Fate/Stay Night Zero
By Demon Eyes
Disclaimer: Own Rin, Saber and company? Me?! Aha ha…Don't Make me laugh.
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A five year old Sakura was waiting outside of the mansion near the limo, for her big sister, Rin, Their father had requested Rin's audience in his study before they had to leave for school. Rin was the one who had asked Sakura to wait for her by the car. Sakura did as she was asked. She always abided by her sister's wishes. It wasn't that Rin was forcing her to do this and that but because they were close. They were closer than most siblings in fact. Their friends at school even commented on it sometimes. Sakura laughed to herself. Not that she could blame them. Sakura and Rin would sometimes, more frequently than not, actually,, dump their friends to spend lunch time and other breaks together. They would tell each other stories of the day from class and have a great laugh. It was all Sakura could do to apologize to her classmates and friends for 'ditching' them all the time for Rin.
Sakura always looked forward to school days because it was the only time she could be with Rin and talk animatedly with her. When they were at home, many times Rin would be called to their father's study for 'special' lessons that Rin never explained to Sakura. Every time she came back to the living room, she would look so drained like her energy had been sapped out. Then just as they would start doing something, like tell stories, Rin would be snoring right the next minute. Sakura had been curious as to what they were studying, but Rin asked her not to worry about it. She decided to let it go but she still worried about Rin. The good thing was that the past few of days, Rin looked less tired whenever she came back from those lessons. Maybe when her sister was ready, they would talk about it and maybe see if she could be taken on as another student. Sakura had to admit that she sometimes felt jealous that her father spent more time with Rin than her, but the time she spent with Rin more than made up for that.
A big smile broke out from her petit face when she saw Rin coming out of the front doors. It quickly vanished when her eyes met Rin's face. Rin had no emotion on her face whatsoever. Rin had never put on masks when in Sakura's presence. What had her father told Rin? "Are you alright Nee-san?" She asked worriedly. Rin hesitated in her tracks and tried to make a smile but it failed, badly. It seemed that she had forgotten that Sakura was outside waiting for her.
"Sa...Sakura! I...I...Let's get going or we will be late for school." On her way to the car, Rin looked every where but at Sakura. The younger girl was now starting to panic, but she didn't want to act non-lady like in front of her sister, who was the embodiment of a lady, even at her age. Sakura stepped aside and let her sister in first and then she too followed. As she was securing her seat belt, it was then that Sakura noticed there was something in Rin's hands. On closer attention, it was basically a book but none of the usual ones. It looked like the ones she saw on the National Geographical Channel in the history topics. It looked...mysterious. It also gave off a kind of strange aura. Sakura found herself pulled to it as if it was beckoning for her to touch it.
"What's that Nee-san?" She asked as she reached for the book, as if her hands had a mind of their own. She just had to touch it. It was so pretty... Rin quickly put it out of reach for the grabby hands. Sakura blinked a few times to grab at what had just happened. When it dawned on her and she looked up, she found Rin's fiery eyes fixed on her. "I...I am so sorry Nee-san. I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright Sakura. Just remember never to touch this book again, okay?" Rin patted the teary eyed Sakura's head lovingly.
"I will. I will. I am sorry Nee-san." She nodded vigorously as she fought back tears. Rin's smile again left her face and she tuned to look out of the window. Sakura decided not to disturb her and her thoughts so she too stayed still at the other side of the car seat. For the first time, the drive to school was taken in silence. It was a bad omen for Sakura as was to be proven true by the events that took place later in the day.
During all the breaks at school, Sakura tried to get together with Rin as they always did, but something stranger happened. Rin would always avoid her. She would act as if she was busy talking to her friends, paying no attention at all to Sakura. After countless times of trying to get Rin's attention, Sakura gave up. She was starting to look like a stalker anyways.
That however, wasn't the worst thing that happened on that day. Not by a long shot. What was worse, no, the worst, was what happened when they returned home that evening. Just as soon as they got out of the car, Rin took a hold of Sakura's hand and guided her towards the back of the house. They sat there on the veranda, overlooking the garden. The sight was amazing. With cherry blossoms in full bloom and the sun almost up high in the bluest of skies. Not at all suited for the conversation that was about to take place. Sakura didn't know what was to come so she just enjoyed the view happily, thinking that her sister had brought her here to maybe apologise for the strangeness of her actions during the day. But Oh, was she ever wrong?!
"Sakura, there is something that I need to talk to you about. Something very important." Rin began without looking at Sakura. The tone she used was so even that Sakura's high spirits were as quickly squashed. "It was what I was talking about this morning with dad." This was where those blue/green eyes turned to look 'into' Sakura.
"Wha...What is it Nee-san?" She was so shaken she had no idea why.
"Sakura, from now on, you are no longer a Tohsaka. Father already arranged for you to be taken in by the Matou family. You are no longer Tohsaka Sakura but Matou Sakura. You are no longer my sister, but a child to the Matous. This was father's decision so you will agree to it – Please." The last word was spoken with a tone that Sakura knew so well. She was so stunned she couldn't say anything or even move but nod her head very slowly. Did she even succeed in nodding? She didn't know. The girl sitting beside her got up to her feet and turned to look down on Sakura. Sakura wished she could hide her emotions as well as her sister. "You are Matou Sakura." The girl repeated to Sakura.
"Matou...Sakura." Sakura withstood the pain from the pins that were on her tongue as she tested the name. She looked to her beacon for approval and a nod is what she received. Her light went past her to enter the house, but paused at the door.
"Come on Sakura, I will help you pack. They will be here shortly." Sakura never knew she was so heavy when she got up to follow.
Many seconds later, it felt like seconds to Sakura, they were outside of the front gates. Sakura's bags were already in the limo ahead where a very creepy old man was waiting for her. He was to be her grandfather now. No – He was her grandfather. He had asked her to go and say goodbye to Rin and Sakura thought that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't so bad. Sakura hadn't said a word about this crazy situation yet. She hadn't expressed how she felt about it either. The shock was coming to a stop though and her dams broke as she fell forward to reach for her lifeline and...
"..ster, Master."
Matou Sakura opened her eyes. She found herself in the familiar room. The coldness and darkness of it was strangely comforting. She found herself half way down to the floor. Apparently she had been saved from plummeting to the ceramic tiles. Why did they have to use those anyway? And on the second floor to boot Oh well, she didn't care. She was reminded of the fact that she was in someone's arms so she looked up to see her companion and partner in this crazy game that brought about the destruction of her life. She smiled gratefully at her saviour. "Thank you Saber."
The girl in a black royal dress and amour, just nodded. "Perhaps harvesting will help clear your spirits master." It wasn't a command but a suggestion. Sakura thought about it then turned to check on the clock near her bed. It was just about five in the morning. Plenty of time to go out and be back for breakfast. She thought and for just a split second, there was nothingness then she was no longer a light purple haired girl wearing frilly pyjamas but a silver haired, crimson eyed being. In the next two seconds, dark tendrils, which made the dark floor seemingly come alive, rose from the two girls' feet to engulf them completely. When the threads of darkness returned from whence they came, there was no living thing in the room anymore.
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(Near the Tohsaka Residential Area)
"Are you sure Saber? I mean, there is no way there can exist another you, is there?" I am on my way to school right now. I have been discussing with Saber, how we were able to escape from Rider and Shinji before. The answer sounds completely ridiculous, but I don't want to doubt Saber. She says we were saved by a servant that looked just like her. That is impossible. 'I am positive Rin. Well, she wasn't exactly me, but at the same time she was exactly like me.' "What are you trying to say Saber? Details if you please." Saber is quiet for a while, perhaps thinking of an answer.
'Well, the better I can describe her is that I would be like her if I was tainted...Evil you might say.' Okay, that is even more confusing. "If she was evil, then why did she save us? It really makes no sense at all. I guess we will just have to wait for the mysterious duo to show them selves again. If they are really servants then they will come out eventually." Oh God, I hope this evil Saber's master isn't the evil version of me. I mean, it's only logical. I am the master of Saber so if there is an evil Saber, then chances are, there is an evil me?! It is impossible for another Saber to exist in the first place so...Urg. So frustrating. Perhaps Saber senses my uneasiness for she asks, 'What's wrong Rin?' "Nah! It's nothing Saber. Forget about it."
Yeah, it is completely ridiculous. There can only be one Tohsaka Rin, evil or not. I chuckle at my own conclusions. It seems that we have been talking for a while as I see that we have arrived at the school's main gate. I struggle to squash down the familiar feeling when I see Sakura turning to go through. I raise my hand to get her attention. Since there is no body else present at the time, I don't care for my actions. It is still very early in the morning. "Good morning Sakura." Her eyes widen as she stops and notices me. I know the feeling seeing as I get it too whenever she talks to me. I walk a little faster to catch up with her. She greets me back and we walk towards the archery range in silence. "So, are you feeling any better now?" She turns confused purple eyes at me.
"Shinji told me that you weren't feeling well and that was the reason that you were missing the other day." I clarify and I see something that disturbs me flash in her eyes. I don't like it, but it must be my imagination so I should let it go. "I am sorry I didn't come to visit you. I...I had something important to do." Listen to me. I sound like a superhero making up an excuse for missing their fiancée's get together because they had to save someone in trouble. It isn't like Sakura even cared if I did or didn't go now. I never visited her before but I can start now, Right? Better late than never, right? Oh damn, I can't believe this. Why has she not murdered me yet!?
"Do not worry about it sempai. I am happy that you considered it though." 'No no no. You can't be happy. Hate me. Hate me with all your might. You can't close up your feelings like that. If you do, they will destroy you from within.' I wanted to scream that at her, but I stayed silent. After some time, I decide to switch gears. "So, I heard you were chosen to participate in the Nationals. That's very good. I hope you do really well. I will come watch it too. I am sure you will win." I try to smile at her. She stops outside the door to the meeting room and turns. She embarrassedly thanks me and turns to open the door for us.
I thank her as she holds the door open for me to enter. We go into the tea room and Sakura leaves to prepare some for us. As I mentioned before, it is very early today so it's just the two of us here at the moment. This is good. I can use this opportunity to speak with her alone but what to talk about? Saber interrupts my wandering mind however. 'Rin?' "Yes Saber, what is it?" I ask her softly. She doesn't say anything at the moment and I patiently wait for her to say something. After some more silence, she decides to ask and I am a little surprised by what she says to be honest. 'How well do you know this Sakura?' She asks and I think of why she would ask that, but I come up with nothing. I decide to answer her first and ask questions later.
"Oh, I'm so sorry I haven't told you about this yet. Now that I think about it, even by the time the last war took place, she had been already taken." The expression on Sakura's face as she was taken away from me comes to mind and I shake it off, but the feelings it brings with it remain. "Her birth name is Tohsaka Sakura. She is my little sister." Saber's shock can be felt in my mind. I don't blame her really. It is understandable why she would act like that. Just the thought of everyone at school knowing makes me smile. Ayaka's reaction was no different either. 'What happened, Rin? Why aren't you living together if you are sisters?' Saber asks me softly. I am touched by the gesture. I want to say it is complicated, but I can make it simple. Preferably, before Sakura comes back to the room.
"As you know Saber, there can only be one successor in a family of Magi. Since I was the older, I was to carry on the legacy, but Sakura had to be brought up in ignorance of her magical potential. It was right before the last war that she became a Matou. No one knows that we are sister out of the family except Ayaka." 'Ah, I see. It must be hard for you two.' It seems like I don't have to explain farther. I know she has more questions but they must wait. Sakura has come back into the room.
"There you go sempai. I hope it is to your liking." She says as she passes me a cup and resumes to power steaming liquid into it. I never doubt her brewing skills as I bring my cup to my lips. It is as perfect as I remember it and more. "It's wonderful Sakura...Thanks." I send her an effective smile. She goes a little red as she pours one herself and drinks it. We stay silent for a while, only the sounds of sipping could be heard. If Saber was of the laughing type, she would most definitely be cracking up right now. I mean, I myself was embarrassed for myself. I decide t ask her about before. What was wrong Sakura?" She stares at me not fully comprehending what I was referring to. "You were sick. Are you okay now?" She blinks some more. What? Was it the wrong question? Did I fail an exam I didn't know I was taking? After a while, she tells me that it was just a mild headache. Oh! "Oh...Well, I am glad you are alright." Something flashes in her eyes after I say that, but I decide to let it drop.
"Erm...sempai, are you doing anything on the day of the competition?" Sakura suddenly asks. I never have 'evening plans' but even if I did, I would make sure I was the most free person that day. I tell her that I don't have any plans that I know of. Why did she ask though? I ask her why she asks. "I...I was wondering if you would be able to spend the evening with me." She finished the sentence in such a low voice, were it not for the proximity we were in, I wouldn't have heard her. I was shocked to say the least. There it was. Laid out on the table. She had taken the first step. She is always the one who 'does' while I cower away in my self. Just like the last time I saw Tohsaka Sakura. My apprehension must have been showing for she cast down her eyes and looked at the 'fascinating' table surface.
"I knew what she was thinking and before she opened her mouth to take back her offer, I quickly, maybe desperately, answered her. It was time that I started to 'act' too. 'It's alright Rin.' Even Saber assures me. How could I act any differently? "I would love to Sakura." She looks back up and a grateful smile is on her lips. I am contaminated with it. "Thank you." My heart is having a field day. I never thought I would feel like I do right now, again. We continue to talk leisurely like how an upperclassman would talk to their favourite underlings. Ayaka walks in a few minutes later only to be puzzled by our laughter. She never found out what was so amusing. I found everything amusing.
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(Much later, some where else)
'I know you can hear me so could you please come and meet me here?' An image was sent with the message that travelled telepathically. Caster was startled to say the least. She had been spying on the Einzbern girl with her orb when she suddenly received the message. It was Rider…no…Medusa. It was Medusa asking her to meet her in the park near the shopping district. She sat there for a while not sure of what to do. She thought of the pros and cons of the other woman calling for her audience but even though there were more cons than pros, Caster decided to go. Her master was at school teaching and she was bored anyway. Not to mention that she wasn't planning on being killed just yet. If things were to get out of control, then she was prepared. At a glance, it seemed like a silly idea. Enemies meeting for something that was anything outside of fighting. She somehow knew that they wouldn't get to that…yet. So, all the angles pointed to the point of her not going, but her dreams had been getting her more confused. Perhaps meeting the centre of them would clear up some thoughts. She chanted a quick teleportation spell in her mind and she disappeared, only to appear again right at a short distance from someone sitting at a park bench, looking over the kids that played nearby. Caster took this moment to observe the woman when she noticed that Rider hadn't seen her yet. The woman was wearing casual clothes instead of her usual battle costume. That was all she could make out from her position so she decided to go to the woman of her dreams…err…figuratively speaking of course.
Rider was a little startled when someone sat on the bench right besides her. She had been so preoccupied with observing the relaxing scene before her that she had lost sense of time and reason as to why she was there. She turned her eyes to the newcomer who she now recognised even before she saw her face. Her presence alone was enough to assure her of the identity of the person sitting right next to her. She felt her forgotten heart come to life suddenly when she thought of seeing that lovely face in her dreams once again. A hood and a shadow under it met her eyes. Rider frowned. She felt a great disappointment at that. Of course she knew there would be a hood. Yet she had hoped that just this once…She decided to drop it. "What took you so long? I thought you could do that teleportation thingy." Caster didn't answer. Rider turned back to looking around the park to give the woman some needed time to think.. She too was a little disturbed by her decision to meet the other woman and here in the open of all places.
"Why did you ask to meet me?" Rider expected the question, but not that early. Not even a hello? Strangely, she felt a little sad about that. Caster's face was hidden so she couldn't make out her expression. Not that she needed to. The lash in her voice was enough. Rider frowned a little. Caster's thoughts wouldn't have been far from Rider's though.. Caster really tried to sound like she did. In reality, she felt strange being in such close proximity to this woman. Who had been invading her dreams as of late. She knew they had met in their previous life and they might have been friends. But if she thought that, then what were she to do when tomorrow came? Would she face Rider head on in battle? Caster brought her head up to look into Rider's face and instantly stopped. Rider was staring right back at her. Her eyes intense…her eyes…Those unnaturally enchantied eyes that she remembered most vividly in her dreams. They held a strange pull for her that she fought very hard to not do something to the other woman..
"Soon, we will have to fight. My Master knows that his teacher is your master. He also knows where you live." Here, Rider's eyes softened somewhat as she continued. "I just wanted to have a chance to talk before that happened. One of us or even both might not make it and recently I've…" She suddenly stopped. She analysed the conversation from a third person's view. Saying something like '…I've been dreaming about you' was just…What was she thinking? They were both grown ups. She decided to go ahead and say what she intended to say. "I've been having these dreams…with you in them. I think they were memories of our previous life. I guess I just wanted to know if you know something. It's been bugging me for a while now."
Caster's mouth made an 'O'. She hadn't expected the woman to be so out with it. Now this was something. They couldn't both be having the same dream. It had to be memories and it was said anyway that most servant's dreams were of their memories of their past lives. Had they really been close? If so, how close? She decided to ask Rider just to make sure. She somehow felt the answer already to that, but her conscious kept denying the possibility. "What did you dream of exactly?" She saw rider's eyebrows go up then settle back in position. There was silence in which Caster concluded that Rider might be assessing whether to tell her the whole truth or mince some. Well, she would soon find out 'cause it seemed like Rider had made up her mind.
"Could I look at your face."? Rider asked and her arms made a motion of moving to Caster's hood. The purple clad woman was once again left aghast and where she might have quickly grabbed her hood for safety from being pried from her person, she just stared as elegant fingers slowly removed the protection. It was like her second skin now. So it was only on impulse that she blindingly fast, grabbed a hold of Rider's hands before the hood reached her hair line that distinguished it from her forehead. They stared at each other with Rider hoping that whatever the other woman was searching for in her eyes was there. She wanted so badly to look at that hidden face within that she shocked herself. Slowly and hesitantly, Caster let her hood be drawn back having found what she wanted from those eyes that were stripped of their mask.
Though she somehow had an idea of what to expect, Rider was none the less taken aback by the unnatural face that greeted her. Though a little different from her dream face due to time, it was still the same. Elfin ears that were a little longer from the other image, hair also a little longer than she remembered it. One braid at the left side of Caster…no…Medea's ear was still there. Suddenly a memory of herself placing that braid in the shorter hair came to Rider unbidden. The taller woman reached out to touch that same hair hoping to uncover more memories, but nothing more came. She realised that no one has said anything for a while so she decided to say the first thing that had come to her mind. "You are still as beautiful as I remember, Medea." There were more ear rings, her lips were now painted, and looked fuller. Perhaps it was this reason that was making Rider feel an incredible urge to feel them with more than her fingers. Said fingers were now tracing the outlines of the purple painted lips. There was tension in the air, but none of the two women registered what was happening nor was there anyone who tried to stop it. After all, how can you stop what you don't even comprehend?
So, it was by sheer force that her heart was pounding with, that Caster turned her head finally, just less that five millimetres between her lips and Riders. Her face was doing something she thought she had gotten over. She was blushing like mad. Suddenly, she craved to pull her hood back up to hide her reaction. Why had she pulled to the side? Her mind and heart were in perfect synch telling her that it was perfectly okay to accept that kiss that was almost going to happen. She glanced at the woman beside her and saw the same reaction. Rider's was a little more effective. She was probably feeling embarrassed and guilty for she was the one who had made the move. Caster couldn't help but feel her eyes wander downwards to those bare lips that were stretched into a guilty smile. Her cheeks got even redder when she heard Rider whisper an apology. The woman was looking at her uneasily. "I'm sorry. I…I don't know what came over me…" She trailed off. Caster let a smile of her own come forth. They were both grown ups, but they acted like love struck school girls. She reached over to lay a comforting hand on the bubblegum haired woman. Now she noticed that the hair was tied in a very low pony tail that would reach just below Rider's calves was she to stand.
"No. It's alright. I was just surprised by my body's reaction. That's all." She was a little taken aback when Rider's facials turned from nervous to serious at once.
"I haven't been still these past few days with these dreams. At first I tried to ignore them but it only made me think about them more. Think about you more. So I then decided that the only way to get to the bottom of them was to go to the source. And here I am, getting nothing but more confused." Rider stood up and made a notion of dusting herself off. She looked down at the woman of her dreams and their eyes met. Time passed that neither of the two knew how long actually. Finally Rider came back, "But I guess you were having the same problems so maybe we could…err…maybe meet again and talk about it more…" She stuttered which made her look all the more attractive to Caster. The magician understood what was being offered and she would turn down her master's date if it meant to have another encounter like this. No, she knew very well that it would be much more than this. With more solutions and something…something that she couldn't dare hope for, but couldn't help wishing for.
"I agree. Just contact me like you did this time and I will meet you." She saw Rider put on a pair of rubber gloves. She traced the woman fully and noted that she was dressed like one of those famous bike riders. She raised an eyebrow at her companion before asking how she came here.
"Oh, I came on my bike. It's that one over there." Rider answered as she pointed at some distance. Caster followed the pointed finger and her eyes fell on one big Suzuki bike. She wondered how this woman could ride such a thing, but then she remembered who she was talking about here. "What do you think? Would you like a ride? I could drop you off to your place…" Rider asked with a little hope in her voice.
Now how could anyone resist such a request accompanied by such a face?! "Please." It was all Caster said as an affirmation and they were off - Both thinking of what to do till their next 'rendezvous'.
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(Some time later at the city police station)
Detective Bazette was furious. She was on her way from her captain's office after having been made a laughing stock of. She had been called in to give her thoughts on the recent murders, but to them, an army of skeletons invading someone's home was just absurd. Bazette punched a near by wall and it almost crumbled under her fury had she not held back.
"I hate to say it but I told you so Bazette-san." It was her partner Susan Hemmingway. The younger police officer had tried to make her leader understand. Not many people were open to truths that were out of the norm. Bazette had had doubts giving her superiors some credit but man, was she disappointed! She knew that Caster's army had been responsible for some of the deaths. The ones where there were strange weapons left behind within the bodies. Her jewel that she carried with her all the time as a necklace had the ability to show her what happened in the past - At least as far as the previous month at most. It took quite a lot of mana to use and the further back in time she looked was always proportional to the amount of mana used. The homicides that left no bodies however, that was a mystery. Caster was almost in her grasp, but that was not the most pressing of matter however.
What disturbed her was the incident from the night before - The one at that apartment complex. She had gone there and had used her jewel as usual, but what she saw made no sense at all. Having done the same trick three times, she still came out with the same result. A shadow was seen enveloping the building and when it was gone, no one was left inside. At first, she witnessed the event from within one of rooms. The next, she stood outside but no useful clue was yeilded.. How was she supposed to take care of this one? Was she supposed to go out searching for a shadow that had no shape? She might have been a little different from the normal folk, but even she wasn't that capable. Hmmm…Speaking of which, maybe she would send Lancer out again to patrol at night. This time, when the 'shadow' appears, Lancer should have more success than she did, hopefully.
"Ermm…Bazette-san," She felt Susan pull at her suit and turned to look down at the woman..
"What is it Susan?" She felt a little embarrassed at ignoring her partner all the time due to her inner monologues.
"The cafeteria is the other way." Susan pointed in the direction opposite where she was heading. She sweat dropped. How many times had that happened, only for Susan to correct her? Really, she started wondering if that was the reason a lot of detectives had partners, apart from back up of course.
"Thank you Susan. So what are your plans for tonight? Going out with Jin again I presume?" Bazette batted her eye lashes at her partner. Susan wouldn't shut up about him when they were on a job. Usually, she just nodded and tried to ignore her ranting, but since she has just saved her from missing out on those doughnuts, then perhaps just this once…
"As a matter of fact, I am. He said that he has a surprise for me. I wonder if he is going to propose! Oh God! What am I saying? giggle" She hid her face in her hands and on and on she went. Jin this Jin that. Oh dear. Perhaps it wasn't the best of ideas to ask her about Jin. 'Hmmm, doughnuts', she thought, distractedly. When they reached the cafeteria, she grabbed quite a number of goodies and went to sit down, Susan in tow still going on about Jin. Bazette made sounds of acknowledgement while she thought. All this talk about a date was getting to her. Perhaps she would join Lancer in his patrol this time…A smile came to her lips at the thought of teasing her servant in the light if the moon. They would sit on one of the tall buildings and watch out for any signs of trouble. She would feint coldness and Lancer would pull her into him. She couldn't help the blush that came to her cheeks at the thought. Then after the unsuccessful hours, they would hit one of the late night restaurants and grab a bite. Then they would…they would…She shook her head to shake that train of thought. The idea never left her mind all day long.
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(Einzbern Castle)
The room was dimmed and the only light source was the six silhouettes that looked like people. They were seated in an arc and were at a higher level of about three meters. One of the figures spoke and his voice identified him as a man. "So, you mean to say that you had Tohsaka Rin at your mercy, but she none the less escaped? Tell me again Von, you are of the Einzbern aren't you?" The feelings in the voice were not hard to miss. One that was very noticeable was of complete disappointment. What was supposed to be a report had suddenly turned into an interrogation. Illyasviel Von Einzbern, who was supposed to be a reporter, but was suddenly an accused, was standing in the middle f the room.
"An unknown party came to their rescue and Tohsaka used that chance to escape. She used a transportation spell so I couldn't go after her so soon. I also had to fight the new servant." She shouldn't have said that.
"And this new servant of whom you speak, I take it that you disposed of them then…" Crap. She had dug her own grave.
"No…They caught me off guard that I wasn't prepared…" She trailed off knowing that she was heading straight no where.
There was silence which she didn't like at all. After what felt like an eternity, another voice, this time a woman's, spoke up. "We shall let you off this time Illyasviel. But next time we meet, you had better have some good news. Don't forget. This is the pride of the Einzbern family. You know very well our history with the Tohsaka family. Make sure that you never let the Grail back into their possession. They have Saber once again and she proved troublesome last time around. This is why we have sent you this time. We have high expectations of you Illya. Failure is not an option." And with that, the silhouettes started disappearing one after the other until the only person left in the huge room was Illya. Suddenly, the lights came on and Illya was more exposed to them. Her eyes were clouded over and her face expressionless. Her clothing was what was most striking though. Were she of good height, she wouldn't look much different from a pope ready for mass. But with her childish stature, all she managed to pull off was the look of an innocent maiden about to be sacrificed to some god.
Illya sighed to herself. It wasn't her fault really. All her opponents ran away from her. They were no match for her. Even having been caught off guard by that unknown servant, she still managed to make tem run for their lives. Well, next time they won't be so lucky. Even she can only take so much tongue lashings. When her elder sister failed in the previous war, she was trained to be the best there was in all of Einzbern history. Berserker was their prized servant. It seemed like he had a history with their ancestors when he was still alive. That seemed to explain how they were always successful in summoning him all the time. They had mentioned that Saber was summoned by the Tohsakas before too. Did they have a connection to her too? She wasn't sure about that. If that were the case, she would've found it written somewhere in the history books. The girl sighed as she made her way out of the room.
Outside, the two twins were waiting for their mistress. "Are you alright Illya-sama?" One of the two asked as she removed the big hat from the silver hair. Illya nodded as she felt her head saved from the weight. "Will you be in need anything else Ojou-sama?" another asked as she removed the scarf-like red cloth from around Illya's neck. The thick robes soon followed and Illya was left in her underclothes that only had a few seconds of fresh air before they were soon covered by the usual purple and pink.
"No thank you. I am alright for now." Illya was glad to have the twins around. They were like her parents and she loved them as much. They had been looking after her since she could remember. They were also her only friend apart from Berserker. She smiled and did something that she had never done before. Thinking over it now she wondered why she hadn't. Illya went to each woman and gave them embraces. Needless to say, both were so shocked that none returned the hug. Illya was not offended though. She had expected that. When she looked back into those two pairs of amethyst eyes, she thought that she had seen a glimpse of emotions in them, but they disappeared, before she could name it. Her eyes had already gone back to their normal when she came out of the meeting. "Wake me up before the sun sets. I want to go out for a walk with Berserker." With that, she went to her room to get some rest before she went out.
Illya was planning on going for an evening walk as had become a ritual in hopes of making some fiends ever since she came to Japan. So far, she had been unsuccessful though but she had hopes. She loved the twins and Berserker dearly, but she felt they weren't enough. She needed someone her own age, someone who she could laugh with. That was very difficult with someone like Berserker and the maids. Their senses of humour were very different. 'Be prepared Rin, I am coming for you and this time you won't be so lucky.' She thought before sleep took her.
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"Where are you off to this time?" A deep voice bellowed from one side of the room, where an old fashioned radio was playing an old symphony. The addressed paused in the door way to regard the speaker. His crimson eyes looked bored.
"I am going to do some gambling. I am bored as hell." He replied as he followed up with ah yawn. He had on a fluffy coat and his golden earrings glittered in the sunset rays that came in through the window.
The dark clad man, who was dressed in a priest's gab, nodded, with a cup of herbal tea in his hands. He sat near the radio and at the same time holding a paper in his hand. "Well, don't go having much fun. Time for that shall come soon." He smiled and took another sip from his cup. His smile was forced though. Gilgamesh had noticed, not that he wanted to mind you, that his master was being troubled by something these past two days. Something was eating at him and it was getting at the King of heroes. "Plus, my daughter is coming over tonight from the Mage's Association. I want you to come along when I go to pick her up from the airport at midnight." Ah…So that was what was getting to him. But shouldn't he be happy about it?
"Yeah yeah, I will be back at eleven then." Gilgamesh then made his exit. Kirei knew of his servant's impatience. He doubted anyone could handle him as a servant without a way to go counter that ability of his. As soon as he was alone, he set the cup and newspaper down and closed his eyes as he leaned back in his sofa. His mind went back to the visions he had been having. He thought that the witch had been bluffing ten years ago when she apparently cursed him. Now he wasn't so sure. He wasn't planning on letting the foretold come to pass though. He had already one over so many scenarios that would change fate, but just in case, he had to be prepared. His daughter would soon be here and he had a lot to tell her so he got to planning.
As Gilgamesh walked in the fresh air, he couldn't help, but think of the only thing that is worth his thought – His soon to be bride, Saber. Really, what other woman is fit to be a queen to a King of Heroes?! He kept wishing to run into her on a day like this but those chances he knew, were very slim. Now she was most likely being kept so close due to their previous encounter. He cursed himself. Maybe he had gone a bit too far too fast. He remembered what Saber had said to him both during the previous war and just a few days back.
"I looked up to you. You are the reason I decided to be what I am - A person that everyone would look up to, even other kings. You were my hero."
A familiar feeling came to him and he struggled to get rid of it. "Well, at least now I know she has some feelings for me." He grinned suddenly. Yes, he would use this new found information to get what I his. 'Just you wait Saber, soon you shall be mine.' He burst out into laughter as he made his way to his usual place of 'common' entertainment. He entered and as to be expected, his seat at the bar was free. He went over to get a drink first before he let lose. He made his order as he sat. "Gold on Rocks." As soon as the sound reached the bar man's ears, he turned around so fast he would make Lancer jealous. This amused the King some.
"Mr. Gold, it's an honour to see you again. Please, it will just take a second." Gilgamesh had introduced himself as such the first time he was here. Everyone now knew of him around this place. He turned around as he was greeted by the usual mobs of people. The place was always full, but for some reason, it was almost half empty. He wondered why that was! He turned to grab his glass when Ben, the tender regarded him. Taking a quick sip, he relaxed as fast. He loved that drink. Only he was capable of drinking it. Once, an eavesdropper had chanced a shot, but the poor man never woke up from just one gulp. From then on, Ben never sold it to anyone else apart from his No.1 customer.
There was a ruckus at one of the tables and it grabbed the man with the golden hair's attention. Ben saw his gaze and decided to tell him, "Oh them? Apparently, they just arrived from the US. They are here on business. Since they came in four hours ago though, they have been winning non-stop at poker. Chased most of my customers away due to their lack of money they did." Ah! So that was the reason why? He smiled as he made his way to the crowded table. When he neared the table, those who recognised him moved aside and even the two that were playing stood up to give him space.
"Hey, where do you think you are going? We are not done yet." One of the 'new' arrivals announced to their retreating opponents. Their attention was grabbed by someone flopping into the abandoned seats. One of them frowned and said dangerously, "Scram Goldie. Wait for your turn." Gilgamesh's brow twitched. He struggled to stay calm however.
He made a motion of reaching into his pockets and pulled out a bundle of cash, in US Dollars to boot. "Come on now. Let's be rational about this. You can just look at them and know that they aren't worthy. Why don't we handle this as civilised gentlemen? I will start with 50, 000 Dollars." Upon seeing the bundle of cash, the two Americans exchanged glances, but their decision had already been made.
"Excuse us for our earlier behaviour. We were starting to think that this town wasn't worth it. We agree." They too put forward their money. They smirked, thinking that this was already in the bag. The table was instantly crowded once again and almost four times more than before. The two traders were not prepared for what met them. An hour later, they were already out of cash. Their ego was much more king sized however. They were out of money, but that didn't mean they were out of the game. They locked eyes and one of them reached beside his seat to grab a bag and flop it on the table. Gilgamesh lifted a brow in curiosity. What were they up to now?
The man unzipped the bag and inside there was a case. 'Ah so they had a secret stash hidden.' Gilgamesh thought to himself. The case was laid on the table and opened. Inside were pieces of a gun. Another golden eye brow joined its partner. The one that had opened the case leaned forward to whisper. "A friend of ours works in the pentagon in the Fire Arms department. He got his hands on the next generation weapon blueprints and he shared it with us. My brother here and I were interested so we put it together ourselves." Getting no reaction from their opponent, they decided to go for broke. The second man whipped out a very huge compilation of papers in the form of a book. "This here is the manual. Believe me when I tell you that this baby here had more secrets than Pandora's Box man. It's the first of its kind. Its development has been set for six years. That's in 2010. You will be the first person to wield future technology. The metal was used was a combination of titanium, quick silver and some gold rush." They ginned proudly. Gilgamesh was not impressed but it was a weapon and very rare at that. He was a collector of rare weapons…hmmm
"Alrighty then, let the game commence."
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(Thousands of Miles above Sea Level)
"Attention passengers. We will be landing at Narita Airport shortly. For your safety please fasten your seat belts and prepare for a safe landing. This has been your captain for this flight and we would like to thank you for flying with Egyptian Airlines." And with that, the red lights with the 'seatbelts' on it started blinking repeatedly. One of the passengers, a young girl of about 16 years of age, did as she was bid. Golden eyes swept the rest of her surroundings and she wasn't surprised to find faces at unease. She too was afraid of heights and incidentally, flying. That was only if she wasn't the one doing the flying. Really, she wondered why it was that people who could fly were the ones that were afraid of heights. 'I mean, look at Superman. The guy was also afraid of heights when he was a teenager.' She mused. It was all Kotomine Karen could do not to walk off the damn plane before rubber came into contact with tarmac.
That was a 'no' however. Her superiors at the Mage's Association wouldn't approve. She knew they had eyes and ears everywhere. Not to mention her father. The silver head turned towards the window as the girl thought of her dad. They hadn't talked face to Face for years and suddenly her father asked her to come home. She sighed again as she was once again lost in her thoughts about her strange family. She was soon brought back to the present as the plane gave a little jerk from touching down. "Home sweet home…Karen." She whispered to no one particular.
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(Emiya House Hold)
The glass doors were suddenly forced inside only to shatter as someone collided with them. Emiya Shirou came rolling on the floor and the wall inside was what stopped his movement. He had two short swords in his hands and he used them to get to his feet slowly. Blood was coming down his face and arms. He looked really beat up. Fighting to catch his breath, he reacted on instinct as he brought up his sword as a shield when a red blur came through the hall he had made in the out door. The forced with which the hit connected made him grunt in pain, but he refused to make another hole on his beautiful house. Repairs were murder. He held his ground this time around but his arms trembled with the collision.
The attacker took a quick jump backwards. "Prepare yourself Shirou. I am not holding back anymore. You either learn UBW today or you die." Archer announced and Shirou gulped. What was he thinking when he had agreed to this training session? Archer had clearly stated the dangers of this kind of training, but Shirou was so impatient. He had seen Archer's UBW and he had wanted so badly to learn it. He had thought that he would never be able to do it, but Archer had said that Shirou's tracing ability was actually almost the same as UBW. Upon learning that, he never stopped begging Archer to teach him how to use it. The sight of that beautiful world that he saw when Archer took him in once, it was breathtaking and he would be damned if he never saw it again – this time by his own doing. He renewed his resolve and his eyes burned. Archer saw this and he grinned. His master was the best there was and he was the best servant. They were the best pair and when Shirou learns his ultimate move, they will be unstoppable.
They un-phased their swords. It was time to try again. This time however, it would be different. Before, Archer just stood doing nothing while Shirou chanted the Poem of Creation. This time, Archer will be doing it too as if he was in a fight and if Shirou didn't succeed, he would be in deep doo-doo. They both closed their eyes. Shirou could feel the aura coming from his servant. It was so strong that he was sure were it not for the barrier on their residence, it would be felt by other mages. Shirou felt his very surroundings shift around him but he decided to ignore it. His life was on the line here. He had to do something. He knew what weapon Archer would draw first so he thought of a proper counter. He thought hard and was thankful when his mind gave him an answer he was looking for. He thanked his nature of observation. He got ready to start the prayer.
I AM THE BONE OF MY SWORD
Both pairs of eyes opened at once after saying the same words also at the same time. A bow started to appear in Archer's waiting hand. When it was solid in his strong fingers, a spiral sword also appeared in his other hand only to suddenly glow and transform into an arrow. He aimed at his opponent and let the glowing projectile soar towards Shirou. The act took a mere second or even less but Shirou was already prepared. He brought up his own weapon in defence. Just ten millimetres before the arrow reached him, his weapon had fully been traced. The arrow was stopped in its tracks and it appeared as if its energy was all sucked out of it in the moment it was into contact with the golden sword. Neither of the two had time for amazement and shock as Archer had already started moving - All the while chanting the second line of the prayer. The red knight went for the outside in one step and another found him a few feet high above the house. Shirou pursued after him as he said his part as well.
STEEL IS MY BODY AND FIRE IS MY BLOOD
Archer put his hands behind his back and a pair of wings formed on his back. He came sailing towards Shirou with such speed that he got no chance to exchange his first weapon for another, but to harden it even a little bit. Archer brought his hands from behind his back and Shirou saw that he wielded identical swords that were amazingly curved out of stone. They were huge too. Shirou went on guard with the sword he had. It was the one he had seen Tohsaka's servant use against Berserker. Now that he thought about it, Archers swords looked suspiciously like Berserker's albeit a little smaller. The shock of the collision declared a part of his house history. He was forced to go down on one knee too. Thankfully, the damn sword was really tough. He wondered what it was really. It gave off an air of…something…he couldn't place. What he loved about it though, was the ability it seemed to have of draining kinetic energy from Archer's attacks. When the said young man once again made for the skies, Shirou breathed a sigh of relief. He had time to think of his next weapon. He was tired of the defence. It was time to go on the offence too.
I HAVE CREATED OVER A THOUSAND BLADES…
Suddenly, Archer started materialising different kinds of short swords and threw them at Shirou at an inhuman speed. Shirou fought to deflect them with Lancer's lance, which was difficult due to the wired angle that Archer was aiming them. They moved like they had a mind of their own.. He only managed to avoid fifty-six of the sixty. He closed his eyes as the rest cut through his skin.
UNKNOWN TO DEATH NOR KNOWN TO LIFE
Even more blades and this time with more speed than the previous. The numbers were greater too. Along with that, he received more wounds. His mind was getting sharper though and he felt it. Perhaps Archer felt it too, because he was getting more serious than he was at the beginning.
HAVE WITHSTOOD PAIN TO CREATE MANY WEAPONS
This time Shirou decided to act before Archer did. He duplicated the red lance and they rose out of the ground around him. He threw the one he was wielding first towards the slightly surprised Archer. Even Shirou himself was taken aback a little by the skill he threw the weapon. Just like that, he picked up the rest of the long projectiles and threw them towards Archer, who was very smoothly dodging the thrown weapons. Shirou was disappointed that he didn't leave his mark on the red knight, but at least he was the attacker this time. Maybe next time he will have a chance. The next move was already in the fore of his mind.
YET THESE HANDS WILL NEVER HOLD ANYTHING
Archer disappeared and just like that, Shirou saw stars for a split second. His nose was burst. He came back to his senses to find another fist flying to his face. With the greatest speed he has ever imagined, Shirou threw his head back and at the same time brought out his knee to pant it into Archer's side. The silver haired man grunted as he was forced a few steps away from Shirou. That was nothing though and Archer came forward again. Many punches and kicks were exchanged in such little time. When they stepped back from each other, Archer had blood running from the side of his mouth and Shirou was far worse off. Without wasting precious time, the two warriors were off again.
AND SO AS I PRAY,
This was where Shirou always stopped in succeeding. Just at the last stage and he would pass out. This time he felt it would go as planned. He felt that he had the mana required to go for the ultimate treasure, even after all the beating he'd received from his servant. But there was a saying, wasn't there? 'No pain, no gain.' – It went. He had finally done it. Shirou couldn't help but beam at Archer across from him. It probably looked strange on his face that looked worse than Frankenstein's but it was the feelings behind it that counted.
UTLIMATE BLADE WORKS.
To be Continued…
N.B: Many people are commenting on Shirou's version of UBW but this time, he is still green bottomed. In other wards, he is inexperienced to come up with his own stuff. Maybe later on. I will mention it in the commming chapter.
