RPG

3 Days after Crow fight with Western Fairy

Because of Kuro-San idea of airing the fight live to a paying audience the battle had changed dramatically the video had gotten out and was spread around the criminal underworld like a plague. Soon everyone knows of Crow’s battles and worst yet more people wanted in now. Almost every single crime boss, criminal, syndicate leader, etc. who had a grudge against the Last Gunslinger was putting a bounty on his head even random individuals who wanted to make a big name for their selves were getting in on the fight hoping to take out the Rail-gun themselves and cash in. Skilled mercenaries who knew of Crow were stepping up to kill him in order to prove they were the best and become a threat to anyone, like killing the gunslinger would mean they would gain his powers, there were even people who had no clue about anything and were just going with the crowd. Some of the individuals sided with Kuro-san trying to get under his payroll for this job; others were going with the various crime bosses under their payroll, a few were just going free lance and working for their own motives. Rumors circulated that this was all part of the Yakuza Emperor plan, that Kuro-San show the fight live so it would get out and more would go after the gunslinger in his attempt to push Crow to his limits, it seemed that the Numbers were the least of the gunslingers problem. It wasn’t long before bounty papers began to spread though the mercenary, criminal, and hero community as well as anyone who would care; these bounty papers were not government approved but instead were created by the criminals after the Thunderbolt Gunslinger. The paper was simply in the center was a picture of Crow with the words Wanted: Dead above below was the bounty, which was the totaled amount of all the bounties and rewards on the gunslinger’s head, a total of 60,000,000 dollars. Along with this poster news that Crow had been joined by a 12 year old boy also spread and soon people know this boy was Caius Weaver who also now had a similar bounty paper of 1,000,000 dollars. Finally word had it that a woman known as Western Fairy was wanted for questioning by a secret organization. It seemed that the Numbers were stacked against Crow.

In the town of

The moon was high in the sky and cast a pale white glow over the partially destroyed town, where two great warriors and sharp shooters battled 3 days earlier, the stars dotted the sky randomly as a single coyote howled sharing his sadness with anyone who would hear. Within the former mining town in the old medical building, that was a little beat up but for the most part intact, the unusual group stayed. Crow, Caius and Fairy had been staying there on Crow’s advice; that it would be better if they stayed low and healed first before moving out. Fairy had taken the worst beaten out of the two but thanks to the “care” of Caius and Crow she was saved from blood lost and would be able to move soon, Crow had also taken a beaten but again thanks to Caius his wounds were healed and the ones he reopen during his fight were properly cleaned and patched up. Despite the late night Crow was seemingly the only one still awake he was sitting against a wall with a piece of paper and pencil doodling something on the ground next to him was the heavy damaged dual rifles, that Fairy had used they seem to mean as much to her that his revolver meant to him, Fairy Pair. The Last Gunslinger had felt bad that he had nearly destroyed the rifles because they were crafted so well and meant so much to Fairy he had decided that he would rebuild them from what remained and upgrade them for her deep down inside hoped that she would share her Fairy Dust and Star bullets with him. During his fight with her Crow had come to respect Fairy and also wanted something else from her, Fairy is really skilled she is one of the best sharp shooters I seen to date she was able to go toe to toe with me just using her sharp shooting. I just hope she hasn’t been contaminated by these Numbers to the point where I can’t conceive her to join me and Caius. We could really use her skills right now and I would really love to team with her again/

The gunslinger put down the paper and pencil that had the blue print for the upgraded version of Fairy Pair, from what could seen the new gun had a snipe rifle design, written above it was the new name Fairy Pair Revolution. The Rail-gunslinger picked up a map that Caius had with and began looking it over, we can’t stay in this town too long I am sure that another one of these Numbers will be coming sooner rather than later and here we are a sitting duck. Plus are supplies are low we barely have food, medical stuff, and we kinda need clothes at least I do. As Crow thought that last thing he looked at himself his shirt was in tatters, his jeans were filled with holes, and his jacket was in bad shape as well in fact the only thing that seem to remain in one piece was his cowboy hat and the ribbon and bell he wore. Fairy outfit was in pretty bad shape as well, Caius would probably just love the idea of getting a new outfit and picking one out for Crow. As the gunslinger inspected the map he saw there was a town only a few miles from where they were now using the car Caius brought if they left in the morning they could get there by late sundown. This place is good we can eat, shop, rest and relax for a little after all I think money is the one thing we are not short on at the moment. Hmm rest and relax that funny in a time like this I am thinking about something like that I haven’t been able to sleep for weeks now, my entire body is beat up, and mentally I don’t know how much more I can take. As Crow inspected the map his eyes widen suddenly as he noticed a town not to far from where they currently were and where they were going. WHAT?! How could I have not realized that?! I should have realized that it was close I totally forgot about that! Damn it I can’t go there I can’t take Caius and Fairy there! The gunslinger got up tossing the map aside the spot that had made him worry so much was a town called Rayo Rosado and it was Crow’s home town.

The gunslinger needed some air he needed space, I can’t go there! Damn it! I have so much on my plate already and now I have to deal with this! As the Thundering Cowboy walked past Caius he noticed his jacket was lying next to the 12 year old telepath; he carefully place the jacket over the boy as a blanket as he tipped his cowboy hat low over his face walking outside. I swore I won’t kill anymore people or let anyone else die because of me but can I really keep that promise, I seen so much death and destruction already and there is sure more to come. Worst yet I am risking Caius’s life in all this not to mention Fairy if I get her to join us she is just in as much danger as me. The gunslinger walked out into the night looking at the stars as tears watered his eyes, it was ironic how peaceful the night earlier the moon had a reddish glow to it and there appeared to be symbols within it, I can’t do this I can’t go though the same thing as when my town was destroyed, when I lost Abby, when Saki was killed I can’t witness that same thing with Caius or even Fairy. Gramps please help me give me a sign of what to do. I am at my breaking point! Crow began to look at the town for a sign, the bodies of the iron eagles were buried but, there weapons were scattered about rubble covered the whole town and blood stained random spot, then a glint of silver caught the cowboy’s eyes. His super trained eyes could see that it was small and round oval shaped though the gunslinger walked over to it and was shocked once he could determine what it was. It was a pray medal just randomly laying there on the ground but what was shocking was Crow had been though this town already and he never saw it there before it seemed like the item just appeared there a few minutes ago. The Rail-gunner picked up the pray medal and his eyes widen as he inspected it; the medal was for Saint Jude the saint of lost cause. Crow began to remember after his fight with Western Fairy when he caught get up and he prayed to Saint Jude for help and received it allowing him to stand and probably survive. Tears began to fill the gunslinger’s eyes as clenched the pray medal in his heavy bandaged hand a smile coming to his face as he realized what he must do. Thank you Gramps Alcide I understand now I think. My fight is no lost cause because I still believe and more so Caius believes in me, Toni believes in me, all my friends believe in me. I WON”T LOSE!

Before the modern cowboy went he gathered a few things like weapons for both Caius and Fairy for Caius he got a pair of small dual revolvers figuring the Weaver Heir would like to be with Crow and for Fairy, until he finished with Fairy Pair Revolution, he got her a rifle and pistol. Crow place the guns on the ground and threw on a shirt that he had found, it was too big for him but it last, he still had the pray medal clutched in his hand as he noticed that Caius was still sleeping with his jacket on. Crow smiled as he turned to look outside again sighing a little he wasn’t sure if Caius or Fairy was awake but he suddenly felt the need to speak, at least to Caius. “Hey Caius…you are probably not awake which is okay but if you are can I tell you something all you have to do is listen. I want to say thank you for coming for me unfortunately you are now apart of my problems but this may sound hard to believe but I am grateful you are here. I was close to losing it but you being here helps I would have gone crazy out of sheer loneliness I needed a friend or at least someone to help me though this hell and thankfully it was you.” A world of emotions ran thought the gunslinger as he continued clutching the pray medal in his bruned and sore hands, “Do you remember when we were in the Dream World and you were torturing Kaine and I told you I did things I regret? I was only 5 years older than you are now when I lost everything and everyone I love.” The gunslinger couldn’t believe what he was about to reveal but felt it should be done strangely it had to be to Caius. “I grew up in a town called Rayo Rosado it was quite peaceful and normal I grew up there with pretty much most of my family in that one town; I was trained by my grandfather to be a gunslinger there so it holds a lot of emotional value to me. I had quite a lot of friends at the time but my best friends were Vergil and Abigail. You see me and Vergil were always friends growing up and we both had the same dream to be great gunslinger we trained together, played together, and pretty much did everything together. We met Abigail some time and we instantly liked her; the three of us became the best of friends especially Abby and Vergil they seemed to get closer with everyday. Eventually I past my gunslinger test and with that I had to do missions for the town; small things retrieving this item for this person, deliver supplies to other towns, represent our town in peace talks, you known random jobs but no matter what is was I always took Abby and Verg with me and the town began to call us the Gunslinger Trio or the Next Gen Heroes my favorite was Brown, Black, and Blonde because of our hair color.” Crow began to get choke up as he talked about his hard past and the saddest part was coming he took a deep breath gathering himself. “We continued this way for years till I was 17 then…it happen. The three of us were on a job for the town and when we came back we were horror struck for a mile out we could see smoke but we never thought it was our town. Once we got close enough we saw that our town was in flames we couldn’t believe it we had no idea what happen, it turns out while we were away a villain came in town and gave the adults a ultimatum for them to side with him or be destroyed the town had a big debate but in the end some of the turns icons had convince almost everyone to turn away from the man offer.”

“The man filling disrespected and angry with my town decided to punish the people he infected the town with Insanity wavelength they corrupted almost everyone the wavelength turns anyone infected by it into a berserk maniac.” Tears were now sliding down Crow face as he kept telling his story he didn’t care if Caius or Fairy was listening anymore he needed to get this out “The people affected by the Insanity began to kill and slaughter everyone in town the acts of violence would make those who weren’t corrupted weaken and they would be infected and it spread like a plague. There were a few who remained resistant to the Insanity and they were force to fight and protect the others. Me, Verg and Abby rushed in town panic to see if our families were okay we decided to spilt up and reunited to help the ones fighting. I learn that most of my family were okay and not affected we all had pretty much strong wills and could resist the Insanity; my grandfather was fighting and defending the town he had told me to get back with my friends and get out of town. So me and Verg met up I never learned what happen to his family, he didn’t talk about but from what I learned later not a single one of them survived.” The tears were coming hard now and there was no stopping them Crow choked on his words as he forces himself to continue. “Abby hadn’t come back yet so we went looking for her…if only…if only we had stayed together…if only we had got to her sooner!” The gunslinger violently slammed his fist into the wall, “When we got to her…she was being attack by…by her own father,…I would learn later…that he trapped the rest…rest of her family in the house and burned them alive. He…he was trying to…to kill his daughter…me and Vergil did the only thing we could…the man was corrupted by Insanity…we had to kill him in front of her! Maybe...Maybe if did something else…maybe then it wouldn’t have happen.” Crow was becoming an emotionally wreck in front of Caius and Fairy he was squeezing the pray metal so hard it would have hurt if his whole body wasn’t numb. “As we were trying to leave the town…Abby started acting differently, her personality…began to change. Me and Verg didn’t even realize it…we didn’t realize she had been affected by Insanity. I think…it was seeing her father killing her family…or maybe just the horror of everything but she was affected. She attacked Vergil with a knife he had given…given her to protect herself.” Crow was crying he could barely talk as he relived every detail of the worst day of his life he was sure that Caius was awake now but it didn’t matter the world had shrunk to just him he was alone on a planet of darkness. “She was going to…she was going to kill him! I tried…I tried to stop her but…but there wasn’t nothing I could do I was weak…I was weak and I couldn’t save my best friend! All my training and I couldn’t save the two people who meant to the world to me! I…panic I knew that if she killed him…she was coming for me after…I was scared I didn’t want to die…I didn’t want anyone to die. So in a moment of desperation and panic…I shot her!” Crow punched the wall again this time his hand going though it as the pray medal dug into his hand and was making it bleed tears blinded him. “I shot one of my best friends because I wasn’t strong enough to save her! There was nothing else…I could do! Damn it! I was scared and weak…and wanted to live…I wanted to survive! What is wrong with just SURVIVING! Now I am trapped in this never ending war and I want to survive…its just like back then all I want to do SURVIVE!”

Crow turned around his was enraged, more with himself than anyone or anything else, tears were sliding down his face he was a little surprise that both Fairy and Caius were awake and staring at him, but he to be honest he should have known that his rant would wake them, he took a deep breath and regained his composure wiping the tears away. “I realize that I don’t just want to survive anymore I want to win! I want to keep fighting and moving forward; if I have to fight a million Numbers then I will I will continue to walk forward no matter what even if an army of mercenaries await me. I am going to win this and when I find who sending these mercenaries after me I am going to stomp him into the ground.” A smile forming on his face of the gunslinger as he looked at the Sniping Maiden and the Weaver’s Heir. “This is my battle and mine only I understand if you want to walk away. Caius I appreciate you coming to help me but I don’t want to risk your life an Fairy I understand if you want to leave you are and therefore my enemy. If you two want to join then so be it but I can’t promise you what will happen but I can promise I will protect you no matter what. On my word as a Gunslinger I will protect you!” Despite the smile Crow eyes were charged with his determination as he unclenched his fist a little to reveal the pray medal for lost causes. Fairy suddenly bows catching Crow off guard for a minute unsure of what she was doing as the Fifth number bows her head in respect. “Crow Cementerio you save my life despite the fact I am your enemy and tried to kill you moments earlier. My honor, dignity, and respect dictates that I indebt to you. My rifles, my body, my life is yours to command until I repay my debt to you. I Ann Mary Wheelock also known as Western Fairy am at your command” Crow was surprisingly blushing a little he put his hand behind his head laughing a little, he had saved the Sniper Maiden because he felt it was the right thing to do she was an amazing warrior and sharp shooter and he had sworn no body else would die. “Wow thank Fairy…I mean Ann. So your name is Ann Mary that is very pretty. What about the Numbers aren’t they going to come after you now?” Ann Mary was blushing even worst then Crow currently was when he said her name was pretty she fumbled her words from embarrassment. “What…oh um…thank you Cemen…I mean Crow.” She quickly regained her composure and became serious once again, “I am done with the Numbers it seems to me that I wasn’t meant to be you I was just a tool to them. I am nobody’s tool! Besides I failed my mission and therefore failed the Numbers even if I were to go back to them alive they would view me as a disgrace and have me killed anyway.” Crow smiled but on the inside he was filled anger towards the Numbers that threaten to boil over, damn these Number I don’t know who they are but I don’t care just because Fairy lost to me they would have her killed. That is sick she is a one of their own for god sake and they would kill her. I swear I am going to beat each and every single Number no matter what! Crow smiled and noticed that Fairy was still bowing he realized what he must do. “Oh right…I Crow Cementerio, the Last Gunslinger accept your service Ann Mary Wheelock, Western Fairy until your debt is paid to me.”

Crow handed the Sniping Fairy of the West the rifle her got for her she looked up confused and took the rifle gingerly like she was unsure of what this was, “Thank you…I think. Um…where are my rifles? Where is my Fairy Pair?” Crow smiled and laughed again a little, “Oh well um…you see your rifles were damaged in our fight and I felt so bad for ruining guns that were crafted so well and probably meant something to you. I took the guns and I decided to rebuild and upgrade them for you they were due for one.” The gunslinger suddenly noticed the confuse look on the former Fifth Number’s face, “Oh…don’t worry I work on my bike and my Quicksilver all the time so I know a few things about engineering and gunsmithing. But um..if you don’t want me to…um I won’t I haven’t done a lot to them yet.” Fairy looked at the gunslinger taking the rifle he given her blush brightly this was possibly the nicest if not the first nice thing someone did for her and what shocked her it was coming from someone she was trying to kill 3 days earlier. ‘No…um its okay thank you I really appreciate that Crow.” Embrass Ann Mary became silent not saying much after that; the Rail-gun then looked at Caius smiling brightly “Well Caius what about you are you going to go home to your mansion or are you staying with me?” After listening to Caius the gunslinger smiled brightly he now had two new allies in this fight and even though he was worried about their safety he was determined to protect them, the Lightning Revolver got the map and put it between the three of them. “There is a town not to far from here where we can resupply ourselves and get new clothes plus I will get the items I need to upgrade Fairy’s weapons. It is not to far from here we could probably make it there late tomorrow evening if we left in the morning but it will take us a little longer. If you two don’t mind I want to make a personal stop before we do anything I want to go…home.” Crow pointed down at the map at a location in-between where they were and where they were going it was his home town Rayo Rosado.

Meanwhile the bounty posters of Crow were spreading and more people were getting into this deadly game against the Last Gunslinger. Eventually several mercenaries had gotten the paper; a boy playing a hand held video games smiled seeing the bounty then continued his game, man in a god armor smoked a cigar then preceded to put it out on the picture of Crow’s smiling face, another man wearing a trench coat and holding a black pistol shot at a dummy with Crow written across it chest the bullet blew the dummy up, a Russian woman drinking a deep red wine her sharpen fangs showing chuckled a little as she saw the bounty poster. These scenes echoed themselves throughout the criminal and mercenary world even heroes were getting wind of this it seemed Crow, Fairy, and Caius may be up against the world along with the Numbers. Everything was going accordingly to the Underworld’s Emperor, Kuro-San, plan.

The morning came but it was not easy Crow dreams were filled with disturbing images, he dreamed that he was in his hometown he was a child again kneeling a pool of blood as he looked around in horror he saw everyone he held close to him, Toni, Caius, Fairy, Alcide, Callis, Raseri, etc. Crow picked up Quicksilver in his dream and found his hands and the gun covered in blood the bodies around him began to speak in unison. “This is your fault Crow. Why couldn’t you protect us Crow? You said you would get stronger Crow? Why Crow Why? Why did you kill us Crow? You weren’t strong enough to save us the blood is on your hands?” Tears ran down the gunslinger’s face as he tried to explain to the dead bodies of his friends and families. “No…please…I’m sorry. I…tried…I tried I swear. I did….I did everything I could. Please…I am sorry…I didn’t…I didn’t have a choice. What…What was…I suppose to do…I just wanted to…I just want to LIVE!” Suddenly behind him came a faint noise the Last Gunslinger turned around in horror to see Abigail she was covered in blood she had the bullet holes from where Crow shot her and in her hands was Quicksilver but there was something different from this Abigail she had a demented lunatic grimace and her eyes were wide and open also her pupils were different they were crimson red and seemed to have a design in them. The gunslinger couldn’t move, he wouldn’t move, he didn’t want to move all the bodies began to chant in a sing song voice. “Five…Four…Three…Two…One! The Numbers are coming. Five…Four…Three…Two…One! Now your done. Five…Four…Three…Two…One! Bang goes the gun. Five…Four…Three…Two…One! Now your dead.” Abigail got closer and closer and all the Thundering Cowboy could do was mumble repeatedly. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you. I sorry.” Abigail was now in front of him the chanting was louder it was the only thing Crow could hear and then finally on the final dead Abby pulled the trigger and the gunslinger woke up.

The Gunslinger of Lightning didn’t tell his friends about the dreams because he didn’t want to worry them. More nightmares that is just want I need. I am trying to fight a war against elite mercenaries and I am upset over some bad dreams. What am I five afraid of the boogey man in my closet? Crow was resting on the door frame waiting for the others his cowboy hat pulled low over his face when suddenly he was startled by a hand on his shoulder. The gunslinger spun around drawing his revolver ready to shoot an enemy but he stop suddenly once he noticed it was just Fairy. “Um…Crow.” Crow blinked a little confused as he holstered Quicksilver. “Oh…oh god I am sorry Ann Mary don’t take it personally. I guess I am just a little jumpy from all this fighting. Is everything okay? Caius is making remarks to you is he; I told him to be appropriate around you?” Ann blushed a little she was not use to being treated so nicely and yet Crow was treating her just like he was a friend; she quickly regain herself “No…um everything is okay he is being quite pleasant. I…um…wanted to ask are you okay?” Crow smiled a little tipping his cowboy hat up, ‘Of course I am fine I just haven’t slept much so I am a little tired. All this fighting hasn’t given much time for rest.” Despite Crow calm reply Fairy was still worried about him, “No I meant are you okay about going to your home town? After that story you told us it seems that your home town holds conflicting emotions for you are you sure you want to go there?” Crow smiled a little of course there was a part of him nervous about going to Rayo Rosado but it was not what the Sniper Maiden thought. “Yeah I’m fine I been hiding that aspect of my life for too long. I think it time that I bring what is in my dark shadows out into the light. Besides I feel that I need to go there and clear my head before I go any further.” Fairy just looked at the Last Gunslinger she was still concern for him but she was quite amazed despite everything that was happening and had happen he was still cool and calm like this was just another day. “Listen Crow I know almost all the members of the Numbers if you want I can tell you about them so you can prepare yourself and fight them. It will be a great tactical advantage…” Before The Sniping Maiden of the West could finish what she was about to say Crow put his hand up stopping her, he turned to face away looking outside of town “Lo siento but it is not necessary, telling me about who and what I am going to fight doesn’t change anything they will still fight me and they will keep coming it is not like they are going to stop. Besides I realize now that the Numbers are my opponents and mine only I don’t want anyone stepping in unless it necessary this is my battle. I need to fight them alone Ann.” Ann Mary was shock she was offering a cheat sheet to help him against the remaining Numbers and he simply turned her down and said he was fighting them alone. “What?! Crow tactically speaking you need the information I am offering. These aren’t the run of the mill criminals they are highly skilled and trained assassins their only goal right now is killing you! You can’t possibly…” Before Fairy could finish Crow put his hand up again stopping her, he no longer had his calm and smile expression but now he face was stern and serious he had one hand on Quicksilver ready to draw. “Fairy someone is coming.” Sure enough that was a single man who looking similar to the gunslinger’s age coming towards them non-threateningly.

Crow quickly move towards the man so they were only a meter or two apart Ann Mary was a little behind Crow rifle in hand and sights sets on the mysterious stranger. The Last Gunslinger was ready to draw his revolver any second as he put his hand up to stop the man from coming any closer. “Hold it amigo I suggest if you don’t want to end up with another hole in your head you stop right there.” The man had his hands up high and he seemed like he wasn’t a threat; the stranger quickly announce who he was, “Hello Mr. Cementerio, My name is John Gilliam, I'm here in behalf of The Number current employer.” Crow was ready to empty all six shots in Mr. Gilliam as well as Fairy he could hear her load the rifle but John was quick to explain himself, “Before I explain my boss offer I want you to know that I'm not a Number, only an administrator, and I'm unnarmed.” Despite the recent events the Modern Cowboy trusted John and motion for Fairy to lower her rifle as he took his hand off Quicksilver. “Okay Mr.Gilliam I trust you but I hope you understand that I want to stay armed.” If John was lying, but Crow doubted that, he could draw his revolver in less than a second, he looked back at Fairy for confirmation that he wasn’t a Number and she whispered softly, “No he is not one of them, I never seen him before.” The gunslinger turned back to John ready to hear his proposal, “Okay Mr. Gilliam what is your boss’s offer it must be good if he is willing to have you risk coming back as swiss chess to deliver it.” Mr. Gilliam who unbeknownst to the heroes was actually the Falcon Eye mercenary Falken explained his boss’s offer. “My boss is offering a temporal truce of 1 day from now for you, considering your personal attachment to this region.” Crow’s eyes widen a little not only at the shock of a truce but that his enemy knew about his home town, so my enemy’s know about my past that is very surprising their must have deep ties to get that information. I highly underestimated them if they know that, what scares me is what else could they knew about me? I guess I don’t have a choice with the truce and it would be nice to get to Rayo Rosado with little trouble. John finished his offer, “We'll clear the way for you towards Rayo Rosado, no small time crook will manage to get 10 square miles near you.” Crow smiled a little as he looked at the mercenary in front of him who was using a clever alias. “Okay Mr. Gilliam you can go back and tell your boss I accept his truce.” Crow smirked he wasn’t done yet he had something to for the boss as well, “Before you go Mr. Gilliam I got a message for your boss whoever he may be. Tell him he should really study up on his western movies because he will learn that the hero cowboy always kills all the pistoleros and then deals with the boss. I am going to stomp the Numbers into the ground one by one then I am coming for your boss! And when I get my hands on him I am going to make him regret f*cking with the Last Gunslinger! If he knows so much about me then he should know my specialty is putting boot to a$$es!” Crow smirked as he began to walk away from the messenger it was time for them to leave this town but as he walked away from John he had one last thing to say, “Oh Mr.Gilliam I suggest the next time you come you come armed to the teeth because I won’t be in the talking mode again.” The gunslinger smiled despite what may lie ahead of him he felt that he sent a message to the Numbers and their boss that he was not going down without a fight and he was winning this war.

The Last Gunslinger and his friends made they were to Rayo Rosado soon after the truce was made but the other players in this game were also making their move. Flying across the landscape casually on a hover skateboard a young boy was making his was to the gunslinger; the boy was a mercenary by the name of Ringo Pereza aka the Gamer. He was hoping to claim the 60,000,000 dollar bounty on Crow’s head so that he could use to the money to buy out the smaller companies that his father owned and dissolve them, Ringo was playing s small hand held gaming device as he talked to himself, “This Crow guy better be worth my time. Stupid grown ups always fighting they can’t even handle one guy now a kid has to come in and do it for them. Whatever I will show them all how strong I am and once I kill Crow everyone will know of me and no one will ignore me again. This is going to be better then reaching level 50 on Space Shooters.” With that Ringo accelerated the hover board it would only take him a little over a day to catch up to Crow Cementerio. Meanwhile on the ground Strum Blitzkrieg aka the War Machine, another mercenary who was known for his vast amount of weapons and dirty tactics in battle was also making his way towards the Thundering Cowboy. Strum was wearing his gold armor and various weapons he also had a large tank that he was riding in. “Cementerio is a dead man I am going bombard his a$$ into the ground and take that 60,000,000 dollar bounty and use it to make the greatest private army ever seen!” Strum plan was to bombard the gunslinger endlessly until Crow submits. Meanwhile a third mercenary wearing a worn tan duster coat and was carrying a black pistol as he made his way to the Last of the Gunslingers, a title that he despises.

Crow and his motley crew drew though the rest of the day until they finally arrived outside of Rayo Rosado just being outside the place one could see the destruction then happen; as one look into the town they saw half destroyed buildings, charred remains of places long burned down, blood stains on walls that still remained and endless tombs stones that littered the road and streets of the once happy town. Some of the stones were simple and unmark, others were more ornate with the names of the victims of the tragic day and a few were monuments to unsung heroes who defended the town with their lives but all the stones had one thing in common they all had the date the town was destroyed on them. Despite the overwhelming sadness something beautiful had come out of the destruction somehow; sewn throughout the destruction flowers had bloom, they were actually the only plant life that remained the ground was so destroyed that nothing could grow expect these beautifully vibrant flowers. The petals were multicolored spreading out from the center giving a rainbow like to it but not as bright, the way the light reflected off them it made the flowers seem to glow with the same multicolored light and the petals that drifted though the air carried by the wind it cast their light on the somber stones. Crow got out of the car his face had only a small smile but it was hidden from the somber and sadness in his face Fairy was speechless maybe from the sadness of the scene or the seldom beauty it held. Crow looked up at the sign that welcome visitors to his former home, the sign was now hanging by a post and it was practically unreadable, a single tear ran down the gunslinger’s face. I am home again everyone I know it’s a little early then usual but there are some things I need to discover here. The Rail-gun turned to his allies as he wipe the tear away and had a serious face, “Listen guys there is something you have to knew about this place before we enter. The ground and the entire area are still affected by the Insanity even after all those years. The Insanity will affect you in different ways you may see things, hear things, and feel emotions that you never felt before and more. Keep your wills strong and do not let them falter for a moment or the Insanity will devour you whole.” Ann Mary and Caius nodded but it seemed Fairy was staring off in a distance into Rayo Rosado, “What’s wrong Fairy?” Fairy took a closer look at the town and saw what she thought she did, “Crow there is someone in town. I never seen him before so I don’t think he is one of the Numbers but he could be another mercenary but I thought there was a truce.” The Sniper Maiden turned to the Modern Cowboy for a reply but instead saw that he gone, the gunslinger was currently stomping towards the mysterious stranger in a near berserk state, I don’t know who they are but how dare they come here this is my private place! This is my town and my home, this is the one place I hold scared to me and they are invading it! This is the biggest violation of my life! Crow was ready to draw his gun as he approached the man from behind, “Hey! I don’t know who the hell you are but you better have a good….wait Jack is that you?” Crow eyes widen In shock as he realized the person standing in his home town was not a enemy here to ambush him but a friend and ally, one who he had encounter while in Caius’s Hogwarts Dream World, it was none other than the Wind Mage Jack.

Crow was completely shocked to see Jack just standing there completely calm and collected in the place that the gunslinger use to call home but was not just a ghost town infected by the corruption the Insanity created. The archer stood there and acted like the two had met at Jewel’s Bar and Grill or something, "Yes its me, good to see you Crow," The Rail-gun stood there shocked he was literally about to beat the hell out of this person who he thought was another member of the Numbers or frankly any one invading the place he held most dear. "You too Caius." Jack studied Fairy for a second before he recognized her, "And one of the Numbers, Miss Wheelock is it? Nice to meet you." Jack seemed completely at ease despite the Insanity that still tainted the ground, "So this is the first time we've actually met, what did you do to get 60 million on your head?" There was a hundred questions spinning though the gunslinger head and they all decided to come out at once, “Jack…what? How? When? Why? How did you get here? What are you doing in my home town? What do you mean 60 million…?” Crow suddenly felt the Insanity that still lingered and became gravely concern for his friend as he got his senses together, “Jack how long have you been here? We need to get you out of here immediately! The Insanity is still here the longer you are here the more likely you will be affected by it, come on I knoww a place where we can talk just outside of town. It’s a park that kids you to hang out in and some woods where I use to train.” Crow quickly got everyone out of Rayo Rosado and to the park he spoke of, the place was old and was in just as bad of shape if not worst then the town itself the playground equipment was rusted and the foliage had grown over and reclaimed the spot as its on. Swings dangled lifelessly by a chain and see-saws were snapped in half but similar to the town the same multicolored flowers grow here the was some Insanity contamination by only a small amount compared to Crow’s former home. Crow explained everything to Jack the countless duels from mercenaries, the appearance of Fairy in the last town and the battle, the Numbers, Fairy offering to join them, the cease fire they had offered, and a compact version of what he told Fairy and Caius about his tragic past, it took roughly a half and hour maybe more but now Jack knew about Crow or at least this much. Crow just smiled a little as he sat against the old slide, “So Jack there you have it now you are as caught up on everything about me. You are one of the few people who now know what has happen here amigo. Now I have a few questions for you, first off how did you knew about this place? I made sure to erase all history of what happen a long time ago but it seems I didn’t do a great enough job if you and the Numbers know of this place. Also what do you mean 60 million on my head I am a bounty hunter why would I have a bounty?” Once Jack explain everything Crow smiled a as he got up, “So I see it’s a bit ironic the bounty hunter to have a bounty place on him by the villains he fought against.” For the first time in a while since this whole thing started Crow began to laugh and once he started he couldn’t stop all the stress and anxiety he was suffering began to fade away as he laughed more and more. Tears slide down the Rail-gun eyes and he doubled over laughing so hard the gunslinger needed this he needed to keep his smile after all this war and blooshed.

After a bit the Last Gunslinger calmed down and wipes away the tears and stood up chuckling a little, “Well Jack I am glad to have you on our side this time around. Now we know everything but that really doesn’t change things we are kinda left without a plan amigo. Currently the plan is keep moving and take the Numbers on one at a time keeping the fighting away from the civilians as much as possible. The Numbers are the main enemy once we beat them this should be over and seeing as we don’t know where the others are I say we wait for them to attack.” The Rail-gunner smiled as he revealed his plan it was incredibly simple and some would call lazy but it was the best plan Crow could think of. He know that nothing would stop the Numbers from coming after him and he was going to half to fight them sooner or later so he thought he might as well wait for them and give himself time to recover and recuperate. Also he was against letting anyone get hurt in this fight he was not going to let innocent people die because of him so as long as he kept away from civilians as much as possible staying away from big towns unless absolutely necessary. Crow sighed a little and started walking away, “Listen Jack we are heading to a town to resupply and get some new clothes then we are going to continuing moving. I have something I have to do so we are going to be here for a bit. Feel free to walk around just try to stay out of the town if you do need to go there please be careful try to not to stay there for too long because of the Insanity.” Crow walked away looking around everywhere he looked brought up painful memories of a life he use to have and cherish now they were tarnished by the day he lost everything, just like the entire area was still affected and contaminated by the Insanity so was his memories affected and contaminated by that day. Once the gunslinger was out of the site of his friends and allies he reach down and picked up one of the multicolored flowers, the pray medal he found in Gold Springs loosely hanging from his wrist, the flowers were called arcobaleno rose for their white and rainbow colored petals but to Gunslingers they had another name. The Insanity still lingers after all this time no matter what this place will never be the same it will never be able to be inhabited again and no matter what I will never be able to let this place go. All my memories good and bad come from here I will never be able to leave this place to be condemned no matter how much sadness resides here. Especially since you are buried here….Abby. Crow was off in the left part of the town he had gathered at least a dozen arcobaleno roses in a bouquet he was standing in front of a average gravestone that seemed to be one in the best condition. On the stone was name of Crow’s childhood friend Abigail.

The Last Gunslinger set the roses on the grave his smile was faint as it held back his emotions silent tears slide down his face as he looked at the simple cross grave stone. “I knew you must be surprised Abby I usually only come once a year and I am early but I need guidance and this is the place I come for it. I don’t know what to do Abby I am stuck in this never ending war and I am afraid I am not strong enough to win this time let alone protect my friends. Everything I day since then I trained to get stronger so I wouldn’t lose the people I care about but I don’t know if I have the strength for this one.” Suddenly a voice came from behind startling him a little, “Is that her? Is that your friend you told us about Abby?” Crow turned around putting a smile as he realized it was just Ann Mary, “Yep, what are you doing here Ann Mary it’s not safe you could be affected by the Insanity wavelength.” The Sniping Maiden of the West just stared at the simple grave stone not talking for a bit and when she spoke her voice was flat and monotone, Western Fairy had great empathy for the gunslinger he had lost everything. “I…uh I was worried about you. This place has so much sadness for you and it seems you were really out of it just being here.” The former Fifth Number blushed a little as she admitted that she was worried about the gunslinger. Crow just laughed a little, “Oh no I’m fine this place means a lot to me its juts a little nostalgic to look around and remember how everything use to be when the world was normal.” The was a silence between the two sharp shooters it lingered over the solemn ground now as the wind blew until Fairy spoke again trying to change the mood as she notices the flowers on Abby’s grave. “Those flowers are beautiful they are all over the place here. You would think that nothing could grow here thanks to the Insanity.” Crow smiled a little more, “They are called Arcobaleno Roses; some call them the flower of the Gunslinger. Just looking at them you were never guess they actually a morbid story behind them; the only grew in areas rich with blood because the iron is important to their growth. They are apart of an old Gunslinger legend.” The Sniper Maiden looked up a little curious about what he meant as the Last Gunslinger laughed and the story behind the roses, “The story goes, long ago in a war torn time many gunslinger of old would go to battle in this war because they were called upon by their side of the battle, their honor, or whatever reason they choice to fight. There was one gunslinger who was the husband to a beautiful woman by the name of Annalisa. The couple lived in area where there was constant fighting and the husband was always being called away to fight in the battles as a gunslinger. Annalisa hated the fact that her husband fought in these battles but the husband reassured her in the end the bloodshed would be worth it and that she needed hope. Annalisa loved to garden, she found beauty in nature and plants unfortunately because of all the fighting the ground would not take plants. The blood soaked into the ground and made it impossible for anything to grow; the battles destroyed the land leaving it barren this was too much for poor Annalisa and she slipped into depression.

The husband who would do anything for the woman he loved he went and prayed to god to give his wife hope make her smile at least one more time and so how that even in the darkest time their can be beauty. Unfortunately the next day the husband died in battle but in a miracle flowers began to grow around the grave of the husband and anywhere that the fighting had taken place. The flowers were so beautiful they gave Annalisa the strength and hope to carry on she decided to take up the cause and became a gunslinger herself using the flowers as her symbol of hope she would become one of the few famous woman gunslinger; Annalisa of the Arcobaleno. Ever since then the arcobaleno flowers grow in areas of great blood shed the flowers actually suck up all the blood in the ground and then once there is no more they bloom like this. Gunslingers have use the flowers as a symbol of hope and that even in the darkest times something good will come and people will be able to move on, we call the flowers the name of the woman who symbolizes, Annalisas or the gunslinger’s rose.” Crow smiled as he found the answer to questions he needed answers when he first came to Abby’s grave, “Annalisas were Abby favorite flowers she didn’t live long enough to see one in person every time I come here I giver her a new bouquet of them. Also there is another reason the story of Annalisa goes on to say she would remarry and have grandchildren even though I can’t be sure but I always had the feeling and my grandfather did to that Abby was one of the great descendents of Annalisa.” Crow smiled as began to walk away from Ann Mary tipping his hat lower over his face, “Are you coming Fairy we are heading out, feel free to take an Arcobaleno if you want one.” Thanks Abby I knew you would help me if I asked. As the Last Gunslinger left Fairy stayed and picked up one of the roses and place it on her shirt pinning it there she was quite amazed by Crow’s resolve; despite losing everything he was still determined to keep fighting and smiling no matter what. Even in moments where his faith was tested Crow seemed to be able to rebound from it and come back stronger than ever. Slowly Ann Mary began to realize that is what helped Crow beat her and if was that same thing that may help Crow beat the rest of the Numbers. Suddenly Fairy began to blush as she realized she might like Crow Cementerio, “No, no, no…It must be the fact he saved me and the situation. The Insanity must be affecting me I do not like Crow.” The Sniper Fairy quickly ran to join Crow hiding her blush.

Soon the small group of allies left Rayo Rosado behind heading towards a town to resupply and get better clothes then the battle worn rags they had on now. Now joined by Jack the was moving fast knowing soon that the truce between Crow and The Numbers would end soon but the Modern Cowboy seemed completely at ease despite the upcoming battles. In fact right now the gunslinger was in the back seat of Caius’s jeep his hat pulled over his face seemingly sleeping, but this was not an uncommon site for the Last Gunslinger he was probably the laziest and most calm person ever but in his mind he was mentally preparing himself against the threat that awaited him. The Former Fifth, who was driving, leaned back and informed the group of their situation, “We are almost out of gas we need to stop if we want to make it to the town. We won’t last unless we get gas; it looks like there is one just a few miles ahead of us.” The group pulled over off the high way at a remote gas station that looked like it saw one customer ever 3 months if it was a busy season, the place was covered in dust and rust complete with outdated gas pumps but it was still in business and everything worked. Outside the place rested up on a wall was an old Harley Davidson probably from the 1950s or 60s just the site of which caught Crow’s attention; the bike was just as dusty and rusted as the gas station covered in all kinds of junk but a bike was a bike to Crow. The gunslinger ran over to it his mouth watering as he inspected the machine, “Wow this thing is a beauty is a little hard to look at right now but with a little spit shine and elbow grease. DIOS MIO! I know I shouldn’t be looking at other woman but Silver needs to understand I am a man its nature for me to look around.” Crow smiled talking about bike in front of him and his own motorcycle Silver with such love and passion one would think he was describing recent sexual conquests. As the other headed inside Crow quickly joined them, “I want to ask the owner of this place if that bike is for sale I could bring it back from the dead and if not I could use the parts on Silver.” As the entered the gas station to pay for some gas it seemed like normal gas station but something was off it was eerily quiet. The Rail-gunslinger began to look for the manager as he past though the aisles filled with typical gas station food expect 30 years out dated (Seriously who drank Pepsi Crystal anymore). Crow walked over the cash register looking for a sign of life but what he found was not the sign of life he wanted. The gunslinger’s eyes widen as he saw a man in his late twenties tied up and gagged stuff behind the counter next to several pounds of explosive Crow turned to his friends shouting, “EVERYBODY GET OUT OF HERE! IT’S A TRAP! THIS PLACE IS A BOMB!” As everyone ran from the gas station Crow using his electrically accelerated speed grabbed the cashier and got out just in time with everyone else. Once everyone got out suddenly the explosives went off behind him completely destroying the gas station, expect for the Pepsi Crystal, spreading fire all around them and making burning debris ran over the area. Suddenly a voice began to chuckle though the rippling fire. “Damn Cementerio I know that trap wasn’t going to work on someone like you but seriously saving that weakling from getting blown to bits it pathetic! That’s why I am going to bombard you a$$ to bits!” Emerging from the flames and smoke came a man wearing gold armor and smoking a cigar a detonator in his hand, it was the War Machine himself Strum Blitzkrieg.

Crow got to his feet as Jack pretty much berated Strum Blitzkrieg for wasting good explosives; this made the gunslinger smiled and laugh a little it seemed like the Archer of the Raging Wind was willing to take on the War Machine himself. This was a good for the gunslinger and his allies; I’m still beat up from my fight with Fairy and I was the winner of that fight Fairy is not in any condition to fight she doesn’t even have her right weapons to fight to begin with. Hopefully Jack can handle this guy by himself besides this is Jack fight’s I won’t let anyone interrupt it. The gunslinger thought to himself as he clenched his sore and worn out body; meanwhile Strum was boiling on the inside after Jack destroyed his 150$ cigar, but more so from the wind archer’s comments about wasting explosives and taking a cashier as a hostage. The Human War Machine stepped out from behind the smoke and flames moving closer to Jack and the others revealing gold armor on his entire torso, shoulders, and elbows he claimed this armor was indestructible. Strum had what appeared to be two large shoulders plates on him but they were actually his shields/weapons; Strum violently stopped out the burning remains of the cigar as he chuckles a dark brooding laugh he had a thick German accent to his voice. “You damn brat that f*cking cigar cost me a lot and you go on and on what I waste! I blew up that gas station and used those explosives because this is a war and victory in a war comes at all cost! What the hell do I need a hostage I have never taken a hostage in my life you god damn brat! If it wasn’t for the Gunslinger that cashier would be just another causality! In a war all is fair I don’t care what I waste ammo, explosives, money, and human lives as long as I win!” Sturm had on a arrogant look that made Crow want to punch him clean in the face but he know this was Jack’s fight and his fight was with the Numbers.

Fairy manage to get up and took aim at Sturm with her rifle but before she could even think about pulling the trigger Crow put his arm in front to stop her from firing. “Cementerio what the hell do you think you are doing we need to help Jack!” Crow face was serious as he focused on Jack and Strum wondering which would move first; “No this is not the right way this is Jack’s fight and that is the will I am keeping it. That is the way the Gunslingers did things one on one not body jumping in and throwing the odds in one favor; that is the way I live my life and the way I am doing this.” Ann Mary was flustered she couldn’t believe Crow who showed compassion to his friends no matter what including who even when she was an enemy just a few days ago was now showing a complete lack of emotion and letting Jack fight a possibly dangerous opponent. “This isn’t the time to stick to your old fashion ways Strum right this is and in a war you take every advantage you get! Now move Cementerio so we can help Jack!” As Ann Mary continued to try and found a suitable shot Crow kept blocking her with his arm till she got frustrated enough she forced her way in front of Crow. The gunslinger suddenly jumped in front of Fairy his face stern and serious instead of his usual smile, “Yeah your damn right this is a war and it’s my war! This is a fight for what we hold close to us, it’s a war of pride Ann Mary and this is my pride! If you are going to shot Strum then you are going to have to shot me first! When you and I fought I would not let anyone be involved in that battle because you and I both know that is the way it should be between gunslingers.” The Sniping Maiden of the West was literally an inch away from shooting though the Last Gunslinger and assisting the archer but Crow’s words stopped her. He was right after all in their battle at the old mining town Fairy would not allow anyone to interrupt their match it was crazy but she reluctantly lowered her weapon and just as she did Crow smile return and he was at her side again. He smiled at the Sniper Maid with his calmed reassuring smile that told anyone who saw it that everything was going to be okay; his voice was also softer and cheerful again. “Don’t worry Ann Mary I didn’t get a chance to see Jack’s true powers but I know he is strong and won’t lose to someone like this Strum guy.” Fairy couldn’t help but smile back, it was like the Rail-gunslinger had a calming aura about him that relaxed his friends and allies and made them truly believe that everything was going to be okay, as Ann Mary continued to gaze as Crow’s smile she couldn’t help but suddenly blush as her heart felt light, maybe a sign of something more then just her indebted gratitude towards him. Ann Mary looked away her face burning from embarrassment but it seemed Crow didn’t notice it a bit. Instead the Last Gunslinger turned to Jack and call out to his friend and ally; “Hey Jack you heard that right this is your fight I swear on my word as a Gunslinger no one will interfere with you. But if this guy gets more to be a bit more than you can handle I will gladly step in to finish the job.” With that Crow laughed a little giving the Storm Archer a thumb ups but the War Machine was not happy at all he was furious. “SHUT THE F*CK UP CEMENTERIO!”

“DID YOU F*CKING FORGET ME!?” Strum angrily clenched his fist he was literally huffing and puffing and ready to explode any minute; Crow on the other hand was a bit confused out the War Machine sudden out burst and looked at him like he had 8 heads and was breathing fire. The Last Gunslinger spoke calmly and with a smile at the raging War Lord “What do you mean did we forget about you? Did you not here our conservation it was about you I said I was not going to let anyone interfere in your fight with Jack.” The Thundering Cowboy just smiled but Strum was even angrier his German accent became even thicker making it hard for someone to understand him; “I heard what you f*cking said! What the hell do you mean you won’t let anyone interfere my fight is not with this weaklings Cementerio! It’s with you; I’m here for that 60 million dollar bounty! With that money I am going to buy me my own private army and equipment them and myself with the best weapons that money can buy! You are my only target no one else and those that get caught in the cross fire are just another damn causality!” Crow kept his smile but his voice was stern and serious he met eyes with Sturm briefly for a split second the emotion they showed was intimidation and killing intent but then it was gone just as fast as it came. It was a look meant for Sturm and Sturm only no one would have noticed it if they weren’t paying close attention; “If you manage to get past Jack I’ll be your opponent Strum but I don’t see that happening.” Just like that Crow smile had returned and he was the same old gunslinger but Sturm was even more pissed. ‘DAMN YOU CEMENTERIO HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! When I am done I am going to be turning in bits and f*cking pieces of GUNSLINGER!” Suddenly the War Machine pulled out a large handful of miniature bombs, a single bomb itself was no threat but in mass quantity they were extremely dangerous, Sturm though the bombs in the area causing them to rain down on the heroes the bombs would explode on contact so he actually created a hail storm of explosives. Fortunately the Rail-gunslinger was prepared using Relampago to assist him, electrically enhancing his speed; he grabbed Fairy and Caius around the way and move backwards making him and his allies a blur. Crow smiled as he got several meters away from Jack and Strum, a good distance away from the fight and out of harm but close enough that he could still observe the fight. There that should be a good distance for Jack and Strum now those two can go all out especially Jack without worrying of harming others. Jack is strong he showed me that in Caius’s Dream World and that was when our powers were severely limited this is a good chance to see what he is really made of. The Last of the Gunslingers let go of his allies as he called to Jack from afar; “Jack I think you got this one don’t go getting yourself killed.” Crow laughed a little as he observes the battle between the War Machine and Archer.

Meanwhile Sturm was furious that Crow had gotten away and was taking him so lightly but he had no other choice the blood of the gunslinger’s friends and allies would be on Cementerio’s hand not his. “Fine you damn Gunslinger if you want to kill your friends before I take care of you be my f*cking guest.” Sturm was not sure if his explosive hail storm worked on the archer but he didn’t care he shouted at the Wind Mage with his thick German accent; “Real nice friend you got there he just threw you in front of the War Machine to be shredded to bits! You said that you control wind and air and that my tricks won’t work on you well I got news for you a mere breathes won’t stopping me I am protected with my Indestructible Golden Giant Arm not even a tornado could scratch it!” Sturm laugh a dark chuckle as he attempted to play mind games with Jack as well as boasting about his so called “indestructible” armor; the War Machine ran threw the smoke, the explosions created, towards where he believed Jack was. Unable to really see or judge where the Mage was Strum threw a large right hand hook with his “diamond gloves”, he claimed that his gauntlets were imbedded with diamond but instead they were actually an extremely hard and durable fake, he followed up the right hook not caring if he hit with a left uppercut. He followed this up with another right hook but this was actually a feint instead of going all the way Strum stopped a few inches before and opened his hand throwing another handful of his small bombs at the area he believed Jack was in causing another massive explosion. This was the War Machine fighting style an aggressive combination of his personal equipment and armor with foul play in order to overwhelm the opponent. “How do you like that you bastard!? I told you no light gust of wind can stop me!”

Back over where Crow was he was smiling and acting, well pretty much acting care free as he watched Jack and Strum go at it. Fairy dusted off her tattered maid skirt as she looked at the Last Gunslinger who simply just smiled calmly. She could not believe how calm he was despite that the fact that one of his friends was fighting someone as deadly as the War Machine, Strum Blitzkrieg, not to mention another one of the Numbers could attack at any minute and he was in a war with a team of deadly mercenaries. Even after everything that had happen so far Crow was acting like this is just another day for him; “Crow are you sure it’s okay Jack fights Strum alone?” Crow smiled at Ann Mary again making her blush but he didn’t notice; “You are still going on about that Ann Mary? Don’t worry me and Jack differ on several things but if I knew Jack he is the type of person when his friends are depending on him he always goes all in. I knew Jack would win from the moment Sturm open his big fat mouth.” The Maiden of the West was a little confused by Crow statement that he knew Jack would win; “What do you mean you knew he would win? Are you really that confident in Jack’s ability?” Crow just kept up his cheerful appearance and his tone was so casual it was crazy in this situation, “No not really.” Ann Mary’s eyes comical grew and widen as the gunslinger admitted he didn’t have a whole lot of confidence in the archer’s abilities “What the hell do you mean no Cementerio? Then why are you so sure that Jack will beat Strum?!” The Rail-gun just laughed at Fairy reaction to his statement, “Don’t get me wrong Ann; Jack is extremely skilled and could give me a run for my money on my good days but I don’t think Jack skills are going to assist him as much. Strum mention in the beginning that everything in his way is just a causlity a cost of war; he is willing to throw everything aside and treats people with no value. Jack is not that kind of person he appreciates everything and everyone one, he would never threw away someone life like Strum. I believe this lit a fire under Jack and that is what will make him victorious not the skill he brings but the righteous fire inside of him.” Fairy could not help but see Crow in a different light just now since she first encountered the gunslinger he seemed to show a care free attitude all the time it was only when he revealed his past and was in his home town that she saw a more serious side. She believed that Crow’s dark past had created someone who is always looking for a bright side, a care free attitude that only faltered a few times but now it was different. Even though Crow showed a care free appearance but deep down Crow was extremely perceptive and knew more then he let on; again feelings of more then just respected began to build in the Sniping Maid and she quickly look away hiding her blushing face. But as the former Fifth Number thought about the Last Gunslinger’s personality and care free appearance Crow was extremely worried on the inside. I have the feeling something is wrong with Jack I don’t know what but something seems off about him. Worst yet standing here I can feel small vibrations in the ground like something is coming our way but that could be just the explosion from the fight. Still I can’t help but feel another threat greater then Strum is on its way.

Crow smiled as Jack easily defeated the “War Machine” Strum Blitzkrieg and killed him with a simple wooden arrow straight to the head. The gunslinger turned to Ann Mary she was a little surprise that the Archer of Storms had defeated Strum with such ease; Crow laughed a little causing the Sniping Maiden to turn to him; “See what did I tell you Jack was fighting for what he believed in where as Strum just wanted the money on my head in a battle like that the person who is fighting with their pride will never lose.” Fairy just smiled a little again it was this feeling admiration towards the Last Gunslinger he seemed calm and collected despite the fact that one of his friends was fighting a strong opponent, Crow had seen though both Strum and Jack and knew the outcome of the battle before it began underneath his goofy, lazy appearance was an extremely perceptive marksman. This also awaken something else in Fairy as she soon realized she wasn’t just looking at the gunslinger but she was admiring his body with this realization the Former Fifth Number blushed bright red she quickly looked away. After halting the War Machine Jack began to return to the group but deep inside Crow he felt like something is wrong; I know Jack won and all but something is off not just with Jack himself. I feel like this has been too easy where is the next Number why did they offer me a truce but more importantly who are they run by I never encountered the Numbers before so who has the resource to contact and hire them. The Wind Mage seemed to be in good spirits as he joined them, "Alright then, that's done. We should keep moving." Crow was so caught up in his thoughts and paying attention to Jack he barely notice the vibrations growing in the ground or the speeding blur that was heading towards them. It wasn’t until the roar of the engine brought his attention to the speeding motorbike the red blur flew past Jack and stopped suddenly a figure leapt off the bike and landed a few feet away from Ann Mary and Crow. The Last Gunslinger expression changed instantly instead of a calm smile and relaxed pose the Rail-gun’s eyes were charged with determination and he and on his revolver, Quicksilver, the figure looked like the cross between a kamen rider, cowboy, and knight he pointed a finger at the gunslinger and shouted his motives. “Wicked Cementerio! I'm going to defeat you in the name of JUUSTICE!”

Crow began to look around slightly confuse as if the mysterious kamen rider was referring to another Gunslinger. “Um…..Are you talking to me?” The strange warrior continued his rant towards the Last Gunslinger and Western Fairy. “And you, Western Fairy, you're no longer a Number, you traitorous enemy of everything good and fair in this world, is my job to exterminate you, in the name of JUUSTICE!” Crow was still completely confused but slowly began to put the pieces together in his head he noticed Ann’s reaction to the Black Kamen Rider, the gunslinger heard Fairy and suddenly realized that this is one of the Numbers. Unfortunately for Crow this realization came a second to late the mysterious warrior leapt into the air performing a spinning kick at directly at the gunslinger as he shouted, “I'll defeat you Cementerio! Devil KIIIIIIIIICK!!!!” The Rail-gun turned at the last second his eyes widen in shock and surprise he quickly drew Quicksilver and used the indestructible revolver to block the powerful kick; the revolver manage to stop the kick but not the shock way that followed it traveled though the gun and into Crow’s body though his arms. The sheer force of the kick send Crow flowing flying back bouncing off the ground a few meters. The Sniping Maid eyes widen in shock as Crow being thrown like a rag doll, “CROW!” The Former Fifth Number’s anger boiled over as she quickly spun around with the rifle Crow had given her till he was finished with her new Fairy Pair ready to fight but suddenly Crow shouted from the ground. “Fairy don’t!” The Last Gunslinger lied on the ground not moving for a bit for a few moments then he suddenly got up a little scratched and bruised, blood running down his forehead but relatively on hurt on the outside. Inside however Crow had open and reinjured several wounds including some ribs that were beginning to heal that had crack. The Last of the Gunslingers had a furious anger burning in his eyes as he got up the anger seemingly fueled by the Kamen Rider’s attack or possibly the way he treated Ann Mary but both of these reasons were wrong. Crow mockingly pointed his finger at the warrior and shouted back; ‘Me the wicked one!” Comical anger bubbles began to form around his head as Fairy just watched utterly confused. ‘You are the one working with an evil organization called the Numbers not me and you call me evil! Do you have any idea has this things works I’m the main character here amigo and everybody knows that the main character is the hero! You are running around dressed in black on a demonic motorcycle just look at you; you are the poster image of an evil bad guy! I should be the one fighting for Justice and shouting everywhere! You even called that kick Devil kick! What is that if you are a hero it should be hero kick or justice kick you know something that sounds epic and heroic!” Crow was comically fuming as he continued his rant towards the new opponent finally taking notice of his gun blade which only fueled him more. “Who works for a sharpshooting, gunfighter organization like the Numbers and carries a sword?! Don’t you have any honor, any sense of justice you are the personification of everything I stand against!” Crow smirks a little as he pointed at Devil mockingly mimicking the way the Kamen Rider did to him earlier and declared war. “I will defeat you evil sword wielding Kamen Rider in the name of JUSTICE!!!!!”

After the little rant between the two sharp shooters, trying to figure out who is evil, Crow smirked as he tipped his hat up a wind blow in-between the men it was a scene straight out of a western flick. The gunslinger seemed to become serious again his eyes were charged with electricity that showed his determination. The Rail-gun looked over towards Ann Mary and Jack and spoke with a calm tone that hinted at how truly serious it was, “Jack this fight is mine the Numbers are after me I won’t let anyone else get hurt because of my war. Take Fairy and get out of here now head towards the town that we were going to I will meet you there after I’m done here.” Fairy stood rooted in her spot ready to help Crow she know of Northern Devil’s strengths and wanted to help her new friend and ally but this was the way Crow wanted it one on one fights. The gunslinger would not allow anyone to interfere she wanted to speak out and tell Crow how stupid he was being for risky his life like this but it seem the Last Gunslinger read her mind. Crow smiled cheerfully at the Sniping Maiden of the West, “Don’t worry Fairy I will be fine. I will meet up with you guys soon just get out of here at fast as possible. Trust me Ann I will not lose here I swear on my word as a Gunslinger.” Looking at the gunslinger’s smile and hearing his word filled Fairy with a sense reassurance in the little time she had been with Crow she knew that when he said something like that he meant it; she believed that Crow was not going to lose against the Forth Number. Crow smiled as he waited for Jack to take the others and get out of Dodge leaving only the two gun fighters, the Thunderbolt Gunslinger turned back towards serious once more; “I take it that you are with the Numbers amigo. Tell me what Number are you Ann was Fifth the Western Fairy so what are you?” Using the “Trick” Crow loaded his gun faster than a normal human could see but he did not load it with all normal bullets he had a few tricks bullets in there as well. “You head what I told Ann right I will not lose here and I am a man of my word. I Crow Cementerio, the Rail-gun and the Last Gunslinger will defeat you here!” Crow suddenly shot a bullet at the Northern Devil but this was no ordinary bullet it was one of Crow’s Flash bullet it would explode in a blinding flash of light. The Last Gunslinger used this as a distraction to fire 2 more shots, these be regular bullets, one at the shoulder the other the leg in order to slow the devil down; Crow then ran towards Devil and leapt in the air similar to how the Fourth Number did all and charged his leg with electricity to strengthen it he performed a several rapid kicks at Devil then leapt over him landing behind him and firing a 4 shot aim in the dead center of the back. The battle of the Last Gunslinger versus the Northern Devil had begun.

Crow’s eyes wide in shock as he saw how fast Devil was, the Fourth Number easily dodge Crow’s bullets and block the gunslinger’s rapid kick assault. Once the Rail-gun landed the Devil of Justice launched his counter attack slicing the bullet in half then continued the slash towards the Last Gunslinger. Crow held up Quicksilver to block Devil’s attack the force of the two extremely durable metals colliding reverberated though Crow’s body; Devil quickly shifted his attack in several rapid stabs the gunslinger began to move backwards quickly. He ducked; dodged, and shifted side to side to dodge Devil’s assault Crow received several small cuts along his arms, sides, and one just under his right eye. Crow jumped backwards getting some distance between him and the Fourth Number as he took into account Devil’s move; damn that sword is massive and he swinging it around easily a guy like this moving that fast this is going to be harder than my fight with Fairy. Something is off though it’s like he movements are automatic there is real strategy to them its like he a fighting machine. I guess I am going to have to step it up if I am going to keep my word. Crow smirked as his hand began to surge with blue electricity and place it on the ground causing a surge of electrical energy to flow from his hand to the ground and head towards Devil. “Lago!” The electricity surged towards Devil then split up into several small bolts of electricity that snakes towards the Northern Devil Crow had control over the current so no matter where Devil move Crow could follow him as long as he remained on the ground. Crow smiled as he looks up suddenly disappears and reappears only a few feet in front of the using his electrically enhanced speed thrust close combat expert of the Numbers. The Rail-gunslinger brought his arm, the one holding Quicksilver, back charging it with electricity to strengthen it then began to swing the blunt bottom edge of the gun at Devil clashing with the Number member’s swords. Sparks flew up from the two metals clashing as Crow’s electrically charged arm not only increase the strength and force of the strikes but by conducting it down his arm though the gun and into Devil he could possibly paralyze Devil for a millisecond with each hit. The Last Gunslinger smirked as he swung his indestructible revolver down vertically clashing with Devil’s gun blade; Crow was face to face with the Fourth Number as they weapons were at a stalemate. Something is wrong here I am putting everything I got against Devil and I can’t seem to sense any emotion any passion from him it’s like I’m fighting a soulless machine. Crow winced a little causing his foot to slip a moment in this stale mate against the sword wielding devil, all his erratic movements were opening up not only the wounds he received from his fight with Fairy but also all the wounds he had received in this ordeal. My body is killing me; I’m sore all over everything time I move my cuts open up and bleed more I don’t know how much longer I can last especially in the heat of the southern weather. Despite his pain the gunslinger continued on as blood trickled down his forehead and face dripping on the ground Crow suddenly let up on Devil using his powers to increase his speed as fast as possible he moved nearly as fast as lightning dropping down to the right of the Devil of the North. Crow dropped Quicksilver and caught it in the opposite hand he then pulled the trigger firing a Burst bullet that was strong enough to destroy moderate explosive resistant armor.

The bullet exploded covered Devil in a cloud of smoke so that Crow didn’t know exactly what happen to the Fourth Number but Crow wasn’t done his assault just yet he tossed the revolver up and got it in his right hand using the “Trick” to reload the gun faster than anyone could see. Aiming at Devil’s right shoulder, left leg, right hand, left foot, head, and heart all with Crow’s 3 of the shots were Crow’s custom Freeze bullet that would freeze the Northern Devil’s various body parts over, the regular bullets were mean to crack the ice shatter it causing massive damage. Once the Last Gunslinger was done with his icy attack he reloaded Quicksilver; tossing the bullets out of the cylinder and throwing the new bullets in air as he mentally stocked his ammo load; I am running out of ammo fast I am down to a few more burst shots, a couple of Dragon shots, plenty of bouncers though, and just enough regular ammo. The cylinder of the revolver spun rapid as the bullets fell into their place dramatically as the Rail-gun spoke to Northern Devil; “So Devil you said your sword carries the power of Justice; well my revolver, Quicksilver, shoots the power of Justice. Let’s see which is stronger your Blade of Justice or my Bullets of Justice! Let’s found out which Law is stronger; your Law of the Numbers or my Law of the Gunslingers!” The sun burned high in the sky above the two warriors a symbolic representation of the cliché showdown at High Noon. Sweat mixed with the Thundering Cowboy’s blood the pinkish mixture dripping off him as a wind blown between the two causing a tumble weed to drift slowly between the two warriors. Despite the battle of life and death that the Last Gunslinger was now in a smile slid on his face he had to admit one thing so far fighting the Numbers has been his greatest challenge in his life, he had never met a group talented of sharpshooters and gunslingers like them. The Numbers and the Gunslingers were the last remnants of a by gone era where fights were honorable and the gunslingers put everything on the line and fought for what they stood for no matter what the cost. As the Rail-gunner thought of the Numbers deep inside he was sadden that a group like them would be evil and fight, slaughter, and kill for money it was not only a contradiction to what their members of the group represented but also a violation of everything Crow believed in; the idea that someone like Ann who had such skills and talents were being used like a pity mercenary made him sick and it was the reason he now more determined then ever to beat the Numbers. There still one thing that was unsettling about the Numbers and even now it crept into his thoughts; the Numbers are basically a group of gunslingers like me their skills and abilities would be the of Gunslingers legends and yet I never heard of them. Grandpa Alcide never once mention that such a group existed if anyone he would have told me about them but yet I am just learning about them now. Do the Numbers and the Gunslingers have some connection that I was never told about?

Whether or not the Numbers were related to the Gunslingers did not matter at the moment the only thing that matter was the battle he was currently in with the Fourth Number; Northern Devil. Crow smirks a little as he talked not realizing he was actually speaking to a robot powered by the life force of captive children tricked by the diabolical Twins, John and Mary. “Hey Devil I learned what Fairy’s real name was after our fight how about you give me the same honor and tell me your real name because I think saying Super Number 4 Northern Devil over and over is going to be a little annoying. The only thing super about you is that bike of yours is a bit flashy for my own taste but it sure is nice.” Crow laughed a little at his joke as he tried to get under the Number 4’s skin, that was if Devil was still a person, “I got to admit Devil you were fast it took me a second to catch up with your movements. Let’s see if you keep up with me. Overcharged.” Suddenly the Last Gunslinger’s body surged with electricity, arcs peeled off his body as his eyes glowed light blue, an arc of electrical energy snaked down his arm and around Quicksilver. Crow was now using one of his signature techniques Overcharged to electrically enhance his entire body; speed, strength, reflexes, focus, everything his saw was slowed down the gunslinger knew he only had 5 minutes maybe 7 max with this ability and the side effects afterwards would be a possible death sentence but he had to go all out against the Numbers. The Thunderbolt Gunslinger just smiled as he pushed off the ground and suddenly vanished only to reappear a couple of feet to the left of Devil the only trace of him being some static sparks and static feeling in the air. Crow began to 3 shot at the Northern Devil each one aimed precisely for his arm, leg, and chest. The Last of the Gunslingers then vanished again reappearing here and there creating a slight blurry after image all around Devil; Crow was trying to confuse him as well keeping some distance. Crow suddenly appeared at least 8 feet behind the gun-blade wielder Crow ran up at full speed nearly as fast as lighting his hand surging with light blue lightning, “La Hoja!” Once the Rail-gun was right behind Devil Crow slice vertically with his left hand from bottom right to upper left hoping to slice and shock the Fourth Number but Crow wasn’t done yet he had another trick up his sleeve if Devil manage to jump backwards Crow would extend the blade of lightning to form La Lanza to extend his reach and atttack. The gunslinger raised his gun aiming for Devil’s chest as he pulled the trigger firing another Burst Bullet. Crow had a plan if this didn’t end Northern Devil to keep him away from this area and anyone he may get caught in the cross fire involving the potential use of a motorcycle.

Meanwhile just over a mile away a man wearing a long duster coat, dark brown cowboy hat, red body armor under the coat with a cross hair design on the heart, thick red and brown gloves, brown pants and boots. The man face was partially covered but what seemed to be a mask that covered the top half of his face over his left eye was red robotic lens like device that had wires connected to it that wrapped to the back of his head. The man had two silver Griswald pistols in holsters on his legs along with several other weapons in his outfit that were all firearms the man had an extremely large rifle strapped to his back; the rifle was probably twice the size of the man with a large scope on the side. The rifle resembled an old western bolt action rifle but instead most advance and high tech looking. The mysterious long range shooter set the rifle on the ground looking towards the distance as he plotted to take out Crow Cementerio but first he was going to take out Fairy and Jack with his rifle.

USA, Arizona State

A lone motorbike scrapped the sands of the Arizonan wastelands. It was an Indian 841, a relic back from the Second World War. Designed by Carl Oscar Hedström , the Indian 841 was a bike created for the purpose of desert warfare. It was ran by a powerful 737 cc. engine and incorporated a number of technical innovations. The machine later became especially famous for its unique drivetrain configuration. Despite the great capabilities of the 841 though, the US army sided with the more cost-effective Jeep. As such only 1056 Indian 841s were made before the production's eventual cancel. It's a rare model only preferred by enthusiastic collectors. Strangely though, this 841 wasn't ridden by such a bike enthusiastic. Neither by a collector of old-time motorbikes. No, the one grabbing the 841's steering fork was a Japanese youth, namely Daisuke Emiya. What a weird combination. Moreover because just like the machine its youthful owner was no less unique. Daisuke Emiya was born in Japan yet that was something you couldn't tell at first glance. He was relatively tall, above 180 centimeters in height, had a rusty red hair and otherwise possessed facial features that were pointing to a distant Westerner relative. Oh, and he lived in London. While having a temporal residence in Kyoto. One can only wonder how such a fellow could end up traveling overseas. What business did Daisuke have there? Perhaps, there was an explanation for everything.

Naturally, Daisuke Emiya was on a mission. He had got a new assignment from Ebisu, from an organization of heroes that secretly protect our world and helps to maintain peace. Daisuke only became Ebisu's member since 22 days. Despite that, this mission had been Daisuke's third job already. So far he had only got low-key missions and his new assignment weren't anything special either. Daisuke was ordered to investigate a strange magic cult near the American-Mexican border, in Lukevile's vicinity. It appeared to be an easy job with barely any risks. In spite of that Daisuke didn't take the mission lightly, neither he felt disappointed. No matter how small the job was, Daisuke accepted them with high spirits. To him the mere fact of helping people was enough. Of course he was longing for a chance to show his full capabilities but Daisuke understood that everything had its own time and place. So for the time being he was content with even these low-key missions. It was far better than doing nothing. And for someone as diligent as Daisuke, idleness and inactivity were almost like a sin.

The hot and arid atmosphere was almost unbearable to Daisuke who used to the far more moderate climates. At least he wore googles so he didn't have to worry too much about the sand particles. Daisuke had been riding for many hours already. He felt tired but thankfully his magic power managed to keep him awake. More importantly, Daisuke never took a driving license. He was too caught up with other things to consider going for a driving school. Yet Daisuke handled the wild Indian 841 motorbike with surprising expertise. How? The Indian 841 was a machine made for the US military. As such it was considered a "weapon". Daisuke had found the motorbike in a run-down car lot in the outskirts of Chandler. The machine was in an incredibly poor shape. The engine was totaled and the fuel tank had many bullet holes on it.Besides, the entire machine was covered in rust. The owner only kept the Indian 841 for spare parts but the rarity of the motorbike made even such attempts futile. So when someone asked to buy the bike, David Etelson was first surprised then burst out laughing. Really, that motorbike was just an useless trash to David. Yet Daisuke was very adamant on buying it. "Okay, boy. I don't care whatever you have in mind with that junk. So how about 200$? It's twice the price I would be getting from the junkyard." Mr. Etelson said. "Alright. It's a deal then, Mr. Etelson." "Oh, just call me Ete." Daisuke shook hands with Mr. Etelson. As expected the owner just wished to get rid of that useless bike as soon as possible. If Daisuke would've pushed a bit, he may had even managed to get the Indian 841 for free. But he was no good at haggling. Besides, he knew that Mr. Etelson may regret his decision very soon.

They had signed the sale contract and Daisuke took the motorbike from 'Ete's Free for All'. He went with the Indian 841 to an empty alley with no one else around. "Trace---ON!" He called. The boy Daisuke Emiya might be just an amateur mechanic but he was a real prodigy when it came to repairing things. Yes, he was a magus. Even if just small, Daisuke had the power of miracles. The short phrase he just exclaimed was the key for activating his sleeping Magic Circuits. In a few seconds Daisuke scanned the entire structure of Indian 841. No, he went even further than that. Daisuke gained a short peek within the motorcycle's memories. He saw moments of the Indian 841 being assembled in a conveyor belt, the motorbike's virgin journey in the Californian deserts and many more. After the war, the bike was sold to a veteran soldier called Kent Smith. Mr. Smith took great care of the motorcycle, going as far as giving a name for the Indian 841: Christeen. Unfortunately though, Mr. Smith died a few years later, leaving his family in great debt. The Smiths were in great need of money so they sold the Indian 841 to a shady dealer. The motor dealer of course passed on the bike for an even larger sum to a big contractor. Following that 'Christeen' exchanged many hands until it was stolen by an escaped convict. Although said convict hadn't got really far as the police immediately caught his tail. To prevent the escapee from getting any further a trigger-happy policeman shot the Indian 841's fuel tank. With no fuel to run, the motorbike quickly stopped. But not before it got crashed into a nearby rock. The convict was caught and taken back to the prison. But unfortunately the Indian 841 was almost totaled. Since its owner, Ken Brian had no money neither an insurance to cover the damage, he put away the bike into an old barn. The Indian 841 stayed there for an entire decade. Building up rust that corroded the gears. Finally, Mr. Brian had enough and gave the Indian 841 to his friend who owned an used car shop, David Etelson. That was how the Indian 841 had ended up in 'Ete's Free for All'. And that was how Daisuke had met 'Christeen'.

Daisuke Emiya was getting close to Lukevile. The ride that took 5 hours was almost at its end. So far 'Christeen' was performing splendidly. Apparently, Daisuke had an unusually good affinity with the motorbike. Thanks to that the process of 'repair' went along without any hitch. The Indian 841 was as good as new, maybe even better. The memories of 'Christeen' also allowed Daisuke to borrow the skills of its previous riders. Thus even someone without a driving license like Daisuke was able to control the Indian 841 with ease. He also 'instinctively' kept the traffic laws since many of Christeen's previous owners were good citizen. Soon, Daisuke managed to reach the gas station in Lukevile's outskirts. Daisuke stopped the engine and stepped off the motorcycle. He had to refuel but more importantly Daisuke wanted to question a few people, hoping that he may manage to find out something about that mysterious magic cult. "!!" Suddenly, he had a strange premonition. It was the scent of death. People were murdered violently and the killer was probably somewhere nearby. It was a faint indescribable feeling. Daisuke could only sense it due to his active Magic Circuits. He also felt the presence of a hidden attacker. But where? Daisuke immediately turned on his Reinforcements, ready to engage in combat whenever the situation demands it.

Duel in No Man's Land - Part 1: Deadly Meeting 

 
Daisuke was alert. The experienced a similar feeling many times. The gas station had a thick stench of death. It didn't have anything to do with smell. Going by his five senses, Daisuke didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. But being a magus, Daisuke could experience things that are beyond the five senses. What Daisuke felt was something incomprehensible by logic. But if Daisuke really wanted to explain, it was like a sixth sense. Daisuke felt an unusual aura. The coldness of death. The feeling of loss that would remain after one's soul exits the body. But there was more. Like a dagger tensed against his throat, Daisuke sensed a strong killing intent. Whoever murdered the people at the gas station was still nearby. Furthermore that man chose Daisuke as his next target. Despite the red-haired magus had yet to gather any concrete evidence, he had already knew that his life was in grave danger. He had yet to see his enemy but Daisuke knew he was going to enter combat. As such he had no reason to hesitate. (Trace---ON!) He silently murmured as he let the magic energy flow freely within his system. Reinforcements, a magic used to enhance raw materials was applied to Daisuke's flesh and bones thus giving him superhuman powers. Even though Daisuke had yet to see his opponent, he had felt that the enemy was strong. He was someone not to be taken lightly. So Daisuke took the required preparations to meet such an opponent. 
 
Daisuke didn't have to wait for long. His enemy revealed himself much sooner than expected. He was a man barely past his 30s. Yet his eyes showed experience beyond his age. He was a veteran combatant who had to fight through his entire life. That was Daisuke's first impression of the man standing before him. The man's outfit also implied professional military background. Although his gear was too unique and it didn't match with any of the existing military branches. As such he was a living mystery. A man without anything to pin down . A very dangerous existence. "Hello kiddo, welcome to this town! Current population 2." The man said it like a greeting, with an attitude totally improper to the weight of his crime. Daisuke had to grit his teeth to contain his anger. His enemy just made an indirect confession about the massacre of the entire population of Lukevile. Despite that the man wore a nonchalant smile, like it was nothing just an entertaining game. That cold and careless attitude pissed off Daisuke to no end. But he had to be in control. Otherwise he would be just playing to the enemy's hands. "Do you want some Vodka?" The man showed a bottle of liquor to Daisuke. The next moment he sent the bottle flying against Daisuke's lap. But the red-haired boy didn't move. His eyes remained fixed on his enemy. The bottle impacted with Daisuke's leg and broke in half, spewing all of its contents on the youth's trousers. But Daisuke didn't care. He was so angry he even forgot to feel any pain.  "No thanks." Yet the youth's voice remained calm, even a bit cold. Daisuke turned his anger into sheer killing intent, not losing his focus on the enemy. 
 
Seeing Daisuke's reaction, the enemy just released a small shrug. In the next moment he had a pair of weapons appearing in his arms. "!!" Daisuke was surprised, not expecting that his enemy could summon weapons out of the thin air. In the enemy's right hand was a bulky gun while his left was covered in an armored glove. And that was the time Daisuke had realized a grave error in his strategy. Yes, he was fighting in the middle of a gas station. A strait gunshot could likely blow up the entire place in an instant. BANG! Unfortunately though, Daisuke had no time to rethink his strategy. Without the slightest hint of hesitation the enemy pulled the trigger, shooting out a spray of molten shrapnel at the direction of Daisuke. Parrying each projectile was impossible and dodging the attack was definitely a bad idea. No matter what option he chose, all of Daisuke's attempts were looking futile. He could either die or die by the gas explosion. There was nothing in-between. Unless... 
 
Loud booming sound. That gunshot was far from ordinary. The force which was strong enough to devastate battle tanks sent vibrations through the air. "Heh...not bad." Yet the thing that followed up the scene was even more shocking. Daisuke Emiya was alive. Neither he nor the gas station had suffered any damage. There was a foreign object between Daisuke and the enemy's line of fire. It was a shield, ornate in design, engraved with various texts in a forgotten language. Darian Gwalchavad, the shield of the legendary Arthurian era knight, Sir Galahad. Forged by best Eastern smiths, combined with ancient oriental sorcery, it was a mystic shield that could never break. Although unfortunately Daisuke never saw the real thing. The shield he had created was only a poor replica, barely 10% of the original's quality. Due to the shield's swallow mystic power, it only narrowly withstood the the opposing attack. The shield was bent in weird dimensions and Daisuke felt a strange feeling of numbness in his arms. He had barely made it. 
 
Of course the enemy had no time to be surprised. Unshaken by the fact Daisuke had survived, the man had already launched his next attack. This time against the ground. The man's gauntlet hit the hard surface and released an explosive shockwave. Being too occupied with the previous attack, Daisuke had no time to react. The blastwave caught him on the wrong feet and sent him flying. Fortunately, the explosion was relatively weak so the gas station didn't blew up. Albeit deteriorated the shield also managed to absorb the majority of the shockwave, saving the red-haired hero. Although the blast spewed up large quantities of dust, blocking the visibility. Aware of the situation, Daisuke quickly let go of Darian Gwalchavad which immediately disappeared. Instead he summoned his two favored swords, Kanshou and Bakuya. Daisuke knew what to do. In order to avoid getting caught by an ambush he had to escape the dust cloud at once. Otherwise the enemy may use it as a screen to hide his movements. Besides, Daisuke had to get away from the gas station as soon as possible. His situation was similar to sitting atop of a barrel of gunpowder. While his enemy had flaming arrows. To avoid the most unfavorable outcome the red-haired magus made hasty retreat from the site. He knew that such a reckless move may provoke a similar counterattack but it was still 10 times better than getting casually blew up by a strait gunshot.  
 
With nimble movements Daisuke quickly hopped up from the surface then performed a daring backflip. "!!" Perhaps, that was the time Daisuke's enemy was waiting for. A stream of bright projectiles cut through the smoke. Being still in the air, Daisuke was out of options to dodge. Instead he crossed his swords to block the incoming storm. Kanshou and Bakuya had special enhancements to repel foreign energy. Apparently, it worked not just on magic. The particle beams were getting reflected off the sword's surface. On the other hand the bullets caused more headache. Daisuke had to grip Kanshou and Bakuya strongly to off-set the force of the incoming projectiles. With a hint of miracle, Daisuke had made it to the ground unscratched. Right after he landed, the boy took a quick jump to the off side to avoid the weapons' line of fire and position himself behind a large container. Given the force of the enemy's guns, Daisuke had no doubt that the container would only prove as a temporally cover at best. 
 
But that was all that Daisuke really needed. The twin swords had disappeared from the youth's hands. Instead, he summoned a black compound bow. (Time for counterattack!) Thought Daisuke and ran off to the other side of the container. His bowstring was at the ready while his right hand was holding the end of a strangely shaped arrow. While performing a long jump the youth released the string, sending the arrow on its deadly path.. Daisuke couldn't see his enemy yet he had a definite target. It was one of the gas tanks. Triggering one of those could easily set-off a chain of explosions. Especially since Daisuke's arrows were far from normal. They were mystical blades transformed into the aerodynamic shape of an arrow. The projectile that left Daisuke's black bow flew at supersonic speeds and possessed the force comparable to a tank shell. 
 
Despite Daisuke was afar, the force of the series of explosions could still get him. Soon after he landed, Daisuke covered himself in his large overcoat. The coat was made of a special fabric of Kevlar, reinforced with various minor enchantments. That alone was strong enough to stop most forms of small arms fire. In addition Daisuke was an expert in Reinforcement magic. Combining the unique fabric with youth's magic could protect Daisuke from even grenade exploding nearby. In short Daisuke was prepared to take the blast. His enemy on the other hand might be in far more trouble.