The sound of water could be heard in the bathroom. The water in the tub splashed around as a young man submerges his body in it.
A sigh left his lips. Both as a relief as nothing refreshes a soul more than a good hot water bath, and one of tiredness.
"That could have gone better…" Aaron muttered.
It was a shock to her.
Her silly crush was killed.
After basically reviving him, even after he quit this life-threatening circumstance and did the smart thing…
He was killed.
She sat down on the nearest chair.
She had to compose herself. She had to!
Focus! She told herself, there is still something she must know, which warrants her concern.
"Okay….So…" She had trouble gathering her thoughts.
She steeled herself and looked in the eyes of the young man before her, who had trouble hiding just how nervous he really was.
"What was that about Sakura?" She asked in an unnervingly neutral tone.
Aaron was having second thoughts about telling her. The reason was simple. He saw just how much he had overwhelmed Rin. In less than a day he gave her too much to digest and now he was worried about her mental health. He knew she was strong, but you'll never know just how much is the tipping point for anyone.
He shifted his eyes away from her. "Maybe now is not the best time to talk about it."
"Oh?" She stood up, tone way too composed. "Then when will it be?"
"Uhm...at a later date?" Aaron was cracking under the pressure.
CRACK
She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against the wall while still holding him.
"Don't screw with me! I heard you whispering about her! What was that about!?" She demanded.
Considering recent events and news. Is it any wonder she's in big sister mode?
The gears in Rin's head were turning. He didn't lie to her, but he did conceal information from her. How much is he actually telling her? He has good intentions, even she can see that, but she starts to think there isn't any trust in this alliance.
Of course she was so hung up, that she forgot there was a blonde Servant in the room.
"Rin, let go of Aaron." She did not, move nor raise her voice. It was a single command. A demand.
The tension was thick.
Meanwhile Aaron was near his breaking point. In his mind currently there was no good ending to this situation, not to mention he wasn't used to being interrogated. Someone is going to draw the short stick here. Maybe he should have held his ground. But alas he was afraid, his mind was pessimistic about this situation. And he valued his relationship with Rin over her mental state.
"C-crestworms. She has crestworms," he uttered before the situation could escalate or de-escalate.
Rin's grip loosened and let him go. She was in shock. "Y-you're lying!," She cried out, trying to deny it.
She staggered back, processing the simple words that left his mouth.
Out of shame he could not look at her. "I wish I was…"
After a brief moment, she did what is a very natural and human reaction.
She got up and went to her room, locking the door behind her.
Archer listened quietly to the whole drama.
I slumped in the tub.
"Yes, that certainly could've," another voice jolted me up.
Great, Archer now peeps on me. He materialised next to the tub. Unlike other people I just couldn't give a damn.
"If you're here to tell how much I messed up and how disappointed you are with me, trust me I'm aware of it," I said
He snorted. "For me to be disappointed there has to be expectations."
At least he has as much tact as I did. "If you are here to give me the third degree just out with it."
He raised an eyebrow. "I'm not that petty to rub salt into the wound." He crossed his arms. "However, tell me, are you even fighting in this Grail War?"
I looked at him like he grew a second head. "Hello? I'm a Master mister denser than steel!"
"Oh really? then tell me why were you so eager to tell us-no almost everything about this war?" He probed me,while I was still not getting his point.
"Secrets kinda hurt alliances," I deadpanned.
"Never mind the fact you still hold things to yourself. That is not the problem. But have you truly come to help, or to pawn off everything to my Master so we fix this mess?"
"!" My eyes widen as far as they can. What? How dare he?!
"Let me give you my perspective: You, an alleged average person, comes in and contrary to what you said, shattered perceptions for my Master.. I'm not doubting your good intentions, but I'm skeptical about your contribution, other than information you were willing to give. Which as it seems you don't know when to divulge or when to keep it. From what I've seen, you understand you're out of your depth with your situation, so you decided to tell the "adults" about it, who can do something about it."
I was gaping like a fish.
"I'm not judging you, frankly speaking you did the mature thing, but you should have been more tactful. However I understand that you're merely a victim of circumstance."
…
"You're wrong...I...I didn't…" I couldn't articulate the words.
Is...Is this what it looks like? Am I… Do I really only want others to just fix it…? So I can pat myself on the back and say I did everything I could?
I mean… I didn't really do anything other than run my mouth, did I?
Information is power, I know that much…
...Was I too eager to share?
"...How is she?" I derailed the conversation.
He noticeably stopped himself from saying something sarcastic.
"She took it hard...Her foundation for trust is likely shaken, as you know more about me than she does...She flat out told me that tomorrow wants to be alone."
"...I see." Seeing as we were done he returned to spirit form and I finished my bath.
Saber evidently listened to the full conversation as she was standing just outside the door when I decided to leave.
"Aaron, heed no mind to Archer's words."
I looked dejected. "No matter how I see it he had a valid perspective at the very least."
We quietly strolled past Rin's room. I stopped myself from knocking, lest my tongue would make matters much worse than it already was. So I wisely stayed my mouth.
Is this going to be a nice butterfly effect? Will this bring about a 'Dark Rin'?
We went into our room, and I sat down at the bed, contemplating. If I'm not worrying about one thing then I worry about another. It's an endless loop…
"Ignorance really is a bliss, huh?" I muttered. I realise just how much of a burden knowledge can be.
And I'm pushing it all on her?
…
Saber sat next to me, as a quiet gesture of support.
I looked at her and I couldn't help but silently laugh at myself. I want to help her and others.
But how can I help them if I can't help myself?
I shake my head, it's late at night, and somehow I have to sleep after all this.
Considering this bed is for two people, I think it would be rude not to offer it to her.
"You going to sleep, Saber?"
"Servants don't need sleep."
I rolled my eyes. "Pretty sure nobody is going to attack us. Besides, sleep helps process events."
She looked contemplative. Fine I give a killer reason. "It's hard for a person to sleep, when you know someone is watching them." Even if for their own good.
She reluctantly obliged.
I admit, a part of me was actually geeking out 'Holy shit I'm sharing a bed with Saber?!" Unlike some other people I don't see why they fuss about sharing a bed with someone who is not your partner. Heck, half my life I shared my bed with my older sister, and there was no Ara Ara Bullshit.
I swear way too many people think with hormones instead of brains…
"Goodnight Aaron."
"Goodnight S-...Artoria."
She was surprised but let it slide.
Hmm, will there be a dream cycle I wonder?
As I rest my head on the pillow a random, but valid thought enters the forefront of my mind.
'What if she sees dreams about the hundreds of Doujins you read at one point about her'
…
That night I was sleeping with cold sweat on my face.
Should that happen I'm confident I would die from embarrassment long before Excalibur's light could oblitarate me.
Unbeknown to Aaron's silly worries, the Servant of the Saber class dreamt.
It was a dream about the past, but not of herself.
He was surrounded by people that he loved and they loved him. A whole family of successful individuals. A father who is a mechanic, a mother who is a cashier, An older sister who is a nurse, an older brother who is a teacher.
From what she could decipher from the images before her, his family was a warm and supportive family.
However, even knowing she isn't the best person to judge emotions, he feels a bit…
'Lonely' she thinks.
The scene changed.
He was looking at something, but she couldn't see it properly. The image was blurred.
"Screw it, I ain't watching it." he turned off the monitor "I hate that route so much, stupid depressing shit." he hopped into bed.
A strange sound could be heard, as he looked on a small device. Once again the image on the device was blurred.
He made a tsk sound. "What 80% of the HS's need are hugs, and therapy sessions. How ironic the less of a magus you are, the better your chances with them. Anyone could sympathise with humane situations." He said out loud as his fingers were moving across the device.
'HS? what does it stand for?' Artoria thought.
He hopped on his bed, looking contemplative. "Man, I'm so pathetic...wasting my energy on thinking about stuff like this when I could do something productive…"
That was the crux of it:
Productive.
Something that society dictates the meaning of and demands to deliver.
So what happens to a boy who all he perceives is that everyone around him can do better than him?
He goes down the food chain, and becomes a victim.
Despite everything, I was blessed with dreamless sleep.
Sunlight came through the window. Considering it's winter it must be past 8 AM.
I slept like a log, yet I don't feel like I rested at all. Thanks anxiety!
I groggily sat up, and I saw Saber leaning next to a wall and looking out. Her expression is not betraying whatever she is feeling.
"Good morning Saber." I greeted her. That got her out of whatever she had on her mind.
"Good morning, Aaron." She greeted back.
"You're up early." I noted "Have you slept well?"
"Yes it was adequate." She answered with her usual stoicism. Maybe she has something on her mind?
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Do you have something on your mind?"
"No, nothing." She rebutted instantly.
Yep there is something.
Wait!...Nah! If she saw that I would already be with Merlin browsing the Pornhub equivalent of this world.
Damn this is awkward. I shifted my eyes to the door knowing exactly what kind of music I have to face.
Well, time to get ready for today.
"She has already left for school." Archer said as he prepared some breakfast for us.
I raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be with her?"
He let out a tired sigh. "For one I'm still recovering, second she did say she wanted to be alone."
"!"
Okay, if Rin is willing to wander around without her Servant, things are indeed heading into FUBAR territory! She is usually so levelheaded! She is literally banking on nobody attacking her in broad daylight!
"That means we have to wait for her near her Academy," I said as I dug in the last of my sweet, delicate breakfast.
It's not like I had anything of interest to do.
He slid a bento box to me.
"She didn't bring herself any food."
Aww, what a mom!
"Living up to the "Guardian" part of your job huh?" I said as a slight tease.
His eyebrow twitched.
"Be that as it may," Saber interjected into the conversation. "I don't think it was wise to heed her instructions, Archer."
Yeah, that was strange. On a fundamental level, Archer will listen to you unless what you are doing is absolutely stupid.
"Our relationship became...complicated." I didn't miss how his eyes fixated on me for a second.
I took a deep breath. No shit, I know this is the consequence of my actions.
Taking the hint I stood up, and grabbed the bento. "Let's go, Saber."
The lively Academy had a melancholic air surrounding it. Everyone knew why. After all, even though there were only a handful of people who interacted with him, everyone felt the weight of his passing.
The handyman, the fake janitor. Shirou Emiya.
Rin was tired. She was so caught up in her inner turmoil, that even the naked eye could see she doesn't look as proper as she usually carries herself. Her back isn't as straight, her walk half-a-step slower, and a few strands of hair aren't neatly brushed.
As she walked through campus there was a pair that caught her eye. It was Taiga Fujimura and… Sakura Matou.
The former tried to contain her tears, as she hugged the younger student. The latter…
Sakura looked absolutely devoid of life. As if her reason for breathing seemed to cease.
As she looked at her, yesterday's conversation seemed to hit her like a truck.
It was a testament to her willpower that Rin didn't break down or cry.
She quickened her pace to her classroom, only to realise she forgot to pack lunch.
She doubted this day could get worse.
The walk to the school was quiet. Yeah, I didn't take a bus since I'm not scum enough to take money from Rin without asking. It's embarrassing as it is that she has to provide me with everything.
Different world, same deal…
As I arrived, the courtyard was empty, which meant classes were in session...
...I will wait for the bell.
Between Saber and me there was only silence. To her it may have been a comfortable one, but to me it was not.
I was interested in her. But…
The girl shuffled awkwardly as she knew what she did was wrong, guilt radiated from her. She opened her mouth to confess-
I heard the bell ring.
Not long after a few students came out.
Among them was Sakura Matou…
Her whole blank expression makes my throat dry and stomach tight.
I knew that she lost what little she had in this world.
Both she and Rin are in a dark place at the moment. She needs someone right now.
Usually this is where someone who can't read the room says something like "Well maybe I will be that person!"
I have enough tact to know that even if I tried it, no matter how genuine the effort I would make, it would be simply too late.
Only one person remains…
But Archer's words echo within me. I want to make change, yet I'm terrified of screwing things up.
Even still, I know you can't make positive changes without risking negative consequences.
…
I take a deep breath, enter the courtyard and call her by name.
The heir of the Tohsaka family was sulking with an empty stomach on the roof.
She liked this spot because it wasn't noisy, people rarely came up here. Yes, this is exactly what she needs.
What she didn't expect was that someone was coming up as well.
The door opened. 'I can't have any peace! Who is-' her mind halted.
It was Sakura.
"Hi, Tohsaka Senpai." She greeted her monotone voice.
"Hello S-Matou-san." Her carefully constructed mask was at it's limit.
She just noticed a box in her hands. "A man came and asked me to deliver it to you."
Aaron?! Oh she was going to have a word with him!
…
"T-thank you…" She accepted.
"Enjoy your food, Tohsaka Senpai!" With that she turned around.
Could Rin let her just go?
The last 24 hours were the most taxing she ever experienced. Starting with a guy full of revelations, Shirou dying, The grail war being a farce… The revelation about her sister…
If all these came in small doses and on seperate days Rin could keep herself together, be composed, make more rational decisions.
But everyone has their breaking points.
Seeing her sister at her lowest, with what she now knew. She just can't hold it in herself anymore.
"I'm sorry." Rin choked out.
It reached Sakura's ear and she turned back to her estranged sister, confused.
"I-I didn't...I didn't know...otherwise I would have…" Tears were on the verge of spilling.
A part of the abused girl told her that she was lying, that she must have known… The other part…glad that she finally noticed it. Sakura knew that the former part was wrong to feel, since she is just seeing her indomitable sister so shaken up.
Then she stiffened, as a pair of arms held her upper frame.
Rin hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I want to make it right."
Life in Sakura's eyes seemed to return.
Then she returned the hug with moisture in her eyes.
Beta: The Royal Protector
Hey guys, long time no see!
Truth be told I did not plan for this to come out so late, but you deserve an explanation.
My last 6 months were terrible for me. My father cheated on my Mother and left, and we were left to pick up the pieces. I also really tried to find a job, and just started last week. But just so life can kick me in the nuts, I can't go to work because I "failed" the company mandatory doctor checkup, because I was coughing badly ( As you know, if you cough you are automatically COVID suspect.) and this was on my 3rd workday… Needless to say, I'm hoping I won't get fired.
Because of this I did not had the drive to write really. SI by chapter 2 is it's own character, which is why I like to use SI as start with pre-knowledge of the world, and then grow as a character. I don't necessarily want to use it as a power fantasy. I want to tell a story with it.
Just so you know with this fic I don't want to abandon it, I really want to finish it! I already have a few ideas for alternate stories for this, which I can't be writing until this HGW reaches its conclusion.
Some plot bunnies: -Shepard from Mass Effect ending up at Chaldea and becoming a Master.
HF Shirou time travelling to the Fate/Zero HGW
More FF14xFate crossover :D
Until next time ^^