DISCLAIMER: Fate/Stay Night, it's story and it's characters are TypeMOON's and Kinoko Nasu's possessions. I don't take any credit of creating them.
Fate/Twisted Destinies:
Decades of peace suddenly end
And the Sword of Victory finally descend
The Country of Gold meets the blight
While an ancient curse come into light
Chaos, war and a new era given to birth
All because of a short journey of a girl
Wanderer against destiny visits the word of old
Trying to change which is already foretold
Fates changing as the prophecy comes true
A frail apprentice reveals the bewildering truth
As the happenings decide the fate of two worlds
A Royalty of Dragons decapitates the King of Gold.
Chapter One: A might be usual day:
A silent night at the winter of Fuyuki City. It's surprising that a city with such little fame and importance would soon be giving place to something which determines not one but the fate of two worlds. But it happens regardless. A hole opens up in the empty space somewhere at one of the backyards of Miyama Town. It starts up as a small point of light but slowly gets bigger and bigger. Like doorway to sun bright white light radiates out of it. As it became large enough an armored feet takes a step out of it. Soon a leg belonging to that feet gets revealed which is followed by the rest of the human figure. Just a second after the strange figure's arrival the hole closes without a single trace. Strange is maybe a bit of exaggeration. Inappropriate of time is a much better term. The body encased in an ornate, but somehow simple armor which also includes an armored skirt to protect the thigh area better. She's arrived. She because despite the ambiguous nature of the armor her revealed face is definitely of a woman's. Stern and unfaltering, but also has the features of gentleness and noble aura. A blond knight, because such person should definitely be a knight has arrived.
"Kuh-"
A sudden strike of pain. It's an injury from a fight not a long time ago. Her originally shining and flawless armor is dirtied and has various cracks. The most noticeable one is also the source of her recent pain. A wound from a spear on her shoulder. The strike had such strong force her armor gave in without much resistance. It is a miracle she's even able to walk straight with an injury like that. But the female knight manages to keep her composure and control her breathing.
After all she has to. She's being pursued. It's obvious. Why else she would be there in such a place? She has to hide herself and rest. She's almost at her limit of reserves and the wound on her shoulder is giving worries even to her. The only question is how much time she has. She managed to shake off her pursuers for a while, but for how long? Two days at most, nothing more. But she won't be defeated that easy even in this condition. She'll fight for as long as she has air to breathe; maybe for even longer.
Nightmare…There are many kinds of nightmares. Some people live their life as a nightmare, only finding peace in their dreams. Some people can't even in their dreams. Compared to them I am lucky to have only nightmares in my dreams. Always seeing the same. A burning field; screams of terror and sounds of utter confusion. A huge rain of fire which consumes everything in sight. Creatures I can only see in fictions. Strangely I can even feel the hot air and the smells of burning and smoke around me. But despite the fact I am standing in the very middle of this horror I remain unaffected and unnoticed.
Just like I am a mere observer. It's quite right actually. After all there's no way such outrageous thing can happen in reality. So it must be just a mere fantasy of mine. The scene is ridiculous, but everything still feels real. I doubt I have such vivid imagination to think out a nightmare like that. Then it can be something from my past? Impossible, but I don't have a way to know…
[Shhh]
It's the silent sound of the sliding door. Someone has entered.
I do nothing. I hear the approaching heavy footsteps.
"Wake up, Shirou."
I hear the serious, but kind voice of my father, Emiya Kiritsugu.
"Mm...Good morning."
I'm still lying on the tatami mat and not really ready to wake up. I take a look at him. He's fully dressed and ready.
"Business trip again?"
It isn't a complaint like it was few years before. Just simple words asking for confirmation.
"Right. Sorry Shirou for leaving you alone like this again."
And how can I complain when he seems so regretful of doing so? I know the best if he could he would never part from us. He works hard to earn enough for us to live. I am well aware of that.
"Nevermind. I take good care of Illya."
For a moment his eyes widen in surprise. Then he smiles even brighter than usual.
"Good to hear. You've grown up to be a quite dependable big brother."
"Don't mention it. Isn't it natural to be that way? I am not lowlife to leave my family alone. You know it the best, father."
How can I be? I can be only thankful to them. My family has a great part of making me the one I am now. I would never forgive myself if I were forget that.
"Such good words...But are you okay being like this? You know Sakura is there soon."
He says it while points at me. More properly at the sheet I am covering myself with. I get it instantly.
"Shi-!"
As I was fired from a gun I jump out of bed with full force. I might've overslept? How can it be? Damn it!
"You should've told so before...!"
I hurriedly run to the drawers. Change clothes, change clothes… Oh there it is!
"Hey,Shirou-"
I hardly hear him. I am busy changing. Damn, I have to make breakfast too. Is Illya up? She should be. Damn that nightmare. It only happens once a week recently but still-
"Hey! Wait Shirou!"
"What is it?"
I have just jumped into my trousers. Taking up my shirt is the next.
"Haha. Calm down! It was only a joke."
"What?"
I have a hard time keeping up with him. What did he say?
" It's only 5:40. You have more than half a hour until she comes. Calm down a little."
My mind freezes. What? It was only a joke!? Father has quite a twisted way of joking.
"Aagh!... It wasn't funny! What if it were real? I couldn't bear that embarrassment. Stop with jokes like that!"
"Well, it was actually really funny to see you all fired up; especially just after I mentioned a girl's name."
I know what he's thinking. It's not like that! Not at all!
"You know the best it isn't like that, Father. She's a junior of mine. She lives nearby and goes to the same club as me. That's all."
Father raises his eyebrows.
"Really?...Well, if you're serious you have still a long way to go until adulthood."
He says it in a playful tone. I don't get what he's saying. Maybe it's another one of his jokes.
"Ah...But after seeing you like this I have little worries leaving you and Illya alone. If you have any problems just call Fujimura Sensei for help."
Anything but that!...If anything my problems would double with her around. Fujimura Taiga is my father's old acquaintance. It's not as if she's a bad person. She's really good natured, full of energy, but clumsy, a blabbermouth and sometimes as childish as a grade schooler. To add she's a real glutton. She eats three times of the amount of an average person at the very least. I would be eternally imprisoned at the kitchen if I would ever want to satisfy her incredible hunger. But it's sure people are never bored with her around. She always takes up a new weird habit every week and livens up the conversations. Anywhere she goes she brings her cheerful spirit. But still she's anything but responsible adult.
"What's with that clouded expression of yours?"
"...Nothing. Nothing at all."
" Alright. Now I am off. Please wake up Illya before you leave, okay?"
"You can count on me, Father."
Hearing that, he leaves my room. I hear the heavy sound of his boots walking in the hallway and the sound of the door shutting. He left the house.
"Riight!... Time to work!"
I stretch out my arms and leave out a lengthy yawn. I have much to do.
...
"Alright."
I am done with the boxed lunches and also with the breakfast. All is left to set the table. It's time to wake Illya up.
I silently approach her room. I open the sliding door.
"Illya, are you awake?"
No response. She's sleeping peacefully. It's a reassuring thing but also gives me a bit of guitly feeling now. But it's time. Otherwise Illya would be late from school.
"Wake up Illya. Breakfast is ready."
"Ahww-"
Her eyelashes move a little as she murmurs something. She hears me but she wants to sleep a little bit more. It seems it's time for my trump card. I took me years to perfect it.
"Illya, I am going. If you want to eat alone then..."
Heartless, but effective.
"Please no, Oni-chan! Don't leave me alone!"
As usual this phrase always works. She jumps out of the bed. Illya is more fragile and younger than me or Father so she sleeps in her own small bed instead of on the hard tatami.
"Good morning, Illya!"
"Good morning Shirou!"
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes. Absolutely!"
She doesn't need to ascertain me. Her cheerful smile is the proof enough of that.
"Okay. I'll be waiting in the kitchen then. See you soon!"
I leave her room. Before I pass the door I take a glance back, seeing her already out of bed.
...
We're eating. Meanwhile Illya's favorite series the 'Magical Girl Kaleido Ruby' is running.
Illya is staring straight at the TV screen. She hardly takes a look on the food.
"Illya, eat your breakfast."
"...Ahw. Don't be mean, Oni-chan! This is the best part"
She said the same thing a few minutes ago.
"I am not mean with you. Father asked me to take care of you. I can't be calm until you eat your breakfast you know. So be a good girl and eat it."
"Why?"
"Please, Illya. I am already in late."
I am short on time. I have only 15 minutes until Sakura comes. I need to be ready soon. And 'being ready' also means Illya eating her breakfast properly. I am almost done with mine while Illya has much to go. Luckily the show is going to end soon. As Illya is done with the food I have to wash the dishes and get ready.
...
All is done. Sakura arrives soon. Her full name is Tohsaka Sakura and she's living in the western mansion a few streets away from there, on the top of the hill. She's my junior and she's also a member of the same Archery Club I am part of. We're on good terms for quite a while.
"Ah, Senpai?"
"Uhm…Good morning, Sakura."
"Good morning, Senpai."
She greets me faintly smiling as usual.
"Oni-chan!"
Illya is running to give me a last greeting before I go to school. She runs as hard as she can as if I would leave if she were even a second late. With such speed it's natural she ends up colliding into my right leg like a little cannonball.
"Ugh!...Hey Illya!"
She's small, but with such speed even I was almost taken down by her. It was sudden also. Now, she hugs my leg strongly, not wanting me to leave.
"Hello, Ilya-chan!"
Sakura tries to greet her. Illya glares at Sakura and strengthens her grip on my legs. I don't know why but somehow she doesn't like Sakura. No matter how hard she tries, Illya doesn't really want to accept her. I can't understand why.
"Greet her nicely, Illya. Please."
"...Okay."
Illya seems somehow down now, but she complies. But first she takes another intent glare on Sakura.
"Good Morning..."
She finally says it though reluctantly. But her expression changes quickly as she's looking at me.
"Hey, Oni-chan! When are you coming back to home?"
"I have afternoon practices also so at about four or a bit later. Be good and wait for Fuji-Nee to pick you up. I promise I come back as soon as I can. Is it good?"
"Yeah. Hurry back home, Oni-chan!"
She releases my leg, letting me go.
My father has probably already given Fuji-Nee the task of taking Illya to school. She's only a 4th grader and we can't let her go to school alone yet. It's too dangerous. Though I can't trust Fuji-Nee either. I can't help but to think that something might happen to Illya as long as Fuji-Nee is around. But I can't question my father's decision. He isn't the kind of man to make irresponsible choices. I trust him even if I can't trust Fuji-Nee.
"Goodbye, Illya!"
"Goodbye, Illya-chan!"
"Goodbye, Oni-chan!"
With that, we take our leave. The school is about 15 minute away from there. We can walk calmly without the need to hurry.
"I can't understand why she can't accept you. I mean it isn't like you are a stranger. I am going to speak with Illya after school."
Unusually, I break the silence and start up the conversation. Both I and Sakura aren't the talkative type. Casual talk isn't the forte of either of us. But now Illya's attitude really bothers me.
"No. Don't mind it. I am already used to it."
Sakura says it but her head stays downcast.
"What? You shouldn't. You're helping us out since 2 years. I am grateful for it and I think Illya's thankful too. I can't understand why she's acting like this. You're almost like a family member now."
Sakura's cheeks are reddening suddenly. I might have said something strange. But it is the truth after all.
Sakura is helping us out to keep up the mansion. For our small family managing such a large place is kind of problematic. I am still wondering why Father bought such a huge Japanese house. It's almost as big as a hotel!
Sakura cleans, does the laundry or even cooks for us occasionally since 2 years. Though in the later she needed my help at the beginning. It isn't like she didn't have the skill in cooking, but she was used to Western dishes. Our family is used to Japanese dishes and she asked my help to learn how to make them. She progressed well and now she's almost as good as me, her teacher in it.
"Uhm, Senpai. How's Illya-chan? Is she alright?"
She asks it suddenly after a bit of silence.
"Yeah. As you saw she's perfectly healthy now. She wasn't ill since a month or so. I hope it'll really stay that way."
Illya has a weak body. She gets sick really easily and the doctor visits her three times a week to check up on her. Luckily its summer now and there's a smaller chance she gets a cold or anything similar.
"I see. I am glad to hear it."
Sakura seems relieved. She reaches for her hair absentmindedly. I take a glance on her and the smooth skin on the neck area catches my eye. Perhaps I quickly notice what I am doing and instantly turn away.
"Huh? What is it, Senpai?"
"N-Nothing. Nothing at all."
Honestly, Sakura is beautiful. She and her sister, Rin are probably the two best looking girls in the school. Her silky black hair and smooth skin, her azure-like eyes. To add recently she's starting to grow on a certain area and become more feminine. Even her casual movements can be problematic nowadays.
"Uhm-"
It isn't her fault, but mine of course. She kindly offered her help and now I am having such improper thoughts. I feel guilty about this. Usually I am fine, but when I get caught off guard like this then just like now, I blush… does it make me despicable?
We're at the school finally. Walk through the entrance and head for the archery dojo.
As we enter the building…
"Hello! You're together as usual."
The last part had a noticeable strange tone. She's Mitsuzuri Ayako, the captain of the Archery Club. A kind of tomboyish girl with good dose of interest in martial arts.
"Alright. Shirou can you help me to prepare the bows. You two are the first to arrive."
She meant after herself as she always comes to the practice much earlier.
" Mitsuzuri-senpai! I want to help out too!"
Sakura has a surprising request from Mitszuri-senpai
"Oh-ho. No. There's no need of it. We're going to be done with it soon. And anyways it's not fitting for a girl like you to do such hard work."
Well, Mitsuzuri is a girl also. But I decided to not mention this little detail.
"No. I am fine. Mitsuzuri-senpai, please let me do it!"
I am honestly surprised. Sakura is now exchanging glares with Mitsuzuri-senpai. I sense the tense aura building up around them. I don't know why, but Sakura wants to helps us out suddenly. Perhaps it I have no objections. After a bit of staring contest Sakura emerges victorious.
"Yeez...you and your sister are sure alike. I would've never guessed you two have so much similarity. Usually you act in a really different way."
Sakura's stern expression is disappearing too.
"Huh?"
"Alright I let you do it. We might finish it faster that way."
Mitsuzuri-senpai admits her defeat finally.
...
After about 20 minutes we're done with all of them. We checked the bows, fixed the strings, ordered the targets and even cleaned up a little. Sakura really was a great help. We're checking the uniforms currently when Shinji comes in.
"Hello. Good morning."
"Hello. I see you didn't come alone, Shinji."
Mitsuzuri-senpai greets Shinji and his company, a few first year girls. They're the members of the Archery Club of course and they can be often seen with him.
"Of course. You shouldn't expect less from me. As a Vice-President I have the duty of gathering and guiding the members, right?"
"Yeah...But if you're so diligent to work then you should've come earlier. Don't brag about your position and get to work."
"Tch."
Mitsuzuri-senpai's comment makes Shinji feel annoyed. He and Mitsuzuri-senpai don't get along well. Since the beginning there's a constant enmity between them.
"... Shirou, I have few things to speak with you."
He asks me suddenly and leads me to the far corner of the dojo. As we're outside the sight of others I ask him.
"What do you like to ask?"
"You came to school with Sakura, right?"
"Yes. What about it?"
"Did she speak about her sister?"
"Ah. About Tohsaka-san, right?"
"Who else, you idiot! Back to the topic…"
"No. She probably is coming to school at about eight as always. But you should give up on her."
Shinji has a crush on Sakura's older sister, Rin. She's a model student and an idol of the school so it isn't a strange thing for Shinji to come after the best. He's a good friend of mine and asked for my help. Still, it really amazes me to see him like this. He is like a playboy, always hanging out with women, but never being serious about any of them. Now it seems he's serious about Rin. Shinji is a good student and one of the most popular boys at school so he believed it would be a childs play to get her. But Rin turned him down coldly. To be exact twice so far. But he still doesn't give up. I am helping him with sharing every information I get about Rin, but to be honest I am not much of a help.
"Shut up! I didn't ask for your opinion! But it seems your help is as useless as always... Nevermind. Bye."
He turns around and leaves.
"What's up with him?"
Maybe he confessed the third time yesterday? If so... I am sure of the outcome.
...
The practice ends. Sakura and I part and I walk in the school corridors. There's still some time before the homeroom starts I decide to go to my classroom in the end. Hopefully Issei is there.
But on the corner I meet with someone I didn't except.
"Good morning. What are you doing there, Emiya-kun?"
Tohsaka Rin, Sakura's sister. The top idol of the school. In many ways she's the complete opposite of Sakura. Confident, cold and serious. She usually has an aura which makes her unapproachable. I have to admire Shinji's bravery for being even able to talk with her.
"Ah, Good morning, Tohsaka-san. Nothing. Nothing really."
Her sudden appearance makes me feel awkward.
"Really? Good for you, Emiya-kun. How was the archery practice?"
I calm myself down and answer.
"It went well. Sakura was in a really good shape."
Hearing her sister's name she's smiling a bit.
"I see."
A different voice sounding behind me. It soon gets accompanied with a hand lying on my shoulder. Looking back I see a familiar face.
"Oh, Good Morning, Issei."
Ryoudou Issei, a friend and classmate of mine. He's the president of the student council. His sudden appearance surprises me; but him interrupting Tohsaka even more. Only the teachers and few students dare to speak with her. And now Issei just interrupts her, hardly showing any kind of respect.
"Homeroom soon starts. We should be in the class"
He looks serious. He hardly takes a glance at Tohsaka.
"Yeah. You're right."
I answer a bit weakly.
"And I believe Tohsaka-san has to do the same."
He's glaring intently at Tohsaka now.
„You're right, Ryoudo-kun. Then I take my leave. Bye"
She leaves and we're walking to the classroom.
...
The homeroom starts, but the teacher is nowhere to be seen. I sit silently, waiting. Suddenly I hear the quickly clapping footsteps of someone running at the corridors. The sound is approaching. Few seconds later the door flies open and our homeroom teacher jumps in with full momentum like some wild animal chased by hungry lions.
She stops and pants heavily.
" Hah, Hah. I am still in time, right?"
Yes. She's Fuji-Nee. I forgot to mention she's also my homeroom teacher. To note it isn't rare for her to be late like this at all.
...
Homeroom ends. Everything went as usual. Usually I go straight home after school, but at Wednesdays and Thursdays I have also afternoon practice at the Archery Club to attend. I like archery so it isn't much of a problem for me. Illya should be waiting for me at home already. Her classes are usually ending a bit earlier than mine and Fuji-nee took her home already.
A cold shiver runs through my spine.
Well, I hope Fuji-Nee won't forget taking Illya home...
I got to the archery dojo's entrance. It's still a bit early for the start but I think I might be able to help Mitsuzuri-senpai there. I open the door and enter. As I'm walking I hear Mitsuzuri-senpai talking with someone behind the wall.
"Right. It's no good if I don't get one so awesome you will admit your defeat completely to me. I want you to beg on your knees for forgiveness."
It's a declaration of challenge? Though I don't feel any kind of animosity in her words.
"Sure. I am certain in my victory. I am not going to lose to you."
Tohsaka-san? What is she doing there? Did she come to see how Sakura is doing? Maybe, but why are they sounding so friendly with each other? I've never heard about Tohsaka-san and Mitsuzuri-senpai being friends before. Maybe they aren't despite the way they're talking. But actually I didn't hear either of them talking this way before. Like they're two different person.
"You sure sound confident. Are you having someone already in your mind?"
I can't understand the topic of their conversation.
"!!"
A sudden realization. Why am I eavesdropping on them? Am I some kind of stalker or voyeur? Damn...
I've decided to come out behind the wall and greet them casually like I just came there. I can't tell them the truth.
"Not at all. Just…huh? Emiya-kun?"
Tohsaka-san suddenly noticed me as I came out from behind the wall. Mitsuzuri-senpai catches on fast and greets me.
"Hello, Emiya. Are you here to help."
Yeah. Good afternoon, Mitsuzuri-senpai. Good afternoon, Tohsaka-san. Why are you here ont he practice. Because of Sakura?
"Ah…No. I just have to talk with Mitsuzuri-senpai about a few things. That's all. I take my leave now. Goodbye Mitsuzuri-senpai, Emiya-kun!"
Tohsaka-san is acting strange. Something is wrong with her. I don't have the chance to ask because she left as soon as she said goodbye.
"Oh…So that's how it is."
Mitsuzuri-senpai is sounding a bit strange.
"Did you say something, Mitsuzuri-senpai?"
"Ah, nothing. I was just talking to myself... Still it seems I have to be more serious. She unexpectedly has quite a card."
I don't get what she's saying about. It should be related to their talk from before.
"Uhm…Senpai; why are you glaring at me?"
The orange-crimson-like light of the sunset. It's winter so it's natural for the sun setting at such an early time. A small figure keeps leaping from rooftop to rooftop. It happens silently as if just the wind passes through. In contrast a blue figure is following her trail, jumping at a similar pace. Every single time as the tall man lands an obvious thumping sound spreads like some kind of rhythm.
At last the blue man gets close enough to get out the image of the frame he's chasing for a while now. Golden locks of hair and her armor which matches her noble aura. Yes, it's her.
"You won't get away from me, Princess!"
Hearing it the one just called as 'princess' is taking up her pace. She has to shake him off. She has to. But she's close to her limit of stamina. If she wouldn't have suffered that wound she should be able to face him head-on and defeat him without much of a problem. But the tables were turned. Now she's the one has to flee. But for how long? Her chaser obviously has no problems keeping up with her. He's really fast.
"Uh-"
Truth to be told; she can still defeat him. She's still better at fighting even in her weakened state. But her enemy is using a special spear. She can't let herself to be harmed by it. Fighting against him would be a gamble. And while she has no idea how long it takes when other chasers going to show up, she shouldn't take such a gamble. But also she has no way to run away. Then...
The deep blue color of the night already dominates the sky. She made her choice.
She changes course middle in the air and lands on an empty alleyway. She's decided to face her chaser. The man in blue jumps down, just a few meters from the girl.
"Ah. I see. You had enough of this cat-mouse play, isn't it?"
He seems to be relaxed, though in a battle-ready pose. His spear is ready to strike the girl down at any minute. She only answers with a glare full of intent.
"To be honest I started getting bored too. If you keep this up for another hour I might've been given up."
He's obviously lying. Abandoning his mission would mean only death to him. He knows that full well.
"Ah. It seems the wound I gave you the other time is still the same as usual. Is it hurt?"
He seems to take sadistic joy at intimidating her. The blue fighter takes a look on the girl's injured shoulder. The hole caused by the spear can't be seen, but the bandage hiding it is red from blood. It's still bleeding. The wound hasn't closed even an inch since then despite the girl's best effort.
"Well, We should start it, Princess Arthuria. Or should I call you Queen Arthuria Pendragon now?"
"Wha-"