Existensia:Transcend All Boundaries: Time Alter

(Background Music: The Legend Of Zelda : Majora's Mask OST - Final Hour)

(The screen was completely pitch-black)

-Time. Future. Past. Present. narrated a female's voice.

(A ticking gray clock appears in the black space.)

In all of Existence and its eternal space, time is one of the few constant laws that never changes, and the only other constant ones are life and death.
The future is always undecided.
The past is never truly forgotten.
And the present is a battlefield, created by victories and failures.
Every single traveller on the path of the living must stop at the same end, death.
It must come to all. IF no one dies, does anyone truly live?
We are all a part of the infinite cycle of rebirth.
But one question that always lingers is: What if an event could have ended differently?
One can never truly rewrite their past, because even if it were altered, the person's memory of past events will live on.
But what about the future?
What would happen if the loss of a life could be prevented?
If you could turn back time indefinitely until even fate itself could be rewritten?
.........

(The black space and the clock disappeared. The skyline of a city on a rainy evening started to appear.)

Existensia: Trancend All Boundaries: Time Alter
The Prologue OVA and Start of the new season/sequel to the original game.


(Background Music: 06 - Avalonia Theme - Little Big Planet 2 OST)

Chicago, 2019, September the 2nd

The second September was a rainy day in Chicago.
In 2019, Private military companies and cyborg soldiers had become increasingly common on the fields of battle around the world.
No one noticed that in the developed countries, trough.
The streets were crowded with people who walked around with umbrellas, which protected them from being soaked by the rain.
The train overpasses were commonly used as shelter from the rain, for those either too poor or to hygiene-concerned to walk in the drizzle.
A man with messy short black hair walked with an umbrella.        
He wore a black coat over his black suit.
It looked like he wore a gray shirt under his black outfit.
The man looked quite dreary in his black clothing, which contrasted to his lighter skin tone.
He walked through the crowds of pedestrians with aimless eyes.
His name was Kiritsugu Emiya.
Why he found himself in the brightly-lit city, he did not know.
He used to be a contract killer, but he had left those dark days in the past.
Now, he just kept on walking, trying to find a convenience store and then, hopefully, a hotel.
He looked at closed clothing stores, electronics shops and all other manner of facilities that populated the ground level of the district.
Kiritsugu finally noticed a shop with bright lights and newspapers on display behind the
front window.
-A drug store, huh? noted Kiritsugu.
He unfolded his black umbrella and went into the lit shop.
Many people were crowded in the store to avoid the rain.
A small group of men and women stood around in the shop and discussed the horrible weather and the general economy.
Kiritsugu browsed the selection of the store, which mostly consisted of magazines, candy and even a few movies for rental, even trough network services like Netflix made rental movies obsolete.
He then looked at the clerk's counter and saw several packs of cigarettes.
Kiritsugu went to the counter and put a small package of cigarettes on the counter.
-Is that all? asked a female clerk in her early thirties.
That will be 5 dollars.
Kiritsugu searched his coat and brought forth a five-dollar bill that he had tucked away in a pocket.
-Thank you. said the clerk as Kiritsugu took the small package and turned around.
He was not a particularly social person and he spoke only when he found it to be meaningful.
Kiritsugu went outside and unfolded his umbrella again.
He walked through the masses of people that populated the streets with umbrellas.
Kiritsugu headed into the first alleyway he spotted.
With the crowded streets behind him, Kiritsugu had found in a relatively empty area that connected three major streets.
Some trash cans were tipped over and the place smelled foul, but Kiritsugu preferred it over the crowded streets.
Kiritsugu took cover under an iron balcony and folded back his umbrella.
He took up the cigarette package from one of his coat's pockets and found a lighter in another pocket.
He opened the package, took out a cigarette and lit it.
He took a deep, relaxing breath.
A lot had happened to Kiritsugu, and he found his inability to remember why he had travelled to America to be quite unnerving.
Kiritsugu exhaled.

(Background Music: Fate/ Extra CCC ost 22: Aeriality)

Kiritsugu, after finishing the cigarette, felt an haunting sensation.
He remembered this very back alley, and this very moment.
It was like he knew what were about to happen, even trough he could swear that he had never been at this very place before.
He would have entered the corner shop over and over again, buying the same pack of cigarettes,  but every time felt like it was the first time it had happened...
It made absolutely no sense.
Kiritsugu clutched his forehead in deep confusion.
-What is happening to me...? said Kiritsugu without a clue of what was going on in his head.
But something immediately broke him out of his state of distress.

(Background Music: Persona 3 OST: Crisis (Disc 1, ST 7))

Kiritsugu suddenly heard a loud noise from a bottle that broke, followed by a scream.
-Get down on the ground! shouted a youth's voice with extreme aggression.
Kiritsugu suddenly took out a handgun he had hidden in his coat, just in case.      
-ARE YOU DEAF?! GET DOWN ON THE FRIKIN' GROUND! shouted the youth's voice and the sound of a hard push could be heard.
-Someone, help me! shouted a man's voice.
I'm being robbed!
Anyone?! HELP!!!
-No can hear you, so shut your mouth and hand over your wallet! shouted another youth's voice.
Kiritsugu suddenly decided to intervene and started to run through the alleyway to the source of the sound.
He ran past a girl with long black hair, but she disappeared like a quick flash.
-Wait! Don't go there! said the girl with a controlled, yet determined voice.
Kiritsugu just ignored her voice and continued running.
In a more open area, he saw two young men pinning down an older man who had brown hair and wore a gray-green sweater and blue jeans.
The young men looked like wannabe gangsters.
-And who the hell are you?! shouted the robber who weren't pinning down the older man who wore green sweater and blue jeans.
Kiritsugu took up a handgun that he had hidden on the inside of his coat.
-Let go of him. This is my only warning. said Kiritsugu who held his gun with staunch determination.
-Holy shit! Clive, we need to get the hell out of here! said the robber had who pinned the distressed man
HE HAS A GUN, FOR CHRIST'S SAKES!
-You think that's enough to make me run with the tail between my legs? Hell no.
The man called Clive wore brown leather jacket and tattered jeans.
He had a complex tattoo on his forehead.
Kiritsugu aggressively pointed his handgun towards Clive.
-Screw you! shouted Clive and suddenly took fourth a gun himself.
Clive's associate had already ran away.
Kiritsugu suddenly felt light-headed and lost focus on the situation.
Clive pulled the trigger without any warning!
Kiritsugu suddenly snapped back to reality with a sharp pain that pierced his thoughts and he looked at his shirt.
The gray shirt had a dark-red stain.
-W-what... said Clive.
You should just have backed off...
I didn't m-mean to...
Clive ran off in fear of what he had done.
Kiritsugu tried to stand up, but he collapsed in a matter of seconds.  

(Background Music: Yuki Kajiura-Siren song)

The man who had almost been robbed got himself up and he ran to Kiritsugu.
-Oh god!
Are you alright?!
Hang in there! I'll call 911!

But it was already too late.
Kiritsugu had lost his focus for a mere moment, and now the ex-contract killer had lost his life to a pitiful robber.
The girl with long black hair that Kiritsugu had seen on his way to the scene came running.
She wore what looked like a white modified school uniform with black leggings and a purple hair band. She had blue eyes that carried a hint of purple.
She saw the distressed man and the dead Kiritsugu Emiya.
-...So it all happens again. said the girl with cold apathy.
Yet again, I didn't make it in time.
She put her hand on the distressed man's shoulder.
-Stop your phone call. said the girl bluntly.
He is already dead.
-What are you saying?! asked the distressed man panicked.
-That street rat shot him dead. Simple as that.
The girl stood in a melancholic silence as she looked at Kiritsugu, whose shirt were soaked in dark red blood.
She looked towards the distressed man.
-We will not meet again, Hal Emmerich. said the girl.
Not in this timeline.
-W-what are you talking about?! asked Hal in slight panic.
How do you know my name?!
-Even if I did explain, your time is running out.
The end of the world is coming. said the girl.
-What!? I don't understand! This doesn't make any sense! shouted Hal with confusion.
-Savor your life the best you can. said the girl.
A golden shield that looked like a white clock with golden gears and a purple crystal appeared on her arm.
-I will re-live this tragedy over and over and the cycle of the Charred Earth has been broken.
The gears in the girl's shield started to spin, and in Hal's eyes, she suddenly disappeared in a bizarre light.

(The girl stood in an empty space with a Techni-color background and sepia-colored flashbacks)

My name is Homura Akemi, and I'm a girl who has the power to manipulate and travel through time.
The man who died, Kiritsugu Emiya, and, Hal Emmerich, the man who almost got robbed are more important than they could imagine...
In February the 15th, 2019, something resembling a celestial body fell out of the sky and crashed in the Arizona desert.
It was a large chunk of mineral that no person on this planet had seen before.
It woke great curiosity, but a Private Military Company (PMC) was hired to hide this celestial rock from the public eye.
From what I know, the scientists that worked with the PMC have called the mineral "Metatron".
The Metatron ore is an absolute mystery for everyone who doesn't have a high security clearance in this new facility.
I do not know any of the details about the material's properties, but I know one thing for certain.
Whatever that is inside that mineral will end all life as we know it, unless I stop it.
But I can't do that alone.
Through several journeys between February the 11th and October the 12th, I found the man know as Kiritsugu Emiya.
He has talents that resemble mine, and he could prove to be an invaluable aid, if I can convince him of this threat's existence.
There is one obstacle through.
He always dies on September the 2nd, trying to save another man from a robbery.
The man he saved, Hal Emmerich, is just as important.
After Kiritsugu's death, I have observed the short life that remained for Hal.
He is one of the few outsiders who has followed the development of the "Metatron" operation, thanks to his adopted daughter, Sunny, who is a skilled hacker.
They both need to live if the future is to change.
I might be forced to expose my powers before unsuspecting observers, but so be it.
This is a parallel Earth then the one I came from, but I still won't let it die.
Madoka, give me strength....
Time Reverse! Engage! shouted Homura as the gears in her shield started to turn quickly.
Rewinding clocks appeared in the background as past events started to undo themselves.
Homura then reappeared under a train overpass in the rainy streets of Chicago, on the evening of September the 2nd.

(Background Music: Dual Destinies OST: 1-12 Announce the Truth 2013)

Homura appeared among the large crowds that filled the streets of Chicago, and no one seemed to have noticed her.
She desperately looked around her, but the people around her obstructed her view.
-I can't fail now. said Homura with determination.
Kiritsugu, everyone dies one day, but today, you will live!
Homura started to press herself through the crowds of people in the rain.
She could barely see the corner-shop that Kiritsugu were about to enter.
All the lights blinded her, and she had the impression that the people around her were as stressed as she was.
Kiritsugu came out of the shop with a pack of cigarettes in his right hand.
He headed towards a rather empty and desolate alley.
Homura started to shove people aside as she caught a glimpse of Kiritsugu.
All the umbrellas blocked her view, so she made a mad dash straight ahead.
Everyone she shoved aside looked surprised or angry, but Homura did not have the time to care.
Completely drenched, she made it through the crowded crossing and into the alleyway.
She noticed quickly that she had reached another point of entry into the secluded alley.
The two punks that would assault Hal Emmerich laid in wait.
Homura could have tried to take them out before the robbery even happened, but that would prevent Kiritsugu and Hal from meeting each other.
She saw the street that led into the alley that Hal walked with no worries whatsoever.
The robbers started to talk, with no knowledge of Homura's presence.
-Hey, Rickard, that middle-aged guy looks like one of those rich people! said Clive.
-He's just a normal guy. Isn't it a little to cruel to rob him? asked Rickard.
-Who cares? We get noticed and people will know that they shouldn't mess with us! said the ambitious Clive.
-Homura were powerless to change the situation.
She saw the two robbers grab Hal when he had walked into the alley, and they struck him down to the ground, and then they started to threaten him.
The tear-eyed Hal were about to give up his wallet when Homura heard the click of a reloaded gun.  

(Background Music: Phoenix Wright - Justice For All OST: Hotline to Destiny)

-Let him go. said Kiritsugu with a calm and collected tone, as if he was dealing with a hostage situation.
Clive suddenly stopped threatening Hal and turned around.
-And who the hell are you, old man? asked Clive with imitation.
If you don't want to get messed up like this guy right here, SCRAM!
Kiritsugu pulled out a gun from his coat and pointed it towards Clive.
-LET. GO. said Kiritsugu with a menacing cold tone.
Rickard ran as soon as he saw Kiritsugu's gun, but Clive were more foolhardy.
-You asked for it! shouted Clive as he took fourth a gun of his own.
Homura suddenly realized one thing.
Kiritsugu wouldn't shoot first in this situation.
It was only a matter of seconds before the killing bullet would be fired.
When Homura heard the trigger of Clive's gun being pulled, she made a motion with her shield equipped.

(Background Music: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney: Soundtrack - Percieve ~ Surging Eyes)

-Freeze!
Everything turned gray and all motion halted.
The bullet that was fired was about to make contact with Kiritsugu's chest, who had a surprised expression on his face.
Clive looked like he was already regretting what he had done.
-I can't suspend reality for any longer spans of time, but this should simple enough.
Homura slowly walked towards the completely petrified Kiritsugu while she went through floating drops of rain.
She grabbed the bullet that was about to hit Kiritsugu and moved it slightly to the side.
After that, she walked to Clive and easily wrestled out his gun from his suspended hands.
She then pointed the gun towards his head.
The gears in Homura's Shield stopped turning and the rain started to fall again.

(Background Music: None)

As time began to move again, the bullet flew passed Kiritsugu's right arm.
Kiritsugu looked completely astonished.
The bullet flew into the brick wall behind him.
Hal cowered in fear, but looked up with slight caution.
Homura stood with Cilve's gun and pointed it towards his head.

(Background Music: Deus Ex: Human Revolution [FULL SOUNDTRACK] - 05 - Detroit City Ambient Part 1)

-Argh! Oh god!
I beg you, please don't kill me!
I'll turn myself to the cops, I promise! shouted Clive with panic.
-Then run as fast as your legs can carry you. said Homura with a determined cold tone as she spoke.
Clive, while he were sobbing intensely, ran for his life.
Hal helped himself up on his feet, while using the wall as support.
He had spots of dirt all over his sweater and jeans, but he had not been hurt in any significant way.
-I don't know who you people are, but I cannot thank you enough! said Hal to the stunned Kiritsugu.
I know it's rude to ask, but what are your names?
I need to know in case I can repay you two somehow.
Homura looked towards Kiritsugu, who was still armed.
Kiritsugu took out the magazine from his gun and threw it in a garbage can.
-My name is Kiritsugu Emiya. said Kiritsugu with his usual neutral voice.
Homura stood in silence and didn't say a word until she said:
-Homura Akemi.
-Well, my name is Hal Emmerich. said Hal and polished his glasses with a small piece of fabric.
You, Homura, was it? You just came out of nowhere and disarmed that thug in the blink of an eye!
I could barely comprehend what just happened. said Hal to Homura.
-...Just WHO are you? asked Kiritsugu as Homura dropped the gun that she had taken from Clive.
She looked straight into his eyes before answering.
-We need a place we can talk. said Homura.
-Talk? said Hal.
-Kiritsugu gave Homura a glare of suspicion.
I will explain everything when we are at a place were the three of us can speak in private.
Hal nervously took up a cell phone and looked at the clock.
-It's 10 O'clock already? said Hal with slight concern.
I know a place we could talk, but I need to arrange a few things first and-
-Get on with it. said Kiritsugu and gave Hal a no nonsense look.
-Okay, okay... I will start making the necessary calls.
You two seem like you need to talk a few things out, too.
Hal walked away far enough from the alley so that Kiritsugu and Homura couldn't hear his phone call.
Kiritsugu gave Homura a serious stare.  
You look like a mere child, but it was almost like you could freeze time itself.
How do you explain yourself? said Kiritsugu with stern eyes.
-...I said that my name is Homura Akemi. said Homura with the usual distance in her voice.
-No, I'm talking about how you can STOP time. People can't manipulate Time and Space. said Kiritsugu to the seemingly magic-using girl.
-You seem surprised, Kiritsugu Emiya, the Mage Killer. said Homura.
Kiritsugu looked seriously at Homura.
-What was that? Mages? asked Kiritsugu.
-Your reputation precedes you, Emiya. said Homura.
-You are not making any sense. Mages? Are you serious?
They're just fairy tales.
-Hm... Interesting... said Homura quietly to herself.
-What is? asked Kiritsugu, who now were more suspicious than ever.
-Nothing. Ignore what I just said.
I just spoke out my thoughts loud.
But I will explain why you got involved with this strange turn of events... and what is coming up.

(Background Music: DANGANRONPA OST: -1-26- Beautiful Morning)

Hal put down his smart-phone and interrupted the conversation without knowing that he had done so.
-Well, we are all set! said Hal.
Kiritsugu and Homura, looked away from each other.
-...Is something the matter? asked Hal.
-It's nothing. I just haven't eaten anything today. said Kiritsugu.
-Me neither. said Homura distantly.
-Come with me then! said Hal.
He headed out to the crowded streets with Homura and Kiritsugu.
It had stopped raining, but the commercial signs still shone brightly against the big puddles on the streets.
Do you two have any preferences when it comes to dining?
Italian? American? Japanese?
-Anything works for me. said Kiritsugu.
-I want to eat at a fancy restaurant. said Homura.
-I know of a steakhouse that could be considered fancy. said Hal.
It serves authentic Brazilian meals, too.
-Works for me. said Kiritsugu.
-Do they have desserts? asked Homura.
-Why, of course. said Hal.
Do you have anything particular in mind?
-Pie. said Homura quickly.
-Then I think you will be satisfied.
They have a great key lime pie there as a dessert. said Hal.
-Could we just get going? asked Kiritsugu. My hunger won't do my mood any further favors.
-Sure. said Hal.

Hal, Homura and Kiritsugu arrived at a restaurant which had a fancy sign with red letters.
The three entered and Hal got a table ready, where Kiritsugu and Homura could sit while Hal ordered food.
He also needed to take a quick trip to the bathroom.
The nice locale was decorated with big unframed paintings on the walls, and Kiritsugu and Homura sat by a circular table for three and waited.
The table had three napkins that were wrapped around cutlery.
-You know that this would be a good time to explain your powers, am I correct? asked Kiritsugu.
Homura looked at the other tables in the restaurant and saw many groups of people who ate and talked with each other.
-Fine. said Homura.

(Background Music: Fate/ Extra CCC ost 22: Aeriality)

Kiritsugu Emiya, have you had any feelings of deja vu lately?
-Be a little more specific. said Kiritsugu.
-You know, when it feels like you have experienced or seen something before even trough you are experiencing it for the first time?
Kiritsugu thought about the haunting sensation he had felt then he lit the cigarette in the alleyway.
-I might have had. said Kiritsugu with hesitance.
What of it?
-If you feel like you have experienced that robbery over and over again is because... you have, in a certain sense.
-That can't be possible. said Kiritsugu with uncertainty.
-It is. said Homura.
I don't know how to say this, but you have tried to stop that robbery several times.
-Are you joking? asked Kiritsugu.
-No. I am not.
Every single time you have heard Hal Emmerich cry for help, you came to his rescue.
But every single time, you got mortally wounded by a gun injury.
You let your guard down.
I have witnessed these events over and over again.
I have the ability to slow down and even stop time, but I didn't want to abuse them in a so seemingly minor situation. said Homura.
-Are you trying to say that what's happening right now is not real?
That I have been dead since a long time ago? asked Kiritsugu.
-No. said Homura.
In several possible timelines, you are very much dead.
But I can go back in time.
I prevented what seemed to be predestined.
Kiritsugu sighed.
-That is so bizarre that I almost actually believe what you say... said Kiritsugu.
But IF you can jump through time, why didn't you prevent the robbery from happening at all?
-You and Hal Emmerich are very important people.
If I would have stopped those street rats ahead of time, you would never have met Emmerich.
-I see...
But why is so important that I meet Emmerich of all people? asked Kiritsugu.
-Something very grave will happen to this planet soon.
Hal Emmerich has the leads I need to uncover what the cause of it is, before it's too late.
-...And where do I come in your future plan?
Homura sighed.
-In one of the past timelines I travelled to, we knew each other.
I was weak back then, and had little control over my powers.
Kiritsugu, you taught me partially how to control time and how to handle a gun. said Homura sincerely.
-I... have done that? said Kiritsugu while he was in deep thought.
Kiritsugu suddenly saw an image popping up in his head.
For a split second, he could see himself holding a gun, or rather helping a smaller pair of hands holding a gun.
It felt like a memory he never had, but it was right there.
-You where a reliable friend back then. said Homura.
And a man who always persevered, no matter how harsh the circumstances.
Kiritsugu had a hard time taking it all in.
In one reality, he would have been the mentor to this mysterious girl.
He couldn't fathom it.
A waiter stood by the table and tried to get Kiritsugu's attention.
-Your food is ready.
Can I put it on the table?

(Background Music: Deus Ex: Human Revolution Soundtrack - LIMB Clinic)

Kiritsugu snapped out of his thoughts.
-O-of course. said Kiritsugu with a shaken voice.
-Breaded steak skewers for you. said the waiter and put a plate with three breaded steak skewers that smelled heavenly.
-A key lime pie. said the waiter and put a small plate with a tasty-looking slice of pie in front of Homura.
-And a pork-rib. said the waiter and put down one last plate.
Enjoy! Tell us if you need anything! said the waiter.
Homura could hear a faint rumble in her stomach.
-Go on, eat. said Kiritsugu.
It's that Emmerich's fault if he spends twenty minutes in the bathroom.

And speaking of the devil, Hal exited the guest bathrooms and headed to Homura and Kiritsugu's table.
-I'm sorry for taking so long.
I needed to make an urgent phone call.
Is the food to your liking?
Kiritsugu took a bit from the steak skewer Hal had ordered.
-It's really good. said Kiritsugu.
-I had a feeling that you would like it. said Hal.
The prizes aren't this high without reason.
Hal took his seat and as ready to take a bite from his pork-rib.
He cut it with his knife and ate a slice.
-Hmmmm... This is what true food tastes like! said Hal.
He put down his fork and looked at Homura and Kiritsugu.
An armed man and a girl who can disarm people in the blink of an eye!
I have seen many odd things, but this might trump them all.
Kiritsugu, Homura, are you two related by any chance?
-No. said Homura swiftly like a whip.
-Sorry, you two were arguing earlier and I drew the conclusion that... said Hal.
Kiritsugu looked at Homura for a brief moment and then looked back at Hal.
-You aren't drawing that big of a stretch if you think I'm related to Homura. admitted Kiritsugu.
-But there is something important we need to discuss. said Homura.
Mr. Emmerich, are you aware of the existence of a fallen meteorite that is called "The Metatron Ore".
-Yes, it's a recent news item.
The news claim it fell out of the skies and destroyed a small portion of the Sonora Desert.
People have started to create a long array of theories what this rock could possibly be or come from, but a private military company has cut all public information in that area.
I would have shrugged it off as another hoax, but this military company has built a whole facility around the supposed crash site, with armed patrols and everything.
Whatever it is, this mineral must be capable of making great scientific discoveries that mankind never could have started to imagine.
Is the discovery of this "Metatron" the start of a new era?
-No. It's not. said Homura.
Kiritsugu looked with interest and Hal looked a little shaken.
-W-what? said Hal.
I don't quite understand.
-This is important.
Emmerich, could you tell me about what you know about this mineral?
It is completely under wraps and not even the government is aware of its existence.
The people who secured "The Metatron" ore has eradicated every trace of its existence and every single web page that mentions it is deleted. said Homura with determined eyes.
-I have some insider connections to the project. said Hal, who sounded like he didn't want to talk about in public..-
-Homura. said Kiritsugu.
-Hm?
-You seem to know an awful lot about this "Metatron" ore yourself.
Your interest seems almost suspicious...
How important is it? asked Kiritsugu.
-Very important.
That meteorite is connected to the end of all life on this planet.
And I want to retell what I saw, in a world where the Metatron ore were ignored...  


(Background Music: G-Darius Music- Adam)

In a very near future... I failed to save Hal Emmerich. The world burns.
The city of Chicago is in flames, and the screams of the people are drowned out by the roaring flames.
(In the flashback...)
Homura and Kiritsugu ran through a street where the buildings were slowly consumed by great and thick flames.
-We need to find a place where we can hide before that bastard finds us again! shouted the battle-scarred Kiritsugu.
Homura looked towards an abandoned shop.
-I see an abandoned shop straight ahead! said Homura.
Let's hide in there!
Kiritsugu and Homura ran into what used to be a convenience store.
Kiritsugu hid behind the display window that was shattered, so he could get a view of the situation.
Homura looked horrified at all of the destruction that surrounded them.
-We need to come up with a plan to destroy that Apostle before it's too late. said Homura.
-Even if we managed to destroy it, would it really be a victory?
What we are seeing is hell on earth.
The entirety of Chicago, burned to the ground in two hours. said Kiritsugu.
If hell exists, then it's nothing compared to this...
Kiritsugu peeked over the counter he had hid behind.
He saw a small brown-colored mechanical drone that hovered slowly over the chaotic street.
-I have spotted one of the Apostle's drones.
Homura, I'm going to disable it. said Kiritsugu.
-Got it. said Homura.
Kiritsugu took up his Thompson Contender, his custom-made pistol, and left his cover.
Kiritsugu swiftly shot the drone with a metal-shredding bullet.
The bullet pierced through the drone, and it fell to the ground.
It started to make an erratic noise.
Kiritsugu ran to Homura.
-Damn it! The drone spotted us... We need to move, NOW! shouted Kiritsugu.
Homura nodded as Kiritsugu took her hand firmly and he started to run.
They left the store and ran through the burning street.
Homura, through not any younger age-wise, where much more inexperienced then she were in the present day.    
Homura and Kiritsugu arrived at an open square that had debris blocking of every other means of escape.
-Curses! said Kiritsugu.
We can take cover behind that pile of rubble over there! said Homura and pointed towards a heap of broken house materials.
-It looks unstable, but it's better than nothing. said Kiritsugu.
Homura and Kiritsugu took positions behind their new cover.
-Our only choice now is to wait until the Apostle of the Charred Earth comes, and then we hit it with everything we got.
And if that fails, then you have to get away alive, no matter what the cost, Homura. said Kiritsugu seriously.
If we can't defeat the Apostle, then you have to do everything in your power to prevent it's awakening... in the past.
-I won't leave! shouted Homura.
-We are not having this discussion right now. said Kiritsugu, who were visibly agitated.
You can go back and change history.
This is the reality I live in.
And If I die, prevent this tragedy and make this world a better place.
Homura was about to answer, but she noticed something truly threatening.
-Homura, what is it? asked Kiritsugu with a concerned look.
-It's the Apostle! said Homura with wide-open eyes filled with despair.
Kiritsugu took a peek to the left side of the pile of rubble, and then he saw it.
The Apostle of the Charred Earth.
The creature had gotten its name from its mechanical, human-like armor that had angelic-looking steel wings.
The Apostle brought fire and destruction to everything it met within seconds.
It's armor had a burnt brown color with white on the sides and its wings were shaped like coffins with swords at their tips.
And its face was just a featureless sphere, resembling an astronaut's helmet.      
Around the Apostle flew four drones that were shaped like small hovering cannons, also colored with the same burnt brown.
-Homura, are you able to use your time travel ability?
-Yes, but if I use it, I won't be able to help you!
-It doesn't matter!
I will hold it off for long enough so that you can use your power and travel back!  
You are my only hope, Homura!
-Can't I do anything else!?
Kiritsugu took up his Thompson Contender and broke of the grip.
-I want you to keep this. said Kiritsugu and gave Homura the gun grip.
I want you to know, Homura, that without you, I would not have become the person I am today.
Thank you. He had a very warm look in his eyes, one he had not had in a very long time.
Kiritsugu suddenly jumped the cover.
-Kiritsugu! said Homura with sadness in her voice.

(Background Music: Kara no Kyoukai OST 5 - #22 M24)

Kiritsugu took his stand and readied a small machine gun.
-Apostle! I will end your march of destruction personally! said Kiritsugu with cold yet fierce determination in his voice.
I am prepared to die, so I won't hold anything back!

The Apostle's four remaining turrets flew towards Kiritsugu at high speeds!
Kiritsugu opened fire with his machine gun as he ran sideways to a small pile of rubble.
The turrets got hit by a well-aimed burst of machine gun fire and one of them exploded into small shards!
Kiritsugu ran through the burning square and suppressed the turrets as they tried to shoot him with gunfire of their own.
Kiritsugu rolled behind a burnt car.
He was very skilled at ranged combat, but if he got hit by one of the turrets even once, he would be done for.
Kiritsugu tightened his fist.
-Time Alter: Double Accel! shouted Kiritsugu.

The surroundings got covered with a shade of blue around Kiritsugu, and everything around him started to slow down, even the flickering flames.
Kiritsugu took up a handgun he had hidden in his coat and he readied himself.
Homura didn't notice any changes in the flow of time trough.
Kiritsugu rushed out of cover, armed with both weapons.
The turrets opened rapid fire, but in Kiritsugu's slowed down reality, he could avoid the bullets easily.
He terminated one of the turrets with a burst from his machine gun and gunned down another one with a precise shoot from his handgun.
The last one where about to attack Kiritsugu from his flank, but Homura managed to bring it down with three shots with a sidearm she was carrying.
-Akemi, I told you to get away from all of this! You will only hurt yourself if you stay! shouted Kiritsugu.
Homura knew this battle was impossible for Kiritsugu to win, but she couldn't leave him like this.
She felt like she needs to see all of it, to know what truly she had to lose.
To feel the pain of losing another person that was important to her, so she would fight even more fiercely to avert this tragedy in the past.
The Apostle's attention turned to Kiritsugu.
Kiritsugu aimed towards its head with his machine-gun and started to unload the machine gun upon the Apostle.
The Apostle's helmet was impenetrable by mere bullets, and it didn't move a muscle as bullets bounced of.
Kiritsugu fired until the magazine were empty, but no damage was caused.
The Apostle barely reacted to the attack.
It opened one of its left inner coffin-like wings.
The coffin contained a gray long spear.
The Apostle grasped the spear with its left hand, but it didn't attack.
It was waiting.
Kiritsugu analyzed the Apostle's defensive position.
-If this is my last battle, then I won't hold back anything!
Time Alter: Square Accel! shouted Kiritsugu.
Everything slowed down to a crawl for Kiritsugu.
In Homura's eyes, he moved at a superhuman speed.
Kiritsugu threw away his empty machine gun and took up his last weapon, a military knife.
Homura saw, if only for a second, Kiritsugu's absolute determination.
He walked towards the Apostle and unloaded every bullet he had left in the handgun into the Apostle's head.
The Apostle stared in faceless silence as the bullets hit the same spot over and over again.
Kiritsugu then threw away the handgun and ran towards the Apostle with reckless abandon!
Homura barely comprehended what happened afterwards.
Kiritsugu went ahead and stabbed the Apostle several times and he succeeded to make a dent on its face-obscuring helmet.
Kiritsugu readied another strike towards the crack, but just as he was about to swing his knife, the Apostle grabbed Kiritsugu's head with its right hand uncomprehendingly fast.
Kiritsugu started to struggle intensely, but the Apostle didn't flinch.
It readied it's left arm, with spear in hand.
The Apostle charged the spear towards Kiritsugu's body!
It took only one split-second for the inevitable to happen...

(Background Music: DANGANRONPA OST 1-18 Despair Pollution Noise Music)

Homura let out an ear-piercing scream of despair.
The spear pierced Kiritsugu's chest, and with a gush of blood visible in the flames' shadows, Kiritsugu stopped flailing.
The Apostle dropped the lifeless body on the ground.

(Background Music: Sengoku Musou 4 (Samurai Warriors 4) OST - Anegawa (Azai) )

The scene disappeared as reality started to reappear.
Kiritsugu and Hal looked intrigued after Homura's tale.
-This may have sounded like a twisted nightmare to you, but I have concrete proof that what I say is very much true. said Homura with a serious look on her face.
She hid her left hand under the table and summoned her shield.
The shield could seemingly also be used as a container for just about anything.
You could claim that it's bigger on the inside...
Homura dug around a little, but she seemed to have found what she was looking for.
Homura put the grip of a gun on the table.
It was dismantled to the point that people couldn't see it was the part of a weapon.
Hal looked curiously at the grip and Kiritsugu raised his eyebrow.
-Is this suppose to mean anything? asked Kiritsugu.
-Look carefully. said Homura.
This grip is supposed to be one of a kind.
Kiritsugu looked at the grip.
It was the same grip as his old Thompson Contender he used to use when he still were a hitman.
-You're right. That grip have been specially manufactured for my hand shape.
-Then doesn't the fact that I posses a grip to a gun that were specially made for you a little curious? asked Homura.
-It does, but, for all I know, it could be a fake or a replica.
-Do you know any gunsmiths that could make such a flawless copy?
Kiritsugu looked like he was in deep thought.
What scared him was that he... had completely forgotten how he got it his, just like how he'd forgotten why he traveled to America.
-So, Homura, are you saying that the Kiritsugu from this apocalyptic future gave this grip to you? asked Hal.
-I am. answered Homura.
-...It's exactly the same. admitted Kiritsugu and looked at the grip in confusion.
-So that means that you have proof that time travel is possible... said Hal while he sank into deep thought.
Kiritsugu put down the grip.

(Background Music: Dangan Ronpa OST - New World Order)

-I saw you disarm that robber faster than the human mind can comprehend, and then you give me a grip of a gun that I know for a fact is unique...
I'm willing to believe you. said Kiritsugu.
But if the end of the world as we know it is coming, how are we supposed to prevent it? asked Hal.
Homura bit of the last part of her steak skewer and wiped her mouth.    
-Hal, I have a plan that has been waiting to be executed for a long time, and it is long-winded and dangerous.
-If you have seen this "Apocalypse" already, you should know the risks pretty well. said Kiritsugu dryly.
-Homura, could you tell me more about this plan? asked Hal.
Like, what role I fulfil in it and such...
-Hal, you are the only one of us three who has a sharp grasp on reality, and you know more about the Metatron ore then the both of us combined.
My plan is that we go on a cross-country trip to the crash site where the Metatron were found.
-But, isn't that area a military facility now? asked Kiritsugu.
-Yes, but you and me are more capable to handle paid mercenaries. said Homura.
-Wait, are you planning to slaughter the whole compound?! said Hal with slight panicked.
-We should pay for our dinner, and then I will explain more outside. said Homura.
Don't jump to any conclusions.
They waited patiently for a waiter, and Hal paid for the meals.
-Thanks for the food. said Homura.
-It was good. said Kiritsugu.
-It was nothing. said Hal. You two really saved me back there.
-Then it's time to head out. said Homura.

Hal revealed that he had booked a fancy hotel for Kiritsugu and Homura in town and he even had a small conference room available.
Kiritsugu and Homura went through a lobby with gaudy decorations and a big public dining hall.
Red carpets covered the floor and the ceiling was high.
Even at this late hour, many rich-looking people sat and drank wine while conversing.
Homura and Kiritsugu headed down to a small corridor with many doors that had signs with numbers on them.
-Hal told us that our card keys opens Room NO. 3. said Kiritsugu.
He swiped a grey card that had two red stripes over a card reader.
The card reader made a gentle sound and the door unlocked.
Homura and Kiritsugu entered the conference room.
The conference room had brown walls made out of fine wood, lending a homely and warm feeling to the room.
The room had a brown round table with comfortable black chairs around it, and a TV was mounted on the north wall.
Small paintings also adorned the walls, with fancy black and white photos in them.
Homura and Kiritsugu made themselves comfortable on two chairs.
Hal popped in moments later.
-I got a room ready with two single beds for you guys, said Hal.
-That is greatly appreciated. said Homura.
Hal sat down on one of the conference chairs.
-So, it's time for me to lay down the plan then... said Homura.
Kiritsugu nodded.

(Background Music: XCOM Enemy Unknown Soundtrack - 24 Our Last Hope)

-Hal, do you have a map of this country? asked Homura.
Hal took up his smart phone, made a few finger motions on it and put it on the table.
-Now it's time for the plan.
My theory is that an Apocalyptic entity I have named "The Apostle of the Charred Earth", is actually the content of the curious asteroid that hit the ground.
If that is the case, we need to destroy the "Metatron" before the Apostle awakes.
We are right now in Chicago, located in the Illinois.
Our goal is far south-west, in the state Arizona.
If we are to find the ore, we need to make a cross-country trip across the states.
Hal, I leave it up to you to find us a car for transportation.
We will need a reliable vehicle where we can both sleep and move forward.
Our trip will take two days, at the very least.
The terrain becomes more difficult the further west we travel.
But this is still the safest part of the plan.
Once we are in Arizona, it won't take long to find the compound.
Hal, you will park a safe distance away from the installation, and I and Kiritsugu will get into the base undetected.
No one can no that we have been there.
-If we kill anyone, the whole base will know of it.  
What will we use if we get found out WITHOUT killing anyone? asked Kiritsugu.
-We will use tranquilizer darts. said Homura and pulled out two guns from her Shield storage.
These are EZ guns. They are very light and have built in silencers.
One shot, and your target is out for five hours, at least.
I intend to shed no more blood other than the Apostle's.
Just in case, I have also a Stingray-Missile Launcher, in case the compound has a war machine ready.
Hal Emmerich, I will need all Intel you can on the Metatron and the Mercenary Base.
Kiritsugu Emiya, I need your help when it comes to the action.
-Interesting... said Kiritsugu.
It sounds like a suicide mission, but I will go along with it.
If I'm lucky, this might give me some insight on my life, my past...      
-I can't back out of this, now can I? said Hal and scratched his head.
-Correct. said Homura with uncharacteristic snark.
-Then... I know of a way that I can help you with the action. said Hal.
-Could you tell us about it? asked Homura.
-Of course. I have a communication device that is small enough to safely hook on your ear.
And I also have some experience helping people breaking into facilities unnoticed.
I thought that I could give you to support and information from a distance.
Sounds good? asked Hal.
-If it doesn't notify our presence to the facility's personal, then I don't mind. said Homura.
-It won't, I promise. said Hal.
There are three of these devices that operates on their own radio channels, which impossible to pick up unless you are connected to one of the devices.
Let's call them... the Tricall.
They allow conversation between three people at once, and the one who makes the call can decide if the call can be heard from both other users or one specifically.
-Sounds good. said Kiritsugu.
So, in practice, you could call us if you have found something important, and I could call Homura if we needed to coordinate a strategy while being in different rooms.
-Exactly! said Hal.
But we should have codenames during the mission.
Homura, when either I or Kiritsugu refer to you, we say "Akemi".
If we are talking to Kiritsugu, we refer to him as "Emiya".
-What about you? asked Kiritsugu.
-I will be called "Otacon".
It was a long time since I used that name. said Hal with a nostalgic smile.
That really takes me back...
I-I mean, I will bring the Tri-callers with me tomorrow.
Homura put away the map.
-That should wrap up everything. said Homura.

Kiritsugu yawned discretely.
-Emmerich, could you show me and Homura to our hotel room you had booked? asked Kiritsugu.
-Of course! said Hal.

Homura was starting to get a little tired and Hal escorted her and Kiritsugu to the lobby elevators and pressed the button that took them to the 29th floor.
Kiritsugu thought the hotel was too fancy for its own good as they walk through the 29th floor's corridor.
Here it is. said Hal when he stopped in front of a door with the numbers "2917" on it.
Hal swiped the key card through a device that were connected to the room's door handle.
-I have just one question. said Kiritsugu.
Where do we meet tomorrow?
-I read in a leaflet that this hotel has a breakfast serving on floor 28 for guests who lives on floor 28 or above. said Homura and waved a leaflet she had picked up at the reception.
We could meet there in the morning.
-That is a great idea. Well, I hope you two get a good night's sleep.
All three of us have been through a lot today...
Hal walked down the corridor and headed to the elevators.

-After you. said Homura and looked at the unlocked door.
Kiritsugu opened the hotel room's door.

(Background Music: Ciel nosurge OST - Imperial Genometrics Resonance and Mediation Institute)

Kiritsugu looked at the room with surprise.
The room had a carpeted floor with a subtle red color.
The carpet transcended into fine white tiles over the door frame to the bathroom.
The room was spacious, had two beds with magnificent velvet blankets and two incredibly smooth pillows per bed.
The room also had a wide drawer with a wide surface for putting things on, and above the drawer were a wall-mounted HD-TV with a crisp and clear screen.
The far side of the room had a large window that gave a glorious view of Chicago from above.
The left half of the window was accompanied by a desk, suitable for work on a laptop.
-...Now I'm really curious about what kind of job Hal has, in case he can afford all this. said Homura.
Kiritsugu went to the bed closest to the windows let himself fall on it out of exhaustion.
He drew a deep sigh.
-This has been a long day... said Kiritsugu.
I barely know who I am, I witnessed an attempted robbery, and a girl who can travel through time has foreseen the end of civilization...
Homura looked at Kiritsugu.
-You should get some sleep as soon as possible. said Homura.
Tomorrow, the journey that might decide the future of all human life begins.
Rest is very important.
Or do you want to take a shower before you go to sleep?
This is the last chance you will get in a while to do it.
Kiritsugu helped himself up onto a sitting position.
-You can go first. said Kiritsugu.
-Fine. I understand.
Homura pranced into the bathroom and locked the door.
Kiritsugu felt a little confused.
For him, it was quite apparent that Homura didn't have any chance of cloths.
It wasn't really his problem trough.
Kiritsugu was alone in the hotel room now.
It took the time to think over what had happened before he came to Chicago.
But why was it so hard for him to remember?
Kiritsugu closed his eyes and thought intensely.

(Background Music: [Soundtracks] Fate/Zero - 09 Little drop of peace)

Kiritsugu felt a wave of ease and calm flood over him.
He could hear a woman's voice talking to him.
-Kiritsugu, do you really have to leave?
Kiritsugu opened his eyes.
He saw bright rays of sunlight and a snow-covered forest.
He seemed to stand outside the gates to a castle-like mansion.
-Kiritsugu? Is something the matter?
Kiritsugu started to see the surroundings clearly.
He then noticed a very beautiful and kind-looking woman.
She was dressed in a long snow-white jacket that matched her hair and black slim pants.
She put her hand on his cheek.    
-Iri, it's nothing in particular. said Kiritsugu.
Iri? Was that someone he knew?
He was convinced that he had never seen this radiant red-eyed woman before in his life, and yet, she talked to him in a very close and familiar way.
And the way he responded so affectionately, it made no sense to him.
Kiritsugu turned to this Iri.
She embraced him and gave him a kiss.
She didn't let go for a good five minutes.
-I-I shouldn't be so melancholic.
You are going to do great things in the United States, I'm sure of it.
Kiritsugu noticed tears forming in Iri's eyes.
-Please don't cry, Iri.
I will be back in half a year.
And I promise you and Illya will be proud when I return.
I'm finally going to do honest work.
Kiritsugu heard footsteps in the thick snow.
A small girl, very similar to Iri, ran towards Kiritsugu in a in a purple jacket.
She ran up to Kiritsugu and hugged his waist.
Kiritsugu stroked her head.
She looked up at Kiritsugu and her eyes were overflowing with tears.
-D-dad? Do you really have to go? said the girl while sobbing.
Kiritsugu lowered himself to the girl's height and hugged her.
-Illya, daddy has a very important job in the United States, and he promises to come back with lots of presents and love.
-I don't want presents dad!
I want you to stay!
-Illya, I don't think words can express how much I love you. said Kiritsugu with a rare and profound smile.
It all made sense to Kiritsugu by now.
The woman, Iri, was the one person he was ready to pledge his life to, and the girl Illya was the one single life he loved above all.
He hugged the both of them really closely and then after uttering a sentence he couldn't hear, and he then took up a briefcase and started to walk away from Iri and Illya.
The further away he got, the less detailed the world became.
Why was he going away? What was so important in the United States?
He still didn't know.
One final thing became apparent to him.
This was a memory from five months ago, February, 2019.
Did that make any sense?
Kiritsugu noticed now that he was laying down in the hotel room again.
With a warmed heart in his chest, he quickly went into a peaceful sleep.

The bathroom door opened and foam flew out.
Homura emerged from the steam in a cute cyan pyjamas with stars on it.
It made her look more childish then usual.
She didn't wear her usual hair band either.
Homura saw Kiritsugu lying on his bed asleep.
-I see. You deserve some rest, Emiya. said Homura.
She pulled back the curtains and got ready to work at the desk.

(Background Music: Kamen Rider Gaim OST - Track 35 - 大人の思考)

Homura summoned her shield that also worked as a deep storage.
-Everything is starting to fall into place.
With Hal Emmerich and Kiritsugu Emiya on my side, I can't fail.
Homura suddenly took up several gun parts from her shield's storage.
She put together a assault rifle and put a magazine with live ammunition in it.
-If it is to save this world, I'm ready to be branded as a villain, or if necessary, a killer.
Without Kiritsugu knowing, Homura had put together fifteen different guns, like if she were about to arm a small group of mercenaries.
Homura had also put a small plush doll on the desk that looked like a pink-haired girl with to short pig-tails.
She plush also wore a pink outfit.
Homura petted the stuffed plush on the head.
-Don't worry, little Madoka, I WILL save this world.
Homura started to stash away the various rifles into her shield that seemed to be able to carry a truck's worth of goods, if not more.
She held the little Madoka close to herself and went to the other bed, and after crawling down under the warm blankets, she quickly fell asleep.

The night passed...

(Background Music:  Conception II Ost Track #02: Harvest Code ~Extended~)

The sound of curtains being pulled away could be heard.
The room got filled with bright sunlight.
Kiritsugu turned away from the light while still sleeping.
-Emiya, it's time to wake up.
Homura sat beside the sleeping Kiritsugu on the bed.
He had fallen asleep in the same cloths that he had worn the previous day.
His coat and his shoes where the only things he bothered to take off.
-It's 10 o'clock in the morning. said Homura after she had glanced at a digital clock that stood on a table beside Kiritsugu's bed.
Homura poked Kiritsugu's nose.
Kiritsugu slowly opened his eyes.
-(So all of this wasn't a dream...) thought Kiritsugu.
The time-travelling girl wasn't a hallucination, then.
-Homura? You are up early. said Kiritsugu after yawning.
-I had a hard time sleeping. said Homura.
These upcoming days... will decide the fate of Humanity.
Kiritsugu got himself up from bed, even if it felt difficult.
-Remind me, but did we tell that Hal to meet us at the breakfast serving at floor 28? asked Kiritsugu.
-We did, and that's why we need to get there as soon as possible.
The serving closes at 11 o'clock.
Kiritsugu almost made a smile when he heard that.
He put on his coat and tried to flatten out the wrinkles it had started to get.
-Shouldn't you change into something more appropriate? asked Kiritsugu when he noticed that Homura still wore her pyjamas.
-I'm fine. said Homura.
It's just breakfast.
Kiritsugu and Homura got their things together.
After the breakfast, at least according to the plan, Homura, Kiritsugu and Hal where supposed to leave the city in a RV car.
Kiritsugu and Homura left the room.
Everything felt brighter on their way to the elevators.
It were probably because the part of the floor that had the elevators also had a wide open window.
Chicago looked glorious in the sunlight, with hundreds of thousands lives in full motion.
Homura pressed a button to call an elevator.
Kiritsugu just absorbed the view.
He might not know WHY he came to Chicago, but now he had a reason to go on.
The woman and the girl he saw in his dream.
He felt intense feelings of warmth and caring for both of them.
Iri and Illya...
One elevator made a "PLING!" sound and the doors opened.
-It's here. said Homura.
As Kiritsugu and Homura entered the elevator, he started to notice that being alone with Homura felt awkward.
She looked like a young teenager, but she spoke in a cold monotone most of the time.
It were only when she spoke of "The Apostle" and her plan to stop it that she showed any sincere emotions.
Kiritsugu didn't like small-talk himself, but Homura were still a child. (In Kiritsugu's eyes.)
Despite this awkward silence, the elevator ride between floor 29 and 28 where over in a matter of seconds.
The elevator doors opened, and Kiritsugu saw the breakfast serving immediately when he stepped out of the elevator.
Unlike the 29th floor, the 28th's "Elevator Lobby" where connected with a large room where three of the four walls where mead of glass.
Several wealthy looking people sat by the numerous tables and discussed various topics.
Homura looked with an unusual fascination at the varied and expansive that were on offer.
And all of it was free, or at least include in the room fee.      
Kiritsugu and Homura spent a good half hour, waiting for Hal.
Kiritsugu hadn't had a breakfast this fulfilling in a long time.
Homura where busy eating a sandwich she had made herself, with hot chocolate.
Kiritsugu tried to start conversations with Homura about various things, but she either end the topic with a stale answer, or outright ignored it.

10:40 o'clock.
Kiritsugu heard that someone in a hurry entered the room.
-Hm?
Hal came and looked exhausted.
-There you are! said Hal.
Homura looked up.
-Emmerich, you're here.
What took yo so long?
-Um... I overslept and then I realized I had to pick up the RV I have rented and then I need to get my equipment in place a-
-In short, are we ready to leave as soon as a finish this sandwich? asked Homura.
-Y-yes. said Hal.
But shouldn't you change into some other cloths?
-Is the pyjamas really bothering everybody that much? mumbled Homura.
Fine. I will go back to the room and chance. But AFTER that, we will leave Chicago.
Homura left her plate and cup and went to the elevators.
Hal looked at Kiritsugu.
-Akemi seems to be on edge today. noted Hal.
-It's an important day today. said Kiritsugu.
She claims the fate of humanity is on the line.
Hal almost laughed.
-So it's for the fate of humanity again.
But then it's a good thing that we are super-prepared.
-We indeed are. said Kiritsugu.
Talking to Hal wasn't so bad.
He didn't have the greatest social graces but it was easy to tell that he meant thoroughly well when he spoke.
The elevator came down again and Homura appeared once again.
Homura wore the same outfit she had worn the day before, but it looked perfectly clean.    -Are we ready to leave? asked Homura.
-100 %! said Hal.    
Kiritsugu, don't you have any luggage in the room?
I'm getting the feeling that we won't come back here in a very long time.
-I'm good. said Kiritsugu.
Homura, we're ready to leave. said Kiritsugu and stood up from his chair, ready to go.
-We need to take the elevator to the garage.
That's where I parked the RV. said Hal.      
The company of three went into one of the elevators and Hal pressed the button under the first floor icon.
The elevator went down smoothly and before Homura knew it, the elevator stopped on the garage floor.
Hal walked up to a large white car with a blue stripe across it.
And "Large white car" means an RV.
-Here it is! said Hal with pride in his voice.
Homura didn't move a muscle in her face.
-It would be nice if you guys where a little more awestruck...
-Hal, the situation is rather urgent, so could we pick up the pace? asked Kiritsugu.
-Ah... Of course!
But can I ask you one thing, Emiya? said Hal.
Can you drive?
-I think so... said Kiritsugu as he scratched his chin in deep thought.
-If you two keep blathering, then I am ready to drive. said Homura who sounded a little annoyed.
Kiritsugu and Hal went quickly into the RV.
The insides of the car had two halves.
The front half of the car had four seats with seatbelts connected to the right or left wall, and the front row had all matters of contraptions besides the driver's wheel.
The back half were a  living area with a fold out bed in one of the walls and a bench of sorts. The area was really messy, especially since Hal had installed all matters of different machines.
-How do you guys like it? asked Hal.
-It will do just fine. said Kiritsugu with ease in his voice.
-Fascinating... said Homura when she saw all of the devices.
I might have a closer look when we are on the road.
-The let's not delay our foray anymore! said Hal.
Onwards!
Kiritsugu strapped himself to the driver's seat with the seat-belt and turned the car key.

(Background Music: The Walking Dead Game OST-02 alive inside)

As the engines started to fire up, Kiritsugu felt hesitation for the first time.
He now knew he had a real life that waited for him, outside of these seemingly supernatural occurrences.
-But I will go through with this, for Akemi. said Kiritsugu quietly and looked at Homura.
Kiritsugu started to back the car out of the parking lane and he then turned towards the ramp that led to Chicago's ground level.
As the RV had driven up from the hotel's garage, the sun shone brightly.
-We're finally on the road... said Homura.
(For so many cycles, I have tried to create a plan that can stop the end of Humanity.
But this time, I know we will succeed. The Apostle will fall.)
-Kiritsugu, I can help you with the directions when we are driving out of Chicago.
It's a little tricky to drive in dense traffic. said Hal as he installed a GPS ovver the car's radio between the seats.
-That's appreciated, Emmerich. said Kiritsugu.
-To think, that I might get to confirm the existence of the Metatron ore first hand... said Hal with excitement.

Kiritsugu had managed to drive out of Chicago within twenty minutes.
The traffic were going unusually smoothly this very day.
For being the potentially last journey of his life, everything felt oddly relaxed.

Describing what happened during this journey was rather pointless.
Homura, Kiritsugu and Hal didn't do anything that a normal family wouldn't  do on a short vacation.
Hal chatted with Kiritsugu and it didn't annoy Kiritsugu at all.
When Kiritsugu thought back, he was actually glad that he nearly sacrificed his life so Hal wouldn't get hurt.
And Homura? She kept being an enigma during the journey, but she talked with Hal a lot and asked him many questions about the equipment that littered the living area of the RV.
Kiritsugu tried to be warmer to Homura to.
He had thought much about Homura's tale of the apocalypse.
That the possibility existed that he served as a parental substitute for her in another timeline...  
When first of the two nights arrived during this cross-country trip, Hal took the wheel instead of Kiritsugu.
Kiritsugu went to the living area and sat on the sofa-like bench.
Homura had already fallen asleep on the bench.
She had a blanket wrapped around her body.
Kiritsugu gently lifted Homura's head and he then sat down himself on the bench.
He put the sleeping Homura's head on his lap, which where a softer surface than the bench.
He slowly fell into a restless sleep.

To be concluded...