Disclaimer: I don't own any characters that appear in this story. Starlight AT owns the OC Hikari Himemiya, Shirou Ogami and Rei Tachibana. I own Richard Lainn, Shoko 'Kanzuki' Lainn, Stella 'Rosen' Lainn and Hiroki Emiya.
For all the readers who like this story, thanks so much! It gives me inspiration to continue this fic and make it good! Starlight, thank you as well for supporting it strongly! Now this isn't the last chapter (not happening anytime soon) I just wanted to say it (or write in this sense).
Update: 5/12/2014
Hey, Shoko's bio's updated since I made changes on Chapter 4! She isn't a healer anymore given Stella is. I wanted to differentiate between the women who Richard marries; Stella before the story starts and Shoko, his current wife when the story begins.
Shoko is related to Hisui and Kohaku; characters in the Tsukihime franchise. Its nice having Fate Stay Night and Tsukihime interlocked in the story in some way!
Now enjoy the end of this arc! *Thumbs up*
Chapter 7
The Long Night (part 3)
I've been told to do a little character chart on certain information that I've neglected to get too. Now don't worry, I'll continue the arc in just a moment. Let me begin with today's information on the Lainn family.
Dermont Lainn
Age: 17
Hair Color: black (combed-back to give him that rocker feel)
Eye Color: Orange
Class: Lancer
Weapon of choice: His two spears, Gae Buidhe (short-yellow spear) and Gae Dearg (long-red spear).
Element affinity: Water
Favorite past time: Training, reading, listening to music.
Family: Richard Lainn (father), Stella Lainn, (mother, deceased), Seta Lainn (brother) Shoko 'Kanzuki' Lainn (step-mother).
Bio: Dermont Lainn; the reincarnated form of Diarmuid Ua Duibne from Celtic mythology and former Servant that participated in the Fourth Grail War.
After his death Irisviel made contact with him and offered him a chance for a new life which he accepted. He doesn't remember anything about his earlier life as a Knight of Fianna or being a Servant for the grail or his curse of a woman falling for him at the sight of his birthmark located under his left eye. It caused him problems as a child but since he was young it made the girls fancy him; it got stronger with age and he grew to depend on himself.
The geass doesn't affect Shoko due to being married to the family, which is one way to cancel it. There is a way to break the curse but until Dermont finds the answer he deals with it in stoic fashion.
He is polite, calm but not without a temper that he keeps in check and has a sardonic wit that some of his peers find surprising. There have been times that he's had a dream where he meets a woman under a tree which soon shifts to him lying on the ground dying.
Thanks to his parents heritage he does have strong magic circuits but doesn't know how to use them. Dermont hasn't interacted with his peers much only when it comes to the club he joined but keeps to himself. However once he meets a blonde priestess in training, his fate starts to change in ways he never expected.
Richard Lainn
Age: 47
Hair Color: Brown with gray temples on the side
Eye Color: Brown
Job: Engineer
Favorite past time: Reading, drinking beer
Family: Stella Lainn, first wife (deceased), Shoko "Kanzuki' Lainn (current wife) Dermont Lainn (son), Seta Lainn (son).
Bio: Richard is an Irish-born male and is the youngest of three children. His family name derived from the last name of the hero Cu Chulainn. Given his lineage Richard's family are magi clan but some haven't been blessed with "the spark" so only some have studied up on the subject.
His eldest sister had it and some part of the genetic line hit his older brother but Richard didn't have it (to his parent's relief). For ones who had it they got sent to Clock Tower to study and learn to control such power. Richard wasn't jealous of his siblings' success and made his way down the mundane path.
He took a spear wielding as a child and won his first tournament when he was 15 years old. Richard soon after got injured due to a spell casted by his brother who damaged the upper part of his left arm when they were rough housing.
Knowing that he couldn't continue he soon became a juvenile and joined a gang until he went to college and met Stella Rosen, who changed him for the better. Richard married Stella and had two sons. The man went through heartache at seeing his wife die and felt numb in raising two boys alone but soon after her funeral he met the Japanese woman Shoko Kanzuki, and their story continues.
He does know of magic and is practical with the subject but is on an "only speak about it when it comes up with the boys. Which I hope doesn't get brought up until I'm dead in the ground and my body is dust!" his words at one time.
Stella 'Rosen' Lainn
Age: 33 (when she died)
Hair Color: Orange medium length, with a shade of red on the tips of her hair
Eye Color: Brown
Job: Nurse (cleric when she dealt with magic business)
Elemental affinity: Wind
Favorite past time: Gardening, playing with her sons.
Family: Richard Lainn (Husband) Dermont Lainn (son), Seta Lainn (son).
Bio: Stella Rosen was Richard's first wife and mother to Dermont and Seta. Her family was magi for the Mage's Association but rather average with no particular talents in anything. She is an only child as her parents had her rather late in life (her parents were in their early forties). However that changed when Stella had come around; she had a strong aptitude for the ways of healing magic which astonished her parents.
Stella could heal anything at the slightest touch but due to that her body was rather frail with holding that mana within her which made her bedridden as a child. Even though she was sick most of the time she wasn't frail in her personality; she was a tomboy for the most part and spoke her mind and even though someone would prove her wrong she refuted it saying that she was right. During her high school years she blossomed to a rather pretty girl, if not ephemeral to some of the male student body.
She was a little above-average and studied modern medicine along with her craft for healing (since she kept being a mage a secret less she get persecuted for being a witch). Once college began though she experienced sorrow when her parents died in a horrible car crash. She became distraught but knew that her parents would want her to continue with her studies and continued persevering for their sake.
She soon met Richard Lainn, who saw her walking on campus and rather rudely declared that he wanted to "go to a place where I can ravish that fine arse of yours!" Stella told him off in quick succession by using words that made his head spin and even got her nice high-heeled boot a good workout by giving his rear a good whack! It even had a good snapping noise to it!
She declared that she'd never lower herself to a thug who didn't care about the things around him (she knew of his reputation and even saw him carve a heinous word on the bark of a tree).
After that they continued running into each other with the same result; her kicking his ass! After a while she realized that he was nicer than he let on and after another confrontation (which led to him explaining himself) she offered to help mend his arm since it was giving him discomfort even with taking medicine. This in turn brought them together as friends (along with Richard being nicer to his peers and teachers) and soon dating.
Stella explained to him that she was a mage and that he came from a family of ones as well (even though he had such talent) and she liked that. There were moments when her magic proved too strong which continued leaving her bedridden but with Richard around, she got through it fine.
They graduated at 22 and three years later they married. When she was 26 Stella gave birth to Dermont and she loved him dearly. Married life suited Richard and Stella fine as they both worked but still found time to connect with one another.
However life didn't agree with them as due to giving birth along with her own mana being strong for her body caused her to eventually get anemia. She couldn't heal herself but did the best she could for her family. Then when she turned 33 she found out that she was pregnant with her second child which caused Richard to wonder if they should go through with the pregnancy!
She set his worries aside and told him that this was a blessing to expand the family.
"I've never had a large family; it was just my parents, me and silence of the house with no noise when I got sick. I would like to hear the sound of children running around and getting into trouble and having us reprimand them. I would like that dream to come true!"
It eventually did and after a tough birth, Seta had been born. However this proved fatal to Stella as her will was strong, her body wasn't. She didn't get to spend that much time with Seta but before she passed away, she held him tenderly and whispered on all the things she wished for him.
Stella also gave parting words to Dermont, "Ducky (her nickname for him), I want you to watch over Seta here, I get the feeling he takes after me! It will be hard once I'm gone but I want you to know that even if my body isn't here, I will live on in your heart. That is an absolute certainty and I'll watch over you, Seta and your daddy!" Dermont cried of course which brought tears to her eyes and finally said her goodbyes to Richard.
"I never thought you'd make such a face? This is the same man who wanted to ravage my fine arse! Even though I never thought I'd be with you Richard, you proved me wrong and showed me your true character which is why I fell in love with you. My love, it will be hard to move on from this but you have to get through the pain for our sons! I know you'll be able to do it. Don't be sad for all your life for I want you to find love again. Don't be afraid to take that chance." She than kissed him sweetly.
Stella passed away a day later.
Seta Lainn
Age: 12
Hair Color: dark-blue
Eye Color: Red
Occupation: Student (former Lancer in the Fifth Grail War)
Favorite pastime: Playing video games, causing mischief for his dad and brother. Getting hugs from Shoko!
Weapon of choice: Spear, Gan Bolg (in past life)
Element affinity: Fire (in past life)
Family: Richard Lainn (father) Stella Lainn, biological mother (deceased), Dermont Lainn (brother), Shoko Kanzuki Lainn (step-mother).
Bio: Seta Lainn; is the reincarnated form of Cu Chulainn. Before his demise he did start a family with a woman and had three kids.
That soon moved on to generations which eventually changed their last name to Lainn. He doesn't remember any of his past but when he arrived in Fuyuki city when he was younger he felt a sense of déjà vu (to his puzzlement).
His childhood is not as dramatic as Dermont and is social but did inherit his mother's brash personality. He also studies how to use a spear and based upon Dermont's observations on the matter if Seta took the matter seriously he has the potential to match or even become stronger than him in time.
Seta, like his brother, did inherit an aptitude with magic but he mostly ignores it since it hasn't manifested in any way.
"If it can't help me clean my room, then what good is it?" he once told Dermont when he was a little younger. He doesn't know but his destiny is still linked to the Grail and sometime soon Illya will target him for her own uses. Also as of late, he met some teacher helper at his school named Ms. McRemitz and it seems she's always on his case because of his obnoxious personality…
Shoko 'Kanzuki' Lainn
Age: 38
Hair Color: Black goes down to the middle of her back.
Eye color: black
Occupation: Worker at Mage's Association
Family: Richard Lainn (Husband), Dermont Lainn (step-son), Seta Lainn (step-son).
Bio: Shoko Kanzuki is a Japanese woman who travels a lot due to her job. Her family is a branch to the Fujou, a family of priestesses who has psychic abilities and is a distant cousin to Hisui and Kohaku. She is also is a Synchronizer; a person who can transfer energy to another living being through the exchange of bodily fluids like blood. However sexual intercourse is best to get the grand effect.
After a joint operation with the Church, she came across Richard with Dermont and an infant Seta. She convinced the stone faced man to get warmed up at a restaurant and that's where they started their association with one another.
It took time before Richard opened his heart to Shoko and she too had some difficulties with Dermont and Seta along with Richard being reclusive. They dated for six years before getting married.
After that they remained in Ireland before they moved to Fuyuki City in Japan due to her work. Shoko discovered that it would be hard for her to have children, which is due to an injury she had in her abdomen from a past mission.
It left her bitter for some time before figuring out she had a family with Richard and the boys. Taking that to heart she began to accept it until a recent argument with Dermont caused her to reopen the wounds and discover what she really wants.
That concludes this segment; next time I'll go into the Tachibana/Tohsaka clan! Now let's get to what you've been waiting for! Hope you enjoy it!
Fuyuki Park
The battle to free Shoko from the grail card had begun only minutes ago and it taking a turn! With her grace, speed and chain attacks she was giving a tough battle for Dermont and Hikari! The dual speared teen somewhat kept up with her speed but it proved fruitless as she started synching well with the card. Sprinting at her Dermont spun his two spears in perfect coördination trying to land a blow but she continued evading those strikes with gymnasts flips and kicks. It started reminding him of how that pink ranger fought in that show he looked up once!
Aiming his Gae Buidehe at her it glowed brightly as he tried using its ability to lower her magical defenses but Shoko blocked the attack with her chained-dagger and aimed a boot to his head causing Dermont to close his eyes from the blow. Taking advantage the long-haired warrior got on her hands, split her legs and went for a whirlwind kick pushing him back to the ground! Hikari, who still tried using her grimoire to find any data felt perplex in what was happening had bits of info on her and even Dermont.
She wanted to help him on the front lines but before Dermont attacked he instructed her to continue scanning her.
Grimacing at the beating he was getting she still continued her analysis but nothing came up except for a short description about the Rider class and how they had superior speed from the other servants! A chill went through Hikari as she didn't like what she read.
If she continues fighting Dermont like this, she might discover her own Noble Phantasm…that could prove fatal for him. She then turned to the ones who watched the battle, Richard with Sakura and little Hiroki. The pig tailed blonde could tell that Richard felt distraught over what he saw; the woman he married fighting his son.
The teen felt compassion for him and then noted on the child. Why does he look so transfixed as if he knows where they are going to land next?
Then Sakura looked at Hikari. "Aren't you going to help him?" She asked her.
Hikari shook her head. "I…he wanted me to stay and find out her weakness and…"
The plumb pony tailed woman soon shook her head. "If he has any chance then he will need you at his side." She gave the teen a smile. "I feel you have strong magic that doesn't just rely on support."
This made Hikari look down. Even she knew about her hidden potential?
Richard took a moment to look away from the battle. "Come on, get you're bloody arse in gear and help him out!" He growled making Hikari squeak! "If you know what you gotta do than do it!" He soon saw that the kind-hearted girl looked ready to jump of a cliff with the way he sounded and he sighed. "Look, I'm not trying to sound mean it's just my wife and son are fighting each other which didn't need to happen! I don't know what caused Dermont's outburst and frankly I don't care but you can save her, right?"
The blonde looked at the two adults and nodded. "Yes it's just the first time it was easy given we had help from all sides and now it's just us two."
"So what, if it's just you two than I won't worry much," Richard exclaimed. "I noticed that my boy has slowly started changing and I think I have you to thank for that. When we were away he did bring your name up when we talked,"
Hearing that Dermont actually talked about her made her heart beat a little faster. "He did,"
"Sure, even though he said that you were a crybaby that would wail if you saw some bird crap on a car," Both Hikari and Sakura dropped their heads at his way of speaking.
Hiroki smiled at hearing that. "Crap, crap!" He held his hands up in an excited motion. "Mommy, crap! It's the same stuff that comes out of my rear! Crap, crap!"
Sakura looked ready to faint at his language and gave Richard a withering glare! Mothers are a scary lot! Richard backed away and found a way to stop the kid from saying the fascinating word and soon turned back to Hikari. "But I digress, you are a good egg, girl and hope you continue being there for him. Please save Shoko for me."
The plumb-haired woman also agreed with that. "Don't hesitate with what you have to carry out. Have belief in yourself and that boy."
The purprle-haired toddler with purple eyes smiled at Hikari. "Be a hero!" He even pumped up his fist.
Taking their words to heart and smiling Hikari made her choice. She saw that Dermont once again landed on the ground, hurt! Not wanting to see him like that the violet/red-eyed girl wouldn't just stand on the sidelines. Even if her abilities could be used for the sidelines, she hadn't been training just to get left. I might have to get in better moving dressing attire!
Having an idea a glow of light enveloped her and soon had on a different attire; She sported a beige sleeveless shirt that showed her belly button and an orange and yellow skirt (somewhat reminiscent of Vanille from Final Fantasy XIII) and wore brown boots. Hikari's hair also was in a braided style to keep it from getting in her eyes.
Changing her book to a long bow she called forth the wind spirit Sylph to enhance her sight and accuracy with her arrows. Pulling the string she released wind-enhanced arrows at Shoko! Sensing the attack the rider manipulated her chain dagger to spin in front to block Hikari's attack!
Dermont yelled at her intervention. "Hikari, don't fight her!"
Hikari ignored him not wanting to divert her attention. "Dermont, we are partners, I can't just stand there while you do the gruff work, I can fight too," before she could say anything Shoko-Rider headed for the priestess. Getting in close of the teen girl Shoko was about ready to land a kick to her neck before Hikari blocked it with a well-timed block of her arm shocking Dermont!
Did she just block that attack?! His mind couldn't comprehend what he saw. This girl who probably cries about being a nuisance, actually blocked that attack? Did I get trapped in the twilight zone?
The teen girl offered a smile. "No autographs, please," Shoko looked taken back by that as Hikari brought down her arm and went for a palm strike which connected to her chin! Hikari than finished it off with a round house kick to the left side of her face, empowered by Sylph the wind pressure added to the damage!
She glided to Dermont and helped him up. Dermont still looked bamboozled by it all. "You…how did you do that?!"
The blonde gave him a cheeky smile. "Come now, I'm a priestess not a maiden in waiting. I do have to learn defending myself if my protector is ever in a bind." A shiver passed by her. "I have my sister to thank for that and her training is something to last me a lifetime!"
The Irish teen shook of his shock, he'd ask about it later before setting his sights on his mom. "You gave her a beating but I don't think that will last. Did you find out anything?"
She appeared hesitant at being asked that. "I learned that if she is truly adaptable to the card she will unlock her Noble Phantasm," Hikari sounded a little sad with what she was about to say. "Along with one other thing…"
The orange-eyed teen knew this wouldn't be good. "Don't keep it locked in Hikari,"
"Shoko-san…is pregnant!" She revealed sadly.
He looked at her with disbelief then to his dad and finally to Shoko, who got back up and looked readied to fight once again. Shoko was pregnant? "You mean, she's having a baby?"
Another nod came from the braided blonde. "Well I'm not a doctor but there is something going on in her womb and I think I got two readings in there…"
If he looked anymore shocked his face would have fallen off. "Mom is…she's having twins?!"
"I think so but that's not the tragic news,"
He looked at her as if she grew another head. "What could be wrong with that?"
"The card is in her belly and I can't fire an arrow or it will end the pregnancy!" She told him trying to stay calm without bursting into tears.
This was bad news. "Hikari, I was a bastard to her with what I said and now you want me to make the choice of choosing her life over her unborn babies?"
"I wouldn't ask that of you," She boldly told him. "I won't resort to that and I'll find a way to save Shoko-san and her kids."
Dermont turned back to Shoko but continued talking to Hikari. "But how, this fighting isn't good for her and those blows I traded with her!" He looked at his spears. "I was thinking about impaling her with one of these to either wound her or block her mana for empowering her form or wounding her but now I don't think I can with this new information."
Seeing that Shoko was about to attack Hikari held up her book and chanted a spell, "Unyielding Aeigis…Barrier!" A crystalline barrier surrounded the possessed woman where she started slicing against the shield. The priestess thought on the matter. She went through all the formulas she learned to this point so there had to be an answer. She looked at Dermont and sensed something. "Dermont, can you use magic?"
It was a surprising question at a time like this. "What's that got to do with anything?" He sounded angry.
"Will you just answer the question?" She yelled at him not wanting any arguments.
Mouth hanging open Dermont did the only thing he could do. "I've never learned how since Dad didn't have any clue on the matter and it's not like it manifested in any way." He answered as if he got whipped!
"Where did you inherit from; Mr. Lainn or you're mother?"
"Mostly from my mom, Stella Rosen," He replied back offering her some new detail.
Eyes widening Hikari looked pleased. "Your mother was the late Stella Rosen? She had fantastic healing magic that everyone speaks of highly!"
Dermont only nodded. "Really; Mom never talked about that stuff when she was with me but I was a kid then. Now what's that got to do with anything?"
To answer the question she pointed to a page and he glanced at it; it was him. "I scanned you as well and saw that you have a strong potential in magic. You're element is mostly water but you are adaptable to wind as well! Water is offensive but it has great soothing effect in purification as well." She explained.
Dermont was learning something. "You mean, I can wield this element to my advantage at any given time?"
"Yes the potential is within you but it just needs shape. I think I can use that to free Shoko-san but we have to weaken her." A look of protest showed on his face but she interrupted him. "No other way, we won't hurt her severely just enough to start it up. Do you trust me?"
He didn't need to think on that. "I do," The combed-back teen straightened his posture as he gave a twirl of his lances. "I've been getting sloppy as of late; I might have put on some weight from all the food I ate overseas," he joked. "I'm counting on you, Hikari!"
Hikari smiled at him. "I've already depleted my pact with Sylph so I can't call on him in this battle but I know other ways to help," She turned the book back to a bow.
Having a game plan the two stood ready as Hikari de-activated the barrier.
A burst of mana exploded upon the shield falling causing the priestess and lancer to brace themselves. Shoko-Rider walked closer as she started talking to them. "I don't know why you two are trying to save me but I won't have any of it," She glanced at Dermont. "You have already belittled my stance as a wife for not having any of your father's children along with chastised of being a mother to you. Do you need to take this away from me?"
Dermont tried blocking what she was saying but he did feel guilty in what he said in anger. "What I'm taking will benefit you in the long run, mom!" He spoke. "It will only lead you to death!"
A coy smiled showed on her face. "Well that's the only thing I've got left then?" Her body glowed with a purple outline as she soon sprinted and vanished from their view! The duo looked around trying to find her but it proved fruitless as Shoko flicked behind Hikari and aimed a kick knocking the poor girl off-balance! Dermont saw her go down and tried aiming the butt of Gae Buidhe towards her but using her speed she moved away and vanished once again. Trying not to divert his attention he quickly helped up Hikari until Shoko appeared and rammed her dagger to Dermont's throat! It would have connected if not for a timed barrier blocking the strike thanks to Hikari.
With her distracted Dermont reacted with using Gae Dearg. The sharp blade nicked her arm causing blood to stain it. Just before he could use Gae Buidhe to block off her mana lobes Shoko did a couple of flips to get away from them. Hikari (to the Irish teen's shock) took the initiative as she knocked an arrow and gathered her spiritual power to the object and let loose. The arrow broke to needle like projectiles.
As Shoko landed she saw them jetting at her! The lean woman soon started dodging and weaving as if she were a graceful dancer. Dermont sprinted at her as he spun his spears overhead and threw them like a boomerang! The red and yellow spears would have hit her if she hadn't cartwheeled around them. Seeing Dermont defenseless she hastened towards him wanting to cut his throat.
Shoko reached him in a matter of two seconds as his eyes widened. But it was a fake out as Hikari tossed him a quarter-inch staff to block her swift attacks! He kept up the pace of her exact strikes as he continued defending. Just as she broke through his defenses as she got close to stab his gut she had forgotten about Hikari, who got in front and blocked the attack with his own spears! They had come back where she caught them.
She wasn't good with a spear but at least she knew how to block. Not expecting this Shoko looked ready to use her speed once again.
Dermont held out his hand and Hikari added her own power as they both glowed green using the winged tattoo that bounded them. "Sharpen the wind at thy call; Wind Lance!" A curved blade of wind broke to a miniature wind force blowing Shoko back! With that Dermont once again sprinted towards her.
As Shoko flipped just before hitting the ground she began sliding to stop Dermont was on her as he held up his hands! Hikari through the yellow spear and landed in his open hand. It shined brilliantly as he activated the function and brought it down to her chest! Timed slowed down as Shoko saw what was about to happen, she didn't want this to happen; she didn't want this taken from her as well! Not knowing what to do Shoko held out her hand and chains started spreading around them. They soon bounded Dermont who just about hit her.
Landing on the ground Shoko looked surprised while Dermont struggled. Hikari looked distressed at their time unity not working! She was about to start a spell to break those chains until more chains bound her in place! She tried analysing the structure in trying to break it down but it prevented her from accessing her spiritual and mana abilities.
Sakura and Richard continued watching what happened which caused the Irish man to yell out. "NO DERMONT! SHOKO, DON'T KILL HIM!"
The little boy looked on the verge of crying which Sakura comforted him by averting his gaze. "Oh no…" Just as the purple-eyed woman was about to do something to get involved in the battle a figure appeared next to the wind shield causing her to blink in surprise. "Huh, it's you?"
Hiroki looked at the figure and smiled happily as the mysterious figure smiled at the child.
Back at the battle Shoko-Rider sauntered up to a chained Dermont and cupped his face with her hand. "Now, now my boy it will only hurt for an instant." She pulled out her weapon and about to impale him until she had a thought. "Hmm, not that would be anti-climactic, how about I do this!"
Not knowing what to expect Dermont one again tried appealing to her. "Shoko, please don't do this! I'm sorry for what I said, I was a stupid asshole who should have never raised a voice to you nor hurt your feelings!" His eyes broke into tears as he continued. "I wasn't in the right to say that! Please!"
Shoko could tell his voice was breaking at every syllable.
"Why should I offer you a reprieve?" She slapped him hard in the face. "I know now where I stand with you. You never loved me as a mother and now I shall make sure you are with your real mother!" Shoko slid off her eyewear gear and her eyes glowed briefly.
Dermont stared at her face and couldn't look away! I can't stop staring! It's like looking at a beautiful sculpture!
Hikari saw what was happening as she felt a foreign energy coming through those eye sockets. "Shoko-san, please don't!" But her cry went unheard. Hikari tried moving her body but the chains tightened around her waist, arms and legs causing her to wince out.
"No!" She called again as she saw Dermont's foot turning to stone. "Dermont!" The blond would have continued yelling if not for seeing someone's figure approaching her. "Huh, who are you?"
The silhouette appeared female with something in her hand. "Shhhhhh, keep quiet, Ms. Himemiya," The woman spoke with a smile.
Shoko smiled as Dermont also noted he started feeling stiff and his mind started feeling cloudy.
"My dear, I will forever keep that youth in stone. Then you can wallow in the despair you caused, my dear!"
Dermont couldn't do anything to free himself. He didn't want this to happen. If he could just go back in time to keep from saying the things he said maybe this wouldn't be happening? "Shoko…mom…I'm so sorry!"
This caused her to start laughing. "Please spare me the rubbish dear!" And continued the process. The petrification continued up his leg and couldn't move his legs. Dermont shed another tear for his mom before closing his eyes. Dad, Seta, Rei and Hikari, looks like I couldn't keep my promise!"
A gunshot like blast could be heard causing him to reopen his eyes. He saw another black substance blast the chains from somewhere.
Shoko looked around wondering who did that. Then feeling someone behind her Shoko jumped away before getting slashed by two short swords which were white and black with the Yin/Yang symbols inscribed in the middle of the guard.
"What's this, why are you giving up already, kid?" A man's voice said as Dermont saw who stopped the process. He had a long red trench coat, underneath a sleeveless black shirt and pants with steel toed boots. He had tan skin and white hair and a sardonic smile on his face!
Dermont felt something go through him as he turned to see Hikari to his left using her healing spell to un-petrify him along with another. This woman had long black hair that was somewhat in curls at the end. She wore a red coat with a blue long-sleeved shirt underneath which had a cross on it and a black skirt. She wore Roman styled high-heel boots and looked to have a gem in her hand.
"Don't tease him, Archer or you'll make Ms. Himemiya cry." She spoke as her aqua-colored eyes looked at Dermont.
When Dermont saw her features he became spooked that he was looking at Rei Tachibana! Wait, isn't that…
He didn't get a chance to finish his thought as he got cured and Hikari held him up (or at least trying to since she's not that strong).
"My name is Rin Tohsaka," Rin introduced herself. "And that guy fighting your mom is my rowdy husband, Archer!"
The teen couldn't believe what he heard. "Wait, your Tachibana's cousin?!" He exclaimed.
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Tachibana; you mean Rei? That is correct, hero." She replied back easily.
"She and Archer arrived to help us," Hikari explained. "And not to worry about your dad and Sakura, they got them someplace safe."
The magi nodded her head. "Even though I had to place a sleep spell on that dad of yours; he wouldn't budge even when we told him too."
Dermont didn't mind that, his dad could be stubborn. "How'd you know that we were here?"
This caused Rin to smile. "Easy, I'm staying back at my old place and Sakura and Hiroki-kun were to come over. I had a bad feeling and Archer, being his pessimistic self, felt something wrong at the park and we decided to check it out!"
The male teen nodded and soon saw that Archer was getting the better of Shoko. Hikari could tell the look on his face. "You want to be the one who frees her, right?"
Dermont gave a brief nod. "I'm not ungrateful for freeing us but…"
"Not to worry Lainn-san, I understand the situation at least." Just as Archer looked ready to land another blow Rin whistled for husband. "Yo, Archer, this is the teens fight, let them handle it!"
Archer looked annoyed but complied with his wife's wishes. He leaped back to them and looked at Dermont. "Don't fall again, kid." He mentioned.
Dermont only scoffed. "I don't need you telling me that,"
The two locked eyes for a moment. Hikari started shaking in fear and tried calming Dermont down. "Now, now, Dermont we have something to do, right?"
He complied and turned away from him. "We have a plan for this. Don't get in our way, gramps!" Dermont stated as he picked up Hikari and headed towards Shoko.
Archer only griped. "Who is he calling 'gramps'? Little brat!"
This caused the 'first Ice Queen' to giggle at his displeasure. "Well he is right, how OLD are you again?"
He closed his eyes. "I can say the same about you Rin; tell me, you still using that Oil of Olay?"
Rin enhanced her foot with reinforcement and stomped hard on his steel toed shoe causing him to grunt. "You will never see me naked. Again!"
Dermont and Hikari got close as Shoko looked at them but they closed their eyes. "How are we even going to get close to make our plan work?" Dermont asked.
The blonde priestess had an idea at seeing that Shoko had Medusa's abilities. Keeping her eyes down Hikari held up her hand. "Light which burns beyond crimson flame let thy power gather in my hand! LIGHTING!"
A ball of light blinded her eyes causing Shoko to shut her eyes! That was what they needed.
Dermont sprinted his way to the other side of Shoko; this wouldn't need use of weapons. The winged mark appeared on his chest as he delved in the recesses of his mind. All right, I have magical circuits so I just have to use them; only reason I can do so now is this mark. It's giving me a push but I have to open the door. Please, please let me save Shoko. He started thinking about everything that's happened with his step-mom along with his dad and brother. He then thought of someone close to his heart as well. Mom, you never talked about magic and all that when you were alive, all that mattered was that I would be all right and now I think I can be.
A blue aura enveloped around his body as the winged sigil glowed blue as well.
Hikari, who had a white outline and her winged mark on the back of her right hand glowed, saw what he was doing and briefly smiled. He's doing it, now just say the words that are in your heart,
The lean teen soon felt what he needed and opened his mouth to say the chant. "O sacred water, pour down and purify my enemy,"
Hikari began chanting her phrase as well, "Absolve thy enemy of sin,"
Both opened their eyes and said the same word. "Nurtured Embrace!" The teens raised their hands and beams of blue and white light boxed in Shoko who started feeling it's purification effects.
Rin and Archer continued watching the battle as the mage looked impressed in what they did. "They found a way to heal Shoko-san?"
The white-haired man held a different tune. "Hmph, they need to support the field to heal her. If one of them falters however it will be over."
The long-haired woman still had faith in the young teens as they reminded that she and Shirou were once like that; going full head to a situation. Let's see how this generation does in protecting Fuyuki City?
Falling to her knees Shoko yelled at what was happening. Memories flashed in her mind as she gripped her head. "I won't let you take this from me, I have nothing left!"
The priestess answered the woman's statement. "That's not true, Shoko-san; you have a family waiting for you and Dermont is doing everything to free you! He was a jerk for saying what he did but he is trying to correct that mistake. Believe in his love for you!" Hikari yelled as she continued focusing but Dermont was having trouble.
His side of the field was faulting and he couldn't keep up it due to him never having done this before. Squinting his eyes the teen never thought that magic could be hard; hell from the books he read it always seemed like cake but now he had a new respect for ones who used it thoroughly.
I can't falter, Shoko has to come back with us, I won't let her fall to despair. If she's gone it will cause dad to return to his depressive state and Seta will never forgive me!
Images of those two showed in his mind. Our family would shatter and be beyond repair!
Hikari noted that he wasn't giving his all. "Dermont, don't weaken, we are almost there! Trust in yourself!"
Her words gave him some resolve but it wouldn't last, he needed something more! Just as he was about to drop to his knees Dermont closed his eyes.
Unknown realm
Opening his eyes he noted he wasn't in the place he once was.
Looking perplexed he saw that he was in a void or some sort. "How did I get here? Hikari, Shoko-san!" He then saw a pale figure ahead of him and gasped in who he saw. "Mother…"
The figure was the late Stella 'Rosen' Lainn. She wore a simple white dress and her orange hair with red tips cascaded around her, as if she were floating in water.
She gave him a smile and spoke. "Have faith."
The Irish teen gave her a confused look.
"Have faith that you will bring her back and faith in your partner," Stella glided to him and embraced her tall son who made him gasp in disbelief.
"Mother, I…" He started but she placed a hand gently over his mouth.
"Have faith, Ducky." The woman called him by his nickname before kissing his forehead. A bright flash enveloped the area.
Fuyuki Park
Opening his eyes Dermont was still in the same position before having what he perceived as a dream but he felt calm. Did I really just see my mom? Shaking his head he focused. Not important but now is to time to act and do what I promised!
Getting up from the ground with new determination his aura got stronger and the line thickened with Hikari's energy. She smiled that he got focused. "Time to save her, Dermont!"
With a nod they pushed it to their limits as Shoko continued feeling the effects. Warm memories that she experienced along with Dermont's feelings came flooding to her and could tell that he loved her like a mom.
Dermy…you really? She thought with happiness. Then she gasped on the feelings and thoughts that both the teens knew about her circumstances. Tears falling down she grasped her stomach. Am I really?
A powerful bright light enveloped her body as the Rider card ejected from her body and flew to parts unknown. Rin and Archer saw what happened and went to get Richard, Sakura and Hiroki from their hiding place.
Shoko collapsed on the ground exhausted and back to normal. Her hair was back to its medium-length and in her regular clothes. Dermont went to her and whispered her name. The woman looked at him and smiled. "Oh Dermy,"
Dermont let his usual stoic-self dissolve as he went and hugged her. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Shoko!" He cried.
The woman also had tears falling as she cradled his head. "Dermy, it's okay, I forgive you!"
At seeing the happy reunion Hikari had happy tears as well. After a couple of moments Dermont smiled at Shoko and they saw Hikari just crying her eyes out. Shoko brought out her arms to the girl. "Bring it in, Hikari!"
"Shoko-san!" She wailed and went to her arms. Hikari continued crying streams. "I'm so happy you are fine now!"
"I know dear, you worked hard and I'm grateful to you!" Shoko complimented her as she rubbed her head. "You really are the daughter I never had."
Dermont chuckled at seeing Hikari like this. Man, she really is a crybaby. "Come on Hikari, enough with the tears! She's fine now!"
She puffed out her cheeks. "Quiet, this has been a hard night and you're not the only one who cares about Shoko!"
"Yeah I know but there's no need to bring a tidal wave of tears," He then noted her attire that complimented her skinny but somewhat toned body. "Hmmm, I see you decided to show off the body finally; and here I thought you were an innocent little bird when you are a saucy little minx!"
Hikari blushed and squeaked out. "Don't be such a pervert!"
"Hey I'm no pervert, I'm not thinking of you naked, not with that tiny chest you seem to be packing!"
Arms wrapped around her chest. "Leave my chest out of this; I'll have you know it's growing a little and …Ah!" She caught herself on what she said and wailed to Shoko. "Shoko-Okasan tell Dermont to stop picking on me!"
"Don't be such a baby or do you want me to bring you a bottle?" He spoke calmly.
"UGH, I didn't think you could be such a jerk; how does Seta-kun even deal with you?" She shrilled.
He raised an eyebrow. "Huh, the runt's been through worse, I'm just testing the waters with you." Dermont coughed a little. "I mean…since we are partners, I think I should be honest with myself that I…I wouldn't mind getting to know you." A light blush came on his cheeks. "And help you…
"Huh, Dermont, is this a…" Hikari whispered.
Seeing the hopeful look on her face he covered up his tracks. "So I'll just call you flat-board from now on!"
"Wahhhhhh, Shoko-okasan!" She wailed and went back to her arms.
Shoko only smiled at them. "Oh you two," He really is changing thanks to you, Hikari-chan.
Just as that finished they heard footsteps coming towards them. "Shoko, Dermont!" Richard yelled as he first hugged his son and soon after went to Shoko.
The Japanese woman looked sad when he hugged her. "Darling, I'm sorry for causing you such strife," She started. "Those feelings came from a real place, I'll admit that but that doesn't mean I don't want you to stop loving Stella. I know you love me just as much as her and I can't ask you to replace all of her. You have history with her just as you do with me. I'm just happy I met you."
Richard had some tears as he hugged her. "I feel the same way, a man is not lucky enough to find love again after experiencing something of being a widower but you helped me through that and helped raise Dermont and Seta, who think the world of you."
The couple kissed tenderly until Shoko grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Can you guess?"
It took some moments before he got her drift and his mouth hung open. "Shoko, do you mean to say?"
She nodded as tears came down her face. "I am pregnant, Richard. We'll be parents!"
Richard hugged her again as the group looked on happy. Sakura smiled at Richard and Shoko while Hiroki, who was standing on his feet went to the couple and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Babies!" he said smiling at her.
Both gasped at what he said.
"What, is this kid right?" Richard asked confused.
Hikari remained quiet along with Dermont. Even though she scanned her body she only thought she read two heartbeats but wasn't a doctor and didn't want to say anything on the matter.
Sakura looked abashed, Archer laughed at his "son", while Rin held back a smirk and went over to them.
She picked him up and talked to Shoko. "It seems my nephew is developing his talents earlier than expected it seems. We'll have to get you checked out but it might be safe to say you are having twins,"
Richard looked on the verge of fainting while Shoko continued staring.
Archer looked at Dermont. "Looks like you'll have some fun being an older brother for the second time!"
Dermont returned the snark. "Tch, I'm not worried, at least I know I can handle it, gramps!"
As they stared daggers as metaphoric Tiger came from Dermont while a same sized hawk came from Archer in a battle of wills!
Sakura then took Hiroki from Rin and gave him a look over. "Did you're father teach you anything when I'm not around?"
He gave her an innocent smile and hugged her causing Sakura to sigh but smile. "Oh dear, I might have to have Rin train him a little?"
Rin then clapped her hands. "Ok, we have a lot to discuss so we will head over to Emiya's place which is 10 minutes from here," the mage gave Dermont a glance. "I think we need to discuss what's happened in greater detail so I think you should call Rei-san."
Dermont soon remembered he needed to contact her. "Yeah, I'll do that; she is watching Seta for me. Does she know where the Emiya residence is?" He asked as he pulled out his cell.
"She knows," she responded with a grim look. Even though our two families don't get along; this will prove interesting.
Archer knew the look on his wife's face. She's either looking forward to this or we are about to know how the universe ended created; by a big bang.
As they headed back to Sakura's home, Hiroki had decided to hold Dermont and Hikari's hands after the spear wielding teen finished his call with Rei. "Dermy-oniichan, Kari-oneechan!" He sang as both blushed at what the boy was doing. They somewhat looked like a family.
Richard and Shoko held hands and looked at the two who fought to save Shoko.
"Do you think it will be anything more between them," Richard whispered.
Shoko only giggled. "I won't say nothing concrete but let's be happy that he has someone for himself," She lightly squeezed his hand which he returned.
Lainn residence
Rei finished up her talk with Dermont and it left her empty. The boy was still sleeping and she would have to wake him up. Who'd have thought my cousins would be involved with this now? Life is a bitch sometimes.
Soon the two would be making their way to the Emiya residence for all the stuff that's happened along with some interesting intel that Rin and Archer had.
Enizbern castle
Illya Enizbern could only be astonished in what happened to her latest target. They had been able to free her along with keep that pregnancy in tact? Sighing in an irritated fashion the long-haired woman rubbed her temples.
"That didn't turn out the way I thought it be, I thought the lines of the future was set, Caster?" She asked the entity in her mind.
An astral image of the purple robbed woman appeared with a floating crystal ball. "The future doesn't always happen in the way we expect. But it's rather good it played out this way; it could be the trigger to bring that boy who wields the two lances and that annoying priestess to their knees!"
The snow fairy flipped her hair and easily caught the Rider card between her fingers as if she were Seto Kaiba about to use the Blue Eyes White Dragon. "Oh well, as long as this card got charged, that's all that matters, besides,"
The viewing screen went to Shirou and Gil, who continued observing the group. "I'm expecting a pleasant battle with that boy!" She then changed the image to show Hikari with Dermont and Hiroki, where the blonde talked with the child.
This priestess however, she unnerves me. I'm wondering if I should think of her as a threat? Illya wondered.
Dermont: That concludes the Rider arc! I hope you readers enjoyed it!
Rin: Who wouldn't enjoy a story with "dem feels" as the new generation says today.
Hikari: At least we got out of that battle and Shoko-san is revealed pregnant! I wonder what she'll have; oh I can't wait!
Archer: That's all good but this story will continue to the next arc which takes place on the same night; I suggest getting ready for a tough fight, kid?
Rei: Hmph, so it's finally time for the puppy to show his worth? Bah, he better not be thinking about stomping around like a titan and pulling out his dick! *breath starts getting heated* And his muscles bulging, his abs tight and as he wears those tight jeans that shows off that muscular buttocks that I can cup with my hands and shout glory!
Shirou (Ogami): The fuck you talking about? Are you having some kinky fantasy about me? God, you rich chicks really are fanatical with stuff like that. Man oppressed with your sexual desires. How is reading that yaoi stuff going?
Rei: (enhances her fingers with reinforcement and flicks his head causing Shirou to stumble to the ground) Who'd fall for a puppy like you anyway? I got no heat for you!
Dermont: The more you deny it the more likely that its true, Rei.
Rei: (Does same thing to Dermont) I don't need remark from the peanut gallery!
Hiroki: (tugs Rei's hand) Rei-neechan, what's Yaoi?
(Everyone freezes)
Hikari: Hiroki-kun what are you doing here?! (she holds him in her arms)
Hiroki: Wanted to come see you guys!
Shirou (Ogami): Kid you shouldn't pop on by when you want to.
Hiroki: (starts crying) Nooooooooooooooooo, I don't want you here, butt-face!
Shirou (Ogami): Who are you calling butt-face, Chicken Little?
Hiroki: (Continues crying) I'm not small, butt-face!
Rei: Great bozo, you made our Hiroki-kun cry! You should know better, idiot!
Dermont: Come on man, he's a kid, don't hurt his feelings like that!
Hikari: Shirou, I think you should go for now while we get him calmed down.
Shirou (Ogami): Why should I leave, this kid's being a brat with his nasty eyes!
Hiroki: (Cries louder)
Rin: Okay, come on Ogami, let's get you out of here, you do have a part to play in the next chapter!
Shirou (Ogami): Dammit, getting kicked out by some kid, shit's not right.
(As he goes Shirou turns around to see Hiroki sticking his tongue out)
Shirou (Ogami): Hey, kid's faking!
Hiroki: (Continues crying) Butt-face mean!
Dermont/Rei/Hikari: SHIROU JUST GO!
(Shirou stomps off dejected)
Hiroki: (Looks at readers and winks) see you in next chapter! Bye-bye!
OH MAN I AM DONE WITH THIS ARC! And on Super Bowl Sunday!
I end this arc (finally) and can move forward to the Berserker arc! How'd you like it? I'll admit the fighting really gave me some problems this time around since I had conflicting views with hurting Shoko, who is pregnant, and didn't want her body experiencing anything that would cost the pregnancy.
So I went with the magic route with Dermont finally accessing his mana pool (thanks to Hikari and Stella). So after this he will have access to some magic based attacks on his affinity with water, along with using that mark to tap into Hikari's pool at times.
Starlight suggested I make a chart of the characters histories and stuff I haven't touched on. You got to know Stella's history, I hope you like her, and she will be making another appearance in a future chapter.
Hiroki has psychic powers that is psychometric and will be a supporting character along with Rin, Archer, Sakura, Shirou (Emiya) and maybe some Tsukihime characters.
Aren't you surprised I got Rin and Archer in this chapter? They're married and I'll explain in the profiles to them how that occurred (thanks for linking it up Starlight!)
Shirou Ogami will be the next big bad to contend with along with some back story with Gil and why he's here; is he really as bad as he claims?
Hoped you liked that little corner with the characters, Hiroki will get along with the cast except for Shirou (Ogami) for a time, he'll be a complete brat and get him in trouble! It will be funny seeing that!
Okay, I think that's enough. I've noticed that I seem to update on Sunday's? Don't get used to it, I just happen to have time on the weekends to get some writing done!
Again thanks to everyone who reads this story! Makes me happy you like it (or testing the waters!)
So have a good Super Bowl Sunday and let the Bronco's win! Yeah, I'm going for them since my main team, 49ers lost to those Seagulls! Should be a good game none the less to talk about at work!
See ya!
