Chapter 5.1 – The Trauermarsch of the Past
Rin looked out her window. She could see across all of London despite the wall of rain while lightning rocked the apartment a few times. She was all alone then, completely consumed by her own memories of the past; memories she wish she didn't have to remember. Big Ben rang twelve times, telling all of London that the new day has finally begun. There was a soft rap at the door which woke Rin back to reality, allowing her to escape her past just for a few seconds.
She croaked, "Come in."
Shiro slowly opened the door. The old wooden door screamed as it was opened, the aging brass hinges shuddered at the loud creaking sound.
"Hey, I just came to tell you that we have to leave at 1:00 in the afternoon."
Rin nodded, but immediately after, she looked away. There was a complete silence then, the rain had stopped, heaven's fury shined no more. She continued to look out the window as a light mist descended upon the city. Rin breathed in deeply a few times to calm herself down. This was to no avail for every breath she took, she remembered the past even more.
After a few more seconds, Rin barely whispered out, "Thanks Shiro."
Shiro noticed the hint of depression in Rin's voice. Though Shiro could not see Rin's eyes, he was sure of something. Rin has only cried a few times, but every time she cried, it was in from of him.
He asked, "Rin, is there anything wrong?"
Rin's entire body became rigid. Shiro knew her far too well. Small crystals began to form at the edges of her eyes and then they slowly collected until they fell like rain. She pushed against the window with her hand and bowed her head in shame.
She responded, "Shiro, did you ever do something that you regret now?"
Shiro was glad Rin could respond to him on such a personal basis. He sat down on the king-sized, goose feathered bed and painfully smiled.
"Rin, it's been two years since we last met."
"Yes, it has, hasn't it?"
Shiro clenched his jaw and said, "There are things that I've done, things that I wish I had never done."
Rin pulled away from the window and sat right next to Shiro. She rested her head on Shiro's shoulder and began to completely cry. No matter how much she tried to suppress her emotions, they would come back even stronger.
She whispered, "Shiro, you're the only person I can really speak to."
It was because Shiro knew Rin so well that he was able to know exactly what to do in these kinds of situations. He picked up the room's phone and called a couple of orderlies; most likely the lower ranks of the Magi. After a second ring, a young girl picked up the phone, her voice fluttering around. Shiro assertively ordered coffee, then looked back at Rin who continued to weep. Then he ordered a large bottle of whiskey with two glasses. He thanked the youth and hung up the phone. He focused his attention of Rin who had yet to break the uneasy silence that hovered above them. No one said anything for around ten minutes, but the silence was finally broken by a soft knock at the door. The same girl from the phone called out, "Mr. Emiya? Here's your order." Shiro opened the door, smiled, and thanked the girl for the drinks. Shiro examined the girl. She was short, had short red hair that made her stand out from the rest of the crowd. She constantly averted her bright, gray eyes from meeting Shirou's hazy brown ones. She wore long, flowing robes that one would normally see out of a movie.
Shiro smiled and handed the girl a couple British pounds.
"G... glad to be of service." she awkwardly uttered.
Shiro closed the door and handed Rin a cup. He left the coffee alone and popped open the bottle. The rich stench of alcohol wafted through the air as he poured the thick, golden liquid into Rin's glass. She thanked him and downed the entire thing. Shiro stared at his share and sipped it.
"Shiro, I have a story to tell you. Will you listen?"
Shiro nodded and responded, "Yes."
Rin gathered up her strength and shivered. She painfully said, "It all started a couple months after you left... It was in New Zealand..."