Ugh, where in the hell Is this headache coming from? I didn't even touch alcohol all my life. Okay maybe I touched it more than I can count, but it was during delivery for my grandpa I swear. I've never tasted the alcohol in my life, so how come I don't remember anything. I slowly open my eyes to see giant letters forming in front of me.
Game Over.
'How cliche.' I snorted to myself. It was the prologue for every goddamn Isekai anime or gamer Fanfiction. Even though I don't know why and how I am dead, I am not going to beg or cry to return to my everyday boring life. And there is not even one scenario where they can return to their own world after Isekai. It just isn't possible so I am not going to beg or whine about it.
"Okay, I know I am dead. What now?" I yelled at the large words. Honestly there wasn't anything else to yell at here. No God, no ROB. Just eternal darkness where the only thing that existed was me and those damn words.
Choosing random ability from Multiverse Store HQ
So it is an Isekai situation I found myself in. And they didn't even give me a choice to choose my ability. Whoever sent me here is one lazy ass. That's why he set everything at random so he don't have to play ROB or God of Isekai. Well no need to whine about that. I was never one to panic so quickly unless a scary looking dog was chasing me.
Save Data from Persona 3 Fes gained.
Do you want to load it from previous save?
[Yes] [No]
Wait a minute. What? My ability is my own save Data from persona 3? I completed that game like a million times and I even hacked the game for shit and giggles. My MC from the game is too op. With a grin that nearly split my face I tapped [Yes] button with glee.
I played this game like a hundred times and don't mean to brag but I am an expert when it comes to Persona stuff. I may not be good with Shin megami tensei but…..I practically know
most important things about that world to use for my advantages. I can't wait to fight shadow and form harem fo-
Choosing a random world to enter.
What? You mean I am not going to the Persona world? What the fuck dude. I just know that, I will not even get a chance to say Persona when some overpowered motherfucker will blow my head off.
Please don't be Dragon ball, Naruto, Bleach or any shoňen anime. I am not ready to face those monsters yet.
World selected, NASUVERSE.
Well I am doomed. There are literally gods, monsters walking around where they can blast you to oblivion if you so much oppose them, if you annoy them or look at them weirdly.
And mages, oh the mages. Don't even talk about those sociopath fuckers. Voldemort looks like a child throwing the tantrum compared to these root obsessed fools. There is no wonder and adventure for magic in this world. All it has is misery and suffering. And Magicless are basically livestocks for goddamn dead apostles. In other words, overpowered vampires that can use magic and reality marble. Oh and did I also forget to mention that they can create zombies.
All hacks and mods were nullified from the savedata.
15%
50%
89%
100%
New game started.
Holy shit. My all level 99 Personas are gone just like that. Grr. There goes my chance for survival. I would have really liked to summon maxed level Orpheus telos and wreak havoc around by throwing fireballs and shit.
Oh don't be such a whiner. You will start at level 1 like everyone. Besides I was kind enough to let you keep Inventory and all the items from Persona 3 you got by using cheats.
Wait, you can talk? That's not important right now. I still have my items in my inventory and I have inventory itself. I think it will come in handy.
Okay. I can do this. No need to panic. Persona is like a mini-servant so I think I will be alright if I level up before anything drastic could happen around me. Like a fucking Holy grail war. And what are the odds of me being in Japan or Fuyuki city for that matter.
Good Luck playa. There is no Save and Load from now on. So either it's up to you or Fate.
Did that thing tried to copy Teddy long or
Theodore Long? Ugh what even I am thinking. Better watch out world because Persona user is in the town…. I mean the world.
With that darkness consumed me again.
-666-
"Big brother(ni-san), big brother. Please wake up." Very sweet and cute voice tried to wake me up from my sleep. So that means my Isekai was successful? And why does this voice feel so familiar and hollow?
I slowly open my eyes too see empty violet eyes staring at me with pity? It was like this person was trying very hard to love me and failing miserably. Despite the empty gaze of her I could see a gleam of determination in those orbs.
"Sakura?" I asked groggily, rubbing my eyes to see if I was hallucinating. I grab a few strands of my hair to check something. And looks like my suspicions were correct. My regular black hair was gone. What greeted me was seaweed looking blue hair.
"Um, Grandfather is demanding your presence." My 'little sister' informed me, and thankfully not caring about my internal dilemma. She turned around mechanically and walked toward the big door. She stopped at the door and turned toward me with her emotionless face. "Have a nice day big brother." She hurried outside, not letting me respond. Seven years old Sakura looked more broken than the girl I remembered from the Fate series. I hope it's not Heaven's feel route. Because I really don't know what happened in that timeline. Only thing I know about Heaven's feel, is that somehow Saber and Sakura will go dark on Shirou. And now I am freaking out over my lack of knowledge instead of freaking out about being Shinji Matou.
Holy shit. I just talked about it a few minutes ago, what are the chances of me being in Fuyuki and now look where I am.
Did I also get E rank Luck of EMIYA and Cucullain? Maybe it's worse than E since I am inside the body of Shinji Matou. And shit I am probably eight years old, not even preteen to start training.
If I don't change and improve I will still be the most hated villain that just is more than a minor annoyance compared to other villains. Considering that there are heroes who are killing each other in this Holy grail war. Shinji is just mosquitto that nobody wants. And do I really need to remind anyone who Shinji will get crushed in each route painfully. He was kinda dead in Heaven's feel and he deserved it.
Being a Magicless was already enough but having his adoptive little sister heir of his family was humiliating for Shinji. That's how he became such a scum and hateful person in the whole series. But right now I am child Shinji and I haven't committed any crimes yet so I don't need to feel any guilt or dark emotion for a while.
And I am not planning to give any hell to Sakura out of jealousy. I am better than that. But I am not foolish enough to believe I can help her for a few years. I don't have a very keen idea of being bugfood thank you very much.
Also what do I have from my savedata? If I don't have anything I am very screwed. Shinji didn't have a magic circuit so I am very much confident to say I also don't.
"Stat?" I asked a little meekly. Very cold sensation began to crunch around my stomach. Before I gave in to the horror of being a powerless weak human with no magic, I snapped myself out of the grim thoughts.
"Menu" I commanded with my whole being and soul. I don't know if it was the thing I wassupposed to say or the sheer authoritative tone in my voice did it, But important thing is that I could see the screen in front of my eyes. And it was a very familiar screen.
Skills
Items
Status
Personas
I let out a sigh when the blue themed screen popped out in front of my eyes. For a moment I really thought I was majorly screwed. I tap in Status curiously.
Shinji Matou
Level 1
HP: 50
SP: 70
Academics: Smart
Charm: Unpolished
Courage: Ordinary
Welp. I am weak. What was I even expecting? Now that all cheats and mods are gone. I don't have an EXP multiplier anymore or EXP for the matter. At least I have all the weapons and items because of my previous cheats. Since it's gone I can't use items more than 99 times.
And there is no Tartarus to fight shadow and loot. Shit. How am I going to find more Persona items after I run out of them? I sigh and stand on my feet.
Let's not make my 'grandpa' anymore waiting. After a short bath and neat clothing I head out from my room. I have to say these mages are certainly more mordens than Wizards from Harry-Potter. Unlike their ancient structures, Matou residence was quite the mansion. It may not be the castle but it was a very luxurious and beautiful house.
And my good instantly evaporated when I thought about what is in the basement where Sakura gets training for Matou magic. It's sickening just to think, a young girl not even in her puberty getting raped by worms. Not even tentacles or slimes. It is horror from the book of the Devil himself.
Just wait a little longer, Sakura. I may not be your hero but I certainly won't be the villain in your story this time around.
With a long stair down to the first floor I arrived at the living room. Even the stairs were covered by new looking red and gold carpets. Sometimes I forget that these Matou aren't Japanese. We Matous are Makiries from Russia. So that's why I was getting a foreigner's vibe for a second.
And why the hell am I starting to think of myself as an original Shinji instead of body hijacker. Ah who cares. Its better this way than having negative feelings about body snatching business.
"Ah. You are here." That voice completely froze me in an instant. I maintain the calm facade as I sit on the couch right in front of him. My grandfather in this new life is Zouken Matou. What people don't know is that this thing isn't even a human. He was Zolgen Makiri, a man who once searched for utopia and pieces 500 years ago. Then he fell in love with a homunculi and got devastated when she sacrificed herself for holy grail. Now he is just wraith and worm that only wants immortality.
Everything just screams wrongness and rotten from the worm that has taken the shape of my new grandfather from this new life.
He was bald and a little slouch, making him shorter than me by a few centimeters. His trustworthy stick was within the arms. He was wearing what local Japanese would say Yukata.
Sitting facing me, the small, old man who spat the detestable words is my grandfather in my life this time. head of the family. He was so withered that his bald head and limbs looked like he was mummified, yet the light deep in his eyes filled his spirit; both his appearance and personality made him an uncommon, mysterious person.
To tell the truth, I couldn't determine the exact age of the old man. The aberrant entry in Wiki and the Anime or Visual novel said he was the father of Kariya and his brother Byakuya. But even with Shinji's or my great-grandfather, Shinji's ancestor in the third generation, there were records of the old man named Zōken in the family tree. There was no way to figure out for how many generations this man came to reign over the Matō family unless you haven't watched the Fate/stay night series.
Speaking of repulsive deeds, he was a magus who could be called immortal, stretching and stretching his age. A person at the root of the Matō bloodline with little direct connection with Kariya. He was a genuine specter surviving in the current era.
"There is something different and unique about you today, boy." He announced with his sickly strict tone. Of course he is a 500 years old mage. He will be the one to notice if something was different about his own grandson.
"Wow, it must be magic or something." I snarked back with a little scoff and turn to Sakura who was staring at me little startled for my tone toward grandfather.
Truth be told, the only reason I turn toward Sakura was because I didn't want to show my nervous face to him.
Thank heaven, Sakura was here. Otherwise it would've been suspicious as hell if I didn't show my face to him. Thankfully and fortunately for me Zouken didn't seem to mind my remark as he chuckled in amusement.
"Are you still sore about Sakura being the heir of the Matou bloodline? You have to understand my boy that you are incompetence and useless as a mage." Worm said with a still mocking smile but not any maliciousness behind it. It was like he was stating the fact that sky is blue to children.
Sakura looked down from my gaze, not able to look at me. I just want to walk up to her and hug her and tell that 'it's not your fault' but I can't do that. Killing Zouken came into my mind before it vanished completely with terror.
Zōken was a magus. I can't even try to kill him off right here. I don't even have a fragment of the power required for that.
To save Sakura, there was no other way than negotiating. I don't have any Persona and I don't know how spell cards will work in this world. Another thing concerning Zouken is, he is trying to mock me by comparing me to Sakura. Like he wants me to hate her.
Maybe this was one of the reasons why original Shinji hated Sakura because he was reminded again and again by his grandfather that he was useless and incompetence at everything. And slowly that intense jealousy turned into scorn and hatred.
"Ah who cares. Being heir isn't everything. If I really was so useless then I wouldn't be here standing or bearing Matou's name." I replied swiftly. Those sick black and white pupil-less eyes lit on amusement that gave me chills down my spine.
"Ah, at least you have a good head on your shoulders boy. Now I have a very important news for you." All smiles and hints of amusement left the old worm's face as he spoke in a commanding tone. There was no option to deny. Even without any magecraft this man is higher level than anything I've seen from my own eyes.
"Your father Byakuya died yesterday. He was attempting to sabotage teachings of Matou magecraft that I was planning to teach Kariya." Zouken revealed with very disappointing frown.
'Oh come on, you just don't go around and tell an eight year old kid that his father is dead.' I thought to myself and sighed much to the worm's delightment.
Sakura tried to give me a supportive and sympathetic look which looked like stare of a fish that was long dead.
"Is that all?" I asked impatiently, surprising a five hundred years old worm. Sakura didn't react as usual. Old mage frowned at me for a second before a strange sensation came over my eyes and my brain.
"Are you Shinji Matou?"Old worm asked suspiciously. 'Shit.' I thought to myself. Bastard isusing hypnosis to make me reveal myself. I know that I am not a great actor so I didn't pretend to be mourning over Byakuya's death. Because of that, this bugfucker is suspicious that I am not the same arrogant brat from before.
"Yes I am Shinji." 'Biologically' I answered and lastly added in my head instead of my lips. I think my persona abilities are shielding my mind. Because I was able to shake off hypnosis with just a little thought.
"Do not try to mind rape me again." I glared at him murderously. He just chuckled as If he saw something adorable, much to my fuming mood. I really hate mages now.
"Aren't you full of mystery today?" He asked with a little cackle of amusement before it vanished completely, leaving five hundred years old magus. "And I hate mysteries. If you don't start talking you might join your father in wormpit today." Zouken announced in a deathly cold tone. That's why this thing is dangerous. This bug bag could easily kill me before I could do anything to stop him for it.
My father or Shinji's father was supposed to die due to alcohol or some shit, but for some reason he died before the fourth Grail War could have begun. He probably got jealous and tried to do something to Kariya. Which pissed off Zouken enough to be thrown in to wormpit where Worm ate him instead of raping him like Kariya and Sakura. And I am on the next hot list for becoming potential bugfood.
"I am in the house of the ancient magi. Of course I read and learned about ways of magus. Of course to be a magus is to walk with death. So death is really not that much of a surprise for me." I replied without missing the beat. Inside I was getting my nerves wrecked. If Zouken would figure out that everything I spout out was bullshit, my fate will be worse than Death.
"First one who should be interested in magecraft runs away and now the one who is incompetence is interested in magecraft." Zouken chuckled at irony as he looked at me in pride and annoyance.
"I would've praised you if you weren't such an incompetence and born with magic circuits." Zouken replied while sipping tea Sakura just brought it a few minutes ago. "How many times I need to tell you boy that you are useless and you can't use magecraft." Zouken gave one last verdict. I just smirked at him.
I stood on my feet and headed toward Zouken slowly. I just don't want to rush at him, it might seem as if I was hostile or something. I don't want to risk anything with an old worm. I pointed at his cane or stick,"May I?" I asked calmly and politely.
He nodded boredly and curiously at the same time. I grasped his cane a little forcefully because it was heavier than it looked and I raised it over my head. I looked at Zouken with a little smug look created by the original Shinji.
"IN." I called out in the commanding tone as it disappeared completely. Zouken looked alittle startled at first before it completely vanished, only leaving curiosity behind.
Mystic code obtained.
Worm's cane : Rank D
Can be used to control worms and insects completely as long as it is equipped.
"Well, well, well. And I thought nothing would surprise me at this age. Congratulations Shinji, you have my attention." Zouken announced with very fixated interest and curiosity like his Christmas came early this year.
Suddenly it feels like this is the stupidest decision I made. I mean what was I thinking when I revealed that, I can do magic despite not having magic circuits. And I revealed it to a crazy, batshit, insane, old, vampire and worm hybrid.
Now think Shinji, think. How can I bullshit my way out of here unscathed?
"Magecraft is in simple terms using Mana or energy of our planet inside a magic circuit to perform mystical phenomena. Is it not?" I asked while bringing out Worm's cane. Zouken took his Mystic code while pondering over my words.
"Yes, it's a very crude and bastardised version but it is quite similar to what you said." Zouken replied while inspecting his trustworthy stick.
"Well what people usually ignore is there is another energy inside all of us." I said while circling around the couch.
"Ah, I see. You mean Od." Zouken theorised with a slightly surprised face. Well thanks for coming up with a new excuse bug-face.
"Exactly." I clicked my finger in approval. "Od is also magical energy and it resides inside every living organic being. So if I can manipulate this energy I can be a mage." I announced with a little smirk.
"Foolish boy, Od is too thin on the human body, that's why we need Mana to cast spells. Why do you think people determine their worth by measuring magic circuits in the first place if casting spells through Od was possible." Zouken thundered with a massive scale of scowls. It was not malicious, thankfully. Zouken isn't like the most kind of villain where they get upset over something and kill someone when they waste their time.
He has time to indulge in foolishness and antics of his children and grandchildren. It was his own kind of twisted love for his descendents and children. It's not that he will hesitate to end
them if the situation demands it, Now he is very interested in where this new development came to be. His useless grandson doesn't look so incompetence anymore.
"It's true that Od can never be as versatile as Mana, but what if I can create a spell itself that uses only one's Od?" I offered a challenging stare which was returned by Zouken surprisingly.
"I have already created one spell already. I can store objects in pocket dimensions. Who says that I can't create new spells that solely use Od instead of Mana?" Zouken made an intrigued face before accepting my theory.
"Bah, you can do as you please. I was about to send you abroad during the Holy Grail War but you brought this up to me." He took a long sip of the tea and stared at me. "Boy, you proved yourself more useful than your incompetence father." He stood up from the couch with his cane. "You will study here in Fuyuki city with Sakura and guard her from any danger. She is still the heir thus she is more important than anything else. Am I understood?" Zouken asked in a deathly calm tone. I nodded with a fake frustrated look on my face.
I have to act a little jealous like a normal child instead of an unfazed adult. Otherwise this worm would be too wary of my presence.
"Now go with Sakura to school. I will handle the paperwork here." With that old vampire left the room. I finnaly sagged my shoulder in relief when I couldn't detect any bug's presence.
I just sighed and looked at Sakura, who just stared at me with her vacant look.
"Let's go to hell together Sakura." I smiled at her sweetly which seemed to surprise her for a second.
With still the silent treatment she picked up the school bags and handed me one with black color. She just turned away silently toward the exit with her blank face. I followed her with one more sigh. Seeing a seven years old girl with that empty face is too painful.
I close my eyes for a second before calling for Menu. I tapped into Inventory as the large window-like screen expanded. Inside this window I could read items lists.
Restorative Items X 99
Battle Items X 99
Incense Cards X 99
Food Drink X 99
Date Items X 99
Gemstones X 99
Weapon fusion Items X 99
Key Items X 0
All Healing items and weapons were stocked inside my inventory. Because of my cheats, every obtainable item from Persona 3 was inside my pocket space. And I hand 99 of them all. Most importantly I was searching for something called Skill-cards in Battle items.
These Skill Cards are a special type of item in Persona 3. They are items that can be used to give skills to Personas that they might not normally learn on it's own. Since I don't have a Persona yet, can I use this card? Let's find that shall we.
I willed a skill card within the inventory, as a fleck of my wrist a tarot card appeared on my hand. It was a blank card at first, after a few seconds a drawing of a small fire appeared. Letter Agi was written on it. I pressed it on my forehead. I don't know if it will work, but here goes nothing.
I placed it on my forehead and waited to see if something would happen…
You don't have a Persona yet.
Of fucking course. What was I even expecting? Skill cards are used on Persona to learn new or different skills from their own skill-set. I could not just throw Persona skills like spells.
With a tired sigh I catch up to my new little sister and walk beside her. Thankfully She didn't seem to be bothered by my presence. Of course being closer to me was probably a better choice for her than being closer to Zouken.
After a few minutes we reached at exit door where someone else was limply walking away. Upon seeing us hooded figure completely stopped his movements. He took of his hood as get on his knees while looking at us.
'Kariya Matou.' I thought to myself while looking at the man who looked like he just walked out hell. His face was in an unhealthy form of pale while his whole left eye turned white.
If the situation wasn't too grim, I would have made a joke about Byakugan. His face was covered by a few veins where worms were moving freely sometimes. This man has seen true hell, this much I am sure.
Sakura and I get closed to him as looked at us sadly and determinedly like he was promising to himself about something in his mind.
"Hey Sakura-chan, Shinji-kun." Kariya greeted us while wincing every second of it. His body was aching in agony from every movement of his body, even his lips while talking to us.
Sakura's breath hitched, giving the first real emotion since I saw her. I just looked at him with a sympathetic yet pitiless look.
"Did I surprise you guys?" He asked while grasping his limp arm. Sakura's face now resembles the kicked puppy while watching her uncle suffer like that.
"No your face…" she could not complete her words. I back away little giving them a closer
space to each other.
"I am sorry, if only I was born with-" I couldn't finish my word before Kariya placed his hands on my shoulder.
"Never apologise for being spared from that hell Shinji-kun. I never blamed you for anything." Kariya try to smile at me which turned into a grimace pretty quickly due to pain from all over his body. I just nodded at him with my own weak little smile and walked away, giving them alone time. After a few steps I hide in turn while listening to their conversation.
Kariya gave Sakura one loving look with a fond smile. "I kinda lost to the worm inside me a little, I guess I am not tough as you are." He tried to brighten the mood in which Sakura didn't react that much.
"You're turning into a different person, aren't you?" Sakura asked sadly, watching her uncle's suffering. Kariya really tried hard to not break down in front of his daughter in all but blood.
"Maybe." he whispered weakly. He has to win this war to save her, no matter the consequences.
"I didn't have to go to the bug room yesterday. Grandpa said there was an important ceremony going on." Sakura said while staring blankly at Kariya.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I went there yesterday instead." Kariya replied. Because of yesterday, his body was already twitching in pain every second because of toil in his Mana.
So he summoned the Berserker huh. Fourth Holy Grail will begin when the caster is going to be summoned. If I had Mana in my body I would've summoned one for my own.
"I'll be pretty busy with an important job for a while. I probably won't have much time to talk to you, Sakura-chan." Kariya informed in an apologetic tone which Sakura nodded sadly.
I begin to walk away giving them the last emotional conversations they have with each other.
I don't want to ruin their last talk by eavesdropping.
-666-
"Hey Sakura." I called while walking toward my new elementary school. "Why are we going to school outside of Fuyuki? Aren't you supposed to be super important to Matou?" I asked while walking out of the station. I don't know if Zouken lost his marbles or not, if he knows that the city is going to be dangerous by courtesy of the Holy Grail War, why send us outside in the first place?
"I don't know big brother." Sakura replied in an uncharacteristically deathly tone. It was not empty like before. It was now filled with malice for some reason.
"Hey why are yo-" Smack
I fell on the ground after colliding into something. I quickly get on my feet to see what I am collided with to see nothing ahead. I slowly placed my hand in the air to feel an invisible wall in front of me.
I looked around to see an unnatural amount of silence in the area. Which shouldn't be possible since we are in the middle of a footpath where students were walking around a few minutes ago.
"Oh come on! It's been one day and we are already trapped inside a bounded field." I muttered while taking a look around our surroundings. I turned around to see if Sakura was okay.
"Saku-" Word died in my throat when I turned around. Sakura wasn't Sakura anymore. Her violet hair already turned into silver one while eyes turned into bloody red like wine. Her school dress was covered by some kind of black and red dress. There were some terrifying red lines or patterns across her cheeks that made her more frightening than she already was.
She walked toward me slowly as her dress rippled around the air. Her eyes weren't blank anymore. It was filled with cold and calculating intelligence. 'This person is Dark Sakura.' Something whispered in my mind or ears I am really not sure.
My body froze completely in terror. But my mind was running at the speed of light. Questioning about, what, why and how this happened. Truth be told, I don't know much about Dark Sakura. I only know of her because of games and a few fanfics I read about in the past.
Now I really wish that I should've read Heaven's feel route too. Everything about her screaming danger. I was too paralyzed to register that my body was in fight or flight response.
She slowly walked toward me and stopped in front of me with one scary smile. "You are too different from that thing. Are you really Shinji Matou?" She asked with a cutesy tone which made her more dangerous than she already is.
"And if you again start your half-truths bullshit, I will kill you." She threatened with a little smug smile. Black tendrils of her dress began to stretch and started to bind me before I could do anything in response.
I was so scared that the world started to spin around me. Tears were now flooding out of my eyes like waterfalls. I mean who wouldn't be scared in front of a very dangerous albino looking girl who is also a villain of the world where morality is already too low.
New passive skill obtained.
Unshaken Will : Rank A
Impart immunity against all mental ailments.
All fear, terror, horror and much more negative emotions flushed away instantly. I stopped resisting her binds as her black tendrils roped my limbs and torso completely. She herself looked somewhat relieved to see me not resting and crying anymore.
"Phew, I really thought I traumatized you." She sighed in relief while running her hands on my cheeks like she was looking for something. "I mean if you really are Shinji, who cares how much you suffer before I kill you." She again smiled coldly at me. This time I stared at her eyes with unflinching will. I will not be killed here, not without leaving some kind of impact in this world. I am not some rat to die on the road, in my first day of my Isekai.
"I am reincarnated inside this body." I replied bluntly while observing surroundings. This bounded field she settled on was too good. There was no sign of people anywhere near.
Sakura looked right into my eyes before sighing again. "And you expect me to believe that?" She asked while pinching my ears playfully. I just shrugged that off. I really don't know what to do make her believe me.
Because of Unshaken will, my fears are being repressed but it is still there inside somewhere. I can just feel it. Right now I have to do something before she decides to kill me.
"And what are you supposed to be? Dark Sakura or Sakura Alter?" I asked in a little sarcastic tone. Thankfully she didn't mind it, it seems.
"You could say that I suppose. I really need you to prove to me that you aren't Shinji.
Otherwise you die. No question asked." Loli-Dark Sakura said with an unreadable stare.
"Ah, you are some kind of piece of grail which is corrupted because of Angra Mainyu. Which is controlling Sakura's body. It proves that I am not Shinji because he shouldn't know about these things because he was killed by Sakura thus allowing you to control her body." I rambled without even realizing what I was saying. After I finished my rant, there was stunned silence in the air.
"Ah.. Can you not kill me… please." I used my best puppy dog eyes I can muster. She just rubbed her nose in annoyance. She just sighed one last time before her transformation start to fade away. Black string things start to vaporize on air as her hair turns back into her normal violet along with her eyes.
"How do you know that?" She asked softly while sitting on a nearby bench.
I quickly flopped down beside her while rubbing my throat where her trendles bounded me earlier.
"I reincarnated into the past. I am from 2021." I answered fluently, not hesitating to answer. I turned to her with a raised eyebrow, "Important question is why are you already Dark Sakura? Zouken hasn't planted corrupted grail inside of you yet. Heck Holy Grail War just starting now."
Sakura just looked at me with more than a blank look this time. I could finally see shine in her eyes instead of blank pupil-less eyes like Kotomine and Kiritsugu.
"My situation is kinda like yours. After I killed you, and yes I am not apologizing, like you said I became something more than just me." She muttered while leaning her head on my shoulder. I was wondering why she is too comfortable around me.
"After Angra Mainyu took control of my i absorbed everything in Fuyuki city. Saber, big sister Rin, Illya and my senpai were first ..." Sakura sobbed at the end. She couldn't finish the word before choking up on the words. After shedding more tears she continued.
"At the end the shadow absorbed everything. What remained in that barren city was Greater Grail. I became the winner of the fifth Holy Grail War."
"Isn't Grail already corrupted? Was it still able to grant wishes?"
"Even if it was corrupted by an Avenger class servant, it's still a wish-granting chalice. Every wish could be granted but the result will always be destruction. After I won the grail, I wished to take me to the past so I can change things for better but…I don't know where to start."
She just let out more hiccups. Now I am really in between rock and a hard place. I really don't know how to comfort girls except hugging them.
And I did just that. Even it looked a little awkward at first. Surprisingly she did return the hug."I thought you would be disgusted just by looking at me, let alone touching me." I muttered while rubbing her back comfortably.
She just caressed my cheeks like an old lady, not that I am going to say that out loud. I like living, thank you very much.
"Even though you are Shinji, this body is too innocent like a child. And you are not even the same person inside anymore." She replied while sniffing. "And besides, touching you is a better choice than worms." She added a little chuckle weakly.
"Can't you just go Dark Sakura and kill Zouken?" I mean what's stopping her from doing that.
She was able to beat Berserker Hercule into submission. It's basically Super saiyan for her.
"If it was that easy." She muttered while looking up at the sky. "When I traveled back in time, I left the curses of Angra Mainyu behind. All of my power in that form is basically tainted Grail and I don't have that anymore. What I used earlier was just remnants of the curse flowing through my magic circuits. I am nearly not strong enough to kill that vampire."
"What were you going to do to Shinji, if I had not reincarnated here?" I asked calmly, trying to change the subject. What's the worst thing she could do?
"I wasn't even planning to reveal myself to you. It's just you were too different from the Shinji I remembered from my time. If you were a normal child, I would have you as my little obedient slave." She ended with a chuckle, making me a lot more nervous than I was previously.
"Dark."
"You're the one who keeps calling me Dark Sakura and besides, it's Shinji. Who cares what happens to him." Loli Sakura shrugged her shoulders innocently. "It's just… even if Angra Mainyu is not inside me anymore, it left its dark impression on me. No matter what I do, I will never be able to find my happiness like before…."
"Before everything went to hell?" I guessed. She just nodded and stood on her feet.
"I hope I don't have to tell you to never mention this to Zouken." She threatened one last time with her soft glare. I nod solemnly at her. I am not that reckless and an idiot Sakura. Besides, I fear Zouken more than you. But you don't need to know that.
"What about uncle Kariya?" She froze at my question before looking at me with a resigned look.
"What can I even do? I can't do a single thing for him yet. At minimum, I need a few years to get stronger as mage…" She trailed off looking at distance.
"Winning this Holy Grail War?" I suggested that with weak little smile.
"Optimistic too much."
"Never hurts to aim too high."
We both start to chuckle.. no, we laughed like children at that. After calming down I put my hand on her head softly. "Even if I become bugfood, I will help you to kill Zouken, even if it's last thing I do."
"That's a big promise to make, little boy." Sakura teased with little smile. I let out a mock hurt expression, "That's mean. You old-loli."
I just got one boop in the head before Sakura undo bounded field as we once again head toward school while making small conversations.
"Earlier you mentioned going to hell, what's that about?" Sakura asked while walking ahead of me.
"School of course." I groaned loudly. Demoness just cackled at my misery.
-666-
Children, lots of children were staring at me in wonder and starry eyes. I have to admit Shinji possessed more unnatural charisma than normal humans. Even in the original series, Shinji had dated every girl in his class except for Rin, who ignored Shinji's many advances.
Moment Sakura and I entered Yatsushirodai Elementary School, just outside of Fuyuki city. Every goddamn child in the area was looking at me like a piece of meat, especially girls. We are only eight for God's sake.
And people were already criticizing Sakura. I just don't understand these people. Blue hair like mine, or Red hair like Shirou is perfectly normal for them, but why the hell is Sakura's violet hair any different? People were already whispering about dyed hair and contact lenses. I mean my eyes are blue-grey and her eyes are violet like her hair. So why the hell were they only looking at Sakura weirdly.
After a few words here and there we were already in class. "Class, we have two new classmates joining us please welcome them warmly." Teacher, a middle aged woman, called out.
I am Matou Sakura, please to meet you." She introduced herself softly, switching back to her emotionless personality. There were a few murmurs in class before a huge coughing fit ring out.
In front of our eyes, at the second last bench Rin Tohsaka spit out water in shock. Just like I remembered from the Anime, she had wavy brown hair in twin tails. Her aqua blue eyes were looking at Sakura in shock. Her shock quickly turned into embarrassment when all the class stared at her with surprised faces.
Her face quickly flushed with massive blush as she dived her head down to her bag on the table.
Sakura didn't react as usual while I maintained my deadpanned face.
"Did you see, Tohsaka-san blushed."
"Do you think she likes him?"
"Anyone will like him."
"Aww~ He's like foreign transfer student who comes to conquer the hearts of maidens."
"Yeah, like from those movies and Manga." Chatter exploded through the roof as all the children started their own theory. Poor Sakura, not even one student mentioned her yet.
Before the teacher could intervene, I cleared my throat, gaining all of the class's attention on me once again. Class got quiet after a few seconds.
"I am Shinji Matou, I am eight years old,
Sakura is my sister. And yes her hair and eyes are natural, if I see anyone make fun of her or dare to tease her, I will throw that person out of the window." I announced without batting an eye while giving minor glare at children. I was totally not copying Zouken Matou.
"Shinji-kun you can't th-" Teacher stopped her mouth when I stared at her coldly. "Is there a problem teacher?"
Her eyes glazed for a moment, even surprising me. Before I could react, Sakura grasped my hand tightly. Because of our close distance nobody seems to notice it. Did my little sister hypnotize the teacher for me. How sweet of her. Its too shame that I can't use magic like that. Damn thing always came into subject of Magic Circuits.
"Of course not Shinji-kun." Teacher replies obediently. Wait a second, why did I react like that? It felt like the teacher was a pest, which was getting snarky with me.
Then a horrible realization set in inside my mind. 'I have inherited Superior complex and arrogance.' I thought to myself. Shit. I will never become like the original Shinji, even if it kills me.
"Any questions?" I asked as if nothing happened here. Several hands rose up in the air. "No question." I confirmed with a smug smirk which seems to impress them for some reason. Children are weird.
Charm evolved.
Unpolished Confident.
'Sweet.' With a smug smirk I passed by Rin, who just glared at me for some reason. With a little shrug I sat down in the protagonist's seat by the window. Sakura followed me and sat nearby. I mouthed, 'Thanks.' at her after she sits down. She just nodded at me with a small mischievous smile.
-666-
"What the heck do you think you're doing?" Rin slammed both of her hands on my desk. I lazyly stared at her, her face was scrunching in anger. Wow I didn't know that a seven year old girl could nearly explode in anger.
"Who're you again?" I asked while staring at her with one eye open. Rin's look baffled for a few seconds before she took a deep breath, praying to her ancestors to give her power to bash my head in.
"Why did you use magecraft on our teacher?" She whispered/yelled at me. She was too pissed off for some reason.
"How bold of you to accuse me of that Tohsaka. I don't even have magic circuits on me." I replied with a cheeky smile. Her eyes widened for a moment.
"That's why Matou has adopted Sakura? But that's mean-" Rin was interrupted in her realization when Sakura walked in and stood behind me with her expressionless face.
"I am the one who casted that spell….because of the order given by ni-san." I nodded alongside her at first not understanding what she just said before my eyes widened.
"You-you.. how dare you." Rin muttered while glaring a dagger at me while clenching her fist. She was now pissed at me because she is thinking I am forcing Sakura into doing magic. If glare could kill, I would be fifty feet under.
I shot a betrayed look at Sakura, who just smirked secretly at me. This Sakura is not normal. I seem to keep forgetting that. But how the hell she gain prankster trait? Ah no matter, I will have my revenge Sakura. Prank war is commencing now. But this all events prove one thing at least.
No matter the universes and timelines, Rin Tohsaka and Shinji Matou will never be on good terms. Yup my theory can't be wrong.
"Sakura use water pulse." I pointed at Rin dramatically while standing on my feet. At first Rin backed away in shock, quickly digging her hand into her pocket on her skirt. She quickly took out beautiful colored jewels in her hand ready to combat.
I was still pointing at Rin without moving while Sakura's face was in deadpanned mode. "I am not a Pokémon, ni-san." Sakura muttered and walked away from the classroom.
"What's a Pokémon?" Rin asked, confused.
"Ask that in 2004." I shot back, finally relaxing from my pose. I cross my arms and finally observe her fully. She still was a little tense but allowed herself to put away her jewels.
"Who do you think you are? You can't use magecraft in public places. This is city is owned by the Tohsaka clan." Rin stated angrily while giving the glare that shouldn't be possible for an eight year old girl.
If I was facing Rin from the Fifth Holy Grail War I would have been intimidated but to this little loli-Rin? I didn't even feel a little danger despite the fact that she was still mage. Even children mages are dangerous because of their repulsiveness. It was essentially gun or any weapons in hand of the children.
I leaned forward near Rin's face, and she held her ground without flinching. "And what are you going to do about it?" I whispered in her face. I leaned back before she could strike me, not that I think she will bash my head just yet. I think Kirei was supposed to teach her some kind of karate or judo shit in future.
My knowledge is getting blurry and blurry with each passing moment. Shit.
"Besides, don't you know what's happening right now in the city these days. No one is going to care about a few Magic-less humans during this time."
Her eyes widen in little fear, surprise and realization. "Holy Grail War." She whispered tensely. "Bingo." I turned around and started walking toward the exit .
"You should spend some time with your father. Who knows what will happen in war." Before she could respond I left class with a solemn face. I know she loved her father from the series, I hope this time she gets more time with her before Kotomine finishes him off.
And yes I am not saving him. First of all I am not a goddamn responsible for any misfortune that falls around people. Besides, do you think I, an eight year old kid, could save someone from Kirei Kotomine and Gilgamesh? Hell no I can't. I am not going anywhere near that golden bastard.
Beside my survival comes first. This is not a Fix-it fic, dammit.
-666-
"I thought I was going to die." I sighed again following Sakura like lost duck.
"I don't understand what your problem is? I had lots of fun today." Sakura replied, finally breaking out of her emotionless face. Easy for you to say. You're craving for human interaction because of spending too much time with bugs.
"If you had that much fun, why did your face was still stuck on 'I don't give a fuck' look?" I asked while staring at back of her head.
"I really did enjoy myself today. At the first round in my life I was so scared to even look at people. And that vampire was influencing my emotions to break me completely." She seethe in anger for a few seconds before calming down.
"But this round two for my life, this time I don't have that leash around my neck anymore." She added while rubbing her throat. Her body language was same as pigeon who just escaped its cage and now its planning to take flight. I just stare at her sadly from behind.
Sakura is really strong in my opinion. I am not talking about physical strength or magical capability. Moment she got adopted into the Matou family, she endured hell for years.
All of this shit started when the Einzbern family attempt to cheat on the Third holy grail war and failed miserably. They tried to summon Satan himself and nearly got one in the form of Angra Mainyu, Persian God of Darkness, Chaos and Evil. In simple terms embodiment of the world's evil.
Fortunately or unfortunately Angra Mainyu lost the war pretty fast. I can even be sure that he was the first to be eliminated.
But the bastard leached on the Grail like parasyte and all of his evil curses corrupted the grail itself. Originally before I came here or Sakura traveled back in time, Tokiomi Tohsaka, Sakura's and Rin's father gave away Sakura just because Rin was more capable magically than poor Sakura. Last day, as sisters Rin gave Sakura's red ribbon she wore everywhere. It was the last act of sisterhood from the both.
Where Rin was somewhat spoiled until the Holy Grail War, Sakura wasn't so lucky.
Because the Matou family is so pathetic as mages these days, Sakura was chosen as the new heir to the family. Sakura was tortured in the most horrific way imaginable.
The pit under Matou manor, where my father died yesterday and my unnamed mother died some years ago, is filled with vile creatures.
Crest worms. These worms are the trump card of Zouken. That fucking bastard let those worms crawl all over her body, inside her body, letting her be violated.
Her hair was brown like her sister at first. Now it's such a violet color because of some Matou bullshit magic. She essentially became an emotionless puppet of Zouken.
Even Shinji (not me) get threatened by her position as heir of the family and develops disdain toward her. Sakura accepts Shinji's whim out of pity and guilt toward him. But being dumbass he is, he mistakes it for submission and rapes her repeatedly. Under these twisted circumstances, being abused physically and sexually, she internalize her contempt of Zouken who turture her. Tokiomi who disowned her and Rin who never attempted to save her.
Over the years Sakura found strength to endure suffering by only one source. Determination of the boy named Shirou Emiya.
Well he's the protagonist for the reason you know.
It all started when she witnessed Shirou trying to high jump and failing it. But he tried again and again and again. Not giving up.
To learn more about him, she joined the archery club at high school with Shirou. When Mr I am going to become a hero by doing chores (Shirou) injured himself at his part time job, she gathered her courage to visit him in his home. And cares for him until he gets better.
Even after that she continued to visit the Emiya household to cook for Shirou and his guardian Taiga. It was only one pleasure in her miserable life.
Only love for Shirou restores her humanity and it looks like she can live happily even with her secret tortures. She even had an impurity complex about herself, fearing Shirou's reaction.
Upon the Grail War there are some unanswered questions. In the Fate route and Unlimited blade works route, we don't know what happened to Sakura.
Shirou goes to London with Rin at Mages association but what happened to Sakura on those two routes.
My guess is, her love for Shirou was not returned, as her own sister Rin steals him away from her. My guess is she suffered the rest of her life by the hands of Shinji and Zouken.
In Heaven's feel route I am not too sure.
But this Sakura in front of me obviously didn't have a happy ending, otherwise she wouldn't be here reliving this hellish life once again.
That's why the strongest person I know from this world is Sakura. I don't care if you have an Excalibur that can blow up a mountain or Gate of Babylon that contains all of noble
phantasm or God's hand that can literally bring you back to life twelve times. That's not a real strength. Real strength is the ability to endure and not to break even when you are weak and fragile.
She endured for years, tortures, rapes, heartbroken and she is still not broken. Yes she is scarred and bent but never broken. I can never be able to endure that much. Damn Shirou fucking Emiya not saving Sakura in those two routes.
"-nji, Shinji." I jerked away from thoughts from Sakura's worried face. When I came back to senses, I was hugging her from behind while bawling my eyes out.
I was so lost in my head, i didn't even realize that I started to cry physically because of sadness and sorrow. Damn these children hormones.
"What happened?" She asked while giving me a confused look. I just tightened my hold on her. My entire body was in shock. Eyes were still stinging from tears. Thankfully I managed to control my sobs.
"It's nothing. Even when I am mentally near an adult, my body still reacts to dark thoughts." I replied weakly while wiping away tears. "Hey Sakura."
"Hmm?" She turned and look at me. Thank God there was nobody, otherwise I would have been dead from embarrassment.
"Since you are in the past, What are you going to do? Killing Zouken is probably the first matter of business but.. What about your father, who gave you away to that hell? Or heck even me? Just even looking at my face should've made you sick. Since I'm wearing his face." Dammit. These hormones in children's body is making me an emotional fool.
"About that, I'm only planning to kill Zouken nothing more."
"But-"
"No buts. I dislike my father, I don't hate him. And what happened to me wasn't Rin's or Shinji's fault. We all are victims here." She said sternly.
Stareeeeee.*
"Okay maybe it was his fault, but I am the one who allowed him to do as he pleased. Maybe if I have been more resistant toward him, it could have been different." Her stern face broke apart as look down.
"I am not saying that I forgive everybody and let's be friends… all I am saying is I don't want to be closer to them like my past self." She added with a bit of a determined voice. She start to walk down the road.
"What about Shirou?" I asked while walking beside her. Sun was setting in the west with orangely glow, shining beautiful shades of colors. It was somehow unfit for the conversation we were having.
"Do you know why I killed senpai in my own world?" She asked calmly. I could see her heartbroken tone hidden behind that calm facade. I didn't answer letting her continue.
"I killed him because he choose Rin over me. I am not saying he did wrong thing… it just I loved him for years and he didn't even noticed but somehow he fall in love with Rin in just span of few days during the Holy Grail War." She took deep breath while holding back her tears.
"Then my jealousy got the best of me. Angra Mainyu got the perfect chance to manifest in me and started his rampage. When we were done there was nothing but ruin at the Fuyuki and I was standing alone with golden cup in my hands." She added with venom toward all the world's evil. Because of that cursed thing her love for Shirou died alongside him when she killed him with Rin and Illya. Even though she has gained her humanity back after coming into the Past, her alignment has already changed into Evil. Not Chaotic Evil as Angra Mainyu mind you, she is just lawful Evil. She is just an evil alignment person with no maliciousness toward other people unless they were her enemies.
"Besides, I am not even sure I'm Sakura Matou anymore. I have all the memories and experiences of a nearly broken girl but my personality is severely altered because of Angra Mainyu." She spoke quietly. She was sure that she was not the same Sakura who loved Shirou or the same person before transforming into Dark Sakura.
"About that, it may be too late to ask but is it possible that Zouken is spying on us or can he control you through his worms?" I asked fearfully. If Zouken was spying on us, we are literally fucked.
"Don't worry about it. I have full control over all the worm inside of me. You see I also absorbed the worms inside of me as Dark Sakura. I practically know everything about crest worms because of that. I can fully control worms inside me and Zouken doesn't know that yet. Hahaha." She finished with gleeful laughter in the end. If she can fully control all of the worms inside she could basically manipulate Zouken by giving him false information. Smart girl.
So Angra Mainyu also fucked Zouken in her timeline huh. This is ridiculous. Half of this world is getting fucked because of Angra Mainyu. Core of problems of every fucking important character is Angra fucking Mainyu.
Shirou Emiya get fucked by him because of the Fuyuki fire. Kiritsugu get major bitch-slap from him by giving middle fingers to his world peace wish.
He gave a black heart made out of Evil mud to Kirei, bringing that psychopath back to live.
Sakura get transformed in to Dark Sakura because of him. Saber's wish got cucked by him.
Seriously everything is related to Angra Mainyu for some fucking reason.
Fuck Angra Mainyu.
I came out from my inner monologue and paid attention to Sakura's side of the story.
"After I wished at the Grail in Fuyuki I woke up here today. And imagine my surprise when the Shinji I know is replaced by someone from the future. I know you are not from my future but you know too much about me and my family and shirou…. Are you my son from an alternate timeline?" She asked, suddenly freezing me in my spot. She also stopped and stared at my face.
Where did she even come up with that ridiculous idea? And I am in a bad spot. I can't just say that I know all about you from Eroge and Anime. It would be my death sentence, I just know it. And she can detect lies and half truth. I can't fool her like Zouken too. Shit. And I can't lie to her or tell half truth otherwise I would lose all trust and fondness from her that I manage to earn in this short amount of time. Double-shit.
"One can never reveal their parents in Past under any circumstances. Otherwise there's a chance that big paradox will occur." I replied mysteriously. This is not a lie. It's complete truth that every time traveler follow because of the butterfly effect. Even though its fictional rules, its still count as truth. If fate/stay night could be real, why can't time travel movies become real as well?
"So you can't answer it?" She asked in a disappointing tone. I shake my head in a negative. Come to think of it, if Shirou and Sakura get married, they will have their own children as teenagers in 2019. I can see where she is guessing from.
"You know so much about me, the Holy Grail and other things that normal people shouldn't know about even if they are from the future. And my other versions wouldn't tell anyone about their own suffering, pain, information about Grail war and moonlit world unless they are her own children." She deduced confidently. I didn't even have to make up some bullshit. She just made her own conclusion and its damn solid.
Her theory would've been totally correct if I wasn't Isekai'ed here. No need to tell her that though.
"I don't know about that, but I won't call you mom if that's what you're expecting, little sister." I replied cutting her from probably another ridiculous deduction. "Believe it or not, I am Shinji Matou and I won't call anyone 'mom' in this life unless I am having MILF in my bed."
She completely stopped on her tracks as her mind screeched to a halt. First time since coming here I finally managed to catch her by surprise. Her face lit completely as blood rushed up on her face. Like Rin's own Sakura activated her own Unlimited blush works.
"Ow." I yelped away from her when she dove her elbow in my face after she regained her composure.
"Same dirty mind. Yes you are Shinji. Definitely Shinji." She huffed away with a mixture of adorable frown and pout.
"Hehe, It's totally worth it, seeing you blush like that." I cackle behind her while rubbing my jaws. Thankfully she missed the nose, or it would've been painful. Yup all Tohsaka has unlimited blush work, even if one changes their names.
Suddenly all fun and laughter left from our face and atmosphere when swarms of bugs descended in front of us. I was about to go into panic mode when Sakura gave me a reassuring look subtly.
All warmth left her face as her eyes once again turned into empty and broken violet orbs.
This was bad, really bad. I had just a feeling that it would get worse.
Swarm of bugs formed into humonid for several seconds before fully transforming into Zouken. His face was unusually worried.
"It was a bad idea, I should have known." He muttered to himself while walking toward us with his cane. This bastard didn't even need a cane for support, show off.
"What's the matter grandfather?" I asked cautiously while walking forward and stood in front of him. He looked at me with his usual 'you are not that interesting than Sakura' look and sent a rather unnerving look at Sakura.
If I didn't know better I would've thought he was a pedophile old man and sicc FBI on him.
"Sending you outside was a bad idea." He said in a gloomy tone. I raise eyebrows at him.
"Then why did you send her in the first place?" I asked in confusion. Was he getting senile or something.
Zouken scowled at the tone of questioning from me as if heard my inner thoughts.
"I sent her with you so she could take you to school for today. Since you will be coming here alone until Holy Grail War. Do you know what it is?"
"Yes I know the gist of it. Since our Matou family is one of the founder's clan. There was a book in the library about it." I again replied in a half-truth tone. Outright lying will be caught by this vampire Immediately.
"Tch, if you weren't Matou in blood, you would've been in the pit before you could touch a single paper. Lucky brat.*
I internally sighed in relief while maintaining a slight childish look on my face.
"Since you know about the war, I sent Sakura here to plant special worms in certain areas and in the school. But we don't have time for that right now. Sakura to come here for a moment." He ordered impatiently, which was slightly out of character for him. Sakura walked up to him without any resistance.
I was about to follow her when something unexpected happened. In the blank of the eyes I was on the ground on my ass.
–20HP
"Ahhh." I cried out when I finally registered the pain from my body. I open my eyes to see Zouken's cold smile while his stick laid directly on my face. I could only gape in pain.
Another part of my mind was screaming at me in horror that Zouken had spied on us by fooling Sakura and me. Before my thoughts got out of control Zouken spoke while leering at me.
"You think I didn't notice anything boy. I am old, very old Shinji. At first if you were only incompetence grandson with no magic circuits, I would have protected you until you were an adult. You see, you were nothing but a disposable tool."
Tap Tap Tap
His cane or stick tapped my forehead like it was judging my worth. There was a sick smile on the worm's face while watching me squirm under his stick.
"Now your value has increased because of your rather interesting intelligence and your own brand of magic."
"Magic? Not magecraft?" I asked hesitantly while hiding my fear under Unshaken Will.
Zouken looked at me now with anger like he was somehow jealous of me.
"Yes magic. It is only magecraft when non-mage can replicate the same effect through science. But your pocket space can't be copied through science yet. So congratulations Shinji for becoming a Magician." Zouken said through gritted teeths. I am surprised he even has teeths. I thought his entire biology was made out of bugs. But why is he mad about me being a Magician?
Magican are super rare in this world. Mages are people who are capable of doing magecraft, which is basically punk-magic that can be copied by science by non-magic.
But some magic can't be explained or copied by science, these are called True Magic. And wielder of these True magic are Magicians. These magicians are basically VIPs of this world. People either worship you or cut you open for experimentation. Mages are sick like that. Only few have moral viewpoints than the mass of the mages.
"Having a Magician in Matou is not good for me right now. It will bring too much attention to me right now, which I don't need nor want." Zouken gave his verdict while his creepy eyes glaring hole through my skull.
"That's why I am giving you a test." Zouken announced coldy. I only stared at him in fear while grasping my forehead. Thank God it wasn't bleeding.
"Magicians are basically demi-gods to the moonlit world, boy. And if you don't have a strength to survive, you are incompetent even as Magician.
So you have only one test to pass, and if you pass this I will consider raising you as a Magician. And if you fail….well you weren't worth the trouble." Wet garble left Zouken's throat as he laughed like a lunatic.
"Your only test as a Magician is to survive and return home. You can get help from Kariya, who is somewhere in this city— Beware boy, there are dangers in the city so I would be careful if I were you."
Zouken gave a leery smile, as if the anger up to now was a lie. That was the smile of a monster that doesn't even consider human emotions as splinters.
I am going to kill this bugfucker, even if that's the last thing I will do.
Under my glare Zouken just laughed creepily while Sakura stare emotionlessly at me. Swarms of bugs surrounded them for a few seconds before both of them vanished from the spot, leaving me behind.
I was dumbfounded for a minute as I stare blankly at the spot where Zouken and Sakura disappeared from. "When the fuck since he could Teleport?" I asked myself while sweating a little. Isn't that also near true magic? Scientists haven't made the teleporter yet.
With one more sigh I headed toward the bride connected to Fuyuki city. Seriously why the hell this elementary school was out of Fuyuki when all students are from Fuyuki.
With one deep breath I walked forward toward the bridge.
"Come to think of it, I haven't use my powers that much, have I?" With one big grin I opened the inventory and started to search for certain items.
Medicine 99 : Restores 50HP to one ally.
One white pil appeared on my hand as 99 turned into 98 on the screen. Without the second thought I gulped down the pil while grimacing a bit. The taste was classic bitter of the medicine we used as children in the past.
HP: 50
SP: 70
Throbbing pain on my headache vanished completely as I swallowed the bitter medicine. It's effect was immediate, that's for sure. There was not much to heal other than a measly headache.
With each step by step on the bridge forbidding feelings grew on my chest.
CLANK
'Huh, I think I heard something.' For some unknown reason my heartbeat increased despite my Unshaken Will.
"I am hearing something… from under the bridge?" I asked while trying to control my shaking limbs.
It was horrible, my body or instinct were screaming in danger but I couldn't see or feel where that danger was coming from. Just much as scared I was, I am also equally curious. 'What's the worst thing that can happen?' Suddenly I stopped in my tracks with a sweat drop.
"I shouldn't have said that. I really shouldn't have said that." I murmured while taking each step.
To investigate it, I find myself heading there even though I know that I mustn't.
Its like there is some kind of ward there trying to compel me not to go there.
This bridge looks awfully familiar. It's just tip of my tongue, but I don't exactly remember where I recall this place from.
I go near the bridge to look down and be dumbfounded. It's a little dark but I can see them clearly. Moonlight and lights from electric poles were eliminating their regal and noble figures.
Now I could hear them loud and clear. It's sound of metal hitting metal. A handsome man with red and yellow Spear was attacking gracefully toward a female knight in armour. Her bright green eyes were filled with power, honor and righteousness. She looked like unarmed but in her arms invisible sword was present.
My mind stops completely. How stupid I can get. This was the year 1994. This was the battle of the bridge, first battle of this Holy Grail War.
I can barely follow them with my eyes. My brains were not working properly while trying to observe their moves. Each strike was precise and lethal. They were clearly trying to kill each other.
Knight was Saber, king of knights and King Arthur, while the handsome man was Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. A man who was cursed and given the love spot. Many men from my world will die for such a curse.
Even though they looked like human, they were not. They were force of nature. These people were heroes of legends.
"I am going to die." My lips moved without my permission while staring at them. Seeing them in screen was another thing, but seeing this fromt of my own eyes were terrifying.
I should run the fuck away from here, but my body won't move. It was completely paralyzed as my heartbeat soared high up and above. My body was set in fight or flight responding mode while looking at battle as much clearly as I can.
Gales surged. A confusion of life and death.
The moment that the swordsman and the spearman slide past each other, flowers of bright crimson blood fluttered and bloomed briefly – before fading away in the blink of an eye.
Saber, who charged past, stopped. The two of them turned at the same time.
They both still stood erect, without losing the thought of warring against each other. The two Heroic Spirits were still intact.
Finally the battle had the slight possibility of moving away from the path of attacking each other. At that moment unexpectedly one man on top of the building with a sniper shot at the bridge, thinking it was another master due to their silhouette.
BANG!
And I chose flight. From a far away building Kiritsugu Emiya fired a warning shot. It was not targeted directly at my face as if the shooter was hesitating to shoot a kid. But that didn't stop me from reacting. I was already terrified by the servant's presence alone but nearly getting shot was the last straw. Due to the fear I jumped from the bridge purely from my instinct alone.
Two fighting knights stopped their battle when Diarmuid was about to use his yellow Spear to wound Saber. It was his one of the Noble Phantasms, Gáe Buidhe. Yellow or golden flower of mortality. It has taken the form of the Spear or Lance as Noble Phantasm. If that Spear wounds anyone, it cannot be healed naturally or through magecraft. It was the ultimate weapon against enemies who possess healing factors.
Abandoning the fatal attack on the enemy, Lancer jumped toward me. Wind was hitting my face rather fast as aunt gravity pulled me for a hug. It was very hard to not cry like a little bitch while falling toward the certain death.
When Lancer jumped toward me with his super speed I was relieved. His Spear was already dismissed in particles while he was showing why his class is called knight of speeds.
Diarmuid was a perfect example of a knight in shining armour. Even from anime I liked him. I don't know why people find it annoying about this type of person. When he died at the war by command spell in war, I certainly felt a pang of sympathy toward the guy. This guy may not be cool and badass like other edgy heroes, he was a good guy who didn't let a kid like me fall to death before his eyes.
He wrapped me in his arms in midair and somehow turned in the opposite direction suddenly. Within the second he landed on the ground while carrying me.
Saber held her blade for a moment before she let her holy blade down in non-aggression. She was looking at me or in a confusing situation confusingly while Irisviel was palling despite being already pale enough.
"A-a witness?" Irisviel asked in slight stutter. Slowly realization morphed into Saber's face as well. All information about the current era and rules of Holy Grail War was planted in their mind by Holy Grail itself.
And one such rule was, they can't leave a witness alive if they know of War's existence or magic in general. And since all of them were using Magic or Mana, they couldn't feel any Mana from the child in Lancer's arms. That meant that he wasn't mage and he was a witness.
Saber did not dare to keep her guard down as she kept appraising Lancer with caution, and at the same time stared at the child who literally fell out of the (bridge) sky.
"Kill that child Lancer." A snobbish voice commanded coldly. I stiffed in his arms with fear while putting emotionless face. Lancer made a solemn face, hiding horrified face.
"Master, He's just a child. You or other any mage could wipe this child's memory, we don't need to shed the child's blood." Lancer pleaded in panic. Saber made the same face while staring at Irisviel.
"Kill him, Lancer. We don't want to leave any evidence for the church. One Magic-less child is not worth my Mana for a mind wiping spell." Lancer's master who was hidden in Shadow replied nonchalantly as if he didn't just command to kill the child.
Saber's hand shook in rage. How dare he, this Mage just insulted human life in such a manner. Mage or Non-mage, every human life is important. That's why she lived the life of the perfect king, so she could save Camelot and her people.
But seeing an innocent child's life in danger because of one Mage's arrogant and false superiority boiled her blood.
"I am sorry my master, I can't follow that order. please reconsider this." Lancer nearly went on his knees. This hero, the legend of the old, was pleading to save me. This was probably one of the greatest achievements of my both lives combined.
From the shadow Master of Lancer scowled at the ground looking at the child in Lancer's arms. It was not his fault if some random child had seen what non-mage wasn't supposed to see.
He couldn't even feel an ounce of Mana from that child, what a worthless experience. Just like all Magic-less humans. His noble blood and Mana shouldn't be waste on such ruffians.
His name was Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald. He was the heir of the Archibald family with nine generations of magus lineage, a very popular man whom everyone called "Lord El-Melloi." Engaged to the daughter of the principal, a lecturer at such a young age, he was the best of the best. He could mind wipe the child if he wanted but he wants to make Lancer more obedient and put him in his place.
His whole knightley attitude was getting on his nerves. Such a gal of the ghost of the past trying to woo his fiance. He will break Lancer while making an example out of him now. If he wanted to be so Heroic and noble knight, then this is the time to make him fall from his chivalrous status. One command seal wasn't that important to him.
His own skill as mage was enough to win this war while bearing two command seals.
Mercilessly interrupting Lancer's passionate plea, Lancer's Master ordered with an even colder tone.
"Lancer, kill the witness then Saber. I command you with the Command Seal."
The air on the battlefield froze with tension.
The Command Seal. An absolute order for a Servant. No matter how great a Heroic Spirit might be he cannot disobey a Command Seal. Consequently, Lancer no longer possessed his free will –
Irisviel tried to intervene but she could voiced out her thoughts. Compared to Saber, who was seething in rage from the display front of her, Irisviel's expression appeared even more conflicted.
Irisviel was undoubtedly a first-rate magus. The strength and intensity of her craft goes without saying. She is, in truth, an exception in the world of magi, possessing a body that was 'designed' and 'manufactured'.
To become a true magus, one must be prepared to Kill and be killed... A theory that was usually comprehended by her brain directly from the time of her creation. She was confused. But she wanted to save innocent child even if she had to break the rules for few times.
After all, what kind mother she would be if she didn't even try to save a child front of her, who was slightly older than her own daughter.
Before she could decide if she was willing to mind wipe the child, preventing his death, it was too late.
From somewhere in the darkness red magical energy flared, signifying activation of command spell. Lancer's body moved without his permission before she or Saber could protest.
I punched Lancer, trying to loosen up his grip on me so I could make my escape, but it was to no avail. It felt like I just punched the car, like a metal, instead he was warm. He didn't even flinch at my resistant attempt to flee. Red Spear appeared in his hand without his own precision as he stared at me in pain.
He was not pitying me, he was grieving for me. A lone tear trickled down on his chicks as he raised a blood red Spear. I froze at that, this was my death. I could feel it, nothing in this world would save me now. Despair and hopelessness clouded my mind.
I can't breath, my brain stops, even though I cannot think. I vaguely understand that I am going to die. All color fades away from the world as Red Spear, or black Spear, I really couldn't see its color right now, it approached my chest in slow motion.
Whole world turned into slow motion. Saber was running toward us in slow motion, probably trying to save me?
And worst thing, even if world is in slow motion I am too paralyzed to move from the spot.
And my vision turned in to bloody red.
Gáe Dearg, a spear of legend pierced my chest mercilessly. There wasn't even time to dodge it nor I had strength to.
All the power I was given, all items in my inventory or Persona I never got to summon…..was
for nothing.
So every Isekai'ed don't get their happy or at least interesting endings huh. Look at me dying in my first day. After all that promise I made to Sakura.
The world distorts. My body grows cold.
Feeling vanished from my fingertips. I coughed up blood once. More blood should have come, but it only came once.
I can't see well, there is no feeling in me.
I feel like jellyfish flying in the sky. I don't feel pain anymore. World has gone white whole when I am the only one that is grey-blue.
So rather than feeling like I'm m dead, it's more like the world around me is disappearing.
"No." A feint feminine voice whispers in sadness. I cannot concentrate on my vision. I can only hear voices. A voice filled with sadness. After that some clanking of metals.
I can't hear no more….but I gained my vision again. The only thing I saw was something so
unexpected that only respond I gave was twitch of my eyebrows.
HP: 00
SP: 70
Game Over.
-666-
This one idea came into my mind while playing my favorite game of all the time. Persona 3. And I thought 'Hey why don't I mix this up with Fate series.'
Both Shinji and Minato or Makoto from Persona 3 shared similar appearance for eyes and hair so I mixed them with my own self. I don't know how it will turns out, but I will try to write this story seriously this time.