Chapter 14: Devil's Whisper

Blitz contemplated on whether the incoming bullets are an annoyance or a pain in the arse. Gunfire roared within the tight confines of the warehouse. Bright flashes of yellow provided light as bullets struck against the wall he leaned against. A nearby box splattered splinters of wood against his arm.

It was an off spur decision to explore a little more of the land of the Gods during the later parts of the night. More so importantly for booze and much needed cigarettes. That was when he noticed a floating drone and later a military jeep approaching afterwards. Maybe I shouldn't be flying around too much next time.

He set his pistol against the large metal rack and fired back. Both sides traded gunfire down the corridors as crates were damaged. Blitz didn't have any trouble with these soldiers, they were just doing their duty. What a disappointment. Creations should be fighting each other, not the Gods of this world.

These men were excellent opponents, accurate and well trained. Their coordination was the best that he had ever seem. Impeccable response and unnatural fast movements made it troublesome for him to handle. Blitz managed to hit a few but unable to verify any of them as kills. The shield men were the most troublesome in preventing that. Well armed, armoured and eager to survive. Having them on the team in his world would have made everything faced a walk in the park. How his God had condemned him to do the dirty work.

Blitz shouldn't spend any time longer here or they'll swing around to catch him exposed. Chronos Horologium activated with a chime. Rising into the air, he flew over the racks and towards the back of the building. A few yells before gunfire was sent his way. Too pesky for their own good. Arrows pierced through the roof, a close call if he hadn't moved a second earlier. Why wasn't he here upfront and personal?

Flying away was the easiest choice but they always followed. Four of those drones had already been shot to pieces and they managed to keep up. The constant barrage of arrows made it a touch annoying that led him into this place. Really such a pain when all he wanted was a new pack of smokes. He needed a new escape route. Something with a little less brutal to it.

The Princess was nowhere to be seen. No signs of the others as well. Maybe they're having their own trouble. Not that it matters to him. His goal was what mattered. These men were just an obstacle towards that goal. Getting past them would an easier choice.

He found an exit to the outside. Switching for a gravity bullet, he fired. The roof collapsed, its metal trusses buckling under the newfound weight. Yells echoed as chaos ensued. Kicking the door open, he felt the open air as he sought what he wanted.

In the few minutes he needed, Blitz entered the sewers through a public manhole. Just for insurance. He fired another gravity round behind him. Another roar into his ears before the concrete ceiling shattered from the herculean grip and collapsed. The path behind him was closed off, now he can make his escape and perhaps get some beer on the way.

Rui bowed, feet scraping along the floor as he presented his partner towering behind. "Here it is, the masterpiece."

"Woah. This is cool." Daichi sprinted up to Gigas Machina's legs before practically trying to inspect every nook and cranny.

"I know." Rui Kanoya beamed with pride. Gigas Machina was the finest machine in the world. Despite piloting it for years, the inspiring gaze at the thirty metre tall machine above you never ceased to dull.

"Aren't you guys busy?"

"Well, Old man Archer don't want me flying around. Said about collateral damage." Getting grilled like Meteora about government cost the other time isn't worth sticking out for.

Not that he mind. It gave more time for him to enjoy the city and scout for young cute girls while at it. Those that wasn't spent on reading boring maps and numbers during 'designated work hours'. What kind of hero needs work hours anyway?

"So has anyone else ridden this thing besides you?" Rui pointed a thumb at Sota.

"Yeah, it was way too scary." Sota gave a sheepish answer.

The three of them stood outside the industrial warehouse within Urayasu. Kikuchihara managed to find a place to store Gigas Machina for the time being. Tokyo Disney was nearby so it was more inconspicuous if it did get found out. Besides, it beats the other choice of having to clean the war machine for a few hours every few days.

Rui did get the gist of the feud between the two after what happened. Both of them were trying to keep it sort of professional although he noticed the occasional slip ups. Seriously, Honne and Tatemae were irritating to get around in this world. Home was much easier to contend when you can yell at the person without caring about your own form of expression.

Daichi asked as they approached. His eyes were gleaming way too creepy. "Can I try riding it?"

Rui waved his hand away. "No way. It's been configured for me. Besides it's not safe for you to pilot it."

Daichi propped an arm around his neck. "There's a nice cafe in Akihabara where you can have maids attending to you."

Rui tilted his head. Nope. That isn't going to turn him over…

"You can have many young cute girls serving you however you like them to."

Something flicked in his head. Rui hit the remote and opened the cockpit. "Get on. You're buying later." Daichi was already clambering up the ladder. Far too excited as he noticed only two pairs of shuffling feet.

"You coming Sota?"

Sota shook his head. "I'll meet you guys later." That would not do.

Rui puffed his chest and waved up towards the cockpit. "As Chief Captain of Energia, I hereby kidnap you for this flight. Come on." Sota gave an awkward chuckle before following.

It took a few minutes to settle everyone inside the cockpite. Comfortable and safe, he started the power sequence. Meanwhile, Daichi was walking around and studying everything. That sense of enthusiasm was nostalgic.

"You're quite excited," Rui said.

Daichi said. "It's natural. I mean, who gets a one in a lifetime chance to pilot a huge robot? I'm taking it no matter what it takes."

"By the way Daichi…aren't you afraid of flying?" Rui finished off the diagnostics. He heard about that from Yuya on how he met Meteora and the Old man.

"Not if I have my hands on the controls. Come on, let's get going already."

"Hold your horses. I'm starting it up." Rui took a few minutes to set the right settings. Everything checked out before locking the drive controls. Daichi will struggle a little but it'll be alright. What's the worst that could happen?

Half hour later, Rui blinked at the results. The information on the screen was there but it was hard to believe it. "Seriously, you suck as a pilot." Such enthusiasm and yet a horrid lack of aptitude.

Daichi was trying to find the restart button on the screen. "I never had a chance to fly before. A few more practice rounds and I'll be on my way to be an ace."

Sota chipped in. "It's not that bad." A huge understatement.

Rui shook his head. "No. You're worse than the poorest trainee back in my class and that was really bad. I think it's an achievement that you can fail this hard."

Daichi pressed a hand to his chest. "Oh, that hurt like a knife through my heart."

Rui took over the controls before resetting everything to his settings. "It was a good thing I kept the flight safety on. Getting in trouble with those old women would be a pain."

"They'd kill you if they heard that."

"That's why older women are always so troublesome. Young girls are the best."

"You're not a lolicon by any chance are you?" Daichi asked.

"No way. I don't swing that way. I prefer younger girls because they are much easier to handle. They don't snob over you and think they are the boss of everything."

Daichi wrapped an arm around Rui. "I think I have an idea what you mean. Shizuka was only a few months older and she was leading our relationship."

Rui asked. "So Sota, what about you? What kind of girls do you like?"

"Ah, well. I think I like mature girls, the ones who liked to listen."

Rui pouted. Man of culture fallen under such whims. "No fun. To each his own then."

"I think Meteora fits the bill for you Sota. How's that?" Daichi said.

Sota went up like a red flashlight. "No way. I can't think of her that way. Besides she'll be going back to her world after all this."

Daichi slumped as Rui double checked the settings. "That's true. Kanoya, if you had a choice though do you want to go back?"

A finger paused. "Honestly, I think I would want to stay here. I'm tired of fighting." Rui cracked a smile. "However I can't let my world fall into peril. There's too many people counting on me. I'm the main character after all."

Daichi pumped his fist into the air. "We'll support you all the way. Maybe I can help if you let me practice a few more rounds."

The idea of Gigas Machina crashing through building after building horrified him. "No. Absolutely not! You'll kill us all. I know it."

Impossible. Impossible, impossible, impossible. Daichi Hideaki shook his head. It was just not possible for him to not have it. The talent to pilot a Mecha must be hiding somewhere, waiting to be awakened. All it needs is a bit of a push. Something to trigger it and turn him into the outstanding pilot he is destined to be.

Wasn't it?

Kanoya went to work on cleaning his machine. It'll be a few hours before the pilot would be done. Sota went to prepare for his first lesson with Marine. That was a good thing.

Daichi sighed as he entered the foyer of the Cabinet Building. Kikuchihara had called for his presence regarding something. Knocking on her office door, he entered to see a busy room. Charts and diagrams were stuck onto the wall. One of them reminded him of the meteorology case. He bowed before asking. "Good afternoon Director, you have requested for my presence?"

Sharp eyes rose to meet his before softening. "Afternoon Hideaki. That's right. Please close and lock the door, this is a private matter." Daichi felt his gut churn. There was an edge on the older woman. He obeyed instructions as she reached within one of the drawers. They took their seats across one another.

"What is this about?" Daichi asked.

She placed a folder on the table and turned it around to face him. "The police had arrested a person and unfortunately based on the information available... I suspect that you know him."

Daichi opened the file. The first page of the file was a report. Dread shot into the heart as he saw the picture at the start of the report. "Kazuko Minamori, from the Ogikubo High School. Do you know him?"

Kazuko… Daichi bit his lip. "Yes, we're friends. What did he do?" He glanced through the report, seeing bits and pieces of some basic data. Nothing particular that caught interest.

"Minamori was caught trying to hack into our computer systems and steal information. In this case, very particular information."

Daichi was surprised. How did Kazuko manage to pull off something like that? "Did that information happen to be about us?"

"Yes, the Major is not pleased to hear about this breach. I decided to pursue this matter to alleviate his burden on handling the Creations. It's rather worrying to know that other people are interest on this, in particular the media."

Daichi bit his lip. "Aren't we making quite a mess out there though?" Creations and JSDF in a secret war amidst the public.

"We're handling that part rather well. Misleading information and directives to make all the parts unlinked and inconclusive. However it wouldn't elude someone who already knows what's happening."

Daichi recalled the day back in the cafe. "Yes. He's in fact the one who got me involved within this fight in the first place."

Kikuchihara's eyes sharpened. "I see. Do you think he informed anyone else about this?"

"No. We were on our own. I've argued with him about it after meeting you all. We haven't talked since then. I should have known he wouldn't leave it be."

She began scribbling onto a stick it note. "Optimistic as it may be, I'll let the Major know to keep searching on that. He may have opened more doors without your knowledge." That might be right given the intrusion he just did.

Daichi turned back to the report. Why did you have to do this? The crime was going to be severe given how critical it raised his gaze towards the Director. "What's going to happen to him?"

Kikuchihara met his gaze. "That depends. Juvenile law would be the norm. However given the secrecy of this Council, that option may not be applicable."

It wouldn't be right. Kazuko was paranoid and anti government but it didn't mean that he deserved a life behind bars. Daichi pleaded the case. "He's just trying to do his own sense of justice. Please don't punish him too harshly on this."

Kikuchihara nodded. "I cannot guarantee that but I will request for some leeway. However he has been uncooperative and would make it difficult for me to support his case."

"Then let me have a word with him."

Kazuko Minamori was sitting on a chair. A hand, cuffed to the leg of the only table within the centre of the room. Silent and cold eyes boring into the white walls in front. Daichi watched his friend through the interrogation glass panel from the room next door. Kikuchihara asked. "Are you ready to talk to him?"

Daichi nodded before turning for the door. Stepping into the room, cold air whooshed against his skin. The moving door echoed before closing with a loud bang.

Kazuko raised a brow before a sneer grew on his lips. "Daichi Hideaki. As expected of you to become their dog now."

Ignoring the jab, Daichi took a seat on the other chair. "I've heard of what you've done." He placed the file about Kazuko on the table. "That you've tried to hack the government."

Kazuko said nothing. Daichi tried to ease the tension. "Since when did you get so good with computers?"

"Beats me."

"I've managed to negotiate for leniency on your case. What you need to do is just to help answer a few questions-."

"My, they certainly let you come in unprepared. Did you expect to just waltz in and make me answer questions? Whatever your scheme is, I want no any part of it." Kazuko interrupted.

"Why?" No answer. Daichi pursed his lips. "We've talked about this before. What you've done was wrong."

"Ah, preaching the ways of the government. Praise the good of governance. Blah, blah, blah. Are they giving you a cookie for that?"

Daichi knew this was going to be tough but boy was it hard to hold it down from giving a piece of his mind. "All of this posturing is meaningless. It'd be a lot simpler if-"

"No meaning you say." Kazuko slammed the table. "Everything has a meaning. Every breath, every step, everything has a damn meaning about it whether you like it or not. If you wanted something meaningless, then that would be to trust the government and adults with the entire governance of the nation."

"If we don't believe in the government, then who else can we trust to lead our country?"

Kazuko yelled. "No true form of governance is fair. The right to rule should be wielded by the strongest, not the ones chosen by the communities of sheep."

Daichi yelled back. "Dictatorship would lead us straight down to hell. There's plenty of examples out there in the world."

Kazuko stood up. "Those men fell to their own corruption and power. Absolute power corrupts and knowing that is half the battle against such fallacy."

Daichi rose to meet him. "Why do you hate it so much anyway? Even until now, I don't understand that fanatical devotion of yours."

Kazuko's face twisted into a snarl. "There is no need to understand. Your mind is all fixated, devoted, set on just being their lapdog. There is no salvation for anyone who helps the incompetent in flailing in their tasks."

Daichi buckled down. Motivation was the answer to everything. "That's where you're wrong." Kazuko narrowed his eyes. "That's a contradiction of its own since if no government is ever fair. As much as you blame me on it but you've let such ideals fool you like a veil of illusions trying to deny the truth."

Kazuko grinned before sitting down. "Well met, trying to pull off something like that. That still doesn't matter because the future is never certain and history has shown us the correct ways it is meant to be."

"Yeah, that means they're going to send you to prison too. Or worse."

Kazuko remained unperturbed. "I'm prepared for the consequences. If I enter jail, the information I have now will be sent to the right places. It will go public. Your efforts will be fruitless and fears realised."

Daichi leaned forward. "What did you take? What did you take damn you?!"

"Everything that I could. I might not have been able to study it but a wise one can put the parts together." Daichi held himself back from beating his friend to death. Kazuko added with a smile. "You throw me in, you lose."

This boy couldn't be treated like a regular kid. A nightmare. Touching him any further could make things worse. Yet he can't back away, not on grounds like this. Daichi met the smile with the most serious face he could fathom. "Kazuko, you believe that you are meant for greatness. That any means justify the ends you desire. A chance to change the world. Revolution, innovation, shift towards a 'better' future. I see those steps are dangerous ones, that could taken regardless of the cost. That's a step I'm not willing to take."

"You believe that doing this would grant you some liberty or glory. However what you did would doom us all. As is, I am afraid of the fine line already drawn in order to win this fight. One wrong move by our part and its over."

There was no change from those cold calculating eyes. Daichi turned for the door. "It's not too late to turn back. Think about it." The door slam shut.

Emiya stared at the computer as it worked. When it was ready, he said. "I have a question for you." It took a minute before he received a reply.

Speak. Answer your question, I wonder.

"Dont' go Yoda on me. Now I've heard that you're sticking around somewhere in the United Kingdom."

Sticking like glue? No such thing. It's for research so to say.

"Another legend or another version of Arturia?"

That's a secret. I do think though that Takeuchi has been drawing her too much. What is your purpose today?

"There's a war ongoing. I thought it was worth speaking a few words with my Creator to get some insights or advantages."

Not far from what I've expected. Well Altair is rather formidable from the details given to me. Really powerful, ridiculous off the note.

"Yet what are you not saying?"

Anyone can be defeated using the right step or tools. While you do know that but I love to remind my characters about them. Makes them so much easier to stay in character.

"You're one weird man to think that way."

Nor was I expecting you to be more relaxed and open. Maybe I've been mistaken or rather pleased with such development. You always needed to be a bit more outgoing but of course the way you were made that difficult.

"Things have changed. Maybe I did a little too."

Humans always adapt to follow the world they live in. At least most of the time. I'm honestly just still stuck on enjoying the moment. At least its still fun though.

"Yet you push yourself to crazy limits in achieving something like a fool."

I admit that. Deadlines are deadly but my pride is the most dangerous enemy of mine.

"I'd originally thought you would be a man without pride, hiding your face no matter where you are. Yet I get understand the point. You hope for a quiet life behind the success."

You know the rules of life. The more famous you are, the more problems will come. I hate problems.

"That is why you work so hard and yet want so little."

Closer but shy from the mark. I suppose that's still worth a reward. Do you remember the day I said I wouldn't change your description?

"What about it? Getting cold feet?"

The image laughed. Actually laughed for once. LoL. Here's the secret. It's not that I didn't want to. I don't need to.

"Why not?"

You already know why. Or would you rather let me spell it to you in the Kotomine fashion?

A fist tightened on impulse. "Hell no. That bastard should go to hell."

Most people liked him to be dead. Despite what others might say, there is still value within him. Antagonists are protagonists of their own story after all.

Very well Emiya. In a nutshell, you are already powerful enough as it is. Whatever changes I can do will be accepted, the most important criteria according to that old hag. The important point is whether you accept it.

"What are you going about? I'm not that powerful to begin with. Accept what exactly?"

The world loved your journey. The man that faced hell, the world and everything else and still fight for what's right. That's why there are many versions of you, past, alternative and future. You've brought both hope and understanding to the light and dark of the reality we live in.

"You're going around the bush."

You are powerful. Unlimited Blade Works carry legendary weapons that equalled Gilgamesh, the King the proud owner of every Noble Phantasm in your world. There are only few heroes that can be declared as a mobile armoury. You may fear heroic spirits that far outclass you but even then you always made your own chances of winning.

Now, the limiting factor is you. You're aware of the alternate versions of yourself aren't you?

"Of course. I had time to read about the my copies in these alternate worlds." Four of them to count thus far.

Yes, each variation of you are still real. Not to mention the other copies your readers create. Although sometimes I wonder why they work so hard on making copies when they could make someone of their own to be proud of. Anyway to the point, their strength comes from different worlds but they are still you as you are they. In fact if I would remind you, you learnt your skills from your past during your early years as a freelancer.

"They are I and I am them. What are you going about? That I have some hidden vault with super powers that I can use to take out Altair?" He felt no such thing inside the Reality Marble. New weapons just wouldn't appear like a bag of cheats.

If you put it that way, that is correct. Altair is stronger than anything you've faced but I have confidence you can manage. Overpowered characters are not infallible after all.

"As though you would make it so simple. Otherwise I wouldn't be struggling in my battles to find every possible nook and cranny for weaknesses to victory."

Slight detour. Do you know what the term 'Gar' means?

"No. I presume its a form of insult?"

How far from the truth. Its the surest form of respect for the man so cool and bad ass that even grown men grown in awe and fall in love with you.

"That does not sound endearing at all."

Your readers, your fans all feel otherwise. You have everything single trick in the book and out of the box to handle every possible kind of situation. You will struggle, you will bleed but you will succeed. That belief is the strongest amongst the readers. The belief that you can overcome anything no matter the cost. No matter whichever sacrifices made to achieve it. You already have everything you need. You just need to reach out.

Emiya blinked. For the first time in the few times of conversation, this mushroom had spoken far different. Words beyond his years. "Now I feel bad for having that said to me."

That's natural, you weren't a man with pride. I give you that right today. Go out there and win the fight, Shirou Emiya. Prove to the world the impossible.

Blitz took a smoke for it was a small comfort within the rubble of rock and sand. The Princess hasn't given thought of changing places despite the beat down looks and lack of amenities since the Magical girl's passing. It wasn't difficult to surmise the perpetrator of the mess. This inconvenience wouldn't stop him, it would be a sad showing of a hero otherwise. Although a penthouse suite with warm beds and beer would be great.

Footsteps threaded across the shards of stones with care. Blitz reached a hand into his coat, gripping the handle of his gun. A young man entered, dressed in a red jacket and black trousers. The long red staff and blue bandana gave a sense that he wasn't one of the homeless people. Not to miss the eagerness and strength radiating from his eyes. The presence of a hero.

They traded a nod, enough of a greeting between men. The lad raised a hand. "Yo, the name's Sho Hakua. What's yours?"

"Blitz Talker. So you're the new guy?"

"I guess I am." Sho took a glance around the remains of a room. Before it was blown up, it had been a small library. Nothing of its books remained, just a piece of wood from the shelf which he used as an impromptu bench. "How long have you been here?"

"A while now, enough to make me start worrying if my partner is managing to get the bills paid."

Sho chuckled. "If that's what you're thinking, that's just the worst of priorities."

"A man must always handle the bills. That's what women always think of us to be. Breadwinner and manual labour when it comes to it."

The blonde cracked a laugh. "That's one hell of a life you have there old man." Blitz felt a small rumble across the other side of the ruins. The new guy turned towards it before gesturing with a finger. "What's with the noise over there?"

Blitz returned to his smoke. "The Princess decided to get a few extra hands."

Sho raised an eye. "A few hands? What in the world are they doing there?" Another rumble, stronger and faster.

Blitz finished the cigarette and tossed it aside. "Beats me. The other guy had been quite mum about it." The man turned towards him. "A loner kind. He's an odd guy, staying near the broken chapel tower."

"Are you heroes so depressing as it is?"

Blitz chuckled at the thought. A bunch of heroes made close to miserable homeless people who can't even afford to rent a house. If his Creator was around, he'd probably turn it into comedy. "Well kid. We're a pretty grim lot. I did hear she's getting another one. Hopefully someone more sociable."

"I see." Sho glanced around the building as the rumbles died down. "So that counts for we have? What a small bunch we are."

"There was supposed to be one more. Where she is currently is none of my business." Blitz lit another cigarette. A celebration for the situation they're in, maybe.

"All I care is finding my target." Sho spun the staff around his hand. "I'll do what needs to be done, just make sure I get my revenge."

Another hothead or maybe he's getting the wisdom old men must receive. "Just hold your horses. You'll find him soon enough. Stick to the Princess's plan. She knows everything that's going on. The right moment will come."

"Sure, sure. In the meantime, I'll see what this world is all about. Find my God too, I will have him answer for this." Sho disappeared into the rain as Blitz took another puff. At least it won't be as quiet now. Another rumble before a wall shattered into large chunks. Right.

Emiya settled the cup of tea as Beethoven played in the background. A rare time to have peace and quiet these days. Today he was going to cover another agenda within today's plan. Nestled into his seat by the computer, he opened the Internet browser and searched for stories. About Emiya Shirou.

Kid mentioned they were called Fan fiction. Emiya didn't have much opportunity to enjoy reading as a hobby. Most of his reading had been for school since he had a part time job and other responsibilities as part of the Emiya household. The web page scrolled, hundreds of hits. The number of stories that exist are astounding. All of them, fictions of their own. Made by the fans of his story to cover their own interest and thoughts.

There were several websites that offered answers. There were two major contenders. One website coloured in red and sophistry. The other in blue was much simpler and easier to handle. Emiya decided to work with both to look around for options. Getting around the websites weren't too complicated but needed a bit of nudging around to find what he was looking for.

Surely there wouldn't be much about him. The search filter finished processing and a flood streamed in. Hundreds of titles involving his existence, thousands more if it wasn't focused on him. That didn't include these crossovers with other worlds.

It would be a joke if this world was a crossover as well.

The story referred to both his past and current self. Facing adversity that nobody could. Fighting and survive for all different motivations. Justice, duty, love and family. He remembered the Einzbern girl, his stepsister.

Each of these stories had different directions. Countless branches within the trees of Fate and beyond. A life beyond the world of swords.

An alternate universe created from the butterfly effect.

Another revisit of the Holy Grail War

The Sixth Holy Grail War

Travelling back in time to Camelot

A crossover into a world of Gods and God Slayers.

A crossover into the Digital world.

A crossover into a world of Angels and Devils

A crossover into world of Wizards

Each story had a trip to somewhere new. If that crackhead meant it right, what he wanted was here. Emiya didn't like the assessment. Far too time consuming. Taking a moment to recollect, Emiya sought for an easier approach.

The filter proved to be his best tool in this task, isolating the best to his prescribed criteria. Cutting down the number of options. Reading through the stories were a breeze with Reinforcement. What would have taken hours had been cut to a third of the time. There was an occasion where he slowed down to enjoy the words.

The worlds that had a form of peace, a moment of solitude were the best. A craving long wanting. A life he will never have, yet could only live within the minds of others.

The phone rang. "Yes, Madam Director?"

"Archer, we have found some details about Altair that can be useful."

"Got it. I'll meet you later as planned then."

There was another story that have been caught by the filter. He checked at the summary. It was surprisingly short and the premise appeared interesting, involving interactions between him and Cu Chulainn. Why is there a title for smut? A mouse click after, he regretted the decision. God forbid his eyes to burn in acid.

I'm going to kill that Kid.

Emiya walked into the conference room at behest the call of Meteora. Everyone was gathered there. A projector was running with a blank screen. Meteora proceeded with the news. "I have bad news."

Emiya commented. "Altair's back. A new creation. Someone launched nuclear missiles. How bad can it be?"

"Chikujoin has murdered another person again." The projector displayed the body of a man hanging from a ceiling in a bright room. "We are trying to figure out where the murder has taken place."

"Another one. She's really excited to keep blood running." Mirokuji spat.

"What's so important that you need all of us here?" Emiya asked. One girl's killing spree didn't warrant bringing the entire team here.

Meteora nodded to Nakanogane whom opened another picture. "The murder was addressed to us. There's a demand written on the body." The picture switched to another view, focusing on the wall behind the body. Blood had been used to scribble the message on the white wall.

I want to meet Archer

Kanoya frowned. "Really strange request there. Why kill someone to get the point across?"

"A warning. She doesn't want us to ignore it. Otherwise she'll continue killing until we accede to her demands," Selesia said.

Mirokuji spat. "Bitch. That is just sick."

"Very well. If she wants to meet me and die, then we will do as she says," Emiya said. End the annoying insect biting at their heels.

Kanoya asked. "How are we going to give her the message?"

The Kid answered. "Sota Mizushino. She had a way to contact you right?" Mizushino nodded.

"Call her." Selesia said.

Mizushino dialled the number and placed it on loudspeaker. They gathered around the phone as it rang. After a few tries, it answered. "Magane Chikujoin here. Leave a message after the beep. Beep."

Meteora said. "Don't fool around. We know you're there."

"My message? What message? Ohh, you mean that. That's just a prop."

"A corpse for a prop. You're crazy." Selesia hissed.

"I've met my fair share of villains but I never had one as a fan." Emiya crossed his arms together.

"Eh, you must be Archer isn't it? That hurt. I'm like a really big fan of yours."

Emiya took point for the discussion. "You have my attention. Why do you want to meet me?"

"I can't tell that here. It's too private you see. I mean, how can a girl speak her heart out to a group of people on the phone. Kyaa."

"Enough games Magane. This has to stop." Meteora said.

"How can I stop? It's like a life. I can't stop thinking or living wouldn't it not?" A pause from her. "Meet me at the building under construction at Nihonbashi tonight. Just him alone."

"You'll know where to find me." Emiya said.

"Sure. Catch you at our date, honey." The sound of a smooch before the call ended.

Selesia was equally disgusted from the result. "What is her motive with Archer?"

"She said once to me, that Archer has something she wants," Sota said.

Kid suggested. "Would that be a weapon? Archer has countless weapons after all."

"She stole Hangaku from me. I doubt she'd need more weapons than she can handle. Sure she's not screwed right in her head but a massacre killing spree isn't her main motivations."

Kanoya put up another idea. "Manipulation? Something only Archer can do?"

Meteora rested a finger under her chin. "She can change the rules of reality, I doubt that's the right answer."

"Who knows what goes on in her mind?"

"No, it's one of Archer's abilities. She said something about that when we talked for the first time."

Emiya tapped a finger along his arm. "I have a faint idea. I'll confirm it when we meet."

Meteora outlined a plan. "Archer will enter the building and wait for Magane. The rest of us should stay together for the time being. Meanwhile, Mirokuji and Selesia will be nearby to provide backup."

Mirokuji nodded. "I'm all eager for payback."

Emiya shook his head. "No, I'll handle it alone."

Mirokuji frowned. "Why the hell not? Sure you can beat her with all your magic but don't be fooled by her feint."

Kid protested. "Yeah, at least take Siegfried. He shouldn't be detectable in spirit form."

"I have no intention of underestimating her," Emiya said. "She won't appear with you people even if you're hidden. Her senses are good like a fox. Siegfried may be invisible but you on the other hand kid fail at sneaking around." Kid twitched at the sting. "Second, I work better alone. If it comes to it, you can put something to monitor us. I don't think she'll mind that, in fact she'll relish it."

"Very well. Mirokuji and Selesia will wait with us. I'll get Kikuchihara to arrange what we need."

Rui Kanoya yawned as he reached opened the door to the roof. Selesia and the others would be going out to the battle. Gigas Machina was horribly unsuited for the upcoming task. It gave him a little time to enjoy the moment. The moon was visible tonight, standing amongst its own. Much easier to see it compared to his world where the tall towers covered it most of the time. A small breeze brushed his neck. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed wind.

He noticed another person sitting by the edge. Rui walked closer to see Yuya having a can of beer. "What are you doing?" Yuya gave a wave with a finger before returning to his drink. "There's no need to look down."

"Nah, just been thinking." Yuya said as Rui took a seat beside him. "She taken a curse from me. Not sure if that is bad luck or a blessing."

"Why do you call it a curse?" Rui had read a little of Yuya's story in the brief free time available. Hangaku was strong and obedient. It could suffer damage and be removed from a fight but it couldn't be killed.

Yuya crushed the empty can and tossed it to join the other four. "I'm supposed to be stuck with Hangaku for life. No way to get rid of her from me."

"Hangaku follows your orders isn't it?"

"Hangaku's a spirit. She shouldn't be sticking around with me forever. The dead should be resting in peace, not taken to fights one after another."

"Hmm, that is quite complicated. I do understand your point." The pilot laid back onto the ground. The stars were bright tonight. "If you have a choice, do you want Hangaku?"

"I'd prefer not to but given the situation with Altair, I think I will need her help." Yuya reached for another beer. "The hothead was right, I don't know much about sword fighting and thats probably why I depend too much on Hangaku to work things out for me." The man offered one to the pilot whom promptly refused. "Despite my beef about it, Hangaku's my responsibility so I got to handle it right and proper once I get her back. Enough about me. Why are you here?"

"Same old not allowed to do anything. What a pain." Kikuchihara had been rough on that since the fight. Third time's the charm and the machine had been hidden into another warehouse. "Back in my world, things were a lot easier to deal with. People were used to having aliens appearing out of the blue."

"Your God had planned it after all. It'd get bad ratings if it showed the reality of such fights."

"Of course. Still I'd prefer that." Rui lied back onto the floor. The floor was still warm. "The guy may have put me through some hardship, a lot of it actually but at least he cares unlike your Creator."

"I don't want to be thinking of him. He's one hell of an asshole, focused so much on those bloody papers."

"Isn't it like trying to give you life by working hard at it? Moving our stories forward so that we can actually enjoy our lives?"

"Maybe. Is that what these peeps call 'Tsundere'?"

"Beats me."

Emiya had to agree that Magane's choice was well suited against him. A construction yard in midst of building a multi storey apartment. It had been sealed off but given the amount of machinery, debris shielded away behind the construction tarps it would difficult to take advantage of his longer range abilities.

Her weapons mean little to the Counter Guardian. He saw her sitting down at the highest level of the construction, waving her legs along the winds. She noticed his landing on the same girder and hopped to her feet. "Finally, I'm been bored waiting you see."

Emiya stepped along the long narrow path. Each step of boots clinked with the metal below. "Here I am. You've made many people crazy just to see me."

She beamed in response. "Oh, they're nothing to bother about. They've been so boring these days."

"I am not intending to be your entertainment. You want to talk then talk."

"I've been reading up on you, Shirou Emiya. Your history is really interesting. A young boy who wanted to be a hero of justice. Most girls would fall heads over heels for such a thing."

Emiya primed a blueprint. "A fan girl. You'd be the most annoying one I've heard."

"Ah, that was such a let down. You see. I heard of many type of abilities, even more now thanks to manga. They are such a blessing. So many Gods and their Creations that it doesn't make sense."

"Yours didn't make the most sense." He tried to goad her out of it and waited.

She paused before her lips twisted into a thin lipped smile. "Not interested to talk? I thought you were a man of pride. The big hero of justice."

"If you know my story, you would have known I am a man without pride. What kind of fan are you?" Emiya jabbed back.

"Hmm, is that so? I think not because your swords are made quite to perfection you see. Recreation of a weapon down to its exact history is something nobody can do. Shouldn't you be proud of that?"

Emiya projected Kanshou behind his back. "They are not my pride. They are weapons of legend handed down to me."

"Handed down to you? Why not just give them to me?" He answered by throwing the sword. It sliced through a piece of scaffold before stabbing into the wall. Magane raised a brow to that. "Nice try."

The brow widened into a bright smile. Magane shuffled her hips before ducking under flying Bakuya. "Ah, now you've made me fall for you. Oh great hero, wouldn't you save the damsel in distress?"

This woman is quite a jester. He heard there was a similar clown in his own universe. "When the damsel is the killer, I think that is yet to be decided."

"Wow, nice save there. You've must have prepared very well. Did that Meteor girl teach you how to control yourself? Like the monks with those glowing laser swords?"

Emiya spun, fresh copies blocking the beheading. Twin blades screeched against the long naginata of Hangaku. The spirit's gaze hidden underneath the blinds met his, trepidation coursing through.

He shot backward, spinning around to cleave Magane in half. She was gone, dropping under to the next level. He grabbed the handle bars and vaulted down in pursuit. Emiya pressed a hand to the structure. Trace on. "I have prepared. You're wasting my time."

"So boring. How would a boring man like you entertain a girl that way?" Her voice echoed across the concrete pillars and flat Blueprints of the building filled the mind with clarity. She was hiding on the other end of the building.

Emiya threw the pair of swords towards the girl as reinforcement took hold. "You've gone far enough." Shooting across the floor, four copies swung to reach the girl.

Magane bent and twisted her body, dodging the swords. Unprofound agility pushed her aside, dodging the final swing. Hangaku appeared again in a slashing strike. Emiya jumped over both the attack and Hangaku. Kanshou and Bakuya spun in the momentum in a simultaneous counter.

He felt resistance in his blades as they tore at the spiritual skin. There was no hesitation in counter his next attack for the back. Blue blood soaked the cloth along its arm.

Magane's voice was a soft echo. "Stop. Somewhere inside this place is a room. That dark musty place has a family. There's also a monster inside. If you try anything against me, I wonder what could happen."

Emiya narrowed his eyes as he slammed the naginata backwards. With breather space, Structural Grasp spread its tendrils along a metal pillar. "Your words would not work against me."

Hangaku held back as Magane continued to speak. "If not yours, what about your friends? Would you be so cruel to sacrifice human lives when they are so innocent? That would be quite a bad hero isn't it?"

Emiya found the room in the lower levels of the building. Two adults and an infant were inside. "Collateral. That's the price of a hero." He said.

"Are you sure about your comrades waiting somewhere? How would they think if they see this great man of theirs kill innocent beings? Calling them collateral is so insulting. Just like trash, isn't it no?"

"They won't be able to hear you and their concern is not mine to care."

"Your voice sounds so…certain. You've already had plans to betray them, didn't you?"

Emiya studied the spirit. Its empty gaze through the blinds gave it no sense of sentience. How would Rule Breaker work against Hangaku? "Nice idea. Maybe I should follow that. That would stir things up in this entire mess."

"Ohoho, the Red Betrayer, that is a cool nickname you can get. I mean you've done it not once but several times already. What's another one to you, hmm?"

"I'm curious so to speak. Why are you so eager for Unlimited Blade Works?" Emiya turned towards the footsteps at the other end.

Magane pressed a finger to her cheek, eyes turned away in thought. "Hmm, that's a hard question to answer." She tilt her head. "Super powers are common in the dusk, making an entire world though, that's something new."

"Why do you need a world of graves?"

She waved a hand. "Beats me. I want it first, then who knows what I'll do with it. Life of a fancy girl after all."

No cues for a trap. The girl kept running from his attacks. Hangaku was not going to defeat him but it interfered too much. By the time he finished it, the girl would escape. Unless they're in a place that cannot give her a chance. Two birds in one stone.

"If you are really that interested, I'll just show you." Reality will survive his anomaly, more so if he kept it brief. "I am the bone of my sword." Magane's smile widened as he invoked the arias. Like a little girl given her very plaything. "Ara, ara. It's time for the big thing! Is there any popcorn with it?"

"So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works." The world transformed into his realm.

Magane squinted at the far horizon of the endless dune of red soil. "Woo. It's so realistic. I mean even my feet get all dusty from the sand. You really need to clean this place up."

Emiya towered her from the little hill. This world is his domain and the the woman shall be punished. "This entire world is made of swords. It isn't a power that is harnessed. It's not just a special thing that can be taken because of one fact."

"It is born from the soul." Emiya raised his arm. Swords rose from their graves. "This Marble Reality will be your cage. And your end." The arm went down and it rained of swords.

Author's Notes: Good day and thank you for reading Beyond Worlds.

The original six month timeline made me wonder about Altair's proactiveness originally. They had no incentive to wait that long. It was up to Meteora's team to roll the ball to buy that time in my opinion. Magane was another outlier as well, not the one to just wait things happen.

While Magane has tendencies and desires that rise and go random, I felt on a similar note how the government weren't trying that hard to find her considering the potential risk she carries and also the fact that she already murdered at least two people.

Kazuko, Yeah. I once thought of a potential branch in order to open up further for Yuya, Kanoya and Selesia but it was just worth a small arc which in overall hindsight doesn't add much. Considering the additional fact it would probably drive the story further away from Emiya.

Trying to envision Kinoko Nasu was a tough process given such little information beyond his blogs and interviews. Adding to the lost nuances due to translation, some guesswork had to carry the rest. A man of great dedication but humbling in his own way. Pride for his work yet hallows it all the same. At times, I wonder how similar we are when I try to do some personality assessment. Over assuming much perhaps. Perhaps.

Regards

MarksmanKNG