Disclaimer: I do not own the Fate franchise it belongs to Kinoko Nasu and Type-Moon.
Everything and Nothing
Chapter 8
Practitioner Name: Leon Price
Demonstrator Designation: Psycho-Galvanotron
Summary: A mystic code built around the frame of an 18th Century matchlock pistol, it functions via a combination of mental interference and lightning elemental magecraft. At its most basic level, the psycho-galvanotron allows a user to perform mental interference on multiple individuals within a large area, though the mystic code can be set to focus on a single target instead. Its most notable feature, however, involves synergizing mental interference with lightning elemental magecraft. This allows for fine-tuned manipulation of the target/s' memories at a single-action level, as well as individual action suppression and active control of the target/s.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – theory adequately explained and defended. Application demonstrated on multiple volunteer test subjects in three tests. Volunteers in the first test stood still in front of Magus Price. Volunteers in the second test scattered away from Magus Price. During the third test, half the volunteers scattered away from Magus Price, while the other half preemptive went to ground out of sight. Psycho-galvanotron functioned as advertised, personally considered it useful tool for cleanup and coverup operations. Suggest additional funding, expedite pre-patent procedures, and deployment on field tests by cleanup and coverup crews.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – Magus Price failed to mention how the psycho-galvanotron can be used against magi. Specifically, the lightning elemental magecraft component of the mystic code can bypass the natural defense offered by a magus' magic circuits against mental interference. I'm – we're – not stupid.
Practitioner Name: Otto Scheuermann
Demonstrator Designation: Kraftfrüchte (Power Fruits)
Summary: A collection of home-grown apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries. Fruits had been cultured in a prana-rich environment, and watered with specially-formulated elixirs but otherwise allowed to grow naturally. Harvested fruits, once eaten, produce various effects depending on elixirs used. Those demonstrated include enhanced elemental resistance, high-speed regeneration, prana restoration, and stamina restoration. Non-magical effects include a refreshing and thirst-quenching effect.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – a simple but very impressive demonstration of ability. Full marks. Possibility exists that Kraftfrüchte can also be used for non-beneficial effects – I have read Schneewittchen (Snow White) – and practitioner likely was aware of such and deliberately withheld it, but this is acceptable and expected within the boundaries of magi society.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – why has this guy not been offered an early transfer to Botany? Scratch that…why was he even required to study at General Fundamentals at all? Given this guy's talent in magical horticulture and potions-brewing, he should have been a shoe-in from the start. If this is yet another case of bureaucratic [REDACTED] I recommend an immediate transfer to Modern Magecraft Theories. We actually appreciate talent, and Lord Beckenstein welcomes with open arms any and all truly dedicated scholars of the mystic arts.
Practitioner Name: Dane Stevens
Demonstrator Designation: Gravity Ring
Summary: A mystic code composed of a torus around a central axis, built from magically-active materials. Torus is mounted such that it uses gravitational effects to constantly move a sphere through the torus, the interaction between materials generating prana. In short, it's a prana generator. Theory is sound, application…torus assembly jammed even before one revolution was completed.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – points for effort, and for a sound theory. Otherwise…Magus Stevens, please quadruple-check your schematics and measurements in the future.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – [REDACTED]
Practitioner Name: Helene Vaugrenard
Demonstrator Designation: Flight Harness
Summary: It's a body harness strapped over the chest and torso, as well as the limbs. Harness includes wheeled boots, while the leg components feature shock absorbers. Energy field generators are integrated across the whole harness, along with miniaturized prana storage devices to power the generators. Energy field is for navigational purposes, such as deflecting dust and other natural debris when in high-speed flight. Emergency reinforcement possible with thought control, for heavier impacts such as bird strike. Backpack module features wing attachments and flight engine, drawing power directly from Magus Vaugrenard's magic circuits. Harness as a whole uses wind elemental magecraft to compensate for Human body not having flight characteristics. Flight engine uses fire elemental magecraft to provide thrust, and to prevent body damage from exposure to heat of engine. Theoretically rated for flight up to 15 km high, and maximum speed of 500 kph. During demonstration, Magus Vaugrenard limited herself to skimming lecture hall's roof, and maximum speed of 23 kph. She also performed the following aerial maneuvers: Cuban Eight, Immelman Turn, Inside Loop, Outside Loop, and a Snap Roll.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – she's my star student, and this should make it obvious why. Vaugrenard can, no, will go far, I just know it. She'll be a Grand someday, and here and now, I recommend her as a candidate for a Color Designation.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – her skills and talents are wasted in General Fundamentals. Get this girl to either Creation or Modern Magecraft Theories ASAP. [REDACTED] bureaucrats.
Practitioner Name: Ryan Williamson
Demonstrator Designation: Personal Hunting Trophy Collection
Summary: The collection is made up of the mounted heads of some of Magus Williamson's most prized hunting trophies. Apparently, he killed them using only his – to quote – trusty English longbow, a hunting knife, and basic spells such as reinforcement, among others. Most of them are from Africa, specifically an elephant, a hippo, a leopard, and a lion. He also has the mounted heads of a grizzly bear and a moose from the USA. Europe is represented by a stuffed owl, a Eurasian eagle-owl, if I'm not mistaken. He also has a giant salmon that he caught while on vacation to Thailand.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – not the most…practical, demonstration, and it comes off as boasting. I'm also concerned about that salmon he caught and then mounted from Thailand. On checking, that species of fish is critically-endangered, and makes Magus Williamson's achievement more than a bit irresponsible. That said, on questioning, as well as from character witnesses and photographic evidence – among others – it seems Magus Williamson really did collect all these trophies only using basic spells and pre-modern hunting equipment. While I can't really give him full marks, I suppose a few points above the passing grade is due.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – not the most practical demonstration of magical achievement, but character witnesses and photographic evidence – among others – points to the guy really getting all those trophies they way he claimed he did. And while I'm no hunter, I'm a competition-grade archer. Also, while Japanese archery is different from English archery, they're similar enough – we both use longbows unlike everybody else who settle for crap composite bows – that after striking up conversation, he clearly knows what he's doing with a bow. That, and with plenty of experience outside a clean and orderly training range. In short, not especially impressive, but he knows what he's doing.
Practitioner Name: Brook Wilkinson
Demonstrator Designation: Mount Vesuvius Simulation
Summary: a scale model of Mount Vesuvius and its surrounding area, with the volcano's replica fully functional. In particular, the volcano's replica uses actual volcanic rock in its construction. A combination of fire, earth, water, and air elements allows for realistic, micro-volcanic eruptions complete with actual lava, hot steam, and toxic gases. Magus Wilkinson was able to bypass his limitations – he only has an affinity for fire – through the use of Formalcraft arrays that allowed him to transmute fire to other elements, and then apply them. Solid safety measures rounded out the model.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – Yet another not very practical demonstration, but it does show Magus Wilkinson's mastery of his craft. His Formalcraft is very solid, I would recommend him for a transfer to Individual Fundamentals once he finishes the standard course here at General Fundamentals.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka has already said most of what I want to say. However, I'd also note how realistic and detailed the model is, with trees, villages, towns, animals, and people all beautifully made. While Individual Fundamentals makes for a solid future career option, I would also suggest exploring opportunities at Creation. Such an eye for detail should only be cultivated.
Practitioner Name: Alexis Wright
Demonstrator Designation: Brewery Collection
Summary: a collection of potions and elixirs brewed by Magus Wright, as well as other non-magical liquids. The potions are primarily meant to facilitate healing and high-speed regeneration, while others can replenish lost prana or enhance elemental resistances. As for non-magical drinks…spirits, and much like her potions and elixirs, all brewed at her workshop here in London. Those include apple, apricot, cherry, pear, plum, and quince. Magus Wright also offered for her audience to sample her fruit spirits, and ended up receiving more than a few orders for a bottle or two of her work.
Commentaries: [REDACTED] Blue Tohsaka – I'm not very surprised, Magus Wright has below average magical potential, so much of her ability to use magecraft depends on Formalcraft and basic alchemy. That said, she does what she can very well, and all her potions, elixirs, and spirits are very well done. And while rather mercenary, something that's not necessarily a desirable trait for a magus, she knows how to make herself shine, and take what opportunities present themselves to her.
Murderer Blue Tohsaka – just because you're not very talented, it doesn't mean you can't do your best at what you can do. Magus Wright proved her determination and dedication to the mystic arts. And while I'm not sure Individual Fundamentals would be the right fit for her in the future, if she chooses to join Modern Magecraft Theories in the future, I would vouch for her without reservation. Also, her Kirschwasser (Cherry Water) is very good. No, I do not want to hear jokes between my name and my liking for the spirit. Damn it, stop laughing, Rin.
"Well, this is unexpected." Sakura remarked.
"No kidding." Rin agreed. "I didn't think the Clock Tower would actually take action to put an end to Icecolle and Forvedge's vendetta against you."
"But here we are." Sakura said.
"Yeah…here we are." Rin agreed.
They were in a room in Luvia's London residence, standing at a table opposite Luvia. Maps were laid out on the table, along with photos, papers, and file folders. Luvia herself held a baton of some kind in one hand.
"Normally the Clock Tower wouldn't get involved," Luvia said with a prim cough. "But Icecolle and Forvedge simply went too far the last time. His Excellency the Wizard Marshal wants this matter resolved, and so it will be."
"Huh…so the old man decided to give a nudge, did he?" Rin asked.
Sakura shrugged. "Seems that way." She said before narrowing her eyes. "That said, I'm not complaining. It's about time those damn Romanians got slapped down. I'm sick and tired of having to constantly put down thugs with nothing better to do than make my life difficult. Not to mention finally getting some payback for Svin."
"…judging from what's on the table," Rin began after a moment. "This isn't going to be a simple mediation, is it?"
"No, it is not." Luvia said with a nod. "We are not unaware that during the first and last time an attempted settlement was made, Icecolle and Forvedge broke truce and attempted to assassinate Murderer Blue. This has led us to believe that negotiating with both families on equal terms would do no one any good, as the word of both families is simply worthless."
"But that's not all, is it?" Rin asked with narrowed eyes. "There was also my attempted abduction, me, an official apprentice of the Wizard Marshal, one of the highest authorities in the Mages Association."
"A direct challenge to his authority, as it were, and to that of the Mages Association, by extension." Luvia said with a smile. "Yes, you assume correctly, Jewel Sword Blue. Between that and the previous reason, it has been decided that any and all negotiations with both Icecolle and Forvedge should be made from a position of strength, the better to force both families to acknowledge and respect the Association's authority. Not just to honor any resulting settlement, but also in general as well."
"So what's the plan?" Sakura asked.
Luvia gestured with her baton at a map of Romania. "Our target is the main residence of House Forvedge," she said. "Located in the Romanian countryside, and ultimately, Lord Forvedge and his wife, Lady Cecilia."
"So we're not going after Icecolle directly, then?" Sakura asked.
"You know as well as I do that House Icecolle is a very…schizophrenic, line." Luvia said with a sigh. "Lord Icecolle is a recluse, and most of the other senior members not much better. From all indications, Icecolle's contribution to the feud is driven by Lady Cecilia, the members of her branch of House Icecolle, and allies from other branches."
"While in contrast," Sakura continued with a nod. "House Forvedge is much more united, and its leadership as a whole had it out for me, and still does."
"Indeed." Luvia said with a smile and a nod of her own.
"…you're leading this expedition, then?" Rin asked after a moment.
"But of course," Luvia said, her smile growing. "After all, I am Lord Edelfelt. And Tohsaka is an Edelfelt branch line, renegade status be damned. The call of blood cannot be denied, much less the weight of our shared crests."
For emphasis, Luvia gestured gently, her crest coming to life on her arm…
…and causing both Rin and Sakura's crests to sympathetically come to life as well.
"Lord Edelfelt…you…" Sakura said with a glare, but trailed off even as Luvia kept on smiling.
"This is a delicate situation." She eventually said. "We need to know more on the ground, and I know the perfect way to get it."
"And what's that?" Rin asked.
"Why, I infiltrate Forvedge, of course." Luvia said.
"Wait, what?" Sakura asked in shock and surprise. "No, no, no, that's…not a good idea, not a good idea at all. It's practically asking to be poisoned or worse…"
Luvia snorted. "They know who I am." She said. "They know who I married. And they will also know I come with the authority of the Mages Association. If I die or worse, my family will hunt them down, and only my family for starters. El-Melloi and the College of Law will follow, and then where will Icecolle and Forvedge be?"
"…I see." Sakura said with narrowed eyes. "So that's how it's going to be?"
"Oh?"
"You'll go there in the guise of negotiating a settlement," Sakura said. "With the authority of the Mages Association, when in reality you'll be spying on them, and sending information back to us. Then when the time is right, we have what we need, we'll attack, and bringing Icecolle and Forvedge to their knees, present to them our real terms."
"Precisely."
"We'll have to stagger our arrival at Romania, then." Rin mused. "The enemy will have eyes and ears out for either me or Sakura, and if we're not careful, arriving too closely after you, we might just tip them off."
"Which is why I'll be going on ahead," Luvia said with a nod. "While the two of you will delay for a week before leaving. And even then, I'll have you take an indirect route, and stay for a while in Italy before heading for Romania."
"And once we're in Romania, then what?" Sakura asked.
"That will depend on what I find out." Luvia said, glaring down at the satellite photos of the Forvedge's country residence. "At the very least, a frontal attack isn't an option. Nothing we'd gain is worth the losses we'd take."
"I prefer a subtler approach to charging in, spells blazing left and right, anyway." Sakura remarked.
"Hmm…" Luvia hummed. "We'll see."
"So we're going to be taking the fight to Icecolle and Forvedge, huh?" Rin asked her sister, the two of them standing in Hyde Park in the evening, having finished their hour-long meeting with Luvia.
"It's been a long time coming." Sakura said.
Rin gave her a sideways look. "I know we're going to be dictating terms to them," she said. "But as things stand…you know as well as I do that we might have to kill them instead. Can you do it?"
"If she doesn't surrender, then I'll take Cecilia's head without mercy." Sakura said firmly. "I'll even have it scoured to the bone, and mount the skull on my wall."
"…and Caules?"
Sakura didn't answer at once. Instead, she looked up at the sky, trying to see the stars, but all the light and air pollution of the city kept them from sight. Finally, she gave an answer.
"I will avenge Svin." She said.
"You still love him, don't you?" Rin asked softly.
Sakura stayed silent again, and then giving a sigh, approached the koi pond. Crouching down, she pulled a glove free, and then gently dipped her bare hand into the water. The koi clustered around her hand, rubbing and nibbling at it, Sakura looking down at them with an unreadable look on her face.
"I love the idea of what he could have been." She eventually admitted. "The man he once was. But what he's become…what he allowed his family to turn him into…"
Sakura paused and looked at Rin. "…if he doesn't bow before the authority we bring," she said. "I won't hesitate."
Rin sighed. "Easier said than done," she said, both she and her sister knowing without saying what she was actually referring to. "You and I both know that."
"Yes." Sakura simply said, before getting back to her feet.
"Will you be bringing her when the time comes?" Rin asked as she fell into step next to her sister as they walked through the park.
"Of course." Sakura said with a nod. "There's no one I'd trust more to watch my back, or fight by my side, than you, Rin."
Rin raised an eyebrow, and then briefly closing her eyes, chuckled. She knew what Sakura really meant. "I'm flattered to hear that." She said.
"It's the truth." Sakura insisted.
"Hmm…thanks…" Rin said with a deep breath. "I'll admit, though, I'm looking forward to showing you and Luvia what I'm capable of."
She gave Sakura a quick wink at that, and Sakura knew she was referring to Little Rin as well. "Will you use that, then?" she asked.
"If I have to." Rin said. "But I'm not limited to that, even if it is my trump card. No, I've got other tricks up my sleeve. You'll see soon enough, I'm sure."
"Hmm…I'll be looking forward to it, then."
The sisters shared a smile, then…
…and then both their stomachs rumbled, which caused them to share a laugh between them. "Come on," Sakura said. "Let's make a quick pass by the supermarket. We'll buy some ingredients, then going home, cook ourselves a hot dinner. What do you say?"
"Do they have sukiyaki beef here?" Rin asked.
"Let's go find out." Sakura replied, and Rin grinned.
A/N
The first part is essentially a collection of notes about a few of Rin's students and their practical presentations. We've got a few really talented folks, a dunce or two, and mostly just ordinary magi (like that fruit farmer Scheuermann or the brewer Wright). On that note, while Sakura seems rather caustic, keep in mind that as should be clear by now, there's a difference between Sakura as she actually is, and how Murderer Blue appears to most people.