was piecemeal.

The answers were inside. A journal, years of history digested in seconds. At first, the life she had was quiet. Simple and with joys of drawing. Art as a form of expression. The work she improved into refined art, recognised even by amongst the best of the industry. Her Creator, a rising star. The reckoning began.

Day by day, God suffered the hate. Resentment bled across the paper. Prayer of hope begged for it to stop. The growing despair for salvation. Days turned to weeks. Week turned to a month without a sight of the end. Unable to voice a resistance. Unable to take it much more. She drew her final creation and named it after a Star. The star was the final hope.

Within the cloud of darkness, there was a small joy within. A young boy, Sota Mizushino. In the face of her pleas, he went silent. A coward. She should have ended his existence if it wasn't for the one message.

I had a lot of fun at the event. I hope you don't mind me saying this. That was the best memory in my life. I was really happy. Thank you.

Having found an abandoned area in the outskirts of town, she sat within the abandoned chapel and wept. The arsenal in the Holopsicon grew by the day, following the path of the other Gods succeeding hers. Applied well, they are strong beyond most Creations. Yet, all she felt was hollow. The power of the world, all of it meant nothing when it couldn't grant her wish.

She forced resurging emotions down. There is little time to wallow about it. The world needed to hear the song of vengeance. Her God's retribution against the world that casted her aside. That is her foremost responsibility.

The Holopsicon pulsed along the threads of her uniform. The door for her chambers opened. An unexpected guest tonight. "I've been thinking about this for a long time." The voice of the Magical Slayer.

The child superhero entered the room void of anything but rock. "Are you lying to me?" Her feet echoed in the empty chamber. "Or are those other guys the ones who are lying to me?"

The Magical Slayer continued. "It's true that there are gods in this world." Another disappointment. Why are these heroes all so bent on protecting people who didn't deserve them? "It's probably also true that the gods can change our worlds."

"But you've hidden something very important from me. We can't increase the strength of creation by disturbing the yoke of the world." Mamika knew the truth and there's only one choice left to be done.

"Disturbing the world only increases the distortion in the worlds that collided. Isn't that right, Altair?"

Altair closed her eyes as she stood up. It is unfortunate for the girl's investigative journey has led to the end of her story.

Bored, bored, bored. Rui Kanoya was bored as hell. Yuya was dragged away by Selesia for some errand in the day. Rui took it to himself to find his own entertainment. The bodyguards though had been a bit more of the persistent side on making sure he checked in back at the cabinet building before end of the day. Surely his hang outs into the city wasn't pulling so much attention. Yuya or the others weren't around by the time he got back. Why am I the only one who needs to check in?

Troublesome. Rui shook his head as he popped a drink from the vending machine. The people working here had already left. Cold juice during the night wasn't bad. Tossing the empty can away, he walked along the dim corridors.

Life in this new world hadn't been up to his expectations. Sure, food tasted better but walking around in the city without any chance to do anything. It felt just like prison. I wish the others were here. Even if he argued with the old gramps or the Ione attacked every now and then at the worst moment, at least something happened. Not so in this world.

Rui sighed as he entered the darker parts of the building. What was he supposed to do here anyway? A crack of light under the door caught his eye. Right, that's where Meteora was usually working.

He took a peek into the room. Meteora was inside, reading her book. He entered with a wave. "Yo Meteora. What are you up to?"

Meteora turned towards him with a nod. "Hello Kanoya, I am studying the ley lines of the world." Rui didn't understand what that was about. Seeing his expression, she continued. "The lines represent the energies of the world in the magical aspect."

"Oh." Rui plopped into his seat. His eyes stared at the book. None of it made sense. "It looks complicated."

"Yes, it is the case for the ones unfamiliar with the craft." Meteora had her eyes fixed on the book. The level of focus within those blue eyes was deep. Like those surgeons back in Energia.

Rui rested his head against the back of his hands. "So what does the book say?"

Her eyes remained unmoving from the book. "This book has not been able to give me a proper answer on the state of this reality's condition."

"What else can the book do?"

"It is capable of doing many things."

"And what are that many things?"

"Shush, I need to concentrate." Meteora flipped to the next page.

Rui gave a pout she wouldn't see before settling deeper into the chair. Older women were always trouble. They would either boss you around or ignore you. Maybe a nap in the meantime would do.

But the night is still young! He should be out there partying or playing games or something else. Not being cooped up in this room with a workaholic. Trying to sleep it off is not the way of the hero. Nope, not that way at all.

That book looked like headache. Forget it, he's bored enough that anything else would've been better. The text had a feel for the old days Latin in horrible looking fonts. Seriously, how do they know what each symbol is? "It just looks like you're reading a static image."

"Avalken text are very similar to each other in contrast to other languages such as Japanese. It was a normal occurrence to those not acquainted with the region."

"Got it." Rui kicked back and rested his feet onto the clean portion of the table. "I'll just wait here until I drop dead." Trying to go home on his own is becoming a better idea. Sure, getting back wouldn't be difficult but Selesia would nag about it. Probably she'll go on and on about how a man needs to take care of a lady and meeting her needs. Seriously, they are just trouble.

A cell phone rang. "Yes." Meteora said. He didn't like the sharp tone of hers. It usually meant a bad thing. "I'll get the rest ready." She ended the call before turning towards him. "Get ready in Gigas Machina. Kikuchihara's people have detected a large explosion in the edge of the city."

Rui shot to his feet. Yep, a bad thing. "How big?"

Meteora's book vanished. "Big enough to create ruins of rubble." That's pretty rough.

"It's got to be them," Rui said as they entered the corridor.

"Do you have the exact place?"

"Kikuchihara's sending over the details."

"Go on first. Send it to me when you have it. Just be careful." Getting to the clearing across the complex to summon Gigas Machina would take a while compared to the girl that can fly.

"Very well. I'll avoid conflict until you arrive."

Rui cracked a grin. "Got it. This is more of my thing now. It does make me wonder. They wouldn't be fighting us though. We'd know for sure." Selesia may be a bit hot headed but foolishness isn't a trait of hers.

Rui heard Meteora's voice. "You are correct. That's what worries me."

She woke up. Hard cold floor. Where… am… I? That's right. swords. Magical Splash Flare. Flight. She was trying to reach Meteora. Must have passed out somewhere. Weak. Trying to move was a battle.

Standing next to her was a purple haired girl. A hand waved at her. "Hi, I'm Magane. How are you?" She had no strength. The pain hurt. A dull throb, growing back. Blood everywhere on the floor. So much of it. Afraid. She should be scared to die. Too hurt to be fear death. Her body was numb.

She cannot stop. A warning had to be given. She turned over, trying to climb to her feet. The floor was slick as a bloody hand clenched into the ground. Her white clothes all stained in red. Her hands gave way, toppling onto her back. A cry from her lips, barely above a whisper. Moving was impossible. The word had to reach her. "Please… Alice."

The black schoolgirl tilted her head. "Alice? Alice? Oh, that hot headed stupid knight from the other day. Bingo." That…made no sense. Magane rubbed blood along her gloved fingers. "Well, I'd really love to help out but I'm not her friend. I can't do anything. If I became a magical girl then maybe but that's boring."

"Please, tell Alice. Altair is…" A cough of blood. "I want to stop her. She's trying to destroy the world... Stop her, stop Altair. They were right. Meteora." It took every ounce of will to speak up.

"Oh, trying to destroy the world. Meteora must be that nerdy girl." Vision flickered black. "Anyway…she's here." It was so hard. Everything cold like ice. Sleep is tempting. It would feel very good.

Something cracked the floor. The shock forced her eyes open. No, can't go yet.

"You... Mamika."

"Does it look… to her? I…of her." The voices were so soft. Who was the other one speaking?

A flash of light. The past of time. A small garden. The day she received her powers. The little fairy, Mirimiri. Her friends fighting evil Akumarin. Life was flashing before her eyes. Wait…I can't go yet. Mamika blinked against it. Breathing hurts.

"Before… killing, whether for justice or for fun… For the sake of my friend…kill you." Why…Alice.

"Oops... trouble."

The world returned. It was hard to breathe. Every breath useless to stake the fire. Alice is here. That's the only thing that mattered. She whispered. "Alice…She's not."

Metal boots clinked against the ground. "Mamika. Be strong Mamika." Alice said. Her grip must been strong if she could feel it. Alice lifted her up. So strong. She saw a worried face.

Black edged along eyesight. There wasn't much time. "Alice…it's you. I'm glad." Everything felt so far away. Cold allures to sleep wrapped around her mind. Just a little longer.

"Magane, tell Alice, please…" Everything turned dark. She carried her voice. "Save that person. Please…that person…" Save Al-

Mamika did not finish her sentence. Alicetaria watched her friend's eye dull. The small hand slacked and dropped to the bloody ground. Life within was extinguished. The body grew lighter in her grip before vanishing into a cloud of blue light. She closed her eyes. A short prayer for the fallen and herself. The knight stood up and turned around with a voice of venom. "You."

Magane tilted her head. "What is it?" That carefree expression from the girl was infuriating to look. Exactly as her plan.

"Mamika's dying wish, what did you hear?" Alicetaria demanded. The last words must be heard. Afterwards she could stab her, if she was gracious.

Magane said with a smile. "Yeah, I heard her dying wish. She looked like she was in a lot of pain but I listened really carefully." She leaned forward, avoiding to step onto the sticky mess. "Do you want to hear it? Do you really want to hear it?"

Alicetaria frowned. The girl's indulgence to cruelty was difficult to hold back against. She raised her weapon. "If you dare lie to me. I will burn you to a crisp just for the sake of my enjoyment." She vowed there would be no compromise. Not for Mamika's sake.

"I got it. I won't lie then. I promise." Magane clasped her hands together. This would be very fun for her. "First, she said she wanted to stop her. What's she's talking about?" She placed a finger on her forehead. "Oh yeah, then she mentioned the name Meteora. That's right. I think she's the nerdy girl you were fighting by the river." She noticed the knight's tightening grip around the spear. A rise within her heart. "And then she was saying that someone is actually trying to destroy the world. That's what she said. Dangerous."

Magane continued to talk, feeling the string of orchestra in her lips. "I think she also said Altair but I don't know who that is. Is she one of your friends? She said to help her." Her prey's eyes narrowed, intention to burn literally sight. "If you explain it that way then everything makes sense. What do you think, Ms. Knight?"

"Meteora." Alicetaria glanced behind toward the pool of blood. The familiar sting of loss in the chest. How could she fail again against that sage? The stoked fire brightened into an inferno. Meteora must have done it. That annoying girl always trying to stop them at every step of the way. It must be her. There's nothing else that would contradict this. It has to be, it has to. She stopped gritting her teeth, a firm resolution. "You shall pay dearly for this." Alicetaria raised a hand and her steed answered the call. Mounted, she flew into the air in search for vengeance.

Magane watched the knight disappear into the sky. Once out of earshot, she broke out laughing "That was too easy. The way that knight fell for it, oh it's too good." She rubbed away the dried spots of blood on her finger. "Don't hate me. Just like I promised I haven't told a single lie. I made everything clear and easy for you. I started to get so itchy when I don't lie. Dear me."

Magane continued her monologue towards her remaining guest. "There you have it. Thanks to Magane's actions, things are going to be very interesting. To celebrate this moment, Magane presents Extreme Illusion curtain." A small bow before she turned around with a cry of joy. "I'm on fire. I feel so pumped up now." Magane reached for her phone to set the next piece due very soon.

The scene deserted, all that remains was the pool of blood. Time passed as red stains vanished underground. A pair of steel boots landed beside the remaining smudges. Its owner paused as the last remnants of blood evaporated. A clack before the feet left.

Daichi confirmed the time. Seven in the evening and punctual. Fortunately Kunitachi wasn't that far from Ogikubo. It puzzled him to why Sota wanted to meet him here. A strange idea since there were better options against the Hikari Plaza. The bullet train memorial left there was a proud history but it's nothing particular.

Sota was standing beside the old bullet train at the back of the building. He waved a hand while approaching. Sota waved back. A little tad nervous. Probably cause they're not that familiar to begin with but that's what he's going to solve right? Once the main issue's sorted out, he can nudge Sota about Altair. A little helping hand for Archer. "Hey Sota. Why are we meeting here?"

"Hi…" Sota answered. "This place just came to mind. Sorry if I wasn't thinking too much about it."

"Just curious, that's all." Daichi said. "You look a bit pale there. You're not sick are you?"

Sota shook his head. "No it's not. Just had a few things in my mind."

"That's what you wanted to meet me for isn't it? How can I help?"

"There were a few things, so to speak." Sota shuffled a few steps. "I've heard you were helping Meteora in investigating about Chikujoin."

"Yeah, I am. From what I've seen, she's a cruel person." The dead man's face flashed to mind. Daichi pushed it aside. It's not important to the topic.

"I see. I heard that from Selesia too. Why are you doing it? Meteora and the others are handling it quite well."

"Is it wrong to help when I can?" Daichi answered.

Sota waved his hands. "No, that's not what I'm trying to say." He glanced down to the floor. "Compared to them, we are limited to our reality."

"That's right. However, it doesn't mean that we are powerless to do nothing. That's what I've learnt so far."

"Where did you learn that from?" Sota glanced around, looking uncomfortable. Odd.

"A few places here and there. Some anime and books. Most important ones are from people." Daichi answered with a smile. "We have our own heroes here. They're just less flashy about it."

"That's, that's good." Sota tugged at his collar. "There's another thing, someone wanted to meet you." Daichi blinked. Someone? Who would that be?

"About time Sota. I was so bored listening to all that melodrama. It's boring you know." A shadow appeared from behind Sota. "Hi, hi. Daichi."

Daichi recognised the girl. The cold and sharp glare of yellow eyes hidden by purple hair. His voice was soft even his ears could barely hear it. "Magane Chikujoin."

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading Beyond Worlds.

I appreciate the comments received. Some have raised up good points about our hero and as it came to I managed to cut him down this chapter. I agree that he is an outlier and I have some considerations that may be better for the story as a whole. Whether it works, I hope to know your feedback.

This chapter had been an important experiment and experience in playing with different points of view during Mamika's last moments. I believe most authors don't write this type of scene where the person in perspective actually died. The jump maybe strange but I hope to know whether you managed to feel it. I am also curious to your perspective for Mamika in this story as I had little opportunity to flesh her out during the 'initial phase' so to speak.

I aim to continue the next update as scheduled. It's been Hell and right now I'm not in the best of shapes. Do let me know whether its consistent across the chapter if possible. I plan to complete the project by August. Whether it includes the edits and uploads, I am not so sure.

I hope for your continued support.

Regards

MarksmanKNG