When I opened the gate to the fenced-off area, I saw Kirschtaria with several documents, while where there had been an armchair, there was now a table where Castor and Polux were playing cards.
"You really had to take the armchair away," I complained to the twins.
"Absolutely," Pastor said.
"I agree with my brother," the other one said.
Hence their complete interest, which continued into the card game.
Seeing that they were playing Carioca, I looked at Castor's cards, which he unconsciously concealed.
"He's got a three of aces, another of nines, and the last one a king," I quickly said, informing Polux, whose eyes lit up with a sign of great satisfaction.
"What the hell?" Castor exclaimed, throwing down his cards to get up and confront me, but I just stared at him.
"Are you going to do something, or is this just cheap bravado?" I mocked, hoping to teach this arrogant kid a little lesson.
"You'll see," Castor threatened, summoning his shield, but Pollux appeared beside him, stopping him.
"Not here," she declared, staring at her brother, who clenched his fists tightly.
It should be noted that when these two were summoned, I was there, and they know perfectly well who I am and what I'm capable of.
I may never have met them when I lived on Olympus, but my exploits were neither few nor small, so heroes like Achilles, Heracles, Medea, and others know of me in one way or another.
"Do you think I can't beat this old man?" Caster asked his sister.
"It doesn't matter, just not here," she clarified, glancing sideways at Kirschtaria, who was working, seemingly ignoring her.
He also glanced at Wodine and sighed.
"Good," he said, making his shield disappear. "I hope I don't find you alone somewhere else," he added, his threat empty, before returning to the table and picking up his cards, more annoyed than usual.
Polux just shook his head, giving me a sideways glance as if I were responsible for the worst things in the world, and went back to his card game.
At this spectacle, I gave a small smile and walked over to where Wodine was.
"Is the show over yet?" he asked, glancing sideways.
"Something," he replied, gesturing for me to sit at the table. "Did you like my performance?" I asked, referring to my hunt for enemies hiding in Atlantis.
"It seemed good to me, considering how little you've actually shown," Kirschtaria admitted, glancing at his documents. "Things are going quite well; the problem so far is the British and North American Lostbelts."
"You mean the spider and that Celtic god?" I asked curiously.
"I wish it were just that, but seeing how things are going, those two Lostbelts will end up self-destructing, especially if I manage to advance my plans," he explained, and we both looked at the documents containing the fantasy tree and the method for transforming it into the Atlas World Tree.
"You're already starting your plans," I concluded, looking through all the documents.
"I've already spoken with Zeus about how this will be done; I just need to summon Atlas and hide him in the fantasy tree."
"I imagine you called me to help you with that so you can subdue Atlas," I deduced excitedly. "When I was in Greece, I was never able to face any Titan, but with an anti-divine weapon, I imagine it wouldn't be so difficult, especially considering that the useless Zeus managed it."
"Actually, that's not why I called you," he said, completely deflating my spirits.
"SW?" I asked listlessly.
"There are some individuals out there invading the Lostbelt," he said, looking at me.
"Chaldea?" I asked out of curiosity; I've hardly changed anything in the history of this world, so my small contribution shouldn't accelerate their journey.
"No, it's not them," I dismissed my suggestion. "It's not entirely clear, but that woman asked if you could go to the Russian Lostbelt to see if you could do anything, in case it's a Servant with space-time abilities, thinking you'd be the most practical person to handle it."
"Sounds like an excuse," I said, offering my humble opinion.
"Whatever excuse it is, it'll do to get you out of here at least for a while, since I'm not needed right now," Kirschtaria said, making my heart clench.
"I didn't know I was so useless to you; I think I'll kill myself right here and now," I said sadly.
"Make it quick, okay?" Castor said, still thickened in his card game.
"Shut up, brat," I replied, turning back to Kirschtaria.
"I summoned you as a precaution in case I came into conflict with Zeus, and as things stand, it's not yet time to bring him down. Therefore, I'm not much use to you, and having you here is dangerous. So, going to another Lostbelt to help the apostles will help us gain their trust and, incidentally, aid my companions' plans. Therefore, I ask that, if necessary, you help them in any way you can while you're there," Wodine told me, looking serious.
Faced with his determination, I could only sigh.
"Well, I hope I can vent all my anger and frustration sometime soon, fighting someone of my own level, or at least someone who isn't his perfect counter."
...
When I arrived at the flower field, I saw Europa crafting with countless flowers, while Kiss-shot sat there, holding a parasol, seemingly content to do nothing.
I immediately gestured to her, asking what on earth they were doing. She just gestured back, pointing to the sky; at that moment, I understood. Zeus was watching.
"Dante, you're finally back! It's been a while," Europa exclaimed happily.
"Yes, it has been a while," I said, approaching her and playfully ruffling her hair.
"What are you doing?" she asked, annoyed.
"I'm saying hello, can't I?" I challenged her, standing next to Kiss-shot.
"Not like this," Europa pouted.
I immediately grabbed her hip, pulling her close as she wrapped her arm around my neck.
As I did that, I saw a flicker of discouragement and envy in Europa's eyes, but it passed quickly. I, however, didn't let it go unnoticed.
I gently squeezed Kiss-shot's hip to see if she'd noticed too, and she squeezed my shoulder, confirming that she had.
I didn't know if this was because I was doing this to Kiss-shot, or vice versa, or because of Zeus's limited interaction with Europa, or perhaps all these factors combined to bring Europa's inner discomfort to the surface for a moment. But this was a good thing.
Europa might not be a frontline fighter, but the automatons under her command, Tauros and Talos, are quite useful machines with various applications.
"If you've come here, it means your little punishment is over," Kiss-shot said, starting the conversation.
"Yes, but sadly, I've been sent on a new mission," I explained to them both, sounding glum.
"That's unfair. You just arrived and you have to leave," Europa argued, somewhat annoyed.
"It's the course of life. I follow my master's orders, and he seeks the good of this place and the Greek gods," I said, trying to blame the entire place for what happened.
"That..." I tried to say something, but I didn't want to, or didn't know what to say to contradict him, since speaking against him is almost like going against the will of the gods.
I looked at Europa's expression. She currently holds the remains of Hera, the machine version of this pruned world; I didn't know how much the relationship between them might have changed, but seeing as Europa was his companion when she was alive, I imagine not much has changed.
Zeus may have loved Hera, but I always felt that he was never one of her lovers but rather a companion and sibling.
When the god of thunder ascended the throne, he needed a companion, and he decided that the best candidate was Hera. Against her wishes and beliefs, she had to accept, based on her own convictions.
There was never any romantic love between the two gods, only duty and understanding, and Hera knew this. However, she didn't expect Zeus to be so unfaithful and womanizing. This wounded her pride, both as the goddess of marriage and as a woman, driving her mad and causing her to lash out against his lovers and children.
It was in her desolation that I appeared, and my curse took effect, causing her to become interested in me and fall in love with me.
It's clear that the rest of Hera doesn't change her personality or character, but it does affect and alter Europa's psyche.
So, I'm not sure if those feelings she's giving off are hers or just a remnant of Hera, which is why we have to be careful.
"Well, what do you think about the idea of a threesome?" I asked, to which Kiss-shot hit me on the head. "I mean, the three of us going there to fight; it's not a bad idea, that way we won't be separated."
"Yeah, right, I don't really believe you," Kiss-shot glared at me.
"If it's not that, then it's the threesome where you have a guitar, I play guitar, and Europa sings," I complained.
"Can't you see we're being watched? Her hints couldn't be more subtle; besides, she's too innocent for you," my wife started shaking me.
"I didn't know you were defending her now; I didn't know you'd become such good friends with her. Most likely, you'll hand me the divorce papers along with your new classic bob haircut and two plane tickets, one for you and one for Europe," I exclaimed, throwing myself to the floor like a damsel in distress.
Kiss-shot immediately knelt down and took both my hands.
"It's not you, it's me, but things have changed," Kiss-shot exaggerated.
"I knew it; you're going to abandon me. What will happen to the children?" she declared, crocodile tears streaming down her face.
"I'll talk to a lawyer to discuss their situation," she told me, letting go of my hands, but I quickly grabbed them again.
"Don't cling, don't cling to the impossible," I began to sing.
"Don't hurt yourself or me anymore, oh," Kiss-shot continued with the lyrics.
Europa was completely absorbed in this whole drama we were putting on in front of her.
"And... they can't see us anymore," I said, standing up and coughing a little as my voice changed.
"Incredible," Europa began to applaud at the spectacle we'd put on.
"Now that that man has stopped spying on us, we can put the plan into action," Kiss-shot commented, looking at Europa.
"He did watch us for a while, but he probably had other things to do," I complained.
"Oh, what are we going to talk about?" Europa asked.
"About our plan for how to make you the new queen of Olympus," I said masterfully.
"Me?" Europa asked, pointing at herself in confusion.
"Exactly," I confirmed.
"But I wouldn't be able to do that," Europa tried to stop the conversation.
"But you weren't complaining about how Zeus was doing things and how the world could be better," Kiss-shot reminded her, to which Europa fell silent, unsure what to say.
"Imagine, if this place becomes the new world, it will be permanently like this, controlled by Zeus and the other machine gods, an empty life, without progress, and above all, static; your life will be as it is now for the rest of your life," I explained, to which Europa lowered her gaze, doubtful.
From what I've discussed with Europa and what Kiss-shot has told me, she feels dissatisfied with her life and especially with Zeus. Instead of a god who should have been affectionate towards her, a place where she should have felt loved, she only feels like an object in a place full of flowers but at the same time empty.
"Besides, if you become queen, which is possible because you possess Hera's remains, you could decide and do whatever you wanted, and by default, the three of us would be together for the rest of our lives," Kiss-shot added. I looked at her, taken aback by her manipulation, to which she simply gestured, "I'll explain later."
"I'll think about it," Europa finished, glancing at the place where the gods were, and, by default, Zeus.
"Well, while you wait, I have something to do," I declared, looking at Kiss-shot. She understood what I meant, so, reaching into her chest, she drew the Kokorowatari and handed it to me.
I just smiled at her as I sheathed the sword inside my body using the Yami Yami no Mi.
"Well, I have to go," I said.
"I imagine you're going to meet with that crazy woman," Kiss-shot asked, her arms crossed. I don't know how I knew; It must be a woman's instinct.
"Unfortunately for me, she's the one who can move from one Lostbelt to another without any problems, so if I want to be able to do it on my own, I think I'll have to do her a favor," I explained apologetically.
"Do what you have to do, as long as everything works," she said as she grabbed the parasol and sat down next to Europa, who was still deep in thought. She quickly stayed behind her, hugging her and grabbing her breasts.
"KYAAAA!!" Europa exclaimed, snapping out of her trance, startled by Kiss-shot's groping.
"I have some nice pillows to sleep on while I wait for you," she teased.
"What, what are you talking about?" Europa exclaimed, confused.
All I could do was click my tongue at this.
"Knowing what I have to do, I can't complain about what you're doing," I said wearily, even though I haven't done anything yet.
In response, Kiss-shot just stuck her tongue out at me.
"Get out of here, you disloyal man!" she exclaimed.
"You know that at least 90% of the time I slept with another woman, it wasn't my fault." I tried to defend myself.
"That other 10% makes you guilty, with a sentence of thousands of years in prison," Kiss-shot argued, then smiled at me: "Come back soon."
"I won't be long," I replied, smiling back as I left, waving my hand as I left the field of flowers.
...
While waiting on one of the islands of Atlantis, I sensed someone's presence behind me.
"You're back?" Artemis asked.
"Yes, but I won't be here long, as I have to go somewhere else; I'm just waiting for transport," I explained, turning to look at her.
She looked like Artemis, except for a visor over her eyes and a slight change in her clothing, but I knew this wasn't the Artemis I knew.
"You know, after you left, the others continued searching for the other summoned servants of the world, as you call them, and were repelled by a pair," she remarked.
"Oh, good for them," I replied, showing my complete lack of interest in the matter.
"I thought you'd be more interested in this?" Artemis questioned.
"And why would that be?" I asked.
"Because Caenis said one of them was a descendant of yours," she explained.
At this, I stopped drawing in the sand to look at the machine goddess.
"Did she say anything about her appearance?" I asked.
"No, but she mentioned a pair of annoying and unpleasant archers, especially that one of them was the son of that god."
"That god," I said to myself.
A pair of archers, surely a man and a woman; one is my descendant and the other must be from that god Caenis hates. There are few who fall into that category, but thinking about the past of that woman—I mean man, woman-man—I'm not quite sure what adjective to use to describe her, but since she's not here and looks like a woman, I'll treat her as one.
"You don't say," I concluded, only to see Koyanskaya appear on the island with two men.
"Hello, handsome, long time no see," the foxy woman said with a predatory smile.
"I see they've come for you; with that, I'm off." With that said, Artemis disappeared.
As Artemis disappeared, I clicked my tongue.
"That woman left me wondering," I muttered to myself. I stood up to look at the three individuals who had appeared.
Behind Koyanskaya were two men who were clearly Servants, but I recognized them instantly, not by who they were, but by their appearance.
"Why, if it isn't the dynamic duo, the dubious priest and the hero of justice," I remarked, looking at the two of them.
"Oh, you know them?" Koyanskaya asked, standing very close to me, looking at the two men.
"I think he's referring to our vessels," the priest said doubtfully.
"Hero of Justice," the other said, a hand on his chin. "For some reason, I like that idea; I might try it when I finish the work for which I was summoned."
Before us stood Kotomine Kirei and Emiya Shirou, or at least their bodies, since inside them weren't the actual Servants but rather other individuals.
"I still don't understand why he has to be summoned into another body to be a Servant," I asked Senji.
"A blacksmith doesn't have many merits to be registered on the Throne of Heroes," he explained simply.
"That doesn't change why it has to be Shirou," I demanded; he just shrugged.
"The world acts in mysterious ways," Rasputin finished, his hands behind his back.
I glanced at him for a moment before looking at Koyanskaya.
"Why did you bring them?"
"For some reason, there was an increase in servants here, and with only three of us against hundreds of servants, I wasn't going to make it. So these two are here to clean house in Atlantis," the beastwoman told me.
"Have more appeared now?" I asked, wondering if the world already knew about Wodine's plan.
"This Lostbelt is the one with the greatest chance of becoming the new world, so it must have been given higher priority than others," Koyanskaya concluded.
"Perhaps that's it," I finished, looking at her. "The sooner we complete the mission, the better."
At my words, Koyanskaya simply smiled at me with a predatory look.
"Then let's not waste any time."