A/N: No beta this time.
Two weeks had passed since the mission to the Scandinavian Lostbelt. The Chaldean crew had managed to reach the person that sent the distress signal calling for survivors.
It had come from the headquarters of one of the three branches of the magus association, the Wandering Sea. A single magus from the Atlas Academy remained there, Sion. She had allowed them entry, and to set up a new base there.
If Rin could see Shirou Emiya right now, he was sure she would be fuming. For him to enter the Wandering Sea before her was outrageous.
But there he was, in Novum Chaldea, built in the caverns. A near perfect replica of Chaldea's last base.
He tried to think what Rin would say. What Luvia would say. He wanted to draw strength from their memory. To justify his actions, his betrayal of the Valkyrie's love.
He felt empty. He had nothing left save for his ideal, and a bunch of people he had to protect no matter what.
He tried to distract himself, to prepare for the coming challenges.
So he trained, he tried to do maintenance, he tried to cook in the absence of Servants. Anything to not think of the Valkyries.
Sadly, most of his work was often taken over by Sion's Servant, who went simply by Captain. He could not figure out his identity due to his lack of a weapon.
Novum Chaldea had a simulator, and a versatile one at that.
He trained every available hour until it came time for meals, or cooking. If he slept, he did it by collapsing from exhaustion.
After everything, how could he afford to do anything else?
That day was no different. He was in an open field, fighting Wyverns. A recreation of France during the very first Singularity, or so Mash told him.
They weren't as strong as the real thing, just enough to let him feel like facing one while still having a chance.
He found himself surrounded by four.
He panted, weighing his options.
One of the Wyverns assaulted him with claws. He tried to block with his left arm as a habit he developed. But of course, there was nothing to protect his arm.
Still, even if his skin was torn up, his chest was intact. And so, he was able to pierce the creature with a projected lance that had some anti dragon properties.
The Wyvern howled and disappeared into purple dust.
The others dived to avenge their fallen comrade.
Shirou strained his magic circuits, and replicated four more copies of the spears by lifting his right hand. They levitated above him. Then he overloaded them, and shot them towards his assailants like ballistic missiles.
The creatures fell swiftly, and so the simulation came to an end.
He had killed thirty two this time. A marginal improvement since last week.
He exited the chamber into a locker room. Why Servants needed it, he did not know.
Once he was done showering, he went to grab his old clothes back. They had male variations of the Mystic Codes worn by Ritsuka, but Shirou felt like he needed to wear his old Mystic Code.
No, Hildr's Mystic Code.
He grimaced, as he looked at the discarded clothes. They were dirty for sure, and a quick wash would leave them good as new thanks to Da Vinci's inventions.
But he looked at the gift, and felt disgusted at himself. He did not deserve to wear it.
Or maybe it was time to wash it more thoroughly.
So he bit the bullet and changed into the Chaldea Mystic Code that was going unused. Better not be wasteful.
He exited the locker room, and found himself on a white hallway connecting with a stone cavern. The pristine, straight walls suddenly digging into uneven rock.
"Good day, Emiya," Shirou turned towards the person that called to him. Leaning by the locker door was Ophelia. She looked much like she did during the Lostbelt. Her black eyepatch was back, and her arm was out of the cast, but she now wore an outfit with more white in it. Something less thick and ornamental, much more practical. She also had a tablet hugged between her arms.
She had spent at best one day as a prisoner before Mash allowed her to roam free. No one but Goredolf seemed to mind, and he was outnumbered. Thus there were few complaints. She was helpful to say the least. She had quite the commanding attitude, and was very organized. Most of her days she spent on Mash's company.
Shirou was glad she was integrating well.
"Ophelia," he greeted her with a curt nod. "Is everything alright?"
She was a little taken aback, as she always did when he asked that question. "Of course. Thank you."
An awkward silence set in. He had no time for that. Maybe someone needed help elsewhere.
"So, I'll get going then," he said, turning around.
"Wait! Remember that today the summoning system comes online," she said.
"Oh," he said, looking back at her. She seemed concerned. According to Chaldea, the summoning system was random. But… they also had registered spirit origins. Servants previously summoned. And among them was Napoleon, and a bunch of Berserkers.
"We need you, as a precaution," she finished.
"S-sure, I'll be there," he said, beginning to walk away. It was rude, but he also did not have much else to say.
Ophelia quickly caught up to him. "Emiya, it would be better if you don't leave like that."
"I have places to be,"
"Right. Anyway, you were training for four hours."
"And?"
"Have you rested?"
"No."
"Then you should. You are hogging the simulator. And also, we are concerned."
"We?"
"Mash, Ritsuka, the Director, me," she said, looking at him with her piercing blue eye. "You might be overworking yourself with your unusual magecraft."
"I am fine," as he said that, she stepped in front of him. He glared at her. "Move please."
At this, she raised her hand, palm facing up.
"Show me your right hand," she ordered. Her voice turned serious and cutting.
With a sigh, Shirou put his hand on top of hers.
She turned it around, looking it all over. He noticed then, that the skin around his fingers and a few spots on his palm were dark brown, like he had a tan.
"You are overusing your magic. And we are not even in a mission," she said with some frustration.
"I know what I'm doing. Besides, I'd rather have my body destroyed than… someone else die," he said, pulling his hand out of her grip with force.
Ophelia glared back a little, before her expression turned to a pitying one.
"Just… please get some rest. Alright? Kirschtaria and the old director were the same as you. Always working, always trying to do their very best to the point of collapsing. I'll admit I did the same and that's why I'd rather not see you follow that path," she said, almost pleading. Shirou looked away. There were so many paths people didn't want him to go through, but in the end he always walked them regardless.
Still, he could not resist her pleading look. He did not want to make her worry for him.
"If you insist," he said with a sigh. "Let's go to the summoning room then. Get it over with."
"Right," With that, they both began walking the halls of Novum Chaldea towards the control room.
"So you knew the old Director?" Shirou asked suddenly. Ophelia's eye widened, as if remembering something terrible. Shirou thought of taking back his question, but… something dark tugged at his mind. Worrying about how others felt all the time… it hadn't done him good in the Lostbelt. What good would it do now?
"Yes. Olga Marie Animusphere," the name rung a bell in Shirou's head.
"I see. By the look on your face… I guess she didn't leave willingly," he said, watching Ophelia's scrunched up expression.
"No. She died during the bombing, at the same time I was put in a coma. But then… her spirit remained in Singularity F. Even though she was already dead… Lev Lainur forced her into Chaldeas' core. According to Mash and Fujimaru, it was an endless death," Ophelia said, some bitterness in her voice.
"I'm sorry. I guess you liked her," Shirou added.
"I… she had a lot to prove," Ophelia said with some hesitation. That gave Shirou enough to go on. He had known someone very similar.
"So she was bossy and arrogant, always trying to prove herself but never with enough strength to reach her objective," he said with harshness. Ophelia's eyes widened at his analysis.
"I would put it another way, but yes. She was a far cry from Marisbilly. Even so… she deserved better," she said.
Nothing more was said between them. However, Shirou noted some hesitation from Ophelia, as if talking to him were hard. Was it something he said?
Well… not like he cared. In this path, he was sure to draw hate.
Ophelia hating him would be a relief.
And so, they strode in silence towards the Control Room.
"Do you have it Mash?"
"Yes, it's been placed."
"Don't worry you two. Although the FATE summoning system was not designed with Catalysts in mind, with my knowledge and Da Vinci's genius I think we got it working."
Banter could be heard from the Control Room. That was one of the flaws of Novum Chaldea, the echo that was created due to it's emptiness relative to it's size. Hopefully that would change in a few moments.
Shirou and Ophelia arrived to see Ritsuka, Mash and Sion surrounding a summoning circle much more advanced and… holographic than he remembered. Ritsuka and Mash stood near the centre on the room, while Sion was on the side operating a console.
The chamber itself was like a high tech command room fused with a cavern that had a door on the far side. Even after the retrofitting made by Captain, some dampness still leaked.
"Good morning you two," Ritsuka said with a grin. She seemed in a much better mood lately. While Shirou was not sure her feud with Ophelia was over, at least they were amicable.
"Morning Mash, Fujimaru," Ophelia said with a small bow. "Forgive our lateness."
"It's no big deal, Senpai is always late," Mash said, to which Ritsuka blushed with embarrassment.
"Now wait a minute! That's not true at all!" Ritsuka said.
"I always count the time Senpai. You are nearly always late at least by thirty or more seconds. Up to an hour," Mash replied, eyes closed as if lamenting something.
Ritsuka deadpanned, and Ophelia smirked.
"Good to see at least you are organized Mash. Although you don't need to worry, I'll be sure to help my junior with her schedule from now on," Ophelia said, stealing a glance at Ritsuka. The other girl noticed this and frowned.
"Are you trying to say something about me?" Ritsuka asked.
"Not at all. I'd tell you directly if I wished to do so," Ophelia said with not a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Shirou was impressed at her control. However, he was not in the mood for banter. They had a mission to complete.
"Listen here–" Ritsuka began, pointing a finger at the ex-Crypter.
"–Alright already. We have things to do, no?" he said, stepping up. Ritsuka raised an eyebrow.
"Ember Farming with Mash, Training, Cleaning… more farming…" Ritsuka began using her fingers to point her activities.
"Don't forget rest," Mash said.
"And rest! Which is something you haven't been doing," Ritsuka pointed a finger at Shirou's nose, which he moved away with his hand.
"Why is everyone so concerned about what I do lately?" Shirou asked with a sigh.
"It's unhealthy, and unusual. Not like Senpai's doing any better," Mash glared, yes, glared at Ritsuka for the first time since he met the pair. "You are not like this."
Seeing Mash act like she was close to him triggered something. A bitterness in his chest. "You don't know me that well."
Mash flinched at the statement and a silence then fell upon the group. Perhaps that came out too harshly, but that was his opinion. It was fine if they resented him.
"People? The summoning is ready," Sion said. Ritsuka turned around.
"Hit it," she said.
"Alright. Commencing operation," the circle lit up, with orbs of light forming into a circle. Soon, it began to spin as energy began blowing wind around it.
Soon the circle collapsed, creating a pillar of blinding light. Shirou had to cover his eyes.
After a few moments, the light was gone, and so he allowed himself to gaze upon the new Servant.
Upon the summoning circle, surrounded by mist, was a girl with black hair, a hood and a spear.
Someone he knew very well.
His heart nearly stopped as a cold sensation washed upon him.
His body was torn between the need to remain there, and run away.
"Valkyrie, individual name Ortlinde. I have answered your summons… eh? You are… human?"
The Valkyrie looked at Ritsuka with widened eyes, but quickly recovered her composure. Back to being a perfect, emotionless machine.
"T-That's right," Ritsuka said with some hesitation. "Welcome to Chaldea."
The Master offered a hand, but Ortlinde only gazed upon it quizzically. She was almost like… when he summoned them.
No. He could not do it again. He may not care what others thought of him anymore but… Ortlinde hating him again, that would be too much.
As she spoke with Ritsuka, Ophelia and Mash, Ortlinde looked around. Her eyes landed upon his in an instant. They shone like rubies, just like he remembered. They widened in surprise, as if recognizing something. His chest went hollow when he thought that.
He turned to leave, quickly spinning on his heel and walking quickly. He knew it would not go unnoticed, but he needed to get away.
"M-Master, there is an important matter I must attend. I'll be back shortly," he heard from behind.
Swiftly, Ortlinde floated in front of him, cutting off his escape. She looked at him intently, and he looked away. The image of a hateful Valkyrie still lingered in his mind.
"Human," she addressed him curtly. "I have faint traces of recognition on my being. Have we met in battle?"
Shirou clenched his fist, and his teeth.
"You… don't know me," he stated.
"I have no memory of you. And yet, I feel like I should have. Maybe it was due to an incorrect summoning. I would like your assistance to–"
"–We've never met," Ortlinde stopped in her tracks. The words flew out of Shirou's mouth, and only then could he face her.
"Are you certain?" she asked with some hesitation. Shirou's words did not come fast this time. What he said next, could make this his third chance.
But that was too much for him. More than that, he was sure that this was some cruel joke from fate, karma, the world, or something else.
He was done with it. And so, he looked her square in the eye, with not a hint of emotion on his face.
"I am certain. This is the first time I have seen your current form," his words were cold, unfeeling. However, Ortlinde didn't seem bothered by it. She floated around him, looking over every fibre of his body.
"You are not lying. But I do feel like I have some familiarity with you. I'm sure of it," Shirou grumbled.
"So you know everything?" He asked with sarcasm. Ortlinde stopped her inspection and eyed him with a raised eyebrow.
"I am a Valkyrie, I've been blessed with the god's insight," she said. He had heard that spiel before.
"And that makes you perfect? You can make mistakes like anyone else. Now, can I leave?" Ortlinde seemed somewhat shook at his words. She closed her eyes, composed herself, then opened them again. She frowned at him. It hurt but… it was no different than in the Lostbelt.
"You may. Your lack of respect has been noted, human," with that, Ortlinde flew back. He watched her go for the third time in his life. Down the hallway, he saw Mash, Ritsuka and Ophelia staring at him in disbelief.
With a frown, he turned around and left quietly.
Thrud was summoned as part of the Valkyrie saint graph. Not shortly after her two sisters. Thanks to her larger upper limit of magical energy.
They were together at last. The last three Valkyries. And Sister Brynhildr was here, they fought under the same master.
She couldn't be more…
Satisfied. Yes, satisfaction was the best a Valkyrie should feel.
Yet, there was something that bothered them. The three of them.
A set of memories, of a summoning that felt an eternity away.
They had met a young boy and… they could not process what exactly happened to them. But they grew close, something no valkyrie should do.
For the first time, Valkyrie Thrud was frightened. This was something neither she nor her sisters could face.
She was the Eldest, she should be an example. Yet, she could not face those memories.
However, deep inside… she found them beautiful.
Even if they were not hers, a version of her had experienced them. What did that say about her?
Whenever they saw the man with orange hair whose name would not be revealed to them… they felt something strange.
Longing, intrigue, sadness.
So they avoidded him, just like he avoided them. Perhaps he, like them, rejected their memories together.
Thrud felt dissappointed.
Until one day…
"Lady Tomote," Ortlinde asked, one round of their racing game finished. The japanese Archer looked at her with a kind smile. "May I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Ortlinde," Tomoe said. Thrud and Hildr raised an eyebrow, despite already knowing what she would ask.
"You met Master once, right? You were summoned… in another place," she said. Instantly, all pleasantness from Tomoe was replaced by an aura of guilt and sadness.
"That is correct," she replied. Thrud did not like this. It was not proper of Valkyries to bother heroes.
"Ortlinde, this is making her uncomfortable. Please do not inquire further," Thrud ordered. Ortlinde flinched.
"I-I-I'm so sorry, lady Tomoe! I didn't mean–!" However, Tomoe raised a hand and stopped the apology.
"It's alright. But why do you want to know that?" Tomoe asked.
"Well," Hildr said, her usual energy absent. "We have these memories… from one time we were summoned. And we can't stop looking at them. They are so foreign, yet… it also feels like us. We don't know what to think," Hildr said.
Tomoe closed her eyes, deep in thought.
"The circumstances were different in my case," she said. "But I cannot say those feelings, those actions, were not something I'd do. Despite how twisted I became… it was still me in some way. As much as I hate myself for it… I cannot change that. Only aknowledge that maybe I could do that."
The three sisters said nothing. Then, it was Thrud who spoke.
"So… if we loved that man with orange hair once… does that mean we can love?" She asked. Tomoe looked at her with surprise, and them smiled a bit.
"Maybe. It's all up to you. You can accept those memories, or reject them. It was still you. But that doesn't mean you have to be like that. Your path is your own, Valkyrie. Now, shall we go another round? I'm sure I can beat you this time," with a nod, all four returned to their racing game.
However…
What should we do… Valkyrie?
I do not know.
I… want to see him. I want to know if we really are capable of feelings.
And why is that?
Because… I'm scared, of the fact that maybe we'll lose ourselves like sister Brynhildr.
Don't say something like that! We won't lose ourselves sister. But I can't say I'm not curious as well. I say we talk to him once again!
Should we? I'm unsure. He was very rude, he denied knowing us.
Once again. We shall speak to him once again. End this once and for all. Are we in agreement?
We are.
Yes! Let's do it!
Very well. Then...
His tracing practice was interrupted by a call to his door.
Shirou Emiya found Ophelia Pharmsolone behind it, holding a paper wrapped package.
"Good Night, Shirou. Did I wake you?"
"Not really," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Ophelia remained on the outside, and he blocked her entrance to his room.
"May I come in?" She asked. Shirou nodded, and stepped away. Ophelia entered without a hint of embarrassment. She looked around his empty room, and a sheet on the floor that held the numerous weapons he had been tracing. She left the package on the small table he had near his bed.
"Impressive," she said as she looked a small dagger over. An Azoth sword. "I remember when I got one of these as a graduation gift."
Shirou was not in the mood for small talk, so he cut right to the point. "What is it, Ophelia?"
She looked at him with a shocked expression, something those that knew him wore whenever he spoke nowadays.
"I wanted to apologize,"
"For what?"
"It was us who summoned the Valkyries. It was not random," Shirou froze in place.
"Why?" he asked. Ophelia fidgeted, vulnerable.
"We thought… it may help you heal if the Valkyries you knew came. But… I guess that was a mistake," she said, looking at the ground.
"I… I didn't need help. I don't need the concern," Shirou replied, grimacing. He knew they meant well… but were they so foolish? So blind? No… no they were not.
"And that's why we are concerned, Emiya. You are destroying yourself. It's not fair," Ophelia said, stepping up to him.
"I think it's perfectly fair. Ophelia… I killed them. I wanted to save them but instead… I just made their last moments worse! I shouldn't have done anything! I shouldn't even be here!" He said, sitting on his bed. He could not bear the pain anymore, could not bear the guilt.
He felt some weight onto the mattress. Ophelia at at his side, looking at him with sadness.
"So… you are saying that your presence was a mistake? Trying to save others is a mistake?"
"No… but… I don't know. Maybe," he said, looking down to the ground.
"Emiya, if you hadn't been there… I probably would not be here," As she said that, Shirou felt a pang of guilt.
"You can't know that," he replied.
"I can. Until you entered the picture, I saw no future for myself. It was only because of you and Napoleon and Mash that I was able to see beyond the horizon. You saved me, Emiya. It's selfish, to be happy about your actions when they clearly caused others pain but… I'm still grateful."
Niether of them said anything for a moment. Then, Shirou spoke the truth. "You saved yourself. You know that, right?"
"Yes. But you still where there all the way. Is me being here a mistake? Would you rather I not be?" He immediately uprighted himself.
"No… No I want you to be here. I'm… happy that you are safe."
"So it was not a mistake then," she said, smiling.
"But…"
"Shirou… you cannot save everybody."
"I know. I know I can't save everybody. But even when I tried my hardest, I got people killed instead of saving them."
"But you still tried, and I think that's admirable. I didn't even have the strength to try and save myself. So please… It's alright to grieve, but it's wrong to hurt yourself."
"…"
"Anyway. I think you should give yourself a second chance with them. I can't judge wether you deserve them or not… but you do deserve to try and be happy. So here," she handed him the package. It was heavy, round, and cold.
"This is…" he unwrapped it. Soon, the symbol of the Valkyries revealed itself, along with a golden shield of divine iron.
"Mash didn't want to leave it, since it meant so much to you," Shirou grit his teeth, resting his forehead on the shield.
"I'm not–"
"It's not about worthiness! She gave it to you, she believed in you, and I'm sure she always will. And she's here," Ophelia said, hands clenched. Shirou looked at her. She seemed genuinely upset at him. Seeing her like that… it hurt. Could he never just stop making people cry?
"I… I can't. I just… They don't even remember me. I don't want to… love and then lose them again," he said, voice cracking.
"You will lose them eventually. Just like I lost Kirschtaria, just like Fujimaru once lost Mash. Doesn't mean you should not enjoy it while it lasts. I'm also searching for a second chance with Kirschtaria. Even if it ends in pain, I cannot live without an answer to that." They remained in silence. Shirou looked at the shield while on the bed, while Ophelia stood in front of him.
The bright white room, devoid of anything unnecessary, was now inhabited by two useless humans on a quest to restore a world begone.
Shirou wanted to laugh at that thought.
"I… thanks, Ophelia," he said, his lips involuntarily curving upwards. "I just… need some time. That's all."
She smiled back. It was cute. She seemed happy, and that made him happy as well.
"It's alright. As long as you stop hating yourself, It's fine."
"I don't think I can do that yet. But… I do feel better. You act all stern but… you are quite the motivator," at his comment, Ophelia blushed a little.
"Well, what kind of Senpai would I be if I didn't take care of my juniors?" She asked, beaming.
She turned around, and with another smile over her shoulder, she left his room. "See you at dinner, Shirou."
Emiya took a deep breath.
He caressed the shield. That precious gift he kept for so long.
It had never bent nor broken. It was the crystallization of the Valkyrie's valour.
It was unthinkable to wield it without living up to it's reputation.
Never once retreating, never once victorious.
Just then, Shirou realized he had a choice to make.
Regardless of the answer… he would move forward.
He spent some days trying his best to hang around the Servants and his human companions.
It wasn't easy to keep up good spirits, and every so often, he found himself repeating the words the Ortlinde of another world spoke to him in his mind.
Still, being with Mash, Ritsuka and Ophelia and the rest of the Chaldea crew, it brought back pleasant memories of his time on Fuyuki. Despite their grim circumstances, they moved forward together.
Still… there was one thing that remained.
A week after his conversation with Ophelia, he knew what he wanted say.
He only knew that was were the Valkyrie sisters rested thanks to Brynhildr, who was more than thrilled to have him visit them.
He touched a spot on pad in the nearby wall, which was the equivalent of knocking due to the way the steel door was soundproofed.
For a second nothing happened. Then, the door slid open, revealing Ortlinde in her hood.
Their eyes met, and Shirou felt the need to back down.
As soon as she recognized him, she frowned.
"The disrespectful human, what do you desire?" She asked plainly. Shirou winced, but remained calm.
"I wanted to speak to you three. If I may," he said. Ortlinde raised an eyebrow, then her eyes landed on his clothes. He wore the White Swan Mystic code once again. He had even taken the time to wash it.
"We wish to speak with you as well. Wait a moment," Ortlinde closed her eyes, and her hood moved a little.
Soon, Thrud was looking behind her.
She looked as beautiful as he remembered her. Stern and calm.
"So it is true…" she mused. "… we have agreed to allow you entrance."
They stepped aside. He walked into the room. It was almost as plain as his, except this one had a game console and a tv.
Hildr was playing on it. She looked at the new arrival, their eyes meeting. Instantly, she floated off her couch and in front of him.
"So he really does have it. How interesting…" she said, looking him all over.
"So, what business do you have here, human?" Thrud asked.
"I'm…" he nearly choked, but managed to the words out. "I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have been so rude. I… do want to work and fight you," he said, doing a small bow like he had been taught.
"Hmmm… you disparaged our insight. Yet, you seem sincere," Thrud said, rubbing her chin.
"Hm, hm. I say we forgive him. He does seem…" Hildr said, wearing a smile.
"… yes. He is on his way to be worthy," Ortlinde stated.
"Human," Thrud said, getting attention back to herself. "We'll ask once more. What is your name?"
As she said that, something akin to uncertainty presented itself on her features, in the form of a frown.
If he didn't know any better, he'd say she was afraid of his answer.
"I'm Emiya. Shirou Emiya," he said.
The three Valkyrie's eyes moved away from him, either to each other or some corner of the room. Their lips pursed, as if holding back something.
For a second, some hope emerged.
"Do you… remember me?" He asked.
"Not exactly," Hildr said.
"We have memories of past summonings, few as they were. But only the memories. We didn't live that, not us," Thrud said. Shirou felt what little hope he had get squashed.
"I see…" he said.
"Maybe it was the summoning performed but… the memories with you are… strange…" Ortlinde said.
"Strange?"
"They are not ours. We know that. Yet, for some reason, we cannot stop looking at them."
"It's hard to believe all that happened. It should be easy to dismiss, to delete. But we can't. Something compels us to cherish them," Ortlinde said.
"A Valkyrie should have no feelings, yet… we look back and are happy," Thrud continued.
"And we kind of wish we could live that. A little," Hildr added.
"We don't really understand it, but regardless… we just cannot get rid of it. Of this ever-present feeling," Ortlinde said, holding a hand atop her chest. "It's… frightening."
"We debated on asking you about it, but since you seemed to be avoiding us… we determined it'd be best to leave you alone for the time being," Thrud said.
"But you're here now! So… we were wondering if… maybe… you could help us understand it. This feeling. And maybe explain what love is, since… you know… you were so close to us," Hildr said, lips pursed and a hint of pink on her cheeks.
The three girls looked at him, waiting for an answer.
They were not the Valkyries he knew but… they were there still. Their memories… and a feeling from long ago.
It had remained, somehow.
We were just fine without you.
No, he could never forgive himself for doing that.
But… maybe he could move forward. Never forgetting, but building something new still.
He raised his hand, palm open, waiting for another to land into it.
"I'll help you… if you'll help me as well," he said. The three girls looked at his hand.
Hildr was the first, as always. Her fingers encased his. They were cold, but some warmth began to seep in.
"Of course! Learning something new is always good! Maybe we'll even make a warrior out of you!" Little did she know, they already had.
"While I think we should have debated it a bit more, I'll agree with Hildr," Thrud said, standoffish as usual.
"I-If my sisters agree, then so do I. I hope we can figure it out," Ortlinde said, also encasing his hand with her own.
"Then we'll fight together, and figure out what that feelings is," Shirou said.
All three girls smiled at him. It was genuine, eager. A hope for the future.
Shirou couldn't help himself. He had a could be with them again, as long as it lasted. He would not break. They would be together in their journey.
His eyes stung a lot. Something wet threatened to fall from his cheek.
In the end, he allowed himself to smile.
A/N: And that is it for the epilogue. Shirou and the Valkyries will now move forward along with the rest of Chaldea.
I have a few ideas for what to do next. Either some fluff in Fuyuki a few years back, in Novum Chaldea, some drama in the 5th war (I promised alter Valkyries a while ago) or go for Lostbelt 3. Or maybe take a break. I don't know yet.
That is all for now.