Chapter 22. Regaining the Lost Part (I)
I'm the Bone of my Sword
His body was mangled. Red liquids pour down from his whole body, flowing through his hands, legs and chest akin like someone who just come out from fresh shower
Steel is my body and Fire is my Heart
Like just after facing mighty beast, there countless wound in his body; legs, arms, thighs, abdomen.
I have Created Over a Thousand Blades
Multiple swords pierced his body, there one burst through his lower abdomen where his kidney was, there one where his liver was, there one where his lungs was, there one where his intestine was and there more piercing his back
Withstood the Pain to Create Weapon while Holding the Infinite Hopes and Unbreakable Dreams
And yet, despite all the wounds, despite the crimson liquid that pour down so much from his body like a pool, despite the pain he felt, he keep walking. Dragging his feet to the hill, he keep walking, one step, second step, third step, fourth step, fifth step, and he keep going and keep taking step until he finally reach the hill
The Path I Walk is the Path of Steel and Justice
He arrive in the hill and look down from it, there, below him was another swords, countless of them, surpassing even thousand and no matter how far you seen they always on sight
Yet, those Hand will Never Gain Anything, Never Accept Anything, Never Give Anything in Return
The land itself was not beautiful, it was dry, rocky and looks like one in cliff. Rough, unclean, however there strange feature about them, instead colored like normal rock; gray, black or such, the color of the place was red
Not just normal red, it was bordering to scarlet almost like ruby
He, who watching from the hill tilted his head above, there, standing and hovering in the air as if invisible machine holding them was gear, a dark emerald colored gear that spinning akin like device that work
This is... His World... This is his reality... And this is his..
So, as I pray
UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS!
Issei awoke with gasp, the one that similar when someone awaken from nightmare. His body shoot forward, breath come out from his mouth like he exhale poison and sweats littered his forehead like bullets
'What the heck was that?!'
Was the first thing stumbling in his mind, followed by strong panic. He don't know why but that dream/vision was very disturbing, it make his heart beating like drum war and his lung freeze so he have to inhale and exhale air as much as he could
That wasn't normal... Not at all...
He had similar dream before, it was few days after he release his Class-card. He dreaming about absolute darkness, but in those abyss he could see them, they shining in dark, only small but their numbers was countless akin like stars that adorn the sky
They are swords, they are the foundation of his Reality Marble, the World that reflect his soul
But when he see them it still dark, it still premature and it still not shaped, it was not complete, it still not yet matured or created
But now, that vision was very clear, the Aria even there and it was absolutely clear it was complete!
Is that... Is that reflection of his soul?
For some reason it make him feel bitter and sad, while true the scarlet color indeed beautiful but rough, it was very rough to the point it more like fragments of broken mirror that bathed in blood
And the gear in sky was not helping, it color was dark green like poison and also he can't see the sky, there no beauty on it
And there the aria too, Issei admit the aria while sounds good and cool but somehow it... Wrong... He don't know where the part it wrong but for some reason it sounds wrong for him
"So you awake..."
A new voice, and not just that, it was eerily familiar
Issei snapped his neck to the direction of the voice source, he then see not far from him the one who spoke actually not possessing familiar voice but face as well
Sitting in one of the rock was him. Clad in red long coat, wearing black unique armor underneath it, brown tan skin and white hair that looks like snow, Issei immediately knew who the figure in front of him
"Yo." He greeted him "Fake Hero..."
Issei eyebrow twitched instantly, he actually had heard few calling him that but when it was him who spoke that for some reason it annoy him so much
"Emiya..." Issei greeted back, he now slowly stand and stare at the supposed Counter Guardian "Why you here?"
"That my question..." Emiya replied, he still sit and stare at the boy with bored look "Why you here? This my Reality Marble after all and look what you done with it." He said as he gestured to the surrounding with one hand
Issei began to look at his surrounding, and at that time he notice that this place was the field he dream moment ago. The scarlet colored rocky field, followed by dark green gears that hovering and spinning in sky, he also noted that he now already on his battle outfit
Swords, was the only thing he could see as far as he could. All of them stabbed in the filed exactly like the one in his vision, just like grave stone for someone
After a moment of looking around his surrounding he had decency to put sheepish look "I guess you don't like the change huh?"
"Do you like it?" Emiya shot back dryly and Issei not even bother to hide his grimace
"Nope..." He said, truthfully he prefer the one that Emiya possess rather than this "Wait, what you mean by your Reality Marble?" He asked instantly as he recall the question, as far he knew this place should be his not Emiya's
Emiya in response merely look at the boy with stony look, his gaze as if trying to pierce the boy soul for moment before he sighed "It seems that Old Vampire truly didn't explain anything huh?"
"Huh?"
At the confused response Emiya only put thoughtful face "But knowing him, I doubt even if you ask it he will give you full answer. Probably give some riddle or thing like that." He muttered, he then stare at Issei "Let me ask you, do you know what exactly Class-card is?"
Issei furrowed his eyebrow, wondering where this will be going "Some kind of artifact that rotten Vampire plant to us, the card itself possess fragments of the Heroic Spirit and those card fused with our soul and body, giving us the power of the Heroic Spirit that planted on it. However we can't just use the power we get, it because the card need to fused properly with our soul and body first.
"And after our body finally fused with it, we can use the power of the Heroic Spirit within us when the card unleashed. Your strength for short time will be matching the Heroic Spirit that belong to you but in time it will be depleted fast and if you not train your body you will be reduced back to normal Human."
"That was rather correct, it the most basic explanation." Emiya nodded in agreement hearing the explanation "But surely you knew it actually more complicated right?"
"Yeah..." Issei nodded back, what Emiya said is true. There more about Class-card actually that even Issei not aware about "But let be honest, do you want to question that Vampire creation in logical manner?" He asked dully
"Good point." Emiya deadpanned as well, if you talking with Zelretch it better to throw all your sanity and becoming crazy like him. Even if it only for moment but it better than lost it forever "Anyway, did you know anything other than that? How about side effect?"
Issei narrowed his eyes, he start to dislike where this will be going. He knew what Emiya mean actually, for such artifact to not have any side effect, it almost impossible. He always wondering about it and even he ask Zelrecth himself
But the old Vampire only laughing and saying that he just need to wait and make sure he ready when the time come
He momentary close his eyes as he try his best to recall all the time that he recently spend. Even some of them painful but he forced himself to see it through his own perspective, all the thing he did, the one he lost, the way he handling situation, everything
And then realization fall to him
The first biggest clue was when he speaking with Mittelt on the roof just when he wake up from his slumber after fighting Kokabiel. The way he phrased his parent it almost as if he talking about stranger rather than person who spend their whole life for him
And after that everything seems went wrong, the way he talk and handling them in time become to be wrong, it was tolerable and unseen at first but to him who know his personality well knew that he not acting like himself
And what worse he not even realize it, not at all. Add the fact there numerous appearance he not supposed to see; Koneko eyes that turned to red in that time was not random thing, but it was memory of similar girl like her, possessing white hair and short like that
Illyasviel von Einzbern
There Momo Hanakai too, the white haired girl eyes instead blue-green it was gold, and he not even bother to look at it twice but skip it as if it normal thing and the Devil girl truly have gold colored eyes instead blue-green
And the way he speak to Families of Shouko, Aika and Kiyomi also not right. He almost had no pride at all when talk to them, not even show that he man who stood proud of his ideal. That was wrong, that's why Xenovia said there something off about him that time
"It seems you realize it, what happen to you now." Emiya said as he see the look in Issei face
"You..." Issei eyes narrowed and his glare sharpened "Are you trying to make me into you?" He accused to the white haired man
"Turning you into me? Of course no." Emiya snorted "I trying to replace you moron."
That clearly not make the situation better, in fact it only worsened
"Why?" Issei asked, his tone stoic but there hint of disbelief in there. For Issei, Emiya was someone he admire, someone who he respect so much. Even knowing that his dream impossible but he never stop to reaching it and keep fighting, even when he dead he still smiling
And yet, at same time Emiya is someone who he thought as fool. The way he live was wrong, he pushing everyone away and even hurting people around him. Perhaps he had no right saying that seeing he now in similar position like him but no matter what the boy never want to end like him despite his admiration
"Do I really need to spell it?" Emiya asked, he give bitter smile to Issei "Out there was freedom, a World where I could free from my nightmare. Even I only fragment of the real EMIYA but I was copy of him, I had his experience and horror he had seen during his job as Counter Guardian.
"I even willing to erase my whole existence to free from that Hell, and now there freedom out there waiting for me and all I need to do is killing another fool who try to become Hero."
Issei only silence when Emiya finish speaking, despite his admiration to Emiya but he also think the man as fool and had they going to fight Issei won't even hesitate. So now he clearly had no problem to show his dislike when Emiya call him fool
"Calling me fool mean also call yourself fool, fool."
"You right, I'm fool but you following me, so who the one more fool? The one who fool or the one who follow him knowing the man he follow is fool?"
Issei clearly have no response on that save for twitched eyebrow of annoyance. Emiya meanwhile give him smug smirk after winning the argument
"Where's Ddraig?" Issei asked, changing the topic. The last thing he heard was Ddraig voice but he didn't see the Great Welsh himself in here
"Oh... Him..." Emiya in response put bored face, tilting his head he make gesture with it to certain direction
Issei following the gesture, narrowed his eyes and it instantly widened when found the target. At first he didn't notice it, the red color in the ground make it almost like hill or cliff. But when he focused his eyes further he found that was not rock
It was scale
Ddraig was large, the size was comparable to giant building like Godzilla that Issei watched in movie, except Ddraig was more terrifying, powerful, and destructive, simple roar from him probably could blow part of Kuoh City like people blowing candle
But the mighty Dragon now was clearly not in that posture
Chained...
The Great Welsh was being chained, there multiple of them, slithering and wrapping around his limbs, followed by numerous swords that stabbed his wings, pinning him to the scarlet ground
"He's been trying to figure out what happen in your head lately and trespassing the boundary between your soul and Sacred Gear. I let him do that because I want him to bring you here so I could finish this as fast as possible and when he done his job..." Emiya trailed off and make gesture with his hand to the state of the Dragon that unconscious and pinned to the ground
"Ddraig!" Issei shouted, worry was evident in his voice seeing his friend state. He about to dash him but countless swords rain down to him, circling and caging him like prison less than second
"He had done his job and I won't allow you to go there." Emiya said coldly as he slowly approach Issei
The boy snapped back to the man with gritted teeth, there fury in his eyes "So... It come to this huh?"
"It is." Emiya replied in stony tone
Issei narrowed his eyes, his face also become impassive as he stare at the Hero that inspire him, tension building instantly in the red rocky field
Then Issei moved
To any normal being, no, not just normal. To High-class Devil Issei simply vanish, he gone as if he never there save for trail of dust and force of wind that created through his movement
Soaring in sky, he already free from his cage and certain scarlet colored bow was on his hand. Sword already on his hand, it was used to be beautiful sword, peerless, unbreakable, and Holy. It even capable to granting miracle
But it changed, it beautiful straight edged shape morphed, it edge curved akin like arrow, it guard also morphed to become longer slightly in order to be able to move in air more swift like wing of bird
Durandal, the Holy Sword that Roland used had reforged, twisted into sword that made for thrown
"Durandal II!"
The Holy Sowrd that even could be said Divine soar down as it released from Issei finger, like meteor that flaring down to earth, it was filled with huge and dense of Holy Power that even make most Devils flinched by seeing it and will make them unable to act thus vaporized by it
If that sword hit to Emiya, it had no doubt the battle will be over in instant. No matter how you see it, taking hit from something like Durandal that made for projectile was something not to be shrugged off, it even going to pierce the legendary Heracles God Hand that even capable to brush of Ultimate-class Devil attack
But Emiya not die
The moment Issei hold that sword and unleash it, the same sword already there, already ripping through the air, slicing through them and soar faster than eyes could see and matching the Holy sword Issei forge
CLAAANG!
The Holy Sword deflected each other, two of them flipping in air few times before go down like rock that sunk to the water. And the moment they stabbed to the ground, the battle truly began
Just the moment two swords piercing the ground, Issei already soar down to Emiya like bullets. Kanshou and Bakuya on his arms and he swing both of them strongly to Emiya who only stand, still with his stance on
And like Issei predict, Emiya move his hands, calling the same married swords. But his prediction only right in there, he clearly not expect Emiya to block his attack with only one hand, one sword
The ground beneath him sunked, his legs even pushed back few inch but Emiya posture not change, he still firmly hold himself and block Issei who just rain down to him with one hand like adult that stopped running children
'Strong! He strong! I knew he supposed to be stronger than me but-'
Then Emiya moved, his Kanshou deflect Issei dual blades, sending the boy away in air. The white-brown haired boy tumbling as he landed in ground, but he not even have chance to fix his posture as Emiya already there. Bakuya went down with intent to cleave him into two and Issei barely able to raise his swords, and block the attack but the force was too strong so he got propel away
Fortunately he lucky the way he pushed was make him able to balance himself and he wasted no time to brace himself and when this time Emiya come, Issei ready
Kanshou meet Bakuya and Bakuya meet with Kanshou. Both of them clashing, parrying, dancing, and swifting in flurry of strikes
The weapons the use were same, the stance they use were same, even their appearance similar enough to people think that perhaps it was father and children quarrel. However the difference of their strength was like the latter
To said Issei having hard time was understanding, Emiya strength clearly out match him almost like when he facing Kokabiel! No! Maybe Emiya even better, it only one level or barely but clearly Emiya more strong than Kokabiel!
Against Kokabiel, Issei actually not having problem with that. His stance, the way he fight was something that he inherit from Emiya. A stance that created on purpose to facing enemy stronger against you, the stance that allow you to maneuver how your opponent fight, how to give their false assumption that you far weaker than him/her in order to create opening
But against Emiya? The one who create those stance, the one that Master on it and already use it for years and countless battle? Not to mention he had experience of numerous battle
That style was only a naught
Add the fact he were stronger than him and better at Tracing, Issei clearly at biggest disadvantage in this battle
He stand in the hill alone, staring down at the rocky field with stony look
"Gugh!"
Tumbling back few feets after blocking strike from Emiya, Issei trying his best to regain his footstep. Pivoting his leg on the red ground, he twist himself and turn the attack that supposed knock him away into counter by manipulate the strength of the ground he stand
His body spinning in air, twice before he deliver slash with both his married sword to Emiya who block it with Bakuya. Floating in air give so much opening for him, Issei knew that as Emiya Kanshou already twirling on his other hand and now launching with intent to skewer him
He was Strongest Steel, He was incarnation of Sword, He was Embodiment of Justice
However, Issei already counting this, the moment Emiya other hand twitched, he already move. Kanshou and Bakuya of his twirling and tangled Emiya's Bakuya and, latched to it like hooker and Issei pull his body with as much as strength he could produce, dodging the piercing sword few inches
And now he was on Emiya behind, both his swords ready and he not hesitate. He swung down his swords with intent to landing strike to the man that inspire him
Only for the man bending down his body, with one of his leg lifted to upward to back direction, giving perfect kick to his jaw. Judging by the sounds of sickening crunch, Issei sure as hell his jaw cracked and would be broken had he not Reinforce himself in that moment
But Emiya not done, he twisting his body with fast, his other leg was ready and it slammed to Issei body, echoing another sounds of bone being crushed and send the boy away, bouncing and crashing to the ground like basketball
Holding the pain as much as he can, Issei twisted his body. Dismissing his weapons, he take crouching position with his four limbs and skidding in ground to prevent himself from bouncing further
"Trace On."
And in instant, not long when he start skidding, sixteen swords already floating above him and poised at Emiya direction. Not soon they appear, they already launched to the man like arrows that unleashed, fast, swift and clean
Emiya response his sixteen projectiles with thirty two projectiles
It was to be expected, he was after all already master on Tracing, was Issei thought as he create another sixteen swords and launched to his previous attack in order to support them
However just when he launched them he notice Emiya was ready, he not even have hard time to controlling those sword, when Issei focused to reinforce his attack, so do Emiya.
On his hand was certain legendary sword that twisted, Issei eyes widened when he sense this time that legendary sword turned to broken. When he facing Kokabiel army he not make that sword to Broken Phantasm because if he did that it not only Kuoh Academy going to be destroyed but he sure the city as well with it explosion radius
Caladbolg in legend after all capable to breakthrough three hills when used, a three fucking hills, piercing through it like it some kind of paper. In place of where Emiya live that power clearly degraded by influence of Gaia, but in here? There nothing thing like that. And if it turned to Broken Phantasm like this now...
My Core Twisted in Madness
If that launched straight to him now, it will be instant death for him!
Dodging was out of question seeing the range and the current distance, so it leave him with only one choice. He quickly extend both his hands, his feet digging the ground firmly in order to brace himself for damage that would coming soon
Come forth, the Seven Rings that Cover the Fiery Heavens
"Caladbolg!"
Blue light launched in straight line, fast, very fast like a shooting star that adorn the sky. No, it faster than that since for moment the space itself seems ripped apart in spiraling motion when the blue light soaring to it target, the swords of Emiya and Issei that clashed in sky even instantly vaporized when this blue light come, heading straight to the younger fighter
One was not enough, even if the shield he going to summon was multi layered and each of them strong and firm like fortress wall that reinforced with strong magic but that still not enough. Caladbolg will pierce through it like butter, there will be momentary struggle but in the end that sword going to explode and kill him
So he not summon one, there reason why he extend both his hands after all
"Rho Aias!"
Two of them, two of pink colored beautiful flowers sprout out from Issei palms like magic show. They are big, big enough to cover most of his body like a wall, then from their core pink laser shoot out. They stopped in middle of way before they twitched, and then formed seven layer of translucent pink wall that stood in protective manner of their summoner. Placed in front of each other, the shield with fourteen layers now ready to welcome their attacker
BAAAAAAANG!
A very strong shockwave instantly appear the moment the spiraling sword smashed to the pink shield that cover Issei. And like the boy predict, Caladbolg not even paused when it smashed to them, shattering the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth layers of the shield that hold in Trojan War
Then pause happened when it clashed to the seventh layer, Issei himself first his body now close to breaking. Like all shield, while true Rho Aias protect him but that doesn't mean you not get the impact. Imagine a wall that smashed by hammer, even if the wall stand firm but what happen if there someone lean his head to it in first place?
BREAK!
The momentary struggle only happen less than two seconds before the first Rho Aias finally give up and Issei feel pain on his whole body, it take everything he have now to not knocked away by it, his feets desperately digging the ground, skidding on the rocky field in order to hold himself
But it still not over
Caladbolg still soar to him, meeting the new first layer of Rho Aias, another momentary struggle happen but like the previous, it was fast and soon the first layer break, the second follow, the third, the fourth, the fif-
'Not even double layered Aias?! This could even stand against Gáe Bolg that throwed! To think Broken Caladbolg would be this strong!' Issei gritted his teeth, pain now close to unbearable but he still try his best to stand firm. He actually sure that two Rho Aias would be able to match Caladbolg or more, but the problem was he fear his body won't be able to handle it!
The spiraling sword still swirling like drill, it digging the fifth layer and creating crack on it before it shatter, increasing the pain Issei feel and collide against the sixth layer. The moment it hit, crack formed and Issei coughed blood, his body start to giving up despite his spirit not under the pressure of the sword
'It couldn't be end like this!' Issei yelled in his mind "DAAAAAMMMMNNNN!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Sphere of violet colored flames surged out as the spiraling sword finally explode, it was wide and if there someone who watching the best word to describe it was sea of flame that alive rather than explosion, from above perspective it almost like watching nuclear bomb just dropped in middle of those rocky field
And in instant the flame come, the instant it also gone. The heat that surround it gone as if black hole just absorb the whole explosion, there no any trail it appear save for burning grounds and a very, very large crater with Issei stand in front of it
The boy condition himself wasn't good, his red scarf was burned off to short, where it first reach his back now it only cover his shoulder and neck. Blood drip down from his mouth and forehead, followed by hands that fell limp as if they dead, his breath also heavy like someone just running marathon straight for three hours
'It pierce through 12 layers and almost break the thirteen one... As expected from Caladbolg.'
"I'm surprise..." Emiya spoke from his position, he quite far from Issei since he had to jump away less he wish to get caught in explosion "I don't think you would be stupid enough to trace two Aias." He remarked, one was enough to broke his arm perhaps but two? It clear the damage on both his hands now was something that shouldn't be counted as normal
"What choice I have?" Issei bite back bitterly "It either that or got killed instantly."
"Good point." Emiya smirked "But still, how you going to fight me with that condition?"
That was the right question
Judging by his condition it was clear Issei now in worse condition to fight, even worse than when he slaughter army of Fallen Angel. It was clear as well that Issei will lose if he continue like this
He knew that, but even knowing that he not put despair look. Instead, he smirked "You right... But I already counting for this..."
Emiya furrowed his eyebrow when seeing him, then his steel gray eyes widened when see something abnormal occurred in front of him
Issei body healing
His Reinforced eyes, able to see the boy so clear. Despite it not reaching X-ray level but it enough to give him clear view of Issei, and he notice that Issei limp arms twitched, his fingers moved slightly before clenched
'What trickery is-' Emiya paused his thought and he make grunt of understanding when notice something else "Hoo, that was smart of you."
It was couldn't be noted at first due to clash of Caladbolg and Rho Aias, the Mana and energy they excluded make him unable to see and sense it. But now it gone, he could sense and see it
The Staff that belong to God of transitions and Boundaries, Caduceus
It was behind him, it was on his back, carried like backpack on his back
"I did not just project Rho Aias, but Caduceus as well. I knew the damage of my body would be severe that's why I trace it as well, so while I hold my ground and wounded, the staff also heal me." He said while smirking as he now slowly stand firm again, his fist clenched few times in order to test it
Emiya hearing that only close his eyes for moment, it as if he wish to speak something but found it hard to let it out. Then instead speak he let out sigh, it was contain disappointment
"You know... You only delay the inevitable." He said in bored tone "Caduceus maybe good, but it not Avalon. It not grant you total regeneration that reach Godly level. You can't heal to the fulled in short time and even if it did so what? The difference between us now should be clear."
What Emiya said once again completely right, Caduceus not staff that mean to battle but it to heal, it purpose was to heal illness even if it take long time but it was guaranteed you would be healed, you will be cured. But it not instant healing
Even Issei now still could fight but it was clear he no longer like his first condition, he now wounded and he can't fight to the fullest
But... "Since when that make me stop?" Issei snorted "I had similar condition against Kokabiel and I'm not stopping." After saying that Kanshou and Bakuya once again appear on his arms, ready to fight
"Well..." Emiya sighed once again "Idiot like you, clearly won't." He said as he prepare himself once again
And without anything else other than glaring to each other, they dashed once again
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Kanshou and Bakuya clash against each other. Issei struggle as he trying his best to repel Emiya strike, he not intent to blocking them because the different was clear, it will only resulted with his body or weapons break due to Emiya superior strength
He not need anyone, he not need friends on his side because one day they will turned against him
But deflecting them is another case, he move Kanshou upward where it meet with it other self, deflected it direction to above. Then he move Bakuya to strike, but Emiya simply block it using his own before the man take one step and deliver elbow and knock Issei back few feet
Grunting, Issei balancing his feet in order to not fall but Emiya already move once again, he dashed and deliver strike to him. Issei move both his hands, his swords clashing against Emiya but it proved to be futile as once again he got knocked away
Twirling Bakuya, Emiya deliver straight stab attack to Issei head. But the boy able to dodge it, tilting his head, he raise Kanshou and give vertical slash to Emiya to cut him. But the white haired man fast enough to take one step back, the sword missing him only few inch but it still not got him nonetheless
However Issei didn't intent to give chance as he take one step to pursue him, moving Bakuya and continued by give horizontal slash aimed to his chest. However it meet with Emiya's Kanshou, and the swift strike was enough to knock Issei away even only a little, showing the difference of their strength and give full opening for Emiya
His death after all, caused by one of them. But he not hate her, nay. He couldn't hate her because if he did then it mean he abandon what his originally created for
But
Power suddenly surge through his body, Issei glare sharpened one of his feet planted to the ground behind him before it kick it off and with swift Issei lunged to Emiya and deliver dual axe slash with Kanshou and Bakuya
And this time, it was Emiya who knocked back
Skidding in rocky field few feets, Emiya face not showing any sign of surprise but stony like before, not even show slight emotion
Issei who seeing this gritted his teeth, anger build on his stomach and he glare to him as if Emiya was his archenemy "You! You!" He was growling, like animal that so angry to it enemy. It was clear Issei was anything but calm right now
"What with that expression of yours? It like I just kick your puppy or such thing." Emiya asked while furrowing his eyebrow
"You know it!" Issei shouted, anger was evident on his voice "You know why?! You abomination! You!
"You not Emiya!"
Those three words spitted, yelled and screamed with nothing but pure venom, and it echoed in the silence World that they currently reside now
Hearing that 'Emiya' simply narrowed his eyes, before smirk adorn his face and he let out smug grunt "So you figure it out. Who am I huh?"
"You are not Who! You are nothing but abomination!" Issei yelled once again, his voice was so strong. Anyone who heard it will notice it was first time Issei yell and scream like this
'Emiya' not show any sign of offended, he simply open one eye while still smirking "You sure you going to call me that? Isn't it same like calling you-"
"YOU. ARE. ABOMINATION!" Issei shouted as loud as he can like beast that roared to it enemy and wish nothing but to make the creature in front of him ceased
He should knew... He should knew in first place... What kind of being in front of him, he should knew it in beginning!
Emiya was asshole, but he not going to wish to replace someone soul and free! No matter what it was against his principle, even if he had see Hell in his life but it not like he wish to see that hell! He won't take someone soul to make sure he live in new World -except that soul already dead-
So there no way, there's no in HELL way the man standing in front of him is Emiya! Ignoring his principle, he already desperate enough, he even willing to make himself cease from existence of the World! So even if he erased he would be content because he not need to forced to kill anyone anymore!
This one not Emiya! This one want to live! He want to survive! This one think himself must exist! If he could reborn then he would do it without hesitate!
'Emiya' smirk gone after Issei shout, his face turned to stone, pure stone and his gray eyes dull, so dull that it almost like watching doll rather than living being
"You right... I'm not Emiya..." He said, his tone even in monotone, it even more blank than Hagoromo herself and it send chill to Issei spine. He extend both his arms that still holding Kanshou and Bakuya like someone who introducing himself in stage
"Hyoudou Issei, I am You."
Zelretch stare at Mittelt who standing in front of him, despite there seat behind her she not even bother to sit but stand. Her expression also show she right now serious and not wishing to play or joke
"So... What you want to ask to me?" Zelretch asked, few hours ago Mittelt yelling his name in cliff, calling him that she have important thing to do.
Of course he ignore her, he was not in mood after all and wish to only watch. He only come out when Mittelt start to make embarrassing dance in middle of forest to amuse her. He knew she mad because of that, even until now she still but hey!
Why he need to care? He was fucking Zelretch! Nobody told him what he should do! He, after all, is the biggest Troll that ever live!
If look could kill right now Zelretch probably already dead thousand time, Mittelt really, really annoyed to him. However for once she try her best to suppress it, she have more important thing to do after all so she waste no time to ask it
"What wrong with Issei?" She ask bluntly
Zelretch blinked at the question, surprise was evident on his face before it replaced by smirk "So one of you finally notice it huh? Why I'm not surprise it will be you who ask first." He chuckly
Mittelt simply brush off the comment and keep her gaze stern "I won't ask third time old man, what wrong with him?"
Zelretch stare at her, smirk still on his face "Well, I maybe going to tell you if you wear that new Magical Girl outfit!"
This time vein popped on her head, this rotten Vampire! "Old Pervert! You-"
"This one may make Issei melt to you, ya know. If you wear it you maybe could have good one night with him!"
Mittelt mind halted hearing that, outfit that going to make Issei melt just seeing her? That... That... That sounds very tempting
To be honest their relationship lately not improved. True Issei spend time with her but he more often with Asia and that big boobed girl! He also train more often and busy dealing with all guests!
She could imagine already, if that outfit truly that good, then she already see it. Issei come home, tired from his job and enter his room, when he did that he found her, wearing that outfit laying in seductive manner and-
"Onii-sama... Please pop my cherry..."
Perfect! Absolutely perfect! That was-
Whatever she thinking being halted when she notice that the old Vampire face now somehow morphed and truly resemble troll that internet draw, the grin, the narrowed eyes and the frame of his face. It was at that moment she realize what this old man did and she was anything but calm
"BASTARD!"
Cue skip the scene due to tremendous cursing
After few minutes of raging, we found Mittelt once again glaring at Zelretch. Oh if only she could kill this rotten being! She gladly going to do it!
"Alright! Alright! Geez, you not need to destroy my TV. Its new you know." Zelretch said while rubbing the TV that currently smoking with fist hole size on it screen
"I will destroy more than TV if you didn't tell me what wrong with Issei!" Mittelt snapped angrily
"Fine! Fine! Spoil my fun will you damn chibi!" Zelretch huffed in childish manner make the Fallen Angel, glare further. Finally decide have fun enough for now, he stand and clear his throat "Well, what happen to Issei is only natural thing. That was side effect of Class-card that planted inside him."
"Side effect?" Mittelt rose her eyebrow, when Asia got her card planted she also get explained by Issei and Zelretch what is it. And to said she gobsmacked was understanding, what Zelretch just create was something that counted as Legendary Artifact! It even rivaled the infamous Evil Piece System!
How did he capable to create such thing was mind boggling! And yet, Mittelt sure she never heard someone named Zelretch! Surely if he able to create such thing he at least have reputation!
But he didn't, in fact all his behavior and way he talk was totally opposite of how Vampire should act!
She still remember when she spend days to find out just what kind of being this man is but it stop when Issei told her to not waste her time and forget about it, saying that the Vampire was someone you wouldn't able to understand less you going to become insane like him
Needless to say, Mittelt obeyed. If Issei who more mature and act logical than him saying such thing that mean this old man clearly something else
"Side effect?"
At Mittelt confused response Zelretch let out snort "What? You think they could get such level of power without risk? Of course no! They granted power from someone who kick their ass and train themselves their whole life! You think you could just stole and use it like they wish?
"Take Evil Pieces for example, the user become Devil in body, they their weakness but is that it? Only that the drawback? Of course no! I had study the nature of them and let me told you, Evil Pieces make the Reincarnated Devil to darker person.."
"Darker person?" Mittelt murmured with small evident of surprise
"Don't be surprise." Zelretch snorted "You of all people should knew it, you living example of that. Snake or Lion maybe could be tamed but they will never, ever able to oppose their nature."
Memory of herself smirked in glee when watching Human tortured flashed in her mind when Zelretch spoke that. Mittelt not even grimace or flinched when the image crossed in her brain, she not hate how she act. Nay because she knew if she did that she rejected her own self and neither she does regret how she act because it mean same thing, but she willing to change and promise that she won't become same person in past
"I'd like to tell more but we not talking about them but about Issei." Zelretch said, snapping Mittelt from her dark memory "Let me ask you, I put fragment of Heroic Spirit soul then plant it to someone soul. What you going think will be happen?"
Mittelt quite as she take moment to digest what he said before her eyes widened in realization "That soul try to replace him..."
"Well... That probably what happen to him now..." Zelretch muttered while rubbing his beard
"Wait! What you mean by 'probably'?!"
"You must know that each card have their own risk, even if they containing Heroic Spirit soul some maybe lenient enough to help their host instead try to take their place. Or some got influenced by the Class they take and it affected the host mind, the side effect actually depend on the host itself not the card.
"Some may respond to their feeling and it twisted them, the effect could make them totally different person or make them change. Like it or not, those who had take that free power will change, yes they still same person but you will find they quite different from how they should be. That the prize for hold soul of Heroic Spirit, you not just take their strength but their mind and fragment of their darkest moment as well."
Mittelt bit her lip, worry now was very evident on her face as she realize what Issei getting into, it was clearly deep shit and dangerous, and that also explain his odd behavior lately! D-Does that mean she too late? Does she-
"As for Issei, Blank-class Card was special one. It different from the other so Issei clearly will facing something more horrifying. You not need to worry much, Issei currently still himself, I assure you. Despite he seems change but he still not his usual self, if you knock some sense to him now you could safe him..." Zelretch then paused and rub his beard again "Probably..."
Mittelt immediately bolt out when hear the last word, "Probably" clearly not very reassuring word after all
"Hyoudou Issei, I am You."
The last three words was like nightmare to him, though he knew it was right but he still refuse to accept it. He refuse to accept the man in front of him is future version of himself!
Because this man is nothing but abomination!
"You are not me! And I will never, ever becoming you!" Issei shouted in anger
Despite the denial he knew this also make sense, it explain why he very much stronger like Kokabiel. Class-card remove limitation that Human had, they still Human in body and soul but they have their limit broken. Their body could growth into very strong, same also occur to their defense, it almost like RPG character in game where you could raise your status without limited
If he train in years and hard enough, there chance he could reach Kokabiel level in pure physical strength, it will take very long of course, a years or dozen perhaps but yes he could achieve it
"How..." Issei voice sounds weak, it very close to plea of desperate and fear as he stare at the man in front of him "How could it be you?!"
"You get power of Two Heroic Spirit in one Card, you think that not without cost? I, myself don't know how I'm here ask Zelretch in that part." Hyoudou said "Though I doubt he will told you, he that annoying." He added after small moment of silence
At least Issei could agree with him in that part
Hyoudou only stare at Issei who look so weak, so frail, so open. Normally he going to take advantage of this and finish him off right now, he was very vulnerable after all but he decide to humor him a little
"How I could be like this? Simple, you wish to be Hero of Justice but did you know that Justice is representation of Order. It had no emotion, it have no allies neither it have friends nor families. Justice is plain, dull, emotionless and swift, it will come to anyone, even Archangel Michael and Chief God Zeus or Indra
"Emiya is a fool, he try to become Hero of Justice but he still latched to his idea of 'saving everyone'. Just like you, you are fool man Hyoudou Issei, you spout about Justice but you still keep your moral intact? Such naiveté
"Let me tell you Hyoudou Issei, Justice had no moral, it was something that would come to everyone and when it come it will be swift, it won't care about your family, it won't look your sin, it won't look anything, it only come and deliver what you had sow in first place.
"And that exactly what I did, if someone take take someone else family then I will deliver the same thing to him. An eye for eye, equal prize. Let me tell you, moral maybe looks good and save people but at same time it also the same thing that take many lives away. I kill not to save or spout about moral but to order Justice because I am Steel."
The last three words was spoken in tone that any living being would expect never come out from other, because it spoken in very dull way almost like doll, a puppet, it almost like lifeless person speak through his corpse without any tone
As he finish his speech Issei freeze completely as he finally understood just what kind of being in front of him now. At first he don't understand what kind of man is he, it was make absolutely no sense no matter how he try to think about it
The memories that flashed when they trading clash also didn't give any hint, it was similar like Emiya so why he try to replace him? If he like Emiya then he would stop
But now he completely knew what kind of thing the one in front of him
A machine...
A doll...
A puppet...
A pure, heartless, emotionless machine that work for Justice
The Path I Walk is the Path of Steel and Justice
He not try to live like Machine, but he, himself already become one. He had abandon his morality and become someone who discard it in order to deliver Justice
Yet, those Hand will Never Gain Anything, Never Accept Anything, Never Give Anything in Return
He not try to save anyone but he simply give Justice to whom deserve it, he-no, IT was no longer Human anymore, it was a machine that work in name of Justice
It dull eyes, it dull tone, it blank face, those make Issei very scared because the being in front of him now resemble someone that dead, lifeless, and not moving, it as if he staring at statue who staring back at him
It doesn't feel remorse to take his place because IT should exist because IT is machine that work for Justice! Even if IT take innocent life by doing that
It was absolute perfect embodiment of Beast of Alaya, the Will of Humanity surely will be giddy and squeal like fangirl had she achieve it as her guardian
"You not me!" Issei yelled as he rushed forward, like bull that see red cape. With strong and fast, he deliver vertical slash with his Reinforced muscle, that slash possess power that capable even wounded Kokabiel Angel of Stars and cutting through Devil Rook defense
And yet
Hyoudou who seeing him come merely raise one hand, the strike that so powerful was blocked by him and he not even move. The way he raise his hand and block the attack as if he swat bug away rather than deadly strike
"Of course, denial was the first thing you would do." Hyoudou said in dull tone "Normally I'm not one type to talk in battle but since meeting your younger self was something that very rare, I would give you some light."
Issei response merely another roar as he rise his swords again, he swing them with powerful strength and ferocity of the beast. Wild, filled with anger, intent to kill and savage, it was so unlike him but he didn't care, right now his mind not in healthy condition after the revelation
Hyoudou not even bother, for all Issei attack, for all Issei strike, no matter how powerful it is he block them all without problem. It show that how powerful he is and the difference between them, like adult who fighting child
"You spout about Hero of Justice and meaning to save people. But that's not what you mean isn't it? The moment when you save Shidou Irina from bully was not because you wish to see her happy, no. You just think because it right, because Irina had been playing in field first and the bully had no right to told her go away, because Shidou Irina should get what she deserve."
"SHUT UP!"
More strikes, faster, stronger, more deadly. And yet, all of them never reach their target, all of them parried, dodged and deflected. And what make it worse was it as if the target not even trying, it as if he merely move his hands in waving manner
"You wish Irina get her Justice, that was the first things you desire. Then when you done, when Irina and other child praise you, the second feeling come, moral. When you see them smile and knew you make people happy, your morality as Human told you that you did the right thing.
"And at same time, you connecting moral and Justice."
"So what?!" Issei spat, his voice filled with venom and anger that he never think he will use "I did the right thing! Justice was mean to deliver something fair! I deliver punishment for those who deserve it to save people! To make them happy! It was the right thing to do!"
"And that's where you wrong." Hyoudou said calmly, not even raising his tone slightly during the conversation "You think morality couldn't be wrong? You think they are always right? Don't make me laugh, Justice was on it own place, you can't connect moral to it
"Justice is representation of Order and Moral is something that people assume right thing to do. They similar perhaps but they different, Justice never same with other things!
"You, who spout about becoming Hero, Justice and right thing." Hyoudou hand blurred, his strike was faster than Issei eyes and in instant, his swords break under his strength, leaving him wide open"You not even know in first place what Justice mean!"
BAKRAM!
A swift and strong roundhouse kick hit Issei in stomach. Even it looks like simple kick but it could easily shatter stone and break the earth, even steel and boulder will give under it pressure, it would even break defense of Rook Devil and twist their bone like twig
Blood and saliva was the first things that Issei spew out as he launched backward from the kick. His ribs fractured and broken even, he sure of that as he felt himself bouncing in the ground like bowling ball that rolled
'Is this... Is this what I would become?'
Horror was merely word compared to what he felt now, the sick and disgust was gnawing bigger than grief he felt about what happen to Shizune. No matter how he deny it Issei could see it, he somehow could see why he become this thing
Unlike Emiya who obsessed to become Hero, Issei actually obsessed with Justice. He always helping people but not all of them, he help the one that deserve it mostly because he wish to see them get justice for kind deed they had done
That's why he always try to find out what the reason people committing their deed, because he wish to save them and give them the equal gift or punishment
However what make him not become Hyoudou now is he still have his moral, he aware that each race and each people have their own moral and law, they have their own system and Issei could respect that
But the thing in front of him? No... He not... He become one embodiment Justice, the one that majority use and set, Justice that set for Human
And that was absolutely frighten Issei because he knew! He could see! He could felt! He could tell that he could become HIM!
[Partner! Snap out of it!]
It was very strong yell, a powerful shout that enough to make him flinch that made him out from his shock state and it save his life from being sliced in two by Kanshou and Bakuya of Hyoudou
He just barely able to roll his body in desperate manner, dodging the strike from Hyoudou that almost cleave him into two and end his life
He keep rolling himself and quickly try his best to focus his mind to focus and bury the panic, just when he about to brace himself he feel swift in air and chill downed to his spine
"I am the Bone of my Sword!"
SQUEEELCCHH!
A clean horizontal slash marked his back but he ignore it as he already kick the ground the moment it come, make the slice become shallow. By any mean he was late to react, the cut would kill him even if he jumped but it did not
For his Boy had turned to Sword, it become strong like Steel and it save him from sliced into two, deep the cut was but it not enough to finish him
Trying his best to ignore the pain, twenty five swords materialized already above him and they soared to Hyoudou who in response merely call upon hundred swords and all of them was better one!
'Oh fuck me!'
He barely able to summon another barrage of swords to repel them, he not summon to match them because he not strong enough now but that able to deflect at least? Well it not problem.
Hyoudou who seeing this merely quirked his eyebrow "You try to fight me in Projection? Not just you did it in my Reality Marble but you knew I'm better than you right?" He then allow small smirk adorn his face "But if you wish to finish it in such manner, then who am I to reject you?"
Then they come, hung in air as if invisible hand held them. There so many of them, more than hundred that was for sure. Swords, spears, halberds, all of them lining up in sky as if they were soldiers, all of them so beauty, very clean, made and forged by best material and imbued by magic, they all radiated power that only could be counted as legend
It was useless, it was pointless. What Hyoudou said was absolutely right, in here, in his Reality Marble, his Projection was on another level and he is the King in here, hundred was not big numbers, the weapon that hung above him maybe surpass even thousand
And yet, should he give up?
Hyoudou watched, despite Issei look brave, despite there hundred swords now hung in air above him ready to face him, despite he look ready but he afraid. The fool finally knew he going to die now, his eyes clearly spoke that
There no need anymore word
Issei gulped, determination shone in his eyes as he rise one hand
Hyoudou meanwhile merely stare blankly while rise his hand as well
""Trace bullet, Fire!"" They shouted at same time
And the steels launched to each other
The situation was very bad for him now, even if he brace himself but he knew only death waiting for him as he stare at the thousand of weapon that hovering above Hyoudou.
He had gain some experience and strength just like what happen to Shirou when facing Emiya, they are same soul despite different and when they make contact to each other, Issei would gain part of his future self experience and strength sometime like reincarnation
But it not enough, even now he could spam hundred of swords without having difficult time but against him who could summon thousand was something else
But that doesn't mean he going to give up, so he rise his hand. The hundred sword above him was ready to strike, ready to launched to weapons that outnumber them one to ten
"Trace bullet, Fire!"
And his World went black
No seriously it really went black as if someone just eat all the light and turned the World went black. But at same time he conscious, his mind still there and he aware that his surrounding was black now
What this? What happen to him? Why everything become black? Does he already death? That fast? He not even hear or felt sword slice him!
[I assure you, you not death Brat.]
Familiar voice from behind!
Then out of sudden, the darkness gone. A orange light appear from behind him, illuminating the World. He spun around and see the Great Welsh himself on his four limbs with his head stretched upward puffing flames proudly from his nose as if he was King of the Beast
"Ddraig!" Issei replied happily, relieve was very evident in his voice "You awake already?!"
[I... Never sleep, there reason why I did that] Ddraig said in troubled tone and Issei eyes narrowed at that [Look I promise I will explain everything but it could wait since we have bigger problem now!]
Issei could accept that, he knew what Ddraig mean, he not need the Dragon spill it out. The man he fighting now is his ultimate enemy, now and in future. This man is someone who not just stronger and faster but he also better in Tracing, he have more experience, he have everything that Issei have. He was totally outmatch Issei in all thing, speed, Mana reserve, defense, power, everything
He after all supposed to be future version of himself. And there nothing more terrifying than watching twisted version of your own self
[And I also can't blatantly attack him, I still bound by Sacred Gear after all and I was on his territory.] Ddraig added with growl
"So what we going to do? Kneeling and begging to him for my life?" Issei said in sarcasm
[Do that and I sure he will let you live.] Ddraig responded in same sarcasm, after a moment there no response of Issei he let out groan [Tsk! I don't believe I'm need to spell it out, you really moron aren't you?! No wonder that man could exist! What the difference between you and him?!]
Issei was about to reply that it was so many, start from the height and frame face but he knew Ddraig not in mood so he briefly began to pondering his word
"The Hyoudou Issei I knew is not like this! He not people who pushing everyone away from him! He is caring person to around him! Yes, he does have sense of justice to kill one to save thousand but he never, ever make decision in instant! He will try to find way out and he never abandon people he care for!"
"The Hyoudou Issei I knew... Doesn't care to the result... He not a machine who doing job! He have feeling! He care to people around him and also care to himself! He not reckless person like this! If you leave what going to happen to your parent?! To Shizune? What guarantee they will stay safe?! Aren't you the one who told me that we not leave until now because you wish to stay spend more time with your parent?! You want to enjoy time with them while you can?! Where those words you spew about now?!"
Shout, scream and yell of anger mixed with plea from Mittelt flashed in his mind, reminding him exactly just what kind of person he is actually. What made him and Hyoudou different in first place
In one sense, Hyoudou and Issei knew they same. Twisted Hyoudou maybe but Issei admit he still same like him and Hyoudou is right. Hyoudou is a man who wish for Justice to be done, a man who wish Justice for mankind, Justice for them who had been despoiled and treated in unfair way
No matter what, he was only a man who desperately Justice to be hold highly
And Issei could understand that, he understand that very well because he also think like that. What he heard and see from Zelretch when they meet again for long time was utterly terrifying, to think Mankind actually treated like that for very long time already
No wonder Kokabiel wish to start war and going insane, for him who love Human so much and see them treated like that was... Very, very hurt for him...
Issei in first place helping Irina not because he care, but because Irina right, in fact Issei in first place found Irina annoying. He help her because Irina had right to play in that field because Irina was there longer and the first one get it.
Hyoudou must be see something familiar like Kokabiel... He must be see something that very terrifying, something that couldn't be explained how horrifying it is by sentence and it scarred him. It not just scarred him but it. Break his morality, breaking his humanity so much and make him hold Justice with iron fist like machine.
And add the fact, Hyoudou never have anyone on his side in first place, no one lean shoulder to him neither try to help him stand when he fall...
Issei himself knew that he actually loner, it not because Emiya influence but it was his nature, despite he kind to people he actually loner. This already happen ever since he were child, among all children his friend actually only Irina. He close to other but not close like Irina, she was on different level
Even Issei knew if there no Class-card inside him he probably become one of loner or thing like that in school environment, or worse, he could be friend with outcast
In another universe, another Hyoudou Issei sneezed, make Kendo club aware of the Perverted Trio peeking position
And that's... Where the fatal mistake happen... Hyoudou was alone, he not strong enough, he not distorted and ready like Shirou Emiya and that make him insane and very devoted to Justice to the point turning him to Machine
'But I'm not... I have friends... Few only but they exist...'
Image of his first conversation with Asia after encounter with Kalawarner flashed in his mind, how the girl remind him and told him how to save people that doesn't want to be saved. That was certainly one of scene where someone catch him when he stumbling, to make sure he not fall, to make sure he not drown in madness that ready to grip him anytime
[Finally come to your sense?] Ddraig asked to Issei who open his eyes and stare back at Ddraig
"Yeah... I guess I did... ... ... I really being a fool lately wasn't I?" He asked back bitterly
[Since when you become genius?] Ddraig responded in mocking tone
"I going to smack your head after this." Issei dully said before he grinned "And I will enjoy it when I use Arondight while doing that!"
[I'm shaking on my paw now...] Ddraig snorted in fearless tone before he also grinned, revealing his sharp fang [So you ready Partner?]
"Anytime you wish!"
They hovering in air, hundreds of them floating and raining to their single targets, like a stars that fallen from sky. They are steels, the best, most of them even had been recorded in legend, famous or infamous.
Dainsleif the Sword of Avenger, the cursed Sword fitting for Avenger for it curse and also able to cause wound that couldn't be healed like Gae Buidhe. And Excalibur Destruction, the fragments of strongest Holy Sword even there, and it not made to be fragile but it had been reforged to be more stronger than it original self
And yet, they all meet with equal forces, they meet with same steels, for every swords that rain down they all meet with their match, not just that, some even meet with same swords. Demonic Sword clash against Demonic Sword, Holy Sword clash against Holy Sword, the best Steel meet with the best Steel
All of them explode the moment they clashed in sky, creating beautiful fireworks effect that sparked the sky of the World of Sword. For moment it seems the forces was equal and won't end but it not
This is Hyoudou World, this is his Reality Marble. He the one who hold control in here, even if it was someone else who could use Tracing but as long that person in here, in his World, no matter what victory was his
His swords finally win, all of them pushing the swords that boy summon. They supposed to be match, but the boy swords numbers was limited, not like him who already had superior experience.
Explosion after explosion, fragments of metal after fragments. All of them appear and rained down from the orange sky that adorned by green light behind it, pelting the ground bellow as they met their end on his spears.
'This is it.'
It wasn't long before the swords finally reach their targets, few even already shoot pass through him, his defense now start to fall, his swords all already destroyed and the rating of the swords the boy create now start to decreased
He see the boy close his eyes, Hyoudou briefly wonder does the boy finally accept his fate? Does he give up? Does he resign to death?
Those thought was crashed when he see the boy open his eyes and he felt some pang on his heart when see the same colored eyes like him in that boy
Yet, it was different at same time
Those eyes... Hyoudou knew well what that eyes mean... He knew because he once, had possess such eyes, the eyes that screaming never give up, the eyes that keep hoping even in most darkest moment
Such foolish boy...
Then, the boy began to speak
"Steel is my Body and Fire is my Heart!"
Hyoudou eyes widened slightly hearing that, the boy now while launching swords at same time also holding familiar pink flower shield once again. The shield protect him, covering him from the projectiles that come to harm him and his swords instead launching to his weapon it now circling him in protective manner
"I have Created Over Thousand Blades."
The first, and second layers of Rho Aias break in fast under assault of his weapons while the rest of them blocked by swirling swords that protecting him. What this? Does the Boy intent to use Body of Swords again? That actually one of reason why he fighting him now, the Body of Swords forced Issei to convert his premature Reality Marble, twisting his soul that now fully merged with him
Had Issei not use that technique he probably will have more time to improve in order to fight Hyoudou but sadly he not
"Withstood the Pain to Create Weapon while Holding the Infinite Hopes and Unbreakable Dreams."
No... The boy not intent to use Body of Swords, he could tell it, the shimmer and vibration of Mana that the boy exhaled through his body began to mixed with his World, the multiple glowing lines that surge out through his foots and flowing in rocky dessert akin like snakes was more than proof
Reality Marble!
The boy intent to use it! Does the Boy had master it? It seems his influence to him more advanced than he thought. While true Hyoudou can't see how the Boy still going to win even if he summon Reality Marble but clearly it only give more problem and he not wish for that
He have to act fast
"The Path I Walk is the Path of Righteousness and Justice."
The chant was... Different...
Righteousness...
What a foolish thing to say. To make moral and Justice into one was something that impossible, true Justice was close to moral but they still different for Justice was nothing but representation of order
But that not bother him, not even a bit. He doesn't care what the boy said because he is machine, a representation of Justice
Altered Durandal already on the string of his bow as he see Rho Aias layer only have three layers left, that hurricane of swords clearly annoying. But that doesn't matter, Durandal will swiftly cut them, there difference between launching swords with thought and bow after all. Using bow clearly would make it stronger and also potent
"Together with Them, Never I shall Retreat, Never I shall Regret, and Never I shall Withdraw, this is the only Path"
Together... That words for Issei was mean to show he different from person in front of him and different from Shirou and Emiya. They are people who push everyone away in order to stride to their path but Issei not, he not.
He not alone, representing Humanity mean he carry the weight of them in his shoulder but he not alone. For Human was race that never mean to be alone, they are race who always together, even they kill each other, lie to each other, betray each other but at same time their love and loyalty to each other was second to none
The altered Durandal come to him, he could see it, fast, even it was so fast but for Issei it was slow. Like watching movie in slow motion. If that sword hit him he will dead, altered Durandal was very sharp, it nature was believed to be able cut straight anything and the power it held was something that should be not be shrug off.
But he smiled, because he not afraid, he not afraid to coming sword
"So as I pray,
Because he knew, he never alone
"UNLIMITED BLADE WORK!"
The World explode into flames
The World split into two
It wasn't mean to be joke, neither it mean to be riddle or things like that
It really mean it
If anyone see it from third person perspective, the World really and literally split into two like watching yin and yang, half white and half dark
It was sight that clearly to behold and also disbelief
Because the World really split into two, TWO different World that separated by nothing, it as if the two World clashed together.
The first World was rocky field, similar like dessert, a desolated island perhaps, filled with nothing but swords. And while the red colored rocky field very similar like ruby, but it not, it scarlet color actually more like blood that washing over them.
There wheels and gears that spinning above the dessert, almost like a cloud or sun. Their color was green emerald but it darker than usual. It spin and work producing sickly green smoke that very similar like poison or miasma
It was place that filled with death
The second World was different and yet, same
The color and basic was same, scarlet red and green emerald, there even countless swords in there. But it different. Rather than rocky field or desert, it was grass, a red grass field, the color mimicking the desert, like stained by blood and yet it also beauty sight at same time
There no gear nor wheel that spin in air, instead it was bright green emerald ball that act like sun, shining the field and adorn the sky with beauty emerald color
And then they are there far behind him, was eight statue. Seven circling one that very large. The first statue was someone who wearing knight armor while holding sword, the second was knight as well but holding spear instead sword, the third was wearing armor of knight too but he holding bow
The fourth was same like the last three, clad in armory garment but he hold mount instead weapons. The fifth meanwhile was not a man but a beast, a mad beast. The sixth was figure clad in hood, having long beard and carrying staff and books and the last figure was someone clad in leather suit while carrying twin daggers
Seven of them circling one statue, the statue was large, larger than them. It was statue of man, a man that clad in full armor that resemble dragonic, man that wearing suit of dragon
'My friends... The current and the one who will be in future...'
Seven statue, seven class, Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Berserker, Caster and Assassin. All of them stood in protective manner as they circling the dragonic figure in middle of them
This is Issei Hyoudou Reality Marble
"I must say, I never thought you will able to use Reality Marble this fast." Hyoudou grunted out as he stare impassively at his younger self who stand in his Reality Marble. "It seems I miscalculated the effect of 'Reincarnation'."
The boy merely silent as he stare back at the future version of himself, his face was set to grim, solemn and determination
"But still... Do you think producing Reality Marble going to make you win against me?" Hyoudou asked nonchalantly
"No..." Issei answered in solemn tone "This won't be enough to beat you,who had master this art far longer than me." It was true, bringing out. Reality Marble won't be enough to make Issei win against him, the difference between them still so far and Hyoudou would beat him even if he entering Issei realm
But...
"But I'm not alone... I'm not like you..." Issei give small smile in here as he see Hyoudou, it was bitter and contain pity "We maybe used to be same person but I'm not you and I will never, ever becoming you..." He spoke those words with firmness that even will make Gilgamesh rose one his eyebrow "Because I'm not alone... I have friends and ally with me..."
Hyoudou simply quirked his eyebrow at his words "And where are they now?"
[You ask where am I?]
A familiar voice that both warriors knew echoed in battlefield. The voice was not come from any certain direction, true it come from Issei World but it not come from one source. The voice that echoed was similar like one who belong from omnipresent, it come from all directions
While the owner of the voice wasn't visible, but Hyoudou eyes in that instant caught some strange phenomenon that occur. His eyes landed on the dragonic armored man statue that glowing in red and green light
The firm statue slowly let out smoke, red smoke that swirling in air, the smoke itself began to move and bubbling akin like slime creature. Then the smoke began to move, it began to twitch, it began to take shape
Long four red colored limbs was the first thing that come, followed by pair of red scaly wings, then long serpentine neck that cocked upward proudly and the last was it tail, sprout long and strong enough to destroy building just by it single flick
The creature landed behind Issei, his form was like a mist that taking shape but even so the aura and power his radiated was real, Hyoudou can feel it in his skin as he stare at the being that now supporting his younger self
[Here I am Brat!] He declared proudly as his long serpentine neck lifted upward, his red scaly wings extended in way that would make any being intimidated by his large figure
"Ddraig..." Hyoudou grunted out as his eyes meet with the Dragon who glaring at him
[The reason why I only silence and not interfere from first time was because I knew who are you the moment I laid my eyes on you Brat.] Ddraig said with booming voice [And I'm not the one who interfere someone who fighting himself.] Then he grinned sharply as he look down at Issei in front of him [Unless the person ask for my assistance.]
Issei who hearing that have his mouth quirked to small smile "You see... I never alone Hyoudou." He said,he decided to call his future self that "For I always have someone that with me, all time."
Ddraig grin become wider, revealing his razor white fangs that capable to tear steels like paper. Then his misty form began to twitched before it explode, the red mist adorn the air for moment before they soar to Issei who stand firmly
The mist start to shrouding him, from legs, thighs, palms, arms, shoulders, chest, every inch of his body now shrouded in red mist in protective manner
"And because of that, I will never lose to you."
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!]
The real battle has just begun
Yeaaaahhh! New update has come! Hello everyone!
Yup! Yup! Yup! Issei battle someone! Many people right in that part but you all wrong in who he against! Instead Emiya, he facing his future self! One that walk alone and decide to forge his own path!
Many people complained that Issei start to become like Shirou, you are right but at same time also wrong. No matter what, Issei and Shirou will never be same person
Shirou is someone that find happiness in other people happiness. Issei meanwhile not, he could find happiness like normal people but he hold figure of Justice very high, like fanatical fanboy
He not distorted, he are normal person, he just someone who hold Justice and Morality in high regard. Too high maybe but he still entering category normal. He helping people around him because it was the right thing to do, he have high morality, second only by his justice sense
Hyoudou is someone who traumatized, the thing he see break him and make him give up his morality and turn him to depend only one thing, his Justice sense
Originally I was planning to finish it in one chapter but that was literally impossible so I decided to separate it into two, the next would be their battle and Issei return to himself of course
I hope I get the battle scene epic enough and you all love it, it kinda hard to write this scene seeing Hyoudou practically owning Issei. Hyoudou are strong, very strong after all seeing he supposed to be future Issei. How Issei got him instead Emiya? Ask Zelretch, he the one who create that card after all and we all knew that man always made something using bizarre things
We also have Issei Reality Marble! Hahaha I hope you like how I design his! It take a lot of thinking for me to create his Aria! XD
And one more thing, I NEED BETA READER! My original Beta was gone! Out of sudden he can't be contacted anymore! If you interested to help me then please PM, this how we will work
First, I will send it to your email, yes email. It better if work through email rather than using fanfic or trade document seeing I'm not often open fanfic other than updating
Second, please don't give fake hope, I got this a lot. When I send the document and I wait more than week I start to PM them and ask but receieve no reply
Third, when you BETA my story its okay to rephrase some words and sentence, as long the meaning and the point was same then it okay!
Yoshh! I guess that's all for now, PM me if you interested to be my Beta and we will discuss about it further! I hope you love this chapter! Please Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD
