"Um... Professor?"
Sakaki continued to lay slumped over his desk, not appearing cognizant of Shirou at all. Making his way closer, Shirou made to call out again, only to hear the light breathing, almost a wheezing, coming from Sakaki. He was asleep.
Shirou could only look on in wonder at the sleeping form of Sakaki, almost peaceful if not for the occasional grimace. Of course, Sakaki was a person and had to sleep, but it was still surprising. The man was almost legendary for working at all times, regardless of circumstances. It made Shirou smirk a little, before he quickly re-entered Illya's room.
Illya looked at him in confusion, wondering why he came back, and asked as such. He merely asked the location of a spare blanket. She gave him an odd look, before pointing towards a wardrobe against the far end of the room. Nodding, he quickly opened the closet and glanced over the contents (such as multiple white gowns, purple sweaters and jackets, and even an ushanka) before honing in on the white pile at the bottom of the dresser.
Taking it, he gave Illya another goodbye, by way of headpat, before going back to Sakaki and laying the blanket over him. After all, Shirou mused to himself, it was still a little chilly from winter. It wouldn't do for the Director to get sick, after all. As Shirou stepped away to admire his handiwork, Sakaki began to wake.
The first thing he was aware of was how warm it was, which prompted him to panic considering his recent bouts of reminiscence, but paused when he noticed how it was a pleasant warmth instead of the overwhelming heat of the Angra's flames. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking several times at the illumination of the room. Turning his head, he saw Shirou dressed in a black dress shirt and jeans, looking at him with a slight smirk.
"Nngh... Shirou? How long was I asleep?"
With a light chuckle, Shirou gave him his best approximation.
"Not long, Professor. Maybe 20 minutes, half an hour at most."
At that, Sakaki sighed in what seemed to be discontent. Shirou watched him silently before asking,
"Professor, what's bothering you?"
Like their conversation a few days ago, Sakaki's head snapped towards him at the question. Instead of taking a deep breath, he assumed a thinking pose, hand pushing up his glasses. It was a few seconds before he let out another sigh. Looking back to Shirou, he gestured for him to take a seat. Sitting, Shirou looked at Sakaki.
"Professor?"
A third sigh.
"Shirou, do you remember what I told you a few days ago? About the fire?"
Shirou nodded, his eyes dulling somewhat before he shook his head, eyes regaining their usual lustre.
"Yeah. You told me about Kiritsugu, and Kotomine, and the Senta and Angra. And Avalon."
Nodding, Sakaki related his problems.
"Do you also remember what prompted such talk a few days ago? About the readings?" Seeing Shirou nod, Sakaki continued, "Yes. I sent out one of the reserve units, more available for aiding Satellite Bases and the like. They investigated the source of the readings, only to come up empty."
A deep breath.
"I haven't heard from them since. The only response I got," squeezing his fist and clenching his jaw, he finished, "was a radio message from Kirei Kotomine."
Silence followed. Sakaki looked up to gauge Shirou's reaction, only to be surprised. Instead of what he expected, shock or confusion, horror, even anger. All he got was a plain look, his expression not changing.
"...Shirou?"
"Yes, Professor?"
"...What do you think of the news?"
"Nothing in particular."
His expression remained perfectly neutral, not displaying any emotion.
"I told you the fate of Kotomine, did I not? That his heart was pierced and his body was consumed by the Angra's flames?"
"You did."
"Then why aren't you more surprised at the apparent fact that he is alive?"
"Because, it doesn't sound that surprising. I have suffered what should have definitely been mortal wounds and survived. As have some other God Eaters, and even Zouken and Jubstacheit. If we can all survive due to extenuating circumstances, then I can't see why Kotomine wouldn't be able to. Especially with," his eyes sharpened into blades, sharp enough to cut apart any that oppose him, "that thing being there."
Sakaki looked at him in surprise. When he considered Kirei's apparent survival, he thought of it in terms of Shirou and the Bias Factor he and Kiritsugu developed. Zouken and Jubstacheit had completely slipped his mind, their combined research on manipulating Oracle Cells in humans paving the way for new, dangerous opportunities. It wasn't entirely outside of the realm of opportunity that Kirei had somehow managed to become one with the Angra's cells, especially as his body had disappeared, presumably consumed by flame. The only question would be how.
As Sakaki began to explore the path of thought, Shirou brought him back to reality with a cough. Fixing him with a look, Shirou asked,
"Was there anything else Professor? What about the Angra?"
Sakaki adopted a thinking expression. While it was never implicitly stated, Kirei had mentioned that he was going to return. Assuming that he was alive due to the Angra's influence, and taking into account the readings, then...
"There is no proof that says the Angra is returning. But... I believe that Kotomine is planning something. Something that could put even the Great Fire to shame."
He would've said more, if not for Shirou suddenly slamming his hands on his desk, off of his chair and leaning forward. His eyes had both become steel grey, and he spoke in a quiet, calm voice that somehow felt grating.
"Let me go."
It was simple. Three words, capable of translating every single intention and desire he has. He will go, and he will do what he must. Not just as a Hero of Justice, vanquishing evil, but also as merely a man, not wanting anyone else to walk through Hell as he had. However...
"Sorry Shirou. But I cannot allow that. It would not do for me to recklessly send out other God Eaters to what is clearly a dangerous place. If four veterans were easily wiped out by whatever is there, then what use would just you be?"
Shirou, his steel having been submerged underneath his usual self, still tried to argue to let him go, but Sakaki wasn't having any of it. When the premise of surveillance came up, Sakaki calmly responded with drones. Eventually, Shirou exhausted whatever arguments he had, prompting Sakaki to send him off to his quarters. With a sigh, Shirou did just that.
Eventually, Shirou made his way back to his room, and his vision was immediately drawn to the light filtering in through the window. Or rather, the lack thereof. It was surprising to Shirou to see it was nighttime. Just how long had he been in Sakaki's lab? The question was ignored for the favourable sight of his bed, oddly captivating in a way it rarely was.
As Shirou lay on the bed, shirtless, he thought on what Sakaki had told him. While not as mind-rocking as the previous information, this info filled him with dread and, oddly enough, vengeance. A desire to destroy the source of the fire, and the source of any possible future fire. Slowly, Shirou's mind began to fade out as his eyes became heavier and heavier...
...Until he found himself in a plain of infinite blades, seated on a hill with his back to his God Arcs. The sun was shining, the gears were turning... there was even a light breeze that moved the surrounding environs. Speaking of...
"This place sure has changed a lot, huh?"
Instead of the eternal desert that would stretch as far as the eye could see, with swathes of green plains and the occasional featureless strips, it was now much more even. Like Shirou's own body, his world had become something like a bizarre art project. There were chunks of desert surrounded by grass and vice-versa, and though Shirou couldn't see it all, he knew that his world was about half desert and half greenery.
But intersecting across the entire plain were the featureless areas, like bodies of water in a jungle. The scenery was, despite the contrasting colour scheme, breathtaking. It always filled Shirou with awe. Although, maybe that was expected when one looked at something that represented themself. His musing was interrupted by a chuckle from behind him.
"Ha. Since when were you so artistic? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you have the heart of a paintbrush."
With a shift of sand, Shirou turned his head to see Archer behind him, also sitting with his back against Unlimited Blade Works. With a chuckle, Shirou turned back, looking back to the infinite plain.
"It's been awhile, Archer. How have things been? I can see you've done some remodelling."
He gestured towards the landscape, causing another chuckle to come out of Archer.
"Yeah, well... You haven't exactly been very receptive to my invitations."
"Haha. Sorry."
Scratching the back of his head, Shirou apologized. It was, after all, his fault that he hadn't been able to come here, especially when he could have used it. Shirou and Archer had a short conversation about how he kept coming here in the past year. Simply put, Shirou can't enter his world when his mind is occupied, with the only exception being sympathizing with a God Arc.
"Don't be. You were dealing with a difficult matter. The truth of your origin. Anyone would have reacted the same should they have learned something that important."
A comforting silence. A peculiar bond between a weapon and their wielder, merely reflections of the other. No words really had to be said. The two were the same deep down. They knew what the other wanted. But they spoke aloud anyway, out of habit more than anything.
"What did you want to talk about Archer?"
"You already know. About Kirei Kotomine, and the Angra."
"What about them?"
"Nothing you don't already know. Just be wary of them. What Sakaki told you about Kotomine... It reminds me of yourself. And the Angra... I worry you may not react to it appropriately."
At the second confession, Shirou tensed, his eyes hardening. Clouds suddenly covered the sky, and the gears stopped turning. The scent of smoke began to permeate. With a sigh, the sky suddenly cleared, the gears turning again and the scent of smoke fading.
"Hah. Yeah, you're right. I would react poorly. If... If I ever end up fighting against it... Would you mind keeping me from getting ahead of myself?"
Archer huffed slightly, before replying, "Of course. What kind of partner would I be if I didn't aid you?"
Shirou let out another chuckle, quieter than his others. Then, another silence permeated. It was comfortable, now that the air had been cleared. The two sat there for what felt like hours, but was likely a few minutes, before Shirou stood up, the sand underneath him shifting.
"Well, see you later, Archer. Maybe next time we can work on that combo attack, eh?"
"Heh. Maybe. Until next time, Shirou Emiya."
As Shirou faded away in a flash of light, Archer watched silently. Eventually, he stood, the grass underneath his feet shifting as he did. Turning around, he saw the sight that Shirou saw. But his vision was drawn downwards, towards where the two had been sitting. Him, on the grass, and Shirou...
"Tch. Not there yet, huh? Maybe soon. Maybe soon you'll be able to live. Live like a person, not as a tool."
Sunlight bleeding through his eyelids was what brought Shirou to the waking world. Sitting up, he ran his hand through his messy hair, his conversations with Sakaki and Archer playing through his mind. It was slightly frustrating, that he was being both prevented and reprimanded from seeking the Angra, but he just let out a sigh, before a reluctant grin grew.
With a light stretch, he got out of his bed, blanket falling off of him. Quickly, he donned his more common clothes, a blue-and-white long-sleeve t-shirt and blue jeans, before giving himself a quick lookover in the mirror. Once satisfied, he left, wondering what he would end up doing today. He should probably apologize to some of his other God Eater friends, like Kota.
He's also been missing the feeling of cooking and tinkering with stuff, so he should head to the Cafeteria and the Engineering Room sometime soon. Speaking of, he should also visit 'The Old Man of the Mountain' to grab some materials and to say hi. Also...
Meanwhile, in a certain cave system, two men were standing on a small outcropping, having a conversation. If one looked, they would see two men having a reasonable conversation, one with a slight smile and the other with his arms crossed and eyes closed. But if someone was able to hear, well...
"Kirei! I tire of the monotony of this damn cave. I command you, as your King, show me something entertaining!"
"Now, now, My King. The preparations should be done in a few days, a week at most. If you would just be patient, then you will be able to fight the Beast." The smile on his face then became fuller, and at the same time more despicable, as he continued, "Of course, if you so desire, you may introduce yourself to your subjects early, and occupy yourself with them until I am ready."
Gilgamesh's eyes snapped open, a disgusted sneer blooming on his face. As his hands tightened on his arms, the slightest sound of steel scraping on rock echoed throughout the cave before he spoke.
"Hoh? Do you dare try and command me, Kirei, you mongrel? Your King?"
Kirei broke into a bow, the smile on his face growing even wider, as he responded.
"Of course not, My King. Merely a suggestion to alleviate your boredom. Although, I do believe it would be beneficial to you if you begin your dominion now, so you have those you determine worthy underneath you."
This time, Gilgamesh let out a small growl, before calming down and speaking in a slightly clipped tone.
"Hmph. Beneficial it may be, but I do not appreciate your tone. As well as that, don't make it sound as if I am some conquering king, taking whatever mongrel I want for myself. I am their rightful King, and it would behoove them to learn that. As such, I will be going to them."
As Gilgamesh walked away, he tossed over his shoulder, "You better be done with that filthy beast soon Kirei. Some mongrels can only keep me entertained for so long."
Then he was gone. When Kirei was sure Gilgamesh wouldn't come walking back, he let out a sigh, before that despicable smile came back. After all, Gilgamesh would be going to the place that he called home for a few years of his life. While he wouldn't be there to witness it, he was certain Gilgamesh would create some beautiful fireworks.
In the meanwhile...
"Hah. Might as well get to work."
With a smile, Kirei turned around and picked up some tools, moving towards what looked like black sludge in the shape of a person, pinned to the wall by several large metal stakes.
Thanks for reading. This is Cee and, I think I might be bad at writing Fan fiction. Ah well. More importantly, plot moving, bad character representation, the works! (I swear I must have butchered everyone here. Sakaki, Kirei, Gil, even Shirou and Archer, and those two are meant to be out of character.)
An ushanka is one of those Russian winter hats, like what Illya wears initially in F/SN, or more modernly, Mia and Nicola from Code Vein.
Some of my more attentive and more Fate focused readers can probably figure out what Avalon is, and how it relates. Don't worry, I'll explain it later. Probably. I'm pretty sure LionHeart33 guessed it way back when, so give a hand to them.
Looking back on some of my earlier reviews and responses to those reviews, I can't help but feel that I've betrayed everyone's expectations for this story. But that's fine, for some reason? I'm not sure. I'll just say this again, I will finish this story. Just a bit of self-affirmation.
Thank you Stevenpham379 and Mary Sue Lover for favouriting or following this story.
Goodbye.
Word count: 2576