A priest's body was resting in the Church, devoid of whatever warmth it once had.
All that hinted to his killer were some bullet wounds, for in his last moments he gave his son a powerful inheritance, instead of the identity of the person who took his life, dying before his duty towards the Masters could be fulfilled.
Kirei, having already shed his tears and received his gifts, couldn't help but have a desire regarding his father.
The desire to having seem him die.
As Kiritsugu talked with Irisviel by himself, Maiya and the two Servants stood guard on different parts of the house. However, said Servants had found the time to do some light chatting, mostly about their books.
"So, what did you think of Frankestein? You've been reading it at every opportunity."
"It was a very good book." Arthuria said. "To create a human being like that, one so different, and yet alike, from the homunculi, with mostly science, is truly impressive. Although I can't quite say I approve of the doctor's actions. To just leave his responsabilities and problems like that, is unacceptable, nevermind how he treated his creation. Oh, but I'm rambling on a bit. What about your books? Did you like them?"
"Ah, yes, very. Somehow, I'm finding some parts of it to be-" Before Diarmuid could go on, Kiritsugu opened the workshop's door. As he did so, Saber and Diarmuid couldn't help but think there was something different about the man's energy. He turned to Lancer and Maiya, and said.
"Irisviel is waiting for you inside. I'll be going to the Tohsaka residence for some reconaissance. Please, take care of her."
All present knew that, even with all that was in Kiritsugu's soul, he truly loved Irisviel, more than anything else.
As he left, Diarmuid and Maiya stepped inside for the transfer.
The operation was simple. Irisviel needed every bit of strength for herself, so the seal and the contract would be transferred to Maiya, who would be responsible for supplying Lancer with mana.
Even with Maiya's Magical Expertise being minimal, the homunculus' gentle voice guided her through every step, and Diarmuid had some knowledge of his Master's ingredients and abilities, which, alongside Maiya's dilligence, made the surgery quick, not even needing to physically remove Irisviel's arm.
As Maiya took the seals, she didn't take the entirety of the contract. Rather, it was more like she was sharing the burden with Irisviel, with the cost slowly becoming more hers to deal with than the homunculus'.
Even so, the pull of Diarmuid's mana drain was enough to make Maiya stagger. The Lancer caught her, and all she heard before passing out was the homunculus gently telling her to sleep, for she'd need that energy soon.
As the wounds the boar gave him ached, Diarmuid cursed his decisions. Even if just on a short hunting trip, he should've brought his best weapons with him. To think that this... This would be how he died. Defeated, by a Phantasmal Beast, with his king denying him the help he needed. That all which happened years ago would come back to bite him.
"Why... Why must this happen to me? I, who only wanted to serve my master, as loyally as a Knight can be." Diarmuid thought, with his vision blurry and weak. "If only... If only I could serve someone as a knight, one last time."
The Knight of the Love Spot died, abandoned by the man he swore his life to.
"So, how are you doing, on your third Master now, Diarmuid?"
"No problems. Maiya can't provide me with as much Mana as Irisviel can, but I can get used to it with some minor adjustments." The Lancer said. "I'm just happy to free Irisviel of any further trouble. She said supplying wasn't much taxing to her, but I still feel better this way."
"Yes. She may not be my Master either, but I want to see her as well as possible." Saber agreed. "Are you sure you be well here without me?"
"Do you doubt my skills, Saber?" Diarmuid said, with a tone of being jokingly hurt by her statement. "I'll protect them with all my strength. You may feel free to go on your patrol."
Saber let out a small laugh, and materialized her suit, going to her bike. "Very well then, Diarmuid. I'm completely sure I'll come back to see everyone safe and sound. Until then, fare well, fellow knight."
As Saber left, one particular image remained in Diarmuid's brain. The smile she did as she laughed. It remained as bright as the sun, and every other bit of her. The way she got her attention stuck on a book she particularly liked, how she seemed so radiant and happy on the shopping's food court, how she fought with overflowing courage and conviction...
"Ah," Diarmuid tought. "When... When did I fall in love again?"
Author Notes: Hello, and sorry for taking forever to upload! I've been hit by a mean writer's block and college has come back as well, not to mention being busy writing some other stuff. For the sake of making the story work, let's suspend our disbelief and believe Iri has the Spiritual Healing needed to make the transfer.
Shout-Out to everyone who left reviews! They mean a lot!
