[Forward-dated to tomorrow, video post.]

[unknownrival]

In Issei's room, the two Isseis stare each other down.

The one in brown - the real Issei - says, "You're not me. You're not even a part of me, like my Shadow was. You broke up with Haruto so you could gallivant around, you viciously attacked my friends - you're the antithesis of my loyalty, what I am."

The one in black - the new Issei - answers, "That's right. And because of that, I'm much stronger than you will ever be. You're weak."

A laugh comes out of the real Issei's lips. "You're the weak one. And I won't allow you to hurt my friends any longer." Then he speaks in another language, and the words have power: "Erlösch."

"Wh-what?" The new Issei starts to fade. "You don't have any power! You can't use magic!"

"That's right, I can't. Even now, I'm copying off of what Tohsaka does. Erlösch." The real Issei smiles grimly. "But I've said it before that loyalty is the core of my being, my Origin. I can do anything if it's loyal enough. You have no Origin. What is your being supposed to be? Erlösch!"

Before the other Issei can answer, he disappears completely.

Issei collapses to the ground.

Comments

[stripping.livejournal.com]

R... really?

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

Yes, really! I had no idea you could wield that kind of power!

[stripping.livejournal.com]

It's because of my loyalty to all of you. In your defense, I can do many things.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

So it has to do with your Origin?

[stripping.livejournal.com]

That's right. Following one's Origin can allow you to bypass the need for Magic Circuits, which are what most people need in order to cast magic.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

Heh. So you've hacked the system there, it seems. I'm impressed. Perhaps in your world, will alone can be enough to change the world.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I hope so, at least.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

I think this is proof enough that such a thing is possible.

I can't say it enough, but you really have taken a few levels in Badass. Ever since that incident with the Shadows, you've become even stronger than before.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

You flatter me too much.