Chapter 12: Desires

Siegfried dreamed. Unnecessary for a Heroic Spirit but it helped his Master's well being. They were uncommon, this time leading to his past. Youthful days when he begun his adventure. Bright enthusiasm and energy to protect the people. Receiving the people's joy and receiving more calls in turn.

Monsters attacked our farms.

Bandits took everything I owned.

Help my son…

Their words would echo in his ears. He would answer with Balmung. Lapse of years in an eyeblink, moving through a constant loop. Energetic turned to stoic resilience. He did not remember how. Every battle coated his being with blood, each kill adding further to the red coat. Until it stopped at the end of his life.

Another dream. Japan in the modern time. A young boy was watching a show on the television in the living room. It was about a group of people trying to escape a large mansion. A familiar hero within the group led them towards the exit. Blocking the exit was a monstrous man.

Crazy and wielding a dangerous stone axe, it brought fear unto its audience. The white haired man in the red cape stayed behind, holding the monster back. His final words as the large twin doors closed shut.

If you cannot defeat it, then imagine something that can.

The world faded further into the future. Boy, now teenager continued to pursue the dream and hope. One evening, there was a fire in a house near his home. A girl was trapped inside, calling for help. Hot flames crackled as it consumed. Thick black smoke billowed in shroud. Siegfried felt the boy's emotion. A dedication towards the path. What needed to be done was simple, enter the house and rescue the girl.

The boy stepped in before his feet froze. Terror chilled his bones into fragile sticks. All blood drained from his skin. He couldn't understand. How could someone feel something like this? Panicking in standstill, the boy could not fight the weights that anchor his legs. In the short span of moments, the boy became a stone. Eyes unmoving, staring deep into the rage as every cry grew weaker until nothing.

In the end, the girl suffocated to death. There hadn't been enough time. By then, half of the house had been destroyed. There was a chance if someone arrived earlier. The fire hadn't been too strong, giving a reasonable window for escape. The teenager struggled with his insights ever since for he hoped for a hero. All he had was an empty hole of what was supposed to be, a saviour.

He woke to dawn. The experience was intriguing yet disappointing. Siegfried studied the peaceful gaze of his Master, deep asleep. Standing up from the chair, he stepped towards the window and pulled the blinds shut. It wasn't long when the red Archer made a visit to inspect on his patient. Archer knew where he was, given the silent nod towards him before waking up his Master with a nudge.

Familiar presences approached from the corridor outside. They were friendly. The door knocked and two women entered. One, a redhead in a uniform, the other white haired girl in green robes. According to Master, they were friends who could be generally trusted. He hadn't known them well yet but there will be a correct time for that.

The woman named Selesia said. "What's with the alarm?"

Archer explained. "This idiot here managed to nearly kill himself. I'm checking to make sure he doesn't do it again."

Master protested. "Like I said, I feel much better already."

The woman in the robe, quipped. "You should listen to Archer. He means well for your sake."

Master gestured towards the girls with a red face. "Do we have to do it here?"

Archer huffed. "You're a guy, nobody would care. Besides, it'll be quick." Master sighed and turned around. Archer pulled down the gown to reveal Master's open back.

Selesia whistled. Master replied, tinge of agitation in his voice. "Don't you girls have some manners?"

"As though you boys ever give them when looking at us."

Archer said. "Give it up already." The man placed a hand on Master's back. Master grunted a little as Siegfried felt traces of magic. The connection between him and Master had stilled before returning in full form. A moment before the ritual ended. "Your magic circuits are working fine. Don't push them too much. You have only one circuit and its burdened trying to keep Siegfried alive."

The robed woman questioned. "Archer, will this Magic Circuit's output be sufficient to sustain this Siegfried's existence?" Siegfried recalled her name, Meteora.

"Just enough. However, any battle will lead into a deficit."

"I see. I will see if I can assist to improve the output when I have time later on."

"Suit yourself."

Selesia glanced around the room. "Speaking of Siegfried, is he here?"

Master nodded as he pulled the gown back up. "Yes, he's here. Come on out." Siegfried obeyed, appearing into physical form.

Selesia squinted her eyes in response to his appearance. "Whenever I see that happen, I get a bad feeling. He wouldn't dare to slip into the changing room would he?"

Her words stung. A hero of legends considered within to be a petty criminal? Siegfried pressed a hand to his plated chest. "I would not. You have my word on that."

"That's neat. Better than this arrogant annoying man that just knows how to insult people."

"So says the woman who can't take on an injured bowman despite having a sword and a giant robot." That started off a bout of bickering between the two. He did not understand why but Master was amused of the situation. This world is so strange.

Emiya took a glass of tea and observed the computer display which displayed the map of Tokyo. A room had been renovated into an operations room. The door was reinforced and the fingerprint scanners should be enough to keep the mundane people from entering.

He settled the glass beside the dossiers on the table. Nine in total, each of them carried details about the Creations. The Internet provided him with plenty of information alongside Kikuchihara's and the Kid's own efforts.

Selesia Upitiria, Yuya Mirokuji, Meteora Osterreich. Each dossier carried about their physical descriptions, abilities and what was known in their respective canons. A day was enough to carry an effective preliminary analysis and stratagem.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Micheal Corleone was fruitful in the picks of the intelligence work. Given their personalities, it was unlikely that they would turn. Everyone had a price. Believing was wishful thinking and countermeasures are required. Nobody can be trusted as an absolute especially after what happened.

Discussions thus far about Altair and her forces had been useful. The computer screen listed every asset on both sides in the map. While he didn't have information to where Altair's forces were, it had been agreed with a Major Magaki to place spotter units and designate regions for patrol. Given data wouldn't be in real time given there weren't any connections to the military but it would work for now.

Knowledge is power and he needed to ascertain their location. These resources would expand his options but it won't change everything. Meteora agreed to enchant several modern tools such as radios and radar to track magical signatures instead of physical elements.

Next agenda was also to prepare the effective kill team. The JSDF had accepted the proposal of effective combat teams. They traded the list of available men the previous few days. Four of his men had been wounded in the battle earlier but they'll be back in action within a few weeks faster with Meteora's recovery magic.

The black cellphone on the table rang. He picked it on the custom line to hear a gruff voice. "Has the sake been delivered to your doorsteps?"

"I believe I requested for sushi, not sake."

"Oh my, I have to get the orders checked out."

"Certainly, Major."

All cue words checked out, Major Magaki went went to business. "Archer, I've been assigned a unit from Defence Intelligence. They'll be assisting on the scouting operations and Opsec."

"Good to hear. What do we have on public security?"

"Police will continue handling public that duty. It will be much easier for them to go around without eyes watching."

"More than what is presumed?"

"Yes according to the reports I've been hearing. The public would be uneasy if they see soldiers moving about so often. Especially after the incident of losing the birds."

Emiya understood the man's concerns. World War Two played a big role in Japan's pacifism. "The story's going to make a mess of the politics but it'll die down eventually."

"Sure, a crash incident makes us look incompetent but we make do. Also, the incident caught the eyes of the US."

Emiya hated the unprecedented. "Does that mean support or trouble?"

"Uncertain for now. Yokata and Yokosuka raised a few brows but kept their mouth quiet. Someone's working behind the scenes. Meanwhile Camp Nerima is setting up the killhouse and should be ready in the week. Who is coming over to babysit my men?"

"I'll drop by for the first round. We'll agree on a roster afterwards."

"Roger. We're acclimatising to new equipment and be ready by then. The next update is coming in now. Talk tomorrow with plus two?"

"Yes with plus two. Keep me posted, out." Emiya hung up as another data package arrived. No new changes on the map but the additional men would prove handy. Absent hand reached for the glass only to find it empty. More tea it is.

Matsubara scratched his forehead while staring at the laptop screen. Four thousand words was a sad sight. In the big picture, that was just about a third of the chapter for the story. Muse had been refusing to come out even as the deadline approaches towards its last legs. That was part of the reason why the Creators were gathered into an office to consolidate efforts on the project.

Masaki studied the white board filled with notes. "For Kanoya to abandon the problems in his own world and go to another world, I think the motivation is too weak."

He threw a suggestion. "Maybe you can try giving alternate reality a try. That's a growing trend in the market."

Masaki hummed. "I don't think that'll work. The trope would be too common with the other crossovers. It needs a bit more oomph to it. Give me a while, I think I have something."

"Nothing like a kick in the butt eh." Matsubara leaned against his seat. Suruga and Yatoji were silent, focused at their work at the other side of the office. He should get to his own problem. Just as Masaki was facing, he had motivation problems to resolve.

How could he motivate Selesia to enter the Bird Cage? Sure, Meteora was set as the conduit to the other world but there are a lot of questions and loopholes to resolve. Left unattended, readers would be wondering and tear into the finer aspects.

First point, she was a key character to the story. I'll need to create a suitable situation that separated them. Somewhere in the timeline that'll fit the bill. Selesia though would need another nudge somewhere. A world in peril isn't going to help when her own is already in trouble. There're enough problems as it is.

Before fixing the motivation, perhaps it'll be easier to develop the situation first. Once he gets the frame of the story built, there'll be enough ideas to flesh out the details. Matsubara needed to be creative to explore new boundaries. Make something new from a blank portion of the paper would be easier. That idea might work. Muse poked its head and began to give better ideas. Several paths branched from the main road. Fingers went to work, crafting the foundation and planning needed to achieve it. Yes, this is doable.

Muse continued to give tips and pointers as the word count skyrocketed. Yes, there was a clear direction, he know what to do now for this part. Now he needed to verify the sync with Masaki's part before discovery writing the rest of the outline.

Matsubara stood up and read the board. His limbs protested in their stiffness. The two of them double checked to ensure the convergence was right within their stories. The door opened and Sota entered with a bag. "I brought what you asked me to." How long as it been? He glanced at the clock. Wow, he hadn't realised how late it was.

"Thanks, come in, come in." Marine waved him in.

Masaki cracked his neck. "I was feeling a bit cramped. Let's rest for a bit." The others were likewise flustered. Black coffee and sweets were helpful to recharging their stamina. With another day to go, they'll need to sprint through the night to get it done right.

Marine asked as Sota arranged the bag aside. "Where's Meteora and the others?"

Sota answered. "They said there were possibly two new Creations arriving and went out searching." The boy caught notice of the art on Marine's table. "What's this?"

"A rough sketch for the spin off."

"The one that will be released tomorrow?"

Matsubara explained. "Tomorrow is only one short story. We're making several and going to release a book of them of them right before the event." They have six months to make it work. Thinking about the amount of work to be done was already threatening to be a headache.

Marine pointed at the artwork of Selesia and Meteora, still within its early framework sketches. "This is for the third one. I take a lot of time to finish the drawings so I have to start early."

Sota studied the artwork. It was still basic and in his perspective, within its raw stages. "Wow, this is really cool. It has a lot of aura."

Marine giggled. "Hearing you say that makes me feel relieved. Oh, did you bring what I asked you to?" Sota retrieved it from his bag and placed it on the table. "Salmon." Marine hugged the orange plush rabbit and rubbed her overjoyed face into it. "Thanks so much. I need this whenever I take naps."

"Sota, it might have been a better choice not to bring it around. Otherwise Marine might just fall asleep right and then." The girl in question frowned at him before he chuckled. Matsubara agreed with her about a nap. Creating is a marathon after all. It's been a long time since he started. Almost two decades now eh. For now, there's coffee to entertain him.

Suruga was debating between sweets when she turned towards them. "Hey, that…" Suruga reached towards the row of pens resting on the cloth tray. "I see you're also using this pen."

"Is it that rare for someone to use it?"

Suruga nodded before reaching for a clean piece of paper. "In a way, yes. It's a pen that's easy to use but not many like it for some reason. The way it draws, it can become very sharp, clear and precise." Her grip was strong and the lines smooth and striking into the eye. Matsubara had to admit Suruga's artwork was great in its own way contrasting to the thorough and well articulated lines he saw in Marine's.

"It's too simple." Yatoji was standing by the board reading the notes. Oh, finally he took notice after it was there for the entire day.

Masaki choked on the red bean bun before gulping it down with a glass of tea. "I couldn't think of anything else for the introduction. Besides we shouldn't be start too complicated right off, it'll alienate some of our readers."

The Underground author turned around, a dark visage beneath those sharp eyes. "I feel bad saying this but this isn't acceptable. Your readers are for kids so this kind of stuff could work with them. My readers wouldn't accept that kind of crossover with the world view like that from your story."

While he wasn't Masaki, Matsubara felt the insult twisted within. Muse advised. It's not your story, take it easy. A deep breath before he glowered. "Whatever you say, I have no idea about the world view in your story either." Each author to his own was what he would like to add but didn't.

"What? Are you trying to say my concerns are stupid?" Yatoji said.

Marine got up and left the room in a hurry. Oh dear. Another one of her moments. He'll handle that later.

The air felt chillier as Suruga continued drawing, oblivious to the world around her. "Yatoji, just calm down." Masaki tried to ease the situation.

Yatoji tapped his pen against the whiteboard. "The problem is that right now the only way we have to counter Altair is to depend on Meteora and summon Selesia and the others to this world. How can we defeat her with something as simple as that? That is going to follow the shounen standard which most of our stories don't fit well with the tropes of the genre."

"I had Meteora increase the strength of our cast and summon their weapons. That is what we must achieve in this crossover. There's not much wiggle room considering we have so many characters to add and also the ambiguous nature we need to leave out for Kinoko Nasu."

Kinoko Nasu and Type-Moon accepted the request and would start on the project. Conditions was that he'll handle Archer and Siegfried's part on his own. Kikuchihara and later Masaki would manage the integrating both parts together.

Masaki added on. "Besides we need to set a premise that will be flexible for everyone. It's a problem if left open just like that. I'm open to alternatives. What do you have in mind?"

Yatoji paused before sighing. "I'm just giving you my thoughts about it."

Matsubara raised a brow. "That means you don't have a better idea at the moment do you?"

Suruga interjected. "It doesn't matter. That's why we're brainstorming to figure things out."

Masaki pointed at the board. "This is what we have. I suggest we go with it for the time being. We might be able to discover something better as we go along."

"No, the hook and premise is vital. Otherwise the readers won't even try to read the story. Everything else is worthless when they won't even read it," Yatoji said.

He has a point. That was when Yatoji added. "Good enough. That's what salarymen writers like you say." Fire burned as Masaki shot to his feet. "Hey I don't get a salary. I put myself on the line whenever I write. Our work is fundamentally different."

"No, that's wrong." Masaki spread his hands with glaring eyes. "Working under someone else doesn't mean our works are bad. We aren't coddled and have to work just as hard to beat the competition. It's not just about doing whatever you want for that's causing problems for other people." Matsubara recognised Masaki's particular finger jabbing. "The only reason your stories sell because you have an editor who handles those problems for you. We don't have such luxuries like that and that's why we learnt to deal with it."

"No wonder the market trend's going downhill when you have writers like these."

"Come to think to that, I'm doing just fine. I wonder which side of the trend you are on." Their eyes met, unbent wills in between.

"Calm down you two. Going about it isn't solving the problem." Suruga said as she continued to draw. How she could draw while attending to a quarrel as though its nothing.

Yatoji frowned before turning around. "I'm having a smoke." He left the room. Masaki fumed. "I know it's not the best story right now but the fate of the world depends on it. I think we need to play on the safe side. Am I wrong?" The man started to dig into the bunch of cakes.

Matsubara sighed, sinking back into the chair. He felt the door close shut another time. "You're right. You're bloody right. Anything comes to mind?"

"Each of us have different styles and it's what make us unique. As they say, too many cooks spoil the broth."

Matsubara stared at the board. The story was simple, straightforward. A generic story that anyone could create and accept. He frowned at the texts, it was missing something. Yes, the authenticity. An author's own touch to the story.

Without them, it wouldn't be a story written by Matsubara, Masaki, Yatoji or the others. It was just a mix mash of stuff to justify a gladiatorial battle. Glancing at the notes, in nutshell it didn't sound very exciting. A glimmer of understanding Yatoji's concern. A sigh from his lips. It's been a while since he felt so worn out.

Masaki huffed and sat down. "Matsubara, I understand the problem. I'm just as worried about it. However if the production of the Bird Cage isn't done on time, then everything is over."

"It would be a waste if we can't even get past the front gate." Matsubara finished the cup of coffee. "I want to avoid that from happening. so I'd like to keep trying until the end. I'm sure he felt the same way."

Masaki turned to look at him before loosening up. "Sorry for blowing up like that."

Matsubara cracked a grin before his knuckles. "Masaki, I get you. Take a few minutes break and let me have at it. Maybe we'll have better ideas on how to fix the puzzle."

Sota watched the conflict unfold between the authors. It gave a sick feeling to see them acting that way. He left to get a breath of fresh air and leave the heated debate for the moment.

His footsteps echoed in the long corridors. Nissan Stadium had been selected as the venue for the Bird Cage. One of the unused administration blocks had been taken over to find an obscure and quiet place to establish all the necessities in one place. That meant the authors too.

Yatoji was acting kind of mean. Nakanogane was a nice helpful guy from the weeks spent together. Yatoji on the other hand felt a bit more grim, quiet and unfriendly. The man was similar to Yuya in some forms.

Marine was standing at the main corridor overlooking the lobby below. Sota called out to her. "Oh Marine." He noticed a drop of tear and the wet cheeks. "Uh…"

Marine turned towards him. "Oh, sorry. Sorry for stepping out while you all were working hard."

Sota joined her by the railing. "No, I'm not doing anything." Should he talk to her about what happened? Best to be honest about it. He mustn't make the same mistake. "Are you going to be okay?"

Marine turned down towards the lobby below. "Suruga and Yatoji also know we don't have a lot of time. I've never seen their series go on hiatus suddenly." The crowd, a small portion of the staff were leaving the building as the day ended. "I think they just don't have any ideas right now."

Sota spoke his mind. "It's amazing. You're all amazing. I haven't seen anything like this before. I never thought on how the pros would argue like that. It surprised me by a lot."

Marine giggled. "That's right. Even if other people thinks it's a silly thing, the person in question might believe that it's something very important to the story. We might, no I think we do have a tendency towards thinking like that. But I think it's not related to whether someone is a pro or not. It's just that everyone have similar thoughts like this, especially in this field of Creation."

Why would she say that? Sota asked further. "Everyone?"

"Something that you can't give up on or something that you don't want to lose in. That feeling inside you that makes you hate yourself for not being good enough. That sense of victory in a bloody battle royale after defeating your competition." She closed her hands together. "I've went too far with that." Another laugh from her. "I have the same feeling about that between me and Suruga."

"Isn't art supposed to be a form of expression?"

"Like I've said, it's in our nature. We are Creators after all. Creating new things are our dreams and aspirations. We can't accept anything besides the best, even if its not made by us."

"I, sort of understand that feeling." Sota smiled. The sense of defeat watching his own work months ago still lingered somewhere.

"Suruga showed me her Manga once. I thought during then that she was really, really amazing. The way she could draw such cool drawings so fast. The first time I seen it, I wondered how she could do such amazing, no magnificent feats." Marine's joy turned down. "And then I started to think 'Hmm' I shouldn't be thinking that. My mind started to compare her work with my own, just like earlier."

"That's not true. Marine, your drawings are really popular. You have a lot of fans that hope to see more from you every time," Sota said.

Marine smiled. "Thank you. But I, I myself know that I'm not good at it so I can't pretend that I am. In order for me to accept myself, there's no other way than drawing what I can."

Sota was confused to that idea. "But there's no end to that. Wouldn't that be an endless circle to it?"

"But it's something that's fun." Marine faced him. "Yes, it hurts. There are times where I felt so hopeless trying to draw something. There was no idea, no inspiration where I had to just force my way through to get something. Even then it would be just a scarecrow. I've felt so tired sometimes, sitting alone in my bed and just crying it out." The Creator smiled. "Even so, it's still something that's fun and cannot forget about."

"Fun, that's right." Sota realised. Despite all the struggle he went through, that was the reason it started in the first place. "I…after all, I …that's how I liked about drawing too."

Marine's eyes gleamed. "Isn't that right? When you work your hands to the bone and you get to see the magic that appears. The results are worth it."

"Yeah, I guess." Sota chuckled. It was a while since he enjoyed a good moment like this. A simple day to day talk. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Much better now, thank you so much for that." Marine sighed in relief. "Now I feel all hyped up to get back to it."

Sota chuckled. "Let's prepare something for the others. I think they need some of that hype." A bright nod from the young woman before they headed downstairs.

By the time they returned, the room was still silent. Suruga maintained her silent efforts. Matsubara and Nakanogane were reading the board quietly. Yatoji was nowhere to be seen. Sota declared. "We bought some drinks."

Marine raised the bag of plastic. "Let's have these together."

Masaki reached towards the drinks. "Thank you." He paused, looking behind them. They turned to see the Dark Underground Creator.

Yatoji returned into the room and took his own seat. Matsubara stood up and said. "Hey,"

Yatoji turned towards him. "What is it?" As though the argument never happened.

Matsubara stood up and approached his colleague. "We managed another idea in the meantime you were gone. What do you think?" Matsubara handed a piece of paper. "It's a bit better but not much by far."

Yatoji studied it before returning it. "The good part isn't quite right, just short of hooking the audience." A pause before he grabbed a pen. A few scribbles before it was returned to him. He said. "This hook has more promise. I think we'll be able to gain acceptance with this." Matsubara flipped the page over to Nakanogane.

"This…" Nakanogane nodded with a smile. "We can use this. This can work."

Matsubara let a sigh. "This isn't that far much better but at least it's not giving me chills on something about to explode when it gets published."

"No, it isn't bad. It's a little weak with just that part." Yatoji turned away. "I had my doubts about the alternatives either. The market is too big for us to get it aligned to our preferences."

Matsubara chuckled. "So you do compliment people sometimes."

"I'm not complimenting anyone." Sota thought he noticed a slight blush with the closed arms.

"Yatoji." Nakanogane said with a wide grin. "This is good. Thank you for that. It does looks like you got out of the tunnel of being a loner."

Yatoji turned away. "No, it's her idea." Eyes turned over towards the woman Creator by the desk.

"You're such a classic hot and cold personality." Suruga teased. Yatoji protested as the others laughed within the moment. Creators are just regular people like us. Just like Sota, they all have emotions and things that drive them. These in turn get transferred to their very creations.

Something struck his mind. What if? Sota approached Matsubara. "I have something I want to talk to you."

"For a crude man without pride, this place is rather homely," Selesia said.

"I know. It has that really warm feeling." Marine agreed.

The tenant of the house wrapped his arms around his chest. "Why is everyone, here in my house?" Archer demanded. Creations and Creators were gathered in the living room in a cramped situation.

"Because we needed to talk on Altair?" Kanoya pointed out.

"We've done all the strategy planning earlier. Why again?"

Mirokuji kicked back against the sofa. "Metchin wanted to talk on the progress of her work. It's easier to just do it here than go all the way to the office. Lady Boss was already updated of the situation."

Meteora gave the man a nod of gratitude. "About countering Altair's nullification magic, I managed to create a spell that would boost the factor of Conceptual Cohesion. I cannot say how effective it is but it should function to a degree." She returned to the group. "Second, I also created a spell for monitoring the level of acceptance and the impact to the world. That means we can track our progress."

"Not a bad idea. I'd hate to see the world blow up before the main show starts." Mirokuji said.

"How is the acceptance doing so far?" Matsubara placed a hand over his chair.

Meteora reached for her magic book. It glowed before revealing the world like a projector. "Generally, the world is stable at the moment. However, the damage caused by the previous encounters are not completely restored for uncertain reasons."

"By any chance do you think they are permanent?"

"Unlikely but our existence is probably hampering the world's ability to correct itself." Meteora concluded. A large growl rang across the room. Eyes went about before returning to the owner at the centre of attention. "I apologise for that."

Hideaki glanced at the clock. "Yeah, it's about time we get some dinner."

Matsubara reached for his phone. "Let me order some takeout."

Hideaki stopped him. "Not sure if everyone knows but Archer is an expert cook. I think that's a nice opportunity for us to try his palate."

Archer narrowed his eyes. "I don't take kindly for people offering services on my behalf."

"Well, the other options is cheap takeaways. I do know you wouldn't like them and we're not pressed for time at the moment."

"You're saying that this man can cook?" Selesia spat. A man bent on victory at any cost regardless of moral consequences, is an expert in cooking. That does not compute.

Archer glanced towards her. She imagined seeing red in them before he turned to the kitchen. "It's on now."

Shrugs went about as Meteora frowned at the boy. "That's not a good thing to be doing, Hideaki."

"It's alright. He doesn't look like it but he does enjoy it." A few curses came from the kitchen. "I'm hoping he has enough stock to cover all of us."

"We're going to need some beers. Let's see." Mirokuji riffled through several cabinets. He pulled out a black bottle. "Aha, found it."

Selesia raised a brow. "Where did you know where to look?"

"I have a scent for it." The former boss said. He showed the bottle to the others. "You kids want some?" The others shook their heads. "Suit yourself." Heaven breezed into their noses. Mirokuji sniffed several times. "That smells good."

Selesia pointed out. "Are you okay Hideaki? You seem really eager."

The boy clasped his hands together with a wide grin. "Let's say I know that something good is coming."

Dinner arrived after several minutes. Selesia was bewildered at the Tonkatsu. Can such fried meat glow so bright? Cabbage and strips of carrots contrasted the glow with a peace that she couldn't comprehend. Yellow Miso soup and hot fresh white rice to complete the set. Archer plopped the pot of hot tea before glaring at Selesia. "Dinner is served. Enjoy." The boy gave a nervous laugh in return.

Marine's eyes were bright. She clasped her hands together, her face studying the crispness of the meat's skin. "Wow, it looks really good. It smells beautiful too."

"It does." Meteora took a bite, hearing the soft crunch within. Hideaki smirked. The librarian gobbled it down before reaching for another piece. "I think I need to check it for poison."

"You just want more of it don't you?" The librarian ignored his jab. Hideaki took a similar bite before freezing. It took a moment before his eyes was mesmerised. "I knew it was going to be good but to be at this level. Can it be considered a Noble Phantasm?"

Seeing such optimism, Selesia reached out and grabbed a piece. The sizzling smell enticed her appetite. She took a bite.

Bam. Behind the soft crunch of the skin, a fiery power with shocking power jolted her taste buds. A sweet taste that turns the inferno into a calm tide. Heaven in her lips. The fried texture down to the sauce that blends together at the right heat. She'd been enjoying great food for the past month. To think of something far exceeding them. There were no words for it. "This is crazy. How, how can it be this good?!."

"Woah, I have to agree. This is damn good." Mirokuji dived into the rice. "Damn, that combination tastes a lot better too." She followed suit and wondered how her eyes must have beamed from the soothing calm from the rice.

The others gave similar approval. Hideaki placed a hand onto the table. "I hereby proclaim this a Holy Food War. The victor shall be entitled to Archer's cooking for life."

"Shut the hell up you people. There's enough for everyone." Archer hissed while eating his own meal.

"Sorry." Hideaki withdrew before noticing Saber watching from the corner. "Aren't you going to eat Siegfried?"

"I am fine Master. A servant doesn't need food to sustain themselves."

Hideaki patted at an empty chair. "Well, come here and have some food. That's a command." The boy had made enemies that night from the dangerous glares around him. "You are a warrior but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the little things although I think it's going to be a very big thing."

"Very well Master." Siegfried seated beside his master and sampled the food. "This is good. Far excellent than my time."

"I'm amazed by how good it is." Selesia agreed. How did such a snark antagonizing and annoying man had such skills to create refined cuisine? It just doesn't make sense.

"For a wandering freelancer, where did he learn all that cooking?" Mirokuji stabbed a fork at a piece that Selesia was reaching for. When did the meat disappear so fast? Their utensils battled for dominance as Kanoya grabbed the contested piece. That stopped the two into an armistice.

"It may be the voice actor. Whoever he voiced had very good cooking." Hideaki suggested.

"Oh, you mean like that curry guy from the cooking anime few seasons ago?" Nakanogane said.

"Yes, that guy looked quite similar to Archer too." Marine pointed out.

Matsubara chuckled as he took a sip of tea. "Isn't that the Creator's decision in the first place?"

Meteora raised a bowl towards the chef. "Seconds please." A few other joined hers.

Archer glared at the sage. "Not even five minutes, you ravenous lot. All of you deserve to starve." He grabbed the bowls before heading into the kitchen.

"Archer, I offer three million Yen if you can continue to cook for me until the end of this entire debacle. I'll pay even more if you would follow me home."

"Where would you have that kind of money anyway Meteora?" Selesia said. Chopsticks between Kanoya, Hideaki and Nakanogane competed in a battle for the precious pork.

"I'll borrow it from somewhere."

Kanoya raised a hand. "I noted 'me' in there. What about us?" A few others raised their voices and an argument sprung up into an all out food brawl.

The cook shook his head. "Money doesn't have any significant value for me girl. Forget about it."

Meteora stood onto her feet. "The level of skill within your cooking is beyond anything that had been experienced for my entire life. I offer anything for it, my skills, magic book, anything you ask for." Marine turned away with a pink face.

"Even your soul?" Kanoya asked.

"That is also negotiable." Meteora was committed.

Archer clicked his tongue. "Starve, all of you."

"Have you seen anything conspicuous?"

"Beats me Metchin." Yuya said as he glanced around. The two of them were walking around the streets of Shiori. From what the old lady said, her counterparts detected two Creations but the specific whereabouts were not known. The others had been sent to search the Arakawa side of the city. That Archer dude would have been useful if it wasn't him doing some research of his own.

You don't need me. I'm sure four of you are capable enough to find just one person.

Quite a Jackass indeed. Metchin glared at him. The baggy green cap she wore made her expression not working as intended. "Enough with the nickname Mirokuji. It is annoying to hear that." Yuya decided to ignore her. He'll call her whatever he likes. Beside it wasn't so bad, Metchin is kind of catchy and cute.

Yuya decided to turn her mind to other things. The day felt great to walk but there's better things to do like the arcade and drinking beer. "So, did the magic book catch anything?"

"No results." Meteora dismissed the book to disappear wherever its supposed to go. "How are your injuries?"

"That? It's all good now. Minus the missing hole thus far." Yuya spat aside. "Feel like I'm going commando and having a stick in my ass." Going about the area without Hangaku didn't count to being defenceless.

"Please refrain from using indecent language especially in the presence of minors."

"Right right Metchin." If she'd be less of a stickler, he probably be able to enjoy a better time with this nerd.

The sage girl turned to answer her phone. Yuya managed to hear Selesia's question as a whisper from the phone. "Meteora, did you track down the magnetic field fluctuation?"

"It's too bad, we lost it." Metchin answered. "Kikuchihara is communicating with the department to get another reading for us. We might still be able to trace a direction from lingering effects."

"These occurrences are becoming too frequent. Is this Altair's doing?" Yuya could hear Selesia's frustration.

"It's probably because of Altair's interference to the world's rationality. I think the amount of variable imaginative force has increased that led to more occurrences happening simultaneously."

Is it the time to be talking all that kind of things especially when there's a kid pointing at us? Those three girls are cute though.

"Although it isn't a clue, there's something that caught my attention. One of the eyewitnesses reported seeing a robot. There is a high probability that the Creation is from a robot or science fiction series."

"It's not the same case as the one that left the broken mess right?"

"That is correct for now. It is likely a few more will occur within a short time frame."

More of us coming over eh. It'll be quite a party although it'll be a headache for the Gods. That sounds fun. "Whenever they appear, they go quiet real fast. Wonder who's doing is that?"

"There is no answer for that. I do hypothesise that-"

Selesia interrupted. "Meteora, I think we've found her."

Emiya took a sip of tea as the Mozart played in the background. A slow soothing melody to the fable in his hands. Fate Extra had been another rendition of him with another master. A nameless Servant within the digital world. He closed the comic book as he heard a phone call. He checked the ID before answering.

"Kikuchihara, to what do I owe this call for?"

"Selesia and Kanoya found the Creation. I assume you would be interested and since your home is within the area I've thought to come pick you up," She said.

"Who is this new Creation?"

"I don't know. They're bringing her in to the Stadium as we speak. My team will compile the details along on the way. I'll be outside the apartment in two minutes."

"Very well." Emiya grabbed the black jacket by the door. Ensuring the door and sigils are secured, he reinforced his eyes to scan the roads below. There. He recognised the Director's car approaching from the main street. Nobody in the streets either. A hand over the railing, he leapt over into the air. A soft landing as the car crawl to a stop. Emiya opened the door and entered the car. "Let's go."

Kikuchihara adjusted her glasses. "That's a very, surprising entrance."

"Less time wasted." The trip would drive up south towards Nissan Stadium. That was the planned venue for the Elimination Chamber Festival. The Creators had setup shop over there to make the creation process faster. Emiya continued to observe the city as they drove over the Metropolitan Expressway.

The journey taken forty minutes although Emiya surmised he could get there in fifteen. The others were already within the room by the time they entered. He gave a nod to the others before standing at a corner to listen. Kikuchihara carried a few items in hand before taking a seat to join the Creators.

The Creation subjected to interrogation was a timid schoolgirl. Pink twin tailed hair made a sharp contrast to the green uniform that stood out. It reminded him of another sharp nasty girl probably somewhere in the city. Kikuchihara announced her name. "Hikayu Hoshikawa." Nakanogane handed her a CD box. "Anyway, welcome to this world."

Matsubara was the next to speak. "I can't believe it….You're that character from that dating sim game."

A dating sim game? Emiya read the label on the box. Had men have fallen so far to need a game to have a proper date with girls? The major would provide him the dossier later today.

His fellow Creator corrected. "That used to be an X-rated game." How the world has crumbled.

Marine slapped against the man's thigh. "Nakanogane." The schoolgirl burst into tears. "You shouldn't say something like that to a girl."

Nakanogane blinked. "Is it my fault?" As much as he knew about the man, this was being rather dense.

The girl rubbed against her sleeve. "Why does everyone know about me?" She glanced around with frightful eyes. "Um, uh, do you know about me and…" Her red face turned down to the floor. "Masayuki?"

Glances were thrown around. Mizushino explained. "Masayuki's the main character from the Milky Way of a Starry Sky." The prince charming so to speak. This is going to be a waste of time. Turning away,he texted the Major on the results of the training.

Meteora added on to the topic. "From her point of view, she must feel like her secret diary was exposed to the entire world. It's like an accident. I extend my sympathies."

Kanoya tilted his head. "Why is she here of all people?"

Matsubara scratched his head. "Logically, it does make sense. The characters who get transported here are the ones who are accepted by the readers. In other words, the popular ones."

Selesia was at a loss. "Until now, all the characters that appeared here were Creations with special abilities for battle so I thought there was some kind of rule like that."

"Of all the possibilities that could have come, we get a young girl." Emiya shook his head. Fate always have a funny way to throw a wrench into things. So many heroes and legends exist and the world decided to choose a young schoolgirl.

His remarks made the girl cry more. Emiya didn't care as Matsubara protested. "They are popular in their own way. They have their charm and beauty so you can't put it on a similar scale."

"Men are disgusting to think such things exist." Selesia bit her lip. That shut the Creator up.

"Mankind is disgusting, thats the norm." Emiya took a seat across the group. "She is just unfortunate to be pulled here into this world."

"Please don't call people like that. It's not good to say such bad things." The timid girl yelled.

Emiya ignored her and turned to the phone. The Major reported the men were sore from all the bashing by the wooden swords and rubber bullets. Overall the results were optimistic and they hoped to spin into action in another two rounds.

Yatoji stood up. "I'm going back to work. I have a deadline for my spin off." The man left with a distraught face. Emiya filed the observation.

Matsubara returned to his seat. "So, for the rest who are unfamiliar, what do we know about Hoshikawa? Strengths, traits and that kind of stuff."

Nakanogane started a list. "Well, her special ability is showing her panties and seducing men."

Hoshikawa screamed with a finger stabbing for his heart. "Panties? Who would do something like that? Why do you think I would do something like that? You're so mean." The girl pressed her hands into her face and continued to wail. Will that girl ever stop?

"You..." Selesia hissed as she pressed a fist into Nakanogane's head.

Nakanogane was at a loss. "But that's just how she is in the game..." I stand corrected, men have fallen.

Selesia posed the important question of the day. "But what is she going to do?"

"It's fine even if she can't help us fight. We'll figure it out anyhow," Yuya said.

"Yeah, you're right." Selesia released her fist from the Creator's head.

The man rubbed his head as Meteora answered. "In any case, we must contact her Creator. No, since it's a video game, I meant the company that created her."

Kikuchihara offered to resolve the problem. "I will arrange for it. However, I'm still curious about the whereabouts of the other Creations. We haven't been able to find them."

"Three Creations have appeared and two of them still remain to be found." Meteora said.

Yuya clasped his fists together. "I bet at least one is on Altair's side."

Meteora nodded. "That is a reasonable assumption. They may however be neutral similar to Archer's original intention. We will continue our search until proven otherwise." She turned towards Archer. "Can you assist with the search to help identify them? If we can discover the identity of that character early on, then we can include that character in our storyline. That would be advantageous for us."

"I'll think about it. Altair didn't take my snooping around lightly."

Matsubara said. "About that story line, this girl is a Creation too. Considering the impact, don't we have to include her in the Elimination Chamber?"

Emiya felt the presence as the door opened. A soldier in uniform entered the room before addressing to Kikuchihara. "Director Kikuchihara, the Oji office notified us that they have taken one person into custody under the Special Disaster 105 Measure."

"Who? A Creation?" Kikuchihara asked.

"The person calls himself Naoya Takarada. He has no notable external injuries. The Metropolitan Police Department is confirming his identity now." The others were caught by surprise. This is an interesting development.

Matsubara shot to his feet "The Creator of Alicetaria of the Scarlet, he's still alive after what that mad woman is doing?"

Kikuchihara answered as the soldier was dismissed. "I arranged for him to be sent here. Why don't we ask him?"

Matsubara waited by the door for the police car due to arrive. He remained to stay under the shade from the orange glow. The others were How long has it been since he seen him? That's right, a year ago when Alicetaria of the Scarlet was announced for airing.

"What kind of man is Takarada?" Marine asked.

Matsubara scratched his chin. "He's a good man. A bit hard to talk with, pessimistic but aware about the light of hope behind the darkest parts."

The police car came to a stop. Matsubara was surprised when the familiar man stepped down from the car. Gai Takarada had a drawn and haggard face with poor shaven hair. Look like some weight lost too. What have they done to him? Matsubara went down the steps to greet his fellow author.

"Matsubara." Gai Takarada's voice gave ease before he was covered in a hug. Warm flesh and blood. Still he was glad the man was safe and sound.

Matsubara rubbed the man's back. "Takarada. Are you hurt?" They parted as Kikuchihara talked with the police officer.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you for the concern. I just find it, a bit hard to believe that I'm here. That I'm alive."

"We're glad to see you're okay." A tap on the shoulder. "We can talk more inside." A nod and they walked carefully up the steps.

Settled within the meeting room, Marine placed some snacks onto the table which Takarada began to take in earnest. After several bites of the onigiri did they start questioning him. Kikuchihara asked the first question. "Mr. Takarada. I'm sorry to ask these questions so quickly but we need to know the details to your appearance here. What had happened? How did you escape?"

"Escape?" Takarada laughed. A laugh that didn't feel quite real. "Did you expect me to escape from a woman that can defeat dragons? I was released."

"Alicetaria let you go from captivity? What made her change her mind?" Meteora's turn to ask the question.

"She referred to a particular boy that had returned a small spark and hope to her. I had a very exciting talk with her after that." Was Alicetaria refer to that kid? Matsubara wasn't around probably for that part of the conversation.

"What was the contents of the discussion?"

Takarada shook his head. "I cannot tell you that. It's our secret. I gave my word on that." He grabbed a bottle of water and drank the entire contents. "Apologies for my rudeness. Food was hard for them to find. What I can tell you is that the means to her ideals have changed."

Kikuchihara continued. "Does that mean she has changed her mind on forcing you to change her world?"

"One of the truths, yes. From what I managed to overhear time to time is about causing havoc to this world." Takarada nodded.

"That is a long story to explain." Matsubara grabbed an onigiri and placed in Takarada's hand. "I'll tell you about it once you got some good sleep."

Selesia asked. "What does that mean in the big picture? Is she still an enemy or someone we can take in as an ally?"

"That is yet to be decided. We may need to decide further on that." Meteora answered.

"If you want a straight answer, you can go ask it directly from her mouth." Mirokuji offered the idea.

"That would be the optimal solution. Unfortunately I would probably the worst choice for the matter." Meteora said.

Mirokuji scratched his chin. "She and I didn't really have a good history either."

"As though anyone has a good history with her." Selesia chipped in.

"We can think of a solution later. Meanwhile the Bird Cage must continue as planned," Meteora said. "With Mr. Takarada's assistance, we can shoehorn Alicetaria into the story the way we see fit."

Nakanogane rubbed his chin. "The question is who will she help?"

"In my opinion, she will do what's right and those actions will eventually lead to something that helps us. That's the way she is," Takarada said.

"How certain are you?"

A wide smile from the dry lips. "One hundred percent."

Master dropped onto the bed as Siegfried walked through the blinds of the balcony window to observe the city in its nightly form. He checked on the prana flow, a slow and steady beat that pulsed alongside his Master's. He continued to remain in spirit form whenever possible. More so because this house, a simple abode would have visitors in the morning on occasion and it was prudent to remain unseen.

Master's voice entered his head. How do you find the city so far?

Siegfried sent his reply. Very different. It gives an impression of being cramped in crates. I do understand as this city have millions of people, something unheard of in my time.

Times have changed. Master rose to his feet. Siegfried, I have a request of you. Understanding it's importance, Siegfried astralised into his Master's gaze. "I would like you to train me how to fight."

Train him how to fight? Siegfried paused for a second before speaking. "Master, what are your intentions?"

Master pressed a hand on his chest. "I need to know how to fight. This Magic Circuit is a special weapon that nobody has. I should make good use of it for the cause."

"No. I cannot accept your presence on the battlefield. A war isn't something that a young boy like you should take lightly."

"Even if I have the opportunity to save others?"

"A man bent on saving others do not enter a fire on the first choice Master. That mindset is not wise." Master lowered his head in response. "What is the truth that you have in mind?"

"Seeing Mizushino manipulated that way. I can't make myself easy as prey. Your life is in my hands." Master squeezed his fist carrying the Command Seals. "I don't want give you regrets like the another Heroic spirit called Diarmuid."

A story behind the reason. Siegfried said. "I see. However you should have faith in me that it is unnecessary for you to fight."

"I know. Every time I've tried, someone paid the price. Someone suffers even if I did nothing." Master turned away. "Siegfried, I kind of get it but…" A sigh in his lips. "I can't just sit by there and let everyone else fight, not when I can do something about it."

"Master, each person has their role." He placed his gloved hands onto the young boy's shoulder. "There is a time for heroes and also for the common folk. A hero will not live if the people do not support them with the farming of food and smithing of tools and armour. We are both dependent on each other."

Siegfried dropped his hand. "I will provide you the training, if only to improve your self confidence and physical condition. Archer have mentioned on the risk of others getting caught in the crossfire and the extra strength would help you to survive. You will not fight alongside me but there are other fights that need you to win."

Master gave a faint smile. "Thanks Siegfried. I owe you for that."

Siegfried returned it with his own. "Your welcome. Come and take a seat. Tell me about this Diarmuid and his tragedy. I would like to give my respects."

Author's Notes: Good day, belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you for reading Beyond Worlds. As you may see, I am back from medical hiatus. Whilst trying to recover, I've also decided to change my update strategy to complete this project in one full shot considering the impact.

Looking at this, it's been over a year since I've started this story. 190k+ words for this project, nearly triple the expected that I've planned. It is now coming to an end since I've posted all the chapters in a single go. The future author notes will focus further on the development and processes to its conclusion.

Moving onto this chapter. Well, I believed Emiya's cooking was a natural given due to the fact that Daichi's awareness about the man's impeccable cooking. Some parts are similar as they still remain true. Authors can have such disparity in their styles that I'm sure many readers have already seen so I won't go further.

I'm glad to those who've enjoyed the story thus far and continued to support it. I'll probably retire for good. It's just been such a weary journey and I've burnt myself out more than once trying to complete this. I won't be reading / replying to any reviews on this story for at least two weeks.

Once more, thanks for reading Beyond Worlds.

Regards

MarksmanKNG