Chapter 01: Boy Meets Girls
!~/Interlude I/~!
***/~Shinto area, somewhere near the Miyama Bridge, inside a workshop~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Afternoon, 12.34 pm}
(…'s point of view)
I watch a man wearing oil-stained overall doing his work.
Obviously, he's a mechanic.
Judging from his physical features, I assume that he is in early thirties.
"Please accept my apology, Miss Kanzaki." A different man suddenly speaks to me.
Unlike the first man, this man is wearing a black suit; a standard uniform for butlers.
Regardless, today is his first escort job.
And he is doing it poorly.
"Was it not your job to make sure the limo is in good condition before we moved?" I say to him.
"T-the limo was in perfect condition this morning. It broke down all of a sudden." He claims.
My arms are folded and my eyes are narrowed.
"That is just a lame excuse."
I knew I shouldn't expect much from a new butler.
[Sigh]
"If the limo can't move by dusk, you can kiss goodbye to your job."
Instead of worrying, the brunette butler responds with a smile.
Nonetheless, I can tell that it was a fake smile.
"It might take awhile. Perhaps you would enjoy a tour around the area while waiting?" He suggests to me.
I let out a snort and glance outside.
"…"
The weather looks nice…
A short walk won't hurt...
!~/sub-Interlude/~!
(General Point of View)
The young butler watches his master walks out from the workshop.
"Dammit… Why did they assign me with this escort job?" He mutters to himself.
"You got yourself in a pinch there." The mechanic butts in, but still doing his inspection.
"Sh-shut up…! Just do your work!" The butler berates him.
Contrary to the butler's demand, the mechanic stops working altogether.
He approaches the butler while wiping off his oily palm with a rag.
"I'm sorry grumpy guy. I didn't mean to make your day worse… but I got bad news for you." The mechanic says.
"Wha-what…?"
"I can't figure out the problem. Everything looks okay to me. But the engine still won't work. I might need to take the engine apart. At least I need a full day to dissemble and reassemble it."
"O-oi… That's not funny. She'll kill me if the limo can't arrive in time." The butler says in shaky tone.
"Hmm…? I'm not joking. I can fix the limo but I need more time. Can't you ask the little missy to be patient?"
"That's not the problem…! Her mother is undergoing a trial right now!"
"Wait… what?" The mechanic tilts his head at the butler's remark.
"If Miss Kanzaki doesn't arrive in time to testify, the Madame will be imprisoned. Then I'll be fired… Don't you know how hard it is for me to be a butler…!?"
"Wow, what a drama. I'm sorry man… but that's not my business. You're just unlucky." The mechanic says nonchalantly.
"Damn you! Damn that girl! Damn everything!" The butler starts cursing.
The mechanic walks away casually, unconcerned with the man's predicament.
"Oh well. But still… what is wrong with this thing?"
He starts checking the engine again.
The butler's dilemma was none of his concern.
The limo, however, is his priority.
This man is a mechanic.
As a professional, he strives to do his best in his career.
"Dammit… Now I wish I have Shirou's gift with machinery."
=exit sub-Interlude=
***/~at the Bridge~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Afternoon, unspecific time}
(…'s point of view)
[Wind blows]
The gentle breeze from the sea picks up my long hair.
"This city looks nice to live…" I muse.
I rest my hands on the railings.
"If only mama can see this…"
I let my vision wanders to the flowing water of the river.
"What is the name of this river?" I ask no one in particular.
The water looks deep.
I guess that's normal for a river that connects to the sea.
[Eagle screeching]
"…?"
I glance upward.
I see an eagle flying across the bridge.
"That's a strange sight. An eagle is rare around this region." I muse.
"Ahem…"
I heard someone clears his throat.
"…?"
I turn around to see the newcomer.
There's a brunette man standing in front of me.
He adorns blue navy jacket over gray shirt.
For the bottom, he has dark blue jeans and seemingly black leather shoes.
His blue eyes are watching me lazily.
When did he get here?
I didn't notice him coming.
"I was just going to walk pass you but I accidentally overheard you ask the name of this river." He says with a casual tone.
"…"
I tilt my head and stare at him.
"You don't mind the heat? You've been there for awhile by now. Judging from your pale skin, I bet you don't bath in sunlight much." He points out.
"…"
It's true that I have pale skin.
Though it was mostly due to the fact I spend most of my time abroad.
The sunlight in England wasn't as stinging.
"To be fair, it's the spring season. So the heat isn't harsh." He muses and starts scratching the back of his head.
"…"
I stare blankly at the stranger.
Honestly, I have no idea why he approached me.
"Oh yeah, back to your question. Its name is Mion River." He points at the said body of water.
"…"
Yes, I do wonder the name of the river.
But for this man to stop by, just to enlighten me about it, is rather… unnerving.
"Hahaha… I can see your discomfort, missy. I'll take my leave now." He says.
With a smirk, he walks pass me.
I watch his back as he walks away.
"…"
What a strange man…
***/~the park next to the Bridge~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Afternoon, unspecific time}
I take a seat on an available bench.
Thankfully, the said bench is under a tree's shed.
[Wind blows]
Accompanied with the tender air draft, this place is just perfect for resting.
I inspect the park.
"I'm the only one here, huh? Well, it's to be expected at this time of the day. Most people are working. Children should be at school by now." I muse alone.
I glance upward to see the sky.
Since I was under a tree, I can't see it directly.
Sunlight is poking from the tree's leaves.
Somehow, it was a calming sight to see.
"…"
Maybe… I can take a nap?
There's no one around.
"…"
It's just a short nap.
I put the rest of my body on the bench.
Awkwardly, the bench still has some space for someone to sit even after I did that.
I guess my body is just that small, huh?
"…"
[Wind blows]
The gentle breeze promotes my sleepiness.
"It's been a busy day…" I utter.
I took a flight from England yesterday and arrived in Osaka this morning.
I need to go to Tokyo, where mama is being persecuted.
It will take more than 6 hours with a car.
Why the limo had to break down at times like this?
Tomorrow is the deadline…
I need to be there by tonight.
I—
!~/sub-Interlude/~!
(General Point of View)
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
A brunette man is seen walking alone.
His pair of blue eyes is watching the scenery with droopiness.
In a way, he has little interest to keep walking.
However, he was summoned to that world.
Thus, he felt obligated to tour.
"So this is the playground." He muses to himself.
He shoves his hands into his pockets.
His attire is no different from an average man; blue navy jacket over a gray shirt, dark blue jeans and black leather shoes.
Nevertheless, the shoes speak for themselves.
Not everybody can afford walking casually wearing leather shoes.
In a sense, he has the traits of a rich man.
Nonetheless, this was not the case.
This man… no… this 'thing' is merely copying the real man.
It copies the man's physical features and attire.
"Hmm…? This place doesn't have any benches? If I know the designers, I'll sue them." The 'man' muses.
[Eagle screeching]
The man glances upward.
An eagle is seen flying over the city.
However, it was flying rather low for an eagle.
"Seriously… that bird will never leave me alone."
[Sigh]
He lets out a sigh.
Then, he turns his attention to the playground again.
"Having copied this man's body, I have absorbed a lot of unnecessary knowledge. 'Suing' designers for their lack of foresight, huh? This is one witty human."
He forms a smile and pulls out his right hand from his pocket.
"A playground needs at least one bench. Since I don't have enough energy to 'create' one, I guess I can 'import' one. I think I saw benches in that park earlier."
He raises his right arm to the air.
[Finger click]
With a click from his finger, the space next to him starts warping.
In matter of seconds, a wooden bench appears.
However, it didn't show up alone.
"Hmm…? It appears I accidentally warp the occupant along with it."
He scratches the back of his head.
There's a small girl sleeping on the bench.
"Oh well, she's sleeping. It won't cause much trouble."
The man shrugs.
"Now then, let's continue the tour. I hope I can cover this city in two days."
He starts to walk away, unconcerned regarding the sleeping girl.
=exit sub-Interlude=
***/~unknown location~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
I—
"…"
I fell asleep…
I put down my legs and sit upright.
The sky is red, showing that it's evening.
"I guess I should head back now."
I remove myself from the bench.
"…?"
Wait, this isn't the place where I last slept…
Earlier, I was at the park where the bridge is visible.
Now, I'm somewhere in the middle of nowhere…
What's going on here?
I start walking, exiting the empty playground.
***/~unknown location~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
I conclude that I'm somewhere inside a neighborhood.
But how did I get here?
I don't recall walking here…
And of course, I didn't felt anyone carrying me.
I'm light… so any adult man can carry my body with less effort.
Then the question; why would they?
If they plan to kidnap me or do anything worse… placing me here is an odd course of action.
"Oi Hakunon, fight me! My Pikachu is ready to beat your Geodude." I overheard someone says.
It was a female voice.
I turn to see her.
A ginger girl is walking next to a brunette girl.
Both are wearing the identical attire, which I assume to be their school uniform.
"Gudako, you're insane. Energy Type Pokemon can't beat Ground Type Pokemon." The brunette girl says in monotone.
"But Ash Ketchum says otherwise— Oi, stop calling me with that nickname! I have a name!" The ginger girl retorts.
"…"
I avert my attention elsewhere.
Their conversation is meaningless to me.
[Eagle screeching]
"…?"
I glance upward and see an eagle flies above the red sky.
Was that the same eagle?
No… that should be the least of my concern.
I need to figure out my whereabouts.
I jog pass the two girls.
***/~shopping district~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
[Rowdy chatter]
[Motorcycle passing by]
"…"
I entered deeper into the heart of the neighborhood.
The bridge is nowhere to be seen.
"Why…?"
Why is this happening to me?
All I wanted is to testify for my mother's trial.
I know she's innocent.
[Boy crying]
"…?"
My attention is averted to a passing pair of mother and child.
"I told you not to run…! Now look at you." The mother chastises the crying child.
"But-but…" The boy tries to retort.
The mother hugs him instead of scolding him again.
"There, there… Next time, listen to your mother." She whispers to the crying child.
"…"
It was a normal scene; a mother comforting a crying child.
However—
[Heart thumping]
—I can't have that simple luxury.
"Mama…" I utter.
I turn around and ignore the pair of mother and child.
I… envy that boy…
I—
[Air draft]
"…?"
Before I notice it, my feet took action.
I'm already running…
***/~lonely alley~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
"…"
I end up somewhere far from the civilization.
"What I am doing?"
I'm getting jealous over the silliest thing…
Thanks to that, now I'm lost.
"Mama…"
I'm so sorry.
Your daughter is such an idiot.
I don't deserve the 'H' in my middle name.
I'm a failure to my lineage.
"Are you alright…?"
"…?"
I turn to face the speaker.
There is a boy with very distinguishing features.
His amber eyes are looking at me with concern.
He has red hair, which is peculiar for Japanese.
Although, I have no right to complain about his hair… since mine is pink…
As for the attire, he wears a school uniform with brown theme.
This boy must have enrolled at the same school as the two eccentric girls from earlier.
So gingers are common around here…?
I came across a red haired girl on my way here.
"Why are you crying…?" He suddenly asks.
"…?"
I touch my cheek.
"…"
Tears…
I cried without noticing it…
"Are you on your own…? Are your parents here…?" He inquires.
He treats me like a child…
But I can't argue…
With a body stature as small as me… on top of that, found crying on my own…
I looked like a lost child to his eyes.
"Stop it…" I utter.
"Huh…?" He lets out.
"Stop treating me like that…!"
He arches back from the brunt of my wrath.
"I know I look like a child but I'm actually fifteen! And I'm not lost!"
He stares at me with disbelieve.
"Then, why are you crying on your own…?"
"…I—"
[Sob]
"Wait, wait, wait…! I didn't mean to make you cry again!"
"JERK!"
I hit his chest with both of my fist.
"Jerk, jerk, jerk…!"
I hit his chest over and over again.
I don't know what I am doing…
"I'll plunge holes at you!"
Why am I wasting time with him…?
"Just die already!"
Why won't my tears stop!?
[Sob]
My hands stop moving.
I let them fall lifelessly to my side.
I have no time for—
"…!"
[Smack]
"What do you think you're doing?!"
I slapped away his hand.
H-he patted me on my head…
"I'm sorry… I didn't know what to do…" He says while scratching his cheek.
"…"
Usually I got annoyed when anybody pats me on my head.
But this time around… I feel… at ease…
"You don't look like you're from around here. Not that I know everyone around though…"
He let out a small laugh.
"You're weird…" I comment on his behavior.
"I get that a lot…" He responds to my comment.
"…"
I stare at the boy incredulously.
I cried in front of this guy?
This… odd boy…?
"Say, I don't know what made you cry but I know just the thing for bad times." He suddenly says.
"…?"
What did he mean—
"Follow me."
"…!"
[Heart thumping]
"Hey, what do you think you're doing!?"
H-he's holding my hand!
"Just follow me." He tells me with a smile.
"…"
How could you smile like that to a stranger?
Wait a minute…
He's not some kind of pervert, is he!?
"…"
What am I doing following him like this!?
Every child should know not to follow a stranger!
"…"
I am not a child!
That's right!
I'm a Butei!
I can handle this myself!
I may not look like it but I'm actually a black belt in karate.
I don't know what you have in mind, strange boy… but I'm ready for you!
Bring it on!
***/~a few minutes later, nearby a park~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
I stare wordlessly at the food in my hand.
How did he know I like peach buns?
"…"
No… it's probably just coincidence.
Humans normally indulge themselves in doing something enjoyable to escape sadness.
Eating is one of them.
It just so happens… that he liked the same thing as me…
Regardless, from his speech pattern earlier… he sounds like a kid.
Is he younger than me?
Ah… Then, he is that kind of boy…
He's the type that can't let a girl cry.
Children's logic is much simpler than adult's mentality.
I've been dabbling with adults for so long that I forgot that I'm a child myself.
Fifteen years old is considered a child…
As for now, the two of us are sitting on a bench by an empty park.
Strangely, no one else walk around here.
It is only the beginning of April.
Ah…what a coincidence…
Today is also the first day of school for Japanese students.
Since it's only the first week, I doubt there are any club activities.
But… why this place is deserted?
This boy is here… that means the school is over long ago.
"…"
After inspecting the area, I kinda understand why…
This park is giving out an eerie vibe.
I know this feeling.
In one of my missions, I've visited similar site.
It was a former war zone.
But this park… it's on another level…
It was… as if thousands of people died here… but not in a normal way…
"Um… why are you making faces?"
"…!"
I forgot that someone was with me…
I look at the bun and stare at it for awhile.
"You didn't like it?" The boy asks.
I shake my head.
"No, it's not the peach bun. It's—"
—the hawker… the one who sold the peach bun looks shady…
There's no one here.
Naturally, any hawker would avoid deserted place and seek the crowd for profit.
But this one doesn't bother to move his stall.
And… he looks like a yakuza…
I munch on the bun.
"…!"
It's… delicious…!
I can't stop eating!
"You're smiling…" The red haired boy suddenly says.
"…?"
I tilt my head at his remark.
"You're actually smiling." He says again.
I did…?
"Sorry… It's not my business to pry into yours. But, I'm glad I made you smile."
"You're weird…" I tell him.
"You already told me that before." He retorts.
"I know. But you're so strange…"
He starts scratching his cheek.
"I guess I really am an oddball… Shinji used to call me a freak before."
"…?"
Who's Shinji?
"Ah…"
I almost forgot…
I reach for my wallet.
I think I still have it with me.
"…?"
He suddenly shakes his head.
"There's no need to pay me for those buns. I got them for free in the first place." He claims.
"You got them for free…?"
He didn't steal them, did he?
"The stall owner was closing up. So he gave away his unsold buns. Besides, the hawker is an acquaintance of mine."
Is that so…?
"…"
I stare towards the horizon.
The sun is setting down.
"…Wait a minute! I don't have time for this!"
"Huh…?" He let out.
"I need to find a workshop! I'm running out of time! I'm supposed to meet them by now!"
"A workshop, you say? What kind of workshop?"
"…"
I don't have the slightest clue…
I bit my lips.
"Um, maybe I could help." He suddenly says.
"…?"
"I'm a local. I know this place well. I think…"
"That doesn't sound reassuring…" I say to him.
"Hahaha…" He chuckles as he scratches his cheek.
[Sigh]
I let out a sigh for the first time of the day.
"If you have lived in this city for a long time, you probably know Mion River."
"Mion River…? Oh, that's close by." He says.
"Wha-what…!? Can you show me there?" I ask him.
The boy nods and smile.
"Come on, let me guide you."
He stands up and offers his hand.
"…"
I reluctantly accept his hand.
"Oh, you can keep the rest of the buns if you want."
"What…!? I am not a glutton! I can't eat all of them by myself!"
He tilts his head.
"But you seem to like them."
"Just because I like the buns doesn't mean I could eat all of them by myself."
"You already ate ten of those and there's only three left." He deadpans.
I try to retort but nothing assuring comes to mind.
"Well, I was kinda hungry…" I end up with a lame excuse.
In my defense, I didn't eat since yesterday…
I had to pack my stuff and took a flight.
"Just keep the buns. I know you want them." He told me with a smile.
I avert my face sheepishly.
Am I that predictable…?
"Come on. Let's go." He urges me.
***/~across the bridge~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
From a distance, I can see my limo.
It wasn't that far…
We reached the workshop by walking.
"Miss Kanzaki!"
Someone calls out my name.
"Thank goodness I've found you!"
It's my butler.
"How was it…?" I ask impatiently.
He shakes his head.
"I am very sorry… The mechanic couldn't figure out what's wrong with the limo."
"…"
Does that mean I couldn't be there in time?
Mama…
"Shirou-kun, is that you? Your timing couldn't be less perfect." The mechanic suddenly says.
"Mister Daichi, is he an acquaintance of yours?" My butler asks.
"Is there anything I could help with, Daichi-san?" The strange boy offers.
"Apparently so, Shirou-kun… This gentleman over here needs his car working by tonight. I can't figure out the problem since I have so little time. But knowing you, I'm sure you could pull it off before it's completely dark."
"…"
Wait… this boy is a mechanic!?
"Sure, just give me some space."
"You heard the man. Let's get out of here!"
"…!"
The man starts pushing me along with my butler.
"H-hey…!?"
"No exceptions!" The older mechanic adds.
"And Shirou-kun, you'd better change your clothes first." He points it out.
The boy, Shirou, nods at his remark.
"…"
The mechanic, known by the name Daichi, resumes pushing.
"What's the big idea!?" I holler once we're outside.
He smirks at me.
"It looks like lady luck is on your side, little missy. That guy is a miracle with machinery." He snickers.
"…:"
I stare at the mechanic, bewildered.
Who would have thought the boy I met randomly is an expert mechanic?
***/~roughly fifteen minutes later~/***
The boy shows up from within the workshop.
"I'm done." He declares.
"…!"
"What the—… Shirou-kun, you're a monster."
"That's not nice, Daichi-san. I just fixed a car for you."
"Are you joking with us, Mister Shirou? The mechanic spent several hours searching for the problem and you did it within a few minutes?" My butler berates him.
"Give the car a try." Shirou answers confidently.
With the limo's key in his hand, the man in suit walks briskly towards the driver seat.
[Engine starting]
"Tell me this isn't happening." The butler mutters.
"I told ya' the kid is a miracle." The older mechanic smirks.
The red haired boy, now clothed with mechanic outfit, look very satisfied with his work.
"There you go." He smiles at me.
"…"
"Thank you very much. How much do we need to pay for this?" My butler asks them.
"Shirou-kun, it's your call. You fixed it."
The red haired boy ponders.
"Nah… I'm just doing it for practice. Besides, the car wasn't broken. It just got clogged oil." He explains.
"Clogged oil…? Why I haven't thought of that…!?" The older mechanic scolds himself.
"Then, I must thank you for this service."
The brunette man bows at them.
The odd boy and the mechanic bow in return.
" Let us go, Miss Kanzaki." He suddenly addresses me.
"…?"
Oh, right!
I almost forgot.
I enter the limo in haste.
[Car engine roaring]
My butler starts the engine again.
Thus, we drive out from the workshop.
***/~several meters later~/***
Wait a sec…
I think I'm forgetting something.
[Air draft]
Ah, the limo's windows are open.
I guess I should close it—
"Safe travel, you two…!" I hear the red haired boy yells.
"…!"
I forgot to thank him personally!
But the limo is several meters away from the workshop…
"Wait…!"
"There's no time to waste, Miss Kanzaki. If we stop now, we won't reach the court!"
I was about to berate him but held my tongue.
"I'm sorry…" I whisper.
One day, I'll repay this debt.
"…"
I didn't even know his full name.
I think I heard his name was Shirou.
"…"
Then, I'll remember you, Shirou…
I'll come again when I got the time.
And I'll thank you personally.
This is a promise I made to myself.
This is a promise that I, Kanzaki Holmes Aria, will keep.
"…"
And next time, I'll treat you to a fancy restaurant as payment for the peach buns…
[Munch]
=exit Interlude I=
!~/Interlude II/~!
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
(Nameless girl's point of view)
"What a strange one…"
"Certainly…"
Alastor, the pendant on my neck, responds to my remark.
"The Mystes used his power to help humans. We can safely assume that it was the Hougu at work."
I nod.
"He's different from other Mystes that I had met."
Any other Mystes would have used their Hougu for selfish reasons.
Tenmoku Ikko is an example of one.
"Indeed… He is different…"
"This is rather convenient. That Mystes is our best bet to sniff out the Hunter. After all, his nickname came from his tendency to collect (Noble Phantasm) Hougu. This one is basically making himself noticeable." I remark.
"I concur…"
[Wind blows]
Standing on top of the highest building in the city does have it perks…
I could see most of the places from here.
"…"
What an odd world…
It is so similar yet so different…
Both worlds are made from Power of Existence…
Yet, this world doesn't have any Denizens (Tomogara) or even Flames Hazes…
Perhaps it doesn't need any…
I could sense it.
The world is rejecting my existence…
I bet that the Hunter is suffering the same consequences.
The Hunter, a Lord of Denizen (Guze no Tomogara), the one Alastor and I hunt for a few weeks by now…
We manage to corner him a few days ago in our original world but…
It was a trap…
He wanted to travel into a different reality.
He wanted a reality where no other Denizens or Flame Hazes exist…
The drawback is, he needs a Flame Haze as a catalyst for his dimension jump.
I fell into his trap and I was forced to travel here along with him.
Surprisingly, it weakened him to the point he can't manifest his power completely.
I suffer from degradation as well but not as bad as he did.
As a last minute ditch, he used a Hougu that allows him to elude us.
What a sneaky bastard…
It's only Day One…
My first battle here drains me so much…
What is wrong with this world!?
"Is something troubling you…?"
"This world is rejecting me…"
"I'm afraid so…"
At this rate, I'm going to disappear…
"Alastor, if I were to vanish… Will you be able to go back to our world?"
"Perhaps… The lost of my vessel will force me to return to the Crimson Realm."
"Then you can form a new contract with a new contractor, right…?"
"What are you implying…?"
"I don't think I could make it…"
I pause, waiting for him to respond.
"…"
Nevertheless, he didn't react.
"That last unrestricted spell that the Hunter used required large sum of Power of Existence. Unless I sacrifice large number of humans, there's no way I could go back."
I wait for his answer.
"Are you done whining?"
"…"
That's right…
I'm a Flame Haze…
This is what I signed for…
I knew I would die one day fighting against a Denizen or perhaps another Flame Haze…
"…"
I form a smirk on my face.
"You're right, Alastor. Why am I whining about my Fate?"
So, it's either I die fighting against the Hunter or victorious but only to face doom within a few months.
It sounds foolish…
But it is my Fate.
If I'm going to disappear, at least I will save this world from the Hunter's grasp.
I am but a tool to hunt these things in the first place.
There's nothing more or nothing less…
I live to serve Alastor.
I will hunt Tomogara and protect the balance of the world, even if it wasn't my own world.
And nothing will change that…
=exit Interlude II=
{Day 1, Monday – Evening, unspecific time}
(Emiya Shirou's point of view)
"So she just left without even saying goodbye…? That's cold." Daichi-san, the mechanic says.
"I don't mind. Maybe she has something urgent."
The older man shrugs.
"There's a limit in being a good guy." He tells me.
I shrug back at his remark.
"There's nothing wrong in helping people."
"Whatever… Just go home already. It's getting dark."
I nod and head to the room where I placed my clothes.
***/~inside the room~/***
It was my second victory…
Whatever Kanzaki-san was facing, it wasn't a friendly affair to her.
She was angry, discouraged, and sad…
She vented it out on me.
However, I manage to make her smile again.
I even help fixing her car.
That was another satisfying success.
It's probably the best effort I had to become an ally of justice.
"…"
Then, I recalled that girl from earlier…
That girl from that strange bounded field—
She said I was 'dead'…
But I don't get it…
In what way am I 'dead'?
Did she mean about my involvement with the fire eight years ago?
"…"
I need to find her.
There's something going on in this city and that girl is the only lead I had.
***/~outside the room, still inside the workshop~/***
"I'm done changing. I'll be heading back."
"What…!?" Daichi-san hollers from behind his workshop.
I guess he didn't hear me.
Well, he already told me to go home.
He'll know the reason for my absence.
I grab my schoolbag and grocery.
***/~outside the workshop, several meters away~/***
"Now, where should I look for that girl?"
I have no idea where to find her…
"Stay out of trouble, brat…!" I hear Daichi shouts from far.
I turn around.
"I won't—"
My holler fell short as the one I was seeking shows up.
It's the longhaired girl from the bounded field.
She's smiling… no, she's smirking at me.
"Well, aren't you a good one?" She says all of a sudden.
"…"
I think she watched the whole affair.
But her remark—
I don't get it…
"You used your power to help people. Not many would do that after gaining such power. You really are a strange one."
I think she meant my mage craft…
"What do you want from me?" I ask her warily.
Kiritsugu told me that magi are secretive bunch.
If mage craft is being used publicly, the Association will send their Enforcers to eradicate the threat.
This girl is probably an Enforcer…
The way she handled those monsters were beautiful—
"…"
That's odd…
Why did I think of her like that?
"My plan is none of your concern, Mystes." She tells me with a smirk.
"What is a Mystes?"
That question's been bugging me.
They keep calling me that but I had no idea what it means.
Her face shows disinterest to converse.
"Where's your residence?" The girl suddenly asks.
Why would she ask that?
"…"
She ignored my question…
"Why should I tell you?" I question her.
She turns around with unconcerned expression.
Then, she starts walking away.
"Hey…!" I yell.
However, the girl ignored me.
She resumes walking, her long silky black hair and coat fluttering behind.
"…"
I decide to tail her.
Where is she going?
***/~half an hour later, somewhere across Miyama~/***
{Day 1, Monday – Nighttime, unspecific time}
After tailing her for half an hour, the sun goes down and the streetlights are lit.
We're walking in a park; a place that would be bustling with people.
Due to the time, the place is rather isolated.
The black haired girl is still walking.
Then, she suddenly stops.
Is there something in this area?
Or did she finally notice I was tailing her?
"…"
No, she's an Enforcer.
Something like this won't catch her off guard.
I wasn't hiding the fact I was following her anyway.
I inspect my surrounding.
"…? A stall…?" I sputter.
There's nothing here but a stall.
"Hello there! How can I help you?" The hawker asks her.
"Give me twelve of those." She says.
"…"
I almost can't believe my eyes.
Did she really just say that?
"That would be 300 yen." The hawker says, snapping me back to reality.
"…"
She just bought a dozen of melon breads…
And her face is brimming with joy.
She looks no different from a teenage girl who just received her birthday present.
"…"
But I know she's not some normal teenage girl.
She's an experienced warrior.
I'd say she's heartless… but…
I don't know her well enough.
She did let those people died in that bizarre bounded field.
Nevertheless, they have returned to life…
"…"
I'm still questioning that unbelievable event.
What was that?
I've never heard of a spell that can reverse time…
Was that 'Magic'?
It seems that, she is still ignoring me.
She keeps minding her own business.
But, I need to know regarding what's going on in this city.
I'm not going to leave until I know…
"…?"
She walks again…
"…"
Is she purposely leading me somewhere?
I don't care.
I will find out the truth.
"Oi kid...!"
"…?"
I turn around and face the hawker.
Apparently, he was the one calling me.
"Y-yes…?" I tilt my head in confusion.
The bulky hawker folds his arms and shows a fierce face.
"I know that girl is pretty. But stalking her like that won't do anyone any good. As a responsible adult, I might turn you in."
"…!"
Wha-what…!?
"Wait a sec…! I think you got it wrong!" I say in panicking tone.
"Stop following the girl around…! Go home already!" He bellows.
"…!"
Out of shock, I run away from the hawker.
***/~a park nearby Miyama Bridge~/***
[Panting]
I take a seat at an available bench.
"Dammit… I lost sight of the girl."
Now what do I do?
How am I supposed to find her?
"Oi…"
"…?"
I turn my head and see the girl I sought.
With a grumpy face, she signals me to move away from the bench.
"…"
I feel reluctant to do so…
But to humor her, I scoot aside.
[Sigh]
The longhaired girl lets out a sigh and sits next to me.
"…"
I guess all that walking must be tiring.
Then, she starts munching on one of those breads.
Where did I saw that kind of face before…?
Oh, right!
Kanzaki had the same expression when she ate those peach buns.
"…?"
The girl is currently glaring at me.
Why did I do?
"You're not getting one…" She mumbles.
Then, she wraps her arms protectively around the remaining melon breads.
I wave my hand to show denial.
"I wasn't going to ask for that."
After glaring at me for a while, she resumes munching on the bread.
I had to wonder…
Are those melon bread really taste that good?
I rarely eat melon breads because I didn't like them very much.
They're too sweet if you ask me…
But then, that also applies to peach buns.
I rarely eat those buns either…
But for now—
"Can I ask you something?"
She spares a glance at me, telling me that she is listening.
"What are you?" I decide to ask.
I've been wondering about this after seeing her feats.
Even for an Enforcer, her strength is ridiculous.
Her eyes were crimson red earlier.
Is she a Dead Apostle?
From what I know, Dead Apostle can't walk under sunlight.
Their body will decay due to the heat.
I watch the girl finishes her bread.
Then, she turns to face me.
"I'm a Flame Haze." She answers my inquiry.
...wait what?
Did I hear it right?
Flame Haze...?
If I am right, that's in English.
Did she mean Flame Haze, as in the 'ashes' caused by fire?
Judging from her serious face, I doubt that she is joking.
Ah, maybe Flame Haze is the name of her organization.
Wait… if it is true… did she just revealed it casually to me?
Don't tell me she's planning to tow me away later!?
Let me ask her again.
Hopefully, I can get a clearer answer.
"What is a Flame Haze?" I inquire.
Instead of answering straight away, she chooses to open another package of melon bread.
"…"
I can hardly believe my eyes…
Girls really like sweet things, don't they?
Even an Enforcer like her enjoyed sweets.
But is she really an Enforcer?
"A Flame Haze is a guardian that protects the balance of existence. We exist to prevent those creatures from relentlessly devouring humans." She explains.
Eh?
What did she mean by 'the balance of existence'?
A guardian… as in Counter Guardian…?
No, no, no, no…
That's impossible.
I can't be talking to a Counter Guardian.
Am I?
"You're not human, are you?"
She nods.
"I was once human. But I gave away my humanity to become a Flame Haze." She narrates her background.
She sacrificed her humanity?
Why…?
"Are you a Counter Guardian?"
"A 'what'…?" The girl tilts her head.
"Counter Guardian. You are an agent of Alaya, aren't you?"
The girl's confusion is clearly shown on her face.
"What is that? Is this Alaya an individual or an organization?" She inquires.
"…never mind… I think I got it wrong."
It would be odd for a Counter Guardian to show up in Fuyuki.
There's no crisis that need a guardian's presence…yet…
Maybe Counter Guardian and Alaya are terms exclusive to us, mortal magi.
But I can be wrong…
What else can I ask her?
"…how many Flame Hazes are out there?" I decide to ask.
"There are many. But I'm the only one present in this world." She claims.
"So you're saying you're not from this world?"
"Yes. Do I need to repeat myself?"
That doesn't make any sense…
Is she telling me that she's an alien?
Ah, maybe she meant from a different plane of existence.
Something like a different dimension or a parallel world.
"What were those creatures?" I ask.
That question has been bothering me.
I suspected that they were Dead Apostles.
Whatever they are, they don't bleed…
But this girl… she can effortlessly dispatch them.
Their carcasses disappeared without a trace.
And… she can rewind time…
"Those were Rinne. They are servants of a Tomogara (Denizen)."
"…"
Once again, she presents me with strange terms…
Rinne…? Tomogara…?
Kiritsugu gave me an overview of the Moonlit World.
But, he never once mentioned any of these terms.
"These Rinnes are technically familiars then. But what is a Tomogara?"
The girl resumes munching on the bread, paying no attention to my question.
"I still don't understand. You said a Flame Haze is a guardian. But why did you throw away your humanity to become one if there are other Flame Hazes?"
Once again, she spares me no heed.
She retains a blank face and munches on her breads.
"How did your hair turn from red to black? Is it related to your contract as a Flame Haze? How did you rewind time in that bounded field? Is that True Magic? Is it a perk from being a Flame Haze?"
I see a frown is visible on her face.
"What is this 'power of existence'? I heard you mention it earlier."
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! YOU'RE ANNOYING!"
I arch back out of reflex.
Did I ask too many questions?
"Why does that matter to you? You're just a Mystes!" She hollers.
"What is a Mystes anyway?" I ask her.
That question really bothers me.
"…?"
The girl is smirking at me…
"I told you before. You're dead."
"…"
"You're not the person you think you are. Whoever he was, he's long dead. You're merely a fragment of his memory." She adds.
"So I'm not Emiya Shirou but merely his replacement." I conclude.
Her smirk intensifies.
"Do you understand what that means? Your family and your friends, all of them were his. You're nothing more but someone with the same face as him."
"So what…?"
At my remark, her smirk disappears.
"That means you're a fake! You're nothing but a memory! Don't you get it…!?" She hollers.
"Maybe I'm not the real Emiya Shirou but I will still hold up to his dream."
Her face contorts in confusion.
"What kind of dream…?" She inquires.
"Emiya Shirou wishes to be an Ally of Justice."
Her smirk returns.
"Do what you wish. But know this; your time is limited."
What did she mean by that?
"What you're doing right now is merely an imitation to what the real Emiya Shirou would do. He will ask the same question and respond with the same action. However, you are merely his fragment, a shadow of his existence."
"…"
I stare at the girl as she resumes talking.
"As a displacement, your existence is temporary. When the time comes, you will simply fade way. No one will remember you and your actions will be forgotten." She adds.
"…"
I… will be forgotten?
"I don't care if you plan to be a hero or anything with that power. But when you disappear, your name will not be sung in history or myths. So cease you childish imagination. You're going to vanish." She declares with a wicked smile.
I'm going to vanish?
I'm going to disappear without a trace just like that?
What is going on here?
I don't recall dying…
The monsters didn't kill me earlier, did they?
"That leads to another question; when did this 'Emiya Shirou' got devoured? Who places you as a replacement to prevent balance distortion?" She says in confused tone.
"I don't know when this happened. Perhaps it dated back to the fire eight years ago. I knew something was wrong when I was the only survivor." I tell her.
"Fire…?" She says in questioning tone.
"Ah, that's right… You're not from around here. Eight years ago, a fire broke out engulfing half the city. I was the sole survivor."
She starts pondering.
"Alastor, what's you take on this?"
"If what he said was true, perhaps that fire is City Devouring."
"…?"
City Devouring…
What is that…?
"Nobody else survived but you? Who saved you?" She questions me.
"My father, Emiya Kiritsugu… And oh, he's my adoptive father."
"Emiya Kiritsugu… Do you know that name, Alastor?"
"No."
She glances towards me.
"Are there any other cases like this around this world?"
"I don't think so… Fuyuki is the only place ever had that kind of fire. The people keep saying it's inhumane."
She starts pondering again.
"I see… That means, this particular city is a War Zone."
"…?"
"That explained why you're the only Torch here. The only Tomogara ever came here was eight years ago and he left after devouring half the city." She claims.
I can't let that comment go.
"What do you mean he devoured half of the city?"
"You said it yourself; half of the city was engulfed in flames." She says.
That means—
"That fire eight years ago was a Denizen's doing." She concludes it for me.
"Now, another Denizen arrived to perform the same trick. I'd never thought talking to a Mystes would reveal such a plot." She remarks.
"This Denizen, he came with you right?"
"That's true but you don't need to fret about him. Once I'm done with him, there won't be anything left." She says confidently.
"…"
A repeat of that fire from eight years ago…
The image of inferno pervades my vision.
I can't let that tragedy happen again!
"Maybe you do need to fret a little… You're the bait." The girl says, snapping me back to the present.
"What?" I croak.
"You're the bait for this Denizen. He has tendency to collect Hougu."
"You still haven't told me about what I am." I deadpan.
"Well, I told you before. You're an image of Emiya Shirou, a Torch."
"A 'torch'…? That's an English word, right? You mean like the ones they used to lit caves back in Stone Age?"
She stares at me like I have grown two heads.
"This one is different from the others…" She remarks on my statement.
"Indeed…"
"…?"
"No. It's not that kind of torch. A Torch is a replacement to human that lose his or her existence."
"How would a human lose his existence?"
"Isn't that obvious? They will lose their existence if Denizens devour them."
"Oh…"
"Among the Torches, there are several special ones. They contain treasures or Noble Phantasms (Hougu) inside themselves. You're one of them."
"…?"
"You're the only Mystes exist in this city. There's no way the Hunter would miss you."
"…"
If being bait can help prevent that fire from happening again, I'll happily comply.
"If you're wondering, the Hunter is the Denizen we were hunting. His nickname came from his treasure hunting hobby." She adds.
"So I am the bait for this guy, huh?"
"That's right. So, I'll be keeping close watch on you." She declares.
"On a side note, you said my time is limited, right?"
"Yeah, I did." She tilts her head.
"How much time do I have? I already live for eight years."
She ponders.
"I don't know… Usually, a Torch would last a few days to several months if they were devoured slightly. A severely devoured person would only last a minute…" She mutters.
"…"
"Maybe that Hougu inside you is keeping you alive." She suddenly concludes.
"…?"
"There's no way a Torch would exist as long as you unless that Hougu inside you is special. It's keeping you alive. So, if the Hunter were to take it away—"
"I'll disappear…" I finish her sentence.
"Lucky for you, you're not going to disappear anytime soon." She says casually.
"That means I still have chance to be an Ally of Justice."
She tilts her head at my sudden statement.
"I told you before; I want to be an Ally of Justice. I won't back down just because I'm no longer human."
She stares at me with bewilderment on her face.
"You're the same as me, right?"
Her confusion intensifies.
"You threw away your humanity because you want to protect humanity. Our circumstances are different but our goal is similar." I tell her.
She looks at me, puzzled.
"What's your name?" I ask her.
"Huh…?" She let out.
"I know you're a Flame Haze but you didn't tell me your name."
I wait for her answer.
"…?"
She shakes her head.
"I don't have any name." She replies.
"They only call me Alastor Haze or Flame of Heaven. I never needed a name." She narrates.
I shake my head to show my disapproval.
"What about your human name?"
"I grew up without a name. Wilhelmina never bothered to name me.".
I grit my teeth.
What kind of joke is this!?
No one even bother to name her?
What is she, some kind of tool to be disposed!?
"Though I supposed I had a nickname…" She mutters.
"What is it?" I ask eagerly.
She contemplates for a while.
"I was once called the 'Nietono no Shana' since it's the name of my nodachi." She tells me.
That's better than nothing.
"Then, your name is Shana." I tell her.
She stares at me, surprised.
"From now on, your name will be Shana and I'm a Mystes that goes by the name Emiya Shirou." I declare while holding her by her shoulders.
She looks at me absentmindedly.
"My name is Shana…"
#Chapter End#
[Author's note]
In case nobody noticed, the difference between Yuuji and Shirou; Shirou didn't assert that Shana is more than just a Flame Haze.
Unlike Yuuji, Shirou embraced the fact that he's not human.
Well, that's the chapter as I promised.
Thanks again for reading.
I'll upload the next chapter next week.
I have already finished the chapter but it still needs revision.
In case anybody got confused with the time setting, I'm using italic and {parenthesis} to show time.
Example: {Monday - Morning, 10.11 am}
However, the character can only know the specific time when they have access to a clock or anything that can tell time.
Otherwise, they'll just generalize as Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Nighttime but without the specific hour and minutes.
So if you see Shirou or anyone else have specific time at the starting of a scene, that means they have access to a clock.
Anyways, see you guys next week!