It was slowly becoming morning, and the sun was rising. The people didn't know it, but their city was being invaded. Yet thanks to ignorance and a lack of actual sighting, these people could calmly continue their day without fear.
"Grrr." Something the Creep didn't like.
It had left the temple ground, and unlike most of its brethren which stuck around the mountain, this Grimm decided to leave and find any sources of negativity it might find. It took a bit to get to the city, and when it did it sensed negative emotion, but the paltry kind. Nothing like hate, immense anger, great sorrow, or anything like it. Even then, it will still attack.
It was behind a few trees, a few children were in its sights. Jaws opening, it would tear them apart with the Grimm not even trying. A few mothers were there, they would undoubtedly scream in horror when it killed the kids. Their negativity would be exquisite. So the Creep got ready and prepared to lunge at the children.
"I don't think so."
It then felt something hit it's head. Darkness came for the Grimm, as it's body slumped down with no head. The rest of the Creep vanishing as Kotomine Kirei saw it vanish. A small smirk formed on his lips, as he had known what the Grimm had been about to do. Then he frowned as he sighed, upset he couldn't even allow it.
'If only it had been night.' Less people, and fewer witnesses. If that had occurred, then Kirei would have allowed this creature to attack so he could view the mothers agony before finishing both the creature and them off. Sadly, time is of the essence.
So without being seen Kirei moved while keeping an eye out for more of the black creatures. A hint of annoyance in his expression. Aside from curiosity to see them attacking, Kirei was finding it difficult these days to ensure the ignorant masses of this city didn't realize that Fuyuki held more than just the Holy Grail War. But also an infestation of unnatural creatures that he and other individuals of the Church were sent to deal with them.
'To think it's gone so far that I needed back-up.' Thankfully, they weren't living at his church. That would cause complications, especially since they might find what was hidden beneath the building. Even then, he needed the back-up as these creatures kept on pouring out. Appearing just a little over a week ago, and yet four days after they were starting to make way for the city even though investigations stated they had been in the Ryuudou Temple originally.
Now he and the others had to hunt these things down before the sheep noticed menacing wolves and other abominations were right in their front door. As if it wasn't already difficult enough when hypnotising people to forget sightings of them or cleaning up after Servants. Though there was something that annoyed him even more.
Particularly, how so many days have passed during the Holy Grail War...And not a single Servant or Master death.
'That needs to change.' Kirei thought as he wanted to see his dream and goal as soon as possible. Something that won't happen if the Masters don't have the courage to kill one another. Maybe he should go for Rin and have her killed here and now, should be easy. After all, she wouldn't know of his Servant at all.
Kirei then shakes his head and decided against it. For now anyway. Instead, he had another idea in mind. "Lancer." He spoke aloud as a red spear wielding menace then materialized near the trees. Not looking happy as he awaited his next order. "I have a job for you."
"Uh." Slamming on the couch, Shinji moaned. Muscles aching, and his beautiful face bruised. Granted, his aura will heal it but to think that bastard ozpin would punch him in the face! Asshole!
As for Shirou he was on the nearby sofa breathing steadily. Also aching but satisfied at the same time. While it was a bit rough doing morning training with both Ozpin and Musashi, he found it worth it as he could feel himself getting better. Having done a greater job at reinforcing his wooden sword while also taking some of Musashi's advice in sword play a bit. His stance really and how to move when using a sword.
Taking it to heart as truthfully, he was a better archer than a swordsman. 'After all, I spent a few years doing archery and just recently took up the sword.'
It was only natural he had a lot of catching up to do if he wanted to use a sword, as Musashi pointed out his many flaws when attacking her while she kicked him to the side. Not to mention she made him not use his aura making the hits he took hurt a lot more. Still, at least he was doing good.
"Aw man." Shirou then heard a whine and saw Musashi coming out of the kitchen. "There's no food at all."
"What!" Shinji said as he sat up before flinching. Having moved too quickly and his recently bruised back sending pain at him. "What do you mean no food?"
"Breakfast I meant." Musashi clarified.
"Oh." Not that it was any better. Clicking his tongue Shini said, "What the hell is Sakura doing? She should have made breakfast by now."
"By now?" Shirou looked at Shinji while doing his best not to look at his friend's bruised face, finding it awkward to look at. "Does she make breakfast for the family?"
"Yeah." Shinji said as if it were obvious. "Can't believe she's skipping out. Maybe I need to have a talk with her." For some reason, Shirou didn't like the tone Shinji used there. Though before he could say anything, Musashi walked up to him.
"I don't suppose you could make breakfast?" She gave the puppy eyes, and Shirou tried his best not to look directly at them. Her face got closer as she then said, "Will you."
Gulping at having such a pretty woman before him, Shirou looked away and said, "Okay. I'll see what I can do."
"Yes!" Musashi cheered with Shirou rolling his eyes. She's a bit pushy, but did mean well. Getting up while also doing his best not to harm his rather tired muscles, Shirou decided to check out the kitchen to see what he could make. Something extra filling considering the workout he and Shinji had alongside Ozpin and Musashi. He also had to make something extra for Sakura as well since she made a great dinner last night before everyone went to bed.
As Shirou went to get some supplies, he noticed something in the corner of his eye. Blinking, he walked near the sink and saw something thin and loosely shining. A...spider thread. Huh, guess even a fancy place like this had creepy crawlers here and there. Then again, Rider did mess up the house a bit. Moving on, Shirou got ready to make food when he noticed that there wasn't a lot of eggs, let aside milk and the like.
"Hm. Guess I need to get some more stuff." Shirou muttered as he then quickly left the kitchen to go get his wallet from upstairs. As he did so Musashi saw him.
"Where are you going?"
"Just to get some stuff then outside to the store." Shirou called out to her as he climbed the stairs. "I'll buy some food to help make breakfast."
"Don't forget the new manga of Sam and Rid as well." Shinji added as he overheard the two. "A new volume came out, so get that as well." Shirou reluctantly accepted it as he then entered his room and got his wallet. Though as he left the room he then saw Ozpin stepping out of his loaned room.
"Morning." Shirou said.
"Good morning to you as well." Ozpin says with a nod. Then notices Shirou having his jacket on and shoes. "Where are you off to?"
"To the store. Off to get some food for breakfast."
"Hm. The most important meal of the day." Ozpin muses. "I was thinking of heading out myself, though just for a regular walk. There is more of this city I have yet to see."
"There aren't really many touring sights here, but go for it." Shirou shrugged as he moved past Ozpin. "I mean, maybe you'll find something you'll like."
"Maybe I will."
With that out of the way Shirou got ready to continue moving. Though breathy he stopped when he heard a small muffle. He turned and saw a door, one that had a few painted flowers on the door. Must be Sakura's room.
For a moment Shirou pondered if he should enter, see how Sakura is doing.
'No, best not to do that.' Then realized he shouldn't intrude on a girl's room who also might not appreciate a guy entering all willy nilly. Best to leave her until she leaves. Besides, Sakura must be sleeping still. As such Shirou left.
"...mm...mmmm." All without hearing the sounds of ever slight discomfort. The door blocking such sounds, with its occupant doing her best not to even scream as the second occupant continued to loom over her.
Shirou smiled as he breathed that fresh air. Having parted with Ozpin as he himself walked down the sidewalk, looking briefly at the rising sun. While these past few days have been rough, today just felt somewhat right.
Still, despite being in a good mood, Shirou couldn't help but notice a few things. Particularly, a group of workers scratching their heads as they looked at a nearby building. One with claw marks on it.
"A bear you think?" A man suggested.
"No. Look at the depth of those marks." Another stated. "A bear doesn't have that kind of strength."
"On wood maybe, not concrete."
"Just what could have done this." A woman adds.
'A Grimm.' Shirou then thought as images of the Grimm came to mind. A part of him now feeling a bit nervous as he recalled what Ozpin said last night. His words and the warning he told everyone.
"My aura, your magecraft, and the Servants may seem to give all of you that the Grimm are weak. But know this, to the average person the Grimm are frightful beings who will tear you apart limb from limb." Ozpin said in a grave tone. "They can handle gunfire without so much as a care, tear buildings apart, sense humans no matter how hard they hide, and they never hold back. With the older Grimm capable of making plans to better kill their enemy."
'And they're already here.' Maybe not a lot. Probably just a few, but clearly some Grimm were wandering the city. Thankfully, according to Rin just before she left, she mentioned how they only attacked at night mainly and she actually dealt with some. So it seems nobody was getting hurt by them.
Even so, that didn't mean there wasn't any danger.
Because if what Archer said is true, then killing Caster who has some form of control over the Grimm, may just let them loose to do what they always did. Kill as Ozpin told them. Kill every person they see until nobody is left.
"I'll stop it." Shirou just says, even if nobody heard him. A resolve in his eyes as he continued his walk to the store. Passing by the people he wished to protect, and then saw the store in sight.
"Hello Oni-Chan." Then froze as he heard a familiar voice, where upon turning his head saw a cute girl with white hair and red eyes wearing heavy clothing with a smile on her face.
"...Illya." Shirou said as he froze up. Any thoughts on getting food halted now. Eyes looking around to see if he was also there. Heracles.
"Oh don't worry." Illya then said as she walked closer to Shirou who took a step back. "Berserker isn't here. Can't have him being spotted after that...incident." A small frown is seen on her face with a bit of anger. No doubt recalling how she and Berserker were slammed into a house and how she's now wanted by the police for questioning. How people weren't noticing her made no sense then, especially with that outfit.
Illya giggled.
"Yeah," She spoke as she looked at Shirou. "I'm good at getting people to...look away from me." Magecraft then. Had to be. Illya took another step closer toward Shirou. "However, I should let you know that even without Berserker, I can still kill you myself. Understood?"
"...understood." Shirou nodded. The two then walked, and while doing so Illya decided to talk.
"I must say Oni-Chan, you seem to be doing good."
"Really." Shirou decided to talk alongside her. Who knows, maybe get a good conversation going. "I suppose I am."
"Yeah. I mean, you haven't died yet despite attacking Caster and everything." Illya got closer to him. "Very good. Because only I can kill you." Shirou gulped, but didn't feel afraid to be honest. I mean, he was nervous yeah. Yet somehow a part of him didn't fear Illya right now. Maybe because they're surrounded by people, thus, she can't actively harm him. Still, best to be on guard just in case.
The two continued on until they reached a small park, where Illya then sat down on a bench. Patting the empty spot next to her, Shirou sat beside her. From there, Illya continued on.
"I heard you faced more than just Caster. From what I saw, you also faced strange creatures." She said, having clearly used something to observe the battle between them and Caster. She was definitely a good magus.
"Yeah. I don't suppose you know what they are?" Shirou asked Illya, wondering what she might know of them aside from what Ozpin told him and the others.
"Not really. Which is strange actually." Illya then says as she looks at Shirou. "After all, my family has quite a bit of information on phantasmals, yet we have none on these creatures."
'Ozpin did say they were made recently.' thought but decided to keep it to himself. "Well, don't worry about it. I don't really know too much about them either other than they're dangerous to face if I'm not careful."
"Uh-hu." Illya nods. "Well, they're not that much of a threat to me anyway. Berserker kills them easily."
"Wait," Shirou turned to her with worry. "You faced these things?"
"When I was walking out, yeah. But nothing I couldn't handle." A mischievous look came to her eyes. "Why? Worried for me."
"Of course." Shirou instantly said. Illya instantly turned away in his confusion, unaware of the small blush Illya had before she quickly composed herself and looked back at him.
"Right...well, no need to worry over little old me. I can handle these...things like so." Illya told Shirou with confidence and a smirk. "If anything, I'm more worried for you considering the people you surround yourself with." A tuck-up Tohsaka, a flamboyant Servant, a loser Matou and an old man. Not exactly the best allies in Illya's eyes.
"They're good allies to me." Shirou counters. Though he then pauses when he sees Illya frowning. Worrying that she might retaliate despite the good mood she had been earlier.
"Hmph." Instead, she puffed her cheeks like a kid. "Please." She crossed her arms. "Like such people are better allies than me."
"Huh?" Since when were they allies? Still, at the very least she wasn't going to attack him, so that was good. Still, this did confirm one thing for him. "Illya...you're not here to fight me, right?"
"Oh." Suddenly the mood goes darker, as Shirou feels fear now as the look he gets from Illya makes him more wary. "So you want me to kill you? Well...I wouldn't mind." Her eyes seem to stare at his soul. "Do you wish to die here?"
"Wha-no." Shirou responds. No! Like I'd wanna die."
"Then I guess we're good." Illya's mood then changes back, with Shirou surprised.
'Just,' He thinks. As he sees her face return to that innocent look. 'Just who is she. An enemy...or someone else?' Man was this confusing. Still, at the very least things were fine though.
"So then," Illya then looks at Shirou with a smile. "Do you wanna talk?"
"Er, well. I kinda have to go get food…" Illya looked down now. A bit of guilt entered Shirou as he then sighed. "But I guess we can talk for a bit."
"Great." Illya clapped her hands. "So what should we talk about?"
Seriously?
It seemed this was going to be tough. Still, Shirou decided to break the ice anyway. "Um...nice weather we're having." Then got a dull look from Illya that may have well said, 'Really.' to him. "Uh. Okay then, what do you wanna talk about?"
"Hmm." Illya thought it over. Then her face brightened up. "Do you like me?"
Shirou sputtered out with Illya eagerly waiting for an answer. "Idiot!" Just one she didn't like."
"Eh?"
"Don't give me that." Shirou said to her as he tried his best to stop his blushing. "W-What kind of person asks that kind of question to a person they tried to kill?"
"Dummy!" Illya didn't seem to like being yelled at as she glared at Shirou. "You got it all wrong. I did nothing wrong."
What kind of world did she live in!?
The two then began arguing for a bit, where the few people who passed by the park just chuckled. Thinking it was just some friends arguing for a bit. Where Illya and Shirou just kept talking ignoring everything else around them. A shame to, because if Illya hadn't been so focused on Shirou, then just maybe she would have noticed the latest presence that was nearby.
Not on the park of course, but on the nearest building on the roof.
"Alright then, this should be good enough." Lancer said as he observed the two Masters with his eyes trained on them. Sensing no other Heroic Spirits or Masters nearby as well. Watching as the two seemed to have calmed down, the girl especially as she changed back to her innocent display while the guy smiled. What a nice thing they were having going for them.
"But all good things must come to an end." Lancer said as he then raised his spear and lifted it up. He leaned back, adjusted himself, and then tossed the red spear Gae Bolg at the two. So into their conversation of ordinary things, neither saw the signs of his spear heading at them at all. Helped he didn't release bloodlust, as he didn't feel much doing this. At most, just felt a lack of pride in himself for doing such a dishonorable thing, yet orders were orders.
So he watched dispassionately as his famed spear hit his target.
Then turned away as the boy screamed with his right arm flying off where the roar of Berserker came to life.
A new Servant or character comes, and the story is usually the same. Heck, even adding Grimm didn't change anything. So how about someone losing a limb and a fight in the city to stray from canon, sounds interesting, right?
Oh wait, a fight in the city which causes negative emotions...uh-oh.