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Fate/paradisus Scramble
Reunion III - Memories
4/21/2024 Sumaru Temple, New Hiroshima, Siesta City Midnight - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
It was night here in Siesta City. As the war still continues, The young heir of the magus family, Chihiro Nishizono. She was seen alone in the temple in order to meditate and focus. While her other sister, Chifuyu is currently training somewhere in this seemingly large temple. The door begins to open where the mysterious woman who wore her white cloth to cover her face as she approached and kneeled towards her.
"Chihiro-sama. Have you called for me?" The woman asked as Chihiro didn't turn around but continued to meditate in front of the statue.
"Indeed I have. I want to know your reports." Chihiro asks her what happened during the day.
"Of course. I have found out where Ryuga currently lives. While I observed him, I escaped out of plain sight before he could detect me." The woman then lowers her head a little.
"I see… Very well then. Find Ryuga and bring him to me. I wish to speak to him with my own eyes. Is that clear?" Chihiro said to her as she nodded and stood up.
"As you wish, Chihiro-sama. I will bring him just as you asked. Now then, if you'll excuse me…" The woman said as she proceeded to leave. Just as she leaves, True Saber appears next to her Master.
"Master Chihiro. Are you sure this is wise? This Ryuga you mention is our enemy. Shouldn't we claim the Holy Grail for ourselves?" True Saber spoke with concern as she shook her head, finally opening her eyes as she spoke calmly.
"There is no need. I have no desire for the Holy Grail. All that matters is seeing my brother again. That is all I ask. Saber, I understand your concern but please know that this is merely a small family matter." Chihiro said to her Servant as she seemingly nodded.
"As you wish, Master… If that's your choice, I shall not ask. Now then… I shall train on my own." True Saber then bows as she makes her leave, making her all alone. And so, she continues to pray at the statue where she would continue to meditate. But the visions from the past bothers her as she sees the past of an infant baby until she snaps back to reality.
"Don't keep me waiting, brother…" Chihiro said to herself calmly as she remained alone… alone in this temple.
OPENING 3 - THIS ILLUSION by LiSA
*Theme plays*
The theme starts in the city of Siesta at night where the rain droplets were falling down upon the night steel sky within the sleepless city. Then the next scene proceeds to show Ryuga Ashikaga and True Rider/Nagao Kagetora who were seen standing on the rooftop of the skyscraper in Pacifica Square where he begins to take off the hood to reveal his face as the scene transitions to reveal the title until the next transition.
Yume ni mita ita
Ano hi no kage ni
Todokanai sakebi
The scene shows Ryuga who was seen walking down the sidewalk in San Aldecado during the rainy night where the raindrops begin to freeze in mid air as he continue to walk down as his footsteps walks past the rippling puddles that shows reflections of Fiore and Francis as the reflection disappears. He then lifts his head a little to show his eyes filled in cold anger which the next scene shows True Rider following him from behind as she was on her steed.
Asu no jibun wa
Nante egaite no
Kienai negai ga nuneru
Then the next scene shows Katsura Tendou and Olga Marie Animusphere where they were seen standing on the rooftop of the residential area to see Pacifica Square from afar as their hair were blown by the breeze as the next scene Atalanta strolling around the forest as she places her hands to the tree as she looked up the starless sky as the shooting star was streaking from the sky. Then the next scene shows Bazett Fraga McRemitz and Svin Glaschiet standing at the middle of the Pacifica Crossing where the pedestrians were seen passing by at a fast forwarded pace and next shows Chihiro Nishizono along with her sister Chifune Nishizono along with Chihiro's Servant Another Saber as they were in a Japanese-styled temple filled with people with their faces covered by black cloth, and the next scene shows Irina and True Caster at the workshop in the manor.
Koborechiru kakera o
Tsukamu sono te de
Yuyeru kokoro kakaete
Tobikone ike yoru e
Then the next scene shows True Rider fighting against True Lancer as they begin to exchange blows in combat with their weapons clashing as they were fighting on the side of the skyscraper as True Rider thrusts her spear towards her enemy. Then the next scene shows Mario Gallo Bestino in the church during the night as he has nuns with her. The next scene then shows Ryuga using the sword as the red cloth begins to unfurl itself to reveal the blade imbued in flames as he proceeds to stab it on the ground, creating a fiery vortex around him as it shows the quick scene of Yu Meiren standing alone in the alleyway at night.
Dare ka no tami ni ikite
Kono toki ga subete de ii deshou
Misekake no jibun wa sotto sutete
Tada ari no mama de
Then the next scene shows Ryuga who was seen walking alone to climb the mountain path as the sun begins to rise as he fell on the ground but got up while struggling but continues to push forward. Just as he was about to give up, True Rider arrives to help him up as she carries him to the top. Just as they made it. They were met with Katsura, Marie, Atalanta, Bazett, Another Caster, Svin, Another Berserker, Irina, True Caster, and Yu. He joins up with them as the sun finally begins to rise after the rain as the scene finally ends with a single drenched rose inside the greenhouse of the rooftop during the day.
Forvedge Residence, Willowton, Siesta City Midnight - Clear Sky
Katsura POV
Background Music | CounterSide OST - ADC GROUND ONE
It was night. After the whole day we spent together just to kill some time. Me and Rider went home after I was completely tired. And now… I found myself watching a horror movie called Friday the 13th on TV with Yu and Rider sitting on the couch with me. This wasn't anyone's recommendation but… I was the person who chose to watch this movie just for the sake of it. But, the time when the movie finally ends… I kinda have mixed opinions but I would rather not comment at the time. Perhaps it's because I had a high tolerance of horror movies in particular but I didn't care. Jumpscares never scare me, sadly.
"Wow… this movie is kinda cliche, honestly. Why'd you choose it? Is there like more of them except these old horror films that are crappy and mediocre?" Yu lightly complained about the films as it didn't interest her. I simply sigh at her response.
"Movies are just movies. They're designed to entertain the viewers. This movie for example… Well, it gained a lot more attraction and cult following as a result. There were even sequels of Friday the 13th that spanned across the franchise. As much as I want to continue watching… We got things to do. You're coming with me, Yu. Me and Rider are going to begin our patrol starting with New Hiroshima. Apparently, Katsura messaged me about Another Assassin's last location along with its Master. So… are you coming?" I asked her as she yawned, seemingly having no choice but to make a response.
"If I must…" The counter force seemingly agreed to join me while she was slightly disgruntled.
"Good. Rider, let's get going. I don't want to waste any time." I said to my Servant.
"Very well, Master. You gotta show me more of these… films." Rider said to me with some interest.
"I'll think about it." I said as we all decided to leave the house as we all set out to patrol at the district where the Another Assassin was last detected. Either way, we need to be on a lookout should they try to attack us… again.
Just moments after we left our house. What stood in front of us was none other than a mysterious woman who wore traditional Japanese clothing. And her cloth was covering up her face with that eye symbol on the front. She stood there as we all three looked. As one of my allies. Yu was about to take action as I lightly stopped her with my arm.
"You must be Ryuga… Yes?" The woman asked.
"That'd be me. What is it you want?" I asked her while keeping my guard up of her suspicions.
"Please, lower your guard. My master has sent me to find you. You see… she wants to talk to you at the temple at New Hiroshima." The woman said I began to lower my guard. "I see you chose to listen. A wise choice. Now, please follow me. My master expects us to make haste upon our arrival."
"Master… You think this is a good idea? I could have just killed her for being a witness." Rider said with her own suggestions but wanted to ask about this.
"What? No." I continued. "We're going to play along here. You'll never know what's next." I said to her since we have no choice but to follow her and play along on this farce. Whoever is that Master wants to talk to me. I might as well see that Master with my own eyes."
"Sadly, if we kill her. We'll never know. But you're right for once. Best for us to play along until we get there. Whoever sought out for us really wished for a death wish… that's for sure." Yu said as we all continued to follow her through the quiet streets of Willowton. I began to wonder in my mind about this. Why would this woman seek out for me just to meet with her leader? Either way, I just need some answers. My life like this couldn't get any weirder, can it?
Sumaru Temple, New Hiroshima, Siesta City Midnight - Rain
Background Music | CounterSide OST - CONSPIRACY REWINDED
As we took a long walk from Willowton to the Japanese-influenced city of New Hiroshima. This walk took about over thirty minutes but the clouds have covered the night sky where the stars cannot be seen. Instead, it was pouring showers of raindrops as we all tend to ignore it as my hair becomes drenched by the rain. This place… the Sumaru Temple. It's said to be one of Siesta City's tourist spots for people who want to experience and pray to statues or what not. I've never been there but it was my first time. To think that some participant in the war would take over this temple as their own base of operations… Honestly, I'm impressed.
"Now then, we must head inside. So please be on your utmost behavior when talking to our leader." The woman said as she proceeded to open the large door as it made a creaking sound when she opened it a bit slowly. Just as that, we entered through the large door as it closed slowly by itself as I didn't care.
As soon as I reached the area where the large wooden statue was seen, I looked far up ahead. But there was that young woman wearing traditional Japanese clothing as she was kneeling on the floor, looking at the statue. Rider and Yu decided to follow me while lowering their guard. As my steps reach her… she speaks.
"So we finally met, Ryuga Ashikaga…" The woman then stood up and turned around. She had long brown hair as she looked at me. Her face is also beautiful as well. Kind yet calm.
"And so I've heard. Are you the Master of this Holy Grail War?" I said to her as she nodded.
"Indeed I am." The woman said as she revealed her Command Seal on her back hand. The mark on that seal appears to be a symbol of the wings of a bird. "My name is Chihiro Nishizono. I am the Master of True Saber. The leader of my family has sent me along with my sister to take part. But… it seems that you have my Servant that I intended to summon."
Chihiro then pointed her finger at Rider as she wasn't surprised the moment when I turned around to look at her then looked back at the woman.
"W-What… What are you talking about? She is my Servant…" I said to her with slight confusion. The hell is she saying?
"You're wrong. Did you not realize that after all this time that the catalyst which you summoned her was originally belonging to the Nishizono family? Of course, that is until someone from the Clock Tower decided to steal it from us two months ago, before the war even started in Siesta. Surely you've noticed it by now." Chihiro said as I quickly realized it by now. I grabbed out the broken blade which was wrapped by layers of cloth as I began to unwrap it to reveal the catalyst upon my eyes. "I see… So you do own it. Perhaps this must be fate after all."
"Fate? There is no such thing as 'Fate'. This catalyst was given to me by the person known as D. She was the one who helped me get into the war along with Reginald helping me." I explained in detail about it as she seemingly closed her eyes and lowered her head a little. As seconds passed, she opened her eyes and looked at it.
"Now I begin to understand now. That person named D… I'm all too familiar with that person… Ryuga Ashikaga. That person who helped you get into this Holy Grail War… is our enemy. The person you call Reginald also works for that person." Chihiro said with her calm but serious tone. The hell is she saying? D is an enemy? And hell, where is Reginald? Is he even alive? How did I even forget about him? "However, her true name is Dehya Eltfromm Yggdmillennia. This is certainly unexpected. To think that you'd work with the enemy of mine is quite problematic. The Yggdmillennia family was long gone ever since the Fourth Holy Grail War that happened in Fuyuki City. The head leader of that clan, Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia has once partook in the Fourth along with his Servant Berserker. Unfortunately, I only heard stories that Darnic was killed by his own Servant during the midst of the war. Again, that was my leader… my grandfather's stories. He saw the aftermath of the Fourth, Fifth, and the Greater Grail War. All in Fuyuki. You understand this, do you? My dear brother?"
[BA-THUMP!]
"Guh!?" I started to feel this heartache inside my chest as I felt it… What the hell…? What is even going on…? I started to have tinnitus ringing in my ears as my vision in my eyes began to shake. This pain… it hurts… it hurts alot…
"Have you finally remembered? The day that you were born into our family? The moment where our grandfather did to you?" Chihiro continued. "You were never an Ashikaga to begin with. But a Nishizono. You were supposed to be the heir. But things changed after he discarded you, taken in by the member of the Ashikaga family. This is who you are. You are Ryuga Nishizono, the supposed first heir of the Nishizono family of mages."
Pain… absolute pain in my mind. The mental stress kicked in as I started to see visions. Visions that were blurry. What the hell are these memories… Are these even mine? Am I really a Nishizono? Am I living in a world of lies? Was I really born into the family? But I'm an Ashikaga… This makes no sense. Takami is my only sister… Who is this Chihiro person…? But all these voices in my head begin to clutter up like a raging mob talking different words. I couldn't handle it. I kneeled on the floor as I tightened my right hand in anger.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
[THUNK!]
I punched the wooden floor in anger as all the pain, the voices, and the past memories stopped. It was silent. Taking a deep breath in order to gasp for air, all this stress had seemingly damaged me but I started to let go of my right hand after it was bruised up. Then, I looked at her upon realizing the moment I dropped the catalyst on the floor.
"Have you finally regained your true memories, my dear brother?" Chihiro kindly asked me as I stood up.
"Shut up… you're not my sister… Takami is!" I retorted in visible anger. "There is no way in hell that I was born into your family! I was born into the Ashikaga family! Tsukumo took care of me when I was just a child!"
"I understand how you feel. But please… listen to me for once. There is a deeper mystery residing within your memories. Yet, you suppress them. And hopefully, you can find out who you are. But as for Takami… I've known her for a long time, long before you met her during your time when we were simply children." Chihiro said as she mentioned her name and knowing her somehow. I started to lower my hostility as I calmed down.
"Wait… You know Takami?" I said to her in question.
"Indeed we have. We've known each other for quite the while now when the Nishizono and the Ashikaga family were in an alliance at the time. But… things took a wrong turn. My grandfather Goza Nishizono, the current leader of the family cut ties with them after Lady Tsukumo Ashikaga had an unfortunate fallout over one's desired ideals. That is of course, she met you before you… you were…" Chihiro said with a slight frown as she looked away a little.
"Master. I see we have an enemy at our base?" The voice of an enemy Servant approached as she arrived. Who the hell is she?
"Be at ease, Saber. This man is not your enemy. Rather… my brother to be exact." Chihiro said to her Servant as she looked at me.
"I see… you must be my Master's brother… I sincerely apologize for my slight hostility despite we're enemies." Saber then graciously bowed just to apologize.
"Say, Master. Can I kill that Servant? By the looks of her… Chihiro-dono calls her Saber." Rider had her smug look with the intent to fight her.
"Master… This Servant… She is showing some hostility… Shall I get rid of her?" True Saber asks her Master with her plans to get rid of my Servant.
"No!" We both said in unison.
"Rider… This talk with Chihiro is important. I suggest that you behave yourself. I don't wish for unnecessary bloodshed." I warned Rider about it as she had to comply.
"Very well, Master. I sincerely apologize." Rider replied.
"Saber, I do not wish to fight my Brother's Servant. Therefore, you should lay down your arms. I must tell him the truth." Chihiro said to her Servant as she complied as well.
"Acknowledged." True Saber replied too.
"I do apologize for her appearance. You see, she's my Servant. Right now, Saber is currently on the hunt for an Assassin who has been making appearances throughout the night for the last two months. There were rumors about murders happening all across Siesta left and right." Chihiro said as she noticed. "Oh! I sincerely apologize for going off-topic. Now then… Where was I? Right… About that… You were discarded by Goza."
"Discarded?" I asked.
"Yes… I wish I could explain in detail but… I have fears of bringing them up. Which is why I wanted you to see these locked memories on your own. To do so… I must use my Dreamweaving magecraft on you." Chihiro said as I thinked for a second.
"Wait… Dreamweaving? I've never heard of it…" I said to her as she shows off her right hand and begins to activate her magic circuits from her arm as the hand conjures motes of stars and energy swirling around her palm.
"Dreamweaving has been part of our family's tradition of magecraft. This allows the user with the properties of removing, altering, or looking into the past of someone's dream. I have not yet mastered it but… I'm capable of sending you into a dream so you can see your past that you've suppressed. By unlocking it, you can fully experience and vision those past." Chihiro said as I crossed my arms.
"So… you're going to alter my past in some dream, aren't you?" I said with skepticism as she shook her head.
"Surely not! I would never do that, brother!" Chihiro slightly panicked a little. But the way she calls me ticks me off a little…
"First off, stop calling me 'brother'. I just want to find out about myself. If you're capable of doing so, then do it." I said to her as Yu approached to me.
"Ryuga. Are you sure you want to do this?" Yu asked me.
"I sure as hell want to do it. If she wants me to find out who I truly am. Then I might as well enter my past." I continued. "Fine, Chihiro. I'm ready. Just let me see my past with that magecraft of yours."
"Very well, brother." Chihiro said as she ignored what I said… stop calling me your brother. "Lay down on the floor and I will proceed to send you to your dreams of the past."
Knowing that she's capable of doing so. I took a deep breath, approaching her as I lay on the floor. She kneeled on the floor as she proceeded to chant from the moment I saw her placing her hand on my forehead in order to focus.
"O' wandering spirits… Let the eternal nights slumber from within. Thy tranquility shall seep into one's trance. Weave, like a flow of string. Dream, into the everlasting vision…" Chihiro then proceeded to cast some spell on me as I felt some sort of warmth from my body. Yet, my vision begins to get blurry as my eyes begin to become tired. "You will wake up upon seeing everything, my dear brother…"
Rider and Yu looked at me the moment I closed my eyes shut as the voices began to muffle and fade… And so, it was complete darkness.
Dreamscape ? - ?
[SPLASH!]
Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Mistic
My body was thrown underwater as I began to sink slowly. I can't feel the pressure while I am sinking. Yet, it felt all too familiar. What even is this feeling? But I slowly open my eyes where I found myself underwater. I started to land properly with my foot planting on the invisible floor. The scene changes into an endless black void as I stand there, looking around at my surroundings. But when I look around, nothing's there. As if the stars never existed. That is until I begin to hear the voices behind me… I turned around and saw… myself.
"So, you decided to finally see what happened, huh? Man, to think that you'd be living in a world of lies. That's so freakin' hilarious!" The voice of myself coming from me laughed once. But this 'me' never had blonde hair but back to its original hair color of what I used to have. "If you wanna know who I am… I am you. But you may call me… Specter. Y'know, like ghosts and shit. It's not like I'm gonna haunt you and make you shit your pants or somethin'."
"Alright… Specter. You know why I'm here." I said to him as he pondered for the moment until he answered like a child.
"Oh! Oh! Lemme guess! Hmm…. Hrrrrm… Errr… Ahh, right!" Specter continued. "You said you wanna see your true past! The time that you were born as a Nishizono until shit hits the fan. Is that right?"
"Yes…" I replied bluntly.
"Well then. I'm sure you're the guy who hates wasting time… so why don't we get started. Or rather… It's starting right now!" Specter said as the vision from my past drags us to the scene. This was supposed to be a temple. But it was inside the dojo. I see myself as a child, training with that wooden bokken katana. However, there was a girl, a younger Chihiro practicing with my younger self with those swings. But, there was that old man wearing a black gi. He has as black skull mask that covers his face. So… this is Goza…
"Not enough! Try again!" Goza yelled angrily as he scolded him while the girl kept training. "I told you many times… Focus! Do not let the enemy deceive you. Swing your sword and strike as hard as you can!"
"Y-Yes, sir!" The younger me said as he tried to maintain his focus as he swung his sword. However, Goza grew irritated as I continued to watch. Then, he stood up as he proceeded to approach him… The younger me stopped as he looked at him. He snatches the sword away and slaps him in the face with the back of his hand. Causing him to fall over. "A-Aah!"
"Fool! You are lacking willpower! How are you supposed to be the next heir if you can't train right! You are a mage, Ryuga! We must continue the Nishizono bloodline! That is our legacy! If you can't pay attention to your training… Then I will punish you by any means!"
"But, sir-" The young Ryuga was interrupted by Goza's aggressiveness.
"Silence! I will not hear any further from you!" Goza was slightly furious until two figures came along. The man with black hair and brown eyes as he wore traditional clothing. And the woman who is taller and more voluptuous with knee-length green hair, bangs that hang on each either side, and strands that reach her chest. In fact, she's so beautiful that even women hold their breath at her sight. She even has heterochromia on her eyes; Her left eye is golden and her right eye is blue. She even wore her green Japanese gi as well. These two… are they my real parents? They seemed to be worried.
"Ahh, I know what you're thinking… 'Who are these two? Are they my parents?' You ask? Of course they're your real parents. The two who welcomed you into the world along with your sister and magecraft after birth. I'm sure you know their names, right? So tell me. Who are they?" Specter asked me as I spoke.
"That man… My father was Ryoma Nishizono. And my mother was Elletear Lou Nishizono. She… She's the one who gave birth to me and… The man named Goza would make me into the heir of the family when I grew into a kid." I said as I appeared next to me.
"Yup… Our mother Elletear… She was a foreigner alright. Hailing from Britain. Both Ryoma and Elletear are both mages, sure. They fell madly in love, got married, and… y'know. Gave birth to you. But I'm sure as hell that you never knew her background. She proclaims to be a Witch, the Magecraft user of Dark Arts. And she's damn good at it. And our father, Ryoma. He's well versed and a skilled practitioner of Dreamweaving. And he wanted you to become a mage so you can inherit from your dad. And our mother tends to be watchful and busy as always. Oh! Here comes the next part!" Specter noticed as the scene continued as both my parents came to talk to Goza.
"Father! Please, stop! You've made him go over his limits already. Haven't you done enough?" Ryoma pleaded with him as Goza was acting all arrogant.
"You dare defy your father, Ryoma? You are the current heir and yet, acting desperate to save your so-called son of yours? I never expected you to say such a weak and pathetic excuse of yours." Goza said arrogantly as Ryoma continued to talk.
"N-No, father. I do not wish to defy you. Yes, I want my son to be the next heir once he becomes a full-fledged mage at the age of 16. And look at him, he's still a young child! Sure, you're training him but isn't it too excessive? On top of all that… You slapped him!" Ryoma stated what happened as I saw the younger Chihiro approaching my younger self just to cheer him up.
"Hey… You okay?" The young Chihiro said to the younger me as he nodded but wiped the tear off his eyes.
"Chihiro! You are not to approach him. He needs to handle these problems himself. And you, Ryoma. This talk is over. You are free to comfort your son. But know that he still needs training until that day comes…" Goza then leaves the dojo as Elletear rushed over to hug my younger self.
"Ryuga, sweetie… Are you hurt anywhere? I know all that training is tiring you out but know that we're with you…" Elletear said to him with a hug as Ryoma approached to see the young Ryuga in tears as Chihiro watched.
"Man… Goza is such an asshole. A shithead at that. You still don't forgive him, do you?" Specter said to me with a snarky but concerned look on his face.
"Not really… Goza expected me to train hard. But I always fail to earn his approval. No matter how hard I try, he'll always scold me for doing things the wrong way. Hell, I've even gone through his harsh abuses when I was a little kid." I said to Specter, knowing myself… I always knew these two would be there for me with that kind of support. It feels quite warm.
However, the scene shifts to show more of his younger self training in desperation to earn Goza's approval. Yet, it was harsh. But, the young Chihiro would be that person who would cheer him up without Gozu noticing. The scene then transitions to where he and Specter were inside a traditional Japanese bedroom where the young Ryuga was sound asleep. But Ryoma and Elletear were there as well, concerned over Goza's harsh training and studies. The leader of the Nishizono family was truly relentless, wanting me to be the perfect magus…
"You remember this room, yeah?" Specter continued. "While you weren't born with the magic circuits yet. The two however… They did talk. So let's see what they have to say."
"Dear, are you sure you want to let Goza continue his ways of tormenting our son's mental health? Your father is a crazy and absurd man." Elletear said with concern and complaint. But the two were talking quietly so they couldn't wake him up.
"I know how you feel, Elletear. I know my father is always like this. Even during his young adult days, he still trains me and expects me to do better. And I earned his approval and became the heir. I was lucky enough to inherit this Magic Crest of this family I'm part of. Either way… he's our son, alright. I just wish that he could be… well… less harsh?" Ryoma said to her as she crossed her arms.
"I doubt it. However… if you really want him to be the next heir that you're part of… Why not let your son inherit the Magic Crest so he can practice magecraft at an early age. It won't be that bad, right?" Elletear thought up the idea. This was something that I never expected before within my locked memories.
"You sure? Is that even possible?" Ryoma asked her as she spoke.
"It can be. But, once you do it. There's no going back. Understand?" Elletear said to him as he was given conflicted choices… Let my younger self suffer more from Goza's harsh teachings or give my younger self the Magic Crest early… So, my father made up his choice.
"You're right… I might as well transfer my Magic Crest to Ryuga." Ryoma said with the intention to do so. "Elletear. Help me out here."
And so, the scene disappears as Specter was seen with his left hand on his hip as he looked at me.
"So?" Specter continued. "Simple enough, right? After all, your true memory is that you did not inherit Tsukumo's Magic Crest. But rather our father decided to give you his Magic Crest to us instead. Now do you remember? Or is it all too hazy?"
"I… I do not recall that happening. But what our father did was true…" I continued. "But, what happened next? Did I realize that I could use magecraft now?"
"Ooooh boy… As much as you want to believe. I'm afraid the next one is going to be quite shocking… Then again, you're forced to see this happen." Specter then points at the vision of the past where we were dragged into the temple once again.
He saw the vision of Goza knocking her out with his fist. He was angry behind his mask after Elletear tried to confront him. As a result, the scene shows Elletear being taken away by the ambulance. I wasn't present but Ryoma and the young Chihiro were there. But the moment I saw Ryoma's face… He was angry that his wife was attacked by Goza the moment he tightened his fist…
"I told you this would happen." Specter continued as I was lost for words… Goza abused my mother… I was angry, but shocked at the same time. "Plus, there's more. The moment that our father gave his Magic Crest to you. You managed to gain magic circuits. But the trade off isn't that great… The next memory will show you what happened."
The next scene within my memories shows where I found my younger self struggling to live… he was in pain. And Ryoma was carrying him. Along with the younger Chihiro who was watching the confrontation without the two noticing her. Goza was furious.
"You… you would dare give your son the Magic Crest!? You've inherited my crest and gave it to your son! I would not expect to see this happen and look at Ryuga! He's struggling to survive because of his magic circuits on his arms! You're making him die because of you! Tch… to think I call you my heir… Is indeed the greatest mistake. I've made up my mind. You're no longer a Nishizono, Ryoma. You're dead to me…!" Goza said in rage as he called in his bodyguards, trained assassins with pistols on their hands.
"Then so be it. I'm willing to break free these blasted chains. If you want to kill me that badly… Then come and get me, you old bastard!" Ryoma then quickly throws out three small pebbles in the air as the pebbles glow, exploding into clouds of smoke as Ryoma quickly makes his escape.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - WATCH 00001
With Ryoma escaping Goza's guards and stealing the car from the magus family. He had left Tokyo with his son. Then the scene switches to show Ryoma carrying the younger me who continues to suffer from this pain as he continues to walk through the woods during the night in Yongen after his escape. Knowing that he betrayed his own family, raised by the man who he looked up to. And even having his wife being sent to a hospital as a result. His in mind, he had no regrets. But the moment he stumbled within the woods…
"My, I was wondering who was wandering within my Bounded Field by complete accident…" The voice of a young woman spoke as she appeared out from the trees. She had long black hair and a black traditional dress. She also had pristine magenta eyes. Me and Specter were there as we stood there to see the two meet. "Well now, if it isn't Ryoma Nishizono. I don't recall allowing you to be in my forest since I had a fallout with your father Goza. And what's this? I see you have a child."
"He's my son." Ryoma continued. "Right now, things went to hell real quick. Ryuga here isn't going to live for that long. To tell you the truth… I transferred my Magic Crest to him. This was… the result. Goza became furious and wanted me dead. And now here I am. But I do require your help. You can save him, right? Lady Tsukumo?"
"I can but what is really going on here? Why is Goza after you exactly? What did you do?" Tsukumo asked him but he shook his head.
"Look. There's not much time! Please! My son won't last this long if you don't help him!" Ryoma pleaded for her help as she had no choice.
"Alright, alright… Fine! Bring your son to my house. I'll figure something out." Tsukumo said as she headed her way as my father followed him. Just they headed inside as we were brought here to her home where it was all filled with strange occult stuff. Did Lady Tsukumo really keep these kinds of things? They're creeping me out…
"What's next?" Ryoma asked her as she was in a hurry just to save my younger self.
"Place him on the table. Quick." Tsukumo then told him as he did so.
"Okay… So what's next?" Ryoma said to her as she was seen looking through her items she has kept until she grabs out a small box locket.
"This item here will save his life. Once I implant the item within him. It should help him manage the inherited Magic Crest just fine." Just as Tsukumo was about to open it. Ryoma immediately stops her as he places his hand on her arm as she looks at her.
"I know what you can do. However… before you do it… I want to lock these memories away. So he can live a better life with you around. And perhaps teach him the ways of magecraft." Ryoma said as she is aware of his families' known magecraft ability.
"I assume you've fully mastered your families' Dreamweaving?" Tsukumo asked him.
"Haven't fully mastered it but I've gotten used to grasping its basics. While my magecraft only alters and removes people's dreams. But I did learn its secrets that my family is also capable of locking past memories away. So I have no other choice but to do it." Ryoma said to her as she seemingly understands the predicament he is in.
"Are you sure you want to lock your son's past memories away? If you do, he may not remember you anymore." Tsukumo warned him of the risk as he shook his head.
"I know. It's a risk I'm willing to take. Now, that box?" Ryoma asks her as she opens the box, revealing it to be a golden piece of some artifact filled with prana within it. "Wait… is that?"
"The piece of the Fuyuki Grail. A purified one from the Fourth Holy Grail War. While the rest of its contents during the war was somehow corrupted. I managed to purify this piece to make it properly stable. Which is why implanting it will save your son's life so he can withstand the overwhelming surge of the Magic Crest. So… are you ready to say farewell to your son? Otherwise, you don't want your family to hunt you down the more you stall." Tsukumo said to him as he nodded. He was ready. Ryoma begins to place his two fingers on my younger self's forehead. His hands begin to glow as he proceeds to concentrate. And just as that… he finished what he did.
"It is done… Lady Tsukumo. I know they're after me. I'll buy you some time just to fend them off if possible." Ryoma said to her while Tsukumo understood his reasons.
"Good. I'll continue as I mentioned before. Just don't do anything reckless, Ryoma." Tsukumo said as he nodded. But before that. He then looked at my younger self one more time as he felt his cheeks while he was still breathing in slight pain.
"Goodbye, Ryuga… While you are my son. But I'm afraid that death will be coming for me. This will be the last time we meet. Live your life the way you see fit. A new beginning. Farewell…" Ryoma said to my younger self with some sadness in his expression. But he changed his expression to be serious in order to confront his pursuers… his family. While Tsukumo was left to save him. She proceeds to do so… The piece of the Grail glows as she uses her magecraft to tap into the fragment as it resonates. She proceeds to implant the fragment inside my younger self's chest as she did so successfully without problems. Then, he started to breathe properly as he no longer felt the continuous pressure. Of course, he was sleeping soundly.
"You see, Ryuga? The piece she has is that Grail from the Fourth Holy Grail War." Specter continued. "While it is purified, sure. She saved our lives. The one that you looked up to. And the one who trained you to do magecraft in the first place. However, another problem arises elsewhere. This is the part where our father… dies. And you won't like it one bit."
And so, the next scene shows where Ryoma had left Tsukumo's territory and outside of the forest where he stood on the road alone at night where Goza and his bodyguards arrived with their weapons ready at hand. Goza was still serious but filled with anger and betrayal under his black skull mask.
"I see you hid your son away? Where is he, traitor?" Goza demanded answers from him.
"He died… I had to bury him within the forest… In other words, he didn't make it because it was my fault." Ryoma lied while maintaining his expression in order to fake my younger self's death. To think that he would protect me after he locked my memories away… But Goza sighed in disappointment.
"Such a shame that letting your son inherit that crest would ultimately lead to his death. If you would've listened to me, none of this would happen. But you had the audacity to go all this way to cause trouble for our family! Our Nishizono family! Our code! Everything! You threw it all away!" Goza continued as he returned to his calm but serious voice. "But it doesn't matter. I have already decided that your daughter Chihiro will be the new heir instead. You've abandoned her and it's your fault. She doesn't need you anymore. The price of treachery is death, Ryoma!"
"Then so be it. Kill me! But you'll never get what you'll want. Soon… someone will come back to you… as part of their revenge. I'm sure of it!" Ryoma said with bravery as he was ready to accept death… The bodyguard began to ready their pistol as they opened fire…
[BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!]
Multiple shots were heard as he was shot from the chest as one of the bullets had pierced his head, killing him immediately as the pool of blood began to flood out of my father's body… I was in shock. A pure horror of what the leader of the family has done. After the bodyguards have killed him. Goza then turned around and left without saying anything… I tightened my fist in anger. Of course, I am angry. And I have the right to do so. Goza Nishizono… killed my father in cold blood. But, I begin to calm down upon my realization.
"I'm starting to understand now…" I said to my double.
"Hmm? You do? Please, tell me. I'm dying to know. After that asshole killed our father. C'mon, speak!" Specter asked impatiently as I spoke from my mouth.
"My father… gave me a reason to live. He protected me just to sacrifice his life, so I can move on under Tsukumo's care…" I continued as I looked at my right hand and clenched it. "I… I understand now… the reason for living… And that is because I'm human…"
"Indeed we are. His life is not in vain. But Tsukumo saving you with that piece of the Holy Grail embedded within your chest gave you a second chance to live. That's what matters. And don't forget, your mother is still alive. Though, while you were unaware at that time… Let us skip forward on the next day. The day that you woke up with no memories of the past, waking up in some old home.
Then, the scene quickly switches to daytime inside Tsukumo's home where my younger self was seen waking up from a soft bed. And Tsukumo was there to watch over him with her kindest smile on her face.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - ADMINISTRATION FAIL
"Good morning, Ryuga. I hope you had a good sleep." Tsukumo said to my younger self with kindness as he got up and looked around then back to her.
"Huh? Where… Where am I? What happened…?" The young me said in slight confusion. However, Tsukumo then pets his head to comfort him.
"I found you when you survived a fatal car crash at the side of the road on the mountainside. While you are the only lone survivor of the accident. Unfortunately… both of your parents were killed in the process. So I had to take action by saving your life, nursing you back to health." Tsukumo had to create a lie as I continued to watch… "Now then… Do you remember your name?"
"Ryuga… I… I don't know my last name. I can't remember what happened to my parents as well…" The younger me said as he had a hard time remembering but she proceeded to hold his hand.
"It's okay. I understand how you feel, Ryuga. Again, I was unable to save your parents after they died. However, I'm willing to look after you… if you would accept me as your mother, that is." Tsukumo said to him as my younger self began to think and ponder for a moment. And after that… he made up his mind.
"S-Sure… Thank you for saving me… Miss…?" The younger me asked her name.
"Tsukumo. Tsukumo Ashikaga. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryuga. I'm glad that you made the right decision that I can take care of you. From now on, just call me your mother. Oh and… I almost forgot." Tsukumo said as the young Ryuga tilted his head a little. "I'm a mage."
And now I remember properly… This memory was where Tsukumo first rescued me from an "accident" where my parents "died". But it was also the start of my new life as a magus under the Ashikaga family. I knew they weren't known in the world of magecraft since the Nishizono proved to be known in the mages' society. That's why my name was Ryuga Ashikaga. But… I get the feeling that I'm still tied to the previous family that I was one part of. Then, Specter just spoke up as he looked at me.
"And that was your new beginning. While unaware being tied to the previous life. You continued to live your normal life while Tsukumo decided to teach you the magecraft of the Ashikaga family. I'm sure you mastered it thanks to her teachings. But you gave your magecraft a different name. If I were to guess… You called it 'Hotwiring', right?" Specter said as he pointed at my arms. "You used Nero's Sword to tap into its properties. And you nearly unleashed your own Noble Phantasm. Imagine how much agony you would receive if you managed to do it. Well, that side, while you were training under Tsukumo's teaching… you met your sister. Takami Ashikaga. I'm sure you already know her. But throughout your years, you entered your teenage life as Tsukumo passed away. Then, you had to move in and live with your grandmother Yoshika Ashikaga. Then, you decided to leave Yongen for Tokyo during your highschool life. Befriended Kanata, your best friend you can think of. And the city girl shut-in Jinako Carigiri. Then, you returned to Yongen with your sister to help Yoshika run her rice cracker shop. And I assume you know what happened next, right?"
I begin to see multiple scenes of what happened. I remember them all too well. But it was that certain memory that I couldn't let go or run away from…
"I do… Takami died by a man who I can't remember. After that, my grandmother died the next day. I was filled with guilt and anger. With Tsukumo dead, my life was thrown into disarray. That is… until I met her. Dehya… The woman from the Mages Association who helped me get into the war. She called herself 'D' at the time. She was mysterious, sure. But all I did was trust her. And then… I closed down the business, knowing that I can't run it anymore. Leaving everything behind to go to Siesta in order to participate in the Holy Grail War there." I explained everything that happened. And so, here I am… remembering everything about who I am.
"And that's the only premise. While you are Ryuga Ashikaga now. But you were born in a Nishizono family in the first place. You know why." Specter said as I nodded.
"I know." I continued. "I'm still tied to them. After all this time… my father locked away my memories with his magecraft in order to live a better life. Now I understand what happened to him, my mother, and Takami. And knowing that Chihiro was my real sister. But… I still dedicate my life towards Takami. She was the only who helped me through the darkness residing within my heart. I was confused about what I will do next with my life. For a magus like me. I remember the words when I was young that if I do grow up into a fine man. She would recommend that I go to the Clock Tower in order to study more magecraft. Yet, I begin to realize… Perhaps this is the way I am. And I'm pretty much happy with who I am now."
Background Music End
"Then I'm glad to hear it. However… I fear the time is up. You will return to reality with those old memories retained now that your real sister Chihiro has unlocked it for you. While you'll continue walking an arduous path ahead. A greater threat than Bryce will truly stand in your way… and perhaps you'll find that answer there. Farewell, Ryuga. It doesn't matter if you're a Nishizono or a Ashikaga. You are you. Live your life as you see fit." Specter said with a nod as the vision began to become weary as I shut my eyes. And so, my mind begins to drag me back to the world of living…
Sumaru Temple, New Hiroshima, Siesta City Midnight - Rain
Background Music | CounterSide OST - ADC GROUND ONE
And so, I slowly opened my eyes where Chihiro, Rider, and Yu were looking at me as I lifted my body up from the floor. I groaned in pain from sleeping on the hard wooden floor. I guess I should have asked for a pillow in the first place…
"Brother. You're awake now. Have you seen your past? And what has happened to our father?" Chihiro asked me as I told her of what happened. The truth of it.
"Goza had his men kill our father after I inherited his Magic Crest from him." I said to her as she was surprised. In her eyes, this was the first time that she would find out what happened to our father Ryoma. Then, she would start to break down in tears upon this revelation.
"Father… Father… I… I couldn't believe that you died… To think that Lord Goza would hide this from me… I… I don't know what to say…" Chihiro sobbed in tears as I noticed her as I had to comfort her somehow.
"Hey… I know how you feel but this wasn't my fault when I received this crest. What Goza did to you and our parents is indeed an unforgivable sin. But… There's always a chance to run away… Escape from the Nishizono family that ties you down. Yet, I began to realize that you still have your precious life to live for." I continued my words. "But I'll say this to you. Even for the longest time… You're the only person… who was there for me this whole time. Chihiro… Don't give up on life."
"T-Thank you, brother…" Chihiro then wiped her tears on her face as I stood up on my two feet.
"Just remember that Takami is my only sister who I look up to. But I made up my mind… I'll go see Goza myself once this war's over." I said to her with an almost newfound resolve. That is until I noticed another woman arriving as she had a nodachi held in hand.
"Sister! Who are these intruders at our temple? I shall cut them down!" The woman states her intentions but Chihiro immediately stops her.
"Chifuyu! No! This man here is my long lost brother…" Chihiro said to her as she stood up and continued to look at her. From the moment on, the woman named Chifuyu was very hostile. She then lowers her weapons down.
"I… I see. I sincerely apologize, dear sister… If I may ask, who is this brother of yours?" Chifuyu asked.
"This is Ryuga Nishizono." Chihiro said as she used my former last name. The family that I was once part of until the downfall happened. "However… he is Ryuga Ashikaga now. The truth is… Ryuga was given my father's Magic Crest and…"
"Lady Tsukumo Ashikaga took me in after my father, Ryoma, was killed by Goza Nishizono. That's all you need to know." I added an explanation of what happened next. Chifuyu then begins to understand it.
"So you are Chihiro's lost brother, yes?" Chifuyu said as she proceeded to bow. "I sincerely apologize for my hostility. Please accept it."
"It's fine. Besides… I actually came here for what I-" I was interrupted as my Servant instantly sensed something…
"Master!" Rider shouted at me as we heard the noise
Background Music End
"ZABANIYA!" The voice screamed as it created a burst of wind coming from that shout as it blew away the candle lights. The room was completely dark but it was not stopping me. We can still barely see each other as True Saber stood next to Chihiro to defend her.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - IRONS ON FIRE
"Rider! Yu! Form up with me!" I told the two as they did so. "Rider… is it Assassin?"
"Most likely. From what I can guess, they're really persistent. I should have killed their Master as it stands by now." Rider lightly complained over her plans on killing Assassin's Master.
"Rider's Master." True Saber said to me. "Assassin's Master is a crow… and it's highly intelligent I'm afraid. So do be on your guard-"
[CLING!]
The sounds of metal clanging was made as the thrown dagger was directly targeting Chihiro but True Saber used her rapier to block the attack easily.
"So that's how you greet us? Such an unrefined behavior for a Servant who strikes in the shadows." True Saber said with a small but serious look on her face as she continued to stand by her side.
"Irrelevant. My Master has decided that you and your little Master are to be put down. But with another one who has arrived… I will also eliminate you as well. Therefore, you will not escape our shadows. We will tear you limb from limb!" The voice of Another Assassin spoke as one of the shadowy figures rushed towards us as Rider uses her lance to impale the figure as it disintegrates.
"Damn it… It's too dark… Unless… I got it! The rain should be over the the moonlight should happen. Here goes nothing…" I said with the idea as Rider and the Counter Force saw me of what I'm doing. I drew out my sword as I began to activate the magic circuits in my arms, forcing the sword to unfurl itself as it was imbued in flames once more. I'm not using it as a torch but… I'm going to shoot through the roof! "Blast!"
[FWOOSH! THOOM!]
The red crimson blade shot out a fire like a speeding bullet. But just as the fiery projectile impacts the roof, it managed to blow open a slight portion of the roof without making the temple crumble or any debris crushing on it. But just right after I did that, the rain was over and there came the moonlight leaving a pristine glimmer in the sky. But the moonlight also shone from the hole of the roof, the light reflecting on the floor as it created a slightly dim-lit room where it is barely visible but doable. Well shit, that ain't good… There's many Assassins lurking within this room. But this should work regardless.
"The hell, Ryuga! At least warm me next time, you idiot!" Yu exclaimed in annoyance as I sighed.
"Focus first. Complain later." I said to her as I readied my sword. "Rider. Are you ready?"
"More than ever, Master!" Rider said as a few groups of Assassins charged at us as one of them threw the knives at us as I immediately parried it away, making a step for it as I swung my blade directly at the figure with the white skull mask…
[SLICE! STAB!]
My blade cuts the assassin in half as it burns its corpse away. Rider minces her enemy with many swings of her spear. And Yu slashes them without mercy at all. We were doing our best to lessen the numbers. But the problem is… Assassin's Master is hiding. If their Master is a bird… It's going to be very difficult to find out nor to distinguish them from the rest. However, there were sounds of more clashing and clanging near us as I shifted my head… of course, True Saber is fighting them with her rapier while Chifuyu on the other hand is using a Nodachi to defend herself. She's human. It's impossible for her to take on a Servant like that.
"Tch…! Back off!" Chifuyu struggled as she tried to knock them away with her sword swings. But she begins to lose her balance. "Aah!"
The sword from her hand was knocked off from a figure where the sword was stuck on the top of the ceiling on the wooden support. I saw what's about to happen, she's at a complete disadvantage. In other words, she'll get killed. Knowing that my two are capable of fending them off… I know I had to make a choice…
"Rider! Save Chifuyu! I can't reach her but you can do it!" I commanded my Servant as she nodded.
"Got it!" Rider complied as she makes one step forward…
[FWOOSH!]
At the moment, she dashed at a high speed where she would pierce the assassin figure with her hiltless sword stabbed to the side of the head. Yet, Rider was smiling, feeling the joy to kill, to fight. As a warrior. The figure begins to disintegrate after it's death as Chifuyu was shocked. That's right… her smile scares her a little.
"You alright? You really need to improve your stance more, otherwise you'd die." Rider said to her as she was slightly lost for words.
"H-How could you say so casually like that…?" Chifuyu said in horror as she was about to step back until…
"Fool! You let your Master wide open!" Assassin said from the echoes as True Saber didn't pay attention where the knife was directly going towards Chihiro from behind.
"Yu!" I called her out as she knew.
"I know!" Yu said as she threw her sword to knock the knife away. Just as she saved her when Chihiro covered herself from this mess… She noticed something that was coming towards her…
[STAB!]
Background Music End
The thrown knife from her direction stabbed Chihiro in the chest as we all noticed. It was unexpected and I was too late to respond.
"Chihiro!" I called out her name as I quickly ran up to her, sliding on the floor with my knees as I used my arms to hold her, looking at her eyes as she felt weak. "Please… Don't die! Chihiro!"
"B-Brother…" She weakly called out to me. "I understand… of how you feel… about me…"
"Chihiro… I… I couldn't protect those all around me… Everyone is dying on me because… because I wasn't strong enough!" I said to her… it was my very weakness that made me vulnerable. I couldn't save Chihiro. I couldn't save my friend. I couldn't save the one I loved. I'm starting to realize that I'm letting my emotions take over. I can feel it swelling. It was rage. A red flame burning in my heart. That is until Chihiro then placed her hand just to feel my cheeks as I noticed her.
"It's alright… It's my fault that I couldn't act…" Chihiro continued. "But know that… that you will always remember me… And I will always… be your dear sister…"
Then, at her final moments. She stops feeling my face as she drops her arms when her eyes close shut. And then… she was lifeless. She was gone from this world. I can no longer hear her anymore…
[BA-THUMP! BA-THUMP!]
My heart began to beat as I could hear it. My mind is starting to take control. The rage that I can feel is already starting to explode. Like a powder keg lit from the fuse. Then, I begin to see visions of corpses. Francis, Fiore, and now Chihiro. These deaths began to cycle through quickly like a slideshow as everything around became red… blood red. It was violent. I was forced to relive those memories from the past. It was all death… Death, death, and death. My mental mind is at its limit. And I know my rage wants to take over… and then… I finally snapped. I was back to my reality, still holding Chihiro in my arms. I proceeded to lightly lay her down on the floor as True Saber hurried to her side and saw her Master… she felt defeated.
"Master…" True Saber said to her knowing that she is dead.
"Stand back…" I said. "Everyone… Stand back."
I stood up and turned around with my red crimson sword in my hand as it was flaming. I continued to walk step by step as I walked past everyone present in this temple aside from the enemy… Assassin.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - KILL THE SHADOW
"Hey, the hell are you doing? You can't take them on by yourself. Do you seriously have a death wish, you idiot!?" Yu exclaimed in anger, worried that I might die. Ridiculous. I'm beyond reaching the edge of death.
"Master… whatever are you doing…" Rider said as she was pondering what I'm about to do. That's right… I'm going to use it. But, I recall True Caster's words when she gave me a Mystic Code that seals off the blade's potential…
"Remember, unleashing the sword's Noble Phantasm will only put yourself at a higher risk. That is, of course, harming your body from the insides."
Those were her words. But I'm sorry… I cannot contain this rage. A flame of hatred that traps me. I have no choice… I readied myself in a stance as my blade's flame grew brighter and hotter.
"Let the flame fuel the blade's vengeance. The fire shall push forward the ever iridescent. And the crimson blade shall forever carry forth the radiant righteousness…" I began to chant those words as it became more powerful as I was gathering up all around me.
"No matter! You will die here!" Then, the Assassin then tried to rush as I was readying myself.
"As the golden sun fades down, so brings forth an undying ambition. Thus, let it shall be…" It was ready to be unleashed. The blade is so strong, it could potentially cause mass damage within this area. But I didn't care. I'm doing it to avenge Chihiro's death… And so, I said my words…
"BLACK METEORITE…" Just as the Assassin was about to charge in within my range… It was too late… I swung my sword to finish them off in one blow.
"CLAUDIUS!" Saying those words upon unleashing it… One hard swing was all it takes. From the moment I swung it as the sound began to stop. I left the line of flame based on where I swung. Then, it caused a violent reaction as the line flames… exploded.
[BOOOOOOOM!]
Third Person POV
Outside of the temple, an explosion of flames was caused inside the temple as it completely destroyed a large portion of the buildings as the flames soar into the sky, releasing a burst of wind within the area of New Hiroshima. However, the group of Assassins were caught by Ryuga's powerful attack as they were being burned away in flames. But from afar within the district. The crow had seen it all, knowing that its Servant was dead, the leader. It cawed once more as it was about to fly away. Just as it was about to do that…
[FWOOSH! STAB!]
An arrow from afar had pierced the crow's neck, realizing that there was a Servant who had fired from a very far place that no human can do. Then… it finally drops dead on the gutter of the asphalt as the command seal on its beaks disappears. Signaling the bird's death. Then… somewhere at the building far from where the arrow was shot. Atalanta lowered her bow as she felt the cool breeze during the night. Knowing that she killed her target. She knew that it had to be done. Thus, she decided to regroup back to her Master and inform Katsura of the updates.
First Person POV
It was pure destruction. I managed to blow open some parts of the temple as the debris began to crumble as it wouldn't support for that long. But it was after I used the sword against them… I somehow killed all of the assassins… with just one attack… But, I noticed that something was wrong as I felt uneasy. I proceeded to vomit out blood as it splattered on the floor while the temple was still burning. I struggled to get up as I nearly passed out. Shit… she is right… But, Rider rushed to grab me as I placed my shoulder over her. No wonder why I feel so damn tired… My stomach hurts…
"Hey, Ryuga-dono! You alright?" Rider asked me.
"Yeah… I am…" I said. "Let's get out of here… Chifuyu… We're leaving…"
Chifuyu nodded as she looked at her sister on the floor one last time as she decided to join us as the temple began to crumble down piece by piece. But I did notice… True Saber was on her knees, looking at her Master as she understood that she'd disappear.
"Halt…" True Saber said to us as I turned my head to look at her. "Thank you… for avenging my Master. She never deserved to die like this but… she cared for you, didn't she?"
"…Yeah." I said to her as she nodded.
"I see. Then may I know your name? Master of Rider?" True Saber asked for my name as I was willing to say my name to her.
"Ryuga Ashikaga… That's my name." I said my name to her as she did the same. She stood up and introduced herself as the temple began to crumble more and more while the flames were raging.
"Ryuga… I see. Very well! I am True Saber. But my true identity is Chevalier d'Eon! Never forget my name!" Chevalier said her name as her body began to slowly fade away into gold motes of light as we all left the temple in a hurry as the debris had crushed the Servant and Master from inside the burning temple. Chevalier, huh? I won't forget it…
Just as we made it out of the temple… I told my Servant to let me go as I stood up with my two feet, wrapping the sword back up and sheathing it on my back. I was slowly recovering from the power I used from my sword as I turned around for one last time… Sanmaru Temple was burned down to rubble all because of me. I felt the pain that I couldn't protect Chihiro because I lacked the strength to protect. But avenging her was the only choice to do. Chifuyu also felt this pain that she is also gone. She tightened her hand as she was lost. I know how she feels but… I do need to talk to her.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - CONSPIRACY REWINDED
"Chifuyu… It wasn't your fault… but mine. Therefore, I apologize that I couldn't save her." I said to her knowing that I feel bad for myself. But she shook her head.
"No, but it's my fault that I couldn't save her. I was her sister… her only bodyguard. If only I had acted early…" Chifuyu said as she calmed down. "Sorry… Though, we could talk further. Is it okay if… if we can go to a place that I know of in this district? I want to understand your whole story of who you are."
"Sure… I want to figure out who you are anyway." I said to her as we agreed to head to a place that she knows of. Now, it was just me, Rider, Yu, and Chifuyu. The only survivors of this godforsaken mess.
Fujiwara Tea House, New Hiroshima, Siesta City Midnight - Clear Sky
Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Kyoto
This was the place called the Fujiwara Tea House. I've never been there but it was just four of us relaxing there as the waitress had provided us with a cup of green matcha tea. Rider on the other hand wanted sake but they don't sell those here much to her chagrin so she had no choice but to order one. Yu didn't want tea so she decided to head outside just to get some fresh air. I did tell her the whole story of who I am from the beginning to where I am now. Being born as a Nishizono to being part of the Ashikaga family was the start of my journey. The death of Takami is what started my journey here. My only wish is to bring Takami back to life. It's only a simple wish. After I told her everything that happened… Chifuyu finished her tea as she spoke.
"I see… To think you'll revive your sister if the Holy Grail is that capable… I understand why you care for Takami that much. But have you figured out who killed her?" Chifuyu asked as I shook my head.
"Not really." I replied. "But what about you?"
"As for me… I was never born into Nishizono in the first place but… I'm actually an orphan." Chifuyu reveals that she was an orphan… That was something that I never heard. "I escaped from the orphanage when I was young until I was met by the man named Goza, he wanted to take me in as part of his family in exchange that I have to become Chihiro's bodyguard. So I did."
"Huh…" I continued. "Now I'm starting to understand now. You lived your life as a bodyguard to protect her. But now things have changed… With her death, what happens now?"
"Goza… I blame Goza for this mess. While he has introduced me to the world of Magecraft. Yet, I fail to learn one. But… I've made up my mind. I will return back to Tokyo and kill Goza with my own hands. I no longer trust that man but… he needs to die. All for the sake of avenging Chihiro." Chifuyu said with her newfound ambition. Yet, I was concerned.
"Are you sure? Goza is a dangerous man to pick a fight against. He will have his men kill you easily if you're not careful." I warned her of the risks as she didn't care.
"So what? Goza is the problem of all of this. He lets Chihiro die and has no care whatsoever. Now then… I will be taking my leave now. Until then… We will meet again. After the war is over…" Chifuyu then proceeds to leave the tea house as me and Rider finish up drinking up the tea.
Just as she left, someone came in as I turned around and saw… it was Katsura and his Servant, Atalanta. They noticed us as they came in.
Background Music | CounterSide OST - ADC GROUND ONE
"Huh? Ryuga? You drinkin' tea?" Katsura asked me as both sat down with us.
"What does it look like?" I said to him in a deadpan expression.
"Eh. Don't be like that. I heard the temple was burned down in New Hiroshima. Atalanta told me that you did it. That true?" Katsura asked.
"Yeah… I did." I continued. "Plus. I've already figured out who I am."
"Really now? Do tell me. I'm all ears to listen." Katsura was willing to listen as I sighed and spoke.
"Turns out that I was born as a Nishizono rather than an Ashikaga. My previous sister Chihiro, my father Ryoma, and my mother Elletear… The two died but my mother resides at a hospital in Tokyo. All because of one man who caused all the trouble… Goza Nishizono." I said to him as he was surprised but began to think.
"Wait… Nishizono… I remember them. They're one of the three magus families who helped replicate the Holy Grail for the American Mages Association. Other two families being Hitotsuyanagi and Wilcke. But Goza? To think that he killed your father and abused your mother. I cannot fathom how he would be this ruthless?" Katsura continued. "Either way, you're you. An Ashikaga. I get the feeling that you're still tied to the previous, are you?"
"I am…" I replied with a straightforward response.
"I see. Well, it's up to you to decide… Atalanta. You want to order some tea?" Katsura asked his Servant.
"I have no need for tea, Master." Atalanta replied.
"Figures… Anyways, I came to find you so I can ask you myself." Katsura said as I looked at him.
"Then what is it?" I asked.
"Can you come to the penthouse in Fairdale Hills tomorrow? We're using it as our base of operation. Plus, we've already figured out where the Holy Grail is being summoned at." Katsura said as I instantly took notice of what he said… The Holy Grail is going to be summoned here? In Siesta? How? I need to ask him. This is my chance for my wish to be granted!
"Where…" I asked him for an answer until he wags his fingers.
"Nope. Can't tell ya… if you agree to join our penthouse for tomorrow. Everything will be revealed there. All I ask is that you cooperate with us. Do we have a deal?" Katsura asked me to join as part of his bargain… I have no choice… Damn it…
"Fine. I'll join you in this stupid endeavor." I said with a groan as he smiled a bit.
"A good choice. If you decline. You'd never know and the war would end with my own hands. But perhaps… you could be the one to end it all. Just as we did ten years ago." Katsura pondered upon that moment as I was rather confused. The hell is he talking about? Whatever… I decided to stand up.
"Hmph. I'm leaving. Rider, let's go." I said to my Servant as she nodded without response. We proceeded to leave Katsura and Atalanta there in the tea house.
"A shame. Was hoping we could talk more…" Katsura said as he called out to one of the waitresses. "Oi! Lady! I want tea!"
Just as we left, Yu came to follow us after she was outside the whole time.
"I heard you had a talk with that guy over there. Care to tell me?" Yu asked.
"We're going to the penthouse tomorrow where Katsura is at. He promised where the Holy Grail is going to be summoned here in this city." I said to her as she was rather interested for some reason.
"Huh? There's no way that an imbecile would know where it is. No way in hell he would hold information about where it's at." Yu retorted upon that fact as I sighed.
"I know. Which is why we're going to join him for tomorrow. For now, let's head home and sleep… I feel tired as hell… Rider, please bring out your house. My leg feels sore." I said to my Servant as she responded.
"Sure thing, Master. After all that fight you had left in you. I'd say I'm impressed. Now then… come forth, Houshoutsukige!" Rider then called her steed as it materialized from thin air as we got on.
She rode her horse down the road with a quick pace as Yu decided to follow us by jumping from rooftops to rooftops. With the night still going. I can finally get some rest back at home… just to make myself feel better. Tomorrow… I just hope that Katsura is true to his words.
Tartarus Millenium Tower, Pacifica Square, Siesta City Midnight - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Just Like This…
Meanwhile, on the highest point of the skyscraper that Siesta City has to offer. With the building having over 200 floors with the highest point of 1029.8 meters tall from point to point. The skyscraper is capable of withstanding extreme weather such as high winds, earthquakes, and tsunamis. It would be considered as Siesta City's top number one hotspot for tourists alike. On the top of the roof where the whole view of the island can be seen in a full 360 view. Takaya was seen with the young girl Yuri who had fallen asleep on his arm. He remained calm as his hair was blown by the wind. However, he felt a presence behind him… it was none other than Bryce who has been hiding here this whole time in order to escape from Mario's pursuers.
"Seems you're having a troubling time, Bryce. I guess your so-called PMC didn't work out in the end?" Takaya lightly taunted him as he grit his teeth a little.
"Shut up…" Bryce continued. "At least you had one final plan, right? To forcefully summon the Holy Grail by using that girl as a vessel?"
"Of course, you got a problem with it?" Takaya asked.
"No…" Bryce replied as he continued to watch the city from below.
"Good. However… God has warned me… and showed me troubling revelations." Takaya continued. "Two survivors from the previous Holy Grail War ten years ago have arrived in this city. And they intend to impede my plans of salvation. Bryce, I will give you this mission. You will stop them from achieving my goals should they arrive here."
"Whatever. I'll do it anyway. Plus, I'll get my hands on that Ryuga asshole. I'm still pissed that I couldn't fuckin' kill him in the first place. Just to make his life a living hell." Bryce then pounds his fist with an unhealthy obsession as Takaya was curious.
"I see you're still interested in him?" Takaya asked.
"More like I'm interested in killing the living shit out of him. He still hates me for killing his girlfriend Fiore. So I'll make sure that he'll join her in the afterlife once I trash that fucktard. What? Are you telling me to drop it? 'Cause it ain't happening." Bryce said with a growing hostility over his prey.
"Oh no. He's all yours. Just make sure to stop them." Takaya said to him as the latter turned around.
"Yeah, yeah. Leave it to me. I'll have Lancer kill them easily in no time." Bryce then proceeds to leave the rooftops to continue with his thing as Takaya didn't care. He begins to remember his past. Knowing what he must do.
"Goza… With my salvation… I will bring forth my reckoning to destroy you. So that humanity can live on…" Takaya said to himself as he was all alone with the girl that he was carrying. And so… the final days of the Siesta Holy Grail War are soon approaching. And the reckoning… draws near.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Author's Notes: Hey all, thank you for reading this chapter. I was expecting to make this as short as possible but I ended up making it long again soooooo yeah… No big deal. As you all know, Ryuga's memories have fully revealed who he is. While he is still an Ashikaga, the previous name of the Nishizono family still binds him. On the top of all that, he was embedded with the fragment of the Fuyuki Grail within him to ease his Magic Crest compatibility. Sure, things did go a bit crazy but I did my best on creating this one. The next chapter will finally put an end. A final fight to be exact. While Takaya continues his plans of salvation, it's up to Ryuga and crew to put an end to this war. Now then, I suppose I'll provide you another omake which will continue from the previous. Took inspiration from the FGO anime short they put out called "Ritsuka Fujimaru doesn't get it". So I guess this omake will be similar to that. So yeah, do look forward to the final chapter. When I say "final chapter", it won't be final yet. An Epilogue will be worked on. So it's going to take just a bit longer to work on these. Until then, stay safe and peace out!
Omake - Wrong Man in the Wrong Place… Twice
Somewhere within the grassy fields of Orleans where they have Rayshifted into this Singularity. A group consisting of Ryuga, Rider, Ritsuka, Mash, and Jeanne Alter were selected to venture into a new place in order to weed out the remaining stragglers of the enemies. Though, as for Ryuga… he doesn't quite get it at all.
"So… why are we here again? Did you clear this singularity before, Ritsuka?" Ryuga directly asked him in confusion.
"Ah, right… You see, Jeanne Alter wanted us to go to this place again to deal with the last remaining monsters somewhere in this field." Ritsuka said as he pointed his thumb at Alter from behind.
"Really now? To think that woman is crazy. Or rather… She's mentally ill." Ryuga criticized her until he felt a dangerous but hostile presence behind him. She wasn't pleased at all.
"Oi… The fuck you just call me? Do you have a death wish to be burned to a crisp?" Jeanne Alter said in slighter but visible anger with her hands imbued with flames from the palm of her hand.
"Hey, you better not attack my Master. Otherwise, I'll be most happy to take your head as a trophy, nya.~" Rider threatened her with her usual mood on her face.
"Oh? Do you wish to die as well?" Jeanne Alter asked her as the two butted heads.
"Sure thing! I'd be glad to take you on! I have Bishamonten's blessing on my side and you can't do anything about it!" Rider retorted with her usual smirk as they do really hate each other until…
"Everyone! Stay alert! We got enemies nearby!" Mash informed everyone as she had her shield at the ready as the rest decided to prepare for themselves. It was a group of bone dragon warriors who were ready to kill.
"Great. Skeletons. Fantastic…" Ryuga said sarcastically, bringing out his sword as the cloth unfurled itself. "Now I can finally let loose and have fun!"
"Master! Give us your order- Huh? Master!?" Mash instantly looked at Ritsuka who ended up sleeping on the ground for no apparent reason. Was he this tired? "Don't tell me that you wasted your enemy again…"
"I… I can't go on… I must… sleep…" Ritsuka said lazily as he was sleeping soundly, giving Ryuga an awkward sweatdrop.
"Err… Let's forget about him being a narcoleptic… Rider! With me!" Ryuga called his Servant as she joined him.
"Let's charge forward, Master!" Rider gleefully responded as the two were ready to fight until…
"W-Wait! We can't attack!" Mash warned them in the most panicked way possible.
"Eeh? What are you talking about!? We could just take them on easily!" Ryuga retorted since they were ready for battle but…
"We're currently in a command battle system mode. There's no way for us to take action!" Mash informed them as Jeanne Alter who was seen carrying her flag as it was being blown by the breeze while having a facepalm.
"Honestly… Stop breaking the fourth wall…" Jeanne Alter informed Mash of her annoyance.
"Then… If we can't fight… But I'm a Master, right?" Ryuga begins to question his role as Mash begins to twiddle her fingers.
"A-About that…" Mash said shyly as it brings up to a conclusion as Ryuga finds out about himself in his mind…
[SERVANT: PRETENDER - 5 STARS]
[TRUE IDENTITY: NERO CLAUDIUS (RYUGA ASHIKAGA)]
"Eh…? EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?" Ryuga was definitely confused.
"R-Ryuga-senpai!? What's wrong!?" Mash panicked as she looked at him. He was completely defeated as he kneeled on the ground.
"I wasn't summoned to this world… rather… I was summoned as a Servant instead… What has my life been like up until this point…" Ryuga said in despair as Rider was trying to brighten his mood, Mash panicking in the worst way possible. And on top of all of that… Ritsuka is sleeping in the middle of the encounter. Jeanne Alter could look at this mishap happening but cannot fathom to understand the situation.
"Please kill me now…" Jeanne Alter said in frustration as she couldn't take this comedy anymore. Perhaps things did get weird for the protectors of Chaldea.