Rin's heart sank faster and deeper than a thousand Titanics, upon seeing the way Vladimir reacted and acted around Elatha. She was smart enough to see the change in the Paladin’s actions to understand she attempted to fight an unbeatable foe. Not just figuratively, but also literally, as she was pretty sure Elatha was strong enough to punch her head off, if she was able to punch through the barrier. What both of them didn’t know is that the barrier was much weaker above than below Shirokumo. Gen’s group needed to use an insane magitech monstrosity to enter, while Elatha didn’t need to exert even a 10th percent of the power the drill rocket Rin and the others rode had to. Plus Elatha has the advantage of the inherent instability that comes from clashing different magical systems, it's like attempting to program something with two different languages at the same time.
Rin couldn’t avoid noticing how red Vladimir cheeks got, almost matching her own, moments before. Standing stoically in silence, Rin promised herself that next time she wouldn’t fall into the clutches of love so much and if she needed to leave it’s embrace, she would avoid seeing things that would force the grip apart. Her heart was too strong to be broken by something like this, but the whole situation was more than enough to at least bruise it.
Gen calmed himself once the intruders revealed their identities. One seemed to know the wizard with the spear that healed him and Rin, the other was a friend of the Kitty Knight. Both Gen and Ichigan took the same fighting stance, both being taught by Reiji, both very similar in behaviour and both southpaws. -Stereo?- Goemon whispered with a smile on his lips upon seeing the father and son duo in exactly the same position. -SHUT THE FUCK UP!- Both Gen and Ichigan pointed their fingers at the Karate Star, shouting at the same time. -YA SHUT UP!- They said, looking and pointing their fingers at each other with such timing it almost seemed rehearsed. Almost, because the moment this happened both recoiled with a mixture of frustration, surprise and anger. -STOP FUCKIN’ COPYIN’ ME KIDDO/OLD MAN!- With that last shout, both decided to take a step forward and clashed head against head, growling like street dogs fighting over food.
Goemon’s large hands split them apart. -C’mon guys, you’ll have time for the malfunctioning manzai act later, we need to do something about Fukuma Dai-Sensei.- Father and Son turned around looking at Goemon and really slowly nodded, looking at each other attempting and comically failing to do it out of synch and getting frustrated by it. Finally Gen broke off the double act and walked towards Callis. -I’ll ask the Kitty Knight to get us off from this fuckin’ castle in the fuckin’ sky, Ghibli be fuckin’ damned.- The Hot-Blooded Brawler left his Ichigan and Goemon behind as he moved in the Beast Knight’s direction.
How? What? When?
Callis’ brain couldn’t compose more elaborate questions as his shock was impossible to measure. He knew there were ways to return to Centris, but he never thought the other way round was possible. The accident that transported him was quite unique, as an impossibly rare relic collapsed on itself. Callis, after learning about local magic, and how advanced it was, thought impossible for the Centris’ arcane experts to open a portal or send somebody else. But Nelle was there, standing in front of him. -Me...Messa Auriga… What are you doing here? How did you even get here from Centris?- The Beast Knight was absolutely baffled about the presence of one of his pupils. He didn’t have many and most of them didn’t even want to admit he taught them, but among the lot Nelle always was one of the most respectful of his pupils. Many noblemen from Via sent their children to study swordsmanship under Callis, but most of his students were also indoctrinated from childbirth to hate half of Callis’ bloodline. Seeing Nelle here was nothing short of miraculous, and Callis has actually seen miracles more than once.
“I knew you were alive! even when everyone else had given up hope! I...have to say I’m somewhat happy you recognize me”- Nelle told her master, the last time Nelle had seen him, she was just a child. “I came here using this”-She said as she pointed at a pink crystal on her chest that hung like a pendant. She herself didn’t know much about the artifact, but had already named it “I call it the Veil, although I can’t seem to be able to activate again”
Callis was still trying to gather his thoughts upon seeing another person from Centris in this world. After the events in the Dimensional Hub he thought he would never see another Viani again, but here was Nelle standing in front of him, carrying a Cibus blade and a mysterious artifact. -I have not seen an artifact such as that one in a very, very long time.- Callis commented, as what she called the Veil was, only partially, reminding him of the artifact he destroyed during the battle with the Necromancer. -But forget that, what are you doing here? Did you come looking for me Messa Auriga?- The Beast Knight asked, mildly concerned about the answer, he didn’t want to be the reason she ended up stranded in this world. Unlike him, who didn’t have family and most of his friends had perished during his adventures, Nelle was a noblewoman from a good family.
“Well, of course I came here for you! I...was hoping to bring you back, Mes Nomene. After you disappeared the news flew quickly, you are a hero to us, and, well, I always thought that couldn’t have been your end, but now I’m here! we can go back! as soon as i get to making this thing work of course…"
Callis couldn’t hide his discomfort and embarrassment. He scratched the side of his face and gathered his courage to speak up. -I… actually managed to get back to Centris last year.- The Beast Knight was talking about his time inside the Dimensional Hub in Dr. Lazarus Lab. -I met with the High Magus Cinerus in the ruins of the castle, he asked me to become the new King of Via.- Callis looked to the floor, a bit embarrassed about the whole situation. He chose this world over Centris, he didn’t know how that would affect Nelle. -I decided to return here, I made a life for myself here.- He said, feeling awkward. But as he was attempting to search for words he realized he could show her what he was talking about, maybe if she understood how much his life changed by coming here, she wouldn’t be as disappointed as he feared she would. -I… I found many comrades here, friends… and love.- With that said he extended his hand, walking a couple steps, grasping Akane’s hand. -I want to introduce my girlfriend to you, the esteemed Messa Akane Musashi, of the Musashi clan, one of the finest warriors and swordswoman of this world.- Hopefully this wouldn’t hurt Nelle, who crossed the dimensional veil to take him back to Centris.
Nelle found herself in dismay, nobody had even told her! so her entire journey here was for nothing?! she didn’t know what to even answer, she clenched her fists but eventually let go. “I...see. well, if this is your wish I will accept it. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Messa Akane.” Akane took Callis’ hand and blushed slightly. It was reassuring that Callis had chosen to stay here without doubting.“It’s good to finally meet someone from Callis’ world, if you need to stay with us while you are in this world, you are free to do so.”
“I appreciate the gesture, Messa Musashi, however I must return with Messa Elatha, she helped me get this far, and I am indebted to her”
“Master...Callis, I am glad to see you are alive, that alone has made this trip worthwhile, I wish you the best, for the time being, I will return to Elatha, and eventually to our world, I am still much needed in Centris.”
-Oh… I see.- Callis was a bit disappointed about Nelle choice to return, but he could understand it. -I think I never was actually meant to live in Centris, not after finding so many friends and loved ones here, but you will be one of the ones I will miss, Messa… no…- The Beast Knight made a pause and did two things Nelle would’ve never seen him do in Centris. -I’ll miss you Nelle.- And he gave her a head pat. It was a bit awkward, especially as his hand was larger than normal. In fact this would’ve also been the first time Nelle saw Callis without gloves. Plus Callis had a lot of chances, like softer features and a different hair color, all thanks to the Grail.
-If you plan to return to Centris I think I also have friends who can help you.- The Beast Knight realized he was a member of the JHWAB and technically Nelle was a drifter such as himself. -I am part of an organization who keeps the order and peace, akin to the Ensis of Via, but less focused on ceremony and more in action.- As he talked he remembered that he should be calling Norio. -I just realized I should be calling my superior right now to ask for transport outside this place, would you come with me?- He asked. -We have much to talk about.-
Nelle teared up slightly when Callis told her he would miss her, she rubbed her eyes and nodded at Callis’ proposition “Yes, we do. I’ll be glad to join you”
Akane smiled and hugged Callis’ arm tightly, it was heartwarming to see he fitted the image of her ideal man in her mind. both here and in Centris, he was admired greatly.
Callis moved away to call Norio. Right as he did Gen approached. -Yo Kitty Knight!- Callis softly gestures for silence as he uses his JHWAB Issue communicator. -Sorry Mes Shishioh, but I am attempting to contact my superior to get us out of here- Gen smiled. -FUCKIN’ A KITTY KNIGHT!- Callis gave him a meaningful look, asking for silence and the Hot-Blooded Brawler realized it and gestured closing a zipper over his mouth, giving a thumbs up.
The communicator beeped, looking for a signal, using hidden mystical satellites, a mixture of technology and mysticism that characterized most of the JHWAB devices. Finally the connection was established and Callis attempted to talk, but a powerful noise blasted out of the communicator, a veritable symphony of mayhem. -Mes Bushitora! What is going on? What is that noise?- Callis shouted, attempting to speak over the ruckus from the other side of the line. At this moment anybody close to Callis, meaning everyone would’ve heard the commotion. Finally there was a reply from Norio. -Callis! You’re okay? Thank the Gods!- Norio was also shouting, fighting to be louder than everything else around him. -I am still in Shirokumo, things were not what we expected here!- Callis shouted, expecting a reply from Norio. It came fast. -Forget that, we need you and whoever you have in hand ASAP in Tokyo!-
-Tokyo!?- The Beast Knight shouted with shock. -What is happening in Tokyo Mes Bushitora?- Callis asked and Norio, swiftly, replied. -Here take a look!- A flickering light came out from Callis’ communicator revealing a very vivid hologram of what Norio’s camera was recording back in the city.
-Unda’s curses!? What the hell is that?- Callis couldn’t contain his shock, even using a curse. -We don’t know!- Norio replied in panic. -Whatever it is, it has broken through multiple barriers and is being seen… EVERYONE IS SEEING IT!- Alongside the hologram, multiple media outlets appeared speaking about the massive monster destroying Tokyo. -We’re hidden no more! And worse enough, multiple leaders of other organizations were in Tokyo for a meeting with Roshi! WE’RE FUCKED!- Callis understood the weight of the situation instantly and surely anybody else around him would too. -Can you teleport us out of Shirokumo?- Callis asked, wanting to help as soon as possible. -WHAT!? We’re all hands on deck here! That fucking monster killed Dansei in one-shot!- Norio’s voice wavered as he continued. -Find a way back and bring as many people as you can! Call the Bounty Hunters Guild, call the Spirit Boxers, fuck I would accept help from the Brazilian DMO at this point, whatever you do, do it quick!- With that the communication ended, leaving Callis in complete silence.
Gen recovered quickly grabbing Callis from his jacket. -We need to get down right fuckin’ now! Do ya have a plan Kitty Knight?- The Beast Knight looked around, thinking who could get them all out, but before he could talk, before anybody else could talk a shimmering green and black portal opened, like a vertical crack in the air and a battered and half damaged Falken Degiraz popped out. -I can get you bloody people out of here, but for a price.-
TO BE CONTINUED IN “THE DAY THAT TOKYO STOOD STILL”