56- Values and Principles
…..
The waiting room they were escorted into was comfortable enough, Sairaorg swearing by Lakmia's hospitality while she interrogated her man. Shirou's foot, still in his disguise as Nero, was practically trying to open a hole on the floor. He wanted to be there when the man talked, he wanted to know who was the devil who killed a child.
Perhaps he could get things moving if he revealed his identity but having some anonymity could be useful in the future and too many people were looking at Xenovia with wonder for him to be comfortable revealing himself.
Azazel's warning had been right on the money, since Rias had used his invention to bring prosperity he ended up becoming famous by default. It would be funny seeing Xenovia struggle to deflect questions if those questions weren't about him, his present works and if she could deliver a message.
More than one devil, some of the arena's staff, tried to get a word in to schedule a meeting of some sort.
To her credit Xenovia acted perfectly in her position, keeping her distance and keeping her replies short but obviously negative. Every time anyone asked her anything she imitated a politician and claimed 'No comment' something Shirou was happy to praise her for.
And she was happy for the praise, more so than with the trail of cakes Lakmia had delivered to the waiting room as an apology and to occupy them while she waited.
Only Kushia had touched them so far. "It is rather rude if we don't eat." The Queen suggested as she was on her third one.
Her King chuckled and picked one. "She is right. Even if you are frustrated, Lakmia can't be blamed for her subordinates' mistakes."
"Sorry but I am not hungry." Too much was on his mind.
Xenovia looked at the cakes and shook her head as well, slowly looking at Shirou. "Nero, what exactly have you seen in that sword?"
Neither suspected anyone was listening to their talk but Shirou nodded in appreciation. "A tall devil killing a kid." He replied calmly, the image forever recorded in his Reality Marble. Not the only horror there but the freshest one. "It was this week."
"Are you sure?" Sairaorg didn't take a bite yet, his face furious. "Because that is the kind of taboo you don't break in the Underworld. To us children are practically sacred."
Without revealing his condition Shirou couldn't explain how he knew the murder was fact. "I am very good with swords." Yet he threw a meaningful look, hoping the Heir of Bael could get the meaning behind his words.
Sairaorg caught enough to take a hard bite of his food and relax in his seat, an extremely comfortable chair. His Queen was sitting on a couch by herself even if it had room for one more person while Shirou and Xenovia shared a couch for four, the blue haired swordswoman close to the magus.
Her eyes never left him as the magus stopped moving and folded his arms as he also tried to relax. Despite being underground the magic in the area made it feel like there was a small breeze on the room. The temperature was perfect and it was big enough to host a small party if the owner wished.
It was still a cell, an elegant cell that didn't make clear they weren't prisoners but unless Shirou revealed his identity he certainly was. Sairaorg was an heir, his Queen shared his protection and Xenovia was considered important. As far Lakmia knew Nero was just a human prancing around with Azazel's blessing
Once again old hatreds were running deep but Shirou wasn't really worried about having to reveal his real identity. The truth was on the sword and the man already was broken by the mess he made by starting a fight. At that point even his own comrades were upset, his boss most of all.
Because the Matron couldn't deny the fact, not with hundreds of witnesses, that her security detail had failed and one was caught with something really illegal. Especially if devils saw children as really sacred, just that would be enough to warrant the real authorities to come knocking if Lakmia treated things poorly.
So Shirou was confident the woman was going to show up sooner or later but he wished it to be sooner. "Every minute that passes the trail gets colder."
"You said it was this week, right? Can you tell exactly the day?" Kuisha tried to get the ball rolling aiming to calm the Mage down.
A grunt escaped the magus and his mind turned to the sword in his Reality Marble. "The sword was made by a man called Fiton eight days ago, polished and transported in a box a short distance." Its history had no trace of teleportation until it was bought. "It was put up for sale but I can't tell you where. All I could see after was it moving between a couple of people and their appearances but no names." His eyes turned murderous and so he put up his hood. "Before that a kid was stabbed. Tears, confusion, despair. Wrong place, wrong time, dead."
Sairaorg broke the plate in his hand. "I see…" Then he turned to the door and hit it loud enough that it began to crack. "If the Matron doesn't show up in 10 minutes, I am leaving with my guests."
Honestly he wanted to leave sooner but Saraorg knew Lakmia personally and didn't believe she was holding them for no reason. That was just how much he was willing to wait.
"How many days?" Asked Xenovia, hand firmly in Durandal and ready to deliver some Justice.
"Four." Shirou's voice was cold. "That is why we need to know where he bought it. After the sword was cleaned it was moved somewhere and that devil bought it. I can 'hear' the negotiation, the price and how happy he was for having a sword like Lucifer's Knight's."
Cold leads, extremely weak regardless of his skills but Shirou was going to chase them until he couldn't anymore. Besides, he had other leads as the down time gave him the chance of checking the other swords made by the same man. He didn't have everything he needed but many of them shared more than their smith.
It didn't take long for Lakmia to arrive, the redhead woman strode inside the room two minutes after Sairaorg ultimatum with 8 bodyguards and a pushcart with at least 20 swords on them.
Every single one of them was a sword Shirou had made and Fiton had copied; same number of strikes, same techniques with the metal, different weapons for the most part but still just extras of the same swords for the magus' Reality Marble.
"It appears a lot of my subordinates have been bad boys." The woman sounded annoyed and glared at Shirou with heat. She was starting to hate hoods. "Still with someone like Sairaorg around I would expect you to approach the owner of the establishment before starting a mess."
"I just had one question. He started the fight."
"Hmm, as expected of the subordinate of that man. He truly needed someone to compete with the Mage of Swords, didn't he?" She smoked her pipe before turning to Sairaorg. "But your new friend is right. I just expect that if you bring more around, you tell them how things work in the Underworld."
Old acquaintances or not, the Heir of Bael wasn't in the mood for games. "So the criminal talked?"
Lakmia shook her head in disappointment. "You hardly should call someone a criminal for a minor infraction. The man didn't kill anyone, just bought a sword he shouldn't have."
"Still a crime, especially with a weapon that needed sanction from the Gremory, your Clan."
"Right you are and I have 20 men who benefited from the same deal." She waved to the swords. "Tell me, Nero…" The name rolled off her tongue with interest. "Can you tell me if any of these weapons shed more blood?"
"Lakmia, do you have a suspect?" Kuisha stood up with a hard look in her eyes.
"I need more information before throwing accusations." She smoked some more before continuing. "But perhaps it won't make any difference since I suspect an already known criminal."
Xenovia was starting to grow restless with that conversation. "And this Fiton? Nero said he was the smith."
Already the Matron was giving the knight her full attention. "Hardly the brains of the operation. Just the hands and the maker of this fabulous works of art." She petted the blades with a sigh. "A former Gremory smith, he was in charge of repairing weapons, the Mage of Swords' creations. As you can see, he learned how to replicate them to perfection."
"Can't disagree with that." Shirou interrupted with a pensive look. Not that any could see, he just looked annoyed under the hood. "Can I approach?" With his Reality Marble he already knew the answer to the woman's question.
But he needed to sell the identity of Nero. "You may." Lakmia took a step back as he took a step forward.
Shirou made a show of letting his circuits visible for a moment as he touched some of the weapons. "Not all of them killed innocent and only that one killed a child." All things he already knew during his chase even if some of these swords were new. "But this one killed an unarmed woman, some unarmed men who looked young and this one killed an older looking one." With devils it was impossible to tell the ages.
Still there was a pattern and Lakmia let out a sigh of frustration. "Are you like the Mage of Swords? Can you see the man who did the deeds?"
There were many men in reality but a pattern emerged with a particular one who enjoyed the killings a little too much. He was already the target, the killer of a child.
Having that many swords used by the same man helped, Shirou had no idea of his fighting style but he had a clear picture. "Black haired, tall, no scars, and an after shaving beard. He has a head over Sairaorg but not much muscle." His Reality Marble gave him more to work with. "Pointy chin and a malicious grin, he likes killing and was having fun keeping the swords in his victims while watching their deaths. After that he ordered the weapons to be cleaned and sold. Even the ones others used."
"A nice way of getting rid of evidence, join it with the merchandise." Lakmia hummed in appreciation.
That only made Xenovia angry. "You know something."
"Of course I do and I will direct the information to my Clan tomorrow." The woman said with a calm expression but a pointed look towards Sairaorg.
"Where did he buy the sword?" Shirou cut to what he wanted to know.
Which made the Matron a little upset and her guards placed their hands in their swords. "This is a devil matter, boy. The Gremory will deal with Fiton and his cohorts."
"Assuming you can find him this time." Sairaorg interrupted and the woman frowned. "That was what you were doing over the last half an hour, you sent your men to where the sword was bought and found nothing. Tsk." The Bael Heir folded his arms. "Did you bother to inform the police? Or are you going to try and solve it yourself?"
Lakmia glared back at the man. "It is already late and if my men can't find anything, no one will."
"Don't underestimate me. Nobody else hunts like I hunt." Shirou didn't know if his growl was from the character he was playing or himself. "I have a hound that can find anyone." All he knew was that his words were true.
"You are underestimating their boundary fields, anti-scrying spells and even the lengths they will take to hide, magician."
"Just give us the information, Matron. All you can." Sairaorg offered, diplomatically.
Both the woman and magus stood there for a moment until the woman let out a happy smile. "Very well but only for a price."
"Name it." The Heir of Bael saw it as his duty to see this to the end.
"It is not for you to pay, Little Lion." Lakmia's eyes moved to Xenovia. "But from her King to pay for."
"I have-" Before finishing the statement the former Exorcist remembered her vows. "You speak of my Master, the Mage of Swords." Her eyes remained firm on the devil, refusing to even glance in Shirou's direction.
"Indeed I do. But isn't a King a better title for someone so close to the Gremory? My niece did give him a Lord's spurs, if he wished to be a King in the Human Realm it must not be that hard."
"Things are different there these days." Xenovia didn't want to say much, not with Shirou there keeping his silence. Still she needed to pretend he wasn't. "And what can my Master do for you?"
"What else can one ask from the Mage of Swords other than a sword?" Lakmia's smile was breathtaking, almost like a young woman speaking of her dearest love. "I wish for a blade, the best blade, made for me. Promise me that and I shall tell you all you want."
"Deal." Shirou didn't give anyone else a chance to reply. It was an easy request.
While 'Nero' earned a glare, Xenovia took it as a signal. "I shall speak with him and do my best to convince him to forge you one." Lakmia's rage vanished and she looked full of joy. "But no promises."
"A request is all I can ask and can't wait to receive him for the measurements." Her smile was lustful but didn't last long. "From the method and description of the devil I can only guess he is the one called Macabro." She smoked a little before one of her men presented an ashtray. "A known arms dealer and a piece of work, obviously cruel. The child was probably the son of his competition, the women and men you saw? Either them or their Pieces? He is known to kill whole households if they aren't parts of the Pillars."
"How has he not been dealt with until now if he likes killing so much?" Shirou's tone was cold.
"Because finding him is basically impossible." Kuisha replied as her King's expression was one of resignation. "The Gremory territory is surrounded by mountains and forests, plenty of places to hide or where he could lift a couple of boundary fields to remind undetected." The Abbadon woman's eyes were full of frustration. "Living outside can be dangerous, even exploring the surroundings of Runeas may have you stumbling on a nest of giant vipers if you aren't careful."
"But finding him isn't impossible." The Mage only sounded more determined. He turned to Lakmia who was looking at him with a conflicted expression. "Anything else you can give us?"
The Gremory paused before replying. "Arms dealing is a lucrative business because getting a decent weapon is harder than most people think. You need to register it even if you buy it from another blacksmith." She let out a puff of smoke. "But Fiton is going around the whole thing by selling copies of the Mage of Swords' works on the cheap. They are both a symbol of status and trust from the Gremory and can even be used to earn yourself a job."
"Why are you telling us all this?" He was expecting the location if anything else.
"Fufufu, not as perceptive, bounty hunter?" Shirou didn't bother to correct her. "That means Fiton is the goose who lays golden eggs, a fast track title to get a precious sword and elevate one's status."
"In other words, find the smith and you may find the criminal." Sairaorg couldn't disagree with the approach.
Then the Matron pointed to the swords beside her. "And if you have such a great hound, here are plenty of samples of the man's smell."
'Too little too late. These weapons are useless as they are. None of the criminals used it for long enough for them to be relevant.' Yet Shirou's wasn't bothered by it.
Neither showed any expression whatsoever which perturbed the woman a little. "Of course these are illegal goods so I can give some of them to you before turning over the rest. Sairaorg can give the Gremory a guarantee-"
"Not necessary." It was clear the devil had nothing else to give so Shirou turned to his friends. "I am going to go hunt, you guys can go back to the Vault if you want." With that he ignored Lakmia and her guards and began to make his way out.
Much to everyone else's shock. "Wait, Nero!" Xenovia quickly rushed out, also completely ignoring everyone else.
Sairaorg and Kuisha began to leave as well but were in no rush, stopping besides Lakmia. "Thanks for the assistance." The heir began with a small smile. "And it was nice to see you again."
"You as well, Little Lion. If you want, we can schedule a match for you to partake in the future." The woman offered with a grin. "Heir or not, I dare anyone to complain."
"Unfortunately my lord has his responsibilities." Kuisha refrained from saying further.
Which made Lakmia frown a little. "Perhaps in a disguise then? Not it would fool anyone since Sairaorg is considerably famous but with a good enough mask he could join the fighting." The Heir of Bael blinked and turned to her. "Something with some fur for his nickname?"
If it wasn't for the situation, Sairaorg was sure he was going to fall on his knees laughing out loud. "Still greedy as always, Matron." He began to rush away, Kuisha just behind.
"Huff, don't blame a girl for trying." Yet her eyes were conflicted as she glared at the swords still in the room. "And things were going so well." She needed to make some calls.
A few seconds later the devils of Bael found their new acquaintances waiting by the elevator with the security guard missing. Neither of them was a devil so couldn't even open the door, a problem Shirou became painfully aware of only when they were already there.
They had no choice but to wait for their companions to return or for some devil to go up and ask for a ride.
Unfortunately for Shirou his impatience wouldn't be rewarded, the elevator Sairaorg had shown them was a special entrance for fighters and staff, none of which were going to leave any time soon because of the events of the day.
Most were too busy on damage control, evaluating the situation, taking care of the spectators or reassuring the fighters that the 'show must go on' or any other thing to keep the events going.
Because of all that Shirou and Xenovia were left waiting until the Heir of Bael arrived, the former Exorcist remained silent but her eyes fixed on the Mage's back as he stood there impatiently.
Sairaorg didn't need to say anything nor bothered to ask, he just opened the door and the four of them stepped inside. "What is the plan?" Asked his Queen in his place.
"Find this Macabro and either throw him in a hole for the rest of his life or just throw him in a hole." Shirou replied calmly and clearly.
The Bael Heir nodded. "Considering his crimes, the death penalty isn't that far off. But that isn't what Kuisha means." The doors opened and they stepped outside, Shirou marching ahead in a particular direction. "How do we find him?"
Which was a problem that the magus didn't have a real answer to. "Someone here must know about him or the place of transaction at the very least." Shirou knew that was weak but shook his head and kept going. Everyone was right behind. "Doesn't matter the price or the location, we just need to find it."
"Maybe the Matron could have helped us." Kuisha suggested.
But the magus shook his head again. "She is looking over herself first and I don't have time nor the interest of making any more swords for her. One is already going to be more than enough." He looked ahead and tried to find the direction of a shady bar or some kind of joint where he could get information. "All we need to do is find a place where Macabro has been and if we are lucky we can go from there."
Both devils present looked at each other, silently agreeing that wasn't the best plan. "Master, what is wrong?" Xenovia beat them to the punch with a question they didn't think to ask. "Are you mad because they copied your swords?"
Shirou paused and looked back at the blue haired girl, their eyes met for a few seconds and he began to chuckle. "No, I am not mad because of that. I am a Faker, a Gradation Air specialist, getting angry about people copying my work would be the worst kind of hypocrisy."
"But just today you admitted you are a hypocrite." Xenovia saw a small smile at the joke and did the same in kind before placing a hand on his arm. "You are upset… Is it because they used your swords for something evil?"
"Yes." It came out calmly with an even tone. "I don't mind people copying my work, that is how Humanity learned and grew after all, copying from nature, copying from each other, improving and leaving more for the next one to do the same." Muramasa shone on his Reality Marble and he was glad for not using its knowledge on the blades sold in the Underworld. "But in this case… it just…" He paused before turning to look at Xenovia. "Ever heard of the Nobel Prize?"
"Kinda… it is a prize for science or peace or something?" Xenovia never cared for any of that stuff.
The devils saw Shirou chuckle with endearment as he placed a hand on Xenovia's head. "It is a creation of a scientist, Alfred Nobel, who used his fortune to try and spread those ideas to more people." His tone was of respect but his face was of stone. "Do you want to know what invention allowed him to create such an enterprise? Dynamite."
"What is dynamite?" Sairaorg couldn't help but ask, reminding Shirou they were not alone.
The temporary blond turned to the tall man. "Short story, a bomb that was supposed to open tunnels. I wonder if he knew what purpose his invention would have. Then again perhaps he just thought people would respect his creation and not use it for evil." He chuckled again, bitterly this time. "I am mad, mad because something that I created, even if not that thing specifically, took the lives of innocent people. I am angry because someone that I, Rias and the Gremory trusted, sold our secrets and allowed criminals to do evil deeds. I am upset that the blood is in my hands and how much more blood must be there because those are not all swords that a skilled smith could have made, especially if he taught my skills to someone else."
Lives were taken already and nothing he could do to change that Shirou's fury remained. He wanted Justice even if he had to do it with his own hands, the guilty either in chains or on the ground.
Yet he did his best to remain calm, to think rationally. For the most part he was failing. 'My swords aren't just for killing.'
His hand was grasped by someone and snapping back to reality he saw Xenovia bring it to her face. "It is fine to be mad and finer still to do something about that rage. Something that will balance the scales and stop evil." Her tone was gentle, firm and caring all at once. It lacked any doubt or concern. "So let's do this, Master, let's see Justice done if no one else can do it. Let's protect those in need and punish those wicked to taint your works." She sounded like an old fashioned knight taking a quest. "Remain calm and lead us, tell me what you need and my sword will see it delivered."
Xenovia's eyes were shining in such a way that Shirou began to think he was seeing a flame so pure and filled with determination that it would take more than the whole ocean of Earth to try and put it down.
There was devotion there, sure, something Shirou never found himself comfortable with receiving, but there was a tenderness and sympathy that he couldn't miss.
Xenovia Quarta cared for him and that made Shirou's heart grow lighter as showing sadness to her suddenly became something painful. "Thank you." He offered her his most honest smile.
"She is right though, tell us what you need so we can find those cowards." Sairaorg wanted to break some bones and his Queen wasn't far behind. "You are a Mage, right? Is that why you need a location, for some sort of spell?" If so he was willing to go back and grind Lakmia until she gave him the devil who bought the sword.
Once again he was reminded it wasn't just him and Xenovia but she kept his hand on her face. "Blood or mana." Shirou started, getting to the point. "Maybe there is not in that area from Macabro but if I have blood or mana… my 'hound' can find anyone in a range."
"How big is the range?"
"Bigger than this city." At least that was what Shirou estimated.
Sairaorg began to scratch his chin before turning to Kuisha. "You think they are registered?"
"Fiton certainly is since he worked for the Gremory." The blonde woman pondered a little before nodding with certainty. "From their profiles I doubt either of them is old enough to have been around when the Goetia Road was built and unless one of them was born during the Civil War there are just too many benefits for them to not be registered."
"Then we know where to get a sample of their mana." The heir smiled and turned to the others. "Don't know what kind of dog you have that can track mana but we just need to call it in since you two are guests of Gremory."
"Call it in?" Xenovia sounded curious before Shirou shook his head.
"I would prefer to not bother others with this. Is that really necessary?" Because he knew Zeoticus would end up hearing about this anyway and he wanted to get at least Macabro himself.
The pureblood devils looked at each other before Sairaorg laughed. "I suppose that is your pride talking? As expected from the man who faced the White Dragon Emperor." His laugh diminished into a chuckle. "Say, what about a spar after this?"
"My lord…" Kuisha shook her head before they got sidetracked. "Unfortunately we do need to call someone since we need to go to the City Hall to get a sample of mana." Her expression turned serious. "Since it is used for identification, all samples of mana are carefully monitored and guarded. Only the Pillars or someone of extreme importance can collect or allow a single speck of it leaving the premises."
"Hmm… Where is the closest phone booth? Do you guys have those?" Because Shirou had an idea. When he didn't get a reply he shrugged. "The police station will be good too, I hope."
…
"Hai! Hai! Hai! Hai! Hai!" Kiba kept his waist steady as he kept swinging with Sword Birth's newest blade Heavier Sword, created under his mentor's orders for his own training. "Hai! Hai! Hai! Hai! Hai!"
Rias' Knight was used to this sort of exercise, he had done it pretty much everyday when he was younger and just became a devil. As a swordsman it was an obvious exercise to just keep swinging his weapon until he got used to the weight and grew accustomed to the necessary forms.
Which was why he didn't understand why he was swinging a sword three times heavier than any other he had already made. "Sensei, shouldn't we move onto the next exercise?"
Sitting in her office with a plate of dango to her side, Okita Souji lowered some of the reports she was reading. "Hm?"
"I already did it over a thousand times and this sword is too heavy for me to fight." Kiba elaborated, never stopping his swings.
"Because your arms are weak." Souji returned to the report.
"But our main weapon is speed, Sensei, speed!" Protested the younger blond, not wishing to mention that his teacher was weaker than him.
At least physically, he had no illusions that in a fight she would destroy him so fast that it would be a waste of five seconds.
"Well, true but it was Azazel's recommendation." From her desk, small enough that allowed for her to sit on her knees and work, she pulled out a piece of paper. "'Super Special Balance Break Training': Step one, 'developing of muscles to improve mana and expand capabilities'." She lowered the paper again to look at her disciple. "And your reserves are still bad."
"But they are better than before!" Honestly Kiba was surprised that he didn't stop swinging the heaviest sword he ever used during the conversation. His arms felt like they were about to fall down. "And I never had problems with teleportation or anything like that."
"Hey, this is the best training! Not only are you getting better at using a heavier sword, just in case your Balance Break gives you that, but you are training your form." Okita crossed her arms and nodded to herself in a wise fashion. "Two rabbits, one stone."
While he was extremely grateful to his teacher, Kiba's arms were begging for release. "Can't we try something else? I don't think my heart is going to give me a giant sword or anything like that." Doubt colored Souji's face so he pushed further. "And maybe my reserves are going to be fine? We can't know until I have my Balance Break!"
"Azazel says here for me to use my judgment… maybe we should move to the next one?" Souji's head went left and right until she smiled. "Ha, fine, let's check step two."
"You didn't even look at step two yet?"
"Ummm." The former Shinsengumi's tongue was out as she tilted her head. "Says here for you to meditate and try to come up with new types of swords by combining elements if possible. Maybe that is your Balance Break?" She checked the other steps and shrugged. "The third one is split in two; one if you get your Balance Break and the other if you don't. Not really that different either." She mumbled the last part before putting the paper away and biting her dango. "Hmmm, never mind! You finish this set today and we can practice the combination thing tomorrow."
"But I-"
An old fashioned phone on Souji's desk began to ring and Lucifer's Knight was quick to answer. "Moshi, moshi, Souji speaking." … "Oh, hey. How are you going Fromfir-san? Haven't seen you since Sirzechs-dono's charity contest a few months back. How is the wife?" … "Great! Happy to know you guys are still trying. Say, me and the others were talking about going to the theater this weekend." … "Vacta already called you and you in? Awesome! I am training my pupil again so I will take him with us. It will be his first day of rest."
Then a long silence stretched with a few hums of understanding and curiosity in between as Souji heard what her friend had to say with a nod of her head here and there even if Fromfir couldn't see.
Kiba found it amusing how his teacher's eyes grew wide out of nowhere. "Who is asking what?!" Another volley of words had the Japanese women sighing. "Okay, okay. They used Bael's authority for the request and… is there a redhead with them?" … "Not a Gremory- Why is the- The guy with the huge sword, ask his name." She paused until there was a reply. Then she began to mumble. "Why keep a disguise all the time for a request- No, you aren't supposed to ask that."
'That is definitive now, Shirou is doing something and trying to remain incognito.' Kiba chuckled, earning a look from his mentor that had him accelerating his swings. "He just doesn't like bothering people, Sensei."
"Things would be easier if he did because apparently he has a way to track one of the most wanted from Gremory territory." … "His word is good, give him permission. If he succeeds then we finally have something that can go around certain boundary fields, if he fails then nothing is lost." … "Yes he is trustworthy. He is actually the Mage of Swords in disguise."
Okita had to get the phone away from her ear at the shocked exclamation coming from the Commander from Runeas police force. The Knight started to feel bad when she began to hear how all around the office people started to speak in awe. Didn't take long to figure out that Shirou's disguise was to avoid exactly that.
And Kiba was laughing which earned him an annoyed look from Souji as both realized her mistake.
"Just give them the permission discreetly so nobody else knows who he is." … "No, don't harass him, don't bother him! He wants his privacy and so help you my boss if I heard that you didn't leave him alone." A malicious aura began to escape Okita as the spirits began to stir.
A devil dressed in pants and a shirt, contrasted to Kiba who was like Souji in a kimono, stepped inside. "Something wrong, Commissioner?" He asked politely and suddenly the ghosts disappeared.
"Depends. Do I need to send someone to Runeas for an inspection… three weeks in a roll, every day? I can do it myself if you want." That would be too much and not give the officers of the city time to slack off or even relax a little on the work. The reply had her beaming. "So there is nothing wrong at all. Offer Shirou- sorry, Nero, my apologies and the threat stays; if I hear a whisper of his identity leaving your precinct I will not let go off your foot for weeks. A whisper!" She placed the phone back on its place as hard as she could. It made some noise. "That will show them."
"Was that really necessary, Commissioner?" He was trying to be as respectable as possible with his superior officer.
Mostly because he was mostly likely the one who will have to do most of those inspections and they could be a pain in the man's opinion.
Still Souji didn't notice the other devil's apprehension. "Of course! I need to cover for my mistake and Shirou is a VIP. If he wants to have a secret identity he can do that. It is probably easier walking around like a tourist, right?"
Kiba and the other devil traded looks before the older man replied. "As you say, Commissioner." He walked out and Souji's focus returned to her pupil.
"Right, Kiba! Another thousand strikes!" The younger Knight balked and tears were starting to gather in his eyes. "After that we are going to do the meditation part."
Sweet relief poured on Kiba's veins, enough to make a pie of just sugar. "Yes, Sensei!"
…
With Okita Souji's credentials there was no need to reveal his secret to anyone else so Shirou felt a great deal of relief.
It would be more if the officers escorting them to guarantee the 'security of the package' didn't look at him like a rockstar or asked for swords but Sairaorg kept them away by telling stories.
The Heir of Bael didn't earn his position with just strength, he was a great conversationalist and dropped subtle hints that Shirou shouldn't be the center of attention. Instead they were to consider him a hired gun, a bounty hunter of a sort that had the means to track down a known criminal.
The City Hall was one of the few buildings with just one visible entrance; the front door. It also held some teleportation circles to specific places but compared to the official towers with that purpose the crowds were smaller and not just because it was the middle of the day.
Simply put everything on that building belonged to the government and worked towards it, most people preferred to avoid the lines and procedures like the ones the City Hall was geared towards.
It was a tower completely made of obsidian and had one of the strongest boundary fields Shirou had ever felt. His nose had a burning sensation from the moment he stepped inside and it was like hot coal was shoved on it. Shirou still kept his composure and let his friend do the talking for the most part.
Once they got the memo the two officers acted professionally and delivered the proper documents to some secretary in the building who looked at them in shock. Taking a sample of mana for direct identification was rare. Since they had boundary fields to take care of that function basically it never happened.
There was some commotion to get things done and they had to call Sirzechs for permission which made Shirou want to rip his hood away as the Magician of Gremory he wouldn't have to deal with the red tape but he was already too deep.
It didn't even take long but the Mage was still bothered that so many people were bothered. Then again he didn't complain either as two glass containers with bright flames, one a type of a darker shade of red and the other a muddy green, were presented to them.
"Is this all of their mana?" A curious Xenovia asked as the secretary, a homely looking lady named Bired, smiled and gently held one of the glasses in her hands.
"Not at all, miss. These flasks are made with a special material that takes the signature of mana from a source and turns another devil's mana into it." She injected her own mana in the glass and while it shone a little there was no change. Then Bired held her hand and made a bright pink magic circle. "As you can see, my mana color is different. Other notable differences are the signs it emits and vibrations. Lord Beelzebub wrote a paper on how our mana changes from person to person and mine says that I am a positive individual."
Bired offered Xenovia one of the glasses and gave the other to Sairaorg. "Thank you for your time." The blue haired knight lowered her head in respect.
Quickly the woman waved her hand in panic. "No need to thank me, miss. You are a member of the Gremory. Part of the Mage of Swords' retinue. Helping each other to make the Underworld a safer place is an honor." Xenovia smiled as Shirou hid his face. Bired turned to Sairaorg and lowered her own head. "It was also an honor to meet the future Lord Bael."
"Who knows that will be for real this time. Maybe Zekram will finally retire?" Sairaorg remarked in good humor and the woman let out a small snort before covering her mouth. He extended his arm with a grateful smile and kissed her hand. "Thank you for all your help, ms Bired."
"Miss, my Lord. I am still single." The woman offered with a salacious smile but the man just shook her hand and began to step out.
His face lost any amusement as he turned to Shirou who was studying the flask Xenovia's hand. "Are you sure these will do?"
"Yes, if he is on range." Silently he requested the glass and his knight quickly offered it. An Analysis later he had all the information he needed about it. "I think Rin would love to have one of those for her experiments. Any idea where I can buy one?"
"You can ask Azazel while we go get your dog. I have no doubt Ajuka will part with some."
Shirou chuckled a little. "You think I was speaking of a real dog?"
"A sacred gear then?" Kuisha asked next and the Mage shook his head.
"First let's find somewhere more private." Despite his words Shirou began to walk out of the building, much to the devils confusion. Xenovia already had an idea what he was going to do so followed his lead and everyone followed behind.
As the City Hall was in the center of Runeas there were a good number of devils around even with the 'sun' so the magus picked a random direction and began to walk between buildings.
Flying could make things harder as what he wanted was a place out of view and how the streets of Runeas were built it did take him some time to find somewhere isolated thanks to the closed stores around them.
Still he found cover necessary. "Gather around and don't let anyone see us." Shirou ordered and at that point the devils were too curious to disagree. They formed a circle as the Mage gave the flask back to his knight. "Trace on."
Circuits aflame began to generate the outline of a sword and nowhere as fast as Shirou was used to make them. With so many devils around he was trying to keep the output of power to a minimum to avoid having to answer questions. It wasn't easy especially since he was calling for a Noble Phantasm.
Kuisha almost retreated when she felt the blade's presence and Sairaorg began to laugh as the image of a hunting dog did appear on his mind. "So it is true. You can create Noble Phantasms."
"I can sure fake them." Hrunting revealed itself with all of his glory but thankfully without making too great of an announcement. Nobody came in to check out so Shirou let out a sigh of relief. 'Then again this disguise is more trouble than it is worth.' He shook his head and looked at his friends. "So who do we go after first?"
"Forgive me for asking, Lord Emiya," Kuisha interrupted as respectfully as she could, "but isn't that the same blade as Lucifer's Pawn?"
A little wince escaped at the sudden tone shift because the devil stopped seeing him as the person she spent an 'afternoon' with and was now only looking at the Mage of Swords. Still was obviously visible as the woman herself recoiled and lowered her head in apology.
"It is fine." He said quickly. "Treat me as anyone else. Never wanted fame anyway."
"Great deeds make one famous, Master." A groan was all the reply she got.
Sairaorg laughed at the comment. "Indeed they do, Xenovia." He turned back to Shirou with a curious gaze. "But tell us, Shirou, is this the same weapon? Down to the smallest detail?"
"Pretty much. The whole thing is complicated and a magician never reveals his secrets." The heir nodded in understanding before magus decided to ask something else. "Did no one know that Beowulf's sword can track through mana? Never mind, probably nobody bothered to check. Admitally this is my first time using Hrunting for this." If he didn't know any better Shirou would think the sword was shaking from excitement. "I will send a message later, for now there is work to be done."
"Truly Noble Phantasms are remarkable. And all it needs is a 'scent'?" Because the Heir of Bael wasn't going to let that go, his curiosity wouldn't allow it. "Does it always need a sample or something else?"
"Actually I am also curious, Master." Xenovia remembered Hrunting being used against Freed and Vali and in both fights the weapon was applied differently.
While they were in a hurry Shirou saw no problem in a short explanation. "Hrunting is a hound, it obviously needs a 'scent'. But the definition of 'scent' is pretty open to a Noble Phantasm. 'Target' would be the better word." He pointed to his own eyes. "The most basic form of tracking is through my eyes; whoever I consider a target is going to be pursued while they are in my field of vision." He pointed to the flasks. "The other form uses what I told you all before; mana or blood. Just a single drop and it will be able to track anyone for a rather large distance." Everyone glanced at the sword. "Then again, the last time anyone used its ability to its full capacity was the original Beowulf and he never bothered to measure how far it can go."
Of course the King of Savagery was also monstrously fast so Shirou would need time to establish his speed first, something he never bothered to do as it wasn't necessary for his training. All he could estimate from Hrunting's memories was 'as far as a city less than a country'.
"Well, then I believe we should go after Macabro first." Suggested Sairaorg as Kuisha offered her flask. "We know little about Fiton, he may be just the smith or 'the golden goose' as we were discussing earlier." Explained the heir while rubbing his chin.
Nobody could disagree with the merit of his suggestion since that man was guilty of the worst crime.
With no objection, Shirou turned to the Queen. "Open it."
"Wait a minute, Master. Must we forget your secret identity?" Xenovia asked and everybody paused. "If anyone sees you with Hrunting, they may suspect you are the Mage of Swords."
"... Good point, Xenovia. Here."
"Huh? Are you sure?"
Shirou offered her a warm smile. "Of course, you are my knight, after all. I can trust you with it." Hrunting changed hands as Shirou took the flask and Xenovia stood there, admiring her new sword. "Now once it finds a direction, it will begin to pull rather hard so don't be afraid of using a little Ki to keep it under control."
"Anything else I need to know, Master?" By the shine on her eyes she just wanted to use the sword already. Everyone around chuckled and the redhead shook his head, prompting Xenovia to look at Kuisha. "Ready whenever you are."
The Queen turned to the Mage with mirth in her eyes. "Do I just open it?"
"Close to Hrunting's tip if you please… Actually, would anyone mind if we broke it?" His reply was the Queen slamming the flask on the blade.
They watched for a few moments, each one with a different expectation about what would happen until the sword began to change colors and Shirou took a step back. Sairaorg and Kuisha took the hint and moved away as Xenovia held the sword with both hands firmly.
When Hruntring turned completely red the former Exorcist began to feel a tug as the sword began to move her arm in a direction. She blinked before smiling and turning to the Mage. "I think waaaaaah!"
The woman began to panic as the sword began to drag her and the very rocks which made the sidewalk. "Don't fight it, Xenovia." Shirou began to walk beside her as she found her footing. "That is it, let Hrunting find its prey. He is in its range so the sword will take us straight to him."
"Fly if you have to." Sairaorg suggested while keeping pace.
Xenovia jumped from the ground and transformed her cape again, allowing Hrunting to take her wherever it wanted to go.
The moment her feet left the ground it was like the Noble Phantasm let out of the leash.
In the blink of an eye the bluehead was moving faster than a car. Even Shirou was caught a little by surprise but that didn't last long as he began to run after his friend with the other two in tow.
From her part the blue haired maiden could do nothing but hold the blade as it began to accelerate further. To her relief the sword never went too far from the ground but that soon turned to horror as she saw a crowd of devils in its path. By how it was pulling her, she had no hopes of dodging.
So Xenovia did the next best thing. "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" She shouted with everything she had and some managed to dodge or fly up. But others didn't.
Already she could see a group that was frozen in shock at the sight of her and prepared to stop Hrunting by any means necessary. However the sword did something completely unexpected and simply went around the spectators. It kept moving between anyone that wasn't its target without flaw.
Except that Xenovia was along for the ride. "Sorry! Excuse me! Ow! I am sorry! Gremory business! My apologies!" And unfortunately she ended up colliding with quite a few people.
Vases were broken and the pavement was damaged as she fought the sword for control. If she didn't know any better the bluehead would claim Hrunting was worse than Durandal.
'It never acted like that with Master!' Her feet landed as she began to pull, refusing to let Hrunting do whatever it wanted any further. It began to push harder and Xenovia felt her mana being drained. 'It is using me as fuel? Is it connected to me?' She realized something could be done.
Her body began to glow as Xenovia pulled with all her strength to stop the sword from escaping from her grasp. Everybody was watching the girl fight with the sword as it kept trying to break free.
"Xenovia!" Her friends had arrived but she shook her head.
"I can handle this!" Ki exploded from her body as her Light began to compete with the 'sun'. Xenovia glared at the weapon and began to pull back harder. 'You are like Durandal but different! You don't recognize me as your owner!' Gritting her teeth, she then sent a wave of mana and Ki throughout the weapon.
Suddenly the sword stopped struggling and the blue haired woman seemed to relax. Her arm was still being tugged in a direction but that wasn't important as Shirou approached clearly worried.
"Give it here-"
"It is fine, Nero." She gave him a beautiful smile. "This one is easier to control than Durandal. Just needed to show who is the boss."
"So it is all okay now?" Sairaorg asked as some devils watched them with care. "Because we kinda broke some stuff. Any idea why this happened?"
"I let my guard down." Xenovia recognized with a frown. Turning to those watching she bowed even as her arm stayed back pointing towards where the sword wanted to go. "I am sorry!"
Realizing that Hrunting was a little more temperamental than he expected, Shirou winced. "I will pay for everything." Fortunately he still had some gold coins left.
But the rest of the journey was calmer even if Xenovia couldn't lower her arm. Hrunting would fight back all the way even if the sword didn't try to pull as hard anymore.
That coincided more with the memory of Hrunting on his Reality Marble which made Shirou realize that since it was his sword it wouldn't just obey Xenovia unless she proved herself like the original Beowulf did; through strength.
Now it was acting more like an obedient dog and just showing directions even if with some urgency. "If we end up getting to the outskirts of the town we may have to stop and gather supplies."
"Why do you say that, Sairaorg?" Xenovia asked, still guided by the weapon.
"Because there is a chance our quarry is hiding in the mountains or in the woods and that place is considerably dangerous." A frown made its way to the King's face. "If he is too far away we may never find him or be too tired if he is well hidden."
"Perhaps I should go ahead and rent some griffins?" Kuisha offered in agreement with her King. "Should I go ahead and also secure supplies?"
"That probably won't be necessary." Shirou remarked with confidence. "Criminals like Macabro like money and wouldn't go too far away from places to spend it." With a boundary field restricting teleportation that meant they would have to fly and that had its own risks. "Besides, transport wouldn't be easy either. Anyone who sees a bunch of thugs carrying boxes of weapons into town will know that something is wrong in an instant."
"The guards and patrols around Runeas wouldn't let that slide either." Sairaorg acknowledged.
"So it doesn't also depend on what building he is going to be in?" Xenovia asked as they took another turn as Hrunting guided them around a tower. Some devils still looked their way but no one bothered them. "They will also see us coming from a mile away."
"Depends…" This time it was Kuisha who replied. "If they are doing something illegal, obviously they won't be anywhere we can see from outside."
"Then again, they must have spotters." Sairaorg chuckled. "But it's not like people think too much about four people just walking around the street."
"Following a sword of all things." Shirou pointed out. "Perhaps they will find that odd?"
"But certainly not dangerous."
"We still should call for reinforcements." The Queen observed carefully. A part of her knew it was pointless. "Some may escape if we are careless."
"Then let's not be careless." Xenovia suggested as she kept marching ahead. "Besides, not like Hrunting is going to give us a good place to just look. Or will it?" The blade offered no reply.
Walking around town was obviously slower than flying but it was safer than the alternative.
The fact that they remained on ground level also implied that their target was in a similar situation or else Hrunting would have pulled Xenovia to the skies and not bothered with dodging people.
What concerned Sairaorg was that they weren't leaving the city area as they kept going forward for a couple of blocks until they took another turn. "Is Macabro moving?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he is just deeper in the city." Shirou suggested and the heir replied with a grimace. "What is wrong?"
"That were are on one of the more busy streets of Runeas right now." The Bael King informed much to the magus and knight's surprise. "It may not look like it but it is quite late so less people are out. For them to run an operation around here would be too daring."
"More like ballsy. But didn't Master say something like that? That they would want to be in a place where they can sell and buy a lot?"
Shirou agreed with Xenovia. "Don't worry. Maybe Hrunting is just taking a shortcut."