Chapter 36 A
Past Self in The Mirror
Our scene returns to the Kaido Grand Resort. Mori Toshi, aware that time is going to resume soon, rushes back at full speed to assimilate back into his body before it falls onto the ground as he's doing sacred bathroom deeds.
"GOTTA MAKE IT, GOTTA MAKE IT, GOTTA MAKE IT! True Manipulation: One Way Trip."
(Toshi)
Mori Toshi approaches the building and uses his true manipulation to alter the outside of it to allow him to guarantee make it to the bathroom by just going straight. This saves him the mess of finding his room. While heading straightforward the giant resort building twists and turns, changes the dimensions of the world, and bends reality. A great showing of power all to just save himself from embarrassment. Makes you wonder what wouldn't this guy do for his wives. Oh sorry… Finally he arrives just
"In tim-"
(Toshi)
I- ahem…. Mori Toshi doesn't make it in time and to make matters worse he has already assimilated into his body and so if his wives walk in they won't see an unconscious shell. But rather a foolish man who fell on the floor while pooping….
"Oh no.."
(Toshi)
Suddenly the door slams open
"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
(Topaz)
Mori Toshi's face along with his body becomes completely still and stagnant. Petrified by embarrassment he hopes that this will all blow over
"Toshi? That's... extremely gross."
(Topaz)
The words from his wife resonate with his mind and then echo endlessly.
"I'm going to just go…. freak."
(Topaz)
Again the words filled with such disgust and disappointment seem to strike Toshi down to his core. These ones however appear to pierce his heart.
"Topaz I can explain! I promise!"
(Toshi)
He says as he's bent over on the floor whilst *blurred*. Topaz gives him a glare filled with extreme disgust.
"Nothing you say could excuse this. I'll just go ahead and leave. Goodbye, Toshi we're through."
(Topaz)
"TOPAZ NOOOOOOO!!"
(Toshi)
5 minutes later
Topaz can be seen smiling while receiving head pats from Toshi.
He explained everything and she understood...
"Yeah so that's all that happened. Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do next. This guy will come back and as it stands now I have zero chance of winning. Sol alluded to allies and I think I know exactly who he means now just a matter of finding them."
(Toshi)
"Um, you think it could be the new neighbors?"
(Opal)
"Yeah ever since those guys got here odd things have followed. As long as I see the one guy I had a skirmish with I know exactly who I'm looking for. So let's go say hello!"
(Toshi)
5 minutes ago, somewhere….
"I couldn't escape the way things should be." I need to get back to them or else everything will be disrupted and IT will initiate the cycle again. Future me, I hope you can use this power usefully. But even then I doubt you can touch that guy. Among all the various verses in fiction I have been to. None of the people even come to a fraction of his strength. His mere existence is a paradox and that alone is enough to defeat most of us. Nevertheless, BOUNDLESS SKILL: IKARI ORIGIN LOCKED. Fair well "god" I couldn't best you. I couldn't even perceive you and in the end I fell into the exact outcome you wanted. Just.. what… are… yo-"
(Travis)
Ikari Travis of the present has faded. However he has imparted his Origin to exist after he committed the taboo. Due to the overwhelming powers he had though he was forced to have them be pushed forward down the line for last ditch resort against the ultimate enemy. What has this Travis experienced? What has he seen? And what exactly is in store for everyone in the future.
We return back to their room and the frozen world ends and everyone still believes they have lost a friend. But they soon discover they are not at a loss . However something still seems off..
"Travis? You're back?! He was right after all."
(Sera)
"I'M BACK! SO IT WORKED! I'm so glad!"
(Travis)
Travis shouts with joy at the fact that he's able to still exist with his friends until…
"Um Sera, who is this guy? Why are you so shocked about him being here? And what exactly worked?"
(Gruff)
Travis and Sera eyes widened in shock, taken aback as to what they have just heard.
"No… that can't be right. I RESTORED MY ORIGIN! WHY! WHY ISN'T THIS HOW IT'S MEANT TO BE!"
(Travis)
Travis roars in anger at this unbelievable tragedy that has occurred. What exactly is going on?
"I think I know why. Firstly, where or rather when did you restore your Origin?"
(Sera)
"I set to come in right after I committed the taboo. But that shouldn't matter. An Origin is the complete data and composition of a person, place, thing, concept, and basically everything in everything. It took me all of my power just to manipulate it in such a way that I did."
(Travis)
"So it's just has a thought. Travis when you commit taboo you effectively don't exist at all anymore to anyone or anything under the status of an Eternal such as myself. So when you have restored your Origin after it happened it's essentially as if your life started just now. Meaning that no one else here can remember you."
(Sera)
"No…. It makes so much sense I can't even deny it but… IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY! There must be a way to make them remember me! There must! I can't lose these bonds."
(Travis)
"Okay number 1, you are being very very very dramatic. Number 2, there is a way but we have to save James for that. So don't worry everything will be fine as long as we find true manipulation."
(Sera)
After Travis dramatic episode knocks can be heard at the door.
"Hello? Is the one called Sora here? Or Sol Mitasa-"
(Toshi)
Sera uncharacteristically has charged towards Toshi without anyone noticing. She's holding a blade towards Toshi's throat making him slightly bleed.
"Who are you? How do you know that name? Why are you here?"
(Sera)
If you recall from earlier the existence of Sol has been erased from everyone's mind except Sera and James. So someone not only knowing the name of a member of the legendary Eclipse Duo but also seemingly knowing them personally would come as a shock.
"How the hell did she get through all of my defenses? It's not like I let her do this. In the short time I was able to detect an attack my instincts immediately put up high skill level defenses. But she sliced them all effortlessly. Come to think of it, she kind of reminds me of him."
(Toshi thinking)
"So you've met him then. I assume you must be Mori Toshi, True Manipulation. I apologize for my actions I've been instructed to question anyone aware of those names with deadly force. Now would you mind telling these lovely women that I am not an enemy."
(Sera)
After noticing harm has come to their husband. All of Toshi's wives appear behind Sera holding her in the same position that she has Toshi in. Ready to eliminate her anytime. Sera doesn't resist however as she realizes her actions have warranted this situation.
"Toshi just give the word and we'll kill this bitch right here."
(Topaz)
"Why are we even waiting! She hit him first and for no reason!"
(Ruby)
"Everyone it's alright she means no harm. Her reason is as valid as yours. This is who I was looking for. Now can you tell these guys to back off of my women."
(Toshi)
It just keeps going on. Ugh. Gruff, Sora, Iustitia, and Kazuha can be seen holding Toshi's wives in the same position as they hold Sera.
"I don't know what's going on. But it seems to be all under control now. Is that correct, Sera?"
(Gruff)
"Yes we both have reached an understanding. If you all would please stand down and everything will be explained."
(Sera)
Everyone slowly removes their weapons from each other and starts putting them back up. Mori Toshi exhales a large breath of relief.
"Phew. It's certainly a challenging thing to talk while there's a knife to your throat. I'm glad we're all under control. Now let's get this all sorted out."
(Toshi)
Mori Toshi and Sera start to explain everything and what exactly is going on.
"So time was frozen and-"
(Kazuha)
"No time wasn't frozen. All of reality paused. Time was still moving just at an extremely slow rate."
(Sera)
"Um tomato, tomato. It's basically the same. But yeah reality paused and there was a huge fight between Toshi and the guy that saved us from the Kusho who also killed James. Did I get that right? Oh and this Travis guy is one of our allies but he committed taboo so he was erased from existence yet somehow he's back."
(Kazuha)
"I didn't know you had to repeat everything someone says to understand it. But yes."
(Sera)
"You seem to have left out the part where you suddenly became a cold person."
(Kazuha)
"I'm not cold, I'm just blunt and honest. Pay attention more. We need to focus on the main task now. Restoring James' origin and all your memories of Travis. Will you help us, True Manipulation?"
(Sera)
"I'm pretty sure those are the exact characteristics of a cold person."
(Kazuha)
He says quietly while looking away from Sera
"It seems to me that our goals align so I'll be glad to help you guys out. Besides it seems like if I stick to you people I'll find some fun people to fight."
(Toshi)
"Oh great another maso-sadist battle freak. Was Gruff not enough?"
(Sora)
"This cast is becoming quite large. Are we sure that all of us moving together won't scream "Oh hey it's that group of people that invaded our nation to kill our god/monarch/father. Let's go kill them." Or am I forgetting something?"
(Kazuha)
"Your idiocy manages to grow with every sentence. Obviously we will all move separately. The original plan of starting a clothing business here is still going to happen. Once it becomes well established we'll stay separate from each other and then eventually come together under the same company making it less suspicious. This was literally your idea after all."
(Sera)
"HEY! Oh yeah that was my idea..."
(Kazuha)
"Anyways we had left off grabbing the materials for the clothing but then Sora and Toshi had a little scuffle of some sort and then Travis here enacted the taboo which snowballed everything to where we are now."
(Sera)
"That's some sequence of events but I'm glad everything worked well in the end. So what's next? We restore Mitsakou right?"
(Gruff)
"Well now things have changed a bit. It's not that easy now. Restoring an origin fully releases an extreme amount of energy. To counteract that I had planned on using the skill that was used earlier to stop everything completely. But now that he is lurking and waiting for a chance to get close to the origin within that period of time, it's no longer an option we can use. The only choice at this point is to restore it slowly in increments of time. This way when it's finally restored such a surge of energy won't happen."
(Sera)
"Couldn't I just manipulate the surge? That seems to be the most simple solution. My powers' only counter would be the phenomena known as paradoxes and the upper echelons of unity scale."
(Toshi)
"You know of the unity scale? That's interesting. But no you can't because the energy from James' Origin is at the peak of the Unity scale."
(Sera)
"Can someone explain what the hell a unity scale is?"
(Kazuha)
"The unity scale is the hierarchy of skills. It's a clause that's meant to prevent paradoxes. But the users of some of the upper echelons are so scarce that it's become quite uncommon to see its usage unless necessary. Also each of these skills produce power of chaos beyond any magnitude. It's kinda tied to your origin but it's also different. For example the power of "True" is lower than "Origin" however "True" users can affect people with the "Origin" Origin. This is likely due to the nature of "True" being a byproduct of Origin. However an Origin skill will always overpower a True skill and a True skill will never affect an Origin skill. This is separate from the variations of skills such as ultimatums, states, and domains. The reason behind it being called unity is because it's based on how unified your power is to it."
(Travis)
Sera can be seen with an extraordinary face of shock as how a mortal could know so much about something so gatekept by the immensely powerful
"Well that was very impressive Mr. Travis. Thanks for the crash course on the unity scale. Well then there you go everyone that is why we cannot rush the return of Lor- I mean James."
(Sera)
"Actually I have a proposition. Why don't we just do it in the mirror realm instead. That way the energy is contained."
(Travis)
"Hmm that's a good idea but NO!"
(Sera)
Sera becomes visibly angry
"Why not? It's the most obvious choice you're being very unreasonable-"
(Travis)
"I. Said. N. O. NO!"
(Sera)
Sera grows increasingly angry and gives a terrifying look at Travis. Everyone in the room feels a chill and becomes a bit on edge. Even Mori Toshi who fought an Eternal and survived. However Travis remains unfazed due to things he saw there.
"I understand your relationship to the person that governs that place but this is our only real option to help out a lot of things. I know and you know it too. The knowledge I hold right now is causing many disturbances and eventually I can't hold back its unique signature. We all must meet our past self in the mirror."
(Travis)
The still very annoyed and frustrated Sera who is furiously clenching her fists begins to slowly calm down and takes a deep breath.
"I apologize. You're absolutely correct this is the only way. We must all go there. To the unresting nexus of hell."
(Sera)
Sera turns and stares bravely into the mirror on the wall. She gathers everyone to make a triumphant march into the unknown. But then she abruptly stops
"Ok everyone, a few ground rules before we enter here. Number One: Under absolutely no circumstances must you look into the eyes of the guide if you do you will be eternally trapped within here. Number Two: Never say the guide's name anytime or anywhere. Literally anytime also. Number Three: Do not touch the guide. Number Four: Do not separate. Although we can find you, time in this place moves way slower without being in the presence of me. We may find you in 2 minutes but for you it would've been 2 million years. Number Five: Do not say my name or reference an Origin god or Origin himself and his incarnates such as Mesa and James. Now Number Six is the absolute most important of all. NEVER LOOK BACK. All the others there's a chance to save you if you do it but for this there is not. You may only turn your head and move in a 90 degree direction then no more at all. This place will create many illusions and tricks on you but don't let them win you over. I have cast an enchantment on you all to allow a maximum of 5 automatic stops at the 90 degree mark in which your body will forcefully look back straight. Unfortunately this is all I am capable of doing here so please try not to go beyond the 5 chances limit. Okay does everyone understand or have any questions?"
(Sera)
After Sera completes her lengthy and serious debriefing with everyone a wave of anxiety washes over the room. With such amounts of information at one time about something super serious and existence threatening consequences it's hard to not feel extremely nervous about messing everything up.
"I have a question."
(Iro)
Iro raises her hand shyful with a nauseating look. Sera at a glance is already aware of what she is going to say.
"No you cannot sit this one out. I am sorry but it is imperative that we almost all go together. To make it more simple. Just stick together and don't speak or look at anyone but each other."
(Sera)
Iro, who was on the verge of throwing up, hears the simplified version and calms down a little but is still visibly nervous.
"Okay I guess that's fine."
(Iro)
"Well then with all of that out of the way let us head out."
(Sera)
Once again they turn towards the mirror and walk towards it following Sera. Looks of uncertainty and bravery can be seen all around. But more than anything is the suffocating anxiety. When Sera touches the mirror and she says the phrase
Chapter 36 B
" Memento Mori: Remember That You Must Die" (Sera)
The mirror warps and becomes puddle-like. As she enters it ripples start to form resonating all around. It's a beautiful sight, something out of a fairy tale or legend. It makes you think how such a beautiful thing can house such a terrifying reality. After Sera makes it all the way through, the others follow. Into the captivating mirror that beckons them to join it. Everyone does it and what comes after is a shock to them all. A world that is twisted and seems to bring great pain. The sky is shattered and there's an eerie silence. But beyond all of that is beautiful plains as far as the eye can see. It's a confusing conundrum. One is bewildered by how this place is meant to be such a horrible and gruesome experience. This thought runs through everyone's mind as they look around. Then at once they all remember what Sera emphasized the most. To not look back. They didn't expect for such a task to be so hard yet the curiosity is tantalizing. The closer you get to a full 180 the more the world beckons you to look. Your throat chokes and your mind runs rampant. "What should I do?" "Just one look won't hurt". In unison everyone begins to look back. Inching closer and closer at the source of their curiosity until.
"Welcome all."
(????)
A cool and chilling voice yet echoing with such authority. It's almost as if death itself is speaking. The coldness of just two words travels all throughout your body and touches you deep within your origin. It's heard all throughout the world and resonates with all of your senses. Everyone drawn by the voice turns forward to where they feel it most. However when turning forward they feel something of overwhelming capacity. Primordial fear.
"WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO HERE. I WANT TO GO BACK."
They all scream internally. Even the seasoned veterans of unimaginable horrors cannot but feel extremely conflicted about what they should do.
Sera senses their mental anguish and devised a plan. She linked everyone's mind in order for them to communicate telepathically to each other. This would enable their minds to focus on the conversation rather than sinful curiosity. Firstly she lets some choice words go through.
"EVERYONE GET IT TOGETHER NOW! How could you ever expect to defeat the Origin god and Rosé if you cannot even stand someone on their level. I will admit the fear that she induces is extreme and dense but even as a representation of death she still has absolutely nothing on Libra or Rosé if cannot endure this challenge you will die from the mere glare of those two when they have the intent to kill."
(Sera)
"She's right. We have to overcome this or else we never had what it takes to challenge a god in the first place."
(Gruff)
"SAYS THE LITERAL GOD WHO FOUGHT A GOD WHILE THEY WERE STILL MORTAL."
(Sora)
"YEAH EXACTLY YOU'VE BEEN FEARLESS EVER SINCE I'VE KNOWN YOU!"
(Iustitia)
"No you're wrong I'm afraid. I've been afraid many times throughout this journey. Honestly I want to turn tail and run more than anything. But what scares me more than anything is knowing that my cowardly behavior is what led to the destruction of everything. If we do not keep moving forward all that has led us up to this point would have been for nothing. The best thing that we have is each other. We don't have to face this fear alone. Together we will get through this. Together we will save existence."
(Gruff)
A brief silence takes place in the group telepathy call. Everyone takes the time to let Gruff words sink in. Finally someone who has been a longstanding member of this team speaks.
"Man, does becoming a god give you a talent for pep talks? You and James know exactly what to say. But thanks to that I got it together. You're right there's trillions of people suffering at the hand of these gods. They are all waiting for someone to save them. If we fall here and such a foolish thing. That guilt would be a fate worse than death."
(Sora)
"Wow I didn't realize how grand of a goal you all had. Heh I feel as if I made the right choice to help out. Don't worry I'll definitely fix your friend up for you. Now let's push on."
(Toshi)
"They say that but….. this isn't just something you can ignore. It's so frightening that acknowledging it brings you to the brink of madness. I don't know how much of this I can endure. I was never someone made for this kind of thing."
(Iro)
"You know we can hear you right…."
(Kazuha)
For another brief moment silence washes over the frightened minds of everyone until one person snickered
"pfft"
(Iustitia)
As if on cue Iustitia cause everyone to erupt in laughter causing the overwhelming fear and anxiety to be forgotten in this cherished moment between comrades
"AHAHAHAHAHA! Do not fret little Iro you can lean on us. We are friends, no?"
(Gruff)
"Exactly don't worry too much if you fall, we'll be here to catch you. Plus I think you may have just cracked the code. All we have to do is overwhelm the fear with another emotion."
(Sora)
Iro can be seen visibly embarrassed and turning red
"CAN WE NOT TURN MY MOMENT OF VULNERABILITY INTO A PLOT DEVICE. I EXPECT HUGE REWARDS FROM ALL OF YOU WHEN WE GET BACK!"
(Iro)
"I'm glad you have all found a solution. Please do your best to maintain this. We have 30more minutes left until we reach the destination."
(Sera)
With the statement by Sera everyone makes a revelation that they have been here for a mere seconds yet to have even taken a step and their reactions were caused by a simple greeting from the guide. The dreadful thought of having to survive hearing them speak more and not running naturally scares them. However they now all have something they didn't have a minute ago. Faith. Faith in each other and conviction. Conviction to move forward for a cause bigger than themselves.
But just as grim true revelation seeps in. Almost as if it were a cruel joke once again the guide spoke.
"May I ask. What brings you to ■■■■■ dear travellers."
(???)
The grasp of fear and death beckons for an answer once more once the maiden draped in a flowing veil one side the purest of white and another the purest of black.
"Before I answer that I would like to first ask if you can lessen the effects of your presence please if you shall."
(Sera)
Such a simple request. Lightens everyone's mood internally.
"No I shall not."
(???)
Such a simple response. Darkens everyone's mood externally.
"I see. Fair I suppose. Now then to answer your question. We're here to visit The Kaleidoscope."
(Sera)
The maiden lets off a smile. It is unclear why that is but no matter the reason. Sera gives off an enormous look of disgust and anguish.
"That is a fantastic destination dear travellers. Now then if you would then just turn around and your destination will come-"
(???)
"No. We would like you to take us."
(Sera)
One person's mind pauses for a second as one feeling clouds their mind….. Doubt.
"What does she mean? Why would Sera leave that information out? Does she intend to make us go through this horrible feeling for 30 minutes?????"
(Iro)
Once again Iro begins to let fear take her over.
"HEY ONCE AGAIN WE CAN HEAR YOU. Iro it would do you well to pay attention. Haven't you noticed something?"
(Kazuha)
Iro is once again left embarrassed but then she becomes confused and tries to think what could Kazuha be talking about. Then she looks up and sees Sera. Shaking, trembling, and sweating, Then she looks at herself and notices the fear from the maiden's voice isn't affecting her.
"No way. When. Why."
(Iro)
"Right after she had asked if the guide could lessen her effect on us."
(Kazuha)
Sera had redirected 95% of the maiden's effect onto herself.
"If I were to take you it would be a thirty minute long journey. Are you sure you can withstand the journey?"
(???)
"Yes. Yes, I am. Because the only thing that I feel when I hear your voice isn't fear or the want to leave or die. It's an overwhelming mix of frustration, rage, anger and disgust. But most of all it's hate. I hate everything about you. So please just be the puppet you are and take us to our destination."
(Sera)
Everyone is left in shock by what Sera had to say. Someone usually so reserved just lets out such a passionate feeling towards another. It was completely unlike her.
"I see. Well then as you request dear traveller I will take you all to the Kaleidoscope. Apologies for my rudeness. You may all address me as-."
"EVERYONE COVER YOUR EARS NOW!!"
(Sera)
After Sera's violent internal plea for everyone to close their ears. A tragedy was avoided.
"If you need anything just call out my name and I shall do my very best to assist you."
(The Maiden)
"Hey! WHAT WAS THAT!"
(Sera)
"I apologize I'm afraid I don't understand the question dear traveller. What exactly was what?"
(The Maiden)
"YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO GIVE OUT YOUR NAME!"
(Sera)
"On journeys that exceed 32 minutes I am required to tell my name to travellers who request such a journey. The journey began when you said your destination. The time you spent insulting me and the time you spent comforting that young lady all elapsed into a total of 1 minute and 30 seconds which was then added onto the first 30 seconds you spent here on first arrival doing nothing."
(The Maiden)
The Maiden replies in an almost lifeless almost as if she was programmed in some way. All while maintaining a quaint smile towards everyone. Sera listening to this started to get visibly frustrated and annoyed making faces she never seemed capable of making beforehand.
"Okay then fine. As you said we wasted time. So then if you would, please take us to the destination."
(Sera)
Sera says this all while forcing a smile and trying hard to maintain a softer voice as she normally has. She realized that her grudges and personal feelings have gotten in the way of the goal at hand. Not wanting to be a burden and cost the mission to fail she sucks it all up and pushes on.
"Very well! Please follow me and stay close behind!"
(The Maiden)
The Maiden peps up and becomes an extremely kind soft spoken young lady. She then begins her march towards the destination. But something strange begins to happen. Firstly let's discuss the order of the line. From the very front we have The Maiden, Sera, Gruff, Iustitia, Sora, Artemis, Iro, Kazuha, Mori Toshi, Travis. Now back to the strange occurrence. Left behind every step of the maiden was a radiant light of life and the appearance of a peaceful world. But after she took her step off and so did the people after her. It all slowly became engulfed in darkness and withered away up until the last person in the line. So this makes everyone wonder. What would happen if we were to fall behind? What has happened to the land behind. It strengthened the need to go forward and suppressed that want to go behind/backwards.
5 minutes have passed.
"Attention dear travellers, we are now 25 minutes away from the destination. It is at this point that I ask those who are capable of flying to begin to do so now. Those who are not I am very sorry but you'll have to find some to assist you. I will not stop moving once I have begun my trip and without me in your surroundings I cannot guarantee your survival."
(The Maiden)
This task wasn't a problem as everyone in the group is capable of flight. Even without the usage of their Skills. But there was a bigger challenge than flying. It was the curiosity if looking down is the same as looking back.
"Okay now everyone please maintain the same pace as me and avoid every obstacle that may appear."
(The Maiden)
The Maiden begins her ascent.
"Light Speed."
(Sera)
Just two words Sera says leaving everyone in confusion. They would soon learn what she meant.
"KEEP U-"
(Gruff)
Gruff finished the message and it now becomes clear what everyone must do. Move at light speed and keep up. Everyone is extremely caught off guard but soon enough they all receive the message and try their hardest to catch up.
"Damn it! This is a shit situation. If you fall too far behind you'll get consumed. If you pull too far ahead you'll have someone else consumed. Worst of all you have to focus on navigating through so you lose sight of the people in front of you which then in turn makes telepathic communication difficult. What's really confusing though is why light speed and why now. How far is the place? Would turning around really get us there instantly???"
(Sora thinking)
As everyone races through the sky following the blurs in front of them whom they assume are their friends they face the seemingly impossible challenge of keeping their focus ahead. "Just one look down surely that would be okay. Right?" Such a thought echoes strongly in the minds of them all. But thankfully there's more pressing matters. The sky is full of debris and pockets of light and darkness. No one knows what they hold but they all avoid them in the fear of the unknown. The problem is that it's not just one and few. There's one almost every step of the way.
"UGHHH I HATE THIS! WHO DESIGNED SUCH A STUPID DAMN ROUTE. The amount of things stacked against you is brutal. I have to put my full trust in the person in front and behind me. Then I have to follow through myself to not let anyone down. I just want to go home and make more clothes.
(Iro thinking)
10 minutes pass
"Attention dear travellers, we are approaching the end of our flight. I ask that when you enter the bright red light. You immediately come to a stop and leave enough room for the person in front of you or else we may experience a loss."
(The Maiden)
The words of the maiden are announced to everyone in flight. 10 minutes of one of the most challenging flights anyone would ever experience. Is finally coming to an end. Everyone had to be hyper focused and completely on their guard. Now they are being told they have to completely stop on a dime. The problem they all fear is.
"HOW?!"
(Everyone internally)
The amount of momentum they carry and the skewed state of their vision culminates into a job that seems impossible. Gruff starts first after sera who left 10m of space behind. He succeeds leaving 5m of space behind him. Iustia second. She succeeds leaving 2.5m of space left.
There's a problem. The space being left behind keeps halving. At this rate Iro will have to redirect. But where will she go up or down?
Sora third. He succeeds leaving 1.25m of space left. Artemis fourth. She succeeds leaving 0.625m of space left. It is almost impossible for someone to stop precisely at 0.3125m of distance to the destination that is Artemis. Remember that they cannot look back. Nor can they hear or sense that of which is back. Artemis has no idea when Iro will arrive. She doesn't even know when she arrived.
"I CAN SEE IT THE RED! THIS WILL FINALLY END YES! She said stop as soon as you enter the red. Not see. Huh? Who is that in front. Big Sis Artemis?! SHE HAS TO MOVE I CANNOT STOP THAT CLOSE."
(Iro thinking)
Iro is approaching Artemis at high speeds. She has to stop but she knows if she does everyone else behind her will perish. Then it dawns on her. No matter what she does. Her, Kazuha, Mori Toshi, and Travis. Will fall behind. Unless…
"This is the only way."
(Iro)
She looks down.