Epilogue III: Two Sides of the Same Coin

[DEM PoV]

Several hours had passed since that event occured. Currently, there were two figures in an office placed on the top floors of the most luxurious buildings available in Japan.

Apparently, the said building belongs to that of DEM's and was there current headquarters in the said country.

"So we missed another opportunity that came upon chance. Right, Ellen?"

Isaac Rey Peram Westcott, the person who was the managing director of the huge world famous company, DEM industries, said as he held his chin as he looked at his side.

"...Yes, Ike"

On his side was Ellen Mira Mathers, who had promptly replied as she sorted out the documents on her hands as she placed it on the table.

And right now, Ellen's mood could be described as in 'slight' turmoil.

Majority of the people out there normally couldn't describe what emotions were running through Ellen through her always stoic expression, Isaac who has been with her for decades already could read her like an open book. As such, to describe what emotional state Ellen was in right now, she was sulking.

Yes. The so-called woman who beared the title of the 'World's Strongest Wizard' was sulking. If somebody where to point that on her face, she would undoubtedly cut the said person down.

If such information was spread that the 'World's Strongest Wizard' AKA Ellen Mira Mathers was sulking just because of one operation that she personally arranged, then her reputation—and not just hers but Isaac as well, may suffer from that particular 'trivial' matter.

Of course that wouldn't happen. And adding to the point, if there was someone who she would allow to 'live' after noticing such blunder, then it would be Isaac—or Ike, as those who were close to him calls his name.

"Oh my. Don't sulk, my dear Ellen. Even if we had succeeded in approaching <Seraph>...and the Inverted <Princess> much to my joy, I doubt that a mere platoon consisted of [Bandersnatch] and Wizards could've even make a notable difference in what had transpired," Isaac said while holding his giggle at Ellen's sulking figure while composing his thoughts.

His eyes couldn't help but show a glimmer of immense interest on the matter. Regarding <Seraph>, who they still need to gather more data and observations in order to...'perfectly' know what classification of Spirit he is due to his abnormalities and based on what DEM has so far, the fact about <Princess> inverting was a completely different matter!

And suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted as he heard Ellen responding to his words.

"I am not sulking, Ike. Please cease such rubbish thoughts"

Ellen replied without leaving any gap in between. Finding Ellen quite weird for she only retorts from his words only when necessary, her doing this now for such a 'trivial' reason was quite a sight for the man. Westcott used the hand that was placed on his mouth, and covered his face before laughing.

Probably not satisfied with Westcott's reaction, Ellen still did not change her expression, and looked at Westcott with a slightly stern expression. After Westcott swung his hand around as if to apologize, he talked.

"So, setting the matter about the 'Inverting' of <Princess> aside and <Seraph>, how is that project going?"

When Isaac said this, it was clear that his feeling of excitement on the matter of the <Inverse Princess> and <Seraph> still haven't ceased. However, he could feel that on this day, there are still many good things that it would offer, as such, he tried to contain it as much as possible.

And for reasons unknown, he was entirely correct.

"Everything is going as planned. So far, we are progressing in order. Though dabbling and creating countermeasures in regards to <Seraph>'s ability to bend space more than any Spirit that we have observed so far which more or less takes a lot of time in our research, our research and development team states that they will whip something up given enough resources and patience"

"I see..." He nodded, satisfied. "That reminds me. How is <Adeptus 2> fairing on her conquest? Is she still hunting <Nightmare>?"

"<Adeptus 2>..." Ellen scrunched up her brows as she remembered that blue haired girl who was apparently only behind her in skills and experience in terms of being a Wizard.

"It seems that is the case Ike. It has been reported that she...has been actively hunting <Nightmare> without stop as our recent reports said, and all the time, <Nightmare> would be always determined as eliminated at the ends of her reports"

Ellen then paused as he let out a small sigh.

"But so far, <Nightmare> could still be determined as rather...'active'. After all, even though <Adeptus 2> has been killing her nonstop, it is said that <Nightmare> was still being sighted roaming around the place"

"And where is <Nightmare> last sighted?" asked Isaac.

"In Japan"

"Ho? Now that's quite the coincidence...and to confirm once more, <Adeptus 2> was still on the hunt for <Nightmare>'s head again?"

"Yes"

"<Adeptus 2> is still hot blooded on hunting her, I see," Isaac chuckled as he rested on his chin. Westcott looked back at Ellen while continuing on. Ellen made another small sigh while nodding. "And now, the thing about our 'captured' subject has been going smoothly as well if I'm correct"

"Yes"

"Then maybe, we should now find a way to utilize and dabble with those Sephira Crystals. Or more likely, we should know first how to extract them in order to...take another step closer in reaching our dreams," Isaac muttered as he snapped his finger in content.

"And apparently, we already have a suitable Wizard that may possibly have that kind of ability based on what you've scouted"

Isaac then took a document which has a picture of the said wizard. It was a girl with long blond hair that she wears in a semi-braid. She has light skin and blue eyes. And on record, her skills as a Wizard might be the same as of Ellen's.

Artemisia Bell Ashcroft.

It was just as Westcott says. Ellen also wanted to know and grasp the ability of that girl first hand.

Although there were records of her data and SSS battle records, it was to the end something recorded with her using the official equipment's provided by the SSS. She wants to know how strong is SSS's top Wizard, which is the equivalent organization like AST, or Japan's Anti Spirit Team, is when she fights the Spirits using the DEM industries latest CR-unit <Lancelot>—the sister unit of Ellen's <Pendragon>. That's because, she scouted her to support her for the missions that are going to come and the benefits that she might provide if she were to work with DEM.

There is also the fact that if DEM plans to delve into more intricate matters on Artemisia. Like studying some 'parts' of her body for example, they might be able to improve their equipment such as the <Bandersnatch> due to her being said that she has something 'special' that differs her from most of the Wizards out there.

In other words, Artemisia Bell Ashcroft was something 'Special', like Ellen.

Compiling her thoughts, Ellen then blinked before speaking, "Understood. I will work on it immediately"

After Ellen said that, Westcott giggled.

"You look unsatisfied"

"No, that is not true"

"Oh really?"

Hmph. Oh she knows she is. And she would never admit it. Unsatisfied about what? Well, who knows but there was this thing about Isaac being more focused on matters that recently doesn't involve her. Added the fact of her recent failures, the irking feeling of dissatisfaction within her was inevitable.

Nonetheless, that doesn't change the fact that she must obey her orders and try her best to make it succeed.

"Whenever you lie, your eyebrows will go closer so I understood immediately"

"...huh?"

Upon those words of Isaac, she immediately touched the space between her eyebrows with her right hand. But there wasn't really any wrinkles formed there.

Westcott smiled happily when he saw Ellen do that.

"It's a joke"

That happy smile—or more likely, his amused smile made Ellen show a small pout on her face before returning back to her stern expression. Isaac then slowly widened his eyes in delight before continuing as he picked up another document which definitely took his interest.

"But look what we have here as well, it seems that this day couldn't get any better. A Spirit that hasn't showed up for several months now revealed herself protecting the city behind her from the wide explosion caused by the fight of <Seraph> and the <Inverse Princess>"

"...."

Ellen remained silent as she turned her gaze to the window as if avoiding Isaac's eyes that is landed on her. This matter was supposed to be discussed after a few more...minutes. She wanted to let Isaac at least break free from his thoughts about work once for a while.

The reason? Well, only she knows what it is.

Seeing this, Isaac couldn't help but let out his suppressed grin as he teased, "Well, rather than unsatisfied, are you agitated or maybe jealous that we might spend less time more than usual?"

"...."

Ellen only looked at him sternly, but who was she joking here? Ellen knows that Isaac already noticed her feelings about him even back then when they are still in their younger days.

So bringing the topic up was surely just rubbing salt to the wound for Isaac didn't even give a clear answer to her about that matter. Nonetheless, whether he accepted or rejected her back then, nothing would've change for she will still support Isaac on the conquest of his dream—no, their dream. Yes, nothing would've made a difference at all.

Oblivious to her thoughts, Isaac raised his arms up in the air as if he was just surrendering himself.

"It's just a joke, dear Ellen. A simple joke"

And after saying that, Westcott leaked out then another chuckle for this wonderful day.

——

[Ratatoskr PoV]

A few hours earlier before the said things that occured between Isaac and Ellen, currently, on the underground base of Ratatoskr, all personnel and crew present were busy dealing with problems.

Mainly the aftermath of the two Spirits'... 'lover's spat'. Namely, <Seraph>—AKA Rei Ainsworth, and <Princess>—AKA Tohka Yatogami, was still not sighted due to the massive disruption of visuals because of the dust and debris.

Kotori was making a deep frown. Soon, as the monitor began to flicker, it then showed the result the battles aftermath.

Widening her eyes, Kotori's lips trembled. That park that was a popular spot in Tenguu City was now erased from the map. All that was left was utter ruin.

Apparently, that also goes the same for the hundreds of meters or so surrounding the epicenter of where the battle concluded.

"T-Those idiots!" Kotori shouted while stuttering in agitation as she held her head.

Idiots? In human and 'moral' standards, then yes actually.

But oh well, applying human standards or common sense upon beings like these (Spirits) was already a bad move in fact. In a more keen analysis, Spirits could be described as unpredictable in many aspects.

After all, if there is one thing that Ratatoskr was very sure off regarding Spirits, then it was the fact that these Spirits' actions, judgement and thinking are always heavily influenced by their 'emotions'.

Yes, emotions. The word feelings could be also used. Well, both are relatively the same.

"Calm down, Kotori," Reine said as she took a sip of her coffee before soon rapidly typing on her device as she analyzed details just as if it was just like any normal day at work. "Relax...and take a short rest. You are unnecessarily straining yourself," Reine added.

Kotori turned her head to her with an incredulous expression. Correct, she should calm down... nevertheless, who could when apparently two Spirit's just recently tried to 'kill'...no, maybe subdue each other which ended up causing a massive devastation and destruction on the main city proper.

Sure, they might have some data about Spirits fighting each other during these past 30 years, but this was the first time that it happened at this scale. By scale, it was about where they fought and the amount of damage or destruction that they produced.

But still, something like this still couldn't be compared it the first Spacequake that happened in the world. That event was considered to be the most prevalent and destructive of all.

As Kotori was drowning on her thoughts, Reine's unchanging expression slightly changed to those of a frown before quickly reverting it back before anybody could notice it.

That...'woman' she knows was clearly present at that time. Did 'she' already deem Rei as something to be eliminated? Most likely, yes. But she still couldn't help but frown at the fact that it was still to early.

After all, their plan that they had been preparing for almost 30 years still haven't processed and took the 'second' step.

Luckily, Fraxinus haven't detected nor caught wind of 'her' presence yet. If they do, it would cause unnecessary problems at hand. And those problems if to occur and progress right now would most likely ruin the entire plan they prepared to an unimaginable margin.

Meanwhile, Kotori who accepted Reine's words took another lollipop from her pocket, this was the last stock for today! She better not drop it while gaping in surprise or something because she will really turn mad if it does!

Well, not totally mad if Kotori were to correct it. Just slightly—no, that was an understatement. Moderately mad? Probably. No, suitable.

"Commander! Should we evacuate out from this base as soon as we gathered all important data immediately?" One of the crew members asked as she fiddled in her board not looking back at Kotori when she asked.

The 'work' mood of the crew of Fraxinus right now was still in full swing.

Many crew members are going back and forth doing their respective jobs. Some do the labor, and some do record stuff, and many other more.

And going back to the previous matter, the crew member has a point. Their base wouldn't be fit for...'hidden' operations anymore since their location was exploited from the outside due to Tohka's beam that blew up the upper sections of the base up to the ground surface.

Is this base still salvageable? Oh yes it is. The main equipment were still intact and the functions of the facilities were more or less in great condition except for those who were hit by Tohka's beam as she ascended up to the ground.

Fixing this with [Realizers] would take some time considering that the damage made was very conspicuous from the outside, repairing it without being noticed by external factors like the AST or DEM was something that they would like to avoid at all costs.

Judging by the given information, the chances of them abandoning this base as soon as possible was high, but they could still probably stay here for a few days before moving everything out as they wait and seek help from the main headquarters.

"Tsk. Ah, I need to bother the organization once more for another base, or maybe, try to speed them up in repairing and upgrading <Fraxinus> itself..." Kotori said as she clicked her tongue in stress.

Just by imagining how many reports she should make after this day makes her head hurt even more.

Her mouth which was stuff with a chupa chups, which its stick shifted as Kotori thought deeply. Her commander uniform was draped upon her shoulder was already on the verge of slipping off.

"Commander, I believe this is something that requires your immediate attention," Kannazuki approached coming out from the backdoor and spoke with a serious tone as he tapped on his device.

"I was really confident that this day couldn't get much any better," Kotori muttered in a low voice before responding. "What is it?"

"Yes. It's about the glimpse of our footage had caught upon. And for sure, it is more or less classified as an important subject..." Kannazuki didn't elaborate further as he began to show his findings in the monitor.

It was then, the monitor once more began to flicker, it was a part of a footage which only lasted a few seconds.

...it was the figure of [Knight] which was somewhat blurred due to the camera of the drone being obstructed by some external factors. And for what it's worth, [Knight] was a Spirit that only appeared once a few months back then and had never showed up ever since then. That however, changes with this involved.

"....ugh"

Kotori couldn't help but let out a groan as she closed her eyes.

On this day, it was so full of interesting and whacky events that she couldn't get the list of and it was making her head hurt.

"...Kotori, I suggest that you should take a break. At least, continue working after taking a short one," Reine remarked stoically. She clasped a board close to her chest and the black bags under her eyes were visible as usual.

Funny hearing that from her for she was the one who looks like she needs the rest for the day. But there was no way that Kotori would say that out loud.

Blinking her eyes open, Kotori then stared at Reine before turning her head on the monitor.

"...I can't, not especially if this is one the biggest convening case that we have encountered this day..."

In front of Kotori, as well as the other staffs were various images that was taken just a few minutes ago, the most prevalent of them all was the devastation caused by the battle between the two Spirits, and the short footage of [Knight] appearing in the battlefield and had deployed something akin to a 'castle' that blocked most of the incoming blast towards the city.

Right now, there was so much to uncover and to inquire on, and yet they don't know where to start.

Then Reine just repeated her suggestion. "Again, Kotori, I suggest that you need to rest for a moment. It is necessary that we must first pursue your health over stressing yourself from what happened"

"But—"

"Rest, Kotori," Reine said. She was really adamant about this matter. "I will surely alarm you if it is something that needs your immediate attention. That's why—"

"I get it! I... get it. Sorry, for...shouting"

"Nn," Reine nodded.

Kotori then just sighed and Reine, her head analyst, was right. She really needs to rest or else, she might just collapse her sooner or later.

'Maybe a short 5 minute nap will suffice?' Kotori pondered as she leaned back on her seat as she relaxed. 'Ah yes... I need to tell Shidou that I may be late for dinner today...'

Taking a short rest wasn't so bad after all, and soon, she drifted down to sleep—or so she thought.

"Commander!"

A sudden shout however made those thoughts rendered. Even a minute of rest wasn't granted to her for godsake!

"...What is it?" Kotori opened her eyes and said a she felt Deja Vu that something like this talk just happened a while ago.

"Uhm, there are individuals formally seeking your attention..."

"Hah?" Kotori responded with irritation. Her short rest was interrupted because of this? Anyways, she can't be mad to the crew member since she was just doing her job.

"Who are they?"

"Commander, it seems that our guests are those who we were just talking ago," Kannazuki said while sporting a wry smile before shifting his gaze of the monitor.

It was then, the visuals flickered as it shifted. A voice then was heard, a rather tired one in fact. Nonetheless, the voice undoubtedly came from those of a youth.

"It's a pleasant day...I guess? Well, do you guys mind if we have your medical assistance at this moment, Kotori?"

The person from the figure with a troubled smile as he spoke while having two girls wrapped only with blankets on their naked bodies.

"...."

The crew was silent at the sight.

But that promptly cut as Kotori's voice echoed throughout the room, "...Could this day get any better perhaps?"

"Commander?"

Kotori sighed. "Let them in, help them, accommodate their needs and requests"

"Yes!" The crew responded in a quick manner as they began to sort out their roles.

"I'll greet them first and lead them in the medical room, Kotori," Reine said.

"Mm," nodded Kotori in approval as Reine starts to walk away alongside some personnel.

And so, Kotori looked up at the ceiling. If this kind of things happen each and everyday, without doubt, she would die from overworking earlier than she would've expected.

...

'Again, could this day get any 'better' than what it is right now?'

The answer? Who knows? But most likely, probably not.

——

.

.

.

.

.

——

[A/N: I'll make this short, exams are coming up for this month and I may take some time to write another chapter for the next arc. Also, this chap consists a total of 3.6k words!

Gimme stones guys, reviews as well if ya have the time to bother and give your own opinion on this work of mine.

Finally, comment if ya guys found some errors or typos here and there.

With that said, ciao~]