Epilogue (Good): Eleutheria

(Please play the following song before continuing, thank you. youtu . be / Dy9UoRVhJqg?t=30s)

"AH HAHAHAHAHAHA! Take this, Federation scum!"

ZAP! BOOM!

(Buildings are razed by Big Zam's laser)

"Oh no! The Empire of Zeon is attacking again!"

"Right, time to go! AMURO, CORE FIGHTAH, IKIMASU!"

WHOOSH!

"KAI, GUNCANNON, IKKEI!"

WHOOSH!

"HAYATO,TOBE, GUNTANKU!"

WHIRRRRRRRR!

(All together)"Let's go! Ready… Cross combination!"

CLICK! CLANG! SHING!

(All together)"COMBINATION! KIDOU SENSHI GUNDAMU!"

"AHAHAHAHA! Puny Federation rats, your weak Gundamu cannot hope to defeat my DAI ZAMU! AHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Daishogun Dozole! Your evil ways are at its end! Take this, MEGA BEAMU LAIFLE!"

ZAP!

"N-nani?"

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! My DAI ZAMU is equipped with an I-Fieldo, specially made to deflect your beam attacks! Your time has come, GUNDAMU!"

"SHI-SHIMATA!"

"A-Amuro, what do we do now?"

"DIE GUNDAMU! DAIZAMU CANNON, HASHOU!"

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

CLANG! BOOM!

"Im-impossible! How did the Daizamu Cannon not fire? Could it be?"

"W-what is that?"

(Char ga kuru plays in the background)

"A…a red robot? It can't be! It's…it's…"

"Yes, it is I, RED COMET CHAR AZNABLE!"

"C-Char…Aznable? Impossible! We defeated you in the last battle! How are you still alive, and why are you helping us?"

"Do not question my motives, shonen, I am the tamashii of Zeon himself, here to slay every one of the evil Zabis and restore honour of the Empire of Zeon, beginning with YOU, Daishogun Dozle Zabi!"

"AHAHAHAHAHA! If it isn't the undying Prince of the old emperor! This is a golden opportunity for me indeed, to eliminate both you and Gundamu in the same day! Dark Emperor Ghiren will surely reward me handsomely!"

"Gundamu, listen up! I will disable his I-fieldo generator and you destroy him with one strong attack! Got it?"

"R-right!"

"Good! Take this, Dozle Zabi! REDO COMETO…KICKU!"

WHOOSH! BOOM!

"Im-impossible! How can he penetrate my I-fieldo with his leg?"

"Fool! My Red Comet Zaku-IIS has three times the speed and power of a normal Zaku-II! Your end is near, Daishogun Dozle! Now, GUNDAMU!"

"Grrrrr, ONORE!"

"Right! Kai, Hayato, let's combine our powers!"

"Yeah!"

"Let's do this!"

(All together)"HYAAAAAAAAA! FINAL BLOW – GUNDAMU…SWOOOOOOOORDO!"

(Giant beam saber appears)

"NOOOOOOOO! CURSE YOU, GUNDAMUUUUUUUUU!"

BOOM!

(Please end the previous song here)

"Master?"

"Huh, yeah?"

"This is a historical recording of your organisation's military triumphs, is it not?"

"A ha ha ha ha ha, of course not" Yamada leans back into the sofa and laughs, "this is the new OVA 'Kidou Senshi Gundamu: Return of the Red Comet'! It's fictional, but totally awesome!"

"Oh," Mordred sighs. Yamada picks up another popcorn and inserts it into her mouth.

"Cheer up, Molly, this is only a third of the way through! We don't see Char doing really cool stuff until 54 minutes in!" Indeed, spending this month's director fees on the 72-inch television set and surround-sound system was no mistake, the effects of the OVA are simply breathtaking, almost comparable to the cinema, though home theatre does have the advantage of privacy, since you probably can't cuddle a girl dressed in her underwear in the cinema.

"(crunch)…(crunch)…Yes Master."

"Good girl, here's another!" Yamada feeds her another popcorn. This is the good life alright. Not many people can have an obedient and cute, not to mention clueless, girl following you around all the time. Although on paper she is an asset to the Order, it would be a shame to just leave her locked up in a box somewhere until she needs to be used, not to mention being totally inhumane.

"Now, why don't you put on these new clothes I got you, eh?"

Yamada unwraps the skimpy maid outfit that came in this morning.

"Sigh…yes Master…"


"After our extensive review of your proposal, Comrade Vladof, we have to say that this is a radical design indeed."

"Radical, yes, but highly effective. Remember, Comrade Hu, this is the future of warfare, so radical it has to be. You must not forget that this is a weapon which fights on multiple terrains and theatres of war, not just a single one as all current weapons do."

"This humanoid form is an ingenious solution to mobility, but what about power? Our conventional electric engines cannot supply so much power to move all the motors."

"Fret not, Comrade Wen, the Americans have succeeded in miniaturizing the Uranium Fission reactor for their next generation of submarines and ships. We simply have to…acquire it, and make the necessary alterations to fit our design."

"I see, but can your organisation guarantee its co-operation with our nation, Comrade Vladof?"

"We have worked together for many years, Comrade Xi, since the time of the great revolution, and will continue to do so for many more while we still stand. This project, if you would approve of it, will run for a decade if all deadlines are met, but we promise that the balance of power in this world of ours will forever be changed, in your favour of course."

"Very well then, Comrade Vladof. You will receive the full backing of our nation in this project. Our future in this world may very well rest on your shoulders, Assassin."

"We are eternally grateful for your faith in us, Comrade Xi, our preparations will begin immediately. Good day, gentlemen."


She's late.

He has been waiting her for almost an hour, and she has missed the appointed time by thirty minutes. This isn't a good sign, since she has always been punctual for this sort of meetings.

At least, she used to be.

Regardless, he doesn't have a single clue about how to approach their conversation. It is going to be awkward, very awkward, since they are here for no purpose other than simply talking to each other, something they haven't done for two years. She used to call these meetings "dates", but it is difficult, if not downright impossible, to call this one a "date". He knows what is at stake here, since she isn't coming on her own accord, but on orders of her masters. Even if it is supposed to be a casual meeting, how would he even speak to her? Hello, I'm Patrick McComberland, please don't mind me but can I drink your blood?

"Oh, Patrick!"

"Ah…Ciel!"

There she is, coming out of a taxi stopped beside the roadside café, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and a blue skirt that complements her hair so well, too well in fact. Her expression is unnaturally cheerful as well, since he did not remember her smiling like this often, even on their previous meetings to collect his replacement glasses. In most of those meetings, it was only a matter of picking up the package without any words exchanged, and sometimes they won't even lay eyes on each other, merely putting the package in a designated spot for him to pick it up later. For some particular reason, the manufacturer of these glasses prefers to go through Ciel herself as an agent, but he is in no position to complain.

"Patrick I'm so sorry, I got held up at the airport and a whole bunch of stuff happened and-"

"Don't worry Ciel, I'm just glad you could make it."

She settles into the seat opposite him and puts her handbag on the table. The iced-blended coffee he had ordered for her has already melted, but she shows no concern as she takes a sip.

"So, on to business, then."

"Hm?" She puts down the coffee, "Patrick…aren't you the least bit happy to see me? It's been a month already, and we don't really have any business, right?"

"No, Ciel. I know you; you won't want to talk to me like this…if you are not ordered to by anyone else."

"B-but surely you are happy to see me, right? I mean…" She is starting to sound desperate, almost pleading.

"Please, Ciel, it's not working."

"Huh?"

Damn, after so long she is still a terrible liar.

"Your subliminal suggestion, it's not working. Remember what I am, Ciel, minor magecraft like that can't affect me."

And as expected, her expression changes immediately. She is not hostile of course, since he knows that she will never try to harm him. Her face looks sad, depressed.

"Oh, and we should have a bit of privacy, if you would understand. I want to talk to you, Ciel, just you, the real you."

He waves at the parked taxi.

"Hey Mr Dawn! Can we have a bit of privacy, please?"

The driver laughs, then starts the engine and drives off.

"And can you get Merem to stop staring at me like that? It's quite awkward, really."

"Patrick, how-"

A small gust of wind on the roof behind him and he knew the Dead Apostle is gone.

"Now, Ciel," he leans forward on the table, bringing his face closer to hers, "why are you here?"

She withdraws back into the seat, away from him. Her head tilts as well as she tries in vain to avert his gaze.

"Patrick…I…"

"Please, Ciel, just talk to me, okay?"

"I…well…okay," she straightens up and faces him, though her eyes do not meet his.

"Narbareck, she's interest in you, and she wants you back."

So that is what this is about. He did not rule out that possibility, since the Agency did go through so some serious negotiations with the Assassins to complete his transfer. Narbarek had been very reluctant then, and it wouldn't be surprising if she regrets her decision now, especially given his latest operational records.

"Nah, I won't want to steal Merem's place now, will I? He's on a totally different level from me altogether."

"That's not the issue here, Patrick! It's about you!" She is frantic now, actually looking him straight in the eyes.

"No, I don't want to go back there again. I like it here, doing what I'm doing now. Besides, can't you draft that Japanese boyfriend of yours to do the same job? He did kill the Serpent so he shouldn't be half bad, right?"

"H-he's not my boyfriend!" She actually shoots out of her seat and stands straight up, drawing a few curious glances from other patrons of the café.

For a few seconds, there is an awkward silence as she realises what she has done.

"H-how do you even know that?" her face is totally red from embarrassment as she seats back down.

"I have my sources, just as you have yours," he sighs. She can be such a ditz at times.

"P-Patrick, please! You have to understand!"

"I understand, Ciel. We're…not together anymore, all the more reason for me not to go back."

"Patrick that's not true! I-"

BLOOD

"You probably slept with him already, didn't you?"

BLOOD

"N-no! That's-"

BLOOD

No, he is becoming increasingly enraged, he is losing control.

"So just…leave me, alright. Please Ciel, just leave me. I like it here, I like my new life here, so just…leave, okay?"

"Patrick, you're getting worked up! What's going on?"

She is probably the most idiotic woman he has seen in his life. With her regenerative ability gone, he cannot afford to bite her even once, since it will definitely kill her. Damn, it should be around here somewhere-

He finally finds the pack of haemoglobin solution and tears it open, then pours the whole load into his mouth. Thankfully, not a single drop was spilt, for it would freak out the other customers.

"Patrick, are you…"

"Nevermind… I'm sorry, Ciel, I'm sorry."

He rises from the chair and turns around. There is nothing more to be said. It is over between them, there is no going back. Besides, they are both happier without each other now, so…

But still…

(Sniff)…(sob)

She is crying behind him. In all the years that he has known her, not once did he see her cry. Ciel's mental resilience is beyond his own comprehension, but this…

At this moment, his inhuman form feels more human than ever.

"Alright, stop crying already. I'll at least take you out for dinner tonight, okay?"


(Please play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / KvZHAT7xHO4)

Firenze, or Florence, as they refer to it in English, is especially warm at this time of the year. Though modern structures creep up through the old city, some buildings from the Renaissance have remained remarkably intact, such as this particular villa before him.

A villa is an understatement for the grand Renaissance building, towering almost thirty meters over a hill, surrounded by its owner's estate of several hectares. Well-trimmed grass fills the gardens along with tall trees and thick shrubbery, not to mention flowers specially selected for their blooming period in summer. A paved brick road leads from the main gate all the way to the front steps of the main building, flanked by its side wings and the central square, decorated with a carved fountain bearing two large statues of hooded figures, one wielding a spellbook and the other a staff, and an eagle between the two, its giant wings fully spread, shrouding the two in its shadow.

A grand display of wealth, no doubt, though it is but an empty façade.

He chimes the door twice and waits for a response. It is not long before the large ebony door swings inward, as two stewards in sharp Armani suits stand at attention within.

"I have business with Patrizio Malfatto. Family business."

One of the stewards gives a silent nod, then retreats into the mansion. It is not difficult to tell from their crisp movements that the men are military trained. Moments later the man returns and ushers him into the mansion.

Contrary to the convention of the grand stairwells that serve as the main entrance of mansions on this scale, the front door leads straight into a narrow corridor. The inside of the building appears to be even more ornately decorated than the external walls, with nearly every protruding corner or ledge bearing a pattern or carving. Motifs of eagles are particularly dominant, probably reflecting the tastes of the owner. The floor is well carpeted as well, but the black colour does not seem to go well with the whitewashed walls, though it is somewhat compensated for by the wood that lines the lower part of the walls, bearing yet more patterns and carvings. He is led by the stewards up a winding flight of spiral stairs to the topmost floor and into a side chamber.

The chamber is roughly the size of an average study, and appears to serve as one. Bookshelves occupy the entirety of three walls away from the door, filled with all sorts of books, manuscripts, loose sheets of paper and other miscellaneous scholarly objects. At the centre of the room is a cluttered table full of stacks of books and paper, along with a small laptop computer standing out amongst the quaint air of the chamber. Behind the table rests an old wizened man on a wheelchair. The man's face is covered in the marks of age as loose skin hangs from degraded muscles into long, thick wrinkles. His hair, while fully white, appears to be flourishing despite his age as it drapes nearly to shoulder length. Although his other features are completely relaxed, the old man's eyes are sharp, almost predator-like as they gaze him from top to toe, scanning for signs of his intention.

They will see nothing.

Defeated, the old man relaxes his gaze as two additional stewards haul in a large, heavy chair padded with silk cushions and set it before the table facing him.

"Sit, please."

The old man's voice is horse but firm. There is no trace of his physical weakness present in it.

"I am grateful for your kind hospitality, Patrizio," he settles into the seat, "but our discussion today may be sensitive, so I would very much like to have some privacy with you, if you would understand."

"Very well, dismiss yourselves," the old man conjures the stewards as they immediately snap around and stride swiftly out of the room, closing the heavy wooden door behind them.

"Now then, what is this 'family business' you speak of?"

He mentally reviews the planned approach again. The old man's response to his next question will be crucial, and will decide his direction of approach for the rest of the conversation.

"Patrizio, it is about your son, Luigi-"

"I have no son!"

The response shoots out of Niccolò Malfatto before he could finish his sentence.

He gives the old man a moment to collect himself from the outburst. Given the history between the two it is an expected reaction, though he has thought that a man of his age and standing would have shown more restraint, given that he should be consciously aware that the word "family business" can mean few other things.

"We regret to inform you, Patrizio Malfatto, that your son Luigi…has passed away."

"So…that imbecille has decided to finally do something good for the world, eh?"

"We cannot deny that we have no part in his departure, and hence we would hereby offer our deepest and most sincere apologies for that matter."

He rises from the chair, bends forward forty-five degrees into a formal bow, maintains the posture for several seconds then recovers and settles back into the seat.

"Well, so how much do I owe you for doing it?" the old man turns away, taking it as a bad joke.

"Patrizio, please. We understand that you and Luigi have some…history…between you, but this does not detract from the fact that he is your son. We have made arrangements for his body to be buried at our organisation's public cemetery in Roma, together with Irma."

"Do not…speak that name in this household, if you still have the slightest respect for this degenerating excuse of an old man…"

"Patrizio, we understand that-"

"You do not understand!" the old man is furious as he prowls from the wheelchair, separated from his prey by only the table before him, "That woman…those inexcusable Einzberns…they stole my son away from me, my ONLY SON, and broke our entire bloodline! Now this magic crest of my father's and my father's father's sits rotting in my useless body with no heir apparent to take it from me! How can you understand? How can you even SAY that you understand?"

The old man leans back into his chair, raises his head, and closes his eyes. His mind will not be easily changed.

But then again, he is not one to be easily discouraged.

"No, Patrizio, I think we do understand. You speak of your family crest, but what does it contain?"

"What do you mean?" the old man's eyes narrow. He suspects, which makes this all the more easier.

"Your family's specialization at increasing magic-energy capacity is nothing more than a façade, an ingredient for the true technique, one that has been perfected generations ago, yet never truly feasible."

"You…how do you…"

"The Absolute Territory, the indisputable King of all boundary fields, the ultimate defence against any and all attack. Your only constraint is the sheer amount of magic energy required to create such an effect for even the slightest of seconds, but theoretically it can be performed nonetheless."

"What is the point of telling me this? What is it you want?"

"Our point, is that your son, Luigi, was perfectly capable of projecting an Absolute Territory. In fact, we have witnessed and experienced it personally on numerous occasions."

For a moment the old man did not speak, merely stare at him for uttering something that seems to defy logic.

"Repeat yourself, for I did not hear what you have just said."

"I do not think that is necessary, Patrizio, I am always clear and concise with my words."

"I cannot hear it, I will not hear it! This is impossible!"

"Impossibility is but a way to deceive oneself, Patrizio. Through his own determination stemming from his undying love for Irma, Luigi has achieved what you hold to be impossible. Yes, Luigi did not inherit your magic crest, nor did he complete his training under you before moving to the Einzbern Family, but we believe we can both agree that his mastery over the technique has surpassed yours, and by extension that of your ancestors."

"That is…that is…"

"We know that it may be difficult for you to see where we are coming from, but we believe that it is in your best interest to acknowledge your son's accomplishment. After all, would it not be known in history that a child of your upbringing was able to recreate the Absolute Territory?"

"I…"

"Regardless, the necessary arrangements have already been made. We merely seek to inform you of the current circumstances surrounding this issue, and I hope that we can come to an understanding on this matter. Good day, Patrizio."

There is too much on the old man's mind now for him to thinking logically, which is what he had intended to do in the first place. Shock is a very effective psychological weapon indeed. Not waiting for the old man's reaction, he rose from the seat and bowed, then turns around and walks to the door, leaving the old man in his seat, struggling to make sense of it all.

(Please end the previous song here)


(Please play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / fMCznxCjHjA?t=5s)

"Shirou."

"Ugh…five more minutes…"

"Shirou, wake up, it is very late."

"Stop being so warm and cuddly, Saber, you're not helping…"

"Shirou please! You have school, remember?"

"Awwww…fine…"

My lethargic body makes its way out of the warm and cozy blanket. The cold morning air hits me immediately as my hair stand straight up, sending shivers down my limbs.

"Shirou, if this is how it is going to be then I believe that we should sleep separately on your school days."

"Argh…please Saber," I struggle to keep my eyelids open, fail, then struggle again in vain, "we just got home yesterday, I don't even want to go to school…"

"(Sigh), it is for your own good, Shirou."

A gentle shove on my back and my body is upright.

"What the hell…I'll just skip school today….spend some time with you…"

"W-with me?"

"Of course…"my eyes are open now, barely. The morning sun outside the window is really bright, brighter than what I'm used to in mornings, or maybe it's because it is so late in the morning already. I don't usually wake up this late, but yesterday was such a hassle that we only went to bed at slightly past midnight. Saber's full treatment has taken a month to complete as they didn't want her recovery to seem unnaturally fast and thus did not use any potent healing magic on her, but instead relied primarily on conventional medical treatment.

"But…"

"I got an exemption from the final exams, and now that the finals are finished we would just be wasting time in school anyway".

It's true, since Fuji-nee was kind enough to settle the paperwork for me, which is really something since she isn't usually this helpful about administrative matters in school. However, the "immersion programme at the Imperial College" is probably higher on her priority list than any internal examinations of the school. Although I would love to see Issei and the others after more than a month, one more day won't hurt.

"Oh, I see. Then I suppose it should be fine for you to rest at home for another day."

I prop myself upright with my hands to relief my weight off her hands, then turn around to face her. Seeing her dressed in her pyjamas with her hair down, her face looking slightly drowsy but attentive nonetheless, and her lips curled upwards into a really small but distinctive smile…it's probably the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.

Yeah, Issei and the others can wait another day.


"God dammit…"

I can't believe that I have forgotten such an important detail. It has been a whole month since I've left the house, and now there isn't anything remotely edible left in the kitchen or the refrigerator. Fuji-nee probably cleared out all the snacks and instant-foods while Sakura would have helped to cook or remove the raw foods before they go bad. As our return was unannounced, there was no way Sakura or Fuji-nee could have restocked the kitchen before we arrived.

And now the two of us are standing in the kitchen, looking like starving idiots.

"Shirou, what do we do?"

"Well, we have to go into town for breakfast then, since pretty much everyone I know is in school or working, while barging into Sakura's house and raiding her kitchen won't be a pleasant thing to do either."

"I see…"

Saber frowns. She never changes, especially when it comes to food.

"Relax, we'll catch the bus into town like we did the last time, it won't be long."

"Like we did on our date?"

"Right, on our-"

Actually, that is a very good idea.

"Saber," I quickly grab her hands with mine, "do you want to go on a date with me again, like last time?"

"W-what?" she blushes almost immediately.

"A date! Just like last time! We'll go to places and do all sorts of fun things, remember?"

"T-that's…"

Saber now looks completely disoriented, almost appearing to be panicking. I don't know what's gone into her, since she should be used to this sort of thing by now.

"Relax, it won't end up like last time, I promise!"

"V…..very well, we will go on a date, Shirou."


The bus into the city is rather empty at this time of the day as most people are in school or at work. Saber was silent for the entire journey, merely surveying the scenery around us as the bus passes through the neighbourhood. For me as well, I can feel a strong sense of belonging as the bus passes the narrow streets, around the park and across the bridge. After so many things have happened, I'm finally home. We are finally home.

(Please end the previous song here)


(Please play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship, thank you. youtu . be / IAGJWBAFg8c?t=22s)

"Your villainy is at its end, Dark Emperor Gihren!"

"Well well, if it isn't the Gundamu! You are too late! My Solar Ray is already fully operational! You and your puny Federation fleet are doomed!"

"No! It can't be!"

"Amuro! What do we do now?"

"We can't surrender! Gundamu cannot be beaten this easily!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Your powers are weak! You cannot hope to defeat me now!"

(Char ga Kuru plays in the background)

"N-nandato?"

"It's-"

(Red Zeong appears)

"Dark Emperor Gihren Zabi! Your end has come!"

"Well well, if it isn't the Red Comet himself! You alone will make little difference now! You and your Rebel Neo Zeon soldiers will be crushed by the Solar Ray as well!"

"Arrogance! Your evil cannot hope to triumph against the TAMASHII of ZEON! Now, my Newtype Comrades!"

(Dozens of Newtype mobile suits appear)

"Sono BAKANA! How did they break through our forces?"

"You underestimate the power of Newtypes, Gihren Zabi, the next stage of Human Evolution! Your lust for power has turned you blind to the course of human history, forcing your soul to be held down by gravity! Now, defeat him, GUNDAMU!"

"Right! Kai, Hayato, let's go!"

"Yoshi!"

"IKKEI! GUNDAMU!"

"No! You will not destroy my EMPIRE! Solar Ray, HASHOU!"

"Oh no! The Federation Fleet!"

(Screen whites out as Solar Ray fires)

(Please end the previous song here)

"Shirou, is this…"

"Oh, this is all fake, Saber, not some historical war film or anything."

"I see…"

Apparently bringing Saber to a super-robot movie isn't the best decision I've made in my life, though everything else were either romantic comedies, horror movies or tragedies, all of which I don't like, and I don't think Saber will like as well. Whatever the case, I think we should at least watch it to the end.


(Please play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / EhRsZxb3dCQ)

"Yeah, that one looks good on you, Saber!"

"Hmmm…"

I don't know if it is girls' second nature, but Saber is taking awfully long in buying clothes. This is the fifth shirt she's trying already, not to mention four pairs of shorts and six skirts lying in wait.

"If you can't decide I'll just buy both of them, it's fine!"

"But that would be a terrible waste of money if I decide that I do not like one of them as much as the other, right?"

God dammit, this will take a while…


"Shirou, I want to visit that shop."

"Oh, that one?"

Saber is pointing at what appears to be a shop that sells antiques. Right smack in its display window is a huge sword, probably longer than I am tall. Below it is a tiny price tag with more zeros than my eyes could take in at a glance.

"Well, sure, but I don't think my wallet can take such punishment."


We had lunch in the same restaurant that we were in the last time. I made sure to order extra servings of the red tea since Saber enjoyed it so much.

"So how's the tea, Saber?"

"Mmmm, it is very exquisite, more so than the last time."

"I'm glad you like it. I'll order another one, alright?"

"Yes, thank you, Shirou."

The strain on my wallet grows even greater, though keeping Saber happy is my top priority here. We can't have a repeat of the previous date, not after how close we have gotten.


"Shirou, look! This one looks exactly like it!"

Saber is clearly excited as she runs over carrying a stuffed toy in her hand.

"Oh, this little guy! I remember it!"

That's right, the stuffed lion I bought her the last time. I don't know where the hell I dumped it after half a year, but the shop appears to have stock remaining so no harm buying another one.

"Thank you for understanding, Shirou. I adore this design very much and couldn't find it at home last night."

"Of course, we'll buy it. No hard feelings eh, Saber?"

"Um. Of course not, Shirou."

Right, time for wallet-kun to shed some flab again…


(Please end the previous song here)

The sun is low in the sky as we slowly embark on our journey home. There is no rush to get home, since Sakura and Fuji-nee are probably not coming over. We have all the time in the world, all to ourselves. Right now, my mind is pretty much empty, along with my wallet. All I can think of is how fun it has been today, and how much fun we will have in the future, together.

Without me realising, we have reached the bridge across the river.

"Shirou."

Saber suddenly stops, then leans on the railing beside the footpath. Her golden hair looks more beautiful than ever as she is showered in the light of the setting sun. In the water behind her, the shadow of the destroyed ship looms, casting a large shadow over the water surface.

And similarly, from her somber expression, I can see a shadow of doubt in her heart.

(Please play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / 3L1DEvzsftw)

"What is it, Saber?"

"Do you think…" she turns around to face the sunset, her body dissolving into a mere silhouette in the sunlight, "…that I have made the right choice?"

So it has come to this again, at this exact same spot. The last time, the last time where I failed to convince her, I failed to convince myself, and I ran away from it all. It was disgusting, now that I think of it, totally disgusting and cowardly. It was my fault that we didn't get home early and ran into Gilgamesh, it was my fault that she was left all alone, feeling sorry for herself in the cold night, with no one to share her burdens.

It was all my fault, and it will not happen again.

I make my way to her, and slowly, my arms surround her body as I press myself against her back.

"Sh-Shirou…"

"Of course you did, you idiot," I whisper in her ear, "think of it from my perspective, all the nonsense I've been through just to bring you back. It would be unfair not just for you, but for me as well, right?"

"That's…"

"Selfish? I know. Everyone can afford to be selfish, you know?"

"But…"

I release my hold on her slightly and flip her body around to face me. Her face wears a slightly shocked expression, but cute nonetheless.

"You know I'm only selfish when it comes to you, right Saber?"

"Sh-Shirou…"

"So stop being unfair to yourself, okay?"

"Shirou…I…"

Tears are streaming from her eyes as she hugs me in return, burying her face in my chest as weeps. I can understand what is going through her head right now. She never really had a choice in this matter, merely being carried here by my will. In the end her Kingdom was never saved, but…

"Don't worry, Saber. What ever happened is in the past, we can't change that. But we're together now, so please, stay with me, stay with me forever."

With a slight jerk, I put my hand on the back of her head and gently push her lips onto mine in one fluid motion, feeling the warmth and moisture of her mouth on mine. She spasms a little, but quickly relaxes as our bodies melt into each other, slowly shifting to press tighter together. There is not a shadow of doubt within me that this is what I want. This is what I want, and this is what I have created for myself and for her as well. There would be many more days ahead of us, but at least we are together now, and nothing will set us apart, forever. This is our Avalon, our Eternal Utopia. It is right here, right now. This life we will lead will be the one and only that we will have, and we will treasure every single moment of it. Though our time in this world is not infinite, as long as we are together, our love will endure forever, and ever, and ever. Yes, this is what I want. And now, I am sure that this is what she wants as well.

Our lips part for the slightest of moments.

"I love you, Saber."

"Um. I love you too, Shirou."

Fate/Eleutheria, END

(Please end the previous song here and play the following song before continuing, while removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / XYKUeZQbMF0)

Tiger Dojo XII

Taiga: GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!

Ilya: Welcome to the latest installment of Tiger Dojo!

(Giant signboard appears in the background)

T: Fufufu! Good job for making it here, you! Yes, you! You have heeded my wise words and performed wonderfully to finally get here!

I: YATA!

T: Before we begin, here's a public service announcement from the editing team.

I: Let's hear it!

T: Alright...ok, "Dear Reader, thank you for your effort in aid of our relentless effort against the evil of internet censorship. Our justice prevailed time and time again due to your steadfast strength in removing additional spacing to decode our video links that have been sneaked past the prying eyes of censors. As we are not technologically capable of releasing a fully-interactive Visual Novel as a fanwork, certain processes such as sound have to be controlled manually. We hope that you will stand by us as we continue our eternal endeavour for true Freedom and Justice to liberate our common domain - the World Wide Web!"

I: That's right!

(Please stop the previous song and play the following song, again removing additional spacing to combat censorship. Thank you. youtu . be / O-sk5yl0M54)

(Fireworks in the background)

T: So, Ilya-chan, what do you think about how the story ended?

I: Ohh I am so happy for Onii-chan! It was like a dream come true, right?

T: Uh, uh! That's right!

I: But…now that Saber is back, Onii-chan won't play with me nearly as much as before, would he?

T: Ah, that is true.

I: That's totally unfair! Onii-chan hidoi!

T: Sheesh! Stop being an immature baby will you? Shirou is in good hands now.

I: You're not one to say that!

T: Such insolence!

(Taiga smacks Ilya on the head with a shinai)

I: AHH! Ittai!

T: Where is your respect?

I: WAHHH! ONII-CHAN!

T: Anyways, we have a special guest for today, everyone, let's welcome SABER-SAN!

Saber: Yes, good morning, Taiga.

I: W-WAHH! Saber is here?

T: Of course, she is our special guest for our interview!

S: Yes, Taiga has kindly invited me for this interview.

I: Hmph! Fine, carry on.

S: Thank you, Ilya.

T: Now then, Saber-san, we are going to answer some questions posted by readers of this fanfic, is that alright with you?

S: That would be fine, I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

T: Right, the first question: did you expect to be saved by Shirou?

S: My faith in Shirou was and will always be strong, but yes, I did not expect it to be done so quickly. From Merlin's words it would seem that Shirou and I would only be united after our deaths. I never thought that…I would meet him again in this life.

T: Ohhhh! So very touching indeed!

I: BAH!

T: Shut up!

(Taiga smacks Ilya with shinai again)

I: ITTAI!

T: Keep that mouth of yours shut or there will be more from where that came from!

I: (grumble grumble)

S: Taiga…was that really necessary? She is Shirou's sister after all.

T: Trust me on this one, Saber-san, I'm not a teacher for nothing you know! Coming up, next question: so what is your relationship with those "Assassins"? Why would they want to help you and Shirou if there is no connection between you at all?

I: Yeah, those guys in hoods are really creeping me out!

S: I'm not really too sure about what you mean, since I don't really know any of them, but…

T: Go on, go on!

S: Well, I did have some ties with them in a previous Holy Grail War, but I do not imagine that they would do something like this simply for me as a person. As much as I can tell, the Assassins do not usually act without any regard for the world in entirety, so I cannot determine their precise motives in this.

T: Hmm, that is profound indeed.

I: Geez, I sure hope I don't see those creeps again!

T: But of course, Shirou was the one who did most of the work, right?

S: Definitely, I believe in him.

T: Ooooo…now then, next question: so how exactly are you existing in this world now? Are you still a servant?

S: Well, no. As Shirou brought me directly from my time to his time, now I possess my own original body, and not that of a Servant. It does mean that I do not have most of the powers that my other self would have, but it is good to be fully human again, and to be with Shirou.

I: Hmph! Shirou-this, Shirou-that, give me a break already!

T: HYA!

(POW!)

I: AHHHHHHHHH! (flies off screen)

T: And stay there! Fufufu, surely you don't mind me disciplining disrespectful children, do you, Saber-san?

S: (shocked) Ah…no, please carry on, Taiga.

T: Right, next question then…wow, this is from a really brave reader! So, Saber-san, you are living off Shirou now, right? Are you going to be a neet for the rest of your life? Isn't that a terribly thing to do to Shirou?"

S: N-not at all! (embarrassed) I…I will try to find a job when I can…..and supplement Shirou's income if possible, though I don't know if there is anything I can do to earn a living…

T: Well, well, that is that then! We're running out of time, so one final question…ohhh, this one is hard, really hard indeed!

S: What is it, Taiga?

T: Saber-san…seeing the interactions between Rin and Shirou in the story, do you feel threatened by the development in their relationship? Fufufu…

S: That's-that's nothing! It's common practice for Kings to have several lovers to demonstrate his position of power, it's nothing at all! Really!

T: Ohhhhh, so, you don't mind them being lovey-dovey together?

S: O-of course not! I mean…Shirou is…Shirou is…Shirou loves me, right?

T: Fufufu! I guess we will have to find out! Alright folks, I'm afraid that all good things must come to an end! Thank you for your continued support of this fanfic, and we hope to see you again in the next exciting installment of TIGER DOJO!

I: (reappears on stage) BYE! (cue fireworks, curtains close on stage)

Gilgamesh: (behind curtains) MONGRELS! WHERE IS MY ALL-IMPORTANT APPEARANCE IN THIS FANFIC?