Rejoice boy. Your wish will certainly come true.
Those words still haunted him.
He wanted to become a hero.
But to become a hero, someone had to be in danger.
A world at peace, a world without conflict is something every hero desires… but also a place where heroes are unnecessary.
He wasn't really worried.
Such a world would never come. It's just the way things worked.
Ophelia had betrayed everything twice.
Yet, it didn't feel like a mistake.
And that was a mistake.
She wanted Kirchstaria to return to his path. To be at his side.
Yet, she also wanted to save the world.
But more than anything, she wanted to remain at Mash's side, as well as Shirou's. Even Ritsuka's, if she ever came around.
She didn't expect that though. She had done horrible things. She deserved such treatment. No amount of time would help her atone. But she would do her best still. To be friendly, to help them.
She wanted to hold on to those connections, those things she never could grasp before.
But more importantly…
She didn't want to suffer anymore.
"So in the end… it turns out BB was behind everything in the Luluhawa singularity! Of course, we expected it. What we didn't expect was for her to think she was so clever," Ritsuka said, chomping on her burger. "And thus we beat her ass, and the time loops came to an end."
Shirou stared at her with a smile, and a bead of sweat on his temple. "That's quite a story."
At his side, Ophelia, who was picking at a salad, looked at Ritsuka with a neutral expression. "It's really hard to believe."
"Yeah it was crazy," Ritsuka answered with a smile.
"No, really. I don't believe you," Ophelia added. She had gotten better these last few weeks with Chaldea, emotionally and physically. Yet, her relationship with Ritsuka was still… shaky. At least in Shirou's opinion.
"After all the shit we've been through that is unbelievable to you?!" Ritsuka asked with bewilderment. "Mash, help me out here!"
Mash, who sat at Ritsuka's side with a sandwich in her hands, sighed. "It's true, Ophelia."
"It's ridiculous. Beyond that. But if Mash says it, I guess it must be true," Ophelia said. Ritsuka narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Oh so you believe it only when it comes from Mash?" She asked.
"Well… Mash is reliable," Ophelia answered. In response, Ritsuka slammed her hands on the table.
"Are you saying I'm unreliable?" Ritsuka asked. Ophelia flinched, but otherwise kept a calm expression.
"Not at all. Please don't assume," Ophelia retorted.
"I… well… alright," Ritsuka huffed, sitting back down in defeat.
"Just to clarify," Ophelia said. "The way you phrase things makes them hard to believe. It's not that you are unreliable. My apologies if it came off that way."
Ritsuka, looked away, as if she had just thrown an embarrassing tantrum. Then, she threw her hands into the air.
"Fine. I'm sorry as well," she said, returning to her food.
"Wow, you two are getting better at resolving your disagreements. I'm so proud," Mash said with a genuine smile.
Shirou shook his head in his mind. It was some progress, if minuscule.
Still, he agreed that it was hard to believe Mash and Ritsuka's story about their last summer. He didn't even know who or what BB was.
The four humans proceeded to go back into a comfortable silence, enjoying their dinner. They had formed that little group in the cafeteria, tucked away near the counter, where they enjoyed meals together. As the last Master, two ex-masters and a demi servant, they stood out among the heroic spirits and regular staff at Chaldea.
Shirou thought it was only natural that they would share time together. He would often cook the meals, and they enjoyed them greatly.
All the banter and good times, it was almost like being back in Fuyuki with Taiga, Sakura and Rin.
It was not bad at all.
Maybe next time, he would invite the Valkyires.
"It may be unnecessary, but I'll remind you now," Mash said, breaking the silence. "We'll soon go to the Indian Lostbelt."
"Right. It's the most dangerous one, as I recall," Shirou said. He had missed that briefing, thanks to Ophelia's drunken blender.
"No. That descriptor goes to Kirschtaria's. But the energy signatures that were detected, along with it's proximity, make it our next target," Ophelia explained, looking away as if omitting something important.
"Something for the Shadow Border is there, right?" Ritsuka asked.
"Correct, Senpai. At least according to Sion, we need to retrieve it if we are to cross the sea into the Atlantic Lostbelt," Mash answered.
"So… India huh," Shirou mused. He did read upon it, or more like, Ophelia forced him to. Not like he resisted. Still, the figures of India's past and myth sure were powerful. "Who's the Crypter in there?"
Ophelia grimaced before answering. "Scandinavia Peperoncino."
"Pepe…" Mash repeated, looking forlorn.
"Friend of yours as well?" Ritsuka asked.
"He was…" Mash closed her eyes, as if trying to find the right answer. "… kind. Very kind and eccentric."
"But also extremely dangerous. I've never seen such a combat expert. And his kindness only extended to us cause we were allies. And he does not take well to betrayal. So… I don't think he'll take to our prescense kindly," Ophelia said, leaning on her arms. Her day had been soured it seemed. Shirou now regretted even asking.
"Well, If you came around, I'm sure he can as well," Ritsuka replied. Always the optimist. That's why Shirou liked her.
Ophelia looked down at her navel. "I wish I could believe that. But I'll stick to accepting the worst."
"Hm? Hey! What are you four doing here? It's after hours!" The group turned to Goredolf, who had come to the empty cafeteria during their little chat. He was clad in some sort of pyjama, holding a piece of cake.
"Director? What's with the clothing?" Ritsuka asked, barely containing her laughter. At this, Goredolf blushed.
"I'm the one asking the questions here!" He responded, trying to cover himself.
"I suggested they read upon India's myths and topography for the mission. If you must blame someone–"
"–It's alright, Ophelia-san," Mash said, turning to Goredolf with a placid smile. "We all agreed to do our research on india before going there."
"I… I see. Still, It's better to rest when you can, right Emiya?" Goredolf asked, always looking to Shirou for support in everything.
"In this case I thought it best to study, so that I may be of assistance on the field," Shirou replied.
"Huh? But you're not going… are you? I mean… you're not a Master. And I need you for protection..." Shirou frowned. So much for give and take in relationships.
"Well, I can't simply stand around doing nothing," Shirou replied, crossing his arms. Restoring the earth… it was his only goal now. After everything he'd done, after his betrayal of the Scandinavian Valkyries, he had to follow through.
"B-But… ugh… fine," Goredolf said, sitting down. "I'm going as well, so I can't really complain about it."
The table fell into an awkward silence, until Goredolf began gulping down on a triangular piece of cake that, in Shirou's opinion, was extremely well made. Also incredibly alluring with it's pink and cream colours..
"Didn't know we had cake," Mash said, eyeing the cake with some desire.
"It was in the fridge. Apparently meant for Fujimaru here," Goredolf said, before Shirou's glare stopped him in his tracks.
"Hers? Why are you eating it then?" All eyes landed on the Director, who seemed to grow pale.
"W-W-Well… you see- Since it seemed to be from a Novum Chaldea welcome party- I thought I might as well have a piece, since I'm sure Fujimaru here would not mind sha–"
"Director," said Shirou, raising his tone of voice to a dangerous one. "Give it back, if you would be so kind."
"Alright. I tasted a little so… I guess it's safe," he said, trying to bail himself out of the situation.
"Alright!" said Ritsuka, digging into the cake. It was missing a little piece, possibly thanks to Goredolf.
"It's really nice of you to make a cake for her, Emiya," said Mash, smiling at Shirou. However, he only raised his eyebrow.
"I didn't make the cake," he said. The Kitchen was still not open to everybody. Only Boudica had been summoned, thus she had a lot on her plate. Shirou did his best to help her, but for now… the resources and manpower were sparse. Making desserts was wasteful, for now.
"You did not? Then… Ophelia-san?" Mash asked, looking at the evocation magus.
"Why would I make it?" She asked, looking away.
"Well… you are pretty good at baking, as I recall," Mash said. Shirou looked at her in surprise, and Ophelia was not beet red.
"You are? Why didn't you tell us?" Shirou asked. Another member in the kitchen would have been very welcome. And a baking specialist as well.
"W-W-Well… it's not proper of a magus… so…" she stammered out.
"I don't think you should care that much, considering it's only us here," Shirou replied.
"I-I know, but s-s-still, the circumstances a-are not right yet… for me to bake," Ophelia said, obviously trying to escape the conversation. Shirou winced. He had made her uncomfortable.
"So you didn't make it. Neither did Emiya, nor the Director so… who did?" Mash asked.
The room fell silent. Everyone looked at Ritsuka, who had left only crumbs on her plate.
"Oh…" she said, looking at the table with worry and fear.
"Are you feeling alright Senpai?" Mash asked. Shirou was on edge now, as Ritsuka proceeded to look herself over. One thing Luvia had been extremely paranoid about in the clocktower was assassinations and poisoning. She had asked Shirou to make her every meal for that reason.
"I'm fine," Ritsuka said.
"Oh come on now!" Goredolf shouted, getting up. "There is no reason to fear assassinations here! Besides, I tasted it. If anything was in there, I would have felt it the moment it touched my tongue."
"Director," Ophelia said, getting up from her chair. "You are getting kinda pale."
"W-What?" Goredolf whimpered, sweat starting to coat his body. He sat back down, hand over his stomach. "N-Now that you mention it."
"Yeah… I don't feel so go… uuuk!" Ritsuka gagged, leaning forward.
She was extremely pale, and the veins around her face were bulging.
"Sen–" Before Mash could say anything else, blood started pouring out from Ritsuka's mouth, ears and nostrils as her body convulsed. It was almost like she was being turned inside out. "Senpai!" Mash cried out in horror as Ritsuka began vomiting blood all over the table.
"Fujimaru!" Shirou shouted, quickly dashing over the table and knocking the food over. The feeling of his chest being constricted washed over him as he lowered her to the ground and checked her vitals. Her pulse was too fast, she was burning up, and she seemed to be paralysed save for a jitter here and there.
"Move!" Ophelia said urgently, as her magic circuits flared up. She placed a hand on the Master's chest.
"Senpai!" Mash whimpered, holding her hand.
"Mash! Call Da Vinci! Now!" Shirou said. Mash did as ordered, and ran into the once quiet halls.
Shirou left Ritsuka in Ophelia's care as he checked on Goredolf. "How do you feel Director?" he asked him, helping him seat more comfortably. He didn't look as bad as Fujimaru.
"I… I feel fine. Just… a little sick… ugh!" he seemed to be about to throw up before he swallowed up whatever had come up to his throat.
"You need to get checked as well, I'll take you to the–"
Someone stepped in the darkness. He heard the sound of heels, and smelled a familiar, flowery scent. One that reminded him of the day he arrived at Chaldea.
He looked at the darkened hall Mash had left through, in the hopes that it was her. But no, the gait was too even, too calm.
He ran through the possibilities, and chose the most likely one.
"Trace–!" In less than a second he dashed towards Ophelia, Yin sword Bakuya already on his hand. Her eye widened as a click was heard.
Something fired from the darkness. Just then, Shirou managed two swing his sword and deflect the bullet. However, it was no normal bullet. It tore through his projection with a force he had never felt before.
Yang sword Kanshou appeared shortly after, ready to defend a follow up attack. Such a thing never came.
Shirou watched the darkness, and saw a figure move.
She stepped into the light, revealing her white attire and pink hair.
"My, my," she said with a devilish smile, and eyes that promised misfortune. "You are quite skilled. Just like Macarius said."
Shirou grit his teeth. A soft killing intent washed over them. Ophelia stood as this side, breathing heavily. Possibly due to fear.
"Koyanskaya," she muttered.
"Hi Ophelia!" Koyanskaya said with a shrill voice and a shocking change in attitude. "Long time no see. What has it been? A month since we, best girls, spoke?"
"What are you doing here? How did you get here?" Ophelia asked through clenched teeth. Shirou stepped near her, enough to be able to move and step in front of her should Koyanksaya try anything.
"Why, that's easy to explain. Gordy there…" she pointed her pistol towards Goredolf, who scurried away from her like a cornered pig. "… had a gift I gave him. And as you know, we heroic spirits are drawn to things that belonged to us. So thank you Gordy!"
She smiled and winked, which made Shirou frown.
"Y-You conniving witch! That night was… all a trap…!" Goredolf muttered.
"Only if you think of it like that. Now…" her expression turned devilish once again as she fixed her stare on someone else. "...Ophelia. What are we going to do with you? Wodime is very worried, you know?"
Shirou felt Ophelia tense.
"I…"
"I'll ask you simply. You can come with me, back to Wodime's Lostbelt, or you can stay here, and I'll have to kill you. Really simple, right?" The way Koyanskaya was so cheery on both options made Shirou's stomach churn.
"I'm sorry… but I won't," Ophelia said after taking a sharp breath. "I can't allow my fear and mistakes to keep weighing me down."
Koyanskaya frowned, as if disappointed. "Huh. How boring. You know you guys are doomed, right? Wasn't that why you accepted the Alien God's offer? And what about Wodime? After all he did, you betray him?"
Ophelia grit her teeth, hands shaking. "I'm… not betraying him."
Koyanskaya looked at her with some amusement. "Huh?"
"I'm bringing him back to the right path. That's why I won't go with you. I'd rather die looking at a bright future than live in a dead end," Ophelia said, voice laced with hardiness.
Koyanskaya said nothing for a moment. Shirou prepared to move at any second, waiting for the fox woman to try to kill Ophelia.
In the end, she only sighed. "You disappoint me. I guess love really is that fickle. But at least it proves me right," she said, face turning wicked. "Shame I'm out of time. Still… that gal is pretty dead. But remember, I don't leave work half finished, so I'll see you later, ex-bestie!"
Shirou looked back at Ritsuka, who seemed to be going through hell, blood still pouring out her mouth.
"So you're leaving?" Shirou asked. Inside, he was relieved. The aura of that woman made his legs shake. Still, if she tried anything, he would fight.
"Afraid so. I'll tell Wodime the news, so don't worry about it. Enjoy your funeral!" With that, her body was covered by a sapphire swirl. Soon she dispersed into nothing.
Ophelia clucked her tongue. "I hate her."
"That makes two of us," Shirou said, dispersing his blades.
"Emiya-Senpai! Ophelia-san!" mash entered the cafeteria, along with Da Vinci, Sion and some other Servants.
It did not take long for Ritsuka to be escorted to the medical wing.
Shirou and Ophelia followed them. Shirou looked over his shoulder all the way, trying to know if Koyanskaya would come back.
Ritsuka had to be put in intensive care.
Mash paced back and forth in front of the medical rooms.
Shirou was doing no better, but he held it back so that the others in the hallway would not get nervous as well.
Ophelia was there, as was Holmes.
A gruelling hour had passed since Ritsuka had been taken in. Soon after, some Servants with powerful healing magic like Irisviel and Brynhildr were called. Nightingale was to be kept off grounds at all costs.
"Mash," Shirou said, catching the demi Servants attention. "They will fix her. Don't worry about it."
"We can't know that for sure," Ophelia countered. Now she chose to be the pessimist.
"I say we keep our hope," Shirou replied. Mash looked down on the ground, eyes strained.
"Sorry, both of you. I just… it's the first time I feel so hopeless. Like there's nothing I can do," Shirou wanted to welcome her to the club, but held it back.
"We just need to be patient, and remain calm," Ophelia said, even if she looked just as tense.
"Humans," a presence announced itself. Floating over the ground, the Valkyrie Thrud made herself known. Seeing her like that always made sure Shirou had to take in her beauty. "What occurred to Master?"
Shirou felt a pang of jealousy.
"A very powerful poison. Or so Da Vinci thinks," Shirou replied. "Where are Ortlinde and Hildr?"
"We decided to manifest as one, since this is an emergency. More effective use of magical energy," was her reply. Shirou remembered them doing that a few times in the 5th grail war. It was something he did not approve of, but he wasn't their Master anymore.
Nor would he be, not after the Lostbelt.
"Your Elder sister is here already. But if you want to help, maybe your runes–" before Ophelia could finish, the door opened and out exited Da Vinci alongisde Sion.
The Atlas Magus replied before anyone could ask the looming question. "It's not looking good. Not good at all, not even my extensive knowledge can fix this."
Mash grew pale, and Shirou tensed up. Soon after, Goredolf emerged from the door, clad in a hospital gown. He didn't look as bad as Fujimaru, but he was still sickly.
"How are you feeling, Director?" Shirou asked.
"Simply awful," was his reply.
"Couldn't you identify the poison? Even if it were advanced magecraft or alchemy, a genius like Da Vinci should easily be able to cure it, right?" Ophelia said, getting back on topic. Da Vinci closed her eyes, as if ashamed.
"Afraid so," she said. "It's made out of compounds that no longer exist on the Earth in 2020," Da Vinci said with a frown.
"Compounds that… don't exist? Then what do we do? There has to be something!" Mash said, nearly freaking out.
"Could the materials be identified?" Holmes asked.
"It's something called 'Xiān Shuāi Míng Maì' or 'Immortal Decline'" Sion said. "It's been used numerous times in the past, and considerig it's Taoist name, we can assume it comes from a place with close ties to that religion."
"Thus, we can deduce that said plant must be from China. Lucky us, since we have a Chinese Lostbelt in our hands," Holmes said with some elation.
"The Chinese Lostbelt?" Shirou asked.
"That's right, it must be where it's from," Da Vinci said.
"Then we must move with haste," Thrud said.
"We must bring every capable Servant!" Mash said, ready to run off. However, Sion stood in her way.
"It's not that simple. At best, a Servant and you yourself can go, Mash Kyrielight. Any more and the strain on her magical circuits will only worsen her condition. And without Command Seals, well, it's only a disaster waiting to happen," Sion said, standing in Mash's way.
"S-So…" Goredolf asked, face sweating. "… we're doomed. We cannot go in and challenge whomever awaits us there without enough Servants. And we have no other Masters left! Damn!" Goredolf said, sliding down the wall in defeat.
The hallway fell silent, a pregnant sense of doom falling over everyone.
Shirou knew his limits. If he went by himself, he was sure to fail, even with assistance. Without Servants as backup, it was suicide. Still, if it came to that or Ritsuka dying, he was sure to go in anyways.
Just then, however, Da Vinci seemed to regain her smile, face lifting up as if having received a revelation.
"That's not necessarily true. We have two eager candidates, right here!" She said, pointing her staff at Shirou, then at Ophelia.
They both looked at her, then at each other, then back at her.
"Us?!" They asked in unison.
"Yep!"
"Of course," Sion mused, rubbing her chin in delight. "An ex-Crypter, and a master from a Grail War. You've certainly got what it takes."
"What are you two saying?!" Goredolf asked, in-between anger and panic. "You want to send my bodyguard and the Crypter girl to the Lostbelts, and turn them into Masters no less? Don't you realize how dangerous that is?! We can't trust her, and Emiya needs to be here!" He said. Everyone seemed to glare at him, save for Mash, who simply looked resigned.
"Director, we've got no choice," she said, voice low.
"Not only that," Holmes chimed in. "But it is necessary to bolster our forces. Besides, Fujimaru would remain the most effective Master, even if those two rebelled. So I'd say the risk is low, but not non-existent."
Goredolf grunted, but seemed to give in.
"F-Fine! Emiya!" he called out to Shirou, who stood at attention. "You are to retrieve that cure for me! Got it?!" Shirou smiled. He sure was going to get it for him and only him. Goredolf still didn't know him at all it seemed.
"You got it," he said. Then, he scratched his left hand, where the Commands Seals used to be. "Are you sure though? I'm not a particularly good Master."
"Your performance in the Grail War was respectable," Thrud said, making Shirou look at her in surprise. She smiled at him. "Besides, your experience would be indispensable."
Shirou nearly blushed. "I… I see… What about you, Ophelia?" All eyes turned to the ex-Crypter.
She looked away, hands holding each other. "I… I mean– I don't think I'm deserving… not yet..."
"Like we said, there is no choice here. Besides, weren't you the one who summoned the great hero Sigurd?" Shirou said, giving her a reassuring smile. Ophelia closed her eye, as if psyching herself up. Then, she took a breath, and looked back at Da Vinci.
"Al–ok, I'll… do my best. For real this time. I will not fail!" She stood up, trying her best to appear resolute.
"Great!" Da Vinci said, jumping a bit. "This way please. Sion, tell Captain to ready the Shadow Border!"
"Very well. We'll need some time to set up," she said. "Better leave some Servants with Fujimaru. Otherwise, the poison may spread further. We're very lucky Mash helped with her shared poison resistance."
With that, Sion walked into the hallways of Chaldea.
Then, Holmes turned to them. "As always, I'll be joining you as well. I'm really curious about this Lostbelt," he said with a smile.
"Oh? And why is that?" Shirou asked. While he was fine with Holmes, his attitude at times rubbed him the wrong way.
"You'll have to wait for that, but I'm sure Ophelia will be instrumental for that answer," he winked at the ex-Crypter before walking off.
Shirou looked at Ophelia, who shook her head with annoyance.
"Well then, let's go. You too Gordy," Da Vinci said. With that, Goredolf stood up.
"W-What? I'm sick as well!" He complained.
"You don't have Fujimaru's resistance. Even if the amount of poison you ingested is one fourth of the total sum… you are much more vulnerable. We may need to apply the antidote immediately," Da Vinci said, a mischievous smile plastered on her face.
"I-I-I-I… well… if you really need me… I'll go get ready," with that, he went back inside the infirmary.
"Now that that is dealt with, let's go."
And so Da Vinci, Ophelia, Shirou, Thrud and Mash began walking towards the Control Room.
The Control Room was more chaotic than usual. Many of the Chaldea staff seemed incredibly anxious.
"Over here please," Da Vinci said. She stepped near a console that was bigger and more in center than the others.
Shirou and Ophelia obeyed, and went near a pad for placing your hand. Thrud and Mash stepped back.
"Alright then," Da Vinci said, operating the machine with dexterity. The hand pads lit up. Shirou could feel red magical energy emanate from them. "Place your hands there so that I can register your Master IDs."
Shirou looked at Ophelia, who nodded with a serious expression. With that reassurance, Shirou placed his left hand on the pad.
"Does it still hurt?" Ophelia asked, placing her right hand. Shirou did a double take on her impassive face.
"Yep," Da Vinci said as she pressed a button.
"Hold on a–" It was too late. His left palm felt like it was being burnt off, his circuits invaded by foreign magical energy. He had to clench his teeth to avoid grunting in pain.
He took a side glance at Ophelia, who was like a statue, although her face was a little strained.
Soon, the crimson energy rays circled his hand.
As soon as it was done, the process ended. Shirou retracted his hand, now numb and tingly.
"Now what?," Shirou asked, moving his wrist to recover feeling.
"We'll need to summon Servants of our own, and the seals will manifest on their own," Ophelia said. She shook her left hand a little.
"Alright," Shirou replied.
All the while, Da Vinci furiously typed on her console with her tongue out a little.
"Aaaaand done. You two are officially Masters of Novum Chaldea! Again in your case, miss Phamrsolone," Da Vinci said as she stepped away and allowed them to see their faces on a list. Ophelia herself was with a warning symbol.
"It's strange, but I won't waste this second chance," she said, clutching her left fore arm. Just then, Mash stepped up. She smiled, and reached for Ophelia's left hand.
"I'll be at your side so… there's no way you'll let us down," Mash said. Ophelia looked surprised, but smiled all the same.
"Alright. It's a promise."
Thrud also stepped up, and acknowledged Shirou with a proper bow. "Congratulations, Emiya. You are a Master again. Not everyone gets such an honour," beet red, he nodded. He could shake off praise, but not from the Valkyries. And so, he decided to move the conversation forward.
"So… who will be our Servants?" Shirou asked. At this, Da Vinci frowned.
"That's the hard part. We don't have many resources here. It's more efficient to find a Leyline in the operations area and summon from there," she stated.
"But then… we'll have to go alone," Shirou said.
"We need you to lend us some Servants," Ophelia added. Da Vinci shook her head.
"No can do. All of these Servants have been summoned, contracted and bonded with Fujimaru. Asking that would be an insult," Shirou looked at Thrud, hoping she would be different. She also shook her head.
"It's the same for us, Emiya. Fujimaru is our Master. We won't abandon her," for some reason, Shirou felt a boiling anger in his chest again. He almost had to shake his head to disperse that feeling.
"So what then? We go in alone?" he asked.
"Well…" All eyes turned to Thrud, who was now looking sheepishly at the floor. "… if it's for the sake of Master… then…" she looked Shirou dead in the eyes. "We have fought together before, right?"
Shirou nodded, too struck by the intensity of her gaze to say anything.
"Then it'd make sense that we accompany you. We'll compensate lack of command seals with tactical cohesion," Shirou once again nodded, but inside, he felt cold and empty.
"I… don't think that will be necessary. We'll be fine," Shirou said. Thrud frowned.
"You don't want us to go with you?" Thrud asked.
"You'll get inured," he replied. Now Thrud looked insulted.
"So you think we'll be a liability?" She asked.
"W-What!? No! Not at all!" Shirou said, raising his hands in defense.
"Then it makes sense, doesn't it? It's all logical. We have the best battle compatibility with you out of any servant," Thrud said. However, Shirou did not back down.
"I–" Suddenly, he felt a very strong grip on his arm. He turned to look at Mash, who had narrowed eyes and a stern aura.
"–Emiya. Accept her proposal," Mash whispered, her voice strong enough to cut steel.
"I won't do that," Shirou replied, retracting his arm.
"Regardless of your choice, Emiya," Thrud said, voice growling. "We three are still going for the sake of our Master. You cannot stop us. Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be at the Shadow Border, waiting to deployment."
With that, Thrud floated away. The four remaining members of Chaldea looked at the proud Valkyrie leave with grace.
Shirou felt all eyes on him. He shrugged them off, he stood by his words.
"Well, if they go, I guess I'll go too," he said after some silence. The others frowned.
"Then let's go get ready. This will be a mission without Fujimaru, so please be extremely careful. I will, of course, accompany you. But that doesn't mean it won't be hard."
"We got it, Da Vinci. Thank you," Ophelia said with a small bow. Da Vinci gave a smile in return.
With that, Mash, Ophelia and Shirou took off to their dormitories.
However, a pregnant silence reigned during their trip.
Shirou did not have many possesions yet. The best he could muster was a duffle bag with spare clothes he borrowed from what Chaldea had stored.
Once his bag was ready, he slung it over his shoulder and exited his room.
As he exited into the white hallway of Chaldea's dormitories, he spotted Ophelia. She also had a duffle bag on her hands. Their eyes met, and she smiled sheepishly at him.
Since she was on the way towards the Docking Bay, Shirou decided to walk by her side.
However, they did not make any conversation. In fact, Ophelia looked pensive. She stared at the ground, and he could not totally make out her expression due to being on the side that had her eyepatch.
"You ready, Ophelia?" Shirou asked. He needed to make sure they would accomplish their mission swiftly.
This seemed to snap Ophelia out of whatever occupied her mind. "Yes! I'm ready."
"Don't worry, we'll make it," he said, giving her a small smile.
"I know. It's just…" she massaged her left forearm, where her command seal was. "… It's strange. Being a Master, back in Chaldea, I don't feel like I deserve it."
"But you do," Shirou countered.
"You don't understand. My whole life I was able to see possibilities, but I could only pick one. No do overs, no second chances. I always took the most optimal path to my objective, for my family's sake. Even if I hated it, I could always see ahead," Ophelia pursed her lips before continuing. "But now… I have a second chance, and I'm not sure what the future has in store for us. I'm… not sure if I'll be able to make the correct choices."
Shirou looked at the ground as she did. Yes, there were no second chances. And being able to look at your future, and decide based on that, was a big advantage.
Archer was the living proof of that. Without him, loathe as he was to admit it, he would be in a very different place.
Shirou Emiya swore to not repeat those mistakes. And even if he did, he would have no regrets.
"Ophelia, whatever you do, it won't be wrong. Even had you decided to remain against us, you wouldn't have been wrong," he said, trying (and failing, in his mind) to be reassuring.
Ophelia stared at him for a long while, which made him look away for a bit. A few moments later, he felt her gaze finally let up.
"This… I have to prove myself here. Prove that I can take on this burden, and right my wrongs. That you are right to trust me," she said, before turning to him with a softer expression.
"What about you? Are you alright?" She asked.
"I'm fine," was Shirou's nearly automatic response.
"You're worried about the Valkyries," even in such a short amount of time, Ophelia had that figured out about him.
"T-they are capable warriors," he said. He had insulted them a little, and maybe he could have chosen different words. Maybe then… they would agree to stay.
"But you already knew that. I-It's not my place to pry, so… forget I said anything," she answered. Shirou took a passing glance at her.
Ophelia was a quiet woman. She appeared cold, but had a good heart.
He felt somewhat at ease around her. She would not belittle him, nor say wether she cared or not about what he said.
"...I just… I guess I don't want to lose them again," he said.
"We talked about this," Ophelia said with a small frown.
"I remember. But still, I can't help but worry," Shirou said.
Ophelia looked from side to side, as if searching for the correct words. After a moment, she found them.
"Knowing you, you'll go through heaven and hell to keep them safe. So… I wouldn't worry about them," she said with a smile, that soon gave way to pursed lips.
"Rather, we should be worried about you…" she said under her breath. It was little more than a mumble. But Shirou had keen hearing, but he said nothing.
He wanted to slap himself. He made Ophelia worry about him.
Before anything else could be said, the two arrived at the Docking Bay.
It was a cavern throuh and through, with pipes, machinery and handrails jutting out as if the builders had just materialized them in the same space.
A large opening led to a rainy exterior. The Shadow Border was parked on a ramp leading towards said opening.
Near the vehicle, Mash was waiting, along with Chaldea staff and apparent copies of Captain loading the Shadow Border.
Mash spotted them come, and waved at them with some lethargy. She was dressed in her Ortinax battle armor.
"Are you two ready?" She asked.
"Absolutely," Shirou said with a nod.
"We won't fail," Ophelia said.
Just then, Da Vinci exited the vehicle. "Very well you three. We are stocked, and ready to go."
"How much time do we have?" Shirou asked. At this, Mash grimaced.
"At best… ten days with constant healing magic and medical attention," she said.
"And the Director?" Shirou asked.
"About seven. And his condition will worsen far quicker than Ritsuka's. So we'll need to treat him first," Da Vinci said.
"Then let's not waste anymore time," Mash said, unusually serious. She quickly entered the vehicle without looking back.
"She really cares about her senpai," Ophelia commented.
"Those two have been through a lot together. While they have been separated before, before Mash could hardly do anything to help Ritsuka besides supporting from a console. But now her life depends on her alone. Please make sure she doesn't do anything reckless," Da Vinci said, her usual demeanor having changed to that of a serious adult.
"I'll watch over her. You have my word," Ophelia said, eye narrowed.
"Me as well," Shirou replied. Da Vinci smiled, and gave them both a nod.
"Good. Let's get going then," she said.
As they boarded the vehicle, she continued to explain. "We'll have to make a Zero Sail jump towards the Lostbelt from here. Captain will assist us in doing so, but otherwise we are on our own."
As Shirou set his bag down, he spotted director Goredolf, dressed and with an IV tube strapped to his arms.
"Director? What are you doing here?" He asked him.
"Why… I have like fifteen days left to live. Of course I'm getting that antidote. Besides, Koyanskaya got in once, I'm not going anywhere without you, Emiya," he said. Shirou nearly sweat-dropped.
"I… see," he said.
"He really seems attached to you," Mash commented as she took a seat in a bench.
"Yeah. I don't know why honestly. I saved his life once. That's it," Shirou replied, taking a seat beside her.
"You have to give yourself a little more credit, Shirou," Ophelia said, standing near the paper moon console.
Just then, Holmes entered the scene and cleared his throat. "Very well everyone. Our mission is to infiltrate the Chinese Lostbelt, find the materials for an antidote, and destroy the fantasy tree if we get the chance. We know little about the status of this Lostbelt, so we'll need to be careful."
"Miss Phamrsolone," Holmes turned to her. "What can you tell us about the Crypter there."
Ophelia frowned. "Her name is Akuta Hinako. That's all I know," at this, Holmes raised an eyebrow, and looked Ophelia over with suspicion.
"Is that really all?" He asked.
"Afraid so. There were very few details about her past outside being a magus handpicked by Marisbilly. She never spoke much, kept her distance, and not once did she use magecraft. She's a complete mystery," Ophelia said.
"Ophelia is right," Mash said. "She was always in a corner and rarely came to meetings. But she was always informed. However… whenever she was around…" The Demi Servant seemed to enter a state of some fright.
"...She never took her eyes off you. She observed everything behind that little book of hers, as if always ready for something to happen," Ophelia finished. Mash nodded.
Shirou felt unease at their description. They were not even at the Lostbelt yet, and one thing already proved troublesome.
"I see. How intriguing," Holmes said, sounding somewhat pleased. "Then… I'll leave the rest to Da Vinci. I'll be In my study if you need me."
With that, Holmes left, delving deep into the hallways of the Shadow Border.
"He has a study?" Méuniere asked from the driver's seat.
"Who cares," Da Vinci said from the intercom. "Are you all set in? Humans and Servants?"
All of them gave an acknowledgment. However, Shirou looked around and found no trace of the Valkyries.
"We are present," a voice said. Everyone turned to a door connecting to the control room. Ortlinde floated over. Without looking at Shirou, she stood next to Ophelia. "All systems optimal."
"Where are the other two?" Mash asked.
"We are still combined. I have been given control of the Saint Graph, to conserve energy," with that explanation, Ortlinde fell silent.
She still didn't look at him.
"Alright everyone! Strap in! Méuniere, make the honours!" Da Vinci said from the intercomb.
"Okay. Commencing Zero Sail. All systems ready and on point. Starting countdown!" The vehicle rumbled, all light and switches lit up. The paper moon began displaying the cylyndrical globe, with a bright dot on where China was.
"Three!" Shirou grabbed hold of the seat. He hated Zero Sails. They made him nauseous.
"Two!" He took a glance at the rest of the occupants. Everyone was nervous, save for Ortlinde.
"One!" As he looked at her, she moved her eyes to make contact. Their gazes met. She was unreadable.
Regardless. What mattered was saving Fujimaru, and protecting the others from harm. That's what an Ally of Justice did.
"Diving!"
Kirschtaria Wodime sat in the meeting room. Kadoc was on his seat, sulking as usual.
A meeting between all the Crypters had finished. Pepe, Akuta, Daybit, and Beryl had reported that their Lostbelts were progressing just fine.
Although Kadoc had lost his own, he himself was alright thanks to Macarius, the Alter Ego summoned by the Alien God.
Everything was going as well as it could under the circumstances. So far, none of the Crypters had died.
Except…
A thought tolled on his mind at every turn.
Ophelia had disappeared. Her Lostbelt was gone, and her death could not be confirmed by Koyanskaya or any of the other Alien God Apostles.
"I'm baaaaack!"
Until now.
He looked up from his position on the table.
He was tired, and so he had to often rest on his hands when not in front of others.
"What is your report Koyanskaya? Is it true?" He asked her, straight backed and with a neutral tone.
Her cheery expression took on a melancholic aura, but still wearing a smile.
"Regretfully. Turns out, Ophelia has betrayed you," she said with some delight in her voice. "Poor girl. So lost."
He inhaled deeply. He needed to remain calm. Ophelia did not know everything. Still, this betrayal was a setback. Yes, that's what he had to think to remain calm.
"Tch," Kadoc said from his seat. Wodime turned to look at him. Sensing his sights on him, Kadoc spoke his mind. "I knew she was a coward."
Another breath. Remain calm.
"I'm sure there's an explanation," he mused to himself.
"The simplest one is always true. She's a coward, plain and simple. Trusting her with the second most important Lostbelt turned out to be a mistake, huh?"
The spite in his voice was palpable. Still, Wodime did not change his manners.
As he was about to speak, another voice echoed through the room. Of course, all voices echoed, but this one made the effort of being heard.
"No way! Ophelia betrayed us?! Wow. Didn't think she had the guts for that!" From a hallway, waring a black shirt and orange parts, Beryl appeared in the flesh.
"Beryl, what are you doing here?" Wodime asked, eyes narrowed.
"Shouldn't you be on your Lostbelt?" Koyanskaya asked.
"It's fine without me. Besides, it seems the fun is somewhere else," he said with a smile. Wodime knew how unpredictable Beryl could be, but he seemed too far into this news.
"There's no fun here," Kadoc said.
"Shush now. The Masters are talking," at this, Kadoc sneered. However, Wodime saw an opportunity.
"He's right Kadoc. Please leave for now. I'll call you later," he ordered. With a click of his tongue, the Crypter of the former Russian Lostbelt left, footsteps echoing through the dimly lit halls.
With him gone, Wodime turned to Beryl.
"Going back, you haven't answered my question," Wodime said.
"Well… I heard all about how Ophelia betrayed us. I just had to make sure you were in the know. Besides, a Crypter betrayed us. Since it seems to be distressing you a bit…" Wodime narrowed his eyes. He had to keep his composure. "…do you want me to… you know… do my job?" Beryl winked, and made a scissor motion with his fingers on his neck, while clicking his tongue twice.
"No," Wodime answered.
"Oh come on! This is what I'm here for!" he said, flinging his arms around. Paying him no mind, Wodime turned to Koyanskaya, who was checking her nails out like a bored shcoolgirl.
"Koyanskaya," he said.
"Yes? Can I leave now?" She asked, boredom evident in her voice.
"Can you bring Ophelia back? Unharmed?" He asked. At this, she smiled.
"Hmmm. Can I? You want to make a deal to make sure?" She asked.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "Yes."
"And what will you offer me?" She asked.
"What you came to the Lostbelts for," he replied, locking eyes with her. She seemed to analyse his every move, every breath, every twitch of his eye.
Once she was done, her eyes narrowed.
"Very well. Will that be all?" She asked.
"Yes. You may leave," he said.
"Gotcha. NFF services won't disappoint you!" And so, Koyanskaya became engulfed in a blue aura, and she dissipated in blue coloured dust.
The room fell into silence.
"Guess I'll take my leave then," Beryl said.
"Actually," Wodime stopped him. He considered his options. Ophelia was of… importance. To him, to the Crypters. Besides, if he did not take care of her…
No. She had made her choice. And he made his own. "Do you think you can bring Ophelia back?"
Beryl looked back at him with widened eyes. "What changed your mind?"
"We can't trust that fox woman. I'd rather leave this in your hands, but I had to make sure she would not interfere. So, can you retrieve Ophelia?"
"Not unharmed."
Wodime sighed. "Alive?"
Beryl smiled, like a wolf staring at prey. "Maybe."
"Go then. Follow Koyanskaya," he said.
"Heh. No problem boss. See ya when I see ya."
Beryl left, leaving him alone in the darkened room.
He sighed.
After everything he went through, to have Ophelia betray him like that…
It hurt. If just a bit.
Still, this was the only path left, regretful as it was.
Now entering…
Lostbelt No. 3
The Synchronized Intellect Nation, SIN
The Crimson Beauty under the Moon
A/N: And that's it. Lostbelt 3 begins. Shirou, Ophelia, The Valkyries and Mash will go into the Synchronized Intellect Nation to retrieve the antidote for Ritsuka.
I haven't really read the JP Lostbelts yet (so 5.1, 5.2, 5.5 and 6) but I am aware of some of the details. So sorry if not everything is accurate, I'm kind of waiting for the NA releases.
Anyway. I'll still do my best for LB 3. that is all for now. Chiao!