From The Flames Of Fuyuki

It's a mistake I couldn't just ignore.

The fire, still blazing throughout all around me. The ruins of buildings sending off the smell of dust and ashes, penetrating my nostrils with its noxious scent.

My mind felt like a confused mess. What happened? How did I get here? There were so many questions that were swirling within my head, and I failed to notice that my body was starting to move on its own.

Was this out of fear? Yeah, definitely. My brain was screaming and shouting at me to move, disregarding the state of destruction surrounding me.

My legs soon pushed and strained as I finally was running. I didn't know where I was going, nor did I know how I was supposed to escape this predicament. Damn it all, I'm never the one to do anything without any contingency, yet here I was… in this scary place.

'Maybe, this is a dream.'

'Maybe, this is an illusion.'

'Maybe…..this is hell.'

All that I could remember before waking up in this horrifying setting, this is a spectacle of impossibility was…

A giant facility. One that was made to protect mankind, history itself. That's why... I chose to be here. So why did everything go wrong like this?!

'I couldn't waste any more time.'

Is there anywhere I can rest? Anywhere I could take a break and absorb this situation properly.

Then I found it, incredibly far from where I was. I can't stop running, as I could tell something about the scenery that felt amiss. I felt being watched but… what could be hidden within these flames?

Despite all I had thought until now, I probably should've predicted the chances that something dangerous might be prowling in this Hell on Earth.

"AUGHHH!" My legs suddenly buckled at the stress, throwing me to the scorched floor of the street I was running through.

'What? What?!'

THUMP!

I recollected my thoughts as I slowly tried to get up, and then I realized something very horrible had occurred.

'My hip… blood?'

Blood was indeed pouring from some newly-made wounds on my sides. I felt my brain overloaded with emotions and thoughts as I could tell I was getting too worked up by the entire situation.

Huh? Huh? HUH?!

Who did this? And how did they sneak up on me so silently?! Where were they hiding?!

I couldn't remember properly, and there was no one in my proximity.

Damn it! How couldn't I notice it?! A stab wound. It's a stab wound! How couldn't I notice it?! In any case, I have to…!

I spat blood, I could feel getting more sick and disoriented by the minute. It didn't take long for my brain to catch up on these symptoms.

Whatever struck me, it must've been laced with poison. Something that acted rapidly from the way I could feel my entire being growing number the more I kept agitating.

'No. I can't die like this. After everything I did, this is not the way I want to go! Not in this hellhole!'

Despite my reluctance to falter, my limbs soon went stiff and difficult to move. From the pace it was going, I could already imagine my mouth closing forcibly in a couple minutes, and in less than ten my heart would stop beating altogether.

'T-There has to be a way. Somebody, there has to be somebody here!'

With the last strength before it sapped out, I make out the last words I could conjure.

"Somebody…" Get it out! Get those yells out! DON'T DIE! "…hngghhhh…!"

"SOMEBODY!" I shouted, blood trickling down from my mouth. Again, I forced my mouth open so I could shout, begging for a hopeless saving against all the horrible odds. "HEEEEELP MEEEE!-Guh!"

DRIP DRIP

Huh…huh…I did the best I could. Even….if there isn't…..

GUH! GUH!

I started to cough more blood, with my throat clogging at the massive concentration of red liquid accumulating within it.

Ah, even my vision is… fading.

God, please, d-don't let this be the end. Dying in this hellhole…shouldn't be… my end.

"You look pathetic."

Huh? who- who said that?

"Still, it would take less to kill a stronger man," The voice mused, almost taunting me as I felt the owner of it approach. "Are you perhaps something special?"

Where- Where is she? How did she….here?

"Oh? What's this?" She inquired to herself. " And I thought you were one of the few feeble survivors of this mess. But no, here I found a full-fledged Master."

The wonder and fascination was incredibly unnerving. Her voice sounded just like the tone a kid would display when looking down at some insect in a mixture of interest and planned amusement..

Shut up. Just please…help me.

"Well, in this case, I believe we can make an agreement of sorts," She commented with a huff. "Since my Master's already gone, perhaps you can be a suitable replacement."

Huh?

"How is that, Master?" She pressed mirthfully. "I'll heal you, and in return, you'll have to make a good play by having a great Servant by your side. Doesn't sound like the worst, right?"

W-What?

Chapter 1.3 �� From The Flames of Fuyuki

"There! There! I see it!" Ritsuka shouted, lightening our makeshift team with his antics. His hand points, the harbor clearly seen from his eyes. Both of us stopped, watching the visage of our destination so near to our position. Finally! After pushing through those damn things again with her on tow, I can finally breathe fresh air. Fuh! Now I can put down this terrifying failure of a director away from me.

"Since we're close to the harbor now, you can- " I released her. "Yeouch!" her butt hit the ground gracelessly.

"Oops. Did you got hurt somewhere?" I mocked asked, hiding away my slight amusement from her fall. It's not really malicious, but I need to take a break from all this confusion happening.

"Aaah…not really." Olga replied, picking up her stand while dusting off her skirt. "In that case, Mash, lead us on the front." Hmmph. She doesn't react at all.

"As usual." I went to the front, holding out my shield with both of my hands back. I didn't know since when I got used to it, but it's better to keep our movement as of now. Who knows? Maybe a Servant would appear unnoticed. And I'm not betting to win.

Before we embarked our steps again, Ritsuka jumped from my back and hugged the earth like it's his mother. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Oh how I missed this peace! " He continued his ramble, going as far as to kiss the ground. Olga….don't share the same sentiment and looked at me for no reason at all, disgusted with his behaviour. I looked away. Maybe there is some benefit to this situation. I don't know him at all. I don't know him at all.

His eyes suddenly perched at me. Oh God no- "Mash!" I hadn't expected him to lurch at me and embrace me as tightly as possible, "And you too, Mash! Thank you for bringing me here! I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you!"

Eh? Eh?! EH?! My mind went into a scramble, trying to tie up this amount of gratitude and my current situation. I don't mind gratitude, I never do, but why does this….this idiot is the one that made my mind burns?! What are you doing, baka?! Get off me! I wanted to say, but it all went moot. For once, my mind is derailed by this sense of confused affection from him.

STAAAREEE….

Oh, stop it! You're making me lose face here! I wanted to stop him, stop Olga seeing both of us in this awkward situation and calm down, but my subconscious thought otherwise. On the other side, I wanted to him to continue embracing me with the same affection he gave for that ground. Never before have I ever been thanked this extent. Not even from Mash, the closest person I ever met. And look at his face, my face! Cute and adorable. I never got to see my expression when I did this. Now that I can see it myself…

GAAAAAAHHHHH! Why do I have to be so cute?! I always pride myself to be the comfort zone for my friends alike, but to deal with it with myself is another. My weakness would forever be cute things and for it to be turned against me, how cruel! How can I deal with him if my mind is far too overwhelmed by myself?!

His arms continued to wrap itself around my hips, giving me no room to escape from his over aching grip on me. My body stiffens in response to his provocation, incapable of dealing with these unwanted sets of emotions. He buried himself to my stomach, rubbing his head to the exposed parts of my belly. My body superheated, burning my confusion into a sense of passion for this particular scene. So smooth. So soft. By the way it's going, I will fall to his charms in no seconds. Worse, I can't do anything about it, like a mind and I can only see it unfolds to its awful conclusion. This is it…I can't hold it anymore….I'm going to…I'm going to…!

BONK!

"AUUUGHHH!"

In that final moment, before I fell into the abyss, I am saved. Olga-Marie, who's awkwardly watching us from the sideline, finally have enough of it and knocked his head out of his temporary euphoria, sending him squirming back to the ground. Phew.

I looked back at her, beaming with gratitude over the save, "Thank you, Di- "

BONK!

"AWWWWW!"

And only got myself hit in the head the same as him. Granted, it doesn't hurt but…

"What was that for?!" I shouted, angry at the unexpected course of action.

"Idiot, why are you tolerating him?! You know he's going to bother you, so why do you let him ogle you like that?!" Olga answered, in another round of scolding to me instead. As much as I want to skip her lecture, I admit that is a mistake in my part. We're in this serious mess of a Singularity and we still have time to make a mess with ourselves. "Is it some kind of inside joke that I don't understand?! Am I interrupting your intimate moment?" I don't know how it is, but I'm getting a little bit sensitive once I woke up here. Is this another effect of possessing her? No matter how I see it, I really did act more childish than I was. Fawning over my original self, getting surprised at Olga's decision and overreaction to him, I'm adding up another set of problems to the already existing problems. "How do you even treat each other like this?! You're not soulmates!" At this point, I can only accept it and move on.

"I'm sorry." I apologized, feeling there isn't any worth of burning any bridges here.

"If you want to be sorry, then carry on this imbecile Master!" she pointed at the still squirming Ritsuka, "Ah, even looking at him piss me off! Do something about this!"

I quickly shove him to my shoulders, supporting his legs as he kept seeing stars. Just wake up already. You're embarrassing us. I took back my old compliments to him. I really am useless. Honestly, I just want to solve this singularity as soon as possible and beat him to my level one day. For now, I just have to endure his wimpiness.

By supporting him (his head is still seeing stars), we continued our walk in relative peace. After all of those fighting and arguing, it felt refreshing to be able to walk around without having to encounter any more threats, at least for now. With our destination reaching closer and closer by the seconds, we spend this time of relative peace breathing the less-dirty air of the shores. Aren't we loosening our guard? Eh, not like there are any Servants around, I comforted myself.

Along our way, we observed this part of the town, the beachside which is divided by the blazing flames of the city and the gentle waters of the sea. It's jarring to see such a sight after the terrors we encountered. The shivers never stop. Beneath the extravagant bravado I set up earlier, in reality, I can't stand this place. Even after all of the adventures and worse nightmares I and Mash have been through, this place will forever be engraved in my mind. So many memories were made here, and so many were lost. I still haven't gotten a clue on how to save Olga, and this situation is pulling more and more unknowns as we carried on. I don't if it the same with these two, but for me, this place, this place...haunts me.

"Oi, Riku. Do you eat a sleeping pill this morning?"

I can't stand how she always keep up that tone even though she's on the same spot as me. "Why are you pointing at me? You're the who's just too damn fast!" I replied.

"Listen, I don't blame you if I find you eating at Aunt Mizuha's shop." She mockingly forgave me, hiding her smugness of surpassing her 'friend'.

"I'm not lousy like you!" Who was the one who always skip P.E?

"Heh, too easy." She flipped her hair, which could have looked beautiful if it weren't for the sweat ruining it. "Run faster, Sa-chin and others is ready to 'congratulate' us at the gate."

"Huffff…huff…." I can do this. I can do this. No way I'm gonna lose to her. Never.

WHOOOSSHHHH…

Looking back at the sea, something deep resurfaced. Those old memories that I buried, believing it to never return, came back like a sweep of the old wind. I sighed heavily. I need to get out soon before this place catches up to me.

I retreated from the sight of the sea to the sight of Olga watching me with those suspicious eyes, forcing me to look the other way. What are you suspecting me again? I'm tired of barely trying to make sense to her. What is she expecting of me? Being the soft-spoken and the straight man for our group? No way. No way. I'm too brash for that.

Guhh…..I'm done with this. Let me talk with Romani for a while. What the heck is he doing, not calling out to us? We're not that disconnected.

The further I wonder, the more I wander off to my mindscape. As expected, Olga who has done nothing but silently observing opens her mouth. "What is with you?"

"…um…" I delay my answer, still thinking of how to rock her off.

"Not only were you being far too engaged with him, but you're far too active despite your relative inexperience!" she confessed her observation, giving me no room to rebut as her words pierce deep into my heart.

"Director, I don't know where this is coming fr-"

"I've been watching you, Mash. Ever since you appeared in front of me, you are not the same person I know back in Chaldea. Stop thinking you can fool me with that half-baked act! Or do you think you can fool me, Director Olga Marie Animusphere?!" she explained, her sudden booming noise, brimming with frustration and anger stops me dead on the track. Shoot! Why did she sound like she's breaking my ruse?!, I panicked. That's ridiculous. Mash said Olga never really interacted, so I guess she wouldn't care about this. How is it dead wrong? Why is she so insistent about her?!

"Director, she's always like this," Ritsuka muttered from his hunched position.

Shut up.

PINCH!

"That hurts!" he screamed in pain.

Returning back to the main scene, I made my opposition, "Lying? Where did you get that from? There's nothing wrong with me! I've been myself since Day 1!" I defiantly protest.

"Nonononono. Something definitely changed." She shrugged, disputing my faux-authenticity. This is irritating. I never would have believed Olga cares that much for her. Considering everything…

"Director may look like it Senpai, but I know. I know she has a good heart, just that….she's.." Mash's unfinished words to me in the original Fuyuki lingers in my mind. I know what she wants to say though. Scared. Scared of her purpose and position in the great scheme of things. To hide the fact she's less important than what she wants to believe, she put out that haughty attitude to at least gains some sense of purpose. She never realizes the fact that she's misguided and lost in her path to find purpose. Of course, I understand that. I dare not guess what kind of childhood she's been through.

But, Mash, I pondered. The one in front of me is not scared. I'd say that she's more or less….

…pure evil.

"…mash! Mash! MASH!"

"Ah, yes?!" I messed up.

"See?! That's the problem with you! You were never this air-headed before!" Olga retorted, leaving me speechless. Damn, she got me good.

"Director, calm down! I'm not getting any-"

"Good for you, then!" Her hands remain static to my position. "Because I don't believe you when you said it's the Demi-Servant's effects. No way. You just don't feel like her at all!"

Break the ruse? This is just straight to the heart! I panicked. Olga was never an observant person so why is she talking like she's equipping Clairvoyance?! At this rate, my cover will be completely blown up before we even reach the Grail! What should I do?!

"I demand answers right now!" She pushed.

Shut up, you little b****! What are you trying to achieve by doing this? In the surface, I replied with only a confused and terrified expression latched onto my face whilst in the heart, I could barely stand from the heat of her question. I'm cornered. If I didn't answer, who knows what kind of grilling I'm going into. If I did, I'll only damage our morals. Either of those, I'll screw up in some way. Damnit, there has to be a way! I knew it!

"…well….."

"Weeeelllll?"

"I'm…I'm…." She only questioned my identity right? Then, it isn't if I…

"Who are you?"

.

.

.

"…..I don't know."

"I'm sorry?"

"I said I don't know!" I lied. If I couldn't tell the truth, at least a half-lie could work.

"H-h-how could that be?" Her ferocity returned to a state of confusion. It seems she has taken the bait. "How could a Servant forget their own name?!"

Yes. It's working. "I swear, I don't know my name at all! I woke up here in this body without any memories beforehand! I don't know what to do and so I just get along with all of you!" I continued my fabricated explanation. Unlike what people said about me, I'm surprisingly a good liar. Honestly, I never thought my charisma could be used like that when I was young. I'm content with hiding secrets and all, but I was never the kind to lie. Though, time changes people.

I don't like it, but I'm still doing it. "And for that, I'm sorry, Director! I didn't mean any of it!" I apologized That is one of the truths. Admittedly, I can't say something that outrageous without sprinkling some half-truths to it. I hope I didn't carry this too far.

"Hmmmm….." She squinted her eyes at me, questioning the validity of my answer. I replied with an anxious smile, begging her to believe this half-assed lie. Please…..I prayed to myself.

"You lied to me." She made her answer. Oh, I'm done for.

"You lied to me." Her anger starts shimmering. My legs are shivering, frantic for an escape route from her. But my shoulder is stuck supporting the still unconscious Ritsuka. There's no way I can escape her without abandoning him. I'm not that evil!

Her face has turned red. It's now or never. I will die if I stayed still. I need, I need to…!

My leg gave up on waiting and opened their steps against her. But, her single word ended that impulse. "Mash."

Huh?

She came forward to me. "That is your name. Hold it for now." She said, patting my shoulders as she starts walking in front. Her anger disappears in an instant, betraying my continually-changing impression of her. What is with you?! You're nearly blowing up and suddenly move on! Get a grip already! I screamed internally. Fumbling, I continued my steps with Ritsuka(just wake up already) on my shoulders. I took back everything I say!I have Avengers with better management than you!

We walked our path without much interruptions whatsoever. No internal conflicts, not a sudden realization and not a single enemy on spot. The last one is the most concerning. Now that I think about it, where is anything? On this long strip of road, we haven't spotted a single enemy. All the skeletons wander around the city. Assassin, to my knowledge, is on the bridge, far from our current location. As for Archer….

I looked up at the sky. This is weird. He's got to be aware of us. We're in his view. I instinctively keep my power in check in case Archer decided to off us. But until now, there's no sign of any activity going on. What is happening?

My mind went through another examination. For what reason Archer wouldn't attack us? Not now or ever, he has the perfect chance to try so why? I think again. It's not possible for him to delay, so does that mean he was taken out already? With these anomalies, who knows what could have changed?

I took a deep breath again. Running around the 'anomalies' in this Singularity is tiring me out. There's no discernable way for me to fully understand this place, so I have to rely on my deepest strength. My instinct. If my heart in the right place, I would certainly survive an encounter.

And right now, it felt breezy.

"Where are they now?" I asked, flipping my hand to downplay the heat. I muttered to myself, I can't stand this place. It's too hot!

"They're walking."

"Walking to where?"

"Walking to there."

"Where's there?"

"If that road to there, I think it's the port." She replied, without an ounce of care. I don't want to hurt her feeling, but hell, this girl is far too simple-minded!

Of course, I didn't let that mouthpiece out to her. I just met her after all. Going back to her answer, I noticed something weird "Didn't you say the port has…." That's when the realization struck, "Oh God!"

"What's with your reaction?" she quizzed, unaware or probably uncaring of my conclusion.

"Hurry, they won't have much time!" I packed my supplies to a bag. Quickly, I ordered my newly-contracted Servant, "Carry me! Chase them!"

"Whatever you say, Master." She scooped me up, before jumping through the building to pursue them. The smoke may be interrupting my vision, but I can still see the visage of their figures. I made a prayer to myself, please God, please protect them. I swear to him, I swear to you, Dr. Romani, I swear I'll keep them safe!

And so, besides their journey, our journey has also begun.

*Huff* *Huff* Just a little more….

The harbor is just a few feet away. A distance I wouldn't consider at all since we're so close to there. It's also lucky that Ritsuka woke up during our walk. Now if it weren't for….

"Mash, do you think Director's lying to us?"

Heavy! My legs are shaking from the weight of his torso. That can't be true. I'm a Demi-Servant here. Even if I have a D-rank in Strength, I could still hold a car twice my strength, with only one hand! So why is he tiring me out?

Dangerous, I repeated. I have to make him walk. I don't know what caused this, as everything is, but I don't want it to continue. I have to get this load off me.

"Um….Senpai." I asked the burden on my shoulders. "Senpai, could you please walk on your own?" I tried though, but he rejected it, putting a pitiful front to fool me out.

"I don't want to. All those running tire me down. Come on. Didn't you say you can carry around until we reached the harbor?" Sorry, I didn't expect this to happen.

In any case, it's better to slowly talk to him than creating a scene. The previous one with Olga has run me dry of arguments. "Senpai, I did tell you are a Master, am I not?"

He scratches his head, "I know, but…"

"Then you need to know you cannot burden your Servant with needless stuff like this. To be a Master means you have to keep your own two legs intact, while I'm protecting you. Menial tasks like this are annoying, you know?" I spoke from experience. Yes, it might be true most Servants would your orders unchallenged, but common sense trumps all. In between travel in Singularities, I rarely use transportation unless I had to, in case of America or Camelot. If desperate, Riders or Servants with rides would carry me around. It's all in an effort to minimize waste. They should be focused more on defeating the enemies rather than aiding me. Sorry, but Mash is enough for a ride for me.

"I'm your only Demi-Servant around, Senpai. It'll be quite a disadvantage if you waste my energy here. What if there's an enemy attack?" I asked. He starts sweating bullets now. Nice.

"Mash, I tried okay! I just can't…!"

"You're lying, Senpai. I know you could walk just fine. You just want to make an excuse for me to piggyback you. You should be ashamed."

His face is turning red, "T-t-that's not true!"

"Then what were those muscles for?" I pointed to his legs.

Just get off already. Being adamant and stubborn has always been a part of me, but to use it against me, just like my cuteness, is seriously pissing me off.

"Oh, please." He made another excuse. "Just to the gate, Mash. I still haven't recovered from the city-crossing yet."

"And you're lying again!" I raised my voice, breaking my own promise, "A city crossing is nothing for you. Aren't you the inter-city champion?!"

There, I said it. A secret I never shared to anyone, not even to Mash, the one I've trusted with everything I feels. A secret I buried to the deepest depths of my mind. And now, opened to the person I never believe would hear. Myself.

Uggghhh…whether to laugh or to puke, I'd admit it, this is the worst thing I've seen in life.

Unintentionally, I have released his hands from me(or is it the reverse?) and what a miracle, he could stand perfectly on his two legs. Guess it took a verbal lashing to activate my early nerves.

I sighed in relief, satisfied and stood with a sense of victory before suddenly, his hand grabbed mine. Annoyed, I questioned, "And what was it now?"

His face is in a shade of embarrassment and sudden confusion, so I couldn't really make out what he was thinking. And when he talked, he spoke in a tone so low it sounded like he whispered. In response, I closed my ears to him. "Uh….what you just said?"

Is he apologizing? As expected.

"Mash….how….how do you know…*gulp*…"

What's he so scared of? It's fine. I alrea-

"…that I was an inter-city champion?"

.

.

.

Oh.

Aaahhhhhhh! What did I say again?! Did I just say my own secret in Mash's body?! My mind went into a rampage as my brain wraps around the Freudian slip I just made. Oh god! I just made a horrible mistake! As it should be. How would I feel if somebody I just met a few hours managed to spit out my secret as if it's a known fact with much conviction? Of course, I'm going to be terrified! Oh god, oh god! I messed up in the worst possible moment ever! This is no longer any time to be embarrassed. If he caught up to my change, he would….

S-s-stay….stay away from me….

I could imagine that terrified face. No amount of explanation can save my face anymore! I'm a natural empath, there's no way he doesn't notice that! Quick, a backup plan!

"Ah…ah…ah!" I turned back to him, erecting my on-the-spot plan, "Senpai? What are you saying?"

"You said that I was an inter-city champion. Where did that come from? How did you even know that?" he bombarded me with those incriminating questions, taking a step away from me in his state.

"I…" Quick, there has to be some way around this. I just have to…..

CLICK

Wait a minute. Maybe I can…

"Senpai."

"Huh?"

"You told me you love running, right?"

"Wha-"

"I knew you said that earlier at the mall."

"Since when I said-"

"You really did said that." Gaslighting. Oh my, that's one hell of a tactic. Not helping that I am quite forgetful at times. With the right words, I can just fake-out a situation by questioning himself. Sorry me, but I can't let you find out now.

"When?" he asked, puzzled with my claims.

"You did." I put my hands to my hip. "Didn't you say you once ran the shoreline in 15 minutes while we were collecting supplies?" I proudly claim. Unlike him, I have enough confidence to aid me anywhere and it shows.

"No…I didn't remember that." He stutters, struggling to catch back his past memories. I have to make it fast.

"Maybe it's just a throwaway line, so of course you can't remember that." A small smile is made, "Don't bother remembering it. You said that, and I just happen to think about it."

"Ah…ah.." his mouth hung, unable to reply to my answer. It looks like he still has some doubt about this. Enact the second plan.

"Also, didn't you have some really strong legs?"

"Eh? Where did that come from?" he flustered in my comment. Just a little bit more.

I know myself. I know I'm weak to praises and if I pound hard enough, he'll become a wet spaghetti in an instant. When that happens, he'll listen to anyone's words without opposition. It's a weakness I do acknowledge, but in the grander scheme of things, when does it matter? And to use it after all that cuddling before, I see it more of karma than anything. It's not ironic if you yourself that did it.

"Back at the mall, I took a quick note to inspect you." I lied. "Look at your legs! Usually, people's legs shake slowly after a long run, but yours still standing straight without any problems. Not only that, you have such great breathing techniques as well!"

"Breathing techniques as well?!"

"Ehem!" I nodded enthusiastically, "I learned normal people don't control their breathing rhythm at all when running. When I heard yours, it went as consistent as it could be. Therefore, I just made the assumption that you mastered your foundations well."

"That was…that was no-" I cut him off.

I clamped my hands together with him. "I'm your Demi-Servant, so of course I have the right to know everything about you! Aren't you my precious Senpai?!" I blinked my eyes rapidly, adding effects to my sparkly eyes. Thank you Medb, I silently thought.

It proves to be effective. The pressures were too much for him, and surely, he collapses into a stream of tears, full of gratitude and appreciation by my praises. In a way, it's karma. Not only he plays with my feelings, but he just has the perfect appearance to do so. Worse, he doesn't even recognize it. I didn't mean for him to learn anything from this, so that's why I play the reverse card on him. In the end, I muttered to myself. So good it's a curse.

Anyway, with the suspicion gone, I could now relax my shoulders from carrying him too long. I swing my shoulders around, and sweep of relief flow on to me. "Ah…much better."

I glanced at Ritsuka, who's just starting to stand back up on his feet and follows me with his face facing the ground. I see he's still embarrassed about it. I pay it no heed.

Next, I looked forward to the Olga, who's been leaning on to a tree ever since we started arguing. I expected her to intervene in our fight, but she seems content to be watching us as an outlier. I would like it if she could get involved but after that weird exchange…

"Mash…that's your name. Hold it for now."

It's better if I stay away from her for a while. She's the enigma I can't put my hand on.

Knowing our argument is over, Olga continued walking and lead our team forward. And so, our footsteps increased from four to six.

"Hurry up!"

Sounds of footsteps echoed the sterile roofs of Fuyuki. Fast, swift and quiet, the person carrying the lady jumped across the flame-covered buildings as they made their journey.

"Shhhh! Do you know how much I need to cover our tracks?" she angrily whispered. Unfortunately, she wasn't the kind to listen.

"Who cares? That bastard's gonna catch up to them in no seconds flat! We have no time to waste!" the lady exclaimed.

None of that matters to the Servant though, "Oh, did you want Archer to snipe us down? If you want to, I could just throw you off my shoulders. I'm not your carriage." she retorted, smirking at the terrified expression the lady omitted.

"Wha-wha….didn't you say you're my Servant?!"

"Your fault I'm not that loyal. The only reason I'm helping you out is because I've got a beef with Archer. Letting you die's not going to mess my plan that much. At least there's another one…."

"Ehhhhh?! How cruel of you!"

"Take or give. I'm not offering."

*GULP*

The silence between the two intensified as the Servant leapt through another set of buildings, quickly catching pace with the other group. With the intensity between them rose, the lady has to give in to her saviour.

"Fiiiinnneee��." she surrendered. Nothing good comes out from fighting an ally.

"Good. I'm lucked out having such an understanding Master like you." The Servant sardonically remarked.

Jerk. That's one thing they both agreed on. And so, with the held contempt on both sides, they continued chasing their similar goals across the flame-ridden city.

"So this is the gate, huh?"

We finally arrived at the front gate of the harbor. Relief and satisfaction don't even begin to describe our emotions at that moment. After all of that hardship, our journey finally came to a temporary end with an actual safe house.

The relief of reaching the harbour didn't soften our guard. We all gave a look at the surroundings for that little assurance of safety, but since there's a great chance nobody's here, we just stood tall at the reinforced gate that blocked our way to the safehouse.

"Ah, there's no manual," Olga stated, referring to the electronic lock this gate used. Shit, they installed it at 2004?

"It has come to this, huh?" Ritsuka muttered.

All of us has started thinking about how to trespass the gate, though it is relatively quick to jump to the only conclusion.

"Mash, could you lower down your hea-"

"No." Unfortunately, I have an idea, one far more satisfying than the one they come up with. "Both of you, stand back."

Listening to my favour, they both walked back and stood behind me, contemplating my next set of actions. Okay, let's give it a go…

"1…"

"2…"

"3!"

I cocked my left leg, and with a little amount of power, I gave a harsh kick to the gate.

BUSHHH!

The large, reinforced gate went flying into the port, its impact crunched the structure to junk of metal. It never stood a chance. The scrap move a little further until it stopped with a large 'BANG!' ended its short flight.

"Phew." I wiped my sweat away. Then, I looked back to Ritsuka and Olga, who's both astounded and dumbfounded by the incredible spectacle.

For Ritsuka, he didn't give any more expressions other than astonishment, evident by his sparkly eyes and shivering legs. His mind probably on a mince right now. Good. Keep the praises.

For Olga however, she wasn't impressed. At all. "We could just jump, you know?"

I turned my head at her, and gave her a proud smile, "Teehee." I always wanted to do that. Good to cross that off the bucket list.

Now all their attention is redirected to this. The harbour. Ritsuka immediately asked, "Where is the safe house?"

"There, on the right." She pointed out to the row of warehouses overlooking the sea. "If you see the second warehouse from the left, that's probably the safehouse my father once made."

Without hesitation, we all restarts our moves. The safehouse is just a few metres away. Even if we took a slow path, there isn't an immediate threat coming our way, thank to my powered sense. With everything out of the way, we finally have a proper base if not temporary, to relax and make proper strategy regarding this singularity. Ah, I missed those brainstorming sessions. At least, I could make preparations to save Olga from him, knowing Fuyuki isn't that complex to investigate. A great victory is delivered after all of our hard work. Yahoo!

All we have to do now is to find Cu, team up with him and breeze through Archer and Saber. After that, I would have to talk to Dr Roman on my next steps. This situation is disastrous to everyone involved(including me), but if I played my cards right, maybe I can soften the impact once the time comes. I can't be Mash forever. That's a joke.

Of course, not everything would go according to my plans. That's a mistake, per se. And worse, at that moment, I've done something incorrigible in my years of experience.

Everything would go according to my plans.

I've challenged the law.

A spark of light appeared before our eyes. It is small, insignificant, yet it exists in the background of our vision. Nobody pays it a mind, because why would we?

Suddenly, that became brighter. Its existence could no longer be dismissed. Is that a star? No way. The sky is clouded with smoke. Is it an arrow? Could be. No way. Is it Archer's….!

Without a second thought, I pulled Olga back and pushed her alongside Ritsuka behind me. In an instant, I materialized my shield. "Hey, what are you-"

All went to hell afterwards.

SCREEEEEEECHHHHHH!

The light hit my shield, its impact shatters the ground we're standing on. The scream of the metal collided between it echoed the surrounding, torturing us with its deafening noise. My mind temporarily blackened by the strength of the impact I received.

The hell is this! I mentally cursed myself. How couldn't I detect this?! I should have known! My senses, which should have been enhanced by my Demi-Servant vessel, didn't detect this at all. Where did his skill go?!

I have no time to contemplate as I held my shield fervently against this unknown threat. A single misstep could cost everything. But before I even I know it….

"Not bad kid." The voice against my shied spoke. "It's getting boring this lately…"

"!"

I was already thrown away by the enemy. H-h-h-How…?!

CLASH! DUNG! BANG! BANG!

Pain. It overtook my body, sensing flurry of emotions to my brain. Sounds of ricocheting steel, containers crushing, blood spilling, and heart beating, pulsing through my head like a broken record. It hurts. It hurts! it hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts….

To be hit by such a force at a high velocity, it has given me a kind of pain I've never felt. The pain only reserved to warriors and Servants.

That's right. I'm no longer a Master. I'm a Demi-Servant through and through. I'm no longer the one protected. I've to be the one to protect. And that means…

Steps can be heard approaching me.

STEP!

STEP!

I have to fight.

With the ounces of strength I have left, I stood up, lifting the crushed container above me, albeit more difficult with these cramps from earlier. *cough* *cough* How far I've been thrown away?

The dust settles, and the figure that has caught me off-guard and thrown me this far can finally be seen. Or at least, what could be seen. Hidden itself withing its near-encompassing black cloak and grey mask, the only identification I have is their wavy, red hair. Assassin? No way. That power….

Tension arises from our silence, waiting for each other to make the first move. Standing is a pain, what's with all my limbs twitching randomly after the strike. So this is….a Servant fight. The brutal and uncompromising battle between the world's heroes. To think I'm going to do it. I don't know why, but the thought of a true fatal battle…..weirds me. Am I twitching in fear or perhaps, something more…

Focus.

My mind snapped back into reality. The Shadow Servant stood unflinching from his position. Is he perhaps waiting for me to strike? Very well, then. I've got to make the best shot. I raised my shield, leaving my left eye trained to the visage of the figure.

Our silence arises, until the Servant suddenly spoke, "My attack should have paralysed you."

So that's what it is, "Unfortunate…then..Who..are…you?" I questioned.

"Tell me, why should I answer it for you?" he answered, his words filled with hatred and malice, one that befits an Avenger. As expected of a Shadow Servant, my thought sprang, tightening my defences against him.

Unless a miracle came, I have to stand up against him by myself. Which is certainly no feat for Mash, when we fought Solomon. Even with my combat experiences, I can only see how far it can get me. Although he's a Shadow Servant, with my differing experiences and this body, he's enough to lay me dead.

Calm down I've survived worse that this. I reassured myself. Surely surviving is good enough.

SWOOOSHH!

"!"

He made the first move. Within a second, he jumped from the container and plunges in with his spear.

BANG!

In a timely reaction, I managed to block his spear, even if barely.

"Guuhhh!"

My legs shake, handling the ridiculous amount of energy meant for me. He's really mean it! But, I remained steadfast. With a little boost, I strengthened my flailing legs and pushed my shield forward, throwing him away from me.

"Why you little…!" he screamed in shock, as he crashed into the containers behind.

BUSH! BUSH BUSH!

I took my time to run away, giving me more time to plan around him. It isn't that easy to beat me!, I crudely remarked. But that wasn't enough. The Shadow Servant pulled out of the crushed ruins, and an instant, catch up with me. Before I even have time to react, he kicked my waist with full force.

"!"

CRAAASHH!

I was thrown away even further than before. My body continues to hurl forward, smashing any obstacles in the way. Incomprehensible pain courses in my body, burning my nerves and my thoughts in place of terrifying agony. I could feel my blood leaking out from every orifice my body made into. I could felt my memories leaking out of my mind as my head crashed into every single steel mush.

"...abandon me…"

"...do not underestimate our resolve!"

"...an could never overcome their doom.."

"...the hell that is the beginning.."

Thoughts scramble, pain rekindled over and over again, eventually reaching an end as my body stopped moving, landing on the cold concrete ground nearing the open sea . *cough* *cough* .Bad. Too, too, Bad. Don't talk about surviving. I couldn't even escape! No skills, no stats, nor even class. I'm surviving against an unknown threat here. I thought I could survive with what Scathacth once taught me, but…..but…

SHING!

"As if!" My working eyes scanned the surroundings, and block another strike of his spear with my reliable shield.

"Hoooh...you're fast for a kid," he said, complimenting me in a totally non ironic way. I moved ten steps to the side, releasing myself from his enchanted spear.

"...But…" What's he gonna do? What's he gonna do? I readied my legs, preparing for any counter-attack from him. Is it from the right? Is it from-

"I'm faster."

The right.

For a second time, he kicked me. It felt like hell, an asteroid of humiliation came crashing after me. I was thrown backwards, the ground cracked with each impact. But I won't let it happen like last time. Under that immense force, my leg, my shield, my hands keep itself clogged to its position, stagnant from collapsing.

GGRRRRR! I gritted my teeth. There's no escape now.. It's obvious. This Servant is playing me. With his speed and durability, he could have killed me at any moment. He doesn't even see me as his enemy. He only wanted to use me as his toy to ease his boredom. I'm not even worth your eyes,huh? What the hell, I'm hurt. I would've said that if I still can talk. Now, I can't say if I'm moving to another second.

The fight continues. I made minimal contact with every strike, favouring deflection as the best option. Each of his attack consist of the same method, thrusting his spear at any weak points I missed covering. Despite his repetition, the power he exuded is no joke. I have to consistently block out any attack he made.

I couldn't see his face, but I could feel his joy seeping from his spear, "Impudent! You.."

When enough is enough, he started to kick me. Fortunately…..

SWOOOOSHHH!

"Huh?!"

Finally, a miracle! Immediately, I latched my hand and in a second limit, I gave it my all and punched his side of his face.

BUUUSHHH!

I did it! I did it! I did it-

"Good job, kid," he smiled in his mask, mad with glee. Oh no-

BUSH!

In a single mistake, he hit his spear at my neck, "GAAAAAHHHH!".

The shock reverberated across my body, disabling it from the very foundation. Instantly, I lose my defensive position, barrelling all across the ground. My head! My head! Damnit, how did he get his spear in?!

But that wasn't a concern anymore. He's coming! With the barest I could, with the closest I could, the shield…..I held it tightly to my chest, and-

BANG!

He struck.

BANG!

He struck.

BANG!

He struck.

Each strike is pushing me into the brink of unconsciousness. None of that was meant to kill me, but to play me like a mouse. I'm going to die, and it is for nothing!

My eyes are already fading away. The sight of the Shadow Servant, viciously hitting my shield till it breaks, is tearing me. I can't cry. He needs me. Everyone needs me.

My grip is loosening. Tears are forming around my eyes, unable to contain the rising despair inside me. It is at this moment, I began to beg.

Somebody, help me.

And with that, a wish is made.

SHING!

Huh?

"YOU!-"

"Good grief. Have you reached rock bottom?" an unfamiliar voice said.

BUSHHH!

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Sound of containers crashing became the ensuing noise I heard afterwards. I was left stunned. From the left eye that is still functioning, I could hazily see the figure that has saved me. All I could see is, the overflowing crimson hair and that, that….

THUMP!

...blood-seeking lance...

A while ago…..

"Mash!" I screamed to her, begging her to respond. It's just a few moments after whatever that attacks us and throws her to the row of containers beside. Anxiety, fear and anger overtake my emotions that turn me into begging for her voice to be heard.

"Mash! Where are you?!" I shouted again, trespassing the crash site Mash was sent into. But before I made another step, a pair of hands pulled me over from the wreckage.

It is the Director. "Woi! Come back here!" she remarked, pulling me away from the site.

"Director, why?!" I screamed, uncaring of the grip she held onto me. Unfortunately, it doesn't make a change.

"Listen here, you idiot!" she pointed at me. "I'm seriously going to put you on a pedestal if you speak another word, damnit!" her voice quickly silences me down.

She sighed down, significantly relaxed from her previous words. "Calm down. You'll get nothing done if you keep acting like this."

But….you're the messier one here.

"First, control the situation here. See for yourself." she pointed her fingers at the rubble. "The person that attacked Mash, why didn't it attack us as well?"

I was confused by this question. "How does that make sense? There's no reason for him to attack us. It only wanted to hurt Mash!"

"You don't seem to understand. That person is just inches from us! If it likes it, it could kill us instantly!" she reiterated her wordings.

"And what're its problems?"

"You are a Master. If bonds between Master and Servant are cut off, the Servant would disappear due to a lack of energy. Killing us would be like killing two birds with a stone."

"What?"

"That's why you need to assess yourself! We're just inches from dying away and you don't even recognize it! How come you forgot that?! Just what the hell did she tell you?!"

"That's….." Don't ask me. I'm not sure why I'm even here!

"You dumbass. You come here, without experience nor understanding and felt like this is a hero test! It's not! Everyone beyond you is those with capabilities and talents to back them up! True, Chaldea brought you here for your talent, but if all you do is sitting ducks, what can you do to prove your capabilities as a Master?"

"No...I don't want to.." What is this? She's roasting me now?!

"Are you going to sacrifice yourself to give Mash a few more minutes?! Hah! I've heard better self-sacrificing stories out there! Compared to them, you're just an idiot! What can you achieve from that? Right now, you're our only Master left! Regardless of your opinions, we have to ensure your life isn't wasted!"

Director….stop…

"I'm planning to go to the safehouse to create a summoning circle so that a Servant could come to your aid and assistance! Here, I said it! Now are you going or not?!"

"I….I…." my mind is split in two. Her voice might have the commandeer to control this me, but Mash, she's still out there. Either way, it's the right thing to do. But….but…

I raised my left leg in confirmation, choosing my path. My eyes were closed. Then, in an instinctual drive, I made my choice.

"Hey, stop it!" I escaped her grip on my shoulder, I'm sorry, Director. But I can't let her suffer like this. I've just met her! I can't lose her again! I can't lose her again!

"Mash, I'm coming! Wait for me!" I ran with all my might, only focusing on saving Mash. My mind is fixed. I would never abandon her. I will never let her get hurt for no reason. Only for that moment, I will forever be by her side!

Suddenly, I felt a strong hand held my shoulder.

"Di-" In an instant, I was sent away flying in the opposite direction. I screamed. "AAAAAAHHHHHH!"

CRASH!

"Geez, you're as hopeless as she says."

"Grrr…." I strengthened myself after I collided with the person behind me. Behind me? It couldn't be!

"Director!" I quickly changed my focus to the Director behind me, now retreated to a world of darkness from the collision.

"Ah….that's the Director? She's pretty wimpy for one." the person mocked.

Of course, my blood boils because of this ridiculousness, this person who just throw me off and mocked the Director for no reason, "Who are you?! I'm not a bowling pin you can just throw around!"

"Sorry, sorry. When I see you trying to move in the site like an idiot, my hands just can't stop moving. Hahaha, sorry, sorry….." she, as much as I figured it out, scratched her head in a displaced embarrassment. Oi, is she insane?

"That's not a problem! I ask you again, who the hell are you?!" I questioned, finally wishing for an actual answer from this madness.

"My name, huh?" The dust from the ruins settles, and I can finally see the figure behind this whole mess. And the sight is nothing I could ever believe. Standing on top of the steel mesh, a girl not even reaching 13 in age stared at me in apathy. An impossible sight, if it is normal. Now, with everything coming off with no limit, her appearance is not out of the possibility, But, am I really seeing it?

This girl….describing her is contradictory. A girl who should never have those eyes stared deep inside me as if I'm nothing more but an obstacle in her path. Her clothes are worn by a girl her age, a black dress that serves the sense of darkness from within, decorated with the hand socks and a similar-coloured skirt. I would've thought this girl might be kidding, then I saw what is on her hand.

A spear. A crimson spear. One longer than the girl's height, something that shouldn't be held by anyone, much less a girl, if I could believe it. There's something wrong with that spear. The spear…...is lusting. Lusting for blood.

DUB! DUB! DUB!

My heart pumps to the aura the spear and the girl exudes. What a horrible mistake. Out of everything, this girl will be the death of us. My paranoia overwhelms me, chaining me close to the ground. Sweat drips down my skin, warming down the numbness my body has chosen. Save me! What a joke. I'm the one who's trying to save, now I'm the one who wants to be saved. Everything sucks! Why can't I be useful for once?!

She walked down towards me with those same eyes, uncaring and neutral. My body was struck with a new sense of terror. I couldn't run anywhere with this fragile body of mine. That girl, no, that monster would not let me escape. I readied myself for whatever that might follow, silently praying for a miracle.

The sound of the steps. I opened my eyes, watching her standing inches before, overlooking me with her tip of the spear facing my chest. It's over. I'm gonna die.

I closed my eyes, fearing my imminent death. But, the moment never came. In a mask of confusion, I opened my eyes.

The look of death she once showed me is replaced by a smile, a smile so arrogant I swear it doesn't change the atmosphere. Is she enjoying this?

"You…" I braved myself to speak, still fearful of her. Looking down at me with that much power, there's no reason for her to see me as a threat, but only as a ragdoll.

And then, she laughed. "HAHAHAHAAHH!

"What's….so….funny?" My bones shiver. This girl really is insane!

"Sorry…..it's just…" she spoke, trying to contain her laughter. "You….you really are as weak as she."

'She'? "Who are you talking about? Is there another person here?"

"Chop, chop." She crosses her hand, forbidding me from asking. "She said she wanted a more dramatic introduction so she cannot see you for now. Can you believe that woman?"

In an instant, the aura she omitted suddenly disappears. Replacing the cold wind is the intense beating of sunshine, changing her entire appearance to 180 degrees I am astonished. How could this girl change that easily?

"Aaaahhhh…..at least you're cute. So I'll answer your question."

She flipped her hair in amusement, eager to iron out her introduction to me. With her hand extended to me, she proudly answered,

"Yo, I'm your Lancer. Nice to meet you, Mas…..ter."

Ahhh…..I met three dangerous girls in a day. I definitely woke on the wrong side today.

I didn't remember anything after I passed out. What was once an ordeal of death turned into a path of darkness that burns away all of my afterthought. I might've guessed I have crossed the Styx River if I wasn't aware of it.

My first thought is a mess. My second is a mess. The third is a bother and the fourth is a pain. Who could've known holding on to your consciousness is a work in this world?

In the end, I let my mind drift through the void, loosening my ties with the world. I'm not afraid. Something like this happens from time to time. The best I can do is to let myself be led by the current, waiting for the moment I could escape from this dark world.

As I say, I can't remember anything. In fact, I felt that I'm losing some of my memories from the fight. Eh, not like I can do anything in this. Don't bother me with that.

In any case, I need to wake up. Come on, anyone, just try!

Ahhh…...so tired. This place really likes to eat everything inside you, but I never been sucked this much. Is it because I'm tied to her body and that I didn't fit in this? Nope, too hard.

"Would she be fine?"

"My runes isn't an average one. It can heal blown head if you tried hard enough."

I can hear Ritsuka. Who's that with him?

"Then, can you wake her up?"

"Please, I woke up a god with basic first aid."

Why would….that voice sound so familiar?

"Do it then!"

"Okay, okay."

Does she sounded like Sca…

ZAAAAPPP!

"AAAAHHHHH!" I am quickly awoken. Of course, I'm quickly awoken, who couldn't wake up after they got electrocuted?!

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Ritsuka tugged her shoulder, shaking her with his rage controlling him. She smiled in response.

"Ehe."

"What do you mean 'ehe'?!"

"At least she awakens. Isn't that what you want?"

"How is that awake?! Is she even alive?!" he pointed to me, who is now spasming all my way and ridden with smokes.

"Relax. Things like that shouldn't hurt her that much. Isn't that right, Mash?" she said cheekily.

"...if you want to kill me, you could just do so." I sat up from my position, massaging my electrocuted area.

"Wha-" he tried to speak, but I caught on earlier. "I've been through worse than this."

He watched me in astonishment, mouth unable to speak anything after seeing such a ridiculous sight for him. I continue to converse with her, ignoring him.

"You're much tougher than I thought. Your battle doesn't match up with that mouth of yours." she contemplated.

"Really? Some people just don't think the same as others." I deflected her suspicion, knowing just how inexperienced I am in fighting him. I'm not proud of that.

"Huh?" she quizzed, "Does 'some people' include you as well?"

I shrugged.

"..."

...hahaha…..

"I like you."

"um….uh….Thanks, I guess." Was she like this when she was young? My mind can't seem to put up with this girl. So playful…..

It's best to believe this is actually Scatahch in a younger form. There is no reason to believe otherwise. Who can explain the Gae Bolg on her hand? And that form, Lily isn't that uncommon in the summoning system. An ideal younger form….Scatahch definitely would have that form one way or another.

"Now with him on the dark side and you all healed up, we can finally introduce each other." she eagerly said, extending her hand to help Ritsuka stand.

"Nice to meet you guys. To introduce myself first, I'm in the Lancer class, a beautiful young lady of the battlefield named-"

"Scathach Lily."

"Eh?" It's her turn to be confused.

And so does he. "Mash, how do you know her name?"

I quickly answered, with another question, "Do you know what that spear is?"

"Huh?"

"It's the demonic spear Gae Bolg, once used by the great warrior of Ireland by the name of Cu Chulainn. He gained that spear after years of training under the tutelage of Scathach, the Queen of Shadows in the Isle of Skye. It has been stated that the Gae Bolg he used is constructed by Scathach herself alongside others. If no one knows how long she has it, then it's better to believe she has it since forever. And as a better point, how many girl spearwomen in this world anyway, and how many of them are as young as you?"

"Fu….." her lips curled upwards. "Fuhahahahaha!"

Is she impressed?

"That is a guess, right? If it's so, then you do a great damn job at it! You could've mistaken me with Brynhildr, the Valkyries, Bradamante or even Gareth! But no, you just chose Scathach and went out of the way to explain it. Are you a history nerd if it's some chance?"

No, it's something Mash has. All the knowledge Mash she need was inserted, even I'm astounded how much she knows about the world than me. How does she manage to keep this all together?

"It's just something I learned...hahah." I laughed half-heartedly, stating the obvious.

"You're a fine girl. It's hard to find girls with great tastes in any period."

"Is that so.." I replied, embarrassed from being complemented by her.

"Um….Scathach...or Lily, is it?"

"Either is fine. What is it?"

"Why are you helping us?"

…..

…..

"Why?" he reiterated his question.

"Ah….it's because….." she scratches her head, "you won't accept an excuse like 'heroic tendencies', right?"

"You weren't that much of a heroic figure to begin with," I commented.

"Well, whatever." she shrugged his question. "I wasn't that into saving you guys. She's the one who ordered me."

'She'? "Hold on, are you saying you have a Master?"

"Of course, of course. I would wait longer to save you guys if it wasn't for her. She said she wanted to introduce herself if she likes it. It's a pain, having me be the one to introduce first." she complained.

"Then, are you saying somebody else survived the explosion?!" That's...the biggest divergence I have listened to. To have another Master….who was it?!

"Beats me. Wherever you came from, it's not a part of my problem."

"Then, then…..where is she?!" I questioned, almost hysteric with the reveal. How couldn't I be? Somebody else would live and guide us into beating the Singularities! Oh, how they looked like, what do they like, what do they want, I want to know everything about them!

"Uh…."

"Psss….Master. Just get your ass out already."

"Oh, come on. I'm middle of practice here."

"Hahahaha…..you want to die?"

"Hahahah…...ok"

STEP

STEP

STEP

Sounds of footsteps approach the area. Is that the Master Scathach talked about? I prepared my words. Who knows what kind of person the Master is. Maybe I've crossed a new world by mistake when I woke up, but I cannot let anything burn my resolve. After all, a new Master would give us a larger advantage to our side, and who wouldn't want that?

STEP

STEP

STEP

As the Master approaches, I can see the finer details from a distance. Her feminine construct has already shown her/him to either a feminine boy or a girl outright. Along with the hazy red Chinese dress, it's likely she's a greater mage than I, as was described by Da Vinci. Noble, powerful, and self-conceited. That is shown by how flamboyantly she walked down to us with that clothing. I wonder if I can deal with her.

STEP

STEP

Wait, why does she look familiar?

Her hair colour steadily turns more reddish as she comes closer to us, her gingerness is far, far too familiar. Her amber eyes brightened, forecasting a proud and stubborn look on her face.

No way...That's….that's….!

"You can't be…..no. Why are you here?!"

Her smirk came as her only response to Ritsuka. My mouth went agape, unbelieving of the sight I'm seeing, the figure that shouldn't have appeared at any time.

"Gu…..!"

"Gu…..!"

"Gudao, what are you going to do now?"

"Hmm?" The day of graduation is over. Students left in droves alongside their friends as they enjoyed their final day of school. I am the same as others. Walking down the same pavement one final time, he contemplates his future from her question.

"Ah…..why do I want to answer first?" I deflected. "You. You're the one with a more dubious one. What are you going to do now?"

She laughed. "Oi, Gudao. Are you asking me this because you don't think of any?"

"Heh." I shrugged her. "I am far more stable than you. I don't need a future plan if everything is already planned out." I explained proudly. "Sorry, but I'm a very practical person. Future? Pfh. Only dreamers have that."

"Ah…..so you admit your boringness?" she didn't take that lightly. "I pity you. Your father must have an aneurysm when he takes care of you."

"Oi, do you have a death sentence?!"

She already raised her arm. "This is the last day anyway! I'll fight anywhere you want!"

"Stop fighting already!"

BUSH! BUSH!

Bruises opened from both of our heads. "I didn't teach you to become gangsters after school!

"So-so-sorry, Taiga-sensei." we both apologised, bowing down to her authority. Everybody knows she'll hang out around the entrance after graduation, but we're too dumb to ignore her.

"Good grief, do you really want to fight that much?" Taiga rolls her head in frustration. Years catching up to her, so sometimes she may not have the best capacity to deal with us.

Suddenly, she got an idea. "How about you both come to the dojo this evening?"

"Yes." We agreed unconditionally. Taiga-sensei is uncompromising once she's taken that attitude.

"Good. If you have any problems from here, you can just back down. But knowing you guys, none of you will stop, right?"

We're butting heads at this point. "Damn right we are!"

"Jeez, you guys are murderous," she commented. "Fine. 5.00 p.m. Late or not, I'm waiting." she walked away from us, continuing her habit of patrolling the area.

"Now what do you say?" She asked, challenging me.

"Heh, don't underestimate me. Do you know how much I've built over these years?"

"Idiot. I'll break you in two in a second. Don't think your training is enough to beat the Raging Tiger that easily."

"Oh yeah? Unexpected surprises happen all the time. I wouldn't be surprised if you back down from a surprise family meeting." I smugly retorted. Seeing her face this frustrated is a joy in itself.

"You wish." she humbly bragged.

We reached a crossroad. "Guess this is our start."

"Whoever wins is going to treat a whole class to a graduation buffet," she stated.

"I'm in."

"Good." She turned left. "I hope you're ready to get your ass kicked."

"AAAHAHAHA!" I turned my back to her. "...Have a good day."

She turns her back to me as well. "...You too." she smiled radiantly.

I always savour that smile. The joyous expression as we part our ways to our unforeseen future. No reason, it's only something I always treasured. Each smiles, every tear, every dream…... I never forget any of them.

But, looking back, that smile continues to haunt me. It is never forgotten. Worse, it's always the one I never want to remember anymore. Every living daylight, every crossing nightmares, I could have never forgotten that smile, even if I wanted to.

Because that is the last time I've ever seen her.

That is, until now.

"GUDAKO?!" our screams are made in unison. The impossible figure, once thought to have vanished alongside everyone else in the fire, appeared out of nowhere to greet us. Shock? Should there be any more explanation?

The person, the girl whose mere mention shook the different layers of Fuyuki. The red demon who wanders the street, terrorizers of every one of her enemies with only her words and reputation. And lastly, my best friend.

Ritsuka Fujimura, also known as the Tiger Princess of Fuyuki.

And her first reply?

"Tch. Tch. Tch." she proudly stuck a glamorous pose. With her radiant smile etched down to her almost perfect face, she replied,

"YES, I AM!"