The strange thing about the Fate system within Chaldea is that summoned servants weren't removed from the potential pool once they've arrived. The Throne of Heroes was still a difficult concept to grasp for most, and the idea that servants could be summoned multiple times to the same plane of existence was an unusual reality. Two Jeanne's fighting against one another in France solidified the idea for Chaldea's earliest arrivals, but it was far from the last time servants had encountered themselves. But the Fate system of Chaldea, through its artificial methods, handles duplicates in a much different manner than a Holy Grail.
The duplicate begins to take form, much as it did at this very moment, but in the wake of the fading prana the figure would remain transparent. They would soon fizzle and collapse into themselves, forming a floating orb of rainbow color much like the saint quartz used to power the system. While it did not happen this time, occasionally a noble phantasm would also form, taking on a feint image of the respective item or concept underneath the orb. The luminescent sphere would remain until the proper servant came to absorb it, granting them several important aspects.
Because the throne only delivers an assembled, class-appropriate embodiment of a real heroic spirit, memories from timelines were often removed. However, some of these lost and hazy memories are contained within the summoned orb, a 'Memorial Essence' as Gudao has come to call them. These can be summoned any number of times from the Fate System. By doing so, a servant can become a little closer to the real heroic spirit in the grail.
These extra experiences from different classes or lost timelines help to boost the power of a servant's primary noble phantasm. Sometimes they even granted access to another noble phantasm the current class could normally not use. If enough were gathered to provide a servant with enough memory clarity, it may also be plausible to shift a servant's class container by manipulating the Saint Graph. However, that was a timely process that took an entire day to complete with significant setbacks and requirements.
Duplicate summoning or not, they were far more desirable than getting another black key mystic code.
Gabrielle took very solid note of the transparent figure that had been shown for a few brief seconds before collapsing into the summoned sphere. A red cape with a hood that covered the face in a deep shadow provided the only splash of color among gray armor and black clothing. The female master hardly needed a second look to determine who the servant in question was, especially since he only just arrived. Both her eyebrows were raised as she turned her attention to the tall, muscular servant who chuckled. He jotted down the summoning results on a notepad before turning towards her with a smile.
"He hasn't been here an entire day and already he gets a memorial essence," Tesla stated with crossed arms but an amused smirk. "I'm a little jealous."
"I'm surprised you haven't gotten a single one yet," Gabrielle stated with a slight tilt of her head. He shook his head slightly and waved with his hand.
"It's fine, I'm not too concerned. I don't look forward to any more memories involving Edison," He said, a hint of a scowl at the tips of his smirk. The female master giggled before looking over to Chaldea's Renaissance woman as she placed new quartz on the pedestals.
"Leonardo, please wait while I make a call to Gudao. I have to contact Emiya Kiritsugu and inform him his first memorial essence has arrived."
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Fragment 16: Different Circumstances
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The servant sat on a couch in Salon de Marie and stared out the window. On the arm rest next to him was the folded black long coat graciously created for him by the Clothing Department's supervisor. He had the collar of his white formal shirt unbuttoned and the black tie loose. A black vest and pants completed the outfit, with both of his glossy shoes perfectly polished. He ran a tan skinned hand through his somewhat untamed white hair before returning it to its original position.
After clasping his hands back together in front of him, he watched the light snow fall outside. He took this moment of time to himself which was one that he grew to appreciate after his summoning three weeks ago. It had been a long three weeks of thoughts and adjustments that still carried on. Two memorial essences made for quite a lot of information about oneself in a short amount of time.
"Kiritsugu."
He turned his head to the left and noticed Dantes strolling by, his own formal wear neatly put together, as he walked past with a small nod of his head. "Dantes."
Kiritsugu watched him sit at his usual couch before facing forward once more. The man hadn't made very many friends in Chaldea, but he had found his own place relatively quickly thanks to the first memorial essence he had received. He had been walking the halls, casually taking in his new surroundings and home base, when he had to return with Gudao to retrieve the luminescent sphere. He had fallen to his knees upon its reception, with wave after wave of clear memories from a lost lifetime invading his thoughts and forcing him to question which ones were his.
He knew who he was, or at least he thought he did. His original path was that of a man chasing an ideal, which was something the two selves had in common. However, the one who became the counter guardian had no light at the end of the tunnel. There was no grail to grant his doomed ideal a chance, but only mission after mission of endless violence; Take some lives to save many. At least the other one had a glimpse of happiness that made his own path more bearable.
It had taken him days to come to terms that they were all his memories. In that time he spent alone, he kept to his shared room and only made appearances when the masters requested him or Irisviel practically dragged him out. By the time he finally came to terms with himself, he had processed many more emotions and thoughts of his other self than he initially knew how to properly handle.
But at the same time, it all felt natural and as pure a part of him as his original memories. He felt a secure sense of attachment to loose identities and concepts he never knew he had. Thankfully there were also those close individuals who were already helping him cope and provide a constant source of solid support since his arrival. It was them who he was grateful for being there as he recollected himself, encouraging him to accept who he had become and the possibilities ahead.
"Jii-san."
Kiritsugu turned his head and smiled lightly towards one of the figures that was always there for him. He looked at his adopted son as he stood there with a small tray and some shrimp appetizers he had whipped into a quick dish. He wore black formal pants and a white shirt, but a red vest similar to the color of the pair's battle clothes. The archer smiled as he lowered the tray onto the adjacent table, placing the glass of water in his other hand next to it.
"Lost in thought?"
"Just enjoying another break, Shirou," He stated as he plucked one of the shrimps and placed it into his mouth. The explosion of flavor from the spices he used with the dish were superb as always. He swallowed. "Are you certain you weren't summoned as the Chef Class? Your cooking is EX+ parameter as always."
The archer rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Always with the joke. I'm certain. Though it may have been a better fit than archer."
It had taken a few days for the pair to begin joking about being heroic spirits. It was a hard topic for the two of them considering their circumstances, as well as the older figure's attempts to keep his adopted son from making the mistake by not teaching him his path. But it looks like his other self had failed anyway since the archer completely proved to become a hero of justice in his own, tormented way. How many timelines had it happened in? The entire concept of different planes was a mind raking subject, and he preferred to leave it as is. It didn't matter what he had previously thought since it has already come to pass. At the very least, they were both here under positive circumstances and with good intentions.
Kiritsugu shuddered to think of the tragedy that might have been if they were summoned against each other.
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"A little higher, uncle!"
"Jackie," Came the warning but amused tone of Irisviel.
"Sorry... Higher please!" Irisviel giggled as she watched the sight, keeping both arms behind her pristine white Einzbern dress with golden accents.
Her red eyes glanced towards Atalanta and Nursery Rhyme on the ground, preparing some other hang-able decorations near a stack of carved Jack-o-Lanterns. Atalanta was sitting cross legged, a pile of cute plush spiders between her legs, as she and Nursery Rhyme worked to give them unique poses. The caster's black gothic dress matched the spiders in color, with one in her lap practically blending in to become invisible save for its huge googly eyes. Atalanta wore a green sundress with golden accents that was a larger designed version of the white and green one Jack wore.
Never in his strangest dreams did Kiritsugu think he would be holding a child serial killer on his shoulders as she happily hung Halloween decorations near the entrance to Salon de Marie. They were in the large, windowed hallway between the two, working their way across to cover the large windows with decor. Atalanta's little family was getting a head start since the holiday was coming up on the calendar in a few weeks. Even with his new memories, he had only really been able to have such family moments with Illya. Illyasviel von Einzbern. His daughter.
Their Illya.
He glanced towards his wife and caught her glance before she smiled warmly at him, and giggled as part of the large spooky cob web fell onto his face. A small hand reached down and plucked the fallen material as Jack mouthed a quiet apology to the fellow assassin before trying to hang the decoration on the window once more. They had rarely talked before about their missing child, both secretly hoping that she would somehow find her way to them once more. Only Kiritsugu partially wished she didn't, though he never told his newly found wife why.
Irisviel had been in the same predicament as him since they were both from different timelines where they never met; If anything, she was just a greater target who warranted extra care. Since she had several memorial essences, she had already known of another time when they were married and fought in the Fourth Holy Grail War. She had been more accepting of the idea, taking a fast and curious interest at the thought of having a husband who had done so much for her. She even had her room prepared and furnished in case her significant other would arrive one day.
It was to no surprise she was the one to approach first, quickly helping him to overcome his hesitations and confusions and to give a different life in Chaldea a chance. He had taken it rather reluctantly considering how he wasn't her husband, she she wasn't his wife; She was his target and enemy from their origin timeline. Still, she persisted, and he caved. Painfully at first, he found his heart had slowly started to mend from the years of endless turmoil and disappointment thanks to the many influences. Those memorial essences carried palpable emotion in their visions, and they could not be denied; He did yearn for that saving grasp of happiness.
Between his content final years spent raising Shirou and his family time with Irisviel and Illya, he had come to appreciate receiving clarity of those lost memories. While he hardly thought he deserved such things for everything he's had to do following his path of justice, he was hardly going to argue; He had attempted to once and both Irisiviel and Shirou had gotten pretty heated at him for doubting Chaldea's second chance. Though there was far more to come to terms with, especially the absence of their precious daughter, he felt he was finally beginning to piece something new together while aiding the masters on their quest for humanity.
It was a mission to save the world he would never doub- More cobwebs draped over his face as Irisviel giggled even more.
Kiritsugu smirked as he tilted his head to look up at the assassin looking down, a slight flush on her cheeks. "You need some help?"
"Yes please."
Picking the cobwebs off of his face, he released one hand off of Jack's legs and offered it to the assassin. She smiled and placed the ball of scrunched web she held under her left arm and into the offered hand. With her second arm now free, she reached with both hands to properly start hanging the decorations, plucking extra from the offered hand when needed.
"Just don't let her go with your other arm, dear," Irisviel said with a slight worry in her eyes. Atalanta laughed on the ground next to her.
"I'm not too concerned if she falls," The archer stated with a small smile as Nursery Rhyme carefully placed a magic-infused candle into one of the larger Jack-o-lanterns. "A benefit to having heroic spirits for children. Isn't that right, Ali-"
"Ah!"
The adults quickly turned to Nursery Rhyme as she fell backwards; She had stood up too quickly and wound up backing into a small Jack-o-Lantern. Not wanting to break the decoration, she turned at an angle, causing her to lose further balance and fall. Before the adults could react, her head had already fallen- into a larger pumpkin, which didn't break but wound up trapping her head in its internals thanks to the caster's loose, bountiful hair. Thankfully there was no lit candle in this one, as Jack began laughing from her spot on Kiritsugu's shoulders. Nursery Rhyme sat up and looked around through the carved face of the upside down pumpkin.
Atalanta and Irisviel couldn't help but giggle as Alice tried to pull the pumpkin off to no avail. "Mom, I'm stuck!"
"We may have to break it to get it off," Atalanta said as she gingerly tried pulling it from her head, a smile on her face.
"But I don't want to break it! We spent so much time making them."
Kiritsugu smirked. "Imagine if it was Jackie instead. Then it'd really be a Jack-o-Lantern."
Irisviel groaned but rolled her eyes with a smile. On the floor, Atalanta had the offending decoration half way off the caster's head. "We don't need bad uncle puns from you, dear."
Kiritsugu just shrugged as Jack casually continued hanging more cobwebs with a smile, the previous gesture causing no disturbance. He turned his attention back to Atalanta as she finished putting the pumpkin down and had pulled out a handkerchief. She was carefully wiping her adopted child's face and hair which had some residue of the internals. Irisviel knelt down gingerly to help as the two older women started a quiet conversation. He enjoyed the moment. It was something very different that he had come to understand and acc-
"Good morning, Atalanta family! Mister and Misses Emiya!"
The group turned to a young blonde boy striding down the windowed hallway happily. His white sweater was zipped closed and his baggy pants waved as he walked. The servant hummed to himself as Jack and Nursery Rhyme returned the greetings, followed by Atalanta's wave. Kiritsugu watched as the young Gilgamesh passed by, a smile on his face and not a care in the world. The formerly arrogant, sociopathic King of Heroes didn't even make a single hint of ill intent.
That was something he wasn't going to get used to anytime soon.
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The firing range was relatively empty early the next morning, a time the Magus Killer liked to arrive to take time for himself. The rapid and constant reports that exited the muzzle of his Calico M950, a steady stream of nine millimeter rain tearing through the center of a target over a hundred meters away. The original weapon wouldn't have been able to match the capabilities, and it was far from the only weapon that received serious upgrades upon his unique entry as a guardian. Whether he appreciated it or not was never shown on his face as he fired it, the stone cold look forged from many years of his trade concealing everything.
Every time he held any of his weapons, old and constant feelings resurfaced. Grasping the tools that made him infamous, he once more became the machine that was the Magus Killer. His emotions were distanced and his determination focused to the sharpness of his finest blades. Wavering for a moment would only get more killed on his path to prevent uncontrolled casualties and prevent serious disaster. There was no room for anything that could possibly get in the way of his mission or he would make a serious mistake at the cost of many lives.
Kiritsugu tore the magazine off the top of the weapon and swiftly materialized a new one, charging the weapon and beginning a new burst at a separate target that had appeared even further away. The bullets tore into it with only a slight increase in projectile spread.
He scoffed to himself. '0.8 second reload. Slower than the first.'
And yet these feelings weren't as solid as they had been when he traveled the world on his missions. They were diluted now, mixed among the many feelings and emotions that had been reintroduced in startling revelation which have only grown at his family's insistence. His alternate life had gone through countless experiences that differed from his own, and it was a solid part of him now that he couldn't just ignore. Even with all he had done to dampen the impact of sacrificing or betraying his wife and abandoning his daughter, the regret and despair was only amplified.
That's why he needed these lone moments in practice or combat. They helped him come to terms over the past weeks that he is everything his memories tell, whether they contradict or not, and adapt to his new circumstances. He was still very much the Magus Killer, though now one of many powerful soldiers in a spiritual army dedicated to the safety of humanity. An assassin among the force, he could retain his cold precision and combat approach while returning to live a separate life, exactly like a soldier returning from a combat tour who mentally shelved his warrior heart. With these moments, he could leave his detached self on the battlefield and try to forge something completely new to him in this pla-
Three cracks of the sound barrier.
Kiritsugu was knocked out of his thoughts as he turned to look next to him. A blonde servant with a cowboy hat and classy duster stood there grinning at the assassin, the smoking barrel of his revolver casually in sight. The Magus Killer let out a chuckle before changing the helical magazine on his Calico M950 with a small smirk as he eyed the servant next to him. With a few swift hops, the duo was joined on another adjacent firing port by a grinning, red-clad warlord, matchlock rifles in both hands.
"There are better ways to ask someone to join your shooting competition," Kiritsugu chuckled through his smirk.
"True, but mine catches the attention better," Billy smirked back as he swiftly reloaded his firearm with one hand without glancing at it, a challenging feat considering the weapon.
"Enough talking, our guns want to have a conversation too!" Nobunaga cried out from the other side of the cowboy.
And through others, he was able to forge something different on the battlefield as well.
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"So what's this second mission Irisviel has given you?"
"Mother wants me to get her a vintage car magazine."
Arturia both smiled and internally cringed in horror. "She sure does love her cars..."
"Mhmm," The archer agreed as they strolled towards the deployment room. Emiya was in his battle attire while Arturia was in a white, short-sleeved sweater dress since she wasn't on the minor singularity deployment. Around her waist was a blue belt that matched the ribbon tying her hair into its usual bun.
"You want anything yourself, saber?"
"I'm unsure if there's anything in that time to interest me."
"True," He relented with a slight shrug. "Just thought I'd ask. Not too often we get sent to 1950's America."
Though he wouldn't admit it, he was partially worried at the potential for this singularity. It was not often minor singularities spiraled out of total control, but this was the heart of the Cold War when the United States was experiencing the Red Scare. Was something happening to cause the Cold War to turn hot? The possibilities were very much there and the masters had a lack of proper intel regarding the sudden alarm. They would just deal with it as best as they could, as always.
Brushing those thoughts aside, he looked toward Arturia as she visibly tensed upon turning down the corridor to the room's entrance. Standing near the entrance was Kiritsugu, fully decked out in his uniform and checking the rounds for his signature pistol. The benefit of having become a heroic spirit is that he now had unlimited rounds for that powerful, anti-magus weapon, which was a benefit that extended to his other weapons. Placing the weapon back into its holster, he looked towards the approaching pair with an almost blank expression.
The King of Knights was not too fond of the red assassin, and he very much knew why thanks to his additional memories. It probably didn't help that his chosen class and methods kept him in an unfavorable position. They remained allies and had worked together without a hitch once, though that was a training exercise. His wife and adopted son were on much better terms, and that was fine by him. Though a tiny part of him feels he at least owes the saber an apology for being so abrasive and distant, he did feel his belief about honor wasn't wrong; The apology would have to be another time, if it came at all.
"Little late, son," Kiritsugu teased before facing the King of Knights with a nod. "King Pendragon."
"Kiritsugu." She looked back blankly; It could have been worse. At least it was civil.
"Jii-san, is everyone inside already?"
"We're still missing Astofolo and Blackbeard, but everyone else is inside."
The archer sighed and rolled his eyes as Arturia stared blankly at Kiritsugu. "So we have to keep him from acquiring more unsavory merchandise. Got it."
The assassin chuckled. "Is he really as perverted as they say he is?"
"Worse," Gabrielle stated as she poked her head through the door and waved towards the newly arrived pair. "Hey Emiya, Arturia! I love your dress."
"Thank you, Gabrielle," She smiled to her master. She still glanced occasionally towards Kiritsugu.
"C'mon, let's head inside," Gabrielle stated before disappearing back into the room.
Arturia watched as the two servants walked into the room, the older man placing a comforting hand on the back of his adoptive son. The younger man chuckled, probably at a joke his father just told, as the King of Knights watched with mixed feelings. She was glad Shirou had his father back, even if she still felt serious disdain for the assassin. There was also a hint of something more as she watched their close bond, her thought wandering to involve a similar situation that involved her. The blonde shook the snowballing thought train out of her head.
She sighed. There was no way she and Mordred would ever reach that point.
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"Do you think the masters will let us have a Jaguar XKSS?" Irisviel asked with an enthusiastic grin, knowing full well how rhetorical the question was.
Her husband laughed. "The halls might be big enough to push it through, but where will you drive it?"
"Maybe we can make a racetrack through the mountains? We have a lot of talented casters here. Territory Creation?" She pondered out loud with an amused grin as Kiritsugu shook his head in amusement.
The couple was relaxing in their room, both lounging on their plush sofa. The entire room was filled with furniture crafted with elegance in mind. The Furniture Department must have had a headache with the number of ornate wooden pieces ordered, though they did receive their fair share of compensation payment and rewards. The couch was accompanied by an identical one placed across from the mahogany coffee table. The table had a lone, golden vase with white roses inside. The set matched the wood craft of the dressers and vanity with a pearl, oval mirror. Scattered across its top were various jewelry for the Einzbern.
A few picture frames hung along the wall, though most were empty. Kiritsugu's eyes wandered across the frames as Irisviel rested her head against his shoulder while continuing to read the motor magazine they had brought home that afternoon. She was oblivious to his usual pondering about the pictures, which were taken by Saint George and Mashu. Those two really did to a spectacular job in their chosen hobby.
Some frames contained photographs with Irisviel and her closest friends. There was one adorable picture with her and the two little servants at the spa together and another where she had her arms around a smiling, adoptive son. The newest was a formal portrait with the two of them in matching formal wear, though they had warm smiles. The rest remained empty in optimistic preparation for the new memories she was happily creating with him in Chaldea.
"What're you thinking about, dear?"
"The frames yet to be filled."
"It'll happen slowly, no rush," She giggled as she turned the page and her eyes widened; It was a two page spread of a gorgeous coupe. She scooted herself closer to her husband as he gently placed his arm around her shoulders. It was an improvement from it being squished between them.
Kiritsugu recalled how he slept the first few nights on the couch, still very uncertain about suddenly having a wife. Through the combination of his son's advice and his wife's warm, welcoming disposition, he had spent his first night in the same bed as her; He found he could never bring himself to return to that couch. There was just something reassuring about the woman who lovingly held herself against him night after night in blissful comfort.
There were even the fond memories he found himself living that only a close couple understood. He often woke in the night to find the blanket completely stolen by her. Sometimes her cold feet would be planted on his legs in an attempt to warm themselves too, but he accepted it with amusement; Kiritsugu loved Irisiviel. There wasn't even a lingering doubt of uncertainty thanks to the memories, and he found the feelings he held for her to be as genuine as any he felt during his actual lifetime.
Of course there were some initial disagreements and problems that came with suddenly readjusting. Most of it was handled very well since his wife was understanding, a trait he has come to appreciate more in the small amount of time that passed. There were some lines that should not be crossed, and he was grateful those lines were drawn within the first few days so he could learn valuable lessons. He found even though he was curious about some aspects of his life that still confused him, it was best not to bring it up with the ever understanding Irisviel.
He was definitely not going to curiously bring up Maiya ever again in hopes of some outside understanding.
Kiritsugu gave a gentle squeeze to his wife, making her rub her head gently against his shoulder and breathe out happily as she turned the page. She hummed to herself gently as she read the article that currently interested her, Kiritsugu reading just over her silky hair. She sighed to herself in disappointment as she glanced at the number of remaining pages.
"Something wrong?"
"I'm almost done with the first magazine and it hasn't been a day."
Kiritsugu simply chuckled to himself, causing Irisviel to lift her head and look at him. "What's so funny?"
Without missing a beat, he summoned one of the larger pouches off of his combat uniform. The size and shape was created for holding important documents and usually resided on his back underneath the red cape cloak. Her eyes widened upon realization as he opened the flap and casually took out several more magazines of different kinds before placing them on the coffee table. Irisviel practically squealed as she threw her arms around him. He groaned slightly upon getting accidentally smacked by her current magazine but soon returned the hug.
"I had the feeling our son's three wouldn't last too long."
"Ten!? You're too sweet."
He pulled out a miniature bouquet of flowers and placed the group of roses on the table next to them. Tying them together was a ribbon with a small box of chocolate tied to it. "Atalanta also suggested a proper spouse shouldn't just give magazines as a gift."
She quickly kissed him on the cheek. "You're the best, Kiritsugu!"
He didn't mentally agree with that assessment for various reasons, but he knew what she really meant and felt. Deciding not to turn it into an argument, he just let her hug him sincerely. She finally let go and eagerly resumed reading her magazine in earnest while plucking at the chocolate box with a free hand, making the assassin chuckle lightly. He glanced towards the clock next to their bedside dresser and read the time. Slowly he got up, making Irisviel turn to him as he began to make his way towards the bathroom.
"Going to bed early?"
"Just taking a shower."
"You took one when you got back," She asked curiously before an idea suddenly popped into her mind as she stared at her gifts. Smiling to herself as she gazed at the back of her husband, she slowly got up and followed him quietly, some mischief in her eyes; It's been long enough.
"It wasn't too thorough. I don't want to get our bed dirty," He said before he was quickly turned around and pinned lightly against the wall next to the door. Looking down, he met the sweet yet alluring gaze of his wife as she gently pressed herself against him. "Iri?"
"A dirty man, hmm? I should properly thank him for the surprise presents," She breathed with a seductive smile. His eyebrows slowly rose. "We didn't exactly christen our room yet..."
Kiritsugu felt heat rise to several parts of him as he unconsciously placed a hand on her hip. "Iri, I-"
The man was silenced by a quick kiss on the lips before she placed a finger on them to silence him. Her smile didn't falter as she unfastened the top button on his formal shirt without looking. "I didn't say you had a choice in the matter."
Perhaps the essences he received were still incomplete; When had Irisiviel become this forward?
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Kiritsugu was thankful there weren't any windows to wake him up with invading sunlight. He slowly breathed out as he gently tightened his embrace, pressing his bare wife closer to him as she slept. The assassin adjusted the sheets around them, preventing the cold air from circulating in and potentially waking her up prematurely like it did for him. She moaned softly and nuzzled herself into his neck as he finished his task. Slowly opening her eyes, she stared into her husband's usually distant gaze to find a small spark of happiness within. It was definitely a start.
"Sorry I woke you."
"I've been awake just enjoying the morning after a great night," She giggled. "I missed times like this I never knew I had."
"I did too," He stated before his thoughts wandered further. "I just wish Illya was here as well."
She smiled sadly at her husband before closing her eyes and breathing out slowly. They stayed like that for a while, with the assassin regretting that he brought up such a sensitive topic so offhandedly. They spent a peaceful night making love, waking up in a warm embrace, only for him to casually bring up their missing daughter. He mentally kicked himself for ruining such a peaceful moment.
"Did I ever tell you," She started quietly, making him look down at his wife. "The thought of being a mother scared me to death when I received that first Memorial Essence."
He stayed quiet while gently running a hand through his wife's hair. Memories of doing this time after time for her drifted through his mind. They were hardly as often as the comforting embraces she gave the Magus Killer every time he broke down in thought of the actions he had committed in the pursuit of his own justice. She was even one of the tragic casualties of another lifetime's dream, but here it was different. He could make things different while pursuing an equally noble cause, and he would happily do so without question or doubt for the first time in recent memory.
"I stayed in my room for days, knowing I had a daughter and husband who were no longer with me. Feelings I never knew I had tore my heart at the thought of losing people so precious to me," She stated with a sad smile, tears beginning to threaten the sides of her eyes. "Arturia and the others helped me come to terms. I thought I'd never be able to experience those lost feelings again, but Shirou definitely tried his best to make it happen. I'm glad you saved him. I'm also glad you're here again."
"Iri..."
She smiled up at him and cupped his cheek as they stared at each other. "Maybe we'll have her again. Our little bundle of white haired happiness. You came back to me. Maybe she will too."
Kiritsugu's glance turned uncertain, and Irisviel's smile drooped upon seeing it. "Kiritsugu?"
"I'm worried, Iri. If she comes, she'd likely be a heroic spirit," He stated before staring into her eyes again. "There's the chance she lived a dangerous life to attain that status. Even potentially living bad experiences. I don't wish that upon our Illya."
"It doesn't have to be like that," She reassured with a small smile. "I didn't come to Chaldea by normal means after all. It could happen for her too."
Kiritsugu let the thought register in his mind; She had a point, however small of a chance it was. He chuckled. "Is this really the kind of conversation an average husband and wife should be having?"
Irisviel giggled. "We're hardly normal, Kiritsugu. We personally haven't met until that singularity in Fuyuki when Gudao arrived to correct it."
"You have a point."
There was a knock on their door, making the two sit up while Irisviel clutched the blanket to her bosom. The knock came again, followed by the familiar voice of their adopted son. "Okaa-san? Jii-san?"
"We're awake, Shirou," Kiritsugu called through the door, looking around on the floor for the possible whereabouts of his underwear.
"Would you like to have breakfast together this morning? It's been a few days."
"Of course!" Irisviel called through the door happily. "We'll meet you at the cafeteria. We're a little indecent right now."
There was silence from the other side of the door as the thought registered for the archer. "Oh... Uh... Right. I'll find us a table. Take your time."
The sound of the somewhat hastily retreating footprints and the disappearing servant signature made Irisviel giggle as she leaned against her husband. He was still looking around before he leaned over the side of the bed to pick something off the ground as the caster looked on from his side. Leaning back up, he presented the article of clothing onto the sheets in front of her with a small smirk.
"Found your panties at least."
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
"Stay safe, Shirou," Irisviel said softly as she hugged her son in a warm embrace at the door of the deployment room. Next to him stood Diarmuid and Jeanne in their respective battle armors. Kiritsugu stood near his wife in a tan slacks and a black formal shirt without a tie and nodded towards his son with a pat on the arm after they released their embrace. Jeanne watched the moment with a small smile, as did Diarmuid, though the latter still held a grudge against Kiritsugu. Granted he was slightly more willing to give the former master another chance than Arturia, but only slightly.
"Hardly my first rodeo, Okaa-san."
"What kind of mother would I be if I didn't worry for my precious son?" She winked with a smile, making Jeanne giggle and Diarmuid nod. They had been called last minute for the second day in a row to deploy to an emergency singularity, this time with an unknown location. By what the doctor has explained so far, it seems to have been generated by someone like a reality marble. They'd find out the true circumstances upon arrival.
"See you in a bit, Jii-san."
"Take care, Shirou."
"Let's go then. Arturia and the others are waiting," Diarmuid nodded towards his friend, only for a throat to be cleared from within the room.
"As touching as that was-"
"Don't start, asshole."
"What did you say, bastard?"
Irisviel placed arms akimbo and glared at her son. "Language, mister!"
"Yea, mister, language!" Cu chuckled from within the room, making the archer grit his teeth and seethe as Jeanne and Diarmuid laughed next to him.
"Yes, Okaa-san," He relented before he walked into the room followed by his two companions. Taking her husband by the hand, Irisviel began leading him away from the room. Kiritsugu gave one final glance into the room before Kintoki shut the doors casually. Turning back around, he gave his wife's hand a small squeeze before they approached the elevator and stairs. Upon arrival, the elevator opened in front of them to reveal it full of Chaldea's resident Roman emperors and one Hun. The two blinked as the servants in the elevator looked at the couple, then at each other and around the elevator.
"We can squeez-"
"We'll just take the stairs."
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Irisviel sighed in worry and looked towards the doors of Salon de Marie for the fifth time in the past few minutes. Dinner had started ten minutes ago and the deployment team still hadn't returned, much to the worry of many. It wasn't unusual for emergency singularities to run long, but this one had started over ten hours ago and was classed as one of the smaller ones capable of causing a distortion. Across the table from her, Kiritsugu eyed his wife with concern.
"How many times has this happened before?"
"Plenty of times, but it never gets easier," Irisviel smiled towards Kiritsugu. "A mother loves to worry about everything."
"I'm glad you've taken such a shine to Shirou," He replied back with a smile.
"He's my precious, absolutely dashing son. Of course I did," She smiled back brighter with a wink, making the assassin chuckle.
Kiritsugu readjusted the napkin on his lap as a robot floated over to pour more white wine for the couple. "I hope you'll eat before the food gets cold, son's wonderful cooking or not."
"Wouldn't want to upset Tamamo or Boudica," she quickly agreed before casually picking up a fork and sinking it into one of the many sausage bites on her small plate.
Kiritsugu listened as his wife made small talk, enjoying yet another moment that had seemed so impossible. Even though they were different people before, through the countless unfathomable workings of the world they were now living an interesting life in an unusual place. He had long since abandoned questioning why they exist, rather turning his attention to learning simply how it all works and fits together. Chaldea was still one of the bigger contradictions, a place of science and magecraft, though he found its varied residents living in peace to be the bigger motivation and inspiration.
If they could find a slice of a new peace here, then he would continue to try and forge one himself with his son and wi- "Emiya Kiritsugu, are you even listening to me?"
"I'm sorry, Iri, I was lost in thought again. Forgive me," He apologized quickly at his glaring wife, both hands raised partially in surrender and a smile on his lips. 'Best keep my thoughts for other times unless I want to sleep on the couch tonight.'
The entire salon was silenced upon Chaldea's intercom sparking to life, even Mozart's playing, to the relief of many servants since it was primarily used for one purpose. "This is Doctor Roman speaking. I apologize for the interruption of dinner, but the Emergency Singularity team has just returned with no complications."
A few cheers went up around the Salon as Irisviel clapped her hands together in front of her. It was always good news to hear the singularity team arriving without any serious casualties, so the lack of urgency in the doctor's voice and absence of a medical team request was taken as the best outcome possible. The caster leaned out of her seat to look at a booth two spots down from theirs to notice its lack of silverware and appetizers. Irisviel quickly signaled for a robot which swiftly made its approach and stopped to hover near the table.
"How may I be of service, ma'am?"
"Would you mind setting up Arturia's regular booth with silverware and a plate of pigs in a blanket? My son and his friends will likely be starving."
"Of course, ma'am, I will start the task at once," The robot replied swiftly before hovering off to the swinging doors of the kitchen to retrieve the setup.
"Always looking out for them," Kiritsugu mused out loud as his wife smiled and winked back at him.
"I am the best mother, after all, right, dear?"
"Atalanta would protest otherwise, but I gladly agree with you," He replied smoothly with a smirk, making her giggle.
The two were engaging in further small talk for several more minutes before sensing the approach of the masters. Looking towards the doors, they watched the pair appear in their regular master clothes, though much dirtier than usual. Gabrielle's hair was slightly messy but she had a bright smile on her face, as did Gudao. Was that some sort of wand on her hip? Marie bounced over to them as quickly as she could in her red heels and strapless gown. Her hair was decorated with a few scarlet ribbons but was completely untied.
"Good to have you two back," Marie stated happily with clasped hands as Gudao and Gabrielle stopped to greet her.
"Glad to be back, Marie," Gabrielle smiled back happily before hugging the servant. "We're starving! But we'll need to clean up before we come back to eat."
"I can imagine," The French woman giggled before looking towards Gudao as he searched the tables. "Who are you looking for?"
Gudao smiled towards Marie. "We've got a huge surprise for the Emiya family."
Turning back towards his spotted targets, Gudao quickly went over with Gabrielle as Marie watched from spot near the entrance. The salon soon fell quiet as servants and employees alike turned to see the sudden entrance of the masters and their swift approach to a specific table. The older couple took notice and watched their masters approach, standing up to meet them. Irisviel kept her hands clasped in front as Kiritsugu stood perfectly adjacent to her. The two masters stopped and nodded towards the couple.
"Singularity was a little long but not many problems," Gudao stated quickly. "We ran into a surprise along the way however."
Gabrielle simply smiled and fiddled with something behind her back which caught the attention of the two servants. There was a moment of hope and a spark of optimism within the two at the mention of a surprise for the two, but the female master hiding something behind her back told another story. Their thought drifted in tandem to their daughter for the briefest of moments before vanishing once more, replaced with the curiosity of what Gabrielle was hiding behi-
"Mama? Papa?" The small, feminine voice seized his heart instantly. Looking towards the door simultaneously, they saw their son standing there in his battle attire and a genuinely happy smile on his face. One of his arms was loose at his side and holding a brown backpack, though it was where the other arm lead that made his heart soar.
The archer held the hand of a very familiar little girl with long golden-tinted, white hair and red eyes. She wore a tiny black skirt coupled with a white schoolgirl uniform's top with red frills. Long white socks led to brown loafers which swayed uncertainly with the girl's legs as she curiously looked at the couple. A white cap sat loose and baggy on her head, and what appeared to be a toy magical wand could be seen over her shoulder.
The two parents stood there in shock, their voices completely stopped in their throat as they stared at their daughter. Memories of many cold winters in the Einzbern manor filled his thoughts as tears slowly raced down Irisviel's cheeks. She sniffled as Kiritsugu struggled to find his breath. However, he took the first step forward, followed by another that was mirrored by his wife. The two soon broke out into a run as the rest of the Salon watched the scene unfold.
"Illya!" The two cried out before they quickly reached their two children.
Irisviel threw herself at the young girl and embraced her tightly yet warmly, her tears free falling down the sides of her cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably. She was soon rocking the small girl as she hugged back, some uncertainty in her eyes as the archer watched the scene, uncaring that a few tears threatened the sides of his own eyes. Kiritsugu knelt next to his wife and placed an arm around her shoulders as she hugged their daughter. Gudao and Gabrielle slowly approached the newly reformed family, both smiling warmly, with the latter snapping photos with the camera she hid behind her back.
The caster would definitely appreciate the action later when she filled more empty frames.
Irisviel partially broke her embrace to look at her precious daughter's face before letting more sobs shake her. She quickly kissed her daughter on the forehead and cheeks before hugging her once more. Tentatively, Kiritsugu also slowly joined the embrace and felt a lone tear quietly go down his own cheek into the hair of his lost daughter. The small caster in question was still looking a little confused and slightly uncomfortable about the two suddenly dampening parts of her clothes and hair, but she still smiled. She looked towards the two masters only for Gudao to shrug and Gabrielle to wink back at her.
For Irisviel, it was clear to him she didn't want to let go in fear of the irrational thought her daughter would suddenly vanish. She had finally found her dear bundle of joy and felt her heart complete at the thought of a distant desire finally being fulfilled. He heard her voice this reaction many times to him, but he finally got to see it. He couldn't blame her, for he also felt this was too much of a dream to be true.
For Kiritsugu, who held his little girl only so many times,there was only one true reaction. The assassin pushed the initial hesitation aside to begin the process of making sure he spent time with his daughter and treated her properly many times over: He hugged her warmly. He could be the Magus Killer whenever the masters required, but he mentally vowed to try being a proper father this time around and show how much he cared for his daughter. The man would only be satisfied if she was complaining that he was smothering her with too much affection, but he wouldn't care.
They had their daughter back, and that's all that mattered to him...
Kiritsugu did notice Illya seemed to have dozens of thoughts racing through her mind, as show in her eyes. She had been brought to a strange place and within minutes was introduced to countless people and placed in an embarrassing situation. He could tell by her eyes and her words she recognized them, but there was still confusion. The tint of her hair was also a bit unfamiliar, since it wasn't the perfect white his wife wore. Quietly, he wondered if she was also from a different timeline.
Had their son explained the circumstances over the course of the singularity? Was she actually a servant, or a pseudo-servant like Irisiviel? He hoped she wasn't a true servant or counter guardian, but those questions could come later. There was no time to doubt this dream any longer, so he merely held his daughter warmly and tightly to assure her she was safe in their arms again. This time, they'd make sure everything was perfe-
"Mama? Papa? You're crushing me," Illya spoke casually as she tried to break free from their grasp, causing the archer, rider, and masters to chuckle in amusement. The two slowly released their embrace of the small girl as Irisviel smiled back while wiping her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Illya. I just missed you so much. So, so much..."
"Told you to brace yourself."
"I thought you were kidding, Onii-chan!" Illya complained as she looked up at him, making him chuckle more. The two parents smiled; At least they didn't have to worry if the two siblings would get along. He added Illya's understanding of Japanese into his list of curiosities.
Finally, he found her origins too much to ignore; He wanted to know. "But... how is she here?"
Gudao simply shrugged. "It's a long, complicated story. As usual."
"We can fill you in later," The archer stated with a smile. "For now, we should get cleaned up before we eat dinner."
"A bath with..." Illya started and began blushing- the wand at her back swiftly burst into motion... and began giggling, much to the girl's dismay. "Owww! Ruby!"
"Ohhhh Ilya~! Thoose thoughts again?" the wand tesased as Illya fiercely grasped it and shook the poor thing, much to the total surprise of the parents and many of the spectators.
"Did... Did that wand just talk?" Irisviel stuttered out as she observed her daughter practically wrestling with the wand. "And move?"
The stick quickly wiggled out of Illya's grasp as she stared slightly embarrassed at Irisviel. "Um...uh it's a long story, mama..."
"Hoy, Illya! I told you not to leave me with that arrogant rider servant! He's so loud!" Came another girl's voice from the hallway, interrupting the moment involving a strange, moving wand.
"Sorry! Onii-chan dragged me off first..."
"Sheesh! Hogging him to yourself too! The nerve!" came the teasing, but chuckling voice. To the total shock of anyone within sight of the doorway, another girl with pink-tinted, white hair appeared.
She stared at the family with golden eyes. Her tan skin was mostly exposed from the battle uniform that was a skimpy female version of Emiya's signature look. The two parents looked back in confusion at the sudden appearance of the tiny archer. While Irisviel was perplexed why she was wearing a specific set of familiar clothes, Kiritsugu had a few guesses. He kept quiet as she stared back and titled her head in confusion as a stare down commenced. It was broken when the parents simultaneously turned to their son with questioning looks.
He sighed as the masters chuckled. "Yet another long story... but you're now the proud parents of three children."