Words Count: 4314
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the interaction! I realized I haven't been focusing on Rin and Shiro lately, but don't worry, there will be more episodes dedicated to them soon.
Guest: In regards to Leo's character, I think his occasional mistakes and overthinking are relatable. Sometimes when you have a lot on your mind, small details can slip through the cracks. Leo's ramblings actually reflect my own thoughts, so it's not the author interfering, but rather me writing Leo based on how I would think in his situation.
I want to mention that [Blink] is an incredibly powerful ability with very few counters, so I regret giving Leo the Elder Blood. But it's already done and there's nothing I can do about it, unless you'd like me to take it away. However, I have a feeling that wouldn't be well-received. I've decided to give Leo a weakness in his mindset to balance it out, which ties in with the themes of identity, destiny, and personal growth in Fate.
It's important to note that Leo is not a Witcher. He relies on brute force and spells to win his fights, rather than being strategic or deceptive. This flaw will ultimately cost him dearly, adding to the tragic element of the story. But hey, you all know I love a good dose of suffering!
If you prefer something lighter, I'm currently working on a new fic. It's still in progress and won't be public for another month or so, but it explores different themes and has a protagonist with their own emotional baggage.
I know, I know. I just can't help but advertise my new fic a bit here. It's about a Multiversal Traveler and focuses more on TV shows, movies, books, etc. There won't be any complex systems or abilities, just the power to travel to different fictional worlds. The protagonist's only goal is to gain strength at the moment and he does possess supernatural adaptability, but not in the way you might expect.
Exciting news! You can get exclusive access to up to Episode 64 of Fate: False Sovereignty and be among the first to read my new fic. With tiers starting as low as 1USD, supporting me means you'll never miss a new episode. Don't wait, check it out here:
P(a)(treon).com(/) LiamThePoor
"Rest in peace, old friend."
Gazing down at the cold, motionless corpse of Zero, Damian and Jack- the pair of childhood friends and brothers-stood, each having their own thoughts and feelings on his death, similar to the other Teams with casualties.
It's not like they hadn't ever imagined this scenario… They simply hadn't expected it to come this quickly and abruptly. Just yesterday they were meals- stories of their past and today the man's gone. "It's not fair. Why're we risking our lives on the Battlefield when they–"
Damian's eyes- bloodshot, pulsing inside his skull- snapped towards the giggling group of women, practically seething with loathing and pure, unadulterated hate. "– Were able to hide safely in a bloody bunker? They are Magi too! Magi and Martial Artists, where're they when the Castle was under attack? Why did they not contribute?! What rights do they have to stand here- now, being that- that happy while we are mourning our DEAD?!"
Stumbling all over his words, Blue's Vice Captain- failing to control his emotions- yelled out loud, unaware of the a certain Einzbern's stare. Between the noises of construction and cleaning, the constant chatters, plus the howls of biting winds, nobody should've been able to hear what they're discussing, and yet one did- the most unassuming of the girls in fact. "Keep it down, Damian. They–"
Jack reprimanded in a hush-hush tone, gesturing at the group using his eyes. "– Are his Lordship's women. Now, I understand your sentiments- we all do, trust me. But Zero dying is his fault, no one else's. He took the fight and lost, it is a risk we have been made aware of since Day 1. Now, I know your temper and as your brother, I am asking you to calm down before you try to do something uncalled for… Can I trust you?"
"But-"
"No buts, Damian. After all the favors his Lordship has done us- all of us–" Jack- ever the wise Captain- emphasized, glancing at his Team. Zoe's sniffling, barely holding back her tears. Though Karma was a bit calmer, her eyes reflected her emotions well as she stared at Zero's face unblinkingly. Their Team had made many plans- plans to tear the mask off of his face and see the man underneath… None had involved Zero's death. "– We can't ask him to risk his family. Besides, I've listened in to their earlier conversation.
They did want to help, they just weren't allowed to. His Lordship forbid it, he even knocked out one to keep her from interfering… Her name is Shiro Emiya, I believe?"
"It does not change the fact–"
"And what do you suggest we do?" Jack cut him off, voice louder- clearer this time. "Should we challenge those women to mortal combat perhaps? Force them to take accountability for Zero's death? It's not their fault this happened. The Grail War's a free-for-all, be thankful they lent us their Servants or the casualty could've- would have been much worse, Damian."
Jaws squared, the Vice Captain turned and stormed off in the distance, leaving his Team to mourn.
"Jack, I don't think we should leave him to his devices." Karma counseled softly, her dark doe eyes- surprisingly innocent- landed her Captain who in response merely let loose an exhausted sigh. "Don't worry about him, you know how he is. Damian is just letting his temper get the best of him… Again. I'm sure he will be fine once he has had time to relax and think things through."
"Do you really believe that?" The dark-skinned woman asked.
"It doesn't matter what I believe." The brunette shrugged nonchalantly. "What really matters is what he does next. Let's both hope he doesn't try to escalate, for his sake and ours."
— [Fate: FS] —
Artoria and I ended up catching seven torso-sized fishes. Neither of us were professional fishermen, hence we weren't too sure what type they were, but they looked edible enough. No colorful spots, so probably not poisonous… Probably, I think? Oh! And by the way, when I said 'caught', I did mean it in the most literal of senses. Apparently, the great 'King Arthur' and I shared one thing in common:
We're both terrible at fishing.
Trust me, we had tried rods and nets… Guess what we found?
It's not to the level of dirty- used boots, though a bloody piece of rags and a defused bomb-shell came pretty close. At one point, I just lost my patience and jumped straight into the lake. What could I say? It's more efficient to catch those sneaky fucks with telekinesis than it was using mundane tools. Now? Now the two of us were on our way home- or what was left of it anyway. "You know… I forgot to ask, but what exactly is your Wish, Leo? I've told you mine."
The 'Once and Future King' reminded.
Blinking rapidly, I closed my eyes and stood still. Artoria was perceptive- very perceptive in fact. Between all the Nobilities and Magi, she must be in order to navigate the mess that was Britain's politics. She'd know the second I tried to lie and it might snuff out what little there was of our budding relationship. "The Grail… It is cursed, I have mentioned that once or twice, I believe?"
She nodded. "That's my Wish- to transfer All the World's Evils in a new container."
Gaze sharpening, Artoria sent me a look which screamed, "Explain."
"It's a long story really." My mind immediately wandered back to the horrifying visions shown to me by Ahriman. "Tell me, what do you know of the Zoroastrianism's Evil Spirit?"
"He is believed to be the God of Evils- the one who whispers in people's ears and causes humans to sin- a figure similar to Christianity's Devil." So she's aware of the Daemon's Origin. Good, saved me the trouble. "That is not the real story. Its actual Origin were children and adults- all who were sacrificed in the name of the Greater Good. For their sufferings, they're rewarded with Eternal Damnation. They can't move on, not while the World's Evils still clings to their Souls like a parasite."
"You want to right the wrongs heaped on them?" I forced a smile on my face, yet I could tell it's far too bitter even without seeing my reflection. "I both want to and have to."
A lightbulb flashed over Artoria's ahoge as the implication dawned on her face. Yanking my arm violently, she hissed. "You want to take the World's Evils unto yourself? Leonis, have you lost your mind?! Need I explain to you how bad of an idea that is?!"
"I know how bad it is, but I have no choice." Dammit, I knew this was going to happen. "The World's Evils need a HumanVessel and there are only two people in this Fuyuki who meet its criteria: Shiro and I… And I have already given the Ahriman my words. I'll save them from this wretched fate–" I said, more to remind myself why I was doing this, than to Artoria or Angra, who was listening in. "– Even at the cost of my life, I'll get it done."
"I- I don't know what to say… It makes so much sense now, why you've been showing them how to take over. It's for this, isn't it? You are going to die." Chuckling, I waved without a care in the World. "No, no. I plan on taking a trip to another Universe- one where hopefully there isn't Humanity, or at least their version of Humanity will be too different for the Evils to connect with, severely weakening it until I have figured out a method to seal it away forever."
That, or utilize it to my own benefits- whichever I managed to find first, I would go along with it.
Though, I must admit, harnessing the World's Evils sounded like the better option. "While I'm occupied, my Empire still needs somebody to run it- people I can trust… It's why I have been preparing them for my inevitable departure."
"You never meant for my Master or the others to fight in the War." That wasn't a question, she was merely stating the facts. "Why you've been delaying using excuses."
"Yes." Speaking truthfully, I admitted. "My Empire will be inherited by the girls, they're the only people I can't see betraying me."
"What of your men here?"
My underlings?
I… Well, I trusted them with my life, but not my inheritances. Wealth, money, resources.
Which man could reject the offer to be powerful? To stand on top of thousands even knowing they likely wouldn't be able to keep everything to themselves?
No, I'd much rather Rin and Shiro hold the fort in the Moonlit World while I was away.
Same went for the industrial Empire I had painstakingly built up in the Mundane Side, Taiga was the perfect one to keep my puppets in check. Not only did she have connections to the Martial Art community plus the Underworld, she also was an expert in business. She had to be, or the Fujimura Group would have fallen long ago. It's partly why I never offered Taiga any helps- be it financial or something else. To truly rest-assured, I needed to know she could handle the pressures,
And she did so wonderfully.
I would not dare call the Fujimura Group the greatest around, but it was the most stable in comparison to all the other chaotic Yakuza Groups, Martial Schools, Sects,…etc. "I believe I can hold off the Evils long enough to expel myself to another Universe entirely… But, in the likely case I fail to do so–" I trailed off, stare landing on her- a stare which told thousands of words. "No, no! I'm not doing it!"
"Artoria–"
The word had barely escaped the confines of my mouth when she cut me off, pleading. "Don't! Don't make me do this again, please."
"Relax, I'm not asking you to kill me… I still have much to live for, thank you very much." It was a plain lie, but no reason to tell her that. I had faith in her ability to judge a situation, if it really came to it… Excalibur should be enough to dispel the miasma and banish the Evils for a time. "I was thinking something along the line of you pushing me in the portal if you feel I'm a bit too resistant to the idea. What do you say? Can I entrust this responsibility to you, King of Knights?"
"Using my honor against me. Shame on you, Lord Magnum." Artoria muttered, emphasizing her last sentence. "Who told you to confide to me?" My finger flicked her on the forehead, not nearly hard enough to cause injury, though I made sure it'd sting. "I understand you're new to this, coupled with all that nonsenses Merlin must have filled your head with… Try not to be too trusting. Not everyone is nice like Shiro. Hell, I am the farthest thing from nice and you are already being chummy with me."
"Hmmm… I'd like to believe I'm an excellent judge of character." We stared in each other's eyes, feeling a sudden spark that caused we both jump.
Coughing to hide her shyness, Artoria changed the subject. "By the way, I think it's about time you shave. Your beard's growing everywhere."
I snorted. "You're just jealous you can't grow one."
"I don't see the connections, I'm biologically a woman anyway."
"Pffftt… Baby-face." I whispered jokingly, enjoying myself immensely as the Servant's facial muscles twitched in annoyance. "Leonis."
"Yes?"
Artoria abruptly grabbed my shoulders, causing me to veer from the sudden whiplash. 'Damn, she strong.'
"Call me that again. I dare you."
Without an ounce of hesitation, I repeated. "Baby-fa– Argh!"
You know how your girlfriend / lover / wife would pinch your belly and it'd sting for entire minutes straight? Now imagine that, but here came the twist: Your spouse was as strong as the Hulk. "Ouch-Ouch-Ouch! I yield, I yield…! Spare me, your Grace!"
"You-! Teleporting is foul! Get back here!"
.
.
.
Happy times never lasted, it's why us humans craved happiness so much. If somebody could be eternally happy- if I had the option to be, I'd not pick it. As much as I shat on Life in general, without hardships which plagued it, Life would be terribly boring.
Still, I didn't relish this moment. "My Soldiers, we have all gathered here today to mourn our dead–" Those guys weren't just my underlings, they were my friends too. I'd not go as far to say I cared for them as much as I did the girls, but I had eaten, drunk and lived amongst them. "– Some of you are angry, some sad… Though I do believe our feelings regarding the dead are quite similar. Those men and women lost their lives to protect what I hold dear. I will never be able to repay their loyalty."
I quite literally had their names memorized for Christ's sake!
Now seven were gone, and the rest were scrambling to repair their broken bonds. "Nor can I bring them back, but I'll say this: All those who serve me will not be forgotten. Their loved ones shall be reimbursed, their families taken care of."
The air was solemn, in spite of the Ballroom festive appearance. "Our enemy is one I have spared twice. Her life was mine to reap- to take at my pleasures, yet I spared her out of respect to the vow I had made to her brother- the late Heir Glascheit. I should have killed her when I had the chance." Heartbeats rose in sync with my words as the Elites began to grow rowdier by the second. "I have had lots and lots of time to reconsider since. I promise you all now: NO MORE!"
The Ballroom was choked with tension as hate seeped into my features. "NEVER AGAIN- NEVER AGAIN WILL MY PEOPLE HAVE TO SUFFER SUCH INJUSTICES! WHAT SAY YOU?!" Voices- of men and women, of the young and the old- joined to create what I could only describe as: A symphony- one of vengeance and righteous anger. "They brought War to our doorsteps… Should we let it slide? Should we tuck tails and run?!"
From the corners of my vision, I saw the girls- I saw the fear in their eyes and for an instance, it stung, but now's not the time. "What say you?!"
"""""NOOO!"""""
"THEN WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?!" I raised my voice once more.
"""""KILL! KILL THEM ALL!""""" Now that's what I needed from them- the rage, the hatred.
"Bury our dead, mourn our losses. Tonight, we rest and feast to our hearts' desires. Tomorrow? Tomorrow we wash this City with their blood."
Due to all the damages, the tables where we dined were wooden and old, but that didn't discourage my Elites one bit. Ravenously, they ate- devouring everything put in front of them as though it's their last meal and to be honest, it really might be for some here. After the short speech, I decided to sit next to Artoria. We'd set out first thing in the morning- when Swan and hers least expected- which meant I would lose another night-sleep to scour the City for them using the Map,
But oh-well… It is what it is.
Even more reasons to sit far, far away from Shiro, Sakura and Rin.
The first hadn't seemed fearful, just… Surprised, while the Tohsaka siblings were…
Let's not think about them anymore. It would serve to do nothing beyond affecting my- and subsequently- the Elites' morale. "Nice speech. Personally, I would focus on something more–"
"Hopeful?" I finished for her, and Artoria nodded. "Yes."
"Hate and Hope are powerful motivations, Artoria. But each has their uses in different sets of circumstances. What my people need now is the first, not the latter." Watching the group of men and women- each simmering in barely-restrained anger, I felt a connection to them. I wasn't like Artoria, I could never inspire through hope and sheer charisma alone, but hate? Hate was something I was intimately familiar with- something I knew how to arouse and manipulate well.
It's how I gathered so many followers in the first place.
I manipulated their hate and fear of the Lords so high-above their Ivory Tower they might as well not be people to them, but Gods.
I manipulated them to kill- to steal-
To commit the most heinous of crimes imaginable to Mankind- the genocidal kinds.
This was no different.
Rouse their hate, point in a direction- a common enemy and order.
Quick, efficient and completely unethical- what I had cultivated in them wasn't loyalty, but fanaticism.
"See, I can't be a better Ruler than you, for I do not in truth rule- not in the truest sense at least. I order, they act, they get paid either in money, resources or just gratifications. My Kingship is a false, it's built on a throne of lies and deceits. They follow me not because they admire my ideals, I merely give them what they want. You are a King out of a fairytale, I am merely what they cling to because they see no other way- I am the Government."
"You don't see Pride in your leadership at all."
"Neither do you." I responded, chugging down a much needed drink.
Good Gods, if I kept doing this shit I was going to die out of stress or alcoholism.
"They love you."
It's not love you're looking at, Artoria.
"No, they don't. They love what I have, can, will and are doing for them. There is a difference."
"Not them." The small blonde shook, her gaze turning to another direction, the spots occupied by Shiro, Taiga, Illya and the Tohsaka siblings. "I'm pretty Illya and Sakura love Shiro, not me."
"They like you." Artoria corrected in what I almost thought was a condescending voice, but it couldn't be, right? "Isn't that enough?"
"Maybe." I echoed hollowly.
"Go, they need you. I'll be fine."
Rising to my feet, I approached their section of the table, waving to the blonde behind me. "See you around, Artoria."
Moments later, I was sandwiched between Shiro and Rin, the first of whom had purposely changed seat create the scenario. Contrary to my expectations, they didn't look resentful, nor angry.
It was an odd mix of frustration and sadness more like. "When did you plan to tell us?"
Immediately, countless thoughts whirled inside my head before coming to a stop. "Goddamnit. Saber told you, didn't she? That little–"
Eyes zooming in on a certain blonde Servant who's innocently shoveling foods down the seemingly bottomless pit that was her belly, I grunted, cheeks twitching in irritation. Perhaps sensing the hostility in my gaze, hers met mine in mental-combat as Artoria mouthed. "You forgot to swear me to secrecy."
"That cheeky little bugger."
"Leo-senpai… Can't you go back on this promise? We have Saber and Excalibur, if push comes to shove, I'll command her to–" Shiro suddenly went silent, making a cutthroat gesture with her hand, adding. "– The Daemon for you."
"Shiro… No." Even without our relationship, I owed Angra several life-debts. The amount of time he had pulled my ass out of dangerous situations was frankly staggering. That's not to mention I cared for the guy like a brother- the annoying, middle-child brother who liked to talk back- yet brother nonetheless. "Absolutely not. Look, I ain't no Saint but I don't like going back on my words, doubly so when said words were given to someone I like. You know this."
'Leo! I knew you cared, I knew it!'
"You like the Daemon?" The tsundere drawled skeptically. "Are you sure it hasn't affected you mentally? I've heard tales about possessions and it's not nice."
'Shut up Angra!' I scolded, before turning to the two girls. "No. He has saved my life on more than one accounts–"
"Only because he needs you." Rin interrupted.
'You little bitch, take that back!' Did he really just screech? What're you, a jealous wife?! "Rin, Angra is just like Sakura. Regardless of what you might think, he's the victim, not the perpetrator."
"Or maybe it's what he wants you to think." The auburn-haired young lady- to my surprise- came to Rin's defense. What's this? The Shiro I knew wasn't… I don't know, like this! "Shiro, even if what he has shown me is exaggerated, I sincerely doubt it's entirely false." I had fact-checked with [Future Calculation] after all. "You just came back."
She said, as though that explained anything, repeating- voice a bit louder. "You. Just. Came. Back."
"I- I know." Unable to find the proper response, I replied lamely, even stuttering in the process. "But I have to do this."
"Why?" Lips thinned to a line stretched across her face, the tsundere questioned. "I just have to. Look, can we talk later, in a more private setting? Remember what I taught you: Don't air your dirty laundry in public."
This was a sensitive matter, in a sensitive time. I had been slowly but surely removing myself from the chain of command for this purpose… If it came out I was going to have to leave once the War ended and handed over the throne to Rin and Shiro- albeit only temporarily, it might cause discontent in the Elites, which would ruin everything I had worked in the last two years. "I- You- Fine! We'll keep this down, but you still have some explaining to do!"
Brows creasing, I rubbed the bridge of my nose in exhaustion. Sure enough, no good deeds go unpunished. "The nightmares- the ones Shiro used to have all the time, it was caused by the Evil Spirit residing in the Grail- it's him trying to prepare you to take in the World's Evils. Long story short, he threatened me with you. I made a Deal with them, got one of the many Spirits into in my head. We have been helping each other since and I can't go back on my words. Not this time, not to him. Capiche?"
'Aw…' Stop awing, I did think of betraying you, you know? 'That only makes it more precious! You thought if betraying us, then you grew to care for me and– * Girlish squeal!'
'Stop squealing in my ears, you crazy fuck! And stop reading those damned romance novels- your speech has grown more and more disgusting!' At my lecture, Angra raised his voice. This motherfucker- maybe the Shiro and Rin's suggestion had some merits to it. 'No-No, you already said you'd sacrifice yourself for me, no backsie!'
'Then shut up and let me think!'
"Are- Are you talking to him right now?"
"'No. / Yes!'" We both echoed.
"Can- Can he hear us?" What's the point of whispering now, Rin? "'No. / Again, yes! No thot's going to come between our bromance!'"
'Angra, I swear to Gods!'Pinching the bridge of my nose once more, I spoke. "It's not that bad. Even if I can't find a way to suppress the Evils quickly, have you forgotten what my Mastery in Magecraft is?"
"… Spatial Magecraft?"
"Spatial and Time." I corrected. "Even if it takes decades for me, it's going to be a few moments in passing for you guys."
"You are telling me you've grown so much, so quickly you can alter Time to such a degree?" I shook at Rin's question. If I were that powerful, I'd have gone back in time and put a bullet in Swan's head. "Unfortunately not. I haven't, but my future-self will. Now sit down, you're drawing attention to us." Hushing, I discreetly dissipated the Spatial Barrier distorting our voices to a mix-mash of incoherent nonsenses.
"It's still too dangerous, and even if you succeed, chances are it will be decades- if not centuries before you can perform that sort of Spell, Leo-senpai!" Instantly, the table turned to us as one of my Captains- Rajesh- repeated questioningly. "Dangerous, Milord?"
"It's nothing, she's just referring to an experiment of mine. Carry on." Putting on a calm, stoic façade, I waved their worries away and- by some fucking miracles- I was able to do well enough to sell the performance even while slightly flustered. "What. Did. I. Say?!"
I hissed angrily. "And I had a plan- a someone to help me already. I'm not going to do this on my own."
It had been years since I last talked to the Merchant of Glass, but in order to safely transfer the Servants we wished to spare across the Void, I'd need his help. Gaunter O'Dimm might look like some sketchy drug-dealer at the end of a dark alley, but he's fair. Just ferrying the Servants to the Witcher-Verse, and giving me a destination shouldn't cost too much. The only problem was how to contact him, though I wasn't worried.
He's O'Dimm, he had this tendency to be at convenient places in the most convenient of times. "I know I've abused your trust before, but I've told you everything, I swear. All I ask is a modicum of trust again." Rin and Shiro both traded looks, before nodding.
""If you're sure.""
"That's it?" Blinking owlishly, I asked.
""Yes. / We all know how stubborn you are. No point in trying to change your mind, we merely want to make sure you know what you are getting into."" Shiro's reply was short, Rin's was a lot more… Comprehensive.
"So… We don't have any problem?"
""No. / None whatsoever."" Once more, their voices overlapped.
It's actually kind of disturbing. Well, at least this discussion was over, right?
'Then why am I getting the shivers? Why are they staring at me like that?!'
