I never really minded Touma, to be honest. Sure he's a little on the generic side but he's a likeable enough protagonist, with enough badass cheer-worthy moments (like punching out Accelerator or the epic bluff he pulled on Izzard) to remain entertaining. Plus I heard that the later New Testament novels gave him quite a bit of much-needed character development.
Yup, but he is so easily beaten. Just shoot him, seriously always wondered why no one just did that in the show. Hell, anyone who can actually fight well could beat him easily.Originally Posted by Draconic
Last edited by Otsutsuki Kaguya; December 24th, 2016 at 08:27 AM.
He still ran around the city for the whole day after getting patched up.Several gunshots rang out and Kamijou Touma felt intense pain explosively expand through his body.
It felt like a scorching object was ripping through him.
All strength left his right hand and the power drill fell to the ground. Even while he still did not understand why he had lost strength in his arm, he could feel that lack of strength spreading throughout his entire body.
New chapter is up everybody, yay.
Chapter 11
“Sella, I really do think you're being unreasonable about all this.” Shirou said in exasperation as they filed into the waiting area once more.
“I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about Emiya-sama. If you wish to entrust your life and my purpose to the hands of a complete stranger you've known no more than a few days, then who am I to argue against such sound logic?” the maid replied stiffly. It turned out that when Sella was upset about something, she didn't raise her voice or become irate. Instead, she became highly passive-aggressive. From burning the toast in the mornings to “accidentally” misplacing the car keys, she'd been something of a menace around the household ever since Shirou had declared her intention to undergo the procedure that Heaven Canceller had proposed. Apparently she'd used similar attrition-based tactics on Illya before to great effect. Unfortunately for her, Shirou was made of sterner stuff.
“Oh, perhaps instead we should simply hope that Shirou never has cause to use magecraft again?” Sakura queried in a tone of false innocence while anger and frustration shone in her eyes.
At least Sakura was on her side, though Sakura didn't care for direct confrontation either. The result was a veritable Cold War between the two that saw Shirou simply keeping her head down so that they'd hopefully focus more on one another than on her. Rider, to absolutely nobody's surprise, had decided to take a position of neutrality. Shirou knew that the Servant privately supported her, but she was apparently unwilling to compromise the maid service in order to stand on principle. Shirou wanted to be annoyed, but had to admit that if their roles were reversed she'd almost certainly be doing the same thing. Sella's eyes narrowed, but whatever barb she intended to reply with was interrupted by the door swinging open.
“Welcome back, Emiya-san! I'm glad you decided to give me a chance! You all are a bit late, you know. Was traffic bad this morning?” Heaven Canceller asked with a welcoming smile. Almost immediately, he noted Sella glaring at him and his smile slipped a second before returning only slightly strained. “Well uh...let's not waste time then. We'll get you admitted and prepped for the procedure.” he declared, before directing his attention to Sella. “Incidentally, I've been thinking. As an Einzbern homunculus you are no doubt versed in their alchemy are you not?” he asked the elder homunculus.
“That is correct.” Sella replied simply, somewhat curious what the man was driving at in spite of herself.
“Including healing?” the doctor queried further.
“...It is not precisely my specialty, but I am familiar with the practice.” she hedged.
“I ah...understand that you have...misgivings about this whole situation, so as long as you don't interrupt me while I'm working I have no issues with you scrubbing up and observing the procedure. You can see for yourself that I'm not doing anything harmful.” he offered. The maid's eyes widened. To be invited to watch another magus practice his craft was unheard of, but then he wasn't one anymore was he? He was a surgeon.
“I accept.” Sella replied immediately. Her glare lost a fair amount of its intensity upon realizing the olive branch she was being offered. She would now be ideally placed to respond if her charge's life were to be unnecessarily imperiled.
“Why couldn't you have mentioned that possibility last week?! You have no idea what it's been like!” Shirou vented irritably. The maid's cheeks colored slightly as she conceded she might have been slightly unreasonable.
“Well to be honest...I only just thought of it!” the doctor replied boisterously. “To have someone else trained in the principles of alchemy that much of my work is based on is a rarity. The observation area is one thing, but I'd never allow someone who was completely untrained with this sort of thing in my operating theater.” he declared seriously as Sella nodded in approval. Something like that was just asking for disaster. Shirou sighed.
“Well, let's get on with it then.”
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Shirou didn't so much as wince as the nurse inserted a large needle into her arm began setting up an IV drip. The only standard she had to evaluate surgeons by was Kotomine, and she suspected that was probably an incredibly unflattering comparison. For starters, most surgeons probably don't reserve their talents solely for opportunities prolong a patient's suffering.
“Okay kiddo, we're going to have you under general anesthesia so you shouldn't really feel much. From your perspective it'll seem like you're falling asleep and when you wake up you'll be done. Probably pretty sore though. Fair warning.” Heaven Canceller informed her, his voice slightly muffled by the mask on his face.
“I'll manage, and I'm not a kid.” Shirou reminded him. He chuckled.
“Sorry, sorry. Force of habit.” he replied apologetically as he attached a breathing mask to her face.
“Now I need you to count backwards from ten.” he instructed.
'Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five...four......three...' she thought before sudden drowsiness overtook her.
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Meanwhile...
“Uiharu!” Kuroko greeted her Judgment branch's computer specialist. “I have a favor to ask!”
“What might that be Shirai-san?” Uiharu Kazari queried with a slight smile, not looking away from her monitor immediately as she put the finishing touches on a report.
“Could you access the Bank records with our mystery esper's abilities as the criteria?” the teleporter requested.
“Hm, I can but I don't think anything will turn up. Nothing turned up when I searched based on physical characteristics. There aren't that many people with white hair and red eyes in the city to begin with.” she noted. 'Though the ones we do have are almost universally terrifying.' she thought to herself nervously.
“Humor me.” Kuroko requested in a tone just shy of command. Uiharu sighed. Easier to just do it rather than argue the point. She swiveled around in her chair and began entering the data. A few moments later she had a hit.
“Wha—?!” Uiharu exclaimed as she stared at a picture of a young girl who matched the descriptions they'd been given perfectly.
“Well, it seems it made a difference after all.” Kuroko noted, peering over her partner's shoulder. “Emiya Illyasviel is it? What an unusual name...” she mused.
“No way!” Uiharu denied. “This isn't right! She was not in here!” the small girl denied as she cleared her search and entered in the original criteria she used the week prior. Once again, the white-haired girl's profile appeared at the top of the page, her smiling face mocking her. Uiharu sighed and slumped in her chair, her mind churning rapidly.
“Uiharu? What does this mean?” Kuroko asked, taken aback by her friend's reaction.
“Somebody added her to the Bank. Sometime between now and last week. Complete with a history and everything.” Uiharu stated.
“Wouldn't new students be added to the database all the time?” the teleporter inquired.
“Not like this.” Uiharu denied. “New students are added to the Bank every year of course, and updated all the time, but they don't typically spontaneously show up halfway finished with their education and with an academic history that theoretically places them as being students in the city for years. People don't just pop fully formed out of the ether, Kuroko!” Uiharu vented.
“So what you're saying is we've got a real mystery on our hands.” Kuroko noted. Something in her tone drew Uiharu's attention to her face, where she was disturbed to note that Kuroko appeared to be getting excited.
“Shirai-san...” she began, hoping to defuse the situation, but it was not to be.
“A conspiracy! A plot reaching the highest levels! We'll crack this case on my honor as a member of Judgment!” Kuroko declared. “Come on, Uiharu! We have to question her!”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Uiharu exclaimed. Kuroko blinked. “We can't question her right now.” she explained.
“Well, why not?!” Kuroko demanded.
“Because according to the records she's currently in surgery.” Uiharu explained.
“Ah. I guess that is a problem.” Kuroko admitted, looking as though the wind had been taken out of her sails. “We'll wait for her to recover.” she allowed, prompting Uiharu to exhale in relief.
“Then we grill her.” Kuroko declared with a slightly savage smile. Uiharu sighed.
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Some time later...
“Alright then, now all that's left is clean up.” Heaven Canceller noted as he began to finish the last suture on his latest operation. He spared a glance to the wide-eyed homunculus standing behind him. “I believe the words you're searching for are 'holy crap.'” he noted with a slightly smug tone at her amazed expression.
She would never admit it, but she could certainly think it. The man's skill beggared belief. The technique! Using a combination of drugs, physical manipulation, and sensory stimulation to alter the shape of the soul itself! In that moment, the idea of Academy City artificially creating espers began to make much more sense. It pained her to admit it, but such a feat would have been hard-pressed to be achieved anywhere else in the world. Even in the heart of the Einzbern castle, they would have deemed such results an impossibility.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but she admitted (at least in the privacy of her own thoughts) that she had underestimated the man called the Heaven Canceller. He seemed almost supernaturally in tune with his patients' needs. Even her, she realized with a start. He had lied. He hadn't needed her here in the slightest. It was she who needed to be present for her own peace of mind. He'd detected that, and acted on it, for no apparent reason other than to ease her suffering. The fact that it was emotional rather than physical made no difference. Her doubts where he was concerned had been largely dispelled. Only one dark thought still gnawed at her.
'Where in the world did the man acquire such knowledge?'
Feedback anyone?
Chapter 12
The first thing Shirou noticed through the heady residual fog of the anesthesia was that she felt...nice. As though something that was “wrong” had been suddenly corrected. She'd never noticed it before or, if she had, simply chalked it up to one of the many, many impossible elements of her strange situation. Even now it was hard to adequately describe what the “wrongness” had been. It wasn't a physical thing, but something harder to pin down. It might be best described as...a sense of dissonance within her consciousness. A passive rejection of her own being entirely beyond her control. Now it was as if a metaphorical weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She wasn't entirely sure what the implications of something like that were, but she was pleased by the change nonetheless. Now if only she could forget that anesthesia dream featuring her father and what looked like an adult version of Illya singing show tunes to a choral accompaniment provided by a choir of Einzbern homunculi. She shivered slightly at how surreal it had been before hissing as her back objected to the movement.
“Senpai! You're awake!” Sakura exclaimed in a sleepy yet happy way. Shirou looked at her room's only other occupant. Sakura's violet blouse stood out against the clinical off-white tones of the hospital room. Though it seemed Sakura had nodded off earlier, Shirou noticed that her own small hand was clasped tightly in Sakura's. The realization made her smile.
“Hi Sakura. I hope you weren't waiting too long.” Shirou replied. Sakura shook her head in the negative.
“It's alright. You needed the rest.” the older girl replied. “I should tell you now, the doctor doesn't want you attempting any magecraft for a while. He said he knew you'd be curious how the procedure might have affected things, but to patient for a few days while things 'settle down in there.'” she said, evidently quoting him at the end. “...I'm not completely sure what he means by that.” she admitted.
“I think I maybe get it a bit.” Shirou claimed. She definitely didn't want to risk messing things up now and go back to the “wrongness” of before. Sakura quirked a skeptical eyebrow before noticing Shirou looking around the empty room curiously. She quickly deduced where Shirou's thoughts were heading.
“Sella and Rider left a short while ago to get some food. They'll be back soon.” she explained. Shirou nodded in understanding.
“Did the doctor say how long I'd need to stay here?” Shirou asked. Sakura nodded.
“He said the procedure went well, and that he'd feel okay about discharging you after a couple of days of observation.” she said, then gained a slightly sly expression. “Sella is highly impressed with him.” she continued impishly. Shirou's frosty eyebrow lifted as a similar smirk formed on her own face.
“Is she now? Should I inform her she has my blessing to seek new employment?” Shirou asked dryly. Sakura chuckled lightly.
“She might be upset with you if you implied any such thing.” Sakura said. “She's nothing if not loyal. I think she's more impressed with his skill than anything else. She began addressing him as Amachi-sensei. All formal and everything. He seemed highly embarrassed.” Sakura continued in amusement. Shirou snickered.
“I can picture it.” she agreed. Sakura was silent for a moment, and her smile grew a bit fragile.
“Senpai? I...I know we have to be careful, and that this place most likely isn't what it seems, but...I'm glad we came here.” she declared thickly as her grip on Shirou's hand tightened. Shirou squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“Yeah. I know. I feel the same way.” she replied earnestly.
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Meanwhile, at a nearby fast food restaurant...
“I am not at all sure that this 'MacRonall Burger' is up to the nutritional standards I require for Shirou-sama's meals.” Sella declared obstinately. Rider rolled her eyes in response.
“It doesn't really matter. We don't actually have a lot of money lying around at the moment anyway, what with Rin trying to finance her education in London. Those student stipends the kids got aren't going to last too long either if you insist on five-star cuisine all the time. This gets the job done and for a lot less than most other places. From the stories I've heard, I'm sure it's better than hospital food.” she argued from their place in line behind another customer.
“In terms of taste perhaps, though one imagines that styrofoam would be of greater nutritional value...” Sella muttered mutinously as the customer ahead of them completed their transaction and departed.
“Welcome to Macronall Burger! May I take your order?” the small, brunette cashier asked dutifully.
“Yes, I think we'll take four Big Rons. Those come as meals, right?” Rider asked in a businesslike manner.
“Yes ma'am. They come with a soda and fries.” the cashier replied.
“We'll take that then.” Rider confirmed. The cashier totaled their order and made change from the bills Rider provided, then handed her the receipt. Before they could step back and wait for the burgers however, the cashier spoke again.
“Ma'am, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation a moment ago. If you're interested, we're currently hiring.” she pointed out, gesturing to a nearby 'Help Wanted' sign. Fate chose that precise moment for a younger child in a nearby booth to begin throwing a tantrum. Sella and Rider glanced together at the unruly child and then back to the cashier who was visibly suppressing her annoyance.
“No offense to you or your chosen profession, but I strongly suspect I would rather die.” Rider replied bluntly. As the child knocked their soda into the floor, creating a sticky mess the cashier suspected she would eventually be tasked to clean up, her smile grew ever more strained.
“Believe me ma'am, I sympathize with your position more than you know.” she declared with equal bluntness.
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Well. This kinda came out of the blue, apparently the author is updating again. Maybe. I think.
We'll see what happens going forward.
Chapter 13
“I want you to know, Shirai-san, that I do not approve of this.” the aged doctor with the frog-like face stated sternly. Under other circumstances, Kuroko might have been impressed with the man's dedication to his patient's recovery. As it was, however, it was simply getting irritating.
“Your disapproval is noted, but I'm acting in the line of duty.” she replied blandly. “Now please either direct me to her room or have someone else do it.” she commanded. The doctor grumbled but complied, leading her through the hallways of the hospital. After traveling upstairs and around a few similar-looking corridors that she suspected would have taken her some time to puzzle out on her own, they arrived in front of one of the patient rooms. Sure enough, the name Emiya Illyasviel was printed on a card in a sign below the room number.
“Be advised that I'm watching you Shirai-san. You've already said that you aren't here to apprehend anyone. If you harass my patient any more than is strictly necessary for your investigation I intend to make your immediate future very interesting.” the doctor promised grimly. Kuroko fought the urge to swallow nervously. She was Judgment after all. It wouldn't do to be visibly anxious about what unholy forms of weaponized bureaucracy this apparently ridiculously well-connected doctor could visit on her if he were so inclined. Even if she'd heard some horror stories from Uiharu before coming here...
The doctor gave a few courteous knocks on the door and waited for the answering response before entering. Kuroko trailed in behind him. There was someone inside the room who looked like her target, but was much too old, and another woman with purple hair. The only possible word to adequately describe the latter was “statuesque.” A small blush threatened to blossom on her face before she quickly fought it down.
'No! Pure thoughts Kuroko! You can't betray onee-sama like that!' Kuroko thought furiously to herself, shaking her head and drawing confusion from two of the room's current occupants and a small, knowing smirk from the third.
“Sorry to bother you ladies, but Shirai-san here has some questions for Emiya-san.” the doctor explained.
“Hurk!” a feminine voice from the restroom produced immediately prior to what sounded like someone being violently ill. Some soothing murmurs followed before the muffled retching continued.
“Emiya-sama is...indisposed at the moment.” the older white-haired woman replied. “Is it possible that I could assist you in her stead?” she asked. Kuroko shook her head in the negative as she worried her lip guiltily and glanced at the frowning doctor. Contrary to what some would say, she wasn't heartless. Just very, very driven.
“Um...sorry if this isn't the best time, but I really do need to speak with her.” Kuroko replied. The doctor's frown deepened. “Maybe I could wait outside until she's recovered?” she suggested. The doctor appeared to mollified by the gesture. Kuroko relaxed. The white-haired woman glanced at the doctor, who nodded in approval.
“Very well. I'll come get you once she's...ah...finished.” the woman allowed. Kuroko nodded and accompanied the doctor back outside after he made his goodbyes.
“Well, I need to get back to my rounds.” the doctor stated. “I trust I won't hear about any trouble here later on?” he asked.
“No sir.” Kuroko agreed stiffly. He nodded and smiled before patting her on the shoulder.
“Not too bad, Shirai-san. Not bad at all.” he responded warmly before striding down the hall. Kuroko looked after him in bemusement. Such a tiny display of empathy was enough to win the man's approval? She yawned wearily, and settled in to wait. It was already getting late, but dammit she was getting some answers today.
____________________________
A few minutes later...
When Kuroko was finally invited back into the room, there were two new occupants who hadn't been visible the last time. A teenage girl with similar purple hair was seated next to her target's bed. The target herself was looking even more pale than the image attached to her records in the Bank had depicted. Even so, it seemed she'd made a small effort to make herself presentable first.
“Emiya Illyasviel?” Kuroko inquired as a formality, barely slowing as she pronounced the western name. The girl gained a slightly pained expression but nodded.
“That's me, apparently. What would your name be?” she asked.
“Shirai Kuroko, Academy City student and an officer of Judgment branch 177. I've been looking for you to ask you a few questions.” Kuroko replied. Emiya cupped her chin and stared at her intently for a moment. Kuroko wondered how this conversation was going to begin. She'd seen quite a few different responses to that line over her time as a Judgment officer.
“I see. So...what exactly is Judgment?” Emiya asked with a completely straight face.
“Heh?” Kuroko asked as they stared at each other in silence for a moment.
“HEEEEEEH?!” Kuroko exclaimed, making several of the room's occupants start. “How can you not know what Judgment is?! Your records say you've lived here for years!” she ranted. Honestly, she'd expected getting proof of the Bank's tampering to be difficult, not for it to be handed to her on a silver platter!
“Well, I didn't write those records.” Emiya declared in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Didn't...write...” Kuroko parroted numbly. “Well then who did?!” she queried. The noncommittal shrug she received in response did nothing to placate her.
“I dunno. One of the guys who were testing us I guess.” she replied. Kuroko noticed that the reactions of the room's other occupants varied. The two purple-haired women were suppressing grins while the elder white-haired one was resting her face in her palms.
“Emiya-sama.” the older woman interjected. “Judgment is a law enforcement organization staffed exclusively by the city's students. Something that you would know if you had read all of the informational materials you were provided in their entirety.” she chided. Emiya's cheeks reddened noticeably.
“A-ah, I see. Thank you Sella.” Emiya replied, attempting to sound gracious.
“I live to serve.” the newly-named Sella replied dryly.
“So, if you're with law enforcement and you're asking me questions, does that mean that I'm in trouble?” Emiya asked conversationally. Nothing in her tone conveyed any sort of concern that might be the case, but Kuroko could feel the tension in the room. Sella and the younger purple-haired girl were looking at her with calculating expressions she'd seen many times before from potential enemy espers. Speculating what her ability might be. Wondering about the best way to neutralize her. Even Emiya herself was scrutinizing her with a bit more focus than was common, though her interest seemed measurably less hostile in nature. Perhaps most disconcertingly however, was the tallest person in the room. She was too placid, appearing completely unconcerned by any potential threat that Kuroko may pose. Either she was oblivious to the atmosphere, which was unlikely, or she was supremely confident that she had nothing to fear. She'd seen that before too. Sometimes that confidence was unwarranted. Most of the time it wasn't. She fought the urge to grimace.
“I...honestly don't know.” she admitted finally. “How about we start from the beginning?” she asked. Emiya considered, then nodded.
“Okay. You wanted to ask questions, so go ahead and ask.” she invited.
'Well far be it from me to turn down an invitation like that.' Kuroko thought, reaching into one of her pockets to retrieve one of a matching set of familiar knives. Emiya's eyes widened and...was that sweat beading on her forehead as she glanced nervously at the other people in the room?
“Do you recognize this?” Kuroko asked bluntly, already knowing the answer. The fact that her companions were all directing slightly accusatory glances in her direction just cemented it.
“I have never seen that knife or any knife like it in my entire life.” Emiya lied obviously as a bead of sweat rolled down her face.
“Shirou~?” the younger purple-haired girl asked with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “Is there something you need to tell us?” she cajoled. Kuroko mentally noted the odd nickname. Emiya looked fairly hounded, so Kuroko took a small amount of pity on her and decided to rip the bandage away quickly.
“This knife and several others like it, and by 'like it' I mean exactly like it down to forensic analysis, were found pinning a group of thugs to the pavement and the walls of nearby buildings in an alleyway a few nights ago. Each of the 'victims' described an assailant matching your description using an esper power similar to yours to produce the weapons. That said, all of these individuals have priors so we're not inclined to trust their word on the matter.” Kuroko explained.
“You said you weren't going to go looking for trouble.” the teenage girl said, making Emiya visibly flinch.
“I didn't!” she insisted. “Trouble found me!”
“That didn't take long.” the older purple-haired woman said in naked amusement.
“Indeed.” Sella agreed with a huff.
“Ugh!” Emiya verbalized, before turning to the girl nearest her. “Sakura, you remember that night I sort of snuck out to go grocery shopping? I wanted to show you guys that I'd be fine doing something as simple as that. That you all didn't need to worry about me constantly. If I'd told you that I was mugged, that would have had the exact opposite effect. I didn't go looking for them. They just...happened to be there.” she finished lamely.
“So, to be clear, you're saying they did in fact attempt to rob you.” Kuroko interjected seeking clarification. Emiya turned to her and nodded.
“Yes. I didn't attack them until they did so.” she agreed.
“Okay, so I think this is a fairly clear case of self-defense. Even if your response was a tad disproportionate, it's safe to say you aren't in trouble for this.” Kuroko assured her. The tension in the room eased. “Now, onto the subject of these falsified records...” she trailed off with a slight smirk.
'Oh look. The tension is back.' she thought wryly. Her smile faded a bit as she considered.
“Look, I'm not completely blind. It's fairly obvious that you guys are new in town and it's also obvious that someone is pulling strings for you. As much as I wish it were otherwise, that kind of thing does happen in this city. There are a lot of ambitious and influential people here, and that leads to some shady stuff every now and then. I'm not asking you to put yourselves at risk just to satisfy my curiosity. Just tell me whatever you're allowed to. I'll do the rest of the digging on my own.” she said, trying to reassure them.
“We're not exactly being held to ransom or anything, if that's what you're thinking.” Sakura replied hesitantly. “They're calling us Gemstones, if that means anything to you.” she said. Kuroko's eyes widened.
“Naturally occurring espers, huh?” she breathed, then nodded. “Yeah, I'm familiar with the term. Most don't believe they actually exist though. You'll forgive me if I'm a little skeptical of that claim, but I have to admit the possibility that you're being truthful...” she trailed off.
'It does line up. If they really are natural espers that were discovered outside the city then it makes sense the city would want to relocate them here. Almost any major government would pay good money to see what makes a gemstone tick. The falsified records would be a way to explain their clearly quite developed abilities without admitting there are ways to produce espers outside the power curriculum.' Kuroko speculated silently. She hummed, tapping her chin.
“Alright. I'd say that stands up to scrutiny, if only just, for the time being. I'll accept that unless I uncover something that contradicts it. Well, you guys can't help it if that's the case, so I'll just bury this little inconsistency for now.” she declared, nodding to herself.
'Real live Gemstones though? Uiharu is going to freak.' Kuroko thought in bemusement. As for herself, she harbored mixed feelings about the prospect. The idea that someone could just be born lucky and gain abilities that she and her friends worked themselves to the bone for grated more than a little.
“One last thing.” Kuroko said, gaining the attention of her audience once again. “About the muggers. Why didn't you simply give them what they wanted and go home? Report them afterwards?” Kuroko asked. Emiya blinked.
“Well, I mean if I'd left them there then they might have tried to rob or hurt someone else. Maybe someone who couldn't defend themselves the way I can. I had to do something.” she replied resolutely with a hint of fire in her eyes. Kuroko grinned wryly.
“You are, of course, aware that vigilantism is still illegal in Academy City?” she asked. Emiya's eyes narrowed.
“I won't go looking for trouble, but I'm not going to ignore it if I see something happening right in front of me.” she answered defiantly. Kuroko tossed her hair negligently with a smirk.
“Well, you do as you please. All I'm saying is that it's technically against the law for espers who lack Judgment training to respond to criminal activities.” she replied, seemingly carelessly. She could almost see the gears turning in Emiya's head. Apparently she wasn't alone in that regard, as the girl named Sakura chuckled helplessly.
“Shirou.” she said, gaining the young girl's attention. “Go ahead. Just promise you'll be careful.” she continued with a smile that was only slightly sad. Emiya beamed and hugged her briefly, before focusing her attention squarely on Kuroko, whose grin became slightly feral in response.
“Shirai-san. How exactly does one become a member of Judgment?” she asked intently.
'New recruit get! The fact that this will keep her right where I can see her is, of course, entirely coincidental. I'll draw out your mysterious benefactor yet.' Kuroko thought victoriously.
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So, I guess when he says he's getting back into things I guess he meant immediately. Anyway feedback, leave it if you got it.
And the mad author's update pace continues. Here we go again folks, also I'm going to include some other stuff the author has said in the SB thread.
Chapter 14
Shirou awoke feeling refreshed, taking a moment to revel in the simple comfort of being able to sleep in her bed last night. No beeping, no people bustling around at all hours, no drafty gowns with open backsides, and no horribly bland food. She was grateful for everything that Heaven Canceller and his people had managed to do for her, but was nonetheless thrilled to be free of his facility for the time being.
With the goal of avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital in mind, the first thing Shirou did was retrieve her injector and slot a cartridge into it. Pressing it to her wrist as she'd been instructed, she felt a brief prick and a mild burning sensation for a moment which faded rapidly. While she'd been limited in terms of what she could do while in the hospital she already felt substantially more energetic in the mornings, which was a welcome change. Humming lightly she opened her closet and clicked her tongue in irritation. She still lacked pretty much anything in an appropriate size that hadn't originally belonged to Illya.
It was...honestly pretty creepy, but she'd never complain about it outside the privacy of her own thoughts, as she knew very well that there was only one solution to that problem and she'd been avoiding it like the plague. The idea of going shopping for clothing wouldn't have bothered her beforehand, but somehow she knew that, when it happened next, it was going to be a labor worthy of Heracles. The odds of her managing to just go and get something functional on her own were slim at best. More likely, the selection of her wardrobe was going to evolve into some sort of team sport, probably even worse than the bad old days when she was forced to go shopping with Taiga. As long as she betrayed no unease about “inheriting” her sister's clothing then she could avoid that fate. As she got dressed her eyes fell on the injector again and she froze as a feeling of terrible portent slid down her spine.
'Medicine offsets growth deficiency over time. May result in small initial growth spurt. Growth spurt means clothes will no longer fit. Clothes no longer fitting means clothes shopping with Sakura.' she thought, paling slightly with each new link in the growing chain of logic.
'Okay. I can deal with this. Even growth spurts don't happen overnight. All I need to do is come up with a plan to make this current batch last forever.' she thought, mind working increasingly quickly. Maybe she could find a seamstress or...
'AHA!' she thought triumphantly. 'I'll just analyze the clothes and project bigger copies!'
“Trace on.” she declared, activating her circuits. Immediately she noticed how much more smoothly even Illya's circuits seemed to respond to activation. There was always discomfort when using them, but it was less taxing now than at any point since she'd first activated them properly. Whatever Heaven Canceller had done was already bearing fruit.
Touching one of Illya's purple dresses, she fed a bit of prana into it to map out the structure. Extending her other arm she began to use the large amount of data gleaned from her analysis and form a new copy, a wire frame representation of the garment appearing in the air briefly before additional details were slowly added.
'Now, how did Archer do this? He used reinforcement right?' she thought, trying to recall the methods used in the production of Caladbolg II and the many iterations of the Servant's bow. She also believed he'd used it on the Shroud of Martin in order to wear it the way he had, but as that particular item wasn't recorded in her reality marble it was difficult to say for sure. 'Reinforcement strengthens existing properties, so with that in mind, maybe the size is a property that I can enhance?'
With that thought in mind she set about trying to reinforce the “size” of the garment. As the end product of her first attempt collapsed to the ground she concluded that it was a completely shredded mess. Attempting to reinforce the size that way hadn't worked. The projected dress had tried to expand, and succeeded to a point, but the reinforcement process hadn't been able to pull additional materials out of nowhere and the material of the dress, which had already completed the tracing process, was stretched as thin as it could be before ultimately being torn apart. With a sigh she dismissed the evidence of her failure which vanished into motes of light.
Changing the shape of her clothing through reinforcement was obviously going to require practice and run into some practical limitations. Maybe that was why he'd worn the Shroud in such a strange way instead of making something awesome out of it, like a cape or a longcoat. It clearly wasn't because he objected to having cloth draped around his legs in a fight.
'Wait. Why can't I just change the blueprint to start with? Analyze it, then make changes to the mental image directly, projecting it bigger to begin with? That way, there wouldn't be any need to change the shape through reinforcement.' she theorized, and immediately set about attempting precisely that. She analyzed the dress again to refresh the image in her mind, then simply pictured it bigger with all the same traits and projected the result. There was an odd sensation of dissonance as she tried to apply the history of Illya's dress to an object that was only superficially similar to said dress. The end product collapsed to the floor in a flash as before. She gathered it up and examined it.
By all appearances it looked like what she'd just pictured. She ran the not-fabric through her fingers and compared it to the original. It was a bit off, but not by too much. Still, the quality of the projection was inferior to her typical results and the fact that she could tell that much even without grasping the structure didn't bode particularly well.
Once she analyzed it, she groaned in dismay. It was a hollow projection. A skin-deep copy. The concepts of creation and accumulated history hadn't taken very well. There was a faint echo of the original's identity within the projected dress, but for the most part this projection was every bit as hollow as some random object she'd imagined without any additional effort at all.
“So that's why he did it like that.” she realized. Projection was the art of giving form to the mind, that much was true, but she couldn't just imagine a sword half the size of Durandal with all of its history and properties and expect to get what she wanted out of the process. In order for the concepts and history to be imbued into the object properly, then the object needed to be as faithful to the original as possible. So if she wanted to make changes to one of her projections without compromising its effectiveness, she'd need to first create as faithful a replica as possible and then modify the result. In hindsight, it made a lot of sense.
“Still, while this isn't fantastic, it should last long enough to get the job done.” she speculated, then smiled. She had a plan. Even as hollow projections, her creations could last for a long time if she put some effort into it. It didn't matter if she encountered a growth spurt now. As long as nobody discovered that she was wearing her own projections she'd never have to go clothes shopping again! Well, at least until someone noticed that her ever-growing wardrobe was a physical impossibility and got on her case about it. Still, she'd take what she could get. If she could memorize the images of her various outfits well enough, then maybe she could even avoid changing rooms! Another potentially traumatizing future event averted by the awesome power of magecraft! Shirou nodded in satisfaction, before making her way out to the common area of the house they'd been allowed to stay in. The pleasant aroma of waffles greeted her as she entered the kitchen.
“Good morning, Emiya-sama.” Sella greeted politely, providing her with a plate on her way past. “What plans do you have for the day?” she inquired.
“I was planning on stopping by the Judgment branch office to fill out an application.” Shirou replied in between bites of her waffle.
“I see. Do you...require an escort?” Sella asked, surprising Shirou. She'd fully expected to be followed whether she wanted to be or not. At the opposite end of the table, Rider lowered the book she was reading and lifted an eyebrow at the maid's atypical behavior. Sella fidgeted a bit.
“It has come to my attention that, at least to some extent, my concern for your well-being may have become 'overbearing.'” she admitted. Rider smirked and hummed in amusement as she returned to her novel.
“Well, I won't lie and say it doesn't get annoying sometimes.” Shirou agreed, making Sella wince and Rider glare at her lightly over the top of her book. “On the other hand, it's been kind of...nice. It's been a while since someone tried so hard to take care of me. Not since I was younger when Fuji-nee tried and pretty much failed miserably.” Shirou observed, making both of the older women chuckle.
“I'm glad to hear I didn't overstay my welcome.” Sella replied warmly, resuming her bustling around the kitchen.
“Need a ride?” Rider inquired suddenly. Shirou blinked.
“Excuse me?” she asked. Rider lowered her novel again.
“Do you. Need. A ride?” the Servant asked slowly.
“On your motorcycle?” Shirou asked uncertainly. Rider smirked and nodded. Shirou swallowed.
“At a safe speed?” she asked, having no intention to board the thing again with no strings attached.
“Tch. Take all the fun out of it, why don't you? Fine. Always under the posted limit.” Rider finally agreed.
“That would be nice. Thank you, Rider.” Shirou replied. Rider waved negligently.
“Don't mention it. You've done alright by Sakura so far. Keep it up.” she encouraged.
“Speaking of which, where is Sakura?” Shirou asked in slight confusion.
“Matou-san left earlier this morning. She's shopping for school supplies. She also said that if you were getting a job, then she wanted one too.” Sella informed her.
“What? Where does she plan to work?” Shirou asked in surprise.
____________________Sakura glanced around uncertainly at the busy restaurant. The staff seemed overworked with a considerable line in front of the only cashier on duty. Sakura waited patiently in line until she made her way up to the counter, looking down at the short brunette manning the register.
“Welcome to MacRonall Burger. May I take your order?” the girl asked with a slightly weary quality to her voice.
“Um, no actually. My, um, 'cousin' informs me that you're currently hiring?” Sakura replied nervously. The small cashier immediately perked up.
“Does this mean you want to apply?” she asked as though trying not to seem too enthusiastic at the prospect.
“I believe I would, yes.” Sakura said, then gaped as the cashier's eyes seemed to become slightly misty for a second and she almost seemed to visibly restrain herself from hugging her.
“Thank you.” the cashier finally responded before dashing to get her manager and exclaiming that they “finally got one.”
Sakura was suddenly not quite so certain of the wisdom of her decision.
______________________________
And now the bits the author had that I mentioned:
Q: Aura, did you just recreate the plot of "The Devil is a Part-Timer" with Sakura in the role of Satan?!
A: Maybe. What's it to you?
Q: WHY?!
A: Honestly, I feel like the better question is "why not?"
Oshha - Hey auraofcalm, this is turning into a multi-cross now?
aura - Lol no. Fuck no, even. This little burger joint side plot takes elements from Hataraku Maou-sama, and the cashier is a Chiho expy in terms of appearance (not personality), but that's about it. MacRonall Burger as a setting also ties into the larger Index plot, as Touma takes Index there when he's low on cash and Himegami Aisa likes to eat there. So there's a method to my madness.
As always if you have any feedback please send it my way so I can pass it on to aura.
Last edited by MaHaL; June 5th, 2017 at 09:45 PM.
And so we continue. I think we're off the return rush and settling back down in to schedule of some sort, maybe. I dunno to be honest, next thing will be out as it comes from what I know.
Chapter 15“I'll meet you back here in an hour!” Rider called behind her as she gunned her engine and accelerated.
Shirou waved a shaky goodbye as Rider rapidly peeled away on her motorcycle. Even when she was limiting herself to the posted speed, she couldn't seem to resist pulling stunts like drifting into a parallel parking space across a lane or two of oncoming traffic. Intellectually, Shirou knew that Rider's class skill made her better than any professional driver and that she really had nothing to worry about. The trouble was in convincing her stomach to believe that. The fact that Rider realized she had this issue only made it worse, as the Servant seemed to take a perverse delight in terrorizing her passengers.
'I need to buy a bus pass or something.' Shirou resolved, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves as she conferred with her map and began making her way toward the local Judgment branch office. Rider had dropped her off about a couple of blocks away, seeing as not even she was brazen enough to flagrantly defy traffic laws in the immediate vicinity of a law enforcement organization's headquarters. It was a nice day, and Shirou appreciated the walk, relishing the fact that she now possessed the stamina for such things. Soon enough she had reached the doorway to the office building which housed the local Judgment branch. As she entered the door a small chime sounded, and a woman at a desk ahead of her looked up.
“Good morning. May I help you?” the receptionist greeted with a smile. Shirou shifted self-consciously.
“Yes. I'm here to apply for Judgment?” she asked rather than stated. The woman's smile brightened.
“Well, you're in the right place. The Judgment office is on the second floor. Just show yourself in and tell them you need to fill out an application.” she instructed.
“Oh. The whole building isn't Judgment?” Shirou asked in confusion. The woman shook her head.
“There aren't that many members in the local branch. They share office space with several other organizations and local businesses in this building. Judgment is almost exclusively on the second floor.” she explained.
'I see. They must have leased some space in the building for their offices.' Shirou mused as she thanked the helpful woman and set about climbing the stairs to the second floor, only barely winded when she reached her destination. Stepping down the hallway she finally spotted a door with the Judgment logo prominently emblazoned on the front. She opened it and was confronted by a large number of cardboard boxes stacked against the walls down the hallways. She blinked.
'Seems a little...haphazard.' she thought as she approached the currently unmanned reception desk and tapped a small bell, waiting a few moments before quirking an eyebrow and tapping it again somewhat harder. Still nothing. Shirou's eyebrow twitched at what she considered poor service and she activated her circuits, channeling a small amount of prana and strengthening the bell's ability to produce sound before tapping it firmly again.
*DING!*
A clear peal from the bell echoed throughout the entirety of the office space. Shirou began to suspect she may have overdone it when she heard multiple raised voices in response. Finally a grumbling Shirai Kuroko appeared.
“...when I figure out who's supposed to be manning that desk...” she muttered as she rounded the corner before her eyes widened in surprise at the person standing in front of her. “Emiya. I wasn't expecting you quite so soon. Couldn't wait to get started, hm?” she asked slyly.
“Hello again, Shirai-san.” Shirou greeted politely with a slight bow. “I've decided to take you up on your suggestion and apply for Judgment.” she declared. Kuroko grinned.
“That's fantastic! Hold on a second while I find that form...” she trailed off as she began rummaging around in the reception desk. “Ah! Here it is!” she declared, unceremoniously sliding the blank form into Shirou's hands. “Come on, you can fill that out at my desk. There's someone I want to introduce you to.” Kuroko declared. Shirou obligingly fell in behind her.
They passed through a few cluttered hallways before entering a small area containing two computer terminals. In front of one of them was a small, dark-haired girl with a flower in her hair. Shirou wasn't as technologically challenged as Rin could occasionally be, but the rate at which the girl was striking keys and shifting things from one display to another spoke of an ability far beyond her own. Hearing multiple people entering her work space, the girl struck a combination of keys which immediately obscured the contents of her monitors before she swiveled around. The girl took one long at Shirou before her eyes lit up and she gasped.
“Gemstone-san!” she greeted excitedly, her evident enthusiasm bringing a slight smile to Shirou's face in spite of herself. “Did you really get your powers without doing anything special? How do they work? When did you first notice them? Have they gotten any weaker or stronger since then?” she asked in rapid succession. Shirou blinked in surprise and looked plaintively at Kuroko, who rolled her eyes in amusement.
“Emiya Shirou, meet my partner Uiharu Kazari.” she announced dryly. The newly-identified Uiharu's eyes widened and her cheeks colored slightly.
“Ah, I'm sorry Emiya-san. It's nice to meet you. I got excited and forgot to introduce myself.” she apologized. Shirou shook her head with a small smile.
“That's okay Uiharu-san. It's nice to meet you as well. Please take care of me.” she requested. Uiharu brightened again when it became clear she'd caused no offense.
“So, you were really born with your powers?” she asked, her curiosity evident. Shirou shrugged.
“Technically, I guess so? I mean, I wasn't exactly able to do anything as a toddler but I didn't have to take any drugs or anything so I suppose that's fair to say.” she allowed, noticing Shirai's eyes narrowing slightly at her perceived avoidance of the issue. Shirou tried not to seem too nervous. Technically it was true. She'd been born with circuits and her reality marble had formed on its own. No drugs or “Power Curriculum Program” involved.
“So you can make copies of solid objects right? When did you first learn you could do that?” Uiharu asked.
“I was pretty young.” Shirou mused, thinking of when Kiritsugu had finally broken down and begun teaching her. “I first started learning how to use it when I was seven years old. At first I wasn't very good at it. I could only figure out the basic structure of an object and the copies I made were just...bad. They fell apart easily and had no substance. I had to practice a lot. Though even still it's only recently that I really started to figure it out.” she explained.
“How recently?” Kuroko cut in curiously.
“Eh...around a couple of months ago.” Shirou stated sheepishly, fidgeting a little in place. Kuroko and Uiharu stared.
“Two months?” Kuroko echoed in disbelief. “You went from the equivalent of a Level 2 to a Level 4 in two months? How?!” she demanded. Shirou gamely ignored the sweat beading on her forehead. It was probably best not to mention that most of that development had actually taken place over the course of a single week.
“A little over two months actually.” Shirou corrected her. “Besides, my abilities didn't really change. I just learned how to use them more effectively.” she clarified. Her audience calmed down slightly at that assurance.
“Could you demonstrate, Emiya-san?” Uiharu asked. Shirou shrugged and touched a nearby pen, resisting the urge to recite her activation aria aloud. Within a matter of moments the pen was fully analyzed and a traced duplicate appeared next to it in a flash. Uiharo made an impressed sound as she picked up the new pen and clicked it repeatedly, apparently delighted that it was actually functional.
“Do you have to touch something before you can duplicate it?” Kuroko asked, believing she might have spotted a weakness in her prospective recruit's ability. In answer, Shirou held up a hand and traced the pen again. This one would be slightly inferior to the one she'd made immediately after structurally grasping the pen, but the knowledge was still fresh enough that it would be decent. There was probably no way for anyone apart from herself to distinguish the difference.
“I usually have to touch something at least once to analyze it before making a copy. The more information on the object I have in my mind when I trace it the closer the copy will be to the original, but the copy is always inferior in some way, even if it's by so little that it's almost impossible to tell which is which. My memory isn't perfect either, so the longer it's been since I've analyzed the original the harder it is to recall all the details about it and the worse the copy will be.” Shirou explained.
“Usually?” Uiharu asked curiously. Shirou frowned slightly. If she wanted to work with these people then she knew she'd have to explain this, but she didn't know any way that this made sense in the context of what they were familiar with.
“...The exception is blades. With blades, I only have to see them once and I instantly know almost everything about them. Additionally, my memory is perfect when it comes to blades. I never forget any detail of any blade I've ever seen.” she continued, holding out her hand and quickly tracing another copy of the same knife she had used to pin those street toughs in place. “This copy is exactly the same quality as all those others you guys found, because I made it with exactly the same amount of information as I had then. It's as close to perfect as I can possibly make anything.” she declared, before mentally triggering the projection to dissolve back into prana. There was a moment of silence as the remaining motes of light vanished.
“Um...Gemstone-san?” Uiharu asked nervously. “I believe you, but what you just said...doesn't really make much sense at all.” she declared. Shirou sighed.
“I know.” she replied in a defeated tone. She must have looked fairly dejected, because Kuroko clapped her on the shoulder a moment later.
“...Why don't we just get that application filled out, huh?” she asked, clearly trying to move the conversation back to a more productive area.
“Yeah. Let's do that.” Shirou agreed self-consciously.
____________________“So...what do you make of her?” Kuroko asked her partner.
“She seems very nice.” Uiharu observed. “I think she'll fit in well here.”
“I was referring more to her bizarrely arbitrary ability.” Kuroko replied dryly. Uiharu furrowed her brow uncomfortably, clearly not wanting to insinuate that someone she liked must not fully understand their own ability.
“Maybe it's psychosomatic?” Uiharu finally volunteered. “She can actually record anything perfectly, but botches things that aren't blades because she's convinced she can't do as well with them?”
“As good an explanation as any, I guess. Maybe we can help her overcome that handicap while she's with us.” Kuroko mused, before shaking her head. “Anyway, go ahead and process her application, and remember to keep a close eye on the Bank. If anyone tries anything, I want to know who they are this time.”
“Right.” Uiharu agreed, unlocking her terminal and entering the data on the form she'd been provided. She finished out the fields in record time. “Okay, and...commit!” she declared, waiting a few moments before pulling the database records again to make sure the process had completed properly. “What?!” she exclaimed.
“What?! What happened?! Did someone already try something?!” Kuroko asked eagerly.
“No! Someone left a trigger in the database! The moment I inserted her data, the application was flagged as being fast-tracked with director level approval!” Uiharu exclaimed.
“Did you manage to track them?!” Kuroko demanded, before being taken aback as Uiharu glared at her.
“There was never anything to track, Kuroko.” Uiharu explained irritably. “A database trigger is an automatic procedure which executes in response to some predetermined condition. In this case, the moment 'Emiya Illyasviel' appeared in the system with the other applicants. I don't know who put it there, nor do I know when it was put there. Somebody either knows her or knows you well enough to plan for this in advance. Plus, it has director-level permissions associated with it.” she stressed.
“Do you realize what this means, Kazari?” Kuroko asked silently with her bangs shadowing her eyes.
“That it's time to realize when you're in over your head and give this up as a bad job?” Uiharu asked hopefully.
“THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST COLLAR OF OUR LIVES!” Kuroko declared, absolutely ecstatic at the prospect.
“Yay us.” Uiharu cheered halfheartedly, nowhere near as certain as her friend that they would ever catch this person. Besides, was it even really hacking if you likely owned all of the systems in question?
____________________Meanwhile, in the Windowless Building...
“That'll be the day.” Crowley stated in amusement at the Judgment officer's antics through one of their office security cameras. In complete honesty though, part of him was legitimately annoyed that they seemed so impressed by what had to be the easiest and most straightforward ploy he'd ever personally executed. He couldn't fathom the existence of a universe in which Emiya Shirou did not apply to join Judgment.
'They could at least save their appreciation for one of the good ones.' he thought mutinously.
“Haaah, well all the same, Crowley: 1; Meddling Kids: 0.”
“Have you even been listening to me?” Tsuchimikado asked in exasperation.
“Hm? Oh, I'm sorry. I was distracted by something more interesting. What were you saying?” Crowley asked, enjoying the vein that began protruding from his involuntary lackey's forehead.
“I said that there are signs a yakuza family might be trying to establish a presence in the city.”
“Was that the, what was it, Tojo clan again?” Crowley asked, as though he didn't actually recall.
“Er...no. This time it's the...Fujimura, I think.” Tsuchimikado replied, double checking his notes.
“Oh. Those yakuza. Has Anti-Skill identified them as persons of interest yet?” he asked.
“Not yet, no. I was going to get your approval to forward them the intelligence through the usual channels.” his lackey replied.
“Hmm...no. Not this time.” Aleister declared.
“...What? Why would you want organized crime in your city?!” Tsuchimikado demanded. Aleister lifted an eyebrow.
“You say that as though we don't already have it.” he noted.
“Unauthorized organized crime!”
“Except, since I'm obviously alright with it, isn't it technically authorized organized crime?”
“GAAAAAH!”
_____________________
Anyone else reading this excited to for the possibility of more Taiga?
Didn't expect this to come back after a month of no activity did you? I didn't either to be honest but it is what it is. On with the show.
Chapter 16
“We're home!” Shirou announced as she and Rider entered the doorway together.
“Welcome home, Shirou-sama.” Sella called back in response. Shirou's brows furrowed as she took off her shoes. Normally it would've been Sakura who answered if she were in.
“Sakura isn't back yet?” she inquired as she entered the kitchen where Sella was bustling around and preparing lunch, her purple shadow trailing behind her. Sella shook her head in the negative.
“I'm afraid not, though she called a while ago. It seems that 'MacRonall Burger' was so delighted she applied that they asked if she could begin training immediately. She decided there was no reason not to oblige.” Sella said.
“Hm. Well I hope she's enjoying herself...” Shirou offered halfheartedly.
____________________
“So, here's all the supplies we use when cleaning the restrooms and here's a checklist we have to follow when doing so.” Sakura's new coworker, Chie, explained to her.
“I see.” she replied simply. She hadn't anticipated being tasked with such a thing on her first day, but she supposed it needed to be done somehow. As the restroom door opened, Sakura froze. “Oh. Oh my.” she managed in muted horror.
“Um...we may have gotten a little behind schedule.” Chie admitted in embarrassment. “If you need help, just ask me and I'll try to work things out with the others so that I can come lend a hand.
“N-no, that's alright. I can manage. I have experience in dealing with these kinds of things.” Sakura responded reassuringly.
“Well...if you're sure.” her senior replied. “Fight hard, new girl.” Chie encouraged quietly as she left. Hopefully management hadn't run off the new recruit already.
“You...will not defeat me.” Sakura announced defiantly to her filthy surroundings, resolutely pulling on the rubber gloves and mask she'd been provided. “I will endure, and emerge from this stronger than ever before.”
____________________
“Yes, let us hope so.” Rider replied, her voice thick with amusement. Shirou sighed, before glancing at a pile of notebooks and textbooks on the kitchen table.
“What's all this?” she inquired curiously as she examined the textbooks. 'Intermediate Biology, Newtonian Physics, The Mathematics of the Mind.' she thought to herself as she read the spines.
“Ah. I took the liberty of retrieving your school supplies, Shirou-sama. I also retrieved Matou-san's while I was out so she wouldn't have to when she finished working.” Sella explained.
“...Are these my books or hers?” Shirou asked in trepidation as she looked at some of the earlier formulas recorded in the math book. They had symbols she didn't recall seeing before. She wasn't certain, but she thought that might be a bad sign.
“I think you both have copies. It seems these books are referred back to from time to time and every student is expected to have them. You should probably take the time to prepare your supplies as you like them before your classes begin on Monday.” Sella suggested, causing a pit to form in Shirou's stomach.
'That's right. In two days, we start school again.' Shirou thought glumly. It wasn't that she disliked the idea of education. It was more the fact of where she'd be going. Sifting through the supplies she saw a pair of backpacks, one of which was larger and purple and another which was smaller and obviously intended for her. She turned it over and her cheeks colored in embarrassment as Himura Kenshin's solemn face stared back at her.
“Um...Sella?” Shirou asked uncomfortably.
“Yes, Shirou-sama?” Sella replied.
“Is there any particular reason you decided to get a backpack for me with a fictional character on it?” Shirou asked. Sella paused in chopping vegetables and looked up at her with a confused expression.
“I thought you liked that character.” Sella said.
“Well yes, but that's not really the issue...” Shirou hedged. Sella's expression became uncertain.
“You don't like it?” she asked, sounding slightly hurt. Shirou's eyes widened.
“No, I like it! It just seems like...” Shirou trailed off, searching for the right words.
“Like something a middle school student would wear?” Rider asked innocently, her eyes lifting from her latest novel to meet Shirou's glare.
'That's not helpful.' Shirou tried to communicate telepathically. Rider's innocent smile widened into something more malicious.
'It isn't meant to be.' Shirou translated from her body language.
“Well, I just thought it would be a nice surprise, but if it bothers you so much then I'll take it back.” Sella offered in apparent disappointment. Guilt gnawed at Shirou for a few moments before she sighed.
“No, that's alright. Thank you Sella, it was nice of you to consider my preferences when you picked it up.” Shirou finally said in defeat, gathering up the supplies which were hers. “I guess I should start reading some of this stuff since we're already going to be pretty far behind.” she declared, then proceeded to select the simplest looking textbook and opening it.
While her attention was focused on the book, Rider met Sella's eyes and winked. The maid smiled slightly and returned the gesture.
____________________
Later that evening...
Sasaki Chie had to admit, the new girl was something else. She'd taken everything that had been thrown at her with grace and aplomb, and she had not picked a particularly good day to be her first on the job. The manager had been shocked at the pristine state of the bathrooms after she'd finished. Chie doubted they'd looked so good for a long, long time. Most employees did the bare minimum effort required when it came to that particular task, but it seemed that Matou Sakura was unwilling to settle for “good enough” in this case. She hadn't taken that much longer than usual to finish either, which made Chie's eyebrows rise slightly. It wasn't until she began cleaning the other restroom, and a customer came out complaining about a bunch of tiny shadow creatures wielding sponges, that things began to make sense.
New girl was an esper. Well, that wasn't particularly surprising to be honest. She was one herself. Almost everyone below a certain age in the city was. What was surprising was the uncommon level of power and utility that Matou Sakura's ability apparently possessed. After she'd demonstrated by forming some ribbon-like shadowy tendrils and using them to manipulate nearby objects Chie had been sure. Matou Sakura was Level 3 at minimum. If she had an ability that strong, she most likely wouldn't be working at a burger chain, that much was for sure! She'd sign up for one of those higher paying scientific studies and barely need to do anything apart from the odd test here and there.
Well, whatever. New girl's work ethic was pretty serious and the general consensus among the staff was that they'd lucked out with this one. They certainly weren't going to try and chase her off to greener pastures if she didn't want to go. The benefits of a coworker with her own small built-in workforce could not be denied. So long as she was around the facilities would likely never achieve such a state again. Chie bowed her head and clasped her hands in thanks for this gift.
'Farewell to the dark times. May they never come again.' she prayed.
“Alright, open the register and give us everything you've got!” a masculine voice caught her attention as she opened her eyes and saw a couple of apparent delinquents with baseball bats in front of her. She froze. Was this actually happening? She'd never been robbed before. She knew that company policy was to just give them whatever they wanted and let them go, but she was so out of her element that she just couldn't respond.
“Hey! Can you hear me?! I said, open the register!” the taller one shouted. She flinched and her mouth opened and closed soundlessly. “Tch!” the delinquent said and wound up for a swing with his bat. She cried out in fright, then her eyes widened as a flurry of black tendrils edged in glowing red whipped around the two delinquents so quickly that they blurred. The restaurant's occupants stared in shock as the two aluminum bats fell to the floor in multiple pieces, leaving the two holding the handles in terror.
“May I help you, Customer-sama?” a sweet voice inquired. Chie's head whipped around to see Matou Sakura surrounded by a writhing mass of black tendrils with a slight smile on her face. The two delinquents, predictably, panicked. The one closest to her produced what seemed to be a small ball of fire in his hand, but one of the tendrils pierced the space it occupied and snuffed it out. A large quantity of the others began wrapping themselves around the pyrokinetic, who seemed to pass out from fright. His accomplice turned tail and fled out the door, prompting Sakura to follow after him at a sedate pace.
Chie stood for a moment, still stunned by what had just transpired, then said the first thing that came to mind.
“Oh wow, at this rate she's a shoe-in for employee of the month.”
____________________
Kamijou Touma was low on money. Again. No matter how well he planned things out, no matter how much he tried to manage his money, something invariably went wrong and threw all of his careful planning out the window. This time his computer's hard drive had crashed unexpectedly, costing him a large amount of work and necessitating repairs. He'd be lucky to avoid remedial classes again this year at this rate. He sighed. Lucky. Him. As if.
As he rounded the corner to his favored burger restaurant, a terrified boy near his age tore out of the door and ran in his direction. Touma braced himself for whatever inevitable catastrophe was about to unfold.
“Run man! She's the devil!” the frightened boy exclaimed as a purple-haired girl enshrouded in darkness emerged behind him. The girl looked at him, and lifted an eyebrow.
'Oh boy, here it comes.' he thought morosely.
“I see. So there was a lookout as well.” she concluded aloud.
'Yep. There it is.' he thought balefully. “Hey look, I'm not—” he began as the tendrils shot forward.
'Fast!' he observed as he desperately threw his right hand up. The nearest tendril contacted his hand.
*crack*
The girl's eyes widened dramatically as her shadows tendrils vanished completely before reforming around her, then her eyes narrowed and she took on a determined expression. The boy from before was now hiding behind him as though he were some sort of holy ward.
“Hey now, I don't know what this is all—” Touma tried again, before once again being cut off by the tendrils. Like before he tried to hold out his right hand, but this time they went low and wrapped around his feet before pulling him off balance.
“Oof!” he grunted as he struck the ground. He really should try to say something else, but he already knew the girl wouldn't believe him until he was able to have someone vouch for him, so he just sighed and let her have her win.
“No! No! Noooooooooo!” the, in Touma's opinion, entirely too dramatic boy who had been hiding behind him screamed as he too was caught by the tendrils. Touma forced himself to relax as Tentacle Girl began reeling him in.
“Such misfortune.” he declared as he was dragged over a rough spot that bumped his head.
__________
So our introduction to Touma is complete, and onward the plot goes.
...ouch. Poor Touma.
Xamusel's Fanfiction Profile
For those that don't necessarily care if my fics aren't all Type-Moon related.
Hmm... this is a bit of a surprise these days.
An archive of my works on the forum that's pretty accurate.
Note that I don't wish to be seen as an idiot any longer. I can't always promise better works than before, but I can sure as hell try, alright?
Hey, his character concept is "can never catch a break". To the likes of him, this is basically Tuesday.
Eh, true, but I wonder if he can in this story.
Xamusel's Fanfiction Profile
For those that don't necessarily care if my fics aren't all Type-Moon related.
Hmm... this is a bit of a surprise these days.
An archive of my works on the forum that's pretty accurate.
Note that I don't wish to be seen as an idiot any longer. I can't always promise better works than before, but I can sure as hell try, alright?
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