Moon Cell Irregular
By psychored1911
Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/EXTRA or Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Chapter 13
"Well, that was fun." Erika laughed, her arms slung around Mizuki and Mikihiko's shoulders, with Leonhart and Hakuno at their heels once they joined the line to the elevator.
The group was standing in line to get back into the hotel, chatting amongst themselves to pass the time. Fortunately, the line seemed to be moving faster now than it was earlier, but it would still take several minutes just to get back to the lobby.
"Yeah, it's all fun and games until Naotsugu throttles us for ditching him with all our bags," Mikihiko grumbled, his left hand idly swinging that brand new CAD case back and forth.
Erika waved him off. "Don't worry about it, man! My brother's the coolest! He's not gonna stay mad for long!"
"What are the odds he just threw away our luggage or just left it somewhere in the lobby?" Mizuki asked worriedly, her hands tightly gripping her own new CAD case.
"Hahaha…" Erika's laugh died down as a look of horror dawned on her. "Oh, shit."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The four stopped and stared at Erika in alarm, who could only crack up at their expense. "I'm kidding, guys! Most he'll do is give us an earful for a bit and then he'll be al-"
"Oi, kid, is that you?"
[FRIENDLY_SERVANT_DETECTED]
[{record_data()}_ACTIVE]
[RECORDING_{Archer}_CLASS_DATA]
[0.00%_COMPLETE]
Caster could barely yip out a warning as the quintet turned around, finding a redheaded man in a green Hawaiian-print hoodie with matching swim trunks, standing behind them.
Hakuno and Caster knew who this guy was.
The man- Archer- smirked. "Small world, kid. Been a while since I've seen ya." He cupped his chin and leaned in closer. "You look a bit different since the last time I saw you… Did you dye your hair or something?"
…That's the weirdest way to say hello after all this time. "...No?"
Archer bored his emerald green eyes into the master, before leaning back and shrugging. "Eh, maybe it's just me." He playfully smacked Hakuno on the shoulder. "No hard feelings, though, right? Hey, tell ya what, The old man's in the lobby. If you can get there soon enough, I'd think you could catch up with him before they head off to dinner."
This took Hakuno by surprise. "Sir Blackmore is here?"
"Yeah, he and the missus are having dinner with his son-in-law and one of his granddaughters at this hotel's restaurant." Robin pointed a thumb at the hotel. "Bet he'll be happy to see ya again."
"...I-I'll check him out if he's there." Hakuno admitted reluctantly.
"Great. And if you happen to miss 'im, I'll tell him you're here and you can meet up later." Archer tousled his hair before leaning into his ear and whispering into his ear, audible enough for him to hear only.
"Keep your eyes open, kid. There's at least one other Servant here and I doubt it's the white-haired asshole hovering over your shoulder."
"Wait, what-"
He then took a glance at the line, then upwards at the hotel proper with a grimace. "I'm just gonna… check something out real quick. See ya."
[CLASS_DATA_RECORDING_INTERRUPTED]
[3.41%_COMPLETE]
With an offhand wave, Archer walked out of the line and out of sight, presumably to do one last sweep of the area… or to sneak back inside while in spirit form.
It took a good minute for Hakuno to realize he was smiling the whole time.
"...White-haired asshole…? There's a lotta Servants that fit those criteria, but I sure as hell don't fit the bill with this many tails!"
It took another minute for him to realize Caster was contemplating Archer's words, though not the part that should be focused on-
"Who the hell was that?"
It took a third minute for him to realize that his own friends were staring right at him.
"What? I have a life outside of you guys." Hakuno said defensively, folding his arms with a pout.
[INITIALIZING_CONCURRENT_SURVEILLANCE]
[{PERSON_OF_INTEREST}_SURVEILLANCE_IN_PROGRESS]
[PERSON_OF_INTEREST:_{Tatsuya_Shiba}_IS_CURRENTLY_UNDER_SURVEILLANCE]
Since Tatsuya and Miyuki were siblings, he had requested for the two of them to share the same hotel room for the duration of the NSC.
Fortunately for him, that request was granted. They were given a two-room hotel bed to share: one small, plain, twin-bed, and one glamorous, exotic, silk-laced, queen-bed that took up a majority of the room.
And the two beds didn't even match.
There was also a tan leather couch by the window, right next to the air conditioner.
"...I think they want to tell us something…" Miyuki muttered.
"That this room was meant for a couple and an unfortunate third wheel?" Tatsuya suggested.
Miyuki suppressed a giggle. "I was actually thinking that the hotel room is poorly designed, but your idea is funnier, Onii-sama."
Great. Kishinami's sense of humor was rubbing off on him. That'll surely help him sleep better at night.
Anyways, he set his bag down by the smaller bed and started a video call. "Kazama, it's Tatsuya. Can you talk?"
"I can make time for you. Not like I have much to do anymore." Major Kazama stated dejectedly. "What is it?"
"I'm at the NSC, sir. There's a heavy military presence here."
"...I fail to see the problem so far," Kazama stated. "Though it's unfortunate that the 101st couldn't be present at the NSC like in previous years."
Tatsuya frowned. "You're not? How come? The evidence presented should've posthumously exonerated Sanada."
He began to recall Fujibayashi's account on the 101st's Military Tribunal. According to her, the Court-martial was less of a trial and more of a sham and mostly consisted of the prosecution screaming accusation after baseless accusation against them, many of them not even related to Sanada's 'rampage' and subsequent death. Hell, they blamed the entire Battalion for Sanada's actions, suspending their paychecks, their careers, their projects, their lives. For all they knew, the 'judges' have long since made their minds to have Captain Sanada posthumously dishonorably discharged and have their unit disbanded and stripped of all honors and privileges.
And then the new evidence came in. An anonymous source submitted a video recording of that notorious criminal psychopath Atrum Galliasta torturing Sanada and ultimately mind-controlling him with the mental interference magic known as Evil Eye before unleashing him on the Blanche protest.
That video should've redeemed him, it should've proven Sanada innocent, it should've restored his and the 101st's reputation.
"Well, the Military Tribunal just sat on it," Kazama grumbled, his voice tinged with barely hidden rage. "They said that it would make the media and Military courts lose face for jumping to conclusions without all the evidence."
"What?! That's insane!" Miyuki cut in. "He's innocent! He deserves to be redeemed!"
"That's what I thought too." Major Kazama agreed. "They're only going to let us off the hook if we leave his body out for the wolves. No honors, no benefits, not even any support for his grieving widow. Hell, they won't even allow us to visit her once all this is over."
Miyuki angrily shook her head. "That's not right. That's not fair to him or his family at all."
"I hate to say it gets worse, but it does," Tatsuya said in a near growl. "Major, the body armor security is using around here, it's based on our design."
"What?"
"The body armor security is using is based on the mobile suit prototype that Sanada and I were developing." Tatsuya continued, tightly balling his hands into fists. "Someone plagiarized our design and made it the basis of theirs. The only obvious change was an exoskeleton attached to the exterior."
"...I see. So that's why their heads are in the sand." Kazama frowned. "If Sanada was exonerated, we could legally pursue our own counter-investigation, and someone would have to explain why Sanada's designs were stolen for someone else's use. And if the tribunal is stonewalling us… odds are that one of them stole his designs." He folded his arms with a grimace. "I'll send your message around the troops and look into this. I promise. For Sanada's sake. Just… standby and enjoy yourselves at the NSC for the time being. I'll see what we can dig up and get back to you as soon as we find anything."
The video call ended.
The room suddenly got colder, and it wasn't the air conditioner.
"Miyuki, calm yourself," Tatsuya told his sister, patting his sister's head at the risk of freezing his hand off. "We can't get distracted before the NSC even begins."
"But-"
"We will avenge Captain Sanada, and we will find the one who stole our plans," Tatsuya assured her. "But right now, we don't have enough information to act on anything. The most we can do is proceed with the NSC until Kazama and the others find more information."
Within moments, the blizzard surrounding Miyuki died down and she looked down upon the ground. "Okay, Onii-sama-"
*knock, knock*
Oh, what now?
Tatsuya left Miyuki's side and opened the door, finding a trio of soldiers garbed in the modified mobile suits, with the one in the center seeming especially crossed amongst the three of them.
"Which one of you idiots used magic on-premises?"
"Hakuno, where're you going?"
"I'll be back, just save my spot on line."
Once the quintet got back inside the hotel, Hakuno got out of line to check for Dan Blackmore amongst the many people crowding the lobby.
"Do you really think he's still here? Maybe he already left." Caster suggested.
"Maybe. But we weren't in line for that long. He could still be around" Hakuno said under his breath, rapidly trying to scan the people around him.
As eager as he was to see Sir Blackmore again, he did want to warn him about the other Servant that was stalking around the premises. There was no telling if this other Servant (and Master) would be reasonable or psychopathic, and the last thing he wanted was for him or his family to get hurt-
"W-Whoa!"
"Oh?!"
While he was distracted, Hakuno tripped over the footrests of an old woman's wheelchair, completely losing his balance and falling flat on his face.
"Ah, sorry, about that." Hakuno quickly apologized once he pushed himself back to his feet and regained his footing. "I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It's alright, young one." The old woman giggled, "It happens to the best of us. Just be mindful of where you're going next time, alright-"
"Hmm, so Robin was right. You are here."
[RESUMING_CLASS_DATA_RECORDING]
[3.41%_COMPLETE]
::Person of Interest Identified.
::Dan Blackmore.
::Age 77, male.
::Occupation: British Army Colonel (retired), Instructor at the British Army Academy (retired), Spiritron Hacker.
::Master of Archer (Robin Hood) [Servant Matrix Level: E]
He looked much older than he did in the Holy Grail War, and his white hair seemed longer too, yet that knightly air around him was still there nonetheless, tempered further with age and experience.
"Hakuno Kishinami," The elderly man, Dan Blackmore, said with a small smile. "My, my, It's been quite a long time."
Hakuno's mouth opened, but words failed to come out.
Instead, Dan stepped forward and patted the young man upon the head. "You've grown since I've last seen you. Hopefully, for the better, I presume."
"I- uh, yes, sir." Hakuno gulped down his shock and bowed respectfully.
Dan Blackmore acknowledged the bow with a nod, before regarding his wife. "Anne, this is Hakuno. He's an… old friend of mine, so to speak. I believe I've spoken of him before."
"Yes, you most certainly have." Anne giggled, leaning forward and patting Hakuno on the head. "It's so nice to meet one of my husband's old friends. And if I must say, you've taken your sweet time, haven't you?"
Hakuno couldn't help but blush at the sudden gesture of grandmaternal affection. "I'm sorry?"
"It's quite alright, Hakuno." Dan chuckled softly. "Anne, do you mind if I borrow him for a moment? I promise we won't take too long."
"Oh, take all the time you need to catch up, dear." Anne giggled. "I'll just tell them that you'll catch up in a moment."
"Thank you, dear." Dan leaned over and gave Anne a loving peck on the cheek before returning his attention to the younger Master before him. "Now, shall we?"
"It was me. I was the one who used magic on-premises."
Tatsuya put himself between Miyuki and the soldiers. He was not going to let them punish her for a simple mistake. Miyuki may disagree in the short term, but there was no way he was risking her future for anything.
The officer among them narrowed his eyes. "So if I check my tablet over here and check the CAD you had registered, will I find a freezing magic sequence installed in it? Or am I going to find one in hers?"
Tatsuya cursed under his breath. Did they install magic sequence readers in the hotel rooms?
It was no secret that the human eye (apart from his own) is not able to read magic sequences, so there were special machines developed in order to read magic sequences, generally in the form of specialized cameras or sensors. They've been in development since the closing stages of WWIII, but they've been prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to set up, that the most use they've been able to use outside of combative situations would be in the NSC, so that the commentators would be able to keep track of the myriad of magic sequences being used throughout the event, allowing them to provide info and commentary for the audience in real-time. Aside from that, their other flaws include being unable to identify ancient magic sequences or encrypted and innate magic sequences, such as the ones jealously guarded by the Hundred Families. But despite these flaws, they can still detect magic being used and the type of magic, even if it can't pinpoint an exact magic sequence.
To have one of those being used inside a hotel of all places, they're definitely not taking any chances for the NSC.
As if to prove his point, the officer did indeed check his tablet, and a holographic image of himself and his custom Silver Tridents appeared, along with a list of the magic sequences installed in them. Not a single one of them would be classified as any form of 'freezing' magic.
"I don't see any freezing magic here. Do you?" The officer inquired.
"..." Tatsuya stayed silent, glowering at the officer.
"Thought so," The officer said, not the least bit intimidated by the teenager in front of him. He then swiped to the right, and an image of Miyuki and her CAD, the Taurus Silver Snow Mirror, appeared, with several of the spells listed, the freezing spells listed on her CAD, being highlighted in particular. "You're in a lot of trouble, young lady."
Miyuki gulped. "Sir, I can explain-"
"Sir, it was all just a misunderstanding." Tatsuya protectively pushed his sister back behind him. "There was no ill intent involved, I swear."
"Alright, let's hear it." The officer challenged. "What were you thinking when you used a freezing spell in the middle of the Sun Dragon Hotel, where a lot of VIPs and military personnel are staying?"
"She was-"
"I was asking her, not you. Next time you speak out of line will have dire consequences." The officer pointed out, promptly shutting Tatsuya up.
Miyuki visibly gulped as all eyes fell on her. "I… uh, was just… um… demonstrating my strategy for the ice pillar event to my brother! Yes, that's it. There's no ill intent at all."
The officer's eyes flickered towards his tablet before returning to her in an instant. "So, you were planning on showing your brother something like Inferno in the middle of a hotel, filled with innocent people?"
"Yes-" Miyuki said confidently, before paling in horror at the implications. "Wait- I mean no! No, I would never use that on anyone, I swear!"
"But you just said-"
*knock, knock*
Oh, come on. What is it now?
The officer, who was clearly having too much fun seeing his sister squirm, looked at one of the guards with an irritated stare. "Get that."
The guard nodded and opened the door, ready to tell whoever it was off. However, he held his tongue and gestured to the officer. "Sir, we have reps from the Hundred Families."
"Which ones?"
"Ichijou and Isshiki, sir."
Tatsuya stiffened, as did Miyuki. A Master Clan and an Assistant House were getting involved? Things were about to get significantly more complicated very quickly.
The officer sighed, shaking his head and returning to the door, ready to address the two at the door.
"C'mon, cut them some slack, we can hear you guys from across the hall."
"Then you realize-"
"You've been yelling at them for five minutes straight."
"That's because-"
"Look, whatever it was, it was clearly an accident. Have a heart."
After a few minutes of back and forth, which Tatsuya couldn't completely make out, the officer completely slouched his posture in defeat, turning his head towards the two with a weary stare. "You two are free to go this time, but if we catch you pulling a stunt like that again, there will be repercussions."
The officer and his two goons filed out of the room, leaving the two individuals leaning by the doorway.
Their uniforms were red in color with a yellow octogram emblazoned on the arms and chest, indicating they were from Third High. The duo was a young man and young woman, no older than the two siblings. However, the brunette young man seemed to ooze confidence and nobility from his very form, his counterpart, the blonde young woman, seemed significantly more restrained and humbled in comparison.
"Sorry for eavesdropping, but my friend and I couldn't just stand there in good conscience while some thug in uniform tears you guys a new one over a simple mistake." The young man chuckled before presenting his hand. "I'm-"
"Masaki Ichijou, the heir apparent of the Ichijou family," Tatsuya concluded before turning to his companion. "And you are Airi Isshiki, the heir apparent of the Isshiki family."
The young woman, Airi, raised a brow. "You've heard of us?"
"I've done my research on our school's competitors," Tatsuya said before finally shaking Masaki's hand. "I'm Tatsuya Shiba, and this is my sister, Miyuki."
Miyuki curtseyed. "Thank you for that. I was afraid he was going to ban us from the competition."
"The staff was probably going to if we didn't intervene." Airi mentioned, "But, considering everything your school has gone through, we thought you could use a slap on the wrist."
"We appreciate the help, but don't take it as a sign of weakness," Tatsuya told them. "First High plans to show the world that we may be down, but we are certainly not out."
Masaki smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Guess we'll see you at the banquet?"
"Of course," Miyuki smiled.
Masaki's cheeks reddened, and Airi couldn't help but suppress a smirk before continuing. "Then I guess we'll be seeing you later, then."
The duo then went their separate ways down the hall-
"Crap, I forgot to ask if she's single."
-Only for Masaki to double back with a cocky, overconfident stride-
"Nope."
-leading to Airi offhandedly catch her friend by the collar and comically drag him back with her, not releasing her grip until Masaki relented and followed her all over again, if only to not further embarrass himself in front of the Shiba siblings.
Miyuki giggled at the sight. "It was good that they helped us when they did, Onii-sama. I didn't know what would've happened if we were to be disqualified."
Tatsuya continued to eye the Third High duo, only now taking note of the gloves Airi was wearing over her hands. "...Yeah. Let's hope we don't get into any further trouble from this point onwards."
"I take it that you took the spoils in the Holy Grail War?"
"W-What?"
The two Masters went outside and took a seat by a nearby bench, overlooking the arena in the distance. It was quite pleasant out, and the lack of security measures ensured their privacy.
"There's no need to hide it, Hakuno." Dan told him with a gentle smile. "I've told no one else about my wish for the Holy Grail, only you."
Hakuno gulped down and hid his blush. "I… I don't think I wished for that specifically, sir-"
"Dan will do, Hakuno." The wisened Master said. "We are friends, after all. But if you must, Sir Blackmore will also do."
"G-Got it, Sir Blackmore- Dan…" Hakuno clicked his tongue. That will take some getting used to. "I wouldn't say I wished for your wish to come true specifically. I think… I wanted everyone who perished to have a second chance, if that makes any sense."
"A second chance?" Dan mused. "I suppose that's a good of a wish as any to make."
"You could say that, but…" Hakuno paused and stared down at his Command Spells. "There have been some consequences to my wish that I couldn't have seen coming."
"Unintended consequences," Dan repeated wistfully, "Oh, yes. There were those too."
[INITIALIZING_ARCHIVED_DATA]
[DATE:_APRIL_7,_2042]
[PERSON_OF_INTEREST:_{DAN_BLACKMORE}_IS_CURRENTLY_UNDER_SURVEILLANCE]
Dan jolted up in his bed, panting, breathing heavily as everything came back to him.
Everything. His past life. His past death. His past experiences, up to his demise during the Holy Grail War. It was all there.
He understood everything now.
With a panic, Dan scrambled over to his mirror, and saw his past reflection staring right back at him. He had perished in his sixties, as evidenced by his greying features, yet now he was back to his youth, back to when the world was kinder to him, before time took its toll on everything.
It was surreal. It should have been a dream, no- a terrible nightmare of a different world. But that mark on his hand, those Command Spells, the proof of his Mastery during the Moon Cell's Holy Grail War, proved that alternate reality, that alternate timeline, it was all true.
He was both Dan Blackmore, the freshly graduated valedictorian of the British Army Academy, and Dan Blackmore, Master of Archer in the Holy Grail War.
But how? Why? He did not claim the Holy Grail. He did not emerge victorious in the end. That could only mean-
"You finally come to, old man?"
Dan flinched and quickly turned around. Sitting by the open window beside his bed was a young man with messy red hair, garbed in a Sherwood green tunic with a matching rugged hood, with a lit cigarette in his mouth, watching him in anticipation.
"Archer?" Dan breathed. "Robin Hood… Is that really you?"
Robin smirked, saluting the Master with his cigarette in hand. "In the spiritronic flesh, old man. Glad you finally remembered."
"I don't understand," Dan admitted as he walked closer. "What are you-? How are you-? I have so many questions."
"Me too, old man. Me too." Robin agreed with a grin as he put out the cigarette and patted his Master on the shoulder. "But it's really good seeing you again. You know, you could have told me you were an absolute hunk way back in your glory days."
Dan chuckled, gesturing to himself, his well-toned and youthful body was completely different in later years. "Well, they don't exactly throw old men into the front lines, now do they?"
"Only the worst of kings would ever do so. It's a sign that your side of the war's gone to shit." Robin joked as he pulled his Master into a hug, who reciprocated in full. "Now, let's start over, shall we? We can start with you introducing me to the cutie downstairs."
"Cutie…?"
Robin, amused, raised both of his eyebrows expectantly, his smug grin and his silence were delighted to see Dan's confusion.
Dan, on the other hand, did not know who or what he was referring to. He didn't have a dog or anything at this time of his life. Is he talking about the art he collected? No, that made no sense to him either. That was until he smelled something. Something… good… delicious even. Dan didn't know how to cook well at this age, both in this timeline or the other. The only one who ever did cooking in his home was…
"You mean…"
Without giving the Servant another glance, Dan immediately bolted down the staircase and stormed towards the kitchen.
There she was. Her long, brunette hair was tied in a ponytail. She wasn't even how he remembered; not bound to a wheelchair with an IV drip on her arm, nor was she as sickly and deathly pale. It was as if her tragic illness never happened. She was as beautiful as the day he first met her.
Not paying him any mind, at first, the young woman was cooking bacon and eggs, if the smell and sound of her sizzling skillet were of any indication. She was watching a stream of the syndicated live remake of Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the television while she was cooking, giggling with each and every little punchline made by the actors onscreen.
"Anne…" he gasped with wide eyes and an open jaw.
"Hmm? Good morning!" Anne turned away from the skillet, turning off the stove before walking over to him and giving him a peck on the cheek. "Darling, is something the matter? You're crying."
He was crying? He pressed his hands against his cheeks, finding the tears staining his fingers.
"Oh, I see. It all feels like a dream, doesn't it?" Anne teased, poking him on the nose with a grin. "I admit, it all feels like a dream to me too. To be living together with the man I love more than any other, in a home we can call our own. It's as if reality could take it all away in an instant…" she smiles brilliantly, "But then we wake up… and we realize it's all real. That moment when our reality is better than any dream we could have ever come up with. That's when you know happiness itself."
"Anne…"
"Oh?!"
Dan embraced his wife, startling her, but she returned his affections nonetheless. He was sobbing, and she comforted him.
There was so much to say. There was so much to tell her. There was so much that awaited them in the future.
But for now, all he wanted was to stay in the embrace of his beloved once again.
[CONCLUDING_ARCHIVED_DATA_PLAYBACK]
[RESUMING_{REGALIA}_SURVEILLANCE]
"I lived a full life with her… I had kids, grandkids even…" Dan leaned back into his seat in reminiscence. "I even served my country dutifully when the war began. Came back with so many honors that I became one of Britain's most decorated soldiers."
"It sounds like quite a life." Hakuno complimented. "...Did you ever tell…"
"Did I ever tell Anne the truth about my circumstances?" Dan took the words right out of Hakuno's mouth. "Well, of course I did, almost immediately after my memories returned. She didn't even believe me at first; she thought that I'd gone mad until I unloaded a full magazine from my sidearm into Robin's head without him even flinching."
Hakuno winced. "...I don't think I can introduce my Servant to them like that…"
Caster materialized right next to him with a shrug. "I dunno, it'll make one hell of an impression."
Archer, who had been standing over Dan for most of the conversation, was taken aback. "Whoa?! Who're you?!"
"I'm his beloved (and super adorable) Servant, Archer." Caster drawled, giving the woodsman vigilante a conceited smirk. "Don't remember me? Cuz' I sure as hell remember you."
"What!? What happened to the sword-wielding jackass you had earlier?!" Archer gave her a good, leering once-over, "I mean, to be fair, you definitely took an upgrade."
"Hey, eyes up here, pal." Caster snarled, drawing his gaze back up to her own.
Hakuno put a calming hand over her shoulder, "Easy, girl…"
Dan chuckled softly, seeming only mildly surprised by Hakuno's companion. "Well, it seems like you have your own set of circumstances to take care of."
"You have no idea…" Hakuno shook his head as Caster embraced him from behind, pressing her chest against his neck, affectionately against his cheek.
A few moments passed between the two Masters in silence, in contemplation for the future.
Eventually, though, Dan slowly stood up. "Well, this was quite the diversion, Hakuno. But I'm afraid I have to head back to my family before they get worried about me."
"Ah, okay." Hakuno also stood up, presenting his hand to the elder Master. "Thank you for your time… Dan."
Dan shook his hand with a strong grip. "It was my pleasure, Hakuno. I'll be in touch if you need anyone to talk to."
[CLASS_DATA_RECORDING_INTERRUPTED]
[32.15%_COMPLETE]
[_]
[POTENTIAL_CONFLICT_DETECTED]
[ESTIMATED TIMESPAN:_WITHIN_ONE_HOUR,_THIRTY_MINUTES]
"You're all grounded."
"WHAT?!"
As a matter of fact, Naotsugu was not happy with them, but not for the reasons they expected.
"Erika, you know you're not allowed to go off on your own like that."
"Oh, come on! You can't be mad about that! What happened to letting me grow up and expand my horizons and all that other Saturday-morning cartoon bullshit?!"
"That was before some psycho single-handedly plummeted the reputation of magicians and put Blanche on a warpath! Do you know how worried I got?!"
"What, you think Blanche will try to lynch us in the single-most fortified city in Japan?!"
As the debate between brother and sister went from zero to eleven in three seconds flat, Hakuno and the others stood by the side, uncomfortably watching this sibling spat in its entirety. This didn't seem to be the thing they should be present for, but it was apparently standard procedure for the subordinates of the Hundred Families to just stay on standby the entire time.
Hakuno shifted uncomfortably in his shoes and whispered into Mizuki's ear. "Do you think we should stop them?"
"...I don't think we have any right to…" Mizuki whispered back.
"You mean as their friends or as their employees?"
"Both."
Meanwhile, Naotsugu, clearly not getting to his little sister with their tempers high, took a deep breath and a step back. "Erika, time out."
It must have been some sort of practiced sibling tradition between them, because Erika, despite being raging mad at Naotsugu just seconds before, mirrored her brother and took a deep breath and a step back, just like he did.
After a moment of the two just eyeing each other with varying levels of frustration, Naotsugu tried again.
"Erika," Naotsugu began, "Your friends aren't just your friends right now. They're also your employees. They look up to you."
"I know-" Erika began.
Naotsugu raised his hand. "No, you don't. When you're a leader, when you're a member of the Hundred Families, when you're a member of our family, you don't get to be selfish. If anything happens to them, that's on you. You need to take responsibility."
"But I did take responsibility!" Erika growled, with tear-stained cheeks and bloodshot eyes.
"What part of going against dad's explicit orders and bailing from me counts as responsible?" Naotsugu countered.
"Nothing even happened!" Erika cried.
"This time. Nothing happened this time." Naotsugu corrected. "This country's future is becoming more and more cloudy. You need to be ready for anything, and in the slightest off-chance that something goes wrong, you have to own up to it and protect those you care about."
Naotsugu paused, and then turned to the four of them, who had to stand sentry by the side the whole time. "And you four… if you have anything to say, say it now."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The four of them stood them silently, awkwardly, uncomfortably at Naotsugu's piercing gaze, until…
Hakuno stepped forward first, standing upright and steadfast. "With all due respect, Naotsugu, but I believe I speak for everyone when I say we still stand with Erika and her decision."
Mikihiko stepped forward second, his arms folded behind his back. "She took a calculated risk and went with it, Naotsugu. She knew it, we knew it, and we'll follow her again if need be."
Mizuki stepped forward third, her hands clasped together in her lap. "Erika didn't have any ill intentions in mind, Naotsugu. If anything, she just wanted us all to enjoy ourselves. There was no malice involved in her decision."
Leonhart stepped forward last, his arms akimbo and confident. "Yeah, lay off, man. She just wanted us to have fun."
"Guys…" Erika was visibly touched by their devotion to her.
As for Naotsugu, he seemed genuinely impressed with them all. "Fine, then. You're all grounded for today only. After that, have fun with the rest of the NSC."
Mikihiko awkwardly raised his hand, "Umm, Naotsugu-"
"Yes, you can go to the banquet, Mikihiko. I'm not mad enough to take that away from you. But you return to the room immediately after your NSC responsibilities tomorrow." Naotsugu told him, his anger somewhat subsiding. "If you need me, I'll be in my room. You can order room service or whatever, just don't order too much, alright?"
Naotsugu retired for the night shortly afterward, leaving the quintet of teens in the room of their villa suite.
Mikihiko scratched his head uncomfortably, trying to break the awkward silence. "Well, I guess I should freshen up before I go out, so…"
"Wait."
Erika walked closer to the four, her expression completely unreadable, until she put her arms up wide and scooped all four of them in her arms into a massive hug. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
"E-Erika?!" Mizuki blushed.
"I'm sorry, but nobody's stood up for me before like that!" Erika cried, sobbing into Mizuki's and Hakuno's shoulders. "I was always the black sheep of my family, so all of you having my back like that just… just… I love you guys so much!"
Hakuno hugged her back first. "We'll always have your back, Erika. That's what friends are for."
The five of them stayed in that group hug for a few moments longer, letting their friend air out her feelings for them, letting her know that she would never be alone.
It has been an hour or so since that incident with security, and now it was time for the banquet.
Tatsuya waited for a lull in the festivities to head to the bathroom and clear his head. He knew Miyuki was in good hands with her friends, so there was little reason to worry. Still, he had to hurry. He heard rumors that Lord Retsu Kudou was going to be a guest speaker for the banquet, and he wanted to be there to see the speech in person.
Still, as he finished up in the bathroom and washed his hands, he couldn't help but feel… on edge. All the security here was supposed to bring peace of mind to both the competitors and the fans but…
If they needed an army, what did they need that army for…?
It was no secret that Blanche was on the rise, but it wasn't like they were an organized paramilitary force, unless-
Tatsuya put that thought on hold as his phone began to ring. He answered it. "Hello?"
"Tatsuya, it's Major Kazama."
"Ah, Major. I didn't think you'd call back so soon." Tatsuya said, "What's the matter?"
"I think I found out who stole Sanada's designs."
Tatsuya tensed up. "Who is it?"
"He's the one in charge of security for the NSC. His name is Major Hiroshi Magatsu."
"Hiroshi Magatsu…" Tatsuya committed the name to memory. "Who is he?"
"He's currently one of the JSDF's golden boys and the acting head of the historic 4th Magic Division, one of Japan's oldest military magic research divisions completely independent of the Hundred Families. He's had a bone to pick with me ever since I rejected his application into the 101st back when he first enlisted. Guess this is his version of payback."
Tatsuya balled his free hand into a fist. "Want me to take care of him?"
"Not yet," Major Kazama ordered. "It's only a theory so far. We were only able to trace the designs back to the Fourth Magic Division. Fujibayashi hasn't been able to pick up any signs of foul play yet."
"Noted. What do you want me to do on my end?" Tatsuya asked.
"Keep an eye out. Magatsu shouldn't be on-premises yet, but he should have some of his subordinates on standby. If you can get any information from them, you know what to do."
"Got it."
Tatsuya hung up shortly afterwards. They have a lead, and they have a motive. Now, all they had to do was-
Suddenly, Tatsuya noticed that bizarre presence again, the one that Laeticia and those butlers had (no, he was not racist). It felt like it was coming from the other wall, the women's bathroom perhaps?
He took a moment to ponder his options. He could use his Elemental Sight, but he didn't know if it would trip off the sensors.
Instead, he opted for a much more… low-tech approach.
He left the men's bathroom, and put himself just close enough for himself to eavesdrop without looking too suspicious.
"-not engage. Do you understand? I don't want to make enemies here if I can help it."
"You have my word, milady. I'll be in touch."
That bizarre presence then suddenly… vanished. He didn't know how or why, but that presence, that abnormal aura he felt was just… gone.
Moments later, someone emerged from the women's bathroom. It was Airi Isshiki, the Assistant House girl from earlier.
Airi walked right past him, only to do a double-take upon noticing him. "Oh, it's you. Tatsuya Shiba, from First High, right?"
Tatsuya nodded. "Sorry for alarming you. I was just waiting for my sister."
Airi raised a brow incredulously, turning her head to the bathroom and then back to him. "That's weird. I thought I was the only one in there."
"Ah. She must have left before me. My apologies." Tatsuya lied with a shrug.
"...Alright. Good luck in the NSC tomorrow."
"You too."
If Airi noticed anything off about him, she didn't show it. She just shrugged and went back to the banquet hall ahead of him, but not before slipping on a pair of fancy leather gloves, one of which concealed a mark on her right hand moments after slipping them on.
"Have you found out anything about these other Servants, Archer?"
"Not much, old man." Robin Hood shrugged. "Aside from the pipsqueak and his hot piece of ass, the other Servants seem to be keeping their distance. It's hard for me to even check how many of them are nearby."
"Good. It's best not to try anything that seems too aggressive. I'd rather not have any innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, least of all my family or Hakuno."
"I mean, it could be just a massive coincidence," Robin Hood pointed out, "Lots of folks show up for this kind of thing."
"Archer, there are less than 128 pairs of Masters and Servants remaining. Do you honestly think that several of them appearing in the same area at around the same time is just a coincidence?"
Archer raised his hands up. "Hey, I'm just throwing things out there. Who knows what these other guys are planning."
"And I'm not saying you're wrong, Robin." Dan clarified. "While there were many who sought the Moon Cell for their own ambitions, there were many others who simply entered the War believing it was all a game. Nevertheless, while it would be irrational to act with malice during the upcoming festivities, it would also be foolish not to exercise proper caution towards others with unknown intentions."
[POTENTIAL_CONFLICT_DETECTED]
[ACCURACY:_66.41%]
[ESTIMATED_TIMESPAN:_WITHIN_30_MINUTES]
A/N: And done! Hey guys, sorry I've been gone so long. I've been trying to fix up this fic while working on my other fic up. But this fic still isn't dead. I hope you're all doing well and you're looking out for one another, and I hope this shitshow of a world is treating you right. That's all for now. Please review!