Chapter 15: Heated Bliss

The clock struck twelve midnight. Sota's eyes glued to the displays of the construction site. There wasn't anything worth seeing from outside the building. The microphone from the drone wasn't picking up anything. A long quiet silence with the occasional drumming of the fingers along the table.

On the edges of his sight, he noticed the others waiting with similar situation. Yuya and Kanoya playing with cards, although slow and at times distracted. Meteora were in deep discussion with Kikuchihara regarding several matters. Selesia was chatting with Siegfried about small talk.

Hideaki was also staring at the screen. Said senior noticed his glance before returning it. Nothing was spoken before he turned back towards the screen for an answer. No change.

Sota broke the silence. "It's been a long wait. Do you think he's alright?"

"Don't worry too much. That man knows how to take his time." Selesia quipped.

Whip cracked against the air. Mirokuji turned around and was surprised to see a familiar face. "Hangaku's back." Relief grew amongst the others.

"The rules of reality she reversed are restored to form." Meteora explained. Sharp shearing sounds of metal from the microphone before a figure appeared from the building. Said Counter Guardian waved a hand, a phone in the other. The phone on the table rang.

Kikuchihara set it to speaker mode before Archer reported. "It is done. She is no more. I will require a cleaning detail."

"Understood. Please return back. We need to debrief the situation." Archer acknowledged before ending the call. Kikuchihara nodded before moving to distribute orders.

"Glad that's over." Kanoya sighed.

Sota didn't know what he should feel. Glad? Relieved? Free? Sota noticed he wasn't the only one having the problem. Meteora asked. "Hideaki, is something wrong?"

"In a way, yes." Hideaki said. "While she is vicious and manipulative, her philosophy had merit, at least part of it."

Meteora assured. "Do not fall to her trap. The way she lives is built based on contradiction and fallacies. All of them serve for her selfish reasons."

Hideaki paused before answering. "You're right. We've won but it felt so hollow."

"It was never meant to be a victory. This is just a closure for a person that has fallen far from the acceptable constructs of humanity."

Mirokuji leaned against the wall and reached for a cigarette. "Don't think too much about it kiddo. It is just like putting down a rabid dog. You might not like it but it needs to be done."

"Right."

Meteora nodded. "Mirokuji is correct. Now moving on the situation, the Bird Cage Plan must continue. Having Mirokuji's powers restored will benefit us but its up to the Creators to do the final touches."

Despite their assurances, Sota didn't feel any better.

Alicetaria February observed the craftsmen below staring at the broken mess of this place called a construction site. Out of sight, she watched them carefully try to understand the broken pieces before being informed by the local arbiters to drop the issue.

Magane Chikujoin is no more. Alicetaria knew of the girl's demise when the she seen a broken battlefield. The people within were summed it up into intentional sabotage or vandalism. Those with the truth knew better. None of Altair's. Chikujoin's remains weren't to be seen with the exception of the stains of blood and its lingering smell.

Alicetaria surmised the girl had fallen during streak of fun doing whatever of interest. However this has presented another challenge. Without the trickster to play her role, the war had been streamlined. That woman's power was incomprehensible. Everything that she needs is in her grasp.

Strength and weapons would not win a war against one armed for breaking the fabric called reality. The knight knew that other means are necessary. It's a pity these heroes had thrown them away. Undeterred, she will need to make new preparations. There isn't much time left. The others will hear her words through her God.

Daichi opened the door into the interrogation room. The place was clean as it had been. Cold hugged onto his skin as footsteps erased the silence. Its sole occupant silent at the table. Daichi approached and placed a bag of snacks on table. A quick glance at the glass window told him nothing about the officer's face behind it.

Kazuko's face was unreadable as shrunken eyes continued to stare at the table. Daichi opened the bag and pulled out a pair of yakisoba buns. He placed one across him. "Have they been treating you well?"

A few moments before the fellow student answered. "Why are you here?"

Daichi propped the green tea next. "I've come to visit. Not like you'd want it or anything but its the only courtesy I can give."

"It's decent." Kazuko reached out to the yakisoba, still warm from the convenience store down the street. He opened the plastic before taking a sniff.

Daichi raised a brow. "It's not poisoned or included with any magic if that's what you're thinking." Kazuko gave a faint smile before taking a bite. "Still, that's good to hear. Story in school's going that you're very ill with something contagious. They're hoping that you'll be back soon."

"I see." Kazuko reached for the tea. "Why do you visit me when there's nothing for you to gain from me?"

"True, I might not be able to convince you from your hellbent ways. However it doesn't mean we aren't friends."

"While that may be a fact but we're also enemies."

"Only if you want it to be that way. I don't."

"You've always been the one too far optimistic."

"I'm the one trying to be a hero, aren't I?" Daichi chuckled.

Kazuko took a swig of tea and a moment to ponder. Daichi waited, taking his own cup of tea in silence. Their eyes stared as they finished the food and drinks without a word said. Putting away the plastic wrappers, Daichi asked. "What's the story behind it all? The reason you hate the government."

"One does not simply pry secrets from a man."

"Is it a secret to begin with? Was it something that shameful to talk about?"

Kazuko eased into the chair. "You're right. In contrast to everything that could happen in the world, it may not be significant. However, it is all that matters to me." He leaned forward onto the table. "I'll indulge you a little. The reason I hate them the most, the reason I have a vendetta against the government, against the adults for they betrayed me when I needed them the most."

"How?"

"Six years ago, my parents and I were supposed to take a trip to Nagano. A few hours drive through the mountains, nothing special." Kazuko closed his eyes before continuing. "We had an accident and got trapped inside the car. I was unhurt besides a few bruises."

"The car had plummeted into a forest and become stuck. We waited for rescue on hopes someone would notice the accident and call for help. My parents were always assuring that they are on the way. The government would know about it and save them. The adults would handle everything." Kazuko leaned back against the chair. "There was no rescue. We waited for a day but nothing arrived. I didn't know then my parents were injured. If I knew, something could have been done."

"Two days after the accident, they found us. Only I survived."

Daichi felt pity to the friend sitting in front of him. Survivor's guilt, a path with similar challenges just like him. "Because of that, you hated the government because they didn't help in time."

Kazuko sighed. "It may have been a fussy reason but it didn't matter to me. All I wanted was a reason. Just one reason."

"I don't know the right answers to that." Daichi gave a sigh of relief. "However, I feel that this isn't something to be kept bottled up inside or it will consume you."

"Humans aren't that accommodating to one another."

Daichi shrugged. "Maybe yes, maybe no. However that's what makes each of us so different and why we want to achieve our own individual dreams. Feeling better?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. Still a long way to go if you want to get me to tell the answers, hero."

Daichi cracked a smile. "I do what I can. After all, convincing you is harder than convincing a rock."

Kazuko met it with his own. "You bet it is. Otherwise I'd be too gullible for my capabilities."

Daichi stood up. "It's time to go. I do hope that you'd change your mind." He gave a mock salute before leaving the room.

"We'll see." The door closed shut behind him.

Daichi turned and entered the investigation room next door. Kikuchihara was waiting by the desk. "Hideaki, interesting way you've went about it this turn."

"It's a lot easier when I don't need to convince him." He decided to ask. "Ms. Kikuchihara, what will happen to him?"

"We plan to keep things quiet. I've offered him freedom once the crisis is over provided he informed us where to find the files. With this detail, we might be able to find an avenue to convince him."

That'll be quite a while. "I want to thank you for being lenient for him."

She smiled. "The law may be firm but sometimes we need to let our hearts guide us."

"Thank you for your time. I'll take my leave." Everything was going to turn out well. It came to mind. Turning around, he asked. "On second thought, I need another favour. I'd like to speak with Kinoko Nasu."

"Matsubara, I'm thinking of adding this scene here to make Kanoya and Mirokuji closer in the story like what we have in this world."

"A good idea. That would help the acceptance and not make the sudden bond too jarring.

"How do we get them to know each other since there shouldn't be that much time between the portal?"

"We done one scene for the overall introduction. I think we can stretch that part of using this part of the sidestory to make it work."

Sota watched the group of Creators working at the white board. Matsubara circled at the flowchart with a black marker pen. "This next part is going to be a problem. What can we change to fix this?"

Nakanogane pointed at the centre of the chart. "Maybe we could try to add another scene about Selesia and Meteora meeting up. That way it'd make sense for them to team up."

Matsubara hummed. "That would be redundant. We already have the first story with both their arcs in place holding that idea in place." He squeezed some scribble at the tiny portion of open space on the board. "How about this?"

Yatoji studied the idea. "Better but we could add a bit more suspense to it. They shouldn't be allowed to bond up so easily. A bit of conflict should intensify the emotions. Earn the reader's interest."

"Aha, the rubber banding idea. How about some foreshadowing here to build that part for it?" Nakanogane underlined one of the points in the chart.

"How would that fit with the other team?"

"Not too sure Matsubara. Knowing how they work though, they'll probably try to make it more dangerous for Archer and Siegfried and separate them from Chaldea on a temporary basis."

Yatoji took his own pen and began squeezing some text. "If that's the case, this might be able to work. If we also tweak this part here…"

Suruga spoke from behind, catching Sota's attention. "They're getting much better this time."

That's right. They've been butting heads before but now they're working like a team. The idea elated Sota as he answered Suruga. "Yes they are. If we can keep up this momentum, we might be able to do something better."

Suruga smiled. "If that's the case then I can't lose as well." She returned to her drawing, the strokes of her pen becoming stronger and faster.

The trio were oblivious to the spectacle they were creating. It felt exciting to stand amongst them. Striking their ideas off each other, creating something unique.

The excitement turned back towards himself. He had a chance now. Something to grow further in his direction. All it needed was to accept it and step forward. Doubt was asking him to step away. They're too busy. Disturbing them would affect the entire project. Asking them for something selfish would be bad.

Doing nothing though would be just as bad. There isn't time to think about it. Otherwise he'll find some excuse to get away, spinning a full circle. It's either he does it or don't. Sota realised someone was missing.

Marine wasn't at her work desk. The art she had been working on had been left there since half hour ago. Where did that woman go? He decided to find her. That would be something better than waiting for an answer. Hopefully she isn't crying again. Sota left the room and walked along the corridors. Evening was approaching as people left for the work.

The other Creations were busy with closing up the case about Magane and also researching about Altair and the other heroes. Sota realised that he hadn't worked much on schoolwork. He'll need to clear those out tonight to avoid any trouble the next day.

Sota blinked when he was standing inside the stage. Thoughts had occupied him too much and he absent minded walked to this place. The stadium was empty and the lights turned off for there wasn't any event expected tonight.

Sota leaned against the railing. Gentle little brushes of wind felt good. Watching the darkening field below had a slight calm to it. He noticed a particular woman sitting by the seats near the top. A few steps away, he called out. "Marine, is everything alright?"

The brown haired girl turned around. Fortunately he didn't see any tears. "Ah Sota, sorry. I was busy clearing my mind." Marine said.

"If that's the case, then it's alright." Sota took a seat beside her. "I was just worried since you weren't in the room for awhile."

"Sorry for that. I didn't notice it was that long. The sunset here was beautiful to not enjoy it." The surrounding lights began to turn on.

Sota took a seat beside her and agreed. A quiet moment as they watched pairs of light flicker on, banishing away the shadows with each click. A particular thought came to mind. Better now than never. "Marine, I have a request."

Marine turned towards him. "What would that request be about?"

"Well, uh…" Sota couldn't find the right words.

Marine stood up before bowing. "I'm sorry. I cannot accept your confession."

"Huh?" Sota blinked. What is this about a confession?

"Isn't that what you're trying to say?" Sota shook his head. Red grew on her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I assumed it to be that way." Tiny hands shied her face away from view. "I've really gone into the deep end."

Sota chuckled. "I guess that's okay. I want to ask you for something." The tension between them was gone. The words flowed easily. "Can you teach me? Teach me your skills on how to draw."

"Ah, that's something unexpected. Why do you want to learn under me? Suruga would be a better teacher."

"I guess it's because your art has a different feel to it. The bright warmth within it. Suruga's art is also excellent but I don't think it would suit me very well."

"Thank you for the compliment. I really am glad to hear that." Marine pulled at a sleeve. "I will teach you. However you have to be ready for it."

Sota smiled as he stood up to join his teacher. "How soon should we start tomorrow?"

"We can begin tomorrow. Prepare yourself for a thousand strokes a day."

"Of course."

Emiya closed the book of the latest review. It was a foolish idea to be sitting on the roof when there wasn't a real need for it. JSDF had deployed a good surveillance network with the drones, said coverage including the Government Cabinet. A man like him standing guard was a contradiction against automation despite his enhanced sight.

"Archer-san." He heard a soft timid voice behind him. He turned around to see the young girl, Hikayu Hoshikawa. Like a lost sheep walking towards a wolf.

"What is it?" Emiya raised a brow. The girl stuttered before starting to mumble. "What's with you? Spit it out."

Hoshikawa finished it. "I'd, I'd like to ask for your help."

Warning bells were ringing in his head. "What kind of help?"

Her Creator appeared from behind. He said with a finger, the other hand on the hip. "Ah, you see. We're helping to improve Hikayu's fighting capability. However I think we should have some practice session to put things into gear."

"Find someone else." Emiya didn't like the thought of dangerous collateral watching his back.

Ohnishi interjected. "We tried Siegfried but he was apologising more than actually sparring. Selesia uses a sword and Meteora is a magic user. Your fighting style is probably the best given the weapon she has. I have a present in return for that."

The young girl was a nervous wreck. Damn his Creator for making him so fallible to those eyes.. Emiya sighed. "Very well. Where will we spar?"

Ohnishi rented a dojo in advance for this preparation. Made ad hoc recently to be a training centre for Hoshikawa and the others heroes. It wasn't a big place but the dojo reminded him of the old days in Fuyuki. An era long past for him.

The red archer raised a brow. "Is that your idea of clothes?" Hikayu Hoshikawa was dressed in a red Cheong Sam dress. Skirt too short with exposed shoulders. Half a stocking missing. What kind of a joke is this?

Emiya's stare was disconcerting her given how she was trying to hide her form. Hoshikawa jabbed her finger towards her Creator. "It's not my idea for this getup. It's so embarrassing." He glanced at Ohnishi whom shrugged. It was too late to change it any further.

"I'd put it to good use." Emiya projected the fearful weapon of Homurahara Academy, the Tora Shinai. Prana flushed through the weapon, projecting its sentient bloodlust. "For starters, I'll let you have the first strike."

Hoshikawa gulped back the fear clear in her eyes. She drew upon a nunchaku, the worst possible weapon for a beginner. Setting into a posture, the girl said. "Extreme Final Legend Martial Artist, coming."

Emiya yelled. "Idiot. You don't tell your opponents you're attacking." Hikayu stopped midway and Emiya struck her head. She squeaked in pain as he explained. "Do you even know how to fight in the first place?"

"Sorry." Hoshikawa rubbed her head. "Ohnishi said I would know how to fight once I put this on."

Emiya stared at the Creator whom promptly nodded. "It's perfectly built in as instinct."

Instinct. That alone wouldn't be enough. Emiya lowered the shinai."Hoshikawa, what is your plan to defeat me?" Hoshikawa tilted her head. "Even if you are given the skills to fight, you need to understand your fighting style." Silence was her answer.

Emiya sighed. "Do you know what to do in a fight?" She shook her head. "Do you know my abilities?" Another shake. He struck her leg once. She yelped before rubbing the sore spot.

"Know your enemy and know yourself and you will win a hundred battles, Sun Tzu." Ohnishi said. Emiya glanced at him whom smirked with a raised chin. "That's my job, to know enough so that I can write it out."

He was right after all. Looking at the girl's sorry state, this will be a mess. A lot of work to be done and he'll have to enforce the learning in the quickest way possible, pain. Time passed like a slug as he embedded the lessons onto the young disciple.

"You left yourself exposed." A blow to the stomach.

"Watch your footing." A twist, throwing her off her feet.

"Don't leave any open spots." Tap to the head.

Emiya turned to the clock. Past half hour of practice had been disappointing. The sparring had been closer towards complete bullying. Hikayu massaged her bruises as Emiya added another number to her supposed death count. Sixty seven. Yes, he had that much leeway to actually count. Emiya sighed. "This isn't working." She wouldn't survive three minutes. That instinct of hers wasn't coming out.

Hoshikawa said. "I know I'm new to this but isn't this a bit harsh?"

That had set the Guardian off. She'll never grow this way. Final step. "Fine. I'll escalate this." Emiya dismissed the shinai and called for Kanshou. An injection of killing intent into his gaze and the girl froze. "If you do not fight seriously, you will die." In the corner of his gaze, Ohnishi turned pale. The girl squeaked. "Fight for your life." The girl turned and ran screaming for the door.

Emiya primed his circuits and moved. Split second, he was on the other side, cutting off her escape. "Run all you like but you won't survive by running." Another dose of killing intent. "Come at me little girl." No way out, the panicked girl fumbled for her weapon. "That's more like it. Show me what you can do."

She screamed as a cornered rat. A careless swing, a step back enough to dodge. A few strikes came forth, each just as unwieldy as its owner. Emiya stepped back, taking time to find the perfect entry. There. Stepping under her swing, he reached in and stabbed. The edge of the sword grazed along the side of her head before his feet stomped her away. She collapsed onto the ground as a few strands of her hair fell to the ground. Just as intended.

Hoshikawa climbed to her feet as Emiya lunged in front of her, weapons discarded behind him. Her arms parried the flying kick, pushing her to skid across the wood. A flurry of blows struck along her side before his fist was stopped in its tracks. She grunted in pain as the martial artist closed in with an elbow blow.

Emiya stepped back, feeling the whisk of air passing by his lips. Leaping back, he called forth his twin swords to parry the nunchaku. Each weapon met its pair. A twirl of chains against the spinning swords in a rhythm of death. Every blow intensified the dance, rising closer towards the crescendo. Both pairs met each other, blasting a gust of air surrounding the warriors.

A pair of hands clapped, prompting them to turn and see Ohnishi nodding in approval. "Wow, I'm impressed." Emiya lowered his weapons, prompting the girl to do the same.

"Ow…" Hoshikawa rubbed a hand along her side. It was assuring to know she could withstand reinforced blows even if his fists are subpar.

"That's much better." Emiya noted the bag of drinks. He grabbed two and tossed her a bottle. "Get yourself a drink."

Hoshikawa drank the bottle to the last drop. "I didn't know how it happened. It just clicked." She tilted her head. "Why are you standing like that? Aren't we done?"

She felt dangerous intent. "Who said we are stopping?" The budding warrior shrieked. There remains much to do. Only to allow this girl to survive on a hanging thread.

"Are we there yet?"

"No." Selesia wanted Kanoya to shut that incessant rambling. Meteora ought to be in here instead of the other car. "For the last time, we'll be there when we're there."

"Right." Kanoya sighed. "I wish we could just fly over in Gigas Machina." The pilot was definitely not used for such long journeys in the van.

"We talked about this. Flying across the country with a big giant mecha is asking for the world to see it."

"Yes, yes, then you're going next to say about where we going to store it in a nice quiet place bla bla bla."

"Then you realise the point of talking this out." If only Yuya wasn't busy napping.

"Doesn't mean I can't voice it out again. I'm bored as hell. We would have been there in just a half hour instead of three. More time to enjoy the day you know. I mean, look at it. The sun looks great. It would be a letdown if we get there by the time it sets."

Selesia glanced at the car's clock. Nine in the morning was plenty of time for the day. "We're almost there. Just bear with it a bit longer." The pilot said nothing more as the journey continued.

A short time passed before they saw the far edges of brown sand. Marine said while leaning against the window. "Wow, the beach looks good." Selesia pulled the car over by the parking spot available. Yuya woke up and stretched as Kanoya sprinted down the beach.

"Finally we're here." Kanoya tossed his shirt aside and rolling about in the sand. Selesia shook her head at the antics. The swordswoman was glad the drive was done. Being cooped up too long in the driver's seat wasn't uncomfortable but the pilot has been a pain to drive around with. This is the right time to totally unwind and relax.

It was hard holding back herself, it's been ages since she visited the beach! Clear blue waves crashed into the long banks of sand that couldn't reach deep enough to the higher ground. She took off her slippers and rubbed the warm sands between her toes. She yelled before reaching into the car for her things. "Hey, don't get too far ahead of yourself."

"Oi, where's Matsubara and the others?" Napping guy finally asked the question.

Marine said. "The others will be here in the afternoon. They were screaming about meeting the deadline." The artist had been working harder in order to get the chance to get the chance to join the morning group.

Archer's car lined up beside them. Siegfried appeared on top of the car as Hideaki and Meteora disembarked from the back. Selesia waved as the girls went towards the changing rooms. "We'll catch you guys later."

By the time they were back, the guys had setup two parasols alongside each other. A few blankets laid ready and two large ice coolers for drinks of the day. Yuya tossed his shirt before popping open a can of beer. A sigh from his lips. "Ah, this is good stuff. Hey, you look overdressed for today."

Yuya's words was an understatement. Archer had been dressed in a sleeveless red shirt with a matching cap to boot. Long blue jeans made it clear he's definitely not going into the waters. He hefted a rod in hand and haversack in the other. "I'll join you guys later."

Selesia hummed. "Loner." He said nothing.

"Well, everyone has their own thing." Yuya stretched his muscles. Wow, he looks sexy.

Sota smiled as he said. "You girls look great." Yes, the effort had been worth it. The black bikini with red frills and a pink skirt to make the perfect match. It'd taken her hours to find it. Meteora, dressed in a purple swimsuit with plentiful of frills said thanks. Marine had a silver one piece which made her red with embarassment.

Yuya whistled. "Yes indeed. Our luck that this place is quiet, otherwise things would be annoying." There were a few other parasols but further down towards the end.

Selesia noticed someone was missing. "Where is Kanoya?"

Sota pointed towards the sky. "I… think he's over there." She squinted at the tiny object, growing larger at a rapid pace.

Isn't…that Gigas Machina? Selesia felt her voice quake. "I told him perfectly clear that we are not bringing that thing over here. How did it even get here?" The swordswoman let her shoulders loose. "I give up."

Archer raised a brow before walking towards the rocks along the side of the beach. "I'll prepare a bounded field to minimise the impact." Finally a man with some sense. Meteora went to join him.

"Please do that before I kill Kanoya." Every sense of energy drained away, leaving her into a dark quiet husk.

"I will talk with him." Yuya offered. She gave thanks before resting onto the sand. The warmth rejuvenated the exhaustion in an instant. She let out a sigh before closing her eyes to get away from this mess. It's going to be a long day.

Marine stretched before sitting up on the blue blanket. The parasol's shade kept the sand warm in the right spot. The waves of sea echoed calm into her mind.

She took a sip of ice cold tea as Archer and Meteora finished their work. The results were instantaneous, the small group of people left. They just packed up and moved away, further down the beach. It was a wonder how magic could work in such seamless manner.

Meteora gave her thanks before the red man disappeared further down the beach. Selesia brightened up as the situation was resolved and called over with a bottle of lotion in hand. "Sota, I could use some help here."

The boy raised a brow. "Where on earth did you learn this habit?"

She dropped onto the blanket with a grin. "When in Romela, do as the Romelias do." The boy chuckled with a shake of the head before walking over to help.

Meanwhile, Hideaki was sorting out the things in the ice cooler. Closing the cover with a satisfied look, he turned towards Saber. "What's wrong?"

Siegfried turned from his long stare to answer. "Sorry Master. I am just not accustomed to this."

Marine licked her lips at the sight. Dressed in simple black shorts, the man projected strength far beyond anything she felt. Contours of his muscles mesmerised her eyes for its allure. Scar in the man's chest disfigured yet masculine. She slapped her face with both hands. It wouldn't work out.

Hideaki shrugged. "It's normal I guess. After all, the idea of having fun this way didn't exist in your time."

Siegfried nodded. "I will try, Master."

Hideaki waved him off. "Don't call me that here. There's no need to be formal."

His Servant nodded. "Yes, Hideaki."

"Nope, just Daichi will do."

"Daichi." Saber said the name several times before nodding.

"Sure, sure. Have fun, however you want Siegfried."

"Oho, what a lucky guy." Yuya hummed before tossing a beachball in his hand. "Come on, let's work out a sweat. I've been sitting around too much these days."

"I'll be the referee." Hideaki offered before climbing up the stand.

"I'm not familiar with the rules." Siegfried said.

Hideaki pointed at the square zone opposite Yuya. "Don't worry. Just don't let the ball fall in that zone using your hands. No catching or holding the ball. We'll take it slow to get you used to it."

Marine expected slow to be relaxing. Cringe crawled down her spine as she saw the match turn into all out war. Movement flickered faster than eye could see. Ball trading sides with such impact.

Siegfried leapt before striking the ball with a force that blew whirwinds. Which promptly exploded the ball. Hideaki hummed before sighing. "I, expected as much."

Yuya barked into laughter. "That's a good one. Good thing I brought spares."

Siegfried's eyes glinted. "Let's have another go." An affirming yell before they started Beach ball war.

"Yo, we're finally here." Nakanogane waved as the beach war concluded in a desolate battlefield of sand. The others in the distance gave a wave, carrying their own parasols for relaxing.

"Finally I have my day off." Matsubara's voice was a whisper. His skin and eyes were devoid of life. Hikayu giggled at the Creator that plopped onto the sand.

Marine raised a finger. "You look worse for wear. Good thing that you're finally here." She noticed missing people. "Where's Yatoji and Ohnishi?"

Suruga plopped onto the sand before reaching for her artboard. "Yatoji said he can't make it. Said deadline was too close for his comfort." She paused. "Ohnishi needed to continue on the development for the fan disk. He wouldn't make it here."

"It feels so bloody hot." Nakanogane wiped sweat off his forehead.

"It is the beach after all." Hikayu pointed out.

"I want to go home now." Nakanogane waved a hand at his face several times.

"You just got here. Come on, have a cold one." Matsubara tossed a drink from the cooler. Nakanogane flicked the tab open and drank it in one go. He slacked onto the sand with a smile. They look so tired. Totally worth rushing it through.

"Look what I got." Marine turned to see Selesia carrying a small box. She opened it and grabbed one of the dozen weapons of mass entertainment. "Water guns for a fun way to cool off."

Meteora picked up one of the little plastic toys. "I think that is a good idea." The new arrivals went to get changed as the two girls filled up their new weapons. Meteora studied the weapon in her hand. "Carrying one of these gives me great temptations." She aimed at Selesia before firing a squirt.

Selesia squealed before firing back. Meteora raised a hand in response. "Reflect shield." Water struck the handheld shield before returning towards Selesia.

Water splattered against Selesia's face. She pouted at the blatant act. "That's cheating."

"It is all fair in a game of wits." Meteora fired her own gun. Selesia twisted, dodging the blast of water. "Do not escape your impending doom."

"Thats what heroes and heroines do." Selesia darted across the water before jumping above Meteora with a shot to the face. Marine giggled as both girls duked it out in a battle for water queen supremacy.

Gigas Machina soared across the waters, its huge engines blasting waves of water across them. Selesia sputtered water before raising a fist at the disappearing robot. "KANOYA! YOU ARE SO DEAD!"

Marine gave an awkward laugh. Maybe the beach wasn't such a good idea.

Emiya watched in silence as the wind breezed against his skin. A hand reached into the jacket, the other against his weapon. Taking it easy, he prepared the bait to the hook as the waves echoed gently against the pier reaching out to the sea.

A familiar presence approached behind him. Kid said. "I didn't think you were much of a fisherman."

Emiya tossed a line from the fishing rod. "I had a quiet taste for it. Lets me think once in a while." Such opportunity was few but it was cherished peace. "I'd take you were dumped today."

Kid shook his head. "Not really. They're sunbathing right now so I thought I'd take a walk."

"Alas another idiot has fallen into the new realm of the dull minded."

"What's that's supposed to mean?" Kid stood beside him. "Ah whatever, I didn't know you were much of a philosopher."

Emiya kept his eye on the line. "Between having some peace and quiet against facing the horrors waiting in the Clock Tower, the former is preferred." Distorted as he was, there was a limit to what insanity he could endure inside the blasted place.

"The horrors? What would be able to scare you there? It wouldn't be the Zelretch isn't it?"

"That crackpot was a prankster, scary from the possibilities of mischief he could pull at you. Rin on a bad morning however, never mind." The lure dipped a little into the water.

Kid cracked into laughter. "Archer, you're really a man that can't handle women well."

"A kettle calling the pot black." Emiya pulled, throwing the fish into the air. It would serve well for dinner. Another six more to feed the monstrous eater of a sage, for the first round.

"It's awfully quiet here despite the three of you are hanging around." Matsubara and Suruga were sitting by the piers doing their thing.

"You know, you're always trying to talk a lot. Is that a thing of yours?" Emiya said as he tossed fresh bait.

"Is that so?" Kid turned towards the other sitting on the other side of the pier. "Isn't it bad to try socialising?"

"If you're not a man to talk, sometimes silence is golden." Emiya chipped in.

"Pfft, you got me there." Kid shrugged before sitting down at the edge. The seawater coasted along the boy's feet. Another tug on the line. "Suruga, you're always drawing."

"Drawing is my life. I can't get around anywhere. The ideas I have is always flowing but I need to put in the effort and practice to grow towards achieving it," Suruga said.

"Drawing is a craftsmanship. Writing and drawing are brothers and sister in that respect." Matsubara raised a can of beer to his lips.

"You looked addicted to writing." Kid pointed to the notebook.

Matsubara's eyes gave an expectant answer. "If you're not addicted to it, you can't survive working in the industry."

"Such dedication. You're all amazing."

"People only think we are because of what we achieved." Suruga kept her eye on the paper. "We're nobodies in the big picture. Its only through blood and effort that we are what we are today."

"An endless journey. Forever working, forever improving in a cycle." Matsubara took another sip.

One must wait continuously, one must pursue endlessly. Emiya remembered words meant for him and yet not. Another path in another time. His thoughts were pulled by the tug of the rod. A quick pull tossed another catch into the open air. Another big one as he reeled it in. Still need five more as a minimum. There was no satiating the black hole of a sage.

Sota sat on the sand as the gentle waters brushed against his legs. Mushy sand in his grip, loosening its heat alongisde the others settling down from the initial fervour. Selesia and Meteora were having some iced shavings by the nearby shop. Matsubara and the others were enjoying themselves by the piers. Kanoya, Hikayu and Marine were snorkeling at some far edges of the sea.

Calm winds cooled along his back as another wave of water soaked his feet. Peace of watching nature at its work. Sota felt slight regrets. If only Mamika and Altair were there to see it.

Sota noticed Yuya and Siegfried returning from their stroll along the beach. Sota waved before being met with a nod from the Servant. "Yo, what's with you sitting all alone here?"

"Nothing particular. Feels nice and quiet watching the sea."

"You have something good going inside your head. Keep at it." Yuya rubbed his neck. "Meantime those girls were such a pain."

Sota tilted his head. Siegfried answered. "They were pestering him for an unclear reason." Sota had a very probable idea. Those men were all muscle. Yuya bared his chest for all to witness the glory. Siegfried had worn a blue shirt but it probably had the opposite effect.

Yuya bumped a fist into Siegfried's shoulder. "Thanks for getting rid of the trouble Siegfried."

Sota turned towards Yuya. "What did Saber do?"

Yuya grinned before giving a slap to the Hero's back. "Joined in the conversation and watch all those ladies swoon over to him. This man's a Casanova I tell you."

Sota blinked. "All of them?" Siegfried nodded.

"I do not understand what they find so interesting about me."

Sota shirked back to answer. Answer's pretty obvious. "Well…There's probably a lot of reasons."

"I mean no insult but there's no immediate benefit in talking with me."

Yuya sighed as he propped a hand on Siegfried's shoulder. "Saber, other men would kill to be in your position."

Siegfried's eyes sharpened. "I have noticed some demeanour from some of the men and kept on guard in case they had hostile intentions." Sota shook his head at the thought. A normal person would certainly be unable to hurt Siegfried. Maybe a comedic moment where the man would be skipping across the sea from the hero's strength.

Yuya cracked a laugh. "That's to be expected. You are strong just like me."

"I am not a strong man. I do only what is asked. A strong man is one who is able to achieve his wishes."

Sota understood the context from the Fate Apocrypha. "You achieved your wish once. You'll do it again."

"I apologise for the pessimism. From my understanding, this Altair is far stronger than anything we've faced before. I would prefer to be certain than to underestimate her."

Yuya grinned. "Well, not the time to think about her. Now I'm up for something icy cold. Let's go bother Metchin for a bit along with it."

"I do not think she would take it lightly at that."

"Let's see her try. You up for some too, Sota?"

"Sure."

Excitement of the dying sunset grew from the sizzling meat settled on an open barbecue. Daichi felt temptation crawled into his nostrils, egging him on to break the ultimate taboo. He leaned over the pit and stretched his chopsticks before a metal skewer stabbed into the sand.

"Do, not, touch." Daichi felt the chef's full blast of the murderous glare. He let go everything and backed away. Nope, nope, nope. Messing with Archer's cooking is really going to get him killed right there and then. Seductive little chicken wings would have to wait until they're fully cooked.

The long table stood out from the open sands, accompanied with white chairs. Yuya took on the job of preparing drinks. Hoshikawa had the unfortunate role of serving the food. The hungry stares was spooked her out. What a pity.

"I don't understand why it's just so good." Selesia squealed after biting into the juicy meat on the yakitori stick. Dinner was on the beach itself. Large varieties of seafood, fruits and vegetables with a rapidly declining stock without thanks to particular person.

"Archer's cooking is the best there is." Nakanogane said, hands busy competing with Meteora, Mirokuji and Kanoya in an impromptu chopstick war. Matsubara and Siegfried were having themselves some major drinking with an icy bucket at their side.

"Where did he learn how to cook like this?"

"I want to take him back home."

Meteora raised another skewer devoid of food. "Your proposition is rejected. Archer must stay with us. Maybe join me in the library later on for culinary research."

"Oi, I'm not some commodity." Archer protested in the background. He had made the area surrounding the barbecue pit off limits. The signboard and barbed wire might be a bit overkill but proved little against the hungry wolves.

Yuya raised a bottle of beer. "You have no right to say that. Your cooking is beyond human and needs to be enjoyed to the fullest. We are truly the luckiest bunch, aren't we?"

Watching the debacle amongst heroes, Daichi couldn't help but feel amused. Laughter drew the attention of the others. Yuya asked with a brow. "What's so funny?"

"Just thinking that a few months ago, we were going about trying to kill each other. Now we're all like old friends."

A cold silence within the group. The sounds remaining were the sizzling and chomping of food from a sage. Selesia shook her head before smiling. "What a way to spoil the mood."

The others eased up. Yuya said while reaching for a piece of fruit. "He's right though. Things have improved for the better. Can't say no to that."

"Altair has united us to be a team to protect this world." Meteora finished eating the last piece of lamb. "To protect the world, we will need to be ready and well fed."

"That's just an excuse so you can have more of them." Archer tossed half dozen pieces of steaks onto the pit. One of the plates was labelled off limits but Daichi noticed a pair of approaching hands. A skewer struck where the hands were, prompting Kanoya into a yell.

Matsubara raised a glass of beer. "A toast, to a brighter futures for all of us. Our own worlds." The others met his with their own glass. Archer continued to hold the fort, raising his from adistance.

"Cheers." Glasses tinkled between the sizzling meat.

Night took over as the embers of coal were put away. Belly full, Daichi plopped onto the warm sand and looked at the glowing stars. Tomorrow it's back to Tokyo and back to the war.

Siegfried sat in the sand beside him. "What is on your mind?"

"Today felt so short."

Matsubara joined, a cold glass in hand. "Time flies whenever we have fun. Well, we've enjoyed what we can. There's always next time."

Selesia propped out some stick fireworks. "I got us something to spark the night with."

Kanoya waved it off. "Puh-lease, that's totally not good enough." He glanced at his watch. "It should be coming on about now…"

A light streaked from the cliffs nearby. An explosion into bright lights. "Wow, fireworks. It's beautiful." A few other surprised sounds as several more joined in cue. A rocket barrage shot into the air, turning night into day with loud spectacles of colours.

"Master, I believe we are under attack."

"Chill, Siegfried. It's just a celebration."

"I apologise."

Selesia tugged at her jacket. "Kanoya, how did you get the stuff?"

Kanoya cracked a grin. "I had Kikuchihara help with that."

The redhead raised a brow. "I don't think she would be so kind to help with that. This isn't part of saving the world." She waved her miniature fireworks. "Besides I don't remember it being in the budget."

The pilot shrugged. "She…doesn't know about it yet."

Selesia frowned while wagging a finger at him. "You're so dead."

Kanoya leaned back into the sand. "Who cares? It's already done. Let's just enjoy tonight." It was later found out that he didn't survive against the Director's wrath.

Daichi turned back towards the Each fireworks represented a hope. A fire that kept going in spite of harsh adversity. A representation of tomorrow. He clenched his fist into the sand. It would be this world's hope.

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

Magane dead, Alicetaria's plan twisted around again. Closing off the open ends of the extra OCs.

Sota and Marine. Emiya and Hikayu. Hilarity ensues.

The trip to the beach was something that came to mind from the ED scenes. Back when I watched it for the first time, I was curious why these scenes weren't used since they provided good avenues to explore. Something less grim while we're at it.

Regards

MarksmanKNG