Chapter 18: Scorched Earth

Master, why are we here?

Just a hunch I'd like to check along the way. Daichi replied as he walked towards home. Everything ached after practice but it gave a good feeling. He felt muscles growing from the conditions of simulated combat. Nowhere near to have a chance competing against a Servant or Creation but a chance to flee and survive? Possible.

Something compelled him to deviate from the usual road home. A growing incomprehensible itch in the back of his mind. Things don't happen without a reason and pondering it over the train ride, this place was the first that came to mind.

Green evening smells of trees as Daichi returned. The Magical Girl Slayer Mamika and Princess Knight Alicetaria February. The girl's passing was a pity that he could not.

"Alicetaria." Said knight was sitting on the same bench, in the same dress he saw before. "How are you doing?"

Daichi felt the pressure from her gaze. "You speak to me as though we aren't enemies."

Pushing prana through the magic circuit helped steady against it. "I hope we aren't. Not in the moment. Others could get hurt."

"Master." Siegfried took physical form in armour behind him.

Gotz von Berlichingen formed around her arm. "I've heard of this Heroic Spirit concept and this is the first time I get to see it. You've grown."

Daichi raised a hand to stow Siegfried from making any unwarranted gestures. "I'm nothing compared to real heroes like you but I do what I can." Siegfried relented, dispersing his armour. Daichi could feel his focus watching the area around them.

The gauntlet vanished. "Now then. If you do not wish to fight, what do you want from me?"

"Talk. Parley with me Great Warrior Princess. Did that come out right though?"

Alicetaria chuckled. "Why do you wish to talk with me? I will not surrender if that is what you are hoping."

"I won't expect that from you." Daichi reached into his backpack and pulled out a box of chocolates. "Want some snacks?"

Alicetaria raised a brow before breaking into laughter. "Boy, you have an amusing train of thought. She patted on the side of the bench. Very well. Spirit, how shall I address you?"

Siegfried turned to Daichi who nodded. "Very well. My name is Saber. Worry not of my presence. I shall bring no harm unless provoked otherwise."

She nodded in approval. "Well met Saber, fellow warrior of the past. I, Princess Alicetaria February will hold you to it."

Daichi took a seat, opening the box of chocolates. "Honestly I wasn't expecting you to be here. Why?"

She received a piece offered by him. "A princess needs her quiet place."

"By any chance are you suggesting those guys make horrible room mates?"

A faint smile. "Think as you see fit." She took a bite of black chocolate. "I trust the sage is in good health."

"Yes, she's back to becoming a glutton. More competition for Archer's cooking. Are you by any chance still…"

"No. I know the truth."

Daichi offered a thermos of tea whom accepted. "I heard you released your Creator and that you'd-"

She raised a finger to her lips. "There shalt not be a word spoken about it." He mulled at the response. Why not? This was the one opportunity they had to verify the plan. She said. "Again, think as you see fit." A glance to Siegfried drew nothing.

Move on. Wanting to talk but having no topic in mind. He rattled off the first thing that came to mind. "Bit too late for it but my condolences for Mamika." He never had much time to think about the Magical girl, pressed into training daily and trying to find ways to support Siegfried. Their relationship was barely much of anything beyond this connection

She turned towards a building in the distance. Vague shapes of Mamika's advertisement was plastered on a sign board. "Thank you but I do not deserve them."

Mamika's death reminded him of that day. A time where he had been put into such weakness. A squeezing grip to his guilt. Pains of failure. Daichi slumped onto the chair and tried to sighed it away. "I'm starting to understand what you mean. About feeling betrayed and everything."

"Unfortunate for a young one like you to feel such emotions."

"Inevitable, just a matter of when." Daichi leaned back against the seat. Orange glow intermeshed between the shroud of leaves above.

"Careful. Stray not too far or you would drop into the same pitfalls that others have dug into." He glanced at her as she added. "I may be a warrior princess but that does not delude me from the subtleties of court."

"A warrior princess that kicks monster butts that leads. You'd be a great leader eventually."

Alicetaria's expressions faded. "Not yet. That respect is to be earned. I shall return home and continue my journey. For such is my duty to my people and perhaps, Mamika's sake."

"Even though that's Hell you're walking back into."

She turned towards Siegfried. "Saber, what do you see in this world?"

Siegfried paused before answering. "A place that is worth protecting. Reality may prove to be a harsh teacher but it serves to make us stronger through adversity." He gained a nod of approval.

"Learn well from Saber. There are many lessons he can teach you."

"You grant me too much favour."

"I'd favour drinking with you but alas circumstances separates us. Not to mention the boy is too young." Siegfried gave a faint smile in response.

"Sorry to be a little too young for your adult conversations." Daichi felt a shiver down the spine. A glance t o the clock told him the answer. "Ah, sorry but I have to wrap this up or my girlfriend would kill me."

Alicetaria stood up with a sly grin. "Go boy. Else Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." A quick bow and he left. He never saw her at the park ever again in the coming times. Not that there was much time left.

Emiya clicked his tongue. Everything wasn't going to plan. Reports displayed on the screen have been dismal. Altair's teams had disappeared off the grid. No signs or traces of their movements for the past few days. Only given good grace was that the JSDF weren't losing drones and narrowed the area. However, that meant their response times were only growing larger.

Barring to mention the notice from the Major about the reports overseas. The data collected thus far led towards a growing pit of trouble. Multiple spikes in meteorology charts had been identified within different locations across the world at different times. At least six other unaccounted Creations had appeared with timeline suggesting new arrivals every other week. A risk far too dangerous to be left alone.

Occurring events were odd and crawled under his skin. An odd case for there were no hints in the news. Not on public media or the Internet. Reports available were limited and there was a possibility. An undesirable probability that there is more to what they knew.

The stack of questions continued to grow with no answer in sight. How many other places were affected? How many had already arrived thus far? Beyond the rule of being popular, what were other criteria that can influence the potential pool of Creations? The most dangerous question hung on the corner of his thoughts.

Whose side are they on?

GAIA had nothing useful. The other ones beyond this world hadn't communicated. He'd pry nothing from Altair's cold dead hands albeit it would been a humorous idea.

Emiya couldn't let these results be. They demanded a significant plan of action. One he'd like to take but would find opposition behind every corner.

Chime by the door. A press on the keyboard activated the automatic shutdown before locking the door. Emiya opened the door to see the sage in a casual dress. "What brings you here?"

She raised. "There are some matters I would like to discuss."

Emiya gestured to enter. He flicked on a rune beside the door, activating a silencing boundary field. "Let's be quick."

"I've been looking into the information that you've given about the possible other creations in the world. Regretfully I am unable to ascertain any new details."

Emiya turned on a kettle. "I see. Likewise, no new updates from JSDF."

Meteora took a seat at the dining table. "I find it dismaying for this development to occur. The Book of a Thousand Miles should be able to detect up these changes in the reality."

A soft hiss as he turned to ask. "Is it a limitation problem or something else?" Meteora had no answer. "Nevertheless, I haven't detected the same fluctuations. There may be other causes than the ones we know."

"One possibility would be from the increased frequency of collisions between worlds as the threads that weave reality is weakening. A gentle slip instead of a forced summoning, making the readings subtle. An alternative theory would be due to Altair's machinations as a strategy to create chaos beyond our ability to control them."

Two cups were fished from the tray as the kettle clicked. Emiya took a deep breath. "I assumed the later just as much."

"Neither do I. Given that these creations are in countries abroad, our hand in controlling the situation is growing weaker. Do you have a suggestion on how we can contain them?"

Emiya grabbed a tin of tea from a cabinet. "We don't have the luxury. Since Altair is the source of the collisions, taking her out remains priority. Everything else should fall in line afterwards. Trying to expand the conflict would only open up new fronts and for that strain us of far more resources than we have right now." Emiya didn't know if that was the right choice but it made the most sense for the moment.

The red archer began his trade, silencing conversation. These moments were precious for they are only when he could turn his mind away from constant danger and worry. A time to cool down and relax. Nothing paid mind besides making the perfect tea. Making tea was simple but to perfect the blend needed mastery.

A brief minute led to hot Earl Grey tea on the table. Meteora blew at the tea before taking a sip. "It would be good to have some snacks."

"Don't count on it." A beep and vibration in in his pocket. Emiya pulled out the pager and read the number. Meteora asked. "What is it?"

Emiya narrowed his eyes. "A major problem." Three steps took him to the control room and pick up the phone that started to ring. "What's the situation?"

Major Magaki's voice was tense. "Gigas Machina has made an emergency launch."

Emiya swapped to speaker mode, a hand reaching fors the cupboard. "Keep going."

"Cause is unknown. Logs report the launch four minutes ago. Rui Kanoya was supposed to be in Koenji."

Emiya slipped the red cloak over the armour. "Who else is enroute?"

"Selesia and Saber is on the way in fifteen. Tokyo Control Centre is working to clear airspace as we speak."

He clicked the boots into place. "I have Meteora with me. We'll be there in ten." Call ended, he flicked the systems back and strode for the door. Meteora had already swapped to her robes. With a nod, they were out the door and leaping into the sky.

"You really need to work your game. That's really a whiny bunch at the beginning." Yuya said towards his fellow Creation.

"Hehe." Rui clasped fingers behind his head. "Man, feels weird to be watching my own movie." It was a curious thought that came to mind. Living in the world where they were sort of celebrities while not so had its interesting motions. Walking along the sidewalks right now didn't call to attention from the public but the ads about them were strewn everywhere.

If he wore different than his regular getup, Yuya surmised he'd get away and stay under the radar. Likewise for the little munchkin walking alongside.

"Never thought I'd change so much in that span of time." Rui said. "When is yours coming out?"

"Not interested in having my own movie." Yuya reached for a cigarette before noticing the glowing no smoking sign by the brightly lit bus stop. He sighed and flicked it back to its pocket. Rules in this world were far different from their own worlds. It took some dedicated effort to get used to them.

"Why not? I can imagine it'd be a great movie. You get to show your cool moves after all."

"Just got a bad feeling about it." Motivated by a good friend out to kill him, Yuya had taken initiative to read his own source material. What transpired is enough seeing once.

"Not like it's anything private after all." Rui dropped the topic and they continued to walk for the train station. The biggest portion of the rush hour should be cleared by then.

Yuya pointed towards one of the dresses propped for display at a clothing store. "Think the girls would like one of these?"

Rui leaned towards the window. "Nah, you're thinking too far ahead Bro. What's with that kind of idea?"

Yuya scratched his chin. "Well, just thought would be something nice for Metchin." A bribe so that he could tease her even more. How he'd like to break the girl's stoic facade.

Rui squinted, standing on his tip toes to scrutinise. "Sounds very wrong there, very very wrong…are you the real Yuya?"

Yuya backed away, waving a hand. "Oi, oi. Don't play those kind of jokes on…" That tingling sensation down the spine. Cold grew from the pits of his stomach. A slight ring in the ear. Everything was screaming to him. Why? He shoved his junior down to the ground. "Get down!"

Glass behind them shattered before the gunshot caught up. Fragments scattered as several more shots followed up. Yuya grabbed Kanoya and rolled him behind a car.

"Who was that?" Rui asked as he got to his feet. Screams of panic as crowds erupted into a stampede. Sharp invisible whips cracked against the ear.

"No idea. How the hell did they find us?" Yuya leaned over the fender before ducking back. Shrapnel scratched a line on his cheek, there's hell to pay for that.

Rui tapped a few commands on his wrist computer. "Gigas Machina is coming. Just need some time."

Yuya summoned his sword. "Get away from here until then. I'll hold out against them." Gunfire stopped followed by a clack of shoes landing onto the street.

Yuya didn't have to guess. Sho stood before him, staff ready at hand. "It's time for round two, Yuya."

Hangaku appeared at his back. Yuya clicked his tongue, standing away from the car. "So you're on Altair's side. I was really hoping you were on your own."

The street was cleared of people now. At least, nobody else would be hurt. He squeezed his sword tight. One more try. "Sho. Let's talk this through."

A man's silhouette emerged from the roof. Yuya recognised the man as Alter. Rui pointed. "You're the other copy."

"Try your petty tricks as many times as you like Yuya. I'm not going to forget. Never ever." Yuya couldn't say further when Sho dived in with a spinning staff.

Weapons met as he held them in place. Perhaps if he can hold Sho here. A bullet whizzed by, striking far too close for comfort. Didn't that man ever had a concept of friendly fire?

Sho didn't have the same compunctions. His eyes were filled with the one essence he hated to see the most. Fatalistic determination.

Rui jumped to his feet, waving at Alter. "Hey you, come get me!" Yuya clicked his tongue as Alter leapt in a chase. Not good. That stupid kid should had just stayed still.

The lapse of attention caught him a blow to the face. Numbness spread across his chin. Yuya blocked the staff from hitting any further before stepping closer. A fist slammed retribution into Sho's gut and tossed him back onto the ground. "Stay down already."

Sho stood up before wiping his cheek of spittle. A flick of the staff before charging in. Yuya met it head on, keen on buying time. As long there weren't anybody else, he can hold Sho in place all day. Someone ought to be coming from this mess after all. Question was how he's going to catch up to the munchkin.

A tingle down the spine before he summoned. Hangaku emerged, parrying the spears coming for his back. Sho took the moment to push past his guard and swung.

Yuya stepped back, the staff clipping his jacket but nothing else. Sho pushed his advantage. "Stay still." Yuya stepped back, jumping around to avoid the longer reach of the staff.

Not looking good. Ground beneath rumbled. Big mecha man arrived. Good. Now just have to focus on the guy in front. "Sho, it's time you listen. Seriously."

Enough defence. Yuya shot forward, pushing everything into his attacks. Beating the shit out of him wasn't nice but it'll force Sho to listen to him when he's down like a sack of potatoes.

Sho was surprised from the initial flurry. He said, a step out of reach. "That's really more like it." Not a chance, smashing the staff aside. Yuya's fist roared thrice into Sho's chest before an upper cut.

Sho recovered in midair, gasping for breath. Yuya summoned for its bound to come.

Hangaku!

Bayard!

Both spirits struck a charge and clashed. Fury of their masters reflected by their blows. A second rumble as a building or something cracked and crumbled. Hang in there.

Alter appeared behind a wall. "Acolyte, it is time to go."

A scream of missiles shot towards the gunman. A pause before raising his weapon and firing back. Each missile was deflected into the ground, gouging holes along the road and scattering metallic fragments everywhere. Glass shattered as walls of metal peppered with scars.

Meteora hovered in the air, several of those army weapons at her beck and call. Odd to find her on the front line again.

Sho's face was filled with anger. "Not again, Alter. We either win or die trying."

Alter remained composed. "Die trying is tomfoolery. It is pointless to die in vain even if you try all you like."

That dose of sense must have slammed hard to ground Sho's teeth together. "Fine." Sho slammed his staff onto the ground. "Yuya, we'll be in touch. The next time, it'll be my victory."

"Don't think you can get away from this mess." Yuya shot forward before a bullet striking the asphalt stopped him.

Alter smiled. "You're welcome to follow. And also to die."

Yuya wanted to slam his fist into the man's smug face. Seriously, that man deserved at least a dozen of them. He bit his lip and stood his ground.

Meteora landed beside him. He said as the two leapt to the roof and out of sight. "Good timing you have Metchin."

"Don't. Are you injured?"

"Nothing worth bothering. They have some guts to go out in the open like this."

"Your friend appears to be rather angry at that. Is he going to be alright?"

"Sho will sulk a little but he'll be right as rain after." He glanced around at the devastation. "This'll be a mess." People were bound to notice and covering it up is going to expensive.

"Ms. Kikuchihara will not be pleased." Meteora agreed with his assessment. Did she by any chance shiver? She asked. "Where's Kanoya?"

Uh oh.

Rui Kanoya dived and rolled across the road. Bullets shattered the glass above him. Rui spun and dived through the broken window into a cafe. Gunfire followed after, scattering white shards. Rui grunted before skidding under a table. A quick grip toppled the table over, shielding him from the worst bits of glass. He leapt over the counter as the table was shredded by a hail of metal.

Under cover, the pilot gave a few commands onto his wrist.

SYSTEM BOOTUP COMPLETE

ACTIVATING MACHINA RECALL

INITIATING EMERGENCY LAUNCH SEQUENCE

ETA: 120 SECONDS

The text finished scrolling across the wrist. That'll take a while. Rui had managed to draw this Alter away from the other fight. That guy had the advantage for now but once he's encased in tons of armour, nothing would stop him.

Loud roars of gunfire peppered along the room. Doesn't that guy ever run out of ammo? Wood cracked as bullets shot through the thick panels. Rui sprinted for the back. Kicking open the back door, he entered down an alley.

The alley had no clear exit to the main street. Probably somewhere a few turns away. Slamming the door behind him, he continued to a sprint. All he needed is time.

GIGAS MACHINA IN TRANSIT

ETA: 80 SECONDS

The hero's sense warned. Above. Rui jumped aside, feeling a glancing pain along the arm. The suit activated, sealing the wound and disinfecting it from the shrapnel. His feet kept running along the clear corridors. Turning around to see his pursuer would've slowed him down for his own detriment. If only he had a weapon to keep the man at bay

Frustration grated his lips. There had to be an exit somewhere. The few turns around the area had just extended his trip inside this maze. Tokyo isn't like Energia with its hive of turns and corners but this is ridiculous.

ETA: 30 SECONDS

Taking a hard right, he skidded to a stop. A flat plain crusted wall, far too tall to try climbing over it. A dead end without anything else in sight. Rui turned back the other way. Can he double back in time? The footsteps was thumping over towards him. The man would probably catch him by the entrance.

Rui steeled himself for the moment. Just a little more.

The assailant turned around, gun raised. Seeing Rui trapped by the wall, he lowered the weapon, slightly. "Your resistance as proven here is futile."

Rui looked for openings. The dark skinned man gave none, keeping a respectable distance, finger on the trigger. Running towards the man would result a bullet in the head. "It's not the end. As long as I still breathe, I will continue to fight."

"You are human without your cage of steel. A man with fire but alas all is nought for it is the end of the line." Alter raised the gun. "I pray for you to rest in peace."

Rui cracked a grin. "I pray for you too. Because things are about to become exciting." A familiar whine above.

Fist of metal struck from the heavens, rumbling the ground like an earthquake. The bullet was blocked from striking its owner. Rui leapt forward into the grip of the hand before being lifted up into its head.

Sliding into the cockpit, he linked himself to the Machina. "Now it's the real time to play."

Alter raised a brow as he lifted his head to face Rui eye to eye. A hand twice his size reached into the alley, crunching into the concrete.

Rui grunted as his hands continued to swat at Alter. The black man vanished at speeds far greater than his. Predict, not react.

Careful and methodical Alter aimed the gun towards him. Right at the cockpit. Surely a bullet like that isn't going to penetrate right through.

So as I pray…

Everything warned him. Rui threw a fist to stop Alter before he finished it.

Unlimited Lost Works

A white flash before everything went to Hell. The last thing he knew was alarms, the fiery pains everywhere and the screams from his mouth.

Masaki twiddled his fingers as they waited. Selesia had left through the balcony in a hurry. All she said was something bad happened and to wait it out while Hoshikawa comes back.

"Wonder what's going on right now." Matsubara paced across the room. "Now I won't be able to get a good night's sleep." He leaned towards the other two. "I'm surprised your muse is running well."

Suruga kept her eyes on paper. "It helps to ignore the anxiety."

Matsubara pulled the blinds of the balcony open. The streets downstairs were awfully quiet. "I need a drink. Think the guards would let me go buy some?"

"Doubt. They're scared you get kidnapped again." His fellow compatriot winced.

Masaki swirled a cup of tea before downing it. Staying around like this for a week had been tough despite the large space in the apartment. Maybe he ought to look at the notes for any plot holes to fix.

Loud echoes thumped behind the wall. Not going to happen. Masaki propped the paper down and sighed. "Who's making a racket at this time of the night." Sure it wasn't that late but its courtesy to keep the noise down. No form of privacy despite the original lack in the first place.

Suruga turned at the wall, a frown growing on her face. "Is it what I think it is?"

Yatoji stood up in a flash. "We need to go."

What is the man going on about? Masaki asked. "Go? Where to?"

Yatoji turned for the door. "Anywhere but here." He placed a hand on the handle when the echoes stopped. "I think, we're too late."

Silence befell into the room. A pair of heavy footfalls clacked behind the thin walls.

Yatoji backed away. The footsteps stopped. Following sharp crack hurt. His hands couldn't blot the invisible noise from spearing his ears. Flakes of wood splintered as the door lock shattered. Resumed silence before the door creaked open.

Masaki was glad his ears could still hear. Heart thumped as they waited. Something red was on the floor outside.

Blood.

When he did, it was casual as though home from a long day of work. Suruga's creation was tall. Matsubara stared up at the man. "Blitz Talker." The elder man's hard gaze and tall height was imposing to witness.

"Five agonising months, I am finally where I should be."

Matsubara's lips were quaking. "Are you here to kill us all?" Could they fight against him? Four against one in confined space. Black death in the man's hand was dangerous. One hit was all it needed.

"The rest of you can get out." He pointed the gun at Suruga. "My business is with her."

Suruga chuckled as she stood up. "Creation finding the Creator. Isn't this supposed to be an interesting reunion?"

"I have little faith in your time. Go, you don't want to see an unsightly result."

Nobody moved. Something held his feet down. Was it fear? That Blitz wasn't telling the truth? He didn't know.

Matsubara stepped in between Creator and Creation. Blitz raised a brow. "Move. I'm letting you live."

"Not if you are going to hurt Suruga." The man's voice betrayed his thoughts. It loosened the grip on his feet.

Suruga shook her head. "You guys should just leave. I know what Blitz can do. Don't underestimate him."

Blitz smirked. "Even the woman's telling you. Now go."

"No, I can't let that happen." Matsubara gulped. "I have a guess to what you want to do. However that thing isn't right."

"Just like the things she done to me being right?" Blitz bellowed. The gun was pressed against Matsubara's forehead. "Last chance. Go or your brains will decorate the room."

Yatoji's eyes were mixed with indecision. Suruga's a calm acceptance. Matsubara's eyes…his were lit with fire. He was braving up to the challenge before him.

Suicidal. The thought of finding death was insane. Breaking every instinct of survival. Shackles on his feet snapped. Masaki ground his teeth and said. "If you shoot him, you'll have to go through me too."

"People are so ignorant." Blitz smacked Matsubara's cheek with the stock of the gun. The man dropped without a word. "Your efforts are pointless." The gun returned to aim at its Creator. "Now then, I don't have much time."

Masaki stepped in between the gun. Everywhere felt so cold. Staring down the black barrel pointing right at him. Adrenaline coursed through his vein. Everything felt wrong. Survive. Every fibre of instinct is telling him to follow that one instruction.

Blitz would shoot him. Clear and inevitable. Yet paralyzing fear had disappeared, bound by acceptance. Even if he died, if he could save her. It would've been worth it.

"Elimination Chamber Festival." Suruga said. "I'd like time until then."

"You're sorely mistaken in thinking that I'd give you the chance." Blitz said.

"Of course. However, you would put it off if I have something to offer by then."

"Anything from you is worthless to me."

"Are you so sure, Blitz Talker? Answers that you have longed for. Opportunity of a lifetime that you will never ever have. Would you risk that chance? Won't you even try to learn the meaning behind everything?"

Masaki felt the gun pressed to his forehead. "No. Now fat man, move, please. I'd hate to test in seeing whether this bullet can go through two people at once."

He had to stand his ground. Stand his ground. Stand. Masaki glanced over his shoulder. Suruga's face softened. "It's alright. I expected as much. Please move. I don't want anyone else hurt."

Everything shattered. His voice felt dry. "I'm sorry." Cold feet moved Masaki aside. Back towards life yet feeling death in its grip.

"See you in Hell." Blitz pulled the trigger. A red flash by his side. An arrow struck onto the wall, its head crushing the bullet. Blitz stepped back as another wave of arrows peppered the walls.

Masaki felt the floor as Yatoji shoved him down. Blitz ran towards the balcony and jumped off. A few seconds of silence did Masaki dare to look up. Raising his head, he stared at the spectacle before the wave of relief came to. He screamed. "Thank God!"

Blue sky was supposed to represent the calm of the day. Situation on the other hand was everything but. Zipping across air created waves of a rush against the turbulence.

Emiya felt the vibration in his phone. He gestured to Meteora to go ahead, slowing down enough to ease the noise to a conversational level.

"More bad news. Security detail at Nakazato has been compromised."

Creators were at risk. "Who's there?"

"Unknown. UAV ready in thirty seconds."

"Multiple attacks at different locations at one time. Well planned." He hated to imagine who worked around their defences.

"I'd imagine it'd be your good friend. Your call."

Killing off the Creators was a risk that couldn't be afforded. Emiya made a choice. "Give me coordinates for long range interception from Shinjuku."

Trace on. Bow projected into hand. Reinforced vision turned everything crystal sharp. A squint turned reaches across the bay into a close up image. Emiya reached into a pocket and fitted the monocle visor, one of the newest tools of the JSDF. "In place, send it."

Video feed popped in place, displaying the map. Several magnifications deeper before a marker lined the target. "Fire mission, MGRS 35:44:30, 139:44:48. Apartment level ten. Danger close."

Northwest. To the right. Obscured apartment by the Furukawa Gardens. An open window across the balcony where the gunman stood midst several frightened people.

Nothing explosive. A slow deep breath before letting loose a flurry of red. "Sent." He drew up the next set. A flash of revealing red, the school girl had joined the fight there.

Major started listing the next target when Emiya noticed a soft shrill. He dived aside before a sword slammed into where he was. Skidding across the floor, he rolled to see the towering mass of black metal.

"Finally found you Red."

Kanshou and Bakuya answered his call before being slammed off the roof. Free fall before turning the momentum into speed. He shot away as Black Death pursued. Emiya cursed the lack of foot holdings as the mech had all the leverage to toss him around without impunity.

Landing onto the nearest roof, he sprinted while tossing both blades into the air. The mech landed as black and white spun around it. Two new pairs joined the circle, forming a circling cage.

Charon twisted and swung the sword to block the attacking blades. Od coursed as Emiya projected the right weapon.

Bow.

Sword of Fergerus.

Feet skid as he twisted around.

Five steps of Archery.

Break and Draw.

"Caladbolg." Broken silver shot forth in a blaze of blue.

"Defense. Cosmos Coniste Artis." Yellow wall sprouted. Sparks clashed, throwing an explosion that burned everything around. Emiya fired another barrage into the smoke. Sparks screeched as black cloud dissipated by the swing of a sword.

A step back barely saved him from being cleaved into two from top to toe. He leapt onto the blade, lifted into the air with new blades in hand. A kick forward, aiming for the chest before Kanshou and Bakuya met another blade.

Emiya felt flight as Charon shoved him away. The pilot was agitated. "The dishonourable man that deserves to be put down."

Emiya landed on his feet, studying his opponent. Black Vogelchevalier was nimble in contrast to its large size. No visible ranged armaments. A skilled pilot but not invincible. Rile him up nice and good. "There is no honour in battle. Victory or defeat is what matters."

"You speak of a truth but even men had ethics." Charon lashed with a sword.

"Said by the man who broke everything to achieve his dreams." Said reply was a lunge of the colossal sword.

Counter Guardian stepped aside and called upon the weapon of nightmares. A single swing was what it took to slam Charon's blade upwards. Charon's gasp of surprise as Emiya swung the hulking weapon nearly his size.

Black, rough with jagged edges. A weapon he faced against and died to it once. The Stone sword of Hercules.

Power coursed through his grip. Ecstatic, addictive strength beyond human. Strength of a demigod. A single swing pulled winds within its wake. Brute force skidded Vogelchevalier across the roof.

"Illogical." Charon said in between Emiya's furious wave of blows. Both blades could barely keep the might of the Greek hero in check.

Experience flowed through his circuits. Eyes sought the weak points as technique cultivated under the skin. Form designed to defeat the Hundred Head Hydra.

Charon backed off to the other side of the roof. Distance mattered not.

Upper arm. Neck. Thighs. Chest. Feet. Nine distinct points selected for lethality. Reinforcement tuned everything into a juggernaut. Emiya became a red blur.

Vogelchevalier raised its arm. "Cosmos Coniste Artis." Protective shield formed as Emiya swung.

Nine Live Blade Works.

Nine strikes, white glints of reflections from the massive weapon. Each blow, devastating artwork of raw fury. Yellow barrier shattered in crackle of glass. Charon stepped back, the attack depleted. "You're strong."

Axe sword cracked and broke to shards from the abuse. Profound strength faded as Emiya called for the trusted pair. Charon shot into the air and disappeared behind a building.

Was he fleeing or coming around for another attack? Ambient noise turned ghostly silent. How the machine became so stealthy was beyond him. Mattered not.

Bow in hand. Emiya drew upon the sword of the hunter. Condensing it into an arrow. Hrunting dived into the hunt, curving around the corner.

Sparks could be heard before a large shape climbed higher into the air. Arrows of Beowulf dogged at the Vogelchevalier in thirst for blood. Purple and red darted and weaved in a reaper's dance.

Charon fled. Emiya glanced back towards the apartment. Blitz had taken flight and left the Creators unharmed. Now he could pursue either choice and possibly take down one. Finally the opportunity to shift the balance to their favour.

Charon as a whole was more dangerous. A more valuable target. He prepared to chase when the Major called. "Glad you're alright. Something jammed communications."

Emiya tapped against the visor. "Charon was here. I'm pursuing."

"Figures. We need backup at the Cabinet building. A creation's over there and wrecking indiscriminate havoc."

That was in the opposite direction. Damn it. "I'm on my way."

Yuya Mirokuji burst through the door. Stares turned toward him but he couldn't care less. He pointed at the nurse by the reception. "You, where is he?"

"Who, who are you looking for?" The nurse balked as he towered over her by the counter.

"Mirokuji, over here." Yuya turned to see Kikuchihara standing by the door. "Come with me."

Yuya fell in step as she took him deeper into the hospital. Short steps echoed the hallway. "How bad is he?"

"Bad shape would be the least of it. Physical injuries would heal fast but there is a problem." Yuya noticed the title 'ICU' on the top of the door. A bad vibe from that one. "The feedback from Gigas Machina had thrown him into a coma."

She led him into a room. Little guy was strapped to the bed. Gas mask strapped to his face with machine were beeping, separated from the world by a panel of toughened glass.

Yuya stepped towards the glass. Silence when the door closed shut. Hollow coursed within the little chambers damnations called a heart. He pressed a fist against the invisible wall. Tightened so hard his nails were pricking skin. "Damn it little guy. You didn't need to be inside there."

Meteora was sitting on a chair whom stood up. "It is unfortunate. He was facing the worst possible opponent."

"Don't go speaking about it that way." Yuya huffed before turning away from the painful sight. "That's the way fighting always have been. Fairness doesn't exist."

Kikuchihara turned towards Meteora. "Speaking of Gigas Machina, is there any chance to repair it?"

Meteora shook her head. "Even if it is possible to repair with this world's technology, we do not have the understanding to how it works. The only person that knows it well enough is inside that room. It would be a poor choice to attempt such a risky endeavour."

Yuya took a deep breath to get some warmth through his limbs. They weren't coming. Come on, back in the game. "What do you suggest we do with it? We can't go leave it sitting in a warehouse."

"We destroy it."

Kikuchihara's eyes rose in alarm. "That's not a good thing to do."

"It is a difficult decision but it will be the best for the long term."

Yuya dropped himself onto a spare seat. "She has a point. Gigas Machina is likely powered by a powerful energy core or reactor. That can be a dangerous weapon of mass destruction. I do not like the loss but the risks involved are too great. I'd hate to see this city blow up due to a screwup."

Kikuchihara nodded. "Indeed you're right Meteora. I will get a team of engineers to look at it. Can I ask for your assistance?"

"I will be glad to help."

Yuya pointed to the door. "You girls get some rest. I'll stick around and keep watch in case of Altair's hoodlums come by with their shenanigans again."

"Thank you. I'll get someone to support you later."

"I'll request for Magaki's team to assist." The door closed shut and left him to silence.

Yuya kept the lights off. A pointless waste of energy. A quiet stare towards the injured boy in the room. "Gah, why the hell did he have to bite that bullet?" Maybe he hoped for something. That's what happened at moments like these doesn't it?

"Don't kick the bucket kiddo. We're counting on you to come back."

There was no change.

Emiya bit his lower lip. Red markers all over the computer screen. Six out of eight teams incapacitated. Twelve men dead. Three quarters of all surveillance assets destroyed.

The assault on the Cabinet Building had been a diversion. Destroying public property, vehicles and creating public panic. Camera footage couldn't give any clear identification. Only a blur of black zipping across. A familiar one with the incoherent metallic screams.

All traces of the Creation had vanished by the time he arrived. That had been a bad day. Rui Kanoya's incapacitation was a major loss to the war effort. Barring any other specialties, the young boy carried the greatest combat power available. Furthermore, the intelligence team had this new load of clean up piled onto them. An efficient lot but far overloaded.

Silver lining from the attack was no remaining JSDF assets were destroyed. Their loss couldn't be afforded. Reinforcements was growing to be a necessity. A bitter taste to the thought. Regular troops would suffer horrendously against Altair. Slaughter by the thousands. He didn't want to see that happen again.

Given current circumstances, he was at a growing loss. Tactics conceived thus far hadn't been successful. Granted, those who succeeded had years to work with, not in the same time frame. Fellow Creations like him were still kicking. A comeback would turn things around. What they needed was one chance.

The Major should be calling shortly. It came within the minute and it carried the worst.

"Archer. Vengeful Hound is to be discontinued effective immediately."

Everything skid to a halt. "You aren't joking, are you?"

Major's voice remained sharp, carrying the tense since the previous few days. "Command is calling it off. All our forces are to stand down from active operations against Altair's forces."

"Are they nuts? What's the point of stopping now?" Emiya contemplated the results once as a possibility. Given the Japanese aptitude, he found it staggering to be met with such defeatism.

"The fail conditions have been met. So they're following it to the letter."

Thought of killing someone was immense. "Fail conditions have been met. What kind of bullshit is this?"

"The biggest kind. Bureaucracy is a big pain in the books."

"How do we have fail conditions for a war for the sake of the world?"

"Honestly idiotic nonsense. But Parliament are now pushing for the Bird Cage Plan. JSDF folded."

"It's not going to stop Altair from attacking us which is already proven." Emiya seethed through his teeth. Holding back now for two months is insane. Every strategy in the book needed an active defence. Sitting back and waiting for the enemy threw the initiative away. Initiative was key to victory.

"I know. Orders are orders but I'm going to get our teams ready anyhow. Politics shouldn't be messing in the military."

Emiya sighed. Everything was crumbling apart with their hands tied, chins raised and waiting to beheaded. "Thanks."

"We're not out of this fight. I assure you that. We may be chained up like dogs but we're not done yet. Not by a long shot."

"I should drink to this poor news." The bottles of sake wouldn't be enough to wash away the bitter taste. Not even for a single night.

"Have one on me after all this. If we're still alive by then."

Meteora sat midst a group that oozed gloom into its surroundings. Morale was poor. It was disconcerting for her to witness this. Motivating people wasn't part of her skills. She was worried of turning it worse.

Guidelines given in the books gave the approach on how to cheer people up. Yet it didn't carry the innate parts of the social rules, by far her largest problem.

The Gods had been relocated to stay with the Creations. Yuya remained on guard at the hospital. He was adamant to stay and keep an eye. There was no arguing with the man.

Chorus of hands worked the motions in silence. Marvelous taste couldn't sate the hollow feeling within. Eating had become mechanical. Not a word was spoken when dinner was done.

Hideaki and Siegfried were cleaning the dishes as the Gods lounged about in the cramped room with glum eyes.

Matsubara, a leg sitting on the armrest of the sofa sighed and broke the silence. "Any news on Kanoya?"

Selesia answered. "No signs of improvement. In fact, there's apparently some problem healing his physical injuries." A week passed without any change to his vitals.

Her God sighed before leaning back to stare at the ceiling. "I miss my bed. I don't remember since when I've been home now."

Nakanogane sighed in turn. "We should get back to work." Their stuff had been placed in the new apartments one level below.

"I'm not sure if I'm even up for it." Yatoji and Suruga were working hard at it. Despite the poor notion of working at such demotivating hour, they had insane levels of dedication.

"Do not worry. JSDF is working around the clock to search for them and keep you safe." Meteora tried to assure him. Despite the struggles Archer had told her. She doubted the idea of it. Regardless of her opinion and hopes, the results were vindicative towards her strategy.

His fellow compatriot stood up with a groan. "Yeah, we got to get back to work. There isn't much time left after all."

"At the rate things are going, we'll have the final face off in the Elimination Chamber Festival." Two weeks remained.

"I foresee just as much. We have to be prepared for the final conflict."

"We're no closer to beating them. Kanoya's injury made a huge mess to the plan."

"Yes, his wounds have made it complicated but I am optimistic that we will prevail in the end." Gigas Machina had been destroyed. No little effort was spared to get the job done. Large amount of explosives and Archer's ability to overload weak points helped to accelerate the task.

Nakanogane nodded. "That's right. He'll pull through. We'll need to make some big adjustments but it'll work out. Somehow."

"I would like to hope for his recovery to make it in time. However, the cards are now in disarray."

"Meteora, strategy is always fluid. It would be wise to remember that." Archer said from the kitchen counter.

"I know. However, we should customise our opening gambit to maximise our initial chances. Once everyone enter battle, everything will be decided by skill and bravery."

"Let us brainstorm about it, at least it would keep our minds off the kid." Matsubara winced after a pause. "Sorry."

"Kanoya wouldn't want us to be worrying about him while the fate of the world is hanging on a thread."

Selesia chuckled. "I'm sure he'll be whining when he wakes up and find out that we've already beaten Altair." The thought of the boy jumping around in bandages and screaming about gave pause of amusement. That'd be something she'd like to see.

"Let's lighten it up a little." Archer placed a tray of glasses onto the table. "A few drinks on the house." Meteora didn't recognise the cocktails involved but the fancy colours made it tempting.

Matsubara took a sip and beamed. "First class chef, now this. You're full of surprises."

Archer raised his head, faintest line of pride beneath his lips. "There are occasions where being a bartender would be useful. Nothing too far from my trade after all."

Matsubara tipped the glass towards the food protege. "Thanks. I really needed this." The other Gods followed suit.

"Thanks for the-" Archer swooped the margarita from Hideaki's fingers.

"None for the under aged."

The boy pout in response. "You weren't a stickler for rules."

"I am the rules."

"Don't go Gilgamesh on me."

Meteora tuned out their argument and felt the sweet fuzz in her lips. She surmised Archer's actions were quite intentional. Despite his cold harsh nature, he knew the ramifications of poor morale. She kept quiet for anything bad was not worth adding to the mix.

Matsubara stared at the orange swirl in the glass. "Soon."

Sota felt the wind to be good today. Waves of water brushed against the seawall in a slow rhythmic pace in contrast to fast moving people. Shadows mirrored against the setting sun. "Thanks a lot for the occasion." Marine smiled as they walked along the edge of the urban square.

Sota waved his hands. "I didn't really do much." They've delivered the final set of drawings for the publisher to process and were on their way back home. All that was left to it was to wait for the finishing touches and release. He felt a bit strange to be followed about by the police despite them keeping a reasonable distance. Marine had been adamant in making the delivery personally to make things work out right. Enough to frustrate Kikuchihara to relent.

Marine giggled. "Don't put yourself down too much. Your help made it so much easier to keep stick to the deadline. I don't want to imagine the panic I'd have if you weren't around to help."

"It's nothing really. I'm glad that you were able to help me with my work so much."

Marine stopped. "Sota, don't let yourself down that way. My teachings can only guide you so far. Your hard effort has paid off the rest. If you put more time and effort into it, you can become someone greater. I'm sure of it"

Sota stopped with a loss of words. He didn't do that great. However that rise in his chest. Joy bloated wanting to burst out from within. "Thanks."

She turned towards the sea. "The sunset's nice today." Sota agreed with her. The orange glow casted a warm feeling. He turned around to see a calm face. When did she look so beautiful?

"Marine-"

Sota felt something warm splatter against his cheeks. He wiped it with a hand to see red.

Fresh.

Red.

Blood.

Then the sound of the shot rang into his ears. He blinked as she fell. "Marine!"

No response. Marine's eyes in a lost stare. The red pool was growing from her stomach. Sota yelled to his surroundings. "Anyone, I need an ambulance."

The gazes across him were frozen. Cold, uncertain, fearful. Why aren't you helping? Sota reached for his phone and dialled the emergency number. Why was the phone dialling so slow?

"It hurts." Marine squeaked through the pain.

A car stopped by the end of the street. Two men in coats got out, one with a radio in hand. One of Kikuchihara's guards. "Help's here. Just hold still."

"Yes, hold still while I send you off along with her." Two deafening bangs knocked the officers down in their own pools of blood. Sota turned around to see the end of a barrel.

Sota froze. Cold and hard as stone. The black gaze upon the man's smiling face. "Emiya Alter."

"Hello boy. Surprised to see me?"

"Why?" He didn't dare to move. "How could you do such a thing?"

"Necessity."

"How is killing her a necessary thing?"

The dark skinned man turned his face away slightly. "All that is willed and foretold in the path of the red light."

"You're mad."

"I have not said otherwise. Sanity and madness is just a veil of perception. A bid by the mind to protect the body that would be endangering its survival."

"Now you're going to kill me to finish some flimsy excuse of yourself." Metal onto the cheeks threw him onto the ground. The numbness didn't hide the pain beneath it.

"Nothing is true. All is permitted for the sake of the world."

"Leave the boy alone." Metal clanked onto the ground. Heavy bulky metal. "Your fight is with me."

Emiya Alter smiled. "Siegfried, the slayer of Fafnir. Truly what a wonderful surprise." The man raised the gun. "I can kill three of you in one sweep."

Siegfried vanished. Split second, he was already swinging a sword in full armour. Burst of immense power, forcing Sota to brace against the ground with both hands. Second wave toppled him over as Alter was sent flying with Siegfried in close pursuit,

Sounds of war faded as he climbed up. Sota was glad Siegfried had lured Alter away. Now he had to help Marine. Somehow!

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

When someone reviewed about being creative and changing things around, it got me to think a lot harder about it. I decided to imagine on what the characters would do. Honestly, Alter was a game changer.

Proactive, unlikeable and dangerously competent. Ends justify the means approach like Emiya. Granted Alter's abilities aren't the most overpowered, they remain damn strong when there aren't numbers to do the balancing. A lot of heroes would have unfavourable options against him.

JSDF and politics had a good roundabout ways to screw things up. Mentality, public image and I felt that wasn't touched much in culture to present always a proper front and results. Altair's team made it difficult to get the results needed. They were trying to survive after all.

Regards

MarksmanKNG