Chapter Text
When making their way back to the Midoriya Household, Artoria fixes her hold onto the unconscious male on her back as she grips onto his bag tightly feeling the endless stares from everyone that surrounds, them. Despite trying their best to take the routes that still had a less amount of people, they seemed to gather more and more as she makes her way down the road. As she walks down, she can hear the gossip coming from everyone around them… God this world is more hateful than anything she can remember… she had to remind herself that there were also good people in this world, that she just has to have more patience so that way, Izuku can have more friends that are…
Artoria paused the moment she reached the doorstep of his house… and uses her lock picking Magecraft, compared to the ones of the Fairy Kingdoms Human Farms; these were as simple as flicking a finger. As she walks through, her train of thoughts were cut short when she heard Izuku unconsciously groan.
Human… huh? Artoria grimaced to the floor as Emerald slowly approached them… Would Izuku have any need of her or to be with her… if he were to make friends that are human… would he ever have the need to be by her side, to move on while she remains unchanging, while he is a being who will always change… to remain in the past… endlessly trying to bring him back to her…
Artoria shakes her head, Izuku isn’t the type of person that would leave anyone of his allies, after entering the house, Artoria leaves Izuku in the bathroom and hopes that Emerald should be capable of washing Izuku, and that the Mystic Code does not drown their Master…
Honestly the thought of her vanishing while killing the Mystic Code over accidentally killing Izuku isn’t a bad thought…
Artoria chuckles at the scene but shakes it off while putting away all of Izuku’s belongings in their room. But that peacefulness was cut short-
[OHLALALA~ Castoria! You should see the size of his-] Emerald called out from the bathroom causing the blonde to blush madly.
“Emerald!” the Chihuahua yells, cutting the Mystic Code from continuing the sentence.
She angrily grumbles to herself as she begins to search around the kitchen and already finds that Mrs. Midoriya has left behind two already made meals in the fridge for their dinner, but read that all they need to is chop up some vegetables and… boil it on the stove? And then... put it in the… microwave…? Screw it, she’ll wait for Emerald to show her how to use that damn heating contraption without killing or burning the apartment.
Thankfully, due to her time with Ritsuka, she at least knows how to boil vegetables, but that was with an open fire, she knew what a stove was but nothing in here resembled that of a stove. She found the carrots in the fridge and then the knife and chopping board in the cupboard and then proceeded to chop the carrots, she begins to blush slightly as she remembers yesterday… silent tears begin to fall down onto the chopping board…
She promised him… she promised him that he will no longer feel abandonment, loneliness, and rejection… and what happened!? The promise that she made to Izuku and to herself is now broken… been if he doesn’t remember, she will… she can try to seal her memories of the incident… but she will do everything in her power to ensure Izuku’s protection.
Even if it means getting her hands dirty.
[Damn Castoria, you will definitely not be disappointed when he’s grown up, by my calculations… he should be around-]
“Ok! That’s enough!” Artoria slams the knife onto the counter and stomps over to the bathroom without caring or remembering who else was in there. ‘I was in the middle of my inner monologuing and he had to ruin it!’
Artoria stomps over to the bathroom annoyed that the Mystic Code has to interrupt her when she was in the middle of her oh so ‘important’ monologue, that all anime characters do… when she saw multiple episodes that had the main characters monologuing, she too wanted to try that as well to see…
She pursed her lips remembering that the ones she had seen involved an annoying character in the series interrupting them… joy… the cycle is complete.
But when she stomped into the bathroom, Emerald was halfway from pulling Izuku out of the bath… despite the Mystic Code lacking a face, she can already tell that the Mystic Code was wearing a shit eating grin, when she stepped into the room.
Artoria couldn’t help but to gawk at his nude form… firstly… he needs to eat more… and then she couldn’t help but to look downwards… then blood began to gush from her nose and onto the steamed floor. With Artoria’s green eyes and her face being blushed along with the colour of blood, Emerald snickered that she resembled a Christmas Tree, like how her Master does when he is embarrassed.
[Awww~ it looks like Castoria can never get married now.] the Defective meddlesome Mystic Code jeered at the Caster while still holding Izuku by the hair. [Oh no… that means… you’re stuck with me forever! Castoria and Emerald together forever!]
“EMERALD!” the Chihuahua snaps as she conjures her staff to whack the Kaleido-stick.
But as she swung her staff at the Mystic Code, he accidentally ended up dropping Izuku back into the bathtub, causing the unconscious Izuku to be submerged (read: borderline drowned) into he depths of the bathtub.
“You… STUPID USELESS THING!” Artoria yelled as she pulls Izuku out of the bathtub and began to give the male chest compressions… after a few attempts, he coughs out the bathwater and began to look at his body in case if there were any abnormalities, and once again… a slight trail of blood dribbles down her nose.
[Wha-How in the actual fuck is any of this my fault!? You started this… wait… YOU hit me knowing that I was holding onto him!] Emerald barked back as he noticed that blood was once again dripping down from her nose. [Oh my God! You’re such a pervert Castoria! At a time like this!]
“Nu-uh! You endlessly teased me by saying ‘oh look at this Castoria~’” Artoria explained by mocking Emeralds vice. “And then you endlessly jeered me into-“
The pair stops arguing when they hear Izuku unconsciously groaned as he spits out even more water that was accidentally breathed in… they were relieved that he was still asleep, at least for now, his body can rest from the traumatic thing that no one should never have experienced.
“Do not let me finish!” Artoria yells as she begins scolding the Mystic Code.
The Mystic Code knew that the only reason why she conjured her staff to be used as a physical weapon rather than being used in conjunction for her Magecraft spells that would destroy the house. If Ms. Midoriya prematurely found out about Emeralds existence or that Artoria broke or destroyed anything in the house, then it would potentially result in the eviction in the pair. Sure Artoria could reside in the Deck of Heroes like the rest of the Heroic Spirits, but it is their home… He wondered when that old bastard was going to show up and guide them… the boy needs a proper Magecraft teacher, Artoria was a fine substitute, but her formulas is too frivolous…
“Hey! Do not ignore me when I’m scolding you!” The Chihuahua yells causing the Mystic Code to sigh as he half-listens to the chihuahua’s ramblings. “You know what!? I’m too mad at you to form any words, I’m just going to form sounds instead to show how mad I am!” Artoria began to make inhuman grumbling sounds that caused the Mystic Code to stare at her in absolute horror.
When his mind awakens but finds that he was no longer where he once was… he was no longer in the basement of the Magus’ Workshop, he wasn’t with Artoria nor trapped within the depths of the pit, being saved from Artoria wasn’t something that his mind concocted to cope while being violated by those worms… a part of him almost believed in that. To have the self-delusion of being freed but to be endlessly tortured at the same time. It was almost as if his mind was using his own life as the basis for that, to finally be freed of the endless ridicule of those around him when he summoned Artoria…
But that was reality… just like when he was violated by those worms and just like when Artoria came back and saved him…
Izuku fell onto his knees when he remembers what happened… to be violated by something as evil and corrupted as those worms… His wails echoed throughout the endless void, as he screams endlessly without care… he kept screaming without care, not caring if there was anyone around him. As if he was trying to get the corruption that those worms infested him out of his body… but he knew it wouldn’t work… it was too late to remove something when it has become integrated with him…
But despite everything… despite losing his sanity, his innocence and something that he wished to keep and give to someone he loves… he was grateful that Artoria was able to be freed from this heinous act. But he didn’t want to be at the receiving end of her pity, to be always worried about what he would do in response of what happened…
He knew Artoria would blame herself; he knew she would do everything in her power to make up for what occurred to him, blaming herself for not being able to break open the Bounded Field. But… in reality, it was all of his fault… he was the one to suggest to look into the house, all for the sake of finding that infernal parts of the Magic Core… he laughed quietly to himself and sit on what he believed to be the ground…
All he found himself was nothing but darkness…
Darkness…
It was nothing but pure darkness… when he realised where he was; he was trapped in the endless void. He didn’t know what to do as he looked around and yet nothing… nothing but the endless black void, nothing but him and him alone resides here…
All he could do was nothing but to wander into the depths of the void… he honestly had no idea where this journey would take him or whether it would reach its conclusion…
The void was despairing and isolating… but there was something that was surreal as he travels further into it. The silence and darkness were somehow calming and healing, that as he walks further and further into it, he can be away from the world that enjoys making his existence miserable. The void was symbolic, he has to walk on a path incomparable to anyone of this world. How he strives to become something that is unreachable, how the people of this world left him behind… to remain buried within the past and to be erased from their minds.
As he endlessly wanders into the void… he saw it… that tiny insignificant speck of light that he once saw… the speck of light that illuminated this sullen void and he began to chase after it. As he runs to that light, he couldn’t help but to be reminded of his one true friend…
The eyes of someone who has seen many tiring things in her life, how her expressions turn to something that is foreign to him when all mock him for pursuing something that was an impossibility in their eyes… the eyes of someone who is able to call her… one of his own… someone who can feel belonging with.
As he got closer to that light, he saw it… and it became clearer on what this light belonged to, the storm of the world… the promise of all things… freed from the malice which swarms the world…
Something… something inside him compels him to wander to the nexus of all power… the power he has been denied to… the very power that nearly all those in his world possesses and the desire to have one… compels him to walk forwards to this swarm of light.
Something inside him swells in response… it was an emotion that he was unfamiliar with… as he gazes upon the storm of stars… he felt nothing but happiness, joy, and relief. Relief from being stuck in a world of corrupting malice. However, he also felt sadness, despair, and loneliness… but even if he were to gain these powers… he could be disappointed by what is the world like for those who possesses a power… but… even when he stares into the depths of those stars, he couldn’t help but to feel both belonging and isolation…
Belonging… Izuku almost scoffs at that word, to belong to something is a concept that is not relevant to him… he couldn’t even understand what it means, even if he were to know its meaning, it is a meaning that has no relevancy towards Izuku…
I ask of you to leave…
As he hears those words, he stopped as he sees strings of red cocoon around themselves to form a being… Izuku couldn’t move in any form… it was as if the sheer power of this guardian prohibited any movement of the boy. He can already foresee his death, to be reduced to nothing but ash; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
As he approaches Izuku, he couldn’t help but to close his eyes as he feels the red guardian come closer and closer and raises his hand above the boys head, ready to annihilate the boys existence. Izuku silently wept as tears falls down his face… but as the guardian stopped in his attack and turned to the storm in disbelief… Izuku looked up as and what he sees is as if the red guardian was communicating with the storm, the red guardian lowers his hand, as if the guardian ordered him to cease any form of assault.
I see… I understand now… I shall not attack you like any of the mortals who dared to enter this place…
Have no fear… so that is what and who you are… I apologise for any signs of assault… Oh Final Incarnation… it appears your time nor your task has not been appointed just yet.
Izuku stared at the man shrouded in red cloak… no… the being wasn’t even here… it was nothing more than a shadow… the shadow of the being who was tasked to guard and attack those who enter this sacred place… He saw how beautiful the stars hat gathered behind the storm… but he knew this place was something that couldn’t be reached under any normal or abnormal conditions. Its red cloak was stained by the many lives that he took, the fools who dared to enter this place… to seek and obtain the forbidden power and knowledge that lies dormant within.
But he didn’t know what the guardian was even talking about. He couldn’t even understand what the guardian was saying in the first place…
Ah… it appears you are not aware of your purpose… not yet.
My sincere apologies… but if my master has not deemed you read… then there is little to what I can do to aid you.
For whence your soul, body, and mind and ready to approach the ‘truth’ only then shall you be prepared to comprehend…
But… I shall repair you; mind, body, and soul… from all effects of that parasite…
I shall return you to your body…
And… when the time hath come; be warned of the Calamity that shall befall upon you.
The Red Shadow stretched out his arm and places it onto Izuku’s chest… but nothing happened, the precognition of his death did not occur, but slowly a blue aura radiates from the shadows hand fills his being. He understood that something occurred by those Crest Worms… but what did they do to him.
But it was too late to wonder, the experiences, the horrors that occurred onto Izuku’s being… were slowly being erased, one by one, those memories were crumbling into ash, to be sealed away forever…
No…
No…
No…!
He needed to remember what happened! He has to! He needs to go back to that mansion and kill those… those… what… was… he… talking… about…?
Worms
Worm
Worms
Izuku could no longer remember… all he knew is that there was a Bounded Field, and that it was set loose and then he went unconscious… he closes his eyes and now believed the false memory that has been implanted in his mind. But was confused by the tears that fell down his face… he saw the shadows face… how his expression softened as he concludes with his spell.
Nothing more than a simple push caused him to be hurdled away from the storm. But Izuku was able to tell one thing about the Red Shadow; how saddened he was when he discovered by Izuku’s existence…
Once the Red Shadow confirmed that the young male was safely retuned back to his body, he returned to his post, to continue the endless mission that he swore to complete.
Farewell… Brother…
Watching Izuku sleep… now that was a hobby that Artoria didn’t think on picking up. She couldn’t help but to sigh once again for the hundred time… luckily Emerald was somehow able to dry off Izuku’s body and managed to dress him. For once the Mystic Code was useful at one thing. Artoria couldn’t help but to pout at that, that he couldn’t be useful towards anything else.
Artoria couldn’t help but to hold his hand and give it a squeeze of comfort… Artoria prayed that he could feel her presence beside his, wherever his mind may be… she tried many times to put her mind at ease but despite her efforts, all attempts have failed.
Artoria frowned that she had to seal the memory of the ordeal… she didn’t want Izuku to become warped to the point where he is beyond saving, that his mind would have become altered to the point where anything who knew him… they wouldn’t be capable of recognising this person and she would know Ms. Midoriya would be in too much pain…
Artoria couldn’t help but to glance over to the Deck of Heroes as jealous fills her being… that Izuku can summon other Servants and have them assist him in matters where she couldn’t. But she does remember Mash… the memories they have made may not have been the brightest but the memories of both Mash and Ritsuka was something that managed to keep her from falling apart… to just give up her mission completely… but their strength that they gifted her in the times of need, how Mash defended them, how Ritsuka stood by her side… even though he was inferior as a Magus and had to rely on the temporary summoning of Heroic Spirits, and his myriad of Mystic Codes. It was just the fact he was there for her in their battles, was the only thing that kept her from losing to herself.
As for Mash Kyrielight… how she would shield them when danger came, how charged in to protect everyone behind her, even though the odds were stacked against them, she did everything to protect her Master. She gave her life to protect him, even though it may have been for nothing at times, but… it was meaningful how she stood up against the Calamity of Norwich even when it was destined to fall…
Artoria closes her eyes, she was beyond joyed that one of her close friends… her ally… one of her supports is back and was with her once more. It almost made Artoria to want to thank Emerald, for appearing and bringing her that Deck and card that housed her friend.
However…
Artoria prayed, she sincerely prayed that the other Heroic Spirit Jeanne D’Arc… doesn’t attract the attention of Izuku in that manner… she pursed her lips at the image of Izuku being the subject of interest by the Saint in that way… and then comes to realisation that Mash could potentially end up falling for Izuku like how they had fallen for Ritsuka.
No…
No…!!!
Her face shifts from the expression of curiosity to that of pure horror at the thought of Ritsuka being summoned could potentially bring Izuku to his side at the matter of mere seconds… if his Charisma Skill is as efficient as he was when alive… then Izuku would lose any form of falling for anyone… at first Fujimaru Ritsuka would appear to be a typical ordinary male but when taking a proper look at him… and when being the subject to those piercing blue eyes…
[Thinking about Ritsuka~ eh?] Emerald asked, materialising out of nowhere.
“EEP!” Artoria jolted from her seat to turn to the Mystic Code as he stares at Artoria.
[Oooohh~ so we are thinking about that hot dreamboat known as Fujimaru Ritsuka, you do know for a fact if Izuku summons him, the very second that occurs… you all are completely and utterly screwed.] Emerald states as he begins to jeer the blushing blonde.
“’Y-Y-You all’ and what does that mean Emerald! Expand and explain… now!”
However, when they heard a groan that did not come from either one of them, they stopped their childish bickering and turn to find the source of the noise, the greenette lying on the bed. The pair rushed over to him and sees the male slowly awaken from his Magecraft induced slumber. The pair looks at each other with dread evident in their eyes, and they anxiously await by his side, after a few minutes Izuku’s eyes slowly opens and looks over to the pair above him.
“Art…oria…?” Izuku barely mutters out. “Wha-What happened…?”
“Izuku!” Artoria exclaims as she envelopes the male in a tight embrace as tears began to gush down her face.
“O-Ow!” Izuku groans in pain in response to Artoria’s inhuman strength, as the blonde tightens her told on him, but after a few seconds he does return the warm embrace. However… something… something in his chest swells as they remain in their embrace… it wasn’t happiness or this emotion he feels whenever he holds her hand… it was relief… relief to see her but he doesn’t know why he feels relief for himself… “H-Hey I’m okay don’t worry…” Izuku said causing the blonde to retreat from her hug to look at his face carefully…
As Artoria looks at his face, she is able to see it… the innocence that she has become accustomed to, the innocence which fuels the amazement of both his world and the world of Magecraft. However, that expression Izuku had when he laid in that pit… that was an expression she did not want to ever see on him… the face of someone who has finally given up.
Artoria couldn’t help but to be in relief that Memory Erasing Magecraft Spell was able to work, she was glad that there were no apparent negative effects of that spell, but she couldn’t help but to be worried that something happened when it was used…
[Izuku… do you know what happened…?] Emerald nervously asked, causing Artoria to glare at him, it was too soon for him to realise what happened, the Spell was just freshly inputted onto his memories, a seal that has yet to have been fully made by both the Casters efficiency and the subjects psyche. And since Izuku’s psyche was too fragile, it could mean that the seal made to contain those memories… there was a chance that it could be broken if he tries too hard to remember.
Izuku’s face scrunches when asked that question, he does remember his body being surrounded by something… and… that’s it… “I… I remember the Bounded Field going off and then… I… I-“ Izuku grabs onto the side of his head in pain of trying to remember what occurred in that pit… “T-Then… I-I must’ve blacked out but… that’s all I can remember…” Izuku answered… but despite everything he mentally tried, he was met back with refusal from his own mind…
Artoria couldn’t help but to cheer in relief, that the spell was able to take effect and to be this effective… but the fact she had to do it, made her consciousness feel heavier from doing so, even though it was to help him live past of what occurred, she couldn’t use that justification to lift the weight of guild on her own consciousness…
“Yep, that’s what happened. You see that Bounded Field was designed to set off when there was a nearby source of Mana aka you. And due to you being a new Magus, the shock of having your Mana being absorbed at such a horrid pace caused your body no other option but to black out. Luckily, I was able to deactivate it and wait for you to slowly replenish your lost Mana and used a jewel to help your body to cope with what happened…” Artoria explained as she lies through her teeth. She knew that she wasn’t the best liar, but she had to take advantage of Izuku’s lack of Magecraft knowledge in order for him to never remember what happened… not ever…
Furrowing his eyebrows as he begins to process this information that was presented to him… while it does make sense for him to black out if the shock of Mana draining was too harsh on his body, it would put in a state of shock… but… but there’s something… something in the depths of his mind compelled him to believe but at the same time not. Izuku shook off this feeling and to not question what happened any more than he should.
After a few hours, Artoria sadly smiled to herself as she glances over to Izuku, as he continues to finish his work from school. From what she can tell based on his reaction to her when he woken up, he doesn’t remember anything from when he was inside that pit or anything up to the point where he lost consciousness… but she couldn’t help but to worry, she can tell a part of him is rejecting what was said.
But that spell… it worked too perfectly, not that she was complaining or anything, but he should only be able to slowly forget, perhaps Emerald being there was able to strength the spell could potentially be a possibility. Even with her Fairy Eyes there is only eb so much that she can find out, even with information that she has little to none, she cannot expect them to be a miracle worker. Artoria couldn’t help but to internally sigh that she cannot do anything, if she tampered with the seal that was made, it will result in the full release of the seal that is blocking his memory of that horrible place.
Artoria glanced towards the Mystic Code that was still analysing the worlds history… even though he didn’t say anything to them but wanting to look into the world, she can’t tell that much he wanted to see how, when, and why this worlds history occurred. There was a horrid suspicion of what occurred of this world.
After a few minutes of wondering what theories and answers to what this could be, Emerald finally ejected himself off of Izuku’s laptop and began to float to them, from the air of seriousness around him… she knew one thing; he discovered the nature of how the world occurred.
[I will completely be nothing but serious with everything that will be discussed right now…] Emerald said, as the pair look at each other, mirrored expressions of curiousness, but there was a flash of understanding in Artoria’s face that he noticed… [Whatever that is discussed between us three does not leave us or anyone who is aware of the Moonlite World, nor can it be mentioned outside this room.]
“… This is about the worlds status… isn’t it?” Artoria asked, as Izuku just watched the mystery unfold in front of him.
[Correct, unlike the worlds that should be a Pan-Human History, this world has already met its divergence when the concept of Quirks was created and established… but that is all I can find out. I’ve done all the research I could do on when the divergence point began but that’s the only signs I can find, anything else related to how and why the divergence occurred…] Emerald explains.
“Wait… Emerald… what do you mean…?” Izuku asked, already feeling the sweat dripping down his neck, already knowing the answer…
[What I mean Izuku is that… this world is a Lostbelt.] Emerald answered which shocked Izuku… but at same time, confirmed something that he already knew this entire time.
Lostbelt… a fluctuating world that has been recognised by the universe that has no potential future, a world that has no potential of evolution, a world that will inevitably disappear along with its inhabitants. Then… doesn’t that mean everything that they’ve done, Zelretch sending Emerald to assist them… is worth to nothing…? Izuku thought to himself, as he feels the anxiety skyrocket… even though he is of a world that shouldn’t even existing… then… then why does he want to not disappear…?
[But don’t worry Izuku, in normal circumstances a Lostbelt would disappear within a hundred years… or should I say this was a Lostbelt… there was something that occurred for this world to become a Singularity, a world that has become fully anchored and sewn into the Pan-Human History.] Emerald further explains. [In other words, when this Lostbelt was about to hit its termination phase, this world was brought back within the very last second. Something occurred to the origin of Quirks which caused this world to occur in the first place, as if someone planned it out for it to occur in the first place.]
“So what you’re saying whatever happened there hundred years ago… something happened to cause this world to become a Lostbelt… but you said a Lostbelt was an alternative time period that has no potential future that is being forcibly made to exist… and yet this world hasn’t been declining in any form… then how was this the same for this world?” Izuku asked writing down all kinds of information and possible theories. “But… how? Our world isn’t like any of the worlds similar to Artoria’s…”
“I… I would say it was how Quirks was created… that there was a reason to how the concept of Quirks was established in this world. you see in the year of 2017, Mystery was something that was drying out, according to Da Vinci-chan; there were people who tried to use the pillars of the world to be pulled out in order to bring back the Era of the Gods back… to replenish the Mystery of the world. And then the Alien God did so under the guise of restoring Mystery of the world… isn’t that correct Emerald?” Artoria asked.
[That’s correct Castoria, but the way the Alien God did it was by simulating specifically chosen points in time where that Era would have normally ended due to their nature if they didn’t have a Fantasy Tree to support their existences. But… from all the data I was able to collect from online… there is nothing that indicates that this world has a Fantasy Tree or anything like it…] Emerald explains as he puts his head down in shame. [The only thing I could have found was traces of light in space but that was the only thing I found remotely close to anything like that. According to my databanks, human and extra-terrestrials shouldn’t have made contact for about two thousand more years… when they joined with humanity to collaborate with humans and to enable their technologies to combine.]
Artoria said nothing when the mere mention of the ‘traces of light.’ She knew too well about those traces of lights… perhaps it could potentially have been foreigners from the far cosmos… or that it was her that caused this reality to occur… for this reality to have been anchored onto the world and replace what was the original reality, the true timeline…
Artoria… didn’t know what to do if that was the case… if she does interfere and to find the source of whether that spear was used then… she glanced over to the greenette beside her… and realised that it was far too late to intervene… it was three hundred years too late, even if she wasn’t here, that lance was capable of functioning autonomously. Even though her world was like that for two thousand years, she couldn’t do that to him of all people… a small fragment of relief washes over her but it still doesn’t stop the ongoing dread churning away on her stomach.
Izuku too knew of this light… a wall of light that stretches across an entire world with the purpose of preservation. Then another image floods into his head one after another… a storm with a fickle light behind it all… a sacred place… a unified world… he places a hand on the side of his head, feeling a small migraine…
Creation…
Mission…
Death…
He ignored everything his consciousness was telling him, and he wondered what it meant… for that was something for another time and place… “Question… would it be possible that Zelretch was responsible for making this world the definitive timeline?” Izuku asked the Mystic Code, as Artoria does get intrigued about this, while she has knowledge of the True Magics, she only has the basis of them. “I mean… you said that there was Five True Magics that exists and the one Zelretch has allows him to wander and observe parallel worlds… like the one where you came from and this one… so would have the ability to make it a definitive timeline?”
[From what I can tell? Nope, that old bastard hasn’t or wouldn’t do something like this. Sure he would be curious about this and that of each world that differs from each other, but he ensures he keeps it to a strict deadline for each reality. This was where someone intentionally waited for the Divergence Point to occur and anchored this worlds existence and partially solidified it so it wouldn’t disappear…]Emerald explained. [You see when he views a reality for far too long, and does so repeatedly, then it would result in becoming the True Timeline, when he was younger… yeah… we all have a damn past, and he was young and stupid. But in this case, he hasn’t… if this wasn’t the True Timeline, he wouldn’t have sent me instantly to help you sorry pair.]
Izuku sighed in disappointment on that answer, he hoped that it was Zelretch who was responsible for this world almost becoming the True Timeline… but alas it was not. Artoria pursed her lips at that side comment from Emerald and raised her fist, as her arm glows from Reinforcement Magecraft. Emerald then screams in panic and hides behind Izuku in pure terror, using their Master as a human shield.
‘They’re such good friends, even if they won’t admit to it.’ Izuku though to himself.
*Beep*
*Beep*
The trio paused to look at the direction of the Deck of Heroes and immediately notices the clear green crystal glowing within the silver case. The two humanoid beings turn to the direction of the only non-humanoid being for a form of an explanation to what is going on with the Mystic Code.
[Ah… It appears the Deck of Heroes has finally took its long ass time to accumulate enough Mana to create a stable temporary physical forms for the residing Heroic Spirits… damn… it took long enough.]Emerald explained and turned towards Izuku. [Take the Ruler Class Card out and say the words ‘Summon’ like you did for Castoria. Well… it did happen once, but it will become normal for you to do so in the future, the pair was informed about why they have been summoned due to Zelretch explaining the situation of being summoned and given to another Master in another world. Out of the many… *shivers* many Rulers that was summoned, only Jeanne agreed to do so for non-selfish purposes. While Mash instantly agreed to do so, to help out a kohai who is in need.]
Artoria couldn’t help but to smile nervously at the thoughts of summoning Jeanne D’Arc… sure she could have met her when Artoria was summoned as a Servant in Chaldeas… but that was a summon she doesn’t have any proper memories of that summon… Artoria couldn’t help but to be worried about making a bad first impression…
“O-Okay… ‘Summon!’” Izuku yells as he holds the Ruler Class Card out.
Just like with Artoria’s Class Card when Izuku summoned her on a permanent summon, the Ruler Class Card glowed a golden bright and dissipates into golden dust, summoning the Ruler Heroic Spirit which resides within the Class Card; Jeanne D’Arc, a French Saint of the past.
With a golden light flashing before the trio and begins to dissipate to reveal the summoned Servant, a young woman that is a few years above Izuku’s age, she wore a purple battle dress with a purple cape that has a white cross on each side, knee high purple stockings and sword within its scabbard resting from her hip.
Unlike Artoria who possesses the beauty of the Fae, Jeanne possessed a beauty that was from the realm of man, he felt the aura of all things holy radiate from her being, perhaps this was attributed to her being a Saint. Izuku couldn’t help but to blush faintly when he put his gaze onto this heavenly being. When she opened her eyes, she smiled softly to the trio in front of her and couldn’t help but to be surprised by Artoria’s appearance, for a brief moment she thought the Caster Servant in front of her was another version of herself summoned.
If it were not for the fact Artoria was a being from another reality and that she was a Fae, while Jeanne was a human, Izuku would have believed they were sisters or another version of Artoria…
“GAG!” the Chihuahua accidentally yells when looking at the Ruler Servants chest size, her angry blushed expression when the moment she looked at her borderline twins form.
“My name is Jeanne D’Arc, a Ruler Class Servant. After waiting within the Deck of Heroes for such aa long time, it is a pleasure to finally meet you!” The Saint ecstatically greeted, bowing to the trio.
[It’s about time you showed up Jeanne, I was getting bored with Castoria! She’s so boring and won’t stop beating me upppp!] Emerald cried out and darts towards Jeanne’s chest, but the Saint nervously smiles and steps aside, causing the Mystic Code to slam into the wall.
“I-It’s a pleasure to finally meet you… R-Ruler…” Izuku stammers as he bushes furiously at his horrid attempt of a first impression.
Jeanne couldn’t help but to smile at Izuku’s attempt of a first impression, she has been informed from Zelretch about what her Master is like and tries her best to not laugh and potentially destroy his confidence. “Just call me Jeanne, the title Ruler is a something that I was given after life… I didn’t earn it when living…” Jeanne said faintly blushing, the pair were unaware of the green eyes squinting at them… taking in a deep breath, Artoria smiled and greets the newly summoned Heroic Spirit.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Artoria Caster.” Artoria smiled sweetly and oh so innocently to Jeanne.
“I-It’s a pleasure to meet you too Artoria.” Jeanne smiled in response, oblivious to Artoria being a tad bit jealous of Izuku blushing. “I was surprised that we do kinda look alike, right?”
“Y-Yeah… I was surprised as well, but I guess we got one of those faces.” Artoria laughed as Jeanne agrees with her.
[Right… moving aside Castoria’s jealousy, the old man definitely informed you and Mash what happened right?] Emerald asked giving Artoria the side eye, which the Servant responds with.
“A-Ah yes, Zelretch did inform Mash and myself when he summoned us and turned us into Class Cards, that there was someone who was the last mage in another reality and that it we were tasked to protect and guide him, right?” Jeanne explained from what she remembered the time when Zelretch summoned the pair, and when he locked Emerald out of the room to explain. “But he did say we will be inside the Deck of Heroes for a prolonged period of time, correct?”
[That’s right… I’m afraid due to Izuku’s Mana levels, it a bit below an average Magus’s. but it is more than enough to supply our Castoria to utilise a portion of her powers and to sustain her physical form. Unfortunately, Mash and yourself will have to reside within the Deck of Heroes until further notice, until we can create a Magic Core that will be able to keep your physical forms without draining Izuku’s Mana too much. I would prefer to find a quicker method on getting a Magic Core, but we have no option…] Emerald explained, causing the Ruler Heroic Spirit to nod in confirmation.
“I see… so it’s impossible for Mash and myself to stay in the physical world for too long until the Magic Core is made then…” Jeanne states in understanding but she does realise that the conversation was going too long for Izuku to continue to support both Artoria and herself. “I… I’m glad to have a good and kind Master such as yourself Izuku and I’m glad to have met you Artoria and know that he is in good hands and to ensure that Emerald is kept in line as well…” Jeanne bowed as she begins to dissipate into a golden light as the Class Card takes her place as it darts back into the Deck of Heroes.
[Wait… How and I the bad guy!? Jeanne! Resummon yourself right now!] Emerald cried out in agony and sadness as Izuku inspects that her Class Card has safely been put into the Deck of Heroes, while he did feel the strain of Mana taking place but is glad that it has lessened. He cannot wait for her to have the chance to explore the outside world when he gets the Magic Core fiasco over with.
"Artoria… are you okay?” Izuku nervously asked, looking at the Caster Servant.
“Huh? Of course I’m fine, don’t worry… I was a bit nervous at making a first impression…” Artoria lied looking a bit nervous, while Emerald just tilted his ‘head’ by giving a glare at her.
“R-Right… I’m going to summon Mash Kyrielight now…” Izuku said getting nervous, shaking like a new born deer as he takes out the Shielder Class Card. “Summon!”
Just like before, a golden light materialises before them as it dissipates to reveal a young woman, around the same age as Jeanne and Artoria, short bobbed pink hair that covers one eye and armour that is a bit too revealing but he somehow managed to restrain himself from getting a nosebleed from that much skin.
However… there was something artificial about her… even though he has been made aware of what she was when she was alive, he can tell it was as if he was looking at a living doll. When she opened her eyes to look at the three of them, he was able to tell she has seen the hardships of the world and yet she was able to maintain her innocence at the same time… Izuku couldn’t help but to envy her, after all… he is barely able to do so.
“I-It’s a pleasure to meet you… senpai… my name is Mash Kryielight, the Shielder Servant that was summoned to accompany your journey to become a Hero… even though I am a being who barely qualifies as a Heroic Spirit, I will do everything in my power to shield you and everyone that you hold dear to you.” Mash Kryielight bows as she introduces herself.
“N-No… it should be my pleasure to have someone of your stature accepting to become one of my Heroic Spirits…” Izuku stuttered but immediately blushed when he called Mash one of his Heroic Spirits. Artoria couldn’t help but to smile at this, even though this was another female that he blushed at, she was glad that Izuku has accepted that they are here to help him, to become a Hero that outclasses those of this world.
But the second they saw the Mystic Code float closer to Izuku, they could practically feel and see the smile from Emerald when Izuku said that,
[Ohlalala Izu-kun~ I didn’t think you had it in you!] Emerald screamed in happiness and bounces around. While Mash sighed, remembering her short time with the Mystic Code and Zelretch… Artoria sighed angrily and whacks Emerald
“Wait… Artoria…?” Mash said in shock, surprised that her friend was summoned by Izuku, she ran over to Artoria with a crushing hug, which the blonde returns the gesture to the Servant of the shield. “I-I never thought we’d see each other again… wait does this mean Senpai-“
“It’s… it’s good to see you again Mash…” Artoria said as a small trail of tears falls down her face. “I’m afraid Ritsuka hasn’t summoned us or has been summoned like how you and I were… but I’m really glad that you’re here Mash.”
“Of course! You’re one of my friends, its only natural that I would be this happy to see you again!” Mash explains, tightening the embrace between the pair.
Izuku and Emerald silently watched the pair holding onto each other, there was no need for any words. As he would for when they would finish, to allow them to speak to each other first rather than ruining this moment. He couldn’t help but to smile softly that the pair was able to be reunited.
After when they were finished, Emerald decided to interrupt them and began to inform Mash of the overall situation, and their plan on summoning a Heroic Spirit with specifications and hopes of them having the Item Creation Skill that would ensure the creation of the Magic Core.
“I see… I can already tell that this world is on the absolute verge of Mana being dried out, so making a Magic Core would most likely result in the remaining amount of the world to be dried out…” Mash said, thinking about her journeys when Da Vinci and Romani would explain the overall situation of the Ley Lines. “If it were possible, then we should go around the world to collect more Mana from other-“
[Mash you must be joking! Remember when you fought against Barghest!? Ritsuka vomited blood due to the huge distance between both you and him, and to top it off he summoned those two jack asses! Izuku can barely maintain two non-Caster Servants for no less than ten minutes… but I do know what you mean, I too am curious about the condition of the other Ley Lines. But I can imagine that they are most likely in the same sorry state as this one…] Emerald explained, causing the Servant to nod in memory of what happened. [Regardless… it would be a good idea for the future… as an extra side mission for the future…]
Artoria narrowed her eyes when he said that… the future… she did wonder what that Mystic Code was talking about but that is something she would have to ask (Read: interrogates) Emerald when Izuku is asleep. Still this world is running out of Mana by each second, she does wonder if it is possible to get a genuine Divine Spirit to see if they have the capacity to restore the Ley Lines horrid condition.
After that, Mash said her goodbyes to the trio and returned to her Class Card and to the Deck of Heroes. Now that they were fully awake, the two Servants that were in dormant mode are now able to communicate with each other so that neither of them will not feel lonely or to be isolated within the Deck of Heroes.
They jolted at the sound of a notification coming from Izuku’s phone, a text notification, it surprised Izuku, he genuinely wondered who would even bother to message him. Inko wouldn’t have been able to message him due to her being in the middle of her shift… when he looked at his phone his expression turned into a dumbfounded one.
Mirio Togata:
Hey, you wanna meet Tamaki-san and me at the beach to help you to train?