Frustration etched every step as Kariya retreated from the summoning grounds. Zouken, that abominable monstrosity, had ceaselessly reminded him that the Holy Grail's prize was his to claim, even when Berserker stood beside him. Kariya couldn't shake the question of why Zouken was pushing his ownership so vehemently. Could he truly be ignorant of the Servants' individual yearnings for the Grail? It troubled Kariya especially because Su's lucidity surpassed the typical Berserker's. Now, with doubt surely creeping into his servant's mind, the fragile bond between them grew even more precarious.
A moment of contemplative silence hung between them before Kariya spoke up. "Berserker," his voice was steady but laden with a mix of determination and trepidation, "I need to be honest with you. Even if we emerge victorious in this war, the Holy Grail won't be ours. It's been pledged to my grandfather." As the words settled, Kariya gauged Su's reaction. He couldn't help but feel a sense of impending turmoil, his expectations of a Berserker's unpredictable response looming over him. While Su appeared composed, Kariya knew better than to underestimate the depths of the Heroic Spirit's emotions. With a resigned readiness, he steeled himself to use the command seal if circumstances took a turn for the worse.
Kariya's words hung in the air, the tension palpable as he waited for Su's response. The Servant's fuchsia eyes met Kariya's, holding an inscrutable depth. "I must be honest, Master," Su began, his voice carrying a calm assurance that caught Kariya off guard, "I don't hold any wishes to be granted by the Holy Grail."
The words struck Kariya like a bolt of lightning, disbelief flickering across his features. Sensing his incredulity, Su continued, voice steady, "My wish is not something that requires the intervention of the Holy Grail." Kariya's surprise transformed into a mixture of curiosity and confusion as he absorbed Su's revelation. While the Berserker class was known for their wildness, Su's rationality remained intact, leaving Kariya to navigate the intricate maze of his enigmatic Servant's mind.
Kariya's astonishment lingered as he processed Su's words. The enigmatic Servant's revelation defied Kariya's expectations, leaving him grappling with the implications. After a brief moment, Su's calm voice broke the silence. "Master, I assure you, I've made peace with the life I left behind," Su's words were laced with a serene certainty, a conviction that resonated within Kariya. "My wish now is to continue aiding others," Su continued, his tone carrying a profound weight. "If my existence can bring relief and assistance to as many as possible, then I'm content."
Kariya's thoughts swirled, his doubts mingling with a newfound respect for Su's selflessness. Su acknowledged Kariya's concerns, his voice carrying an understanding tone, "If you still harbor doubt, you're free to use the command seal. However, remember its value and consider its worth." As Su's words settled, Kariya found himself contemplating the significance of Su's answer and the weight of his next decision.
Kariya's mind churned in the wake of Su's revelation, uncertainty, and respect warring within him. He studied Su, his fuchsia eyes searching for the truth in the depths of the enigmatic Servant's gaze. The desire to use a command seal to ensure the authenticity of Su's words lingered at the edges of his thoughts, but Kariya knew that his supply was limited, precious tools in this war. He held Su's gaze for a lingering moment, a silent exchange that held a world of unspoken questions.
Finally, Kariya sighed softly, his decision solidifying. He addressed Su, his voice calm yet resolute, "I won't use the command seal now, Su. But remember, if circumstances ever warrant it, I won't hesitate to use it for our benefit." The air between them settled, the unspoken understanding bridging the gap between Master and Servant.
The understanding conveyed through Su's nod acted as a silent anchor, grounding Kariya's roiling thoughts. With newfound stability, he found himself drawn into the gaze of his Servant, those fuchsia eyes offering an unexpected source of solace. As the seconds stretched into moments, the unspoken queries seemed to weave a tapestry of curiosity between them, inviting Kariya to share the depths of his intent. Resolving to be honest, he met Su's gaze squarely and let the words flow. The narrative of his motivations unfolded, laying bare the driving forces that led him into this chaotic war.
Kariya's voice was heavy with emotion as he unraveled the truth of his involvement in this grim conflict. "I did this for the daughter of the woman I loved," he confessed, the words tinged with a mixture of sorrow and determination. His anticipation of Su's potential negative response was met with a solemn gaze from his Servant, inviting him to continue.
Kariya pressed on, his voice steady, "I never intended to be part of this war, or even to be a magus. But Tokiomi... that man sacrificed his own daughter to Zouken, oblivious to the wreckage he left behind in his wake." Kariya's anger simmered beneath his words, his resentment towards Tokiomi evident. "Zouken promised me Sakura's freedom if I handed over the Grail. And so, I accepted the crest worm, a twisted means to make up for my lack of training."
The weight of Kariya's revelations hung in the air, a heavy atmosphere that seemed to bridge the gap between Master and Servant. Su's fuchsia eyes held a depth of understanding, the silent acknowledgment of Kariya's sacrifice resonating between them. After a pause, Su's voice broke the silence, measured and gentle. "For the daughter of the woman you loved," Su repeated as if savoring the weight of Kariya's words. His next question emerged like a beacon of curiosity, "What do you seek from participating in this war?"
The inquiry was straightforward, yet it held a sense of significance that made Kariya pause. He met Su's gaze, his answer genuine and simple, "I want Sakura to be happy, to return to her family."
Su's gaze seemed to penetrate his thoughts before he posed another question, one that cut to the heart of the matter. "Do you know why Tokiomi gave his own daughter to someone like Zouken?" Kariya's initial scowl betrayed his disregard for Tokiomi's reasons. Yet, Su's insistence that the answer might aid Sakura caused Kariya to reconsider.
He sighed, his expression shifting into contemplation. "I don't know the exact reason," he admitted, "but if I were to hazard a guess, it's because magus families typically only require one heir."
The discussion continued as Su delved deeper into the intricacies of the Magus Families and the Three Great Families that held dominion. Kariya did his best to share the knowledge he possessed, providing insights into the inner workings of the magus world, the power dynamics between the heads of each family, and the tangled web of allegiances that governed their actions. Time seemed to blur as they exchanged thoughts and information, their conversation becoming a tapestry woven from Kariya's experiences and Su's inquisitive nature.
Eventually, Su's inquiries seemed to slow, his contemplative pause stretching into silence. Kariya regarded him, a mixture of anticipation and hope in his gaze, wondering what conclusion or insight this conversation might yield and whether it could offer a glimmer of assistance for Sakura's plight.
As the silence lingered, a voice resounded within Kariya's mind, a testament to the unique bond between master and servant. Berserker's voice, clear and commanding, prompted Kariya to blink twice if he was attuned to the connection. Startled by the sudden mental communication, Kariya complied, blinking twice to confirm his understanding.
Su's voice followed, a steady presence within Kariya's thoughts. (I may have a viable solution for our predicament,) Su's words flowed smoothly, conveying a sense of reassurance. (If our plans align as intended, there could be an alternative to our involvement in the Grail War.)
Kariya's skepticism wavered, curiosity taking its place. Utilizing the mental link, he questioned the validity of Su's proposal. Su's response was tinged with warmth, his words resonating through their connection. (Indeed, Master. If you were to assume the mantle of the Matou family's Head, it could potentially resolve many of these challenges. As for Zouken and the necessary preparations, rest assured that I can manage them.)