Cross Effects 3.0 - April 13, 2015—June 23, 2016

[SINIB]

Noeru

Noel floated over towards Henry, a look of relief on her face. She sighed as she lifted him off the ground, taking great care to lift him gingerly as she hoisted him upon her back. She remained vigilant, but she allowed herself a moment of relief.

She hadn’t screwed up. She’d made the right choice. It was a good feeling. She looked at Lancelot with sorrow, she pitied him, wished she could do something to help him. She shook her head. Now wasn’t the time for this. Now was the time for them to escape. Saber began to yell at her to retreat.

Noel nodded in assent as she began to fly back the way they’d come. She wanted to get out soon. She had some questions she wanted to ask him, and she was sure he’d do likewise.

[Elf]

Rin

Rin blinked as she felt the large snap of prana building and approaching.  The chitinous sound of insects swarming filled her ears as she felt her chest tighten.  Then she saw them, Sakura's familiars, the bugs swarming into her room.

Sakura's hand was glowing, a spell of some sort at the ready, as she entered the room.  She looked around and asked in a frantic voice, “What’s happening, what’s going on?”

Rin wanted to just burrow herself under the covers.  She wanted to be in London again, on her way to have tea with Roderick.  She was going to move on; she needed to move on from the two versions of the boy she'd never have. She wanted her research back, all of her work she'd spent years on and gave up so much to have. 

She realized that tears had fell down her face and with a scowl she wiped them away.  She glared at Rider before sighing and looking at Sakura.  "Rider and Armor-san had a disagreement about how to treat me, that's all.  I've asked them both to leave me alone and they haven't."

She eyed them and said, "Look, I'm not going anywhere tonight, but I'm really not in the mood to put up with either of you right now." 

And if I mention about all the work I've lost, it would probably upset Sakura and the world would end or whatever.  I know she's suffered, and that she deserves to be happy, but my life hasn't been sunshine and puppies either.  At least she has Shirou and Rider.  I literally have nothing now.

[SINIB]

Sakura

Sakura looked around confusedly for several seconds before sighing in relief, calling the bugs back into the walls and the earth.

“Okay.” She said calmly. “Rider, Vanguard. Leave.” She commanded them in an authoritative voice. “You’re not wanted in here. You two need to go.” Her gaze was firm and unwavering. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.

[Cherry Lover]

Rider

As soon as Rider had spoken, Rin responded, snapping at her.

"And I've lost everything I've spent the last five years working on.  All of my research.  All of my work.  Everything.  Everything I've worked for, everything I've sacrificed means nothing now.  I won't get it back; I don't have the means to get it back.  So. Please. Leave. Me. Alone", she said, glaring at them.

Rider looked at Rin sadly, hating to see her master's beloved sister upset, but unsure what to do about it. It wasn't like she could return Rin to her own world, after all, and whilst she could understand Rin's desire to go out and explore, she also know that it would hurt Sakura deeply if she left now.

Before Rider could come to any sort of decision, however, she felt herself being roughly pushed to the wall. Reflexively, she moved to fight back, only to hear Vanguard scream at her.

"IDIOT!" he shouted.

"You keep talking about Sakura, Sakura, Sakura, Sakura. Must everything always be about Sakura with you!? Have you even stopped for a second and considered what Rin wants? She wants out. She is Sakura's sister, not her pet and It is neither your, mine or Sakura's place to interfere with her wish. To force Rin to cry for her sister's sake is no better than forcing Sakura to cry for Rin's. It is not...it is not right. Sakura should have faith in her sister. She should not cage her against her will. I will not allow it", he continued.

Rider frowned. She had no desire to "cage" Rin, it was her right to live her life how she wanted. She just wanted to persuade her not to do something monumentally stupid and hurt her little sister's feelings into the bargain. Of course, what Sakura's own intentions were was not so clear, she knew that her master was not fully sane.

"I've made up my mind. If Rin leaves, I leave too. One night. Just one night. I promise on everything I hold dear, I will not let her be harmed by anyone. If all she needs is one night, I wish to at the very least grant it to her. If I can't do that much, of what worth am I to protect anything? So please, please don't force me to leave her cry. I beg you", he finished.

Rider sighed. She would much rather Rin remain in the house, but she wasn't going to fight her to prevent it. That would only make Rin upset at her and Sakura, and Rider knew that it was important for Sakura's well-being that this version of her sister treated her kindly and lovingly, and anything that made her feel trapped would only act to weaken their bond. However, before Rider could respond, Sakura burst into the room, her hand glowing white, insects oozing from the wall.

“What’s happening, what’s going on?” she said, frantically.

Rider was uncertain how to reply, she didn't fully understand how Rin felt and didn't feel like trying to explain it. Instead, though, Rin wiped her eyes before glaring at her, and then answering her sister's question.

"Rider and Armor-san had a disagreement about how to treat me, that's all.  I've asked them both to leave me alone and they haven't", she said, before eying Sakura's two protectors.

"Look, I'm not going anywhere tonight, but I'm really not in the mood to put up with either of you right now", she finished. 

Rider was about to speak up, and offer to leave, but Sakura pre-empted her.

“Okay. Rider, Vanguard. Leave”, she commanded. “You’re not wanted in here. You two need to go.”

Rider simply nodded.

"I understand, Sakura", she said, before turning and leaving the room through the door.

[Kotomine_Rin]

Tohuw Balagan

Tohuw's face filled with despair. This was too cruel, he had to repeat it all over. He didn't deserve this, this was just too much. Taking a deep breath, the demon spoke much more slowly, making extra sure Irisviel would understand.

"Walk! Crying girl! Sad Toe! Toe help! Girl become friend! Toe happy! Friend become injured! Toe sad! Toe  asap here to fix friend! Toe meet bro of lizard terrorist! Bro almost fix his friend! Toe glad! Bro fireball at castle! Castle almost go boom! Toe save castle! Toe shows collection of toys to brother! Bro murders bff! Toe sad and angry! Argument! Toe gives up! Too much effort! Irisviel! Done!"

Then, he bowed and gasped for air.

"Please... you understand. Right? Please." He begged, unwilling to keep going any longer and bowing deeply. He was almost on the verge of tears.


Vanguard

Vanguard stared at both, lowering his head in shame all the while. Rin glared at him angrily, mercilessly. He didn't... he didn't mean it. He just wanted her to be happy. He just...

"Forgive me. I'll take my leave." He said, kneeling before turning his back. Something sounded different about him, he almost seemed--

Sad?

No. He most certainly wasn't sad. Such a thing was impossible, it was folly to even consider it. He had forgotten how to feel such an emotion. So why, why did he feel something ache inside him so much? Something he did not even have. Why?

He had nothing. Nothing to gain. Nothing to lose. No one. Wether he succeeded or failed his task, his fate was already cast in stone. He would simply fade away and become nothing, be forgotten. No one would sing songs in his name, no one would weep in his memory. He would not be mourned. No one would understand him, no one would accept him.

Because he had failed everyone. And even now, even when he had a chance to do something, he could not win. He could not even help one girl. Of what right would he give himself to save the world after this?

It was funny, was Rin's fate truly so terrible? Unlike him, she had something. She could take it all back. But he was different. Everything he once had, everything he once loved. Everything was gone. And he would never get it back. And the funny thing was, it was all his fault.

Without knowing, Sakura spoke a most fundamental truth.

He was unwanted. Useless. Incapable.

It was foolish to even consider it. He shouldn't have, he shouldn't have grown so attached to it all. He thought perhaps, just maybe, he could get it back. Or at least, he could try. But in the end, all he'd receive was scorn. The gods were probably laughing from above at his foolishness.

But at least one night, he wanted to feel like he once did. It seemed that was too much to ask, far too much for one as depraved as him. It was all meaningless, there was nothing to discuss.

The only thing that mattered was the tower. Had he been any wiser, he would have acknowledged and kept himself from troubling Rin. It was all because of his selfishness that she was crying.

He would not do the same mistake again.

So he walked solemnly, sadly, down the tunnel he created in a moment of panic. For now, he just wanted to be alone and read some books. He just wanted to forget everything. But he doubted he could even ask that much.

So he walked to the basement and sat in a corner, picked up a book and read in silence.

[Panda]

Emily

Emily turned over onto her side to look at Mordred, only to find herself staring. Her rational mind could tell that Mordred had reinforced her Mask, as all she could see was what looked like a regular girl in red pajamas. However, the freshly showered look, the slightly damp hair, the way the pajamas fell around her frame...it was cute beyond all comprehension. The only thing that kept Emily from leaping off the bed to jump Mordred at that very instant was the knowledge that Mordred would soon be coming to her.

"Okay, sure," Emily said, turning onto her back once more, "Say, are you sure you don't want a drink?"

With that, Emily took up a cup and held it out to Mordred, "Just one is all. Can't hurt, really. If anything, you probably need the nightcap more than I do."

Emily allowed a giggle at that, noting that she'd had considerably more than a simple nightcap.

[SINIB]

Sakura

After the two skulked away out of the room, Sakura walked over to her sister and dried her tears. She looked up at her with her large purple eyes and embraced her.

“It hurts, doesn’t it? It’s scary and you feel all alone, right? Like everything you ever knew was taken away from you?” Sakura asked solemly. “But don’t worry. You’re not entirely alone. I know-I know you’re not exactly the same as my-as my sister, but I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always be on your side.” Sakura began to cry herself as she smiled bitterly.  “I know you can get us out of here, that you can find yourself a way home. Because my big sister is really really smart, and always figures something out, even if it seems impossible and futile. You're my sister. So please don't give up, Nee san." Sakura finished with some desperation in her voice.

[Umbra of Chaos]

Sewage Worker

As the group finally began to calm down the sewage worker on the ground stood back up and growled. The sound was easily audible through the tunnels and his voice was clear as he began to speak. "Oh no. You fucks aren't going anywhere until I find out what's going on. Mata!"

Even from the man made tunnel that had just been carved into the wall by the black knight the sound could be heard and from behind her mask a frown spread itself across her face. She saw the girl and the less annoying cop coming up and simply stood to block their path. This was really turning out to be a shitty day.

[YOLF]

Tar

This was the last damned thing they currently needed. Couldn't these stubborn, praiseless jumpsuits wait until everyone was out of obvious danger before acting obtuse over their sewer mess being unattended until now or whatever related thing came to mind? Mr. Tar's infernal synapse protested out of habit at this grossly mistaken focus.

Over Noel's bulky, armored shoulder, Henry groaned, weakly supporting his disabled arm. "If you want to fucking complain, do it outside..." He spat out.

[Cherry Lover]

Sakura

Sakura's heart sank as Irisviel simply ignored her heart-felt apology and continued to run off. Afraid that she'd seriously hurt the kind woman's feelings, Sakura ran after her, following her through the door only to see Togan standing next to her, babbling on about something that Sakura quickly zoned-out from.

"Any questions?" he asked, panting.

"All right, so Toe, what is the meaning of this?" responded Irisviel, who had clearly also zoned-out in response to Toe's insanely-long monologue.

"Walk! Crying girl! Sad Toe! Toe help! Girl become friend! Toe happy! Friend become injured! Toe sad! Toe  asap here to fix friend! Toe meet bro of lizard terrorist! Bro almost fix his friend! Toe glad! Bro fireball at castle! Castle almost go boom! Toe save castle! Toe shows collection of toys to brother! Bro murders bff! Toe sad and angry! Argument! Toe gives up! Too much effort! Irisviel! Done!" Toe responded, somewhat cryptically.

Sakura frowned, somewhat unconvinced by his explanation. Toe had outright told her that he did not help people for free, and nor was she convinced that he was particularly trustworthy. Still, she felt it wasn't worth saying anything, she knew Toe was dangerous and could not be trusted. If she had any issues, she would raise them with Irisviel later.

[Umbra of Chaos]

Sewage Worker

"Shut up. As long as I'm here nothing is going to be coming around to bother us. I'm getting my answers now. You idiots just tunneled through the sewers and created a great big opening into one of the most dangerous places in this cesspit. No one is going anywhere until I know why you're here in the sewers and why you're in this area in particular."

The worker moved from the spot that had been dug into the walls and stood in the middle of the larger tunnel that everyone but Mata was currently in.


Urthemiel

The Old God was currently suppressing the desire to blow up the creature's mana for a second time. He was so incredibly annoying. Despite the benefits of it he suppressed the urge and turned to face the two woman he had met before. "While I'm sure you two would like another perspective on what happened the girl is only stabilized. It's beyond me to fix such a wound on short notice. May we come in and hopefully heal her before she starts bleeding again?"

[SINIB]

Irisviel

Irisviel took some time and scrutinized the newcomer as he spoke to her, nodding occasionally. He was clearly of nobility like herself, his garb, manner of speech, and demeanor were unmistakeable to her. He was being extremely polite, and she could only imagine how asinine Towuh had been acting up until now, going from his antics and the explosions. Nor did she want someone to die because of her actions. So she'd trust this man for now.

So, Irisviel walked down the stairs and greeted the man very formally, as one noble to another. Even if she did act like a goofball normally, she still knew how to act properly as a noblewoman.

"Of course you may come in, follow me." She said kindly. "I'm sure you can paint me a more accurate picture than my familiar over there. I'm truly sorry for his behavior, it's inexcusable. Now, come in."

[Kotomine_Rin]

Tohuw Balagan

Tohuw's eyes narrowed at Irisviel's words. Suddenly, almost abruptly, he dropped the ditzy dumbass attitude and stared at her. He was serious. Deadly serious. His smile, his bubbly look and his friendly stance were all gone, and in their place was a face filled with scorn. His eyes turned into a deep indigo, mesmerizing in hue.

The contract, while incomplete, was already rooted deep inside Irisviel's soul. Because of that, he could speak to her without uttering a word. If she willed it to be so, she could do the same as long as they were nearby.

Asinine? Irisviel... why thank you. Remind me to allow a complete stranger to lay waste on your home the next time.

Calmly, almost frighteningly so, he laid a hand on his shoulder. His words and demeanour were just as serious as his look, if not even more so.

"Before you enter, promise that you will not harm, attempt or intend to harm or order to harm directly or indirectly my master or her friend. If you do so, I will dismiss that earlier display. I too, will do the same for you, her brother. I believe my master has no objection to this mutual agreement. Is it fine by you, nameless gentleman?"

[Umbra of Chaos]

Urthemiel

There was a bright smile on the Old God's face and a small chuckle escaped his lips. "You are too much. I would say that you are either a fool or incredibly crafty, but your age makes me believe that it is much more believable that you are both. Although I am insulted that you would think that I would deface anything beautiful I can see your point, however I cannot agree to those terms. Such a promise is much too one sided and leave me in a severely unfavorable position if we ever found ourselves in a position opposing each other. As long as they remain peaceful towards me I will take no harmful action towards them. That is all I can promise."

Urthemiel then gave the albino woman a neat if not more restrained smile before executing a perfect bow. "I am honored to be allowed in your home but I'm afraid you will have to lead the way, madame. I would look quite foolish attempting to find my way around your estate."

[Elf]

Saber

Saber was lugging Lancelot's unconscious form, and because of their height difference, he was still drug on the ground even in a fireman's carry.  Henry was being carried by new form that Noel had taken during the fight, and there was a sewer worker refusing to let them leave.  Green eyes narrowed as Saber debated about how to handle the situation.  Her first instinct was to let Excalibur speak for her, but that was not always the wisest course of action.

So, Lancelot still draped over her, she stepped forward and said, "We are with the police department.  If I was not carrying my knight I would gladly show you my badge.  Henry has one as well.  We were searching for a monster responsible for many grisly deaths.  Our findings found that the creature dwells in the sewers, and this point corresponds with several of the cases so far.  Since we were violently attacked, I believe our hypothesis was correct."

Her green eyes narrowed and she said, "I apologize for the damage we caused, but if such creatures are dwelling in these tunnels and you are aware of it . . . You need to report them to authorities that are more equipped to handle them than your association is."


Rin

Rin blinked as Sakura moved towards her after Armor-san and Rider left the room. Sakura looked up at her with large violet eyes and wiped Rin's tears away. 

“It hurts, doesn’t it? It’s scary and you feel all alone, right? Like everything you ever knew was taken away from you?” Sakura asked solemly. “But don’t worry. You’re not entirely alone. I know-I know you’re not exactly the same as my-as my sister, but I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always be on your side.” Sakura began to cry herself as she smiled bitterly.  “I know you can get us out of here, that you can find yourself a way home. Because my big sister is really really smart, and always figures something out, even if it seems impossible and futile. You're my sister. So please don't give up, Nee san." Sakura finished with some desperation in her voice.

Rin sighed and said, "I'm used to being alone.  I'm alone in London . . . "I'm alone with family.  "That I can handle, but . . . I lost all of my work.  All of it.  Everything I've been working on for the past five years is gone and will be cannibalized by someone else who finds it.  Everything I've sacrificed means nothing now.  I don't have a photographic memory and I don't have the resources I have in London either."

She waved her hand dismissively with a sigh.  Her Sakura just used enough magecraft to help burn off her prana stores and help look after Rin's lands while Rin was away.  Sakura wasn't a magus; any of her studies were things to help her family and loved ones.

"And I also screw up at the worse possible moment," she muttered to herself.