Chapter 16 : Revision

Selesia Upitiria stared at the enormous number of people. "Wow, there's so many people here." Rows of people blotted out the path towards the large building further down the road.

"I thought your world had a good bunch of people." Nakanogane said while waving a small fan to cool down. The day was a bit hot but it was nothing in contrast to her young days in the Karabian Deserts. Kanoya and Mirokuji didn't seem to mind the heat. Meteora though looked a bit on the lethargic side.

"Earth-Melia didn't have that many people around like that. Sure we have cities and all that but nothing compared to this." Many people were in small groups in the open areas outside the main building barricaded by lines of tape. "What are we doing here anyway?"

Matsubara said. "Check out the sights and sounds. Besides, it's a social experiment Marine wanted to try. She wanted to see if anyone would notice that you're actually real and not a cosplayer."

"Cosplay?" She piqued.

Sota explained. "People pretending to be fictional characters or in other words you guys."

Her excitement deflated. "That doesn't look so fun."

Hideaki added with a raised finger. "Who knows you might find a good looking copy of Charon here."

Selesia turned around, gazing within the crowds. "Charon? Where would I see those?"

"That was quick." Kanoya sighed. He had come dressed in simple jeans and T-shirt. "Hopefully I don't meet one of mine. That'd be way too troublesome to deal with."

Meteora puckered her lips. "There's so many copies of me." The number of white haired girls with the sage garbs. Must have been hot wearing those on a day like this.

Mirokuji raised a brow at his own group of lookalikes. "Why the hell am I here?" He narrowed his brows. "They don't look like me at all."

Nakanogane tried to ease the situation. "Now, now. Perfection isn't everything. It's all about trying your best to be the character."

"Dresing up as Sho ain't going to make you just like as him." Mirokuji tapped him. Was the red bandana and vest the telltale clothes for this 'Sho'? "I can tell you, you're not even close to it." The Creator balked at the sight of the angry antagonist.

"I find that difficult to comprehend as the best would imply perfect accuracy yet it would not be achievable." Meteora defused the growing anger in the man.

Nakanogane nodded in frantic frenzy. "I'll explain to you another time. Let's just enjoy it for a bit."

Matsubara pulled the sleeves of his shirt. "I suppose it's time to dive right in there."

Hideaki looked over his shoulder. "I'm going to look around and see for any interesting stories." Both of them vanished into the crowd.

The day was spent in this event called Comiket. Nakanogane explained later to them that this was a fair organised twice a year that dedicated to selling fan made artworks. That meant materials possibly including Altair which may prove useful in the war later on. Though she felt it was a bit otherwise. Each of them had assigned themselves a zone to search within the fair. Selesia chose to steer clear from the adult sections of the place. There were enough nightmares with this 'Rule 34.'

By afternoon, Selesia felt exhausted upon leaving the building. The amount of people staring at her was not comforting. Everyone asking for photos of her. Kanoya left her in a pickle to fend off for herself. That kid, I need to get back at him.

Occassional glances at Mirokuji told that he didn't have such issues with his dark demeanor. Meteora, was nowhere to be found.

The clink of the drink reminded her of the ice tea she needed. Popping open the lid, the tea was a godsend for the day. A whisper behind her ears. "Selesia. It's me." A voice far too familiar.

She whipped around to see red eyes. They were familiar, hidden under a brown hoodie. She stuttered his name. "Charon. How, how are you here?"

His eyes sharpened as they glanced around the crowd. "Selesia, I've been brought into this world just like you did." She blinked as a hand grabbed hers. "I came here to talk to you." Surprised, she followed him towards one of the quieter side of the stalls selling merchandise.

Satisfied with the situation, the tight grip relaxed and the man turned around. "I'm glad I finally found you."

She held back from bursting out. "I am glad to see you too! How long have you been here?"

"Not long but I need your help."

"Help?"

Charon nodded. "We have an opportunity in this world. Come help me change our world."

Selesia felt uneasy. "Change the world?"

"That's right. The land of the Gods here have a special power. Using that power, we can change everything that happened in our world. We can defeat the Avalon Brigade, the war would be over."

Charon didn't know about it yet. "Charon, it's not as simple as that."

"It doesn't matter if we can get our God to change it. The answer we want can be found. The important thing is to start the change."

Selesia bit her lip. Charon had a point. If there's a will, there's a way. Was it an excuse that she didn't try hard enough to find a compromise? A win-win solution for everyone. Her partner dived back before a large wooden sword struck into the ground, cracking the concrete floor.

"Get away from her." Yuya Mirokuji stood up from his surprise attack. The surrounding people raised glances with a few cameras taking pictures.

"You shouldn't be interfering with our affairs."

"Your affairs is your business. She however sticks with us."

Charon turned and ran. The swordsman moved to pursue but stopped at her yell. "Stop." She walked up towards him. "Mirokuji. Why are you interfering?"

Mirokuji watched the shape vanish within the crowd. "He's the enemy. That's simple as it is."

"He is not."

"Cut the bullshit. I didn't hear everything but I got enough to piece things together. He's one of Altairs minions now."

"How could you say such a thing? He's my partner. I had the right to at least listen to his opinion."

"The way you two are going about, are you sure you're working partners and not bloody lovers?"

Her hand was faster. Selesia hissed as her hand burned from slapping so hard. "How dare you to say such a thing." Turning around, she walked away as the ignorant said.

"What tough luck. That's going to leave a mark."

Weekends were the best time to get things done. Sota knocked on the door before entering. "Good morning." Sota called out to the Creators. Placing the morning snacks by the table, he noticed an empty seat that should already be filled. "Where's Matsubara?"

Marine tapped a pen against her latest work in progress. "I don't know. Maybe he's down with the flu. Didn't he go to Comiket with you?"

"Yes, he looked okay yesterday."

"Hmm, maybe he's just exhausted and overslept. He had done that before on a few occasions." Marine suggested.

Nakanogane sighed before reaching for a snack. "You may be right Marine. I think we're all getting tired from the deadline. It is harsher than the norm."

Sota agreed. These Creators were working on a continuous basis. Seven days a week of work would exhaust anyone. "I suppose its better to let him rest a little." He picked up the piece of paper prepared by Nakanogane beforehand. "Anyway I'll give the morning update to Kikuchihara." The screenwriter waved in thanks before returning to the task at hand.

The errand didn't take long as Kikuchihara's new office was setup within a few rooms away. Dropping the report, he asked the same question.

"I'm not aware of this. At least he could have given the courtesy to inform us in advance." Kikuchihara sighed. "Thank you for the report. Let me check on him and inform the rest later." Sota nodded before leaving the Coordinator to her duties. In the meantime, he'll help out Marine with some of simpler tasks in preparing the next pages in the next manga release.

Sitting in his station, Sota arranged the tools prepared in hand and got to work. Marine focused on preparing the core outline. Sota would do the inking before returning it to Marine for the finishing touches. The stacks of paper weren't many but each piece needed meticulous effort to be done right. Otherwise the entire page would've been ruined. Sota had failed enough times as it is.

The door jolted him out of focus as Kikuchihara entered. The serious face worried Sota. "Everyone, Matsubara's missing."

Marine jumped to her feet. "Missing? How can that be?"

"Matsubara wasn't answering our calls and he was supposed to meet me an hour earlier." The Coordinator explained as Selesia, Meteora and Mirokuji filtered into the room.

Nakanogane raised his hands. "Matsubara's not the most punctual guy. Could it be a bad day and a broken phone?"

"I'd assume the same. I had someone check out Matsubara's house just in case. The place was raided. His work tools were taken, nothing else."

Suruga nodded, hand still on the board. "There can only be one assumption from it. The kidnapper is a Creation."

Mirokuji turned towards the swordswoman. "So, are you going to tell them?"

Meteora turned towards him. "What are you talking about?"

Mirokuji kept his attention on the redhead girl. "She knows what I'm talking about. Don't pretend that you're stupid. If you're not, I'm going to spill the beans."

Selesia paused in thought before saying. "Fine." She explained to them about the incident that happened at Comiket. The appearance of her partner from the world of Earth-Melia. The short conversation between them before Mirokuji's interruption.

Marine was the first to speak. "How is Charon here and behaving in such way?" Selesia had no answer.

"So it is confirmed that he's working for Altair." Meteora summarised the information. Sota could see her eyes in deep thought. It presented the same question to him. What are they going to do about Charon? The idea of Selesia and Charon fighting each other was bitter. "This is an unprecedented situation. Selesia, how do you feel about this?"

Selesia took a seat on the chair. "Honestly, I don't know what to think about it. I've been thinking over it since last night."

"Any idea where he would be?" Selesia shook her head. She hadn't seen him since then nor was there any way to know where he went.

"They won't kill him that's for sure," Gai Takarada said. "They can't afford to kill him or the point is moot." That brought a bit of relief to the group.

Meteora opened a map onto the table. "We must begin to search for Charon immediately. Otherwise the Bird Cage plan will be severely disrupted."

"Where are we going to find them? We sort of casted them into the winds with Archer's plans of hide and seek."

"There must be certain limitations to where they are hiding. More so for a machine like Vogelchevalier."

Selesia pointed out. "Vogelchevalier is a lot easier to hide compared to something like Gigas Machina. There are a lot of places that it can fit into."

"I believe it is easier to search for Charon than the others. More so, our objective remains to rescue Matsubara, not have a major battle with them."

Mirokuji nodded. "Sure. Selesia, do you have any will to fight him?" Selesia turned her gaze away from the question.

Meteora turned back to the map. "Before we decide anything, let us pinpoint his location. Once we have him, you can talk with him as long as it needs. Given their relationship, there may be a chance we can turn him over to our side." The redhead gave a nod before returning into her own thoughts.

Selesia stared at the blue sky. Charon's words had put her into a limbo. Her partner of years and now on the other side. How should she decide?

The sun baked into her skin yet she didn't mind. The view of the moving crowd and videos was enough to keep her mind in check. Had her God made it such way or was it something more human?

"You look troubled." The voice was beside her ear.

Selesia jumped out of her thoughts, a hand reaching to her sword before she stopped. "Woah, don't scare someone like that Siegfried."

"Sorry. I have been careless." Siegfried bowed in apology.

Selesia lowered her guard, albeit spooked. "Were you there all this time?"

"No, however I have noticed your presence here and decided to investigate. I am sorry for intruding." The man had dressed in regular clothing instead of armour. The purple shirt and black slacks made an interesting contrast to the man's white hair. The ladies here would've loved him.

"That's fine." Selesia forgave the man. Unlike a particular hero, this one had heart of gold. She turned back towards the sky. "You are right. I am having a problem to think about now."

"I understand. Is it related to this Charon by any chance?"

It was that obvious huh. She closed her eyes. "Yeah, it is."

"I understand that you two are lovers."

Selesia coughed a few times. "We're not that way."

He bowed in return. "I am sorry. I presumed too much."

Her tongue struck for words. To think this man is rather blunt. "We're not lovers. Close partners would be the better term." I wouldn't have minded.

"I see. I am sorry but I am not well versed to help on matters that relate to the heart."

She smiled with a shake of the head. This man is too apologetic to be a hero. "I guess even we heroes have flaws of our own." She sat down onto the warm floor. "I do have to admit that I don't know how to answer the problem."

"If I may suggest, it might be better to just wait for an answer." Siegfried sat down beside her. "I have heard of this quote from Master so to say it would be 'sleep on it'." She had nothing to say. "I apologise for giving an inappropriate answer."

"You apologise way too much."

"I apologise for that too."

She giggled at the man's intended antics. This twisting around the bush, it felt sort of refreshing for once. Every time she had a mission, there was always a direct answer of what needed to be done. Charon's case wasn't so clear cut. This kind of thing might be what she needed for now. "Fine. I can't be angry against something like that."

"Well bargained." Siegfried pressed a hand to his chest. "I am glad that you feel better."

Selesia turned away, hoping to hide her red face. "Now you're overdoing it."

He smirked in return. "I apologise for that."

A giggle slipped from her mouth. "Pfft. Now you owe me a story."

"It is a long tale." She continued to stare into his eyes. Siegfried took a breath before recalling a long past, back in the times of legends.

Beginning of his journey of answering the quests of the people. Receiving Balmung from the Nibelung tribe through a bloodied feud. The cursed holy blade that brought him to victory against the dragon Fafnir. Bathing in the dragon's blood that shielded him from lethal blows. All was well as the people were protected.

People would cry for help and he would deliver. Siegfried never refused, taking on perils that at times would bathe him literally in the blood of his enemies. Given how he went about his adventures, Selesia started to understand his actions. Siegfried wasn't a man who wanted gold or glory. A simpleton hero that simply wanted to help, no matter how challenging or dangerous it could be.

The downfall started when he married a princess named Kriemhild. Bringing victories to the Burgundy Kingdom, the request that befell him arrived from his brother in law. A hand of marriage of a Queen in his stead. By hindsight, the measures taken weren't the right choice. Honour of both sides were wounded and Siegfried decided, that death was the best choice to avoid slaughter of many.

Selesia's face was crestfallen by the time he finished. "That's a sad ending."

What kind of story did Matsubara had in mind for her? Was it something of sacrifice or a happy ever after? She never asked for asking it would've been too much. Someone shouldn't live knowing they had a clock left to live.

"I am sorry for telling a story that doesn't have a good ending," Siegfried said. "I managed to learn that another version of myself in one of these stories managed to achieve what he wanted."

Furrowed brows in response. "Another version?" He told her about the Heroic Spirits and Throne of Heroes. Where the world may retrieve copies of the spirit for use as a familiar or in this case as a Servant. "I see. Are you looking to do the same here?"

Siegfried nod as the gentle winds touched his hair. "Yes. Nothing more, nothing less." The firm expression in his cheek, the sharp glint in his eyes. That has been what he wanted. That is what he will achieve.

"That is sweet to hear." Selesia sighed. A heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt a smile blossom from her lips. "Thank you Siegfried."

"You're welcome, Selesia."

Matsubara rubbed his chin, wondering who would kill him first. The small shed in the middle of somewhere being his cage. He had no clue where he was. Fully enclosed in a metal box kept him edgy being in such confined space. The sounds he could hear through the small ventilation grate above implied somewhere on the outskirts of the city. That's if he was still in Tokyo, given how unlikely it was to be inside a box hardly big enough to fit a desk, a small bed and the locked metal door.

The door opened and his captor entered. Matsubara refused to see the man. Heavy porcelain clinked onto the thin bed sheets. He didn't feel hungry. "God, is it done yet?"

Matsubara turned towards the laptop screen. Blank as it needed to. "I won't do it Charon."

From his place, he could see his own shadows Soft shapes of shadows grew larger, towering over his smaller shape. It overshadowed his own. A gloved fist struck onto the desk. The table rattled, tilting the glass of water nearly off balance. "Why? You know the pain that we suffer through every day."

Matsubara stood up, facing eye to eye with his Creation. "I know that, I'm the one who created you Charon."

"Then are you some sadist? Making us endure the loss of our friends and family? What kind of cruel man are you?"

"Sure, I get your point. Don't you think that I cannot feel your pain too? That I am the author. I decide who lives and who dies. You all are my children. Do you think I kill characters off because I like to? That's absurd."

"Then it's simple to just change the world. Make it a peaceful place, turn it to what it should become."

"Impossible. Nobody, not even demons in hell would accept it."

"I don't care about them." He felt powerless before pain exploded onto his back from being slammed into a wall. "You just have to change it."

"It will never work. The readers will never accept it because it would never make sense. You think that this power is so invincible that I can do anything I like. That's not the way it works."

"Again. I, don't, care."

"Are you going to threaten me? Kill me? Torture me? What can you do?" Matsubara grit his teeth against the throbbing pain in his back.

"If you won't do as I say, then I have no choice but to be the villain." Charon pushed him onto the bed. "You know Vogelschevalier's power." Those words froze every retort he had in mind. "The power beyond capabilities within this world. Think of the possibilities that I can unleash."

"You wouldn't think of it…That's not like you Charon." He didn't create this man to do such things.

Charon raised his chin. "You're pushing me to the edge. If I have to become evil to save my world, I will do it. I'm done with fighting. I'm tired of being the hero. Why won't you let me go?"

"That's because you're the main character. Readers want to grow, appreciate and sympathise with your journey. You are their inspiration to lead towards a new tomorrow."

"They are just cruel spectators to revel in our sweat and blood." Charon walked towards the door. "I'm done with this. You have until tomorrow to make something or I will make you regret it."

The door slammed shut before being locked secure. Matsubara shook his head before lying down on the bed. Pain throbbed as Muse kept silent despite the need for solutions.

What am I going to do?

Sota opened the door and shielded his eyes against the bright light. He stepped out into the open wind and approached the woman standing by the edge of the roof. Noticing his approach, Selesia turned around and asked. "Anything yet?"

Sota shook his head. "Not yet. The others are still working at it." Meteora had returned to command the war room in the mission of finding Matsubara. Mirokuji and the others searched the city for clues. Kikuchihara however confined the Creators to the work room to avoid a repeat of the situation. Maybe by his good fortune he wasn't seen as valuable.

Selesia scraped a feet along the edge. "Ah, why does he have to be so annoying? Even now he has to be a pain in the butt."

Sota raised his hands. "Calm down. Everything will be alright."

Selesia paused before turning around. "You're right Sota." The signs of worry were hard to discern. "It's just frustrating to just sit here and do nothing."

"If he saw any signs of you searching, it would've been a sign for him to move. You and Charon have been together for a long time after all."

Selesia sat down on the edge of the building, kicking her free legs into the air. "That's right. We've been facing everything together since the beginning." She took a deep breath. "Four years, it's been that long already."

Sota nodded as he joined beside her. "Yea, we've been through a lot." It had been nearly a dozen light novels. Matsubara hinted on the ending approaching but it wouldn't be within the next few books. "You and Charon must be very close."

"As close as we can be barring a relationship. I'd wish the war with the Avalon Brigade would be over soon. I don't understand why he wanted to use Altair's way. He knows it's wrong."

"You may not know this but I think he's tired." Selesia looked at him. "Charon's tired of being a hero. He went through a lot of pain just like you. The war had been going on for very long after all."

"That's right. I could've been one just like him. However I'm the younger one that had a little more fire than the current him." She raised a hand. "It's up to me to bring him back to the right and change his mind. Even if I have to punch his face a few times."

Sota chuckled. "The direct approach, that's just you." Selesia laughed in return.

Another voice cut into their reverie. "If you have enough time to sit here moping, perhaps you can do be something of use." They turned towards the corner to see Archer landing on the roof.

"Did you hear about it?"

"Would you believe me if I said no?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't you dare think about blackmail. Why are you up here?"

Archer snorted. "As though I would be petty with such matters. I carried my observations for the sage. Best way to lose any eyes focused on me."

"That's good to hear but if I heard a word about it, there'd be hell to pay."

"Suit yourself." Archer opened the door and disappeared downstairs.

Selesia waited for the door to close shut before giving a sigh. "Good riddance." The relief on her face was clear. "I don't know how that man lives the way he does."

"Archer is a man that suffered for upholding a duty that is deemed impossible. However that didn't detract him from giving up until the end." Sota pitied the man's past. Forced to do his master's bidding for countless time, it was painful slavery to watch your own hands destroy the things you wish to protect.

"Hmm, you know the right things to say to put things together." The redhead smiled. "Thanks."

Blitz missed having a good beer. Sitting in the shelter of another broken house, he stared at the open moon. At least it wasn't raining.

Sho twirled his staff around before swinging at an invisible enemy. Youth these days, always excited to do something. Or maybe its just him getting old. Or the men keep chasing after him. How many had he shot so far?

Ah, should he be having a mid life crisis now? What a pain. Heavy footsteps clacked by the door. The pilot strode into the room with a face that would tear people for looking at it.

Blitz decides to holler. "Ah, good to see that you're in good shape."

"I'm a hero. Dying now would be an insult."

"Maybe but we're not the heroes of this world are we? Anyway, there's tea at the back." For all the weird quirks and penchants this heroic spirit had, the skill to make tasty tea had been an unexpected find.

"Thanks." Charon waved before pausing. The pilot pointed to the large hole outside. "Is he still here?"

"He is, probably somewhere breaking some walls." Another soft rumble in the distance. Breaking all the little parts of shelter was annoying. Living space is already a premium and he'd go about ruining it. Glad were the times the Princess reins him in on a leash.

Charon sighed. "I don't understand how he got here and why the Princess wants him."

"Neither do I but it serves a purpose which we will probably need in the Princess's foresight. She has excellent sense on the matter."

"It matters not for all that needs to be done is to kill." They turned to see a grey haired man entering the room.

Sho clicked his tongue. "That is rather inspirational Romeo."

Alter spread his arms wide. "Life is only a step before death. Time before its end."

Sho turned towards the detective. "Now that's out of my head. You understand any of that old man?"

"Time is of a fleeting moment." Blitz stamped away the embers of the cigarette. He added as Charon trudged on towards the other rooms. "Do bring some more beer when you come around again."

All conversation halted as a soft pair of boots entered. "Gentlemen." The Princess announced her entrance. "I trust you all are well."

Alter knelt onto the dirt. "All is well as it should be, my Queen." Sho and Charon took to nods as Blitz said.

"Not as good as I'd like. No beer or cigarettes to keep this old man cool."

Altair chuckled. "Are the gnawing insects too much for you to handle?"

Blitz shrugged. "Can't fight while carrying crates on a shoulder. They always break in a shootout."

Alter turned to meet his eye. "The better reason to steer away from vice and profess towards the greater faith for comfort."

"Not my kind of thing."

Princess said. "I'm confident that you all are able to handle their interventions thus far. However, the cowards will be starting the second part of their plan soon. You all will need to prepare."

"I'm always ready for a fight." A rumble. "Though that guy beats my enthusiasm."

"The will of the Queen shall be adhered."

"I am grateful." Princess turned around. "Blitz, a private word with you." He followed her into the main chamber, what's left of it.

"Do you see this room?" He knew it was once a hall for activities. Terrible age across the time the former church was abandoned. Peeled white paint with moss and plants crawling its tendrils along the crevices in the rotting pieces of wood. Like the many slums in his neighbourhood.

"What do you need from a humble old man like me?"

"Do not downplay your ability. You deserve that much."

"Thank you for such courtesy Princess."

She rested a hand on the lone aged piece of a podium. "Now then. I understand about your reasons to be here in this world."

"Oh? What would that be?"

"Erina." She raised a hand. A blue light appeared, forming into a form of display terminal around her. He recognised some of the text. "There is not much time for your quest as the deciding battle approaches." Princess stared at the stream of data. "The Sage believes that her spells can hide their plans. However they remain ignorant." Several images appeared, displaying several icons with a name to each. He manage to decipher what they represented.

Every existing creation in the land of Gods. Dozens of them. How were there so many? She kept her eyes across the number of panels and information. "I wanted to give you an early notice so that you may complete your goals in this world."

"How kind of you." Blitz studied the image before a new list appeared to the right. "This is a fancy skill you have."

"They believe they have the upper hand." Blitz saw a map of the world, yellow markers blinking across different parts of the blue globe. "We will prove them wrong."

"My repertoire of skills grow daily. Bolstered by the other Gods in this world, in time I should receive some that will be able to ease our tasks on a greater level."

Unfortunately not enough to get what you want.

The panels faded. Princess turned to face him. "I hope you will find peace."

"Just the same for you."

Sitting by the rooftop, Alicetaria February wondered how much she has changed across the years. From a hopeful bright young girl to a stoic knight before falling into the dark pits of despair as a broken mess. The things she had done in this world would've been rejected by her former self. An irony for the past to reject the present.

She closed the book to the latest instalment of her story. In contrast to her current memories, these were far different. And much more painful.

It was written how she endured. Yet, even though it is her, she didn't feel the same.

Would it have been better if her present self didn't exist? What did her God have in store for her beyond this world's periphery? The chills in her bones anticipated the possible pain to happen. Death of her people, treasured friends and family. She would survive until the end whilst the world killed her softly.

Turning a side glance, she noticed the advertisement about Mamika's cereal. Mamika is dead. Nothing she can do to change the fact barring asking Altair to bring a new version of her into this world. That option disgusted her because it wouldn't be the same girl after all.

If the girl had a chance to go home, the experience in this world would have changed her entire world. Alicetaria squeezed her fist.

There was a little point to fret over things that didn't happen. The face of the magical slayer refused to leave her mind.

Nor do faces of her subordinates. Those under her charge. People she had been fighting so hard to protect. Each of them had their turn, voicing their silent pleas. Their cries for hope and salvation.

The false Mamika smiled before whispering.

Thank you

She stood up to face the setting sun. Thank you Mamika. Her God have many challenges remaining to endure. The moment of respite in this new world maybe the Godsend she needed. How much she had changed. If Adalbert was here, he'd be proud. Reaching for a cereal pack, she opened it and bit a sugary piece.

These are good.

Days passed since the Creator's disappearance. Meteora and Kikuchihara had been working around the clock to search. Police authorities and Creations went around in search for the man. The others Creators had been placed under guard to prevent another repeat of the incident.

Mirokuji and Selesia took the streets for clues. Archer and Siegfried had the high ground, observing across large distances with their abilities. They proved to be the most effective with their long range. Those ideas had been pinned across the city for the former pair to find. Kanoya's machine unfortunately wasn't proficient at finding things.

The far borders of the city were scoured in two days. No signs or traces of her partner and God. Hope inside her heart was starting to wilt. A book on kidnapping mentioned that the most important hours to catch a kidnappper was within the first day. The probability otherwise falls almost to zero.

Selesia was worried by the amount of coffee the Sage was drinking. A stack of cups were on the table whilst the woman was studying the maps. The sage persisted despite her red eyes yearning for sleep. Selesia tried to advise her but it was ignored due to the urgency of the situation. Reality's downfall was approaching closer according to her. Without Matsubara, what could they do?

Until now.

Meteora chugged down the sixth coffee for the day. "The JSDF have found something on the western outskirts of Tokyo." An unmanned drone flew over the target area, its camera feed displayed on the video. The GPS readings on the video displayed the name of Sagamihara.

"That's Charon's Vogelchevalier for sure." She pointed it out.

Selesia raised a brow. "How did we miss this? We've already went through there once." Archer scouted the area twice to be sure.

Meteora rubbed her eyes. "It wasn't by chance. I believe Altair's been helping Charon in an indirect manner to move everything related on regular intervals."

Mirokuji chugged an energy drink before tossing it aside. "That's strange for the girl to be helping her minion."

"Wasn't it the best form of returning the loyalty of your subordinate?" Archer said.

Meteora placed a finger on the map. "The topic is irrelevant. We will go in tonight."

Mirokuji leaned forward towards the point. "Why not now? Otherwise he might get away while we wait."

"People are in the surrounding areas. Charon would avoid drawing attention by moving his machine. Likewise we also need time to prepare. Kikuchihara, can I trust you to help evacuate the nearby citizens?" The Director nodded in response.

"Would he be alone?"

"No way to be certain. I propose we go in with full firepower."

Siegfried emerged from spirit form. "Master, if I may suggest. I should go first to observe the area. In the meantime, preparations can be made." Hideaki nodded and the man disappeared.

Selesia stepped forward. "No, let me go first. I will convince Charon to give up his idea."

Meteora's bloodshot eyes met hers. "There would be little point to do that. For Charon to take Matsubara is already a key decision point." Selesia's gaze remained hard as steel. Bloodshot eyes closed shut. "Very well."

Meteora drew a circle on the map, several blocks away from the area. "Archer will establish a long range position. Mirokuji and I will be a short distance away, ready to join the fight."

"You look like you need a lot more sleep Metchin."

Kanoya loosened his shoulders. "I could do with some exercise."

"Kanoya, you will wait here. You are the last reserve."

The pilot balked before pouting. "That's boring."

"Yuya Mirokuji, if you say that one more time, I will and I will find a way to make things miserable for you. Do not cross me." The man shrugged in response. She sure was in a bad mood. "In fact, I believe you should stay with Kanoya."

Hideaki raised a hand. "Where do you need us?"

"Siegfried should join us in the front. You must stay with the others."

"Got it." He turned his face away for a moment. "Siegfried is fine with the plan."

"Good. Let us prepare for we must rescue Matsubara tonight. No matter the cost."

Blitz felt the warmth within his chest as the insects in the nearby forest made music. Across the room was a fellow audience, listening with eyes closed. The lad had a talent for finding places to stay. Although he doesn't say much beyond the initial introductions.

Blitz let smoke free from his lips. Sho rubbed the ridge of his nose before saying. "Do you just smoke all day and night on those things?"

"Is there anything better to do?"

The light in his lips died, the end of its short life. Blitz reached into his pocket for another cigarette. Sho rested his head against the wall. "Sheesh, you really love them."

"It's a pastime. There aren't much things that can entertain an old man the way this one does."

"It can't be that bad. There's a lot of new things in this world to try."

"Last time I tried, this world's army tried to kill me. Besides the food, my world was far advanced in comparison so nothing comes to fancy." Replenishing the booze is going to be another hassle. Rationing them would keep stock a little longer but that will not do.

"That's a show stopper right there," Sho said. "Sad thing since you maybe old but you're still good looking. I think the chicks would've like such a man."

"Thank you for the compliment. However, I had a kid and no intention to remarry."

Sho turned his face away towards the moon light. "Sorry."

"Think nothing of it. I'm used to it." Nothing to do, might as well entertain himself with more angst. "So young man, what's your life like in your story?"

"I'd say it started off as boring. There were so many things to try but I had no chance. Staying at home and taking care of the family was more important. That was until my sister and friend were killed."

"My condolences. Is that the reason that brought you here?"

Sho nodded, squeezing the staff on his lap. "Yuya Mirokuji. Unforgivable."

Ah, the purple haired man. He never liked the man's cocky nature. "Revenge is a strong motivator."

Sho's eyes lit up. "Are you saying its wrong?"

"I wouldn't say it is. We humans are fickle in the bigger picture of things. We may desire one thing in one moment and another seconds after. I'm not one to care for it."

"You've been through a lot."

Blitz huffed at the dying cigarette. "Yes." A silence pause between the two. "Our lives will be different. We enjoy different things and endure unique pains in our lives. In the big picture, it means nothing and we should just try to get it anyway."

Sho cracked a laugh. "Now that's something I can live with. Why don't I give that a try?" Blitz tossed him the pack and lighter. Lighting up a cigarette, Sho took a deep breath before falling into a coughing fit. "This tastes horrible."

"It's a refined taste."

Selesia landed at the open field of grass. Several trees in the area with sheds in a neat row at the end. Archer confirmed nobody was seen around the area at the time. She called out to a long lost partner. "Charon, I know you're here somewhere. Come out please, let us talk it out."

"Here I am Selesia." Charon appeared from behind a tree. "If you're here, that means the others know about this place too." She said nothing. A frown grew on his face. "Have you made your mind? Will you join me Selesia?"

The hardest part of the problem. "I, I honestly don't have an answer."

"Earth-Melia needs our help. You know this. Our people are suffering everyday." Charon clasped his hand tight. "Just as entertainment for these Gods. How can we leave them to do such travesty?"

"It's not right Charon. We can't put this world at risk for the sake of ours."

Charon stepped closer towards her. "How are we putting this world at risk to fix ours? Tell me Selesia."

"Our world doesn't exist in the real world."

"That doesn't mean that our lives didn't matter, that our emotions aren't real. That everything we've suffered and endured didn't exist. Isn't that right, Selesia?" She could not answer him. "I've thought so."

"You can't do this Charon. Despite the misgivings of our world, we can't sacrifice one world for ours, especially when it is the world that created ours. Think of how many countless other worlds would be affected by that."

"Nobody is going to stop me from trying to save our world. Even, if it is you, Selesia."

"Don't, Charon. Please." It hurt her to say those words.

"Selesia." Her friend took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." He looked up towards the building behind her. "The rest of you are out there, you can come out now."

Siegfried appeared out of spirit form. He raised the sword to proper form. "My name is Saber. I will be your opponent."

Sharp whistles before cloud of arrows dived from above. Charon sprinted and dived behind the tree. Arrows spliced through before being parried by a sword. The man glared. "A surprise attack. You are a truly dishonourable enemy."

Siegfried said over his shoulder. "Very well. Archer, cease your attack. I will face him the proper way." The response were another barrage of arrows.

Charon zigged zagged as the arrows tore the tree to splinters. He leapt into a shed before arrows penetrated it through the roof. Vogelchevalier burst through the front, shredding the wooden cage apart. Charon's Vogelchevalier stood at full height, its black skin made it difficult to see in the night barring the red streaks of light along its joints.

It raised the arm mounted gun and blasted the next wave apart with large calibre bullets. Seventeen metre tall war machine unfolded two swords and pointed one at Siegfried. "You are a swordsman but you dare to fight against a Vogelchevalier."

Siegfried raised his sword. "A warrior fears no metal contraption. It is the warrior's soul that carries meaning in battle." Flash of light before blades met. Wow, I barely noticed.

Tremors along her limbs as the blow turned explosive. Their blades held in place. A man far too small against the machine. Charon's voice was muffled behind the speakers. "You are strong. I'm sorry for underestimating you." Charon stepped back before throwing a large swing.

Selesia leapt back by reflex to avoid the swinging blow. It was held in place by Siegfried before a war cry pushed the sword back. A flash of blue before diving under Charon's feet. A twist of the blade protected his ankles from the Heroic Spirit. A step back from the titan before a fist into the ground.

Siegfried was already in the air, their blows meeting in big sparks of light. Blue light dived for the ground before turning around. Charon spun on a feet, sweeping the other in bid to kick Siegfried.

Red cloud struck onto Charon's back, exploding and pushing the machine down off dropped into a roll before swinging at the Saber diving from above. The soft soil buckled under the impact. Momentum depleted, Charon pushed back, sending Siegfried across the grass.

Archer's voice called out onto the radio nestled in her ear. "Do not waste time Siegfried."

"Do not interfere Archer. This is our battle."

"Your honour is not of my concern."

"Pathethic." Selesia hissed. There was supposed to be a sense of chivalry in a duel. A proper fight between men. Even she understood that.

"Victory is what matters. Honour means nothing when reality is destroyed from it."

Charon raised his sword and lashed it across the ground. "Make up your mind who will be doing the fighting. Forget it, I'll take you both on."

Siegfried said. "You are outnumbered. Surrender and we won't kill you."

Vogelchevalier took a few steps to the side. "Come on, did you think a hero would give up so easily against the enemies he face?"

The knight made a small bow. "Right, I was mistaken."

"To hear such a thing from a man wielding such strength, what kind of person are you?"

Siegfried raised his sword. "One that serves the people."

Selesia spotted another wave of arrows. She lunged into the air, a draw from her blade sliced them into half. A scowl grew from Archer's voice. "I'd expected more of you."

"That is my question to you." Selesia sheathed her sword upon landing. Turning back to her old friend, she said. "Charon, you won't win this fight. Please, leave."

Vogelchevalier paused. The glowing blue eyes stared at her own. "Fine. Consider it your win. I will leave our God here." The machine raised a hand, pointing to the shed on the far right. "He's inside there." Powerful engines ignited, lifting Charon into the air

Selesia turned towards the small silhouette of the building where the Guardian was watching from. "Archer, do not think of shooting him down. I know you want to." A warning.

The machine laughed. "You are surrounded by optimists." Vogelchevalier raised a hand. "Selesia, I hope for your answer." Turning around, it vanished behind the mountain.

Siegfried rushed towards the shed. A fist through the door before the Heroic Spirit was through. Too far for her eyes but his voice remained clear. "Matsubara's alright."

Archer hissed. "You removed us of victory."

"This is no victory. Only a rescue." Selesia saw the white shirt her Creator was fond of wearing.

"We'll talk this out later." She pulled the earpiece out of her ear. For now, Matsubara in safe hands is good enough. The fields parted as she sprinted towards her God. Matsubara wasn't in bad shape but his eyes were weary. He gave a faint smile as Selesia felt audio on her earpiece, putting it back on.

Major Magaki's voice came on the radio. "Team, we have a problem and need you back immediately."

Archer answered the soldier. "What kind of problem?"

"The others are under attack."

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

Charon, charon, charon. Another point that I've found missing. The original owners wanted to put it as a surprise twist in the end. Alas I find it contradicting. A man tired from war and want it to end. Similar reason like Alicetaria yet far too passive given how early in the six months he appeared.

In my opinion, I felt that Selesia's conflict had been put a little too lightly. Their bond taken for granted a little too weak. I understood the constraints due to the episode count they had.

Sho Hakua likewise had been put too basic as it is as well. Placed in sort to just make a filler fighter for the final battle. Granted, they had placed too many characters to get a good focus and arcs.

Regards

MarksmanKNG