Chapter 19: Eye Before the Storm
Selesia pulled the car into a hard turn, squeezing every bit of power from the Toyota's tiny engine. She hated how they were rushing into a disadvantage. Heart pumping hoping to make it on time. She pursed her lips as they exited the bridge. "Altair. That ability of hers must be powerful to know where we all are."
"Just keep your foot on the gas." Mirokuji said as he leaned out the window and scanned the horizon. "Where the hell did you learn to drive?"
Selesia cracked a grin. "Compared to Vogelchevalier, this is a piece of cake." The car skidded along the road before fitting in line. She heard soft muttered curses while making the final turn.
She hit the brakes as a blue van crashed into the space in front of them. Flashes of blue and black sparked in across the square. Siegfried sprinted along the edge of the pier and leapt, dodging gunfire and red spears from two directions.
Selesia got out of the car and saw the man floating atop the roof of a building. Yuya clicked his tongue as a red spears sprouted from the broken pieces of glass on the floor.
Siegfried dodged, leaping back towards the two. He said with eyes trained on their opponents. "Sorry, handling all three at the same time was difficult."
"Heroic Spirits do think heroic alright." Yuya pointed his sword at his target. "I'm cool with lending a hand, especially since I need to knock some sense into this guy."
Sho Hakua, the protagonist of their story stepped forward and raised his own staff. "Yuya."
"Sho." Yuya raised his sword. "Selesia, he's mine to deal with." She nod while drawing her weapon.
Bayard appeared behind Sho. "That's right. Let it be third time's the charm that we can finish this."
"Ready yourself Sho. I am going all out. Hangaku." Warrior spirit emerged and struck.
Blitz said as Selesia met him on the roof. "I guess I have the honours to fight you young lady."
She smiled. "Quite a gentleman of you."
"Not at all." Blitz raised the gun and fired. Selesia swiped the bullet aside before diving towards the gunman. Both flew into a ballet in the air.
Selesia pushed her strength into the sword, sending a controlled wave of fire. Blitz rolled beside the building, turning the wall behind him into charred black.
"You must be expensive to be causing such collateral damage." His words were an echo behind the gunshots.
"If you stay still, then I'll make it all the more less." Fire blast couldn't be done too many times but if used right would give her the needed opening.
Down below a glance at the corner of her eyes, blue and black flashed in between spout of sparks, clashing weapons. As gravity took the two servants, Selesia charged forward. Blitz's eye were staring right at hers. Right where he wanted her.
Twisting around, Selesia felt the trailing heat from the bullet by her neck.
She had to be careful of the Gravity rounds. That's one. Pain slammed her down before a humongous weight crushed against the ground. Blitz carried a pistol in both hands.
Did he shoot his own bullet?
Blitz aimed both guns. Rolling onto her feet, she dived into the building. The ground behind her buckled and cracked into dust under the immense compression. Standing on her feet, she rushed deeper to stay away.
Her sides throbbed with a taste of copper under her lips. Brushing away the stacks of roses by the corner of the floris, there was no idea where Yuya or Siegfried were. Noise of battle only masked that they were nearby. She shouldn't have underestimated that man.
What are her options? Any attempt to get close would be met with Gravity bullets. If she-
"I didn't think we're done." Blitz held the gun beside her ear. Her arm slammed the gun into the wall as it fired. Dust covered her eyes with a sting. She slammed a shoulder into the man's chest before throwing him over her shoulder. A grunt before he rolled and dodged her feet to his face. Selesia kicked the fallen gun aside before slashing her weapon.
Blitz fell back onto his haunches before kicking back into flight. She parried the shots from the other gun in his hand before going for a head on attack. Blitz steadied himself before saying. "People who can fly are the most bothersome." She swung her sword when the man dived aside into a roll. Leaping forward, he sought for his other weapon while firing.
Selesia parried the shots before raising her weapon. "Take this." Red blaze shot forward. Blitz leapt up and flew to the sky, avoiding the burn.
"Not bad. You had better promise than the other guy."
Selesia grinned and jested. "Why don't you fight up close?"
Blitz shrugged. "That'll be too unfair for you."
"Let's." Selesia charged.
Sho Hakua felt burning fire inside. The man who took everything in front of him, just within grasp. All that was needed is pushing himself a little more. Beat that man down to a pulp and revenge would be his. Bayard was occupying Yuya's Hangaku with its own attacks. That allowed Sho to take his fight right and proper.
Sho swung the staff a full circle, pushing every bit of strength into it. "Why won't you just die already?"
Yuya snorted whilst blocking the hit to his face. "It's certainly not my time yet man. I'm getting annoyed by your lack of thought. Come on, pick up the slack. You're a main character after all damn it."
Those invisible barbs thrown at him. Sho was right after all. Yuya Mirokuji was a traitor. Pretending to be his best friend before turning on him. Killing Naomi and Chika. Hatred fueled his swings.
Yuya pulled back as Sho pushed harder. Transforming his staff into a flurry of death. Muscles ached for breath as he squeezed every drop of power. "Whatever you say will never matter because you took them away from me. You're the only reason I travelled across the world. You're the one I want to kill. Because of you, my precious, friend and sister lost their lives. No way in the nine circles of Hell am I going to listen to your lies!"
Yuya leapt back out of reach before snarling. "I know that! I read every damn thing about me because of you. I was just as betrayed and that all you've believed in is wrong, God damn it." His opponent and nemesis sighed. "I seriously have to play my part as the bad guy and whoop your ass back onto the right path."
Watching that man take him lightly ignited fire. Deep inside, he hoped to bring him down to justice. Maybe, just maybe. No. No chance left for him. Sho intensified his killing intent.
Yuya raised his brow. "That's real steep of you." Yuya's black death encroached into the area around them. "Let's bring it on for real then."
There can be only one choice. Pushing against the ground, Sho charged with every bit of strength. "Yuya!"
Yuya smiled before charging to meet him. "Sho!"
Six steps between them.
Both Astrals occupied in their duel.
Five steps.
They both knew it will come down to this.
Four steps.
Man to man.
Three!
One swing to decide it all!
Two!
He will win this fight!
One!
Unlimited Lost Works
Dangerous omen flew past his ear before the whipping crack of a gunshot. It sliced across Yuya's right arm. Blood seeped into the purple sleeve. Everything stopped. Sho turned around. Alter was standing above them on top of a wall
Yuya glanced at the injury. A graze to the side. "What a waste of your ultimate ability." Alter smiled in response. "Unfortunate for you, I've -."
Black burst forth. Swords, dozens of them from his flesh. Blood spattered the walls like fresh batch of paint.
Sho felt warmth fluids on his face. Horror crept up his throat. Sho could watch as the nemesis fall into a growing pool of blood. Cold silence filled his being. What carried power now shrivelled away into the deepest depths.
Yuya grit his teeth as the swords in his body splintered to pieces and vanished in fading hues of blue. He looked at his bloodied hand. "Looks like I'm done." A red mess of ruptured flesh and torn fabric was left as blood spilt from his lips. "Will you now listen to me kiddo?"
Sho watched as the man heaved for breath. Nobody could survive that kind of mess. After chasing for over a year, it is, finally, over.
Yet why isn't he feeling overjoyed about it?
Sho dropped to his knees. "Yuya, why the hell now? Why are you so damn adamant of having me listen to you?"
"God damn cliche." Yuya cracked a grin. The dying man pressed a bloody hand against his arm. "Otherwise, it'd be unfair for you. When you find out the truth, that you've been lied to."
"Yuya…"
Yuya gave a weak grin. "My time's coming. I'll catch you when you come back… Sho." Eyes closed, a faint smile left behind as grip slacked and fell to the ground.
Sho stared at the stain of blood at his arm. He turned around towards the killer. "You bastard. Why did you do that?"
Alter chuckled. "Why the long face? Didn't you finally got your revenge? Isn't that what you came for after all?"
Sho pointed a thumb to himself. "That was supposed to be my fight."
Alter raised his hands with a smug. "I just gave you a helping hand. Revenge is what you seek and it has been delivered. That is all that matters, has it not?"
"That wasn't the right way at all."
Alter tilt his head, eyes drilling into Sho's. "What is the right way? Would it be a proper duel to beat him to death? Would have you preferred it to be brutal rather than a mercy killing?"
Red rage coursed through him. "To hell with this. I'm going to-." Sho felt his body react, leaping away before a shine of silver slammed onto the road. Blocks of concrete scattered as he recognised the man from before. The sheer energy contained within the man was intimidating. A fire that burned stronger with the loss of their own.
Alter shot at the man, drawing the attention away. Silver shot forward towards the man, throwing both of them away from the scene of death.
Sho crunched his teeth at the desire of going after them. Deep inside him, it beckoned. Kill Alter.
No. He had to survive. Fighting both of them simultaneously would be suicide. More important was the lightheaded and unsettling feeling. Feet heavy as lead, he stepped back and turned around. Walking away was excruciating, a hole gnawing inside.
Siegfried slammed Alter towards the wall with a heavy blow. Said gunman landed on his feet before jumping away from the follow up slash. Balmung cut into the building, breaking through the wall and into the apartment building. Balmung swung around, blocking the counterattack for his back. He was back out in a second, diving through the air towards Alter, standing atop another roof.
Their blades clashed to a standstill. Face to face in bid of dominance. Alter gloated of victory. "How does it feel to fail? Great hero?"
"Your words do not taunt me." Siegfried kept himself level against the sizzling burn. He pushed more strength into the blade. Alter buckled to a knee as the roof start to crack. Siegfried saw the barrel edging towards his face. He twisted the blade and slammed Alter backwards.
Alter skidded across the roof, firing as the stalemate was broken. Slight tilts of Balmung deflected death aside. The gunman relaxed, standing upright with a smile. "They contrast to what your actions belie."
"Truly, you are a deceiver."
"Many thanks to such a compliment."
"I cannot see how you've been turned into a man like this."
"Hmm?" The smile was unsettling. "Perhaps my other copy that you know is the real fake."
"I refuse to believe that."
"Alas, if only you know." Alter gave a small bow. "Now then, with my task complete, I bid thou farewell."
Siegfried raised his sword, pushing prana into his legs for a lunge. "You're not getting away."
"I am. And you won't have a choice." Alter turned and fired towards an advertisement board. One leg snapped off, toppling the entire board down towards a group of fleeing pedestrians.
Siegfried dived. Several slashes destroyed the falling hazard into harmless pieces. He landed onto the ground before spinning around. No sign of Alter. A click of the tongue as he stretched the senses. Another disappointment. He decided to rejoin the others.
The battlefield had become desolate. Buildings cratered with holes and He regretted the choice of fighting in the area. Beauty turned into ruin. He found Selesia standing in the middle of the broken crater. Her weapon was drawn. He strode up towards her and asked. "Are you injured?" Her sharp eyes softened upon seeing him. She shook her head. "Where are the others?"
A sigh from her before she gestured to the surroundings. "Blitz's escaped. Marine's on the way to the hospital with Sota." Selesia tapped the side of her sword. "Darn it. Attacking innocents in public. How dare they do something like this?"
That's good to hear. Now he have to break the thoughts. Siegfried pushed into the darker issue. "Selesia, I have bad news."
Emiya felt the eerie touch of the winds as he kept watch on the roof of the apartment building. The headset hanging on his ear was a slight hassle. However the ability to see and communicate with the others down below without screaming his voice out was a nice touch. Ever since the attack, all JSDF assets were on red alert and until the others return, he was their last line of defence.
Nakanogane asked the group arranged in a small ring in the cramped living room. "How's Marine?"
Matsubara put his phone down next to the camera. "Sota said she's in bad shape. Thank goodness she was hit only with a normal bullet." Kikuchihara was already arranging another security detail with Meteora. Selesia would be guarding her first in case Altair makes another attempt. Siegfried would return to defend the Creators while Emiya would be able to move and support both parties as seen fit.
Within the apartment, things were heating up. Matsubara slammed a fist on the table. "That bastard is breaking the line. How could they involve innocents like this?" A grand delusion to think that they are free from the risks of war.
"There is no line in War. To him, you people are fair game. That's what I would do in his steps," Emiya said. Matsubara's response was to seethe at the thought before going quiet.
"Of all the times, where's Yuya? He's not picking up his cell."
"About that…I got bad news." Kid said from the corner of the room. The thought was enough for Emiya. A pity.
"Yuya Mirokuji is dead." Siegfried interjected as he appeared in the centre of the room. The Heroic Spirit's armour was scuffed with a layer of dirt and dust. They turned towards him for the answer. "Alter placed me in a bad situation during the battle and used his Noble Phantasm in a sneak attack."
Silence as Creators glanced at one another. Blinking surprise with uncertain stares. Matsubara was the first to speak. "Wait, Yuya's dead? How can that be?"
Siegfried bowed to the group. "He was outnumbered and I was too late. I'm sorry."
Kid added. "Unlimited Lost Works being a one shot kill move probably didn't help." Barring someone who had strong magic resistance or specialties against metals and swords.
Matsubara grabbed an empty beer can and crushed it with his hand. "That's utterly insane. How can he have such things?"
"Noble Phantasms are the strongest part of their legends. As much as I hate to say this but it's inevitable," Emiya said.
Yatoji went up towards the knight and grabbed onto the shoulder plates. Frail fingers failing to squeeze through the armour. "How, how could you let him die just like that?"
Siegfried lowered his head. "I'm sorry for your loss. A great mistake on my part. I had been placed into a choice between pursuing Alter or saving lives."
"Stupid…stupid idiot." Yatoji went towards a wall and slammed a fist against it. "I never said you could die damn it."
"Will he stop? Will Alter ever stop hurting people who aren't involved?" Matsubara's eyes were pleading for an answer. Something to ease his mind even for a few moments. Giving that kind of thought would be more painful by far.
Emiya told him the truth. "No, I'd continue until all my enemies are dead."
Matsubara turned his weary eyes to the table. A slump of elbows before clasping his shaking hands together. "How are we going to stop him?"
"I abhor the idea but given the circumstances, a defencive approach is the best option for the time being." The tides have turned. Outmatched in both numbers and strength and that included the consideration without Altair. Plan B was ongoing and losing any more Creations would be catastrophic.
"We can't just let them get away with it."
"They'll probably try again, aiming for another one of us. However, to fall into reckless anger would only turn the situation for the worse."
Nakanogane patted Matsubara's shoulder. "It hurts to know that Yuya is dead. That Kanoya in a coma. We have two weeks to go before the Elimination Chamber Festival. We can't give up. Not yet. We have to ensure we survive until then."
"Assuming they would prepare to annihilate all of us in one clean swoop within the festival while we stay on guard." Archer walked to the edge of the roof. "Siegfried and I will keep watch of security around here. I'll inform the Major of the setback."
Matsubara slumped into the chair, deflated. "Archer, I'm sorry." Yatoji reached for a cigarette and tossed one to him before lighting his own.
"Don't be. Death has no favourites."
Altair felt the hissing whispers of the chamber dance along her ear. Resting on the only bench of the room far too small in a room that accounted for dozens. Previously used as a place of congregation, now it had been cast aside. Just like her. She stood as the fallen approached.
Cedar doors groaned in aged protest as Emiya Alter pushed through. A push set them back in place before the man of the hour dropped to a knee. "My Queen, you've summoned for me."
Altair turned toward her accomplice. "Yes, Alter. I've heard of your actions. I commend you on the results of killing Yuya Mirokuji. Well met in convincing your fellow peers."
"They did not need persuasion for they are weary of being hunted like animals. I only suggested the course of action which they've always wanted all along."
She paused and waited. Strategy wise, it made good sense to remove an annoyance while recovering an advantage against larger numbers. Altair did not know where or who the tidbit came from. Alter noticed as he asked. "However?"
Altair presented the agenda of the message. "However, I do not take lightly on your attempts on Sota Mizushino and the other affectionate woman."
Alter paused, his mind processing her words. She knew the question yet to be asked. "Are you per chance to be interested in the boy?"
Altair answered. "He poses no threat to our goals. I find no need to kill him."
"On a physical threat, the boy means nothing. However, he serves well as a demoraliser."
Alter was not wrong. The decision to pursue those beyond the realm of Creations is not often, so to say preferred. Altair jested back to gauge her minion's mind. "Are you lacking in confidence that you cannot defeat your other self?"
"I am certain of victory. Opportunities to cement the future however shouldn't be hardly missed. My question remains unanswered."
Altair told the truth. Far simpler, nothing of intrinsic value. "The boy has no meaning to me. Only to my own God. It would be poor taste to destroy the boy that carried a valuable friendship to God."
"Even when you are destroying this world in spite for your God?"
"Some leisure to enjoy his final moments would be the only blessing that can be spared. Nothing more." He said nothing. "Alter, do not attempt any further instigations. I would not like to lose you in the process if by the case they would wise up."
"As you command."
"Now leave. There remains much to prepare. I trust you will have a good time to tame the black hound."
"A hound that screams nothing more than the death throes of its targeted malice. Journey once untold and regrettably met with misfortune." Alter bowed. "Your will be done." The door closed shut, silencing the room once more.
Altair closed her eyes and opened herself to the world. Information beyond human perception, marked in blue streams that weaved through the air just like the winds in reality. Knowledge ready to be plucked from the sea of data. Human sight was not needed when the Holopsicon sees all in place.
She called for the sphere. Invisible except to her mind. Soft silver fabric that churned in an unpredictable manner. A representation of the world. Little tears in the seams. Disruptions in reality just as planned. Convincing the lone heroes was far easier than forethought. Resistance were far more troublesome than foreseen. Well prepared and thought magics that limited her reach within some of the regions.
A flicker. They were at it again. Growing ruptures before sealed once again by the resistance. As a whole, it meant little beyond mere inconveniences. Success has been proven despite differing methods. The end results remain the same.
Beyond the annoyance within the world, there lies that one person that remained troublesome beyond grasp. Eliminating him was impossible but his efforts could be stymied. Holopsicon made sure of that. There are rules that even he has to follow after all. Lest could he not garner the acceptance to move forward.
She glanced towards him with her thoughts clear to be heard. Do not presume your efforts to turning things against my way will work in the end.
There was no reply, never will be. Altair willed her physical self to vanish. There remains much in South America to achieve especially against his meddling.
Masaki thought the past few weeks were tough. This, this is another new ball game.
Archer, Meteora and the Major had agreed on a plan. They would be relocated on a periodic basis based on Archer's discretion. Moving around the country a few times. Ibaraki, Chiba, Shizuoka and across other prefectures. Thankfully Selesia was putting her driving license to good use.
In spite it all, Masaki was glad they weren't doing the heavy lifting. Good sleep was scarce, uncertainty lurking around the dark corners, just out of reach. Every night anxiety always struck to his thoughts that it could be his last night. He wasn't much of a claustrophobic but being cramped up into small rooms that could barely fit three was becoming tougher to tolerate.
Matsubara was having it tough. Beer and smokes rooted deeper into his psyche, filling a hand as the man crawled word after word to keep the deadline. Of course he'd tone down whenever he or Selesia is around but it was a growing worry. Hmph, snacks aren't as bad in comparison.
Yatoji turned almost mute. He worked in a separate room whenever possible. He would never come out unless it was for food or toilet breaks. If no such options, he'd work in utter silence. Single word answers whenever asked a question. It was understandable, having a painful chord cut when your own creations get killed. He'd nearly have a heart attack after hearing Rui was warded in the ICU.
Suruga probably was the best off from all of them. Clear headed and productive in keeping up to her deadlines. Masaki noticed some of her facade cracking from time to time. But who wouldn't be in this mess?
Sota Mizhushino had slummed into a quiet boy. The attack on Marine probably left him shell shocked. I put Rui into far too many similar situations. I should apologise when he wakes up. Sota tried to take over Marine's role but struggled to create the artistry of experience beyond his years. Suruga eventually took over to get the final bits done.
Rui and Marine were in Siegfried's good hands. Speaking of her, she survived but bedridden for awhile. He hoped to God that Alter won't try anything else.
Days continued to clock down in monotonous routine. Selesia would patrol around the area, keeping the car maintained and prepared to go. Archer says so, they move to another place and get used to it for another few days before repeating. Nothing happened during those times.
Archer remained in Tokyo most of the time, appearing at their new home every few days. His face had grown far cold, tensed as the man was trying to keep everyone alive. Meteora was likewise occupied, conducting magical research with Kikuchihara, the Counter Guardian and most unexpected of all, Gai Takarada.
Without Archer, Hoshikawa took up the role of the housekeeper. Cleaning. Cooking. Groceries. The works. Masaki offered to help but it was always turned down on the basis of 'This is what I can do. You have more important things to finish.' Her smile helped immensely to keep the group afloat at times.
Hideaki had been trying to be helpful for her but brushed off by the high school girl. It almost ended up butting heads at times before the boy gave up to work on apparently his own story. Something he said about trying to tack on to what Type-Moon already has planned. A glance now and then showed it wasn't that bad but it wasn't spectacular and his own editors would have thrown it out the search pile.
Masaki decided to strike conversations to boost morale. He wasn't much of the best Creator but it was something he need to live up to. "Once everything is over, what would be the first thing you'll do?"
"Don't know. Maybe get some of that udon at the street next to my house. Those were good." Suruga answered, working the artwork without pause in her strokes.
"Sounds nice. Now I'm tempted for takoyaki." Masaki glanced towards the other room. "How is Yatoji taking this?"
"Same as usual." One of her pens ran dry of ink and was plopped into the bin.
Hideaki chimed in from his seat at the other side of the room. "So what happens next for Sho Hakua?"
"I don't know his motivations well enough. However since Yuya's dead, he might just go home and be done with it."
"Or he might help Altair as part of repaying her efforts to help him." Masaki suggested.
"He's going to be a tough one having an Astral Double." Hideaki shrugged.
Something slammed against the wall, drawing their attention. "Damn it." Matsubara's face was downcast. "How much more of this do we have to take?"
Selesia standing at the balcony walked over. She narrowed her eyes as Matsubara rubbed his reddening knuckles. "Pick yourself up Matsubara. This isn't how you should be acting."
Matsubara hissed a few breaths. He squeezed his fist before saying. "I know. I know that. It won't stop. We shouldn't be here like this. Like herd of cattle boxed into a room praying not to be caught by the big bad wolf."
Masaki felt low watching his friend behave that way. He noticed Hideaki turning for the fridge. "Calm down. Matsubara, we know how you feel about this. Relax and take it easy. We're with you."
Selesia rested a hand on her Creator's shoulder. "It won't be much longer. A week at most."
Matsubara mulled as he flexed his hand. "One week. Feels so far away."
"Matsubara." Her shoulders slumped in turn.
"The amount of people getting hurt is growing too far. It hurts." Matsubara turned and caught the can of beer lobbed at his direction.
"Marine will be fine. Yuya's death won't be in vain. We'll pull through," Hideaki said.
Selesia nodded. "That's right. We've been through the same journey. As much as you made it, you can be just as strong to endure it."
Matsubara popped the lid. "I can't. I'm not like you. We created you in such ways because you're what we always wanted to be but can't."
She gave a squeeze onto those tired shoulders. "The ultimate test of faith is when you are at your weakest. Wasn't that one of your quotes you gave us in those ruins?"
Matsubara met her eyes with his own weary ones. He shook his head. "I must be such a sorry sight to you all. I apologise for that."
"It's alright Matsubara." Masaki came over and rubbed his friend's back. Masaki would alleviate the load if only just a little. "We are only human. Challenge is what will make us stronger. Although it'd be embarrassing if you stumble about while Selesia gets all the cool moments."
Matsubara chuckled. "Right. That's my part to begin with. I've made quite a mess of myself." He tipped the beer at the kid. "Thanks everyone." The young boy nodded before pulling out another can of beer which got snatched by Selesia in a heartbeat. Chuckles went about as Hideaki smiled.
Suruga stood up. "Now then, I got some business with Meteora. Don't finish all the beer would you?" She waved before leaving with her art pad.
Masaki shook his head as things returned to what stood as normal nowadays. In the end, they can only be stronger.
"I'll be honest. This is the place I least expect to be in." Selesia quipped. Fogged glass panels from steam. Brown wood carrying age of mystery. Pool of water surrounded by hard rocks. Gentle splashes at regular intervals from the sozu fountain at a corner.
"Hiding in plain sight. A profound strategy uncommon to be used." Meteora said. She sat in the deeper parts of the onsen.
Selesia shrugged. "Feel like it's more so for collateral damage." Siegfried tended to make a big mess during his fights. Archer's abilities would probably give the same predicament.
Sitting inside the hot pool felt like bliss. She missed this for the longest days. Last time she dipped into an onsen was before their departure from the home capital. Charon had to enter the onsen when I was there. Embarrassing but good memories.
A zombie groan from Suruga. She was slouched over the edge of the rocks, soft and dead like twigs. Maybe not so much for her eh?
"Selesia, your face is red. Are you alright?" Hikayu asked as she entered the pool in a white towel.
Selesia shook her head. "No, no, just thinking of something."
"Knowing Matsubara, got to be something perverted." Suruga added. Her response was to splash hot water over the woman's back. "Owh, I'm gonna die."
In jest, she slipped deeper into the pool so the water would reach her chin. Another face was staring deep to the full moon. "Meteora, you looked occupied. What's on your mind?"
"Unfortunately many things. The Elimination Chamber Festival moves as scheduled yet I fear there is more than what we know that is being hidden from our knowledge."
"You can't find every teeny bit of detail and account for it. We'll just have to do our best," Selesia said.
"That is fact alas my concerns remain considering the stakes."
Hikayu added. "If you keep thinking that way, you're never going to be able to relax."
"Correct." Meteora lowered her head to stare along the water's surface. "I need a buffet to recharge."
"You're always a hungry glutton." Selesia teased.
"That is incorrect. I am merely unnourished to the fullest extent."
"Says the one having feasts dedicated by our ultimate Anti Hero Archer." The sage dipped her head underwater in response.
A moment later, she emerged and said. "I have not been able to taste his food either since then. Speaking of Archer, I've discussed this with him but we haven't been able to discern the reason of the phenomena."
"What's the problem?"
"Reality is breaking down faster every day, yet there is also a stronger counteracting force growing to meet it. Additional to that factor was reality is also not being but it is changing."
"And…that means?"
"Some information of reality are being transformed from one state to another without apparent causes or sources."
"Weird. I know some magic but this is way beyond my know how." Altair wouldn't be doing any of that sort. Probably?
"Understandable as your magics primary focus is on combat. As of late, my search yielded little and Archer has met similar troubles. Another phenomenon like this is very concerning." The topic at hand must have been tough for even the genius sage like is put off by it.
Hikayu raised a finger. "Maybe there's other people just like us helping out? Like those people with super magic powers?"
"A strong and reasonable hypothesis that first came to mind. Kikuchihara and the Major had been trying to find out but they remained concealed as we are. Although I am dismayed by the thought that they have abilities that can manipulate reality like her."
"Granted that little pipsqueak probably isn't the only one." So many possibilities and given how the world guessed at other aspects beyond reality, the situation had a lot to answer for. Thinking about it was starting to give her a headache.
Selesia rested her head against the rocks. "Nothing we can do about it. Our hands are tied as it is. We should think about it some other. Now is to relax and let go." Otherwise the point would be moot.
Another groan before met with bubbling. Hikayu pointed at sinking Suruga with a scream. "No! Don't die on us Suruga!"
Daichi heard the girls screaming in the other bathing area followed by loud splashes. Wonder what they're doing over there?
Hot water soaked deep to sore skin. The green trees along with the strumming of little insects in the nearby gardens allowed him to relax. He raised an arm to eye level and flexed it. Power coiled within. Yeah, a bit stronger every day. Even so, he'd probably survive…for thirty seconds?
The training had an important side effect of strengthening his Magic Circuits. From barely a unit worth of od, now he had five units generated over a whole day. Pitiful in contrast to even the poorest of Magus but for what it's worth, better than nothing.
"Those girls are really making a racket." Matsubara sighed. Aren't you at least a bit curious to what's going on? Or is that towel on his eyes to help his imagination?
"Beats me to what they're doing. Hmm, Archer and Siegfried are taking their time though." Nakanogane raised a brow.
Gai Takarada gave a sly smile. "Think they're peeking?" Daichi didn't know the man well but apparently he was giving the vibe of a warm brother. Sure, the age gap was nearly a decade but most creators had the spirit of youth going. Just like how I need to keep going as well.
Nakanogane said. "Nah. Impossible. Maybe Ohnishi though…".
Daichi felt Siegfried approaching them at a steady pace. Although given Archer's E-rank…that man might end up there somehow.
The door opened and Ohnishi flew into the pool with a splash.. The two warriors of fate entered. Archer and Siegfried entered the onsen with towels wrapped around their waists. Those men were incomprehensible to describe. Bodies that gave prayers to the deities of Mount Olympia is what Kazuko would say.
Along their chests that boasted heroic muscles, they carried scars. Rather than taint the canvas, they articulated its focus. Wow, how did he get rather technical on that?
Archer didn't show them during his time in the beach. Siegfried kept his modest to a degree with a shirt. Now did he watch it in full spectacle. For something to be seen as scars, they were intricate and far beyond random doodles.
The rest were surprised to see it. This would've been his second look in contrast to them. Nakanogane rested his two arms on the rocks. "What's the hold up?"
"Catching a bug in the wrong place." Archer said before taking a seat at one of the showers. The Counter Guardian's expression was cold and taut hard.
Daichi decided to shift the topic before things turn any worse. "Sota, how's your art doing?"
Sota blinked at the sudden question. "It's… improving." Daichi managed to see some of it on occasion. The improvements after a few months was staggering. He wouldn't be able to create something on par with Marine or Suruga but the gap was closing.
Likewise he'd talk to Nakanogane on times for advise for his own work to help reinforce the upcoming story. Fate Grand Order's new side story was already live. Bad luck for having no time to grind for needed in-game materials. Fate of the world had priority, besides Shizuka.
Daichi nodded. "Good. After all of this, interested in her by any chance?"
The pool's calm surface burst as Sota waved frantic hands. "No, no way. That's impossible."
"Aw, she'd would be so disappointed hurt if she heard that." He teased. Hot water hit his face. Sputtering it aside to see Sota's apologetic face.
"I mean, the age gap is just too big. It's unreasonable for Marine too." Sota squeaked.
"Age is just a number." Archer said as the two heroes joined the pool. "If you don't do what you want to do, then you will struggle, suffer and regret the life that you live in." Nice.
"Nevertheless be pragmatic about your options. You only have one life to live." Siegfried chipped in. "Best you talk with her the truth."
"And accept the rejection if it does come." Matsubara added.
"Speaking from experience, Matsubara?" Daichi asked.
Nakanogane laughed. "Oh Matsubara. You wouldn't believe half the stories he have with the ladies."
Matsubara cracked a grin. "Forty two rejections. I probably have the best record amongst our group so far."
"Forty two…" Yatoji mumbled off.
"Yeah, that hurts but what can I do? I'm just a simple guy after all." Matsubara took the towel off his face with a smile.
Archer raised a finger with a hand on the elbow. "It's better to be single than end up in a relationship that tears you apart." Daichi felt the posture was familiar for some reason.
Matsubara chipped. "So speaks the playboy."
"First, that wasn't me. Second, I never had a relationship."
"Never had a relationship because he was too dense to notice in his younger days." Daichi deadpanned. Archer coughed in response. "Really now, I thought that it was rather obvious."
Siegfried chuckled. "Try as you may Archer, I believe defeat is solid in your block."
"I blame idiocy of youth."
"Oh such maturity born from the fires of war." Daichi said.
Archer snorted. "You're welcome to join me in Hell."
"No thanks. Absolutely not interested at all."
Sota stared at the glowing scar at his chest. "That looked painful."
Siegfried gave a faint smile. "I acquired it when I was fighting against Fafnir, the great dragon. Worry not, it does not hurt anymore."
"Scars, think of all the women who would fall for them." Yatoji made a camera frame with his fingers.
Daichi pointed out. "Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? Women don't like damaged goods after all."
Archer narrowed his eyes. "That sound like an insult, Kid."
"Nope, no such thing."
"Siegfried told me about your training and I think we need to have an impromptu session. Come here."
"Oh no." Daichi screamed as he got up for the door. He never reached it before being dragged into the depths of Hell. "Someone save me!"
Emiya felt a sliver of sake coming down his cheek. Settling the empty glass aside, he reached for the bottle for another round. Small talk around his ears as he poured it and downed it in a single go. There wouldn't be another chance. Just tonight though, the world still needed a Counter Guardian.
Everything went to deepest depths of Hell but it never stopped him. The past two months had been put to use to investigate every opportunity that couldn't afford their attention beforehand. Damage control. About the possibility of other resistances.
Major Magaki and his operatives had travelled to respective countries in search for details. Results were nothing besides confirming what they already knew. Other Creations existed and were fighting. Who they were fighting against remain to be seen.
GAIA had been put on a wild trip. Fluctuating up and down in clear man made activities. Some other Magus probably understood the concept and surmised the consequences. He had a guess but without a way to confirm, they remain as so.
Meanwhile, his introduction into the Bird Cage by Type Moon was somewhat intriguing. Thrown into a singularity involving Fuyuki city and another Magus trying to create another Holy Grail War. Albeit it had a lot to do with his purported Master's bad luck with singularities.
Meteora stood up raised her glass to the crowd. "As of today all key preparations for the Elimination Chamber Festival are complete. I would like to propose a toast in celebration of our good work. Cheers."
Glasses raised to meet hers. "Cheers." Fortunate for the gluttonous demon didn't consume alcohol as rabid. She can eat all the food for what he cared.
Matsubara stood up before bowing to the group. "Everyone, I know that I've been somewhat bad the past few weeks and I want to say I'm sorry and I will do anything to make up for it."
Selesia was the first to speak. "About time you know."
"All's well when it ends well." Ohnishi cracked a grin.
Meteora gave a faint smile. "Thank you for your commitment Matsubara. I'm certain that we'll appreciate your renewed efforts. Perhaps you can do so by sharing your portion with me."
"I won't do that. Absolutely no way. Archer's cooking is sacred." Matsubara protested to breaking laughs. Seriously, these people are reason to down another glass.
After the prompt announcements, the mood shifted towards something more congenial. Yatoji and Hikayu were having some small talk including some apparent embarrassing tidbits.
Kid was trying to snatch a glass of sake which Emiya swapped for juice in blatant sight. The boy sighed before drinking. Siegfried chuckled before taking the glass to finish it. There remained a person not drinking. He raised a glass towards the Director. "Aren't you going to have a drink?"
She shook her head. "I still have work to do later on."
"Really? I surmised that one night wouldn't put everything off schedule."
She smiled before accepting the glass. "If you put it that way, it's hard to say no." Down in a single go. Not often you'd see a woman who could hold her drink. Rin would've been drunk after finishing sake that fast. Fastest way to keep that girl quiet but always backfired against him later on.
"Stress is the enemy after all."
"Of course." Kikuchihara refilled her glass. "The past few months have been difficult."
"I cannot imagine sitting in a box for months to handle the paperwork."
Nakanogane scooted over. "Kikuchihara, you're amazing at it. Everything went perfectly to schedule."
Matsubara leaned over and added. "Yeah, I was very sceptical myself but the progress was insane."
Kikuchihara's eyes widened as she finished her glass. "Setting deadlines and postponing them is something that anyone can do. That's not real management."
Kikuchihara finished another round. "If I did that here, then the world would be destroyed. That's why I made sure to give feedback and manage motivation levels. This is the key factor in managing people like you."
Third.
Fourth.
Fifth.
"The key to controlling progress does not lie in providing effective advice but rather in providing…" She continued to ramble off towards the Creators.
Not my problem. Emiya backed away without her notice and went towards the open door. Night air was cold but cosy from the spring waters. Kid, Mizushino and Siegfried were entertaining themselves with a game of ping pong in a two against one. The girls were enjoying the buffet by the main table. Where did that put him in the big picture?
A yell over his shoulder. "Are you even listening to me?"
Ignoring it, he ought to fill himself with some fish. Food along the main table had been prepared partially by him and was the first part to go. What remained was still in good portions but was steadily ravaged by the white sage.
"Do you ever stop eating?" Sage stopped and turned towards him. He couldn't see any expression from the girl but given the long pause, he made an assumption. "Is the trump card prepared?"
She nodded. "It's ready. Its best used only during the final stages against Altair. Used too early and it might be detected and counteracted. However, would you be able to devise your plan from it in such short time?"
"I'll make do. Meanwhile, what are the likelihood they won't accept it? Considering the impacts thus far like Yuya's disappearance must have made it difficult"
"Kikuuchihara managed to create some news that Yuya's Creator had been pulled out due to some arrangement conflicts. His loss would be painful to swallow on the acceptance matrix. As for Kanoya, I have left the possibility to summon Gigas Machina and pretend to be its pilot."
"A puppeteer. I hate to say this but I understand. Once we kick things off, everything would count on each individual. "
"That is correct. We'll setup the formations to encourage certain matchmaking arrangement and then get Alicetaria to join us at the right time."
Selesia hummed. "It's unfortunate that she's not with us today, being a Trojan horse. I'd buy her a beer for being in the most dangerous position of all."
"If she is plotting something as you say, then it's all up to her to achieve it."
Selesia teased. "You two are really meant for each other sometimes you know. Always talking about work."
Emiya huffed. "Maybe I'm a workaholic inside this old body."
"I am not romantically inclined. However I am open to the idea of mutual cohabitation," Meteora said.
"You just want more food don't you?" The sage narrowed her eyes in silence. "Besides, you're not one to call the kettle black. I am aware of your outings with Siegfried."
Selesia Upitiria reared her head back in disgust. "Stalker."
"Sharp eyes. That's all. The Kid knows it too in all its details." The redhead's mouth gaped open in stunned silence. A gasp now and then as he closed his eyes and enjoy the drink.
Emiya was done with his seventh when she calmed down. Selesia sent a glare to the Kid before continuing. "Nothing, ever, happened."
"I said nothing." He answered as Kid in the distant shivered out of the blue.
The redhead propped her hands onto the table. "I never had the chance to see a world in peace. There's always been fighting somewhere."
"My world isn't too different from this. It's consensual peace when weapons of mass destruction are being held at gunpoint."
"Think those peeps got the idea to making us do all the fighting and bickering?"
"Perhaps." Emiya filled his glass. Warm buzz in his cheeks.
"It may be so that the construct of how things have proceed to be this way. However, isn't it the better choice in contrast to other alternatives? A world ruled under fear, tyranny or a distopia."
"Now I want to drink all those thoughts away." Selesia sighed as she reached for a glass.
Emiya filled their glasses. "Just tonight. Tomorrow it's back to work."
"You're really a workaholic."
Author's Notes: Good day and thank you for reading Beyond Worlds.
I'd probably get hate for this but yeah. Yuya's dead. Unlimited Lost Works is built to kill from within and considering Yuya's reality doesn't have the concept of Magic Resistance, it makes it even easier.
In a standard one vs one, it would be doable. Caught out of surprise during an even fight? A lot more difficult. More in store in the later chapters.
The original story had an interesting limitation. All of it had to be restricted to Japan for reasons unknown. Altair was capable of doing many things, why did she have to do it only in Japan? She could yes but why not? Far simpler to just create problems everywhere in the world, makes the job much faster. Likewise just as new antiheroes appear, new ones rise to stop the fight.
Regards
MarksmanKNG