When Shirou, Sakura, and Faust entered the clinic, they found Rin releasing her latest patient.
"Please, we're already here. Can you heal my children?" The man begged while huddling his three kids towards Rin.
"Sir, we cannot fully cure Oripathy from your bodies. They are too ingrained into cells and will kill if forcefully removed. The best we can do is reduce it to stage 1." She tried to explain.
"Are you sure? Please, their infection is only recent. If I didn't fall so ill, then they wouldn't have had to take care of me and contracted Oripathy. M-my wife died from Oripathy years ago, I don't want to lose them too!" He begged.
"Papa…it's fine." The eldest whispered while pulling him back.
"I cannot do much anymore for you…but maybe this will help you for a while." Rin opened the safe behind the receptionist's desk and pulled out a wad of cash. Usually, the amount distributed to each patient was 100 LMD, but for families, 500 LMD was the agreed amount.
The man fell on his knees while shaking as he accepted the money. It had been the most they'd held ever since he lost his job.
"If your Oripathy reaches stage 2, please come back and we will treat you once again."
"T-thank you…thank you!"
Shirou and his group moved aside while the family of four left through the entrance. Faust had watched the entire exchange and it only solidified his opinion on them.
They needed to be convinced to support the Reunion's goal.
"About time you two came back. Sakura, I thought I told you to stop Shirou from making impulsive decisions." Rin crossed her arms while shooting a glance at the newcomer.
"I didn't"
"I did."
Huh?
"It was Sakura who did it this time." Shirou deadpanned at his companion.
Sakura scratched her head while smiling embarrassedly.
Rin blinked at her sister.
"You can't be serious. Then what's the reason they're here?" She gestured to Faust with a nod of her head. "I thought we were supposed to avoid them."
"Pardon me, it was my order." Faust admitted. "I saw a commotion slowly growing in the queue. If my men didn't step in, people would be fighting in line."
"…so Shirou had nothing to do with it?"
Faust looked at the only male in the staff, mentally noting down their identities. Rin was the bossy one, Shirou the so-called impulsive one, and Sakura seemed like a quiet person. Quite the group they made.
"None at all."
"I see…are you trying to gain our favor? We don't owe you for your help. I would've simply threatened the people fighting that I would not treat them." Rin grilled the newcomer. "I recognize structure and training when I see it."
"It's nothing compared to what you've done for these people."
Reunion's included was left unsaid. Rin was against treating rebels but Shirou advised that turning them away would only send a message to the other infected that they were picking who to treat.
That would quickly backfire on them if rumors spread.
"…right."
Despite how many years Rin has been with Shirou and Sakura, the girl still refused to show her soft side. Deep down she also cared, but her magus upbringing wouldn't allow her to show her real emotions.
The time spent around clocktower magi only reinforced her exterior.
"Unfortunately, it's closing time. How do we make the crowd go?" Rin indicated to the line outside.
Ever the impressionable one, she was. Shirou and Sakura could already tell from the way her movements changed to present herself as the leader of the trio- which she usually was.
A power play to draw Faust's attention to her.
"Faust and his men already gave us an idea. While announcing that we're closed for the day, we can also inform that we're looking to hire infected with experience in security and organization tomorrow." Shirou suggested.
They could afford to hire personnel. Plus, the infected would be rushing back to spread news about the clinic hiring.
More importantly, Rin caught on to Shirou's thought process.
Having Chernobog's professionals guarding the clinic would distance them from the movement. They didn't want to seen as having connections with the rebels should people figure out it was the Reunion who worked as security for the Fuyuki Clinic.
"Sounds good, mind helping me announce it?"
As Shirou and Rin went outside to deal with the crowd, Faust took the opportunity to look around the front. As much as he wanted to sneak a peek into the other rooms, he knew that Sakura would alert the other two of his actions. He was here to build relations, not to ruin them.
"So…how is Chernobog for you?" Faust started some idle conversation with the last member of the clinic.
"Horrible."
He looked sideways at Sakura after observing the lobby.
"Horrible?"
"…is this how the infected are treated here?"
Faust paused.
An opportunity.
"Not just here…this is how we're treated everywhere."
"Does no one work on a cure?"
"There is none. Not even the leaders of the world can save themselves once they contract Oripathy."
"Shirou called you rebels. What...are you fighting for?"
Faust turned towards her. Was this woman unaware of the Reunion? She must've lived a sheltered life not to have heard of them. Though, to see her working near the slums to help the infected earned his respect. While there was no proof that Oripathy could be passed by contact with the infected, they were still avoided like the plague.
"We fight to destroy the injustice done against us. I do not agree with my leader's methods…but there is no other way for us to change the status quo." He took a deep breath. "Take this as a warning. One day, you will also become infected- and the government will throw you away, just like they did to us."
Movement caught their eyes and the two looked outside to see the line dispersing. The bell over the door rang as Shirou and Rin returned inside. Faust watched his men secure the street in front of the clinic while he was inside.
Rin eyed the teen in front of her. He was young- probably the age they were back when the Holy Grail War erupted.
"What's someone as young as you leading men around?" She crossed her arms.
Shirou watched as Rin went into one of her infamous stances- which he had been on the other end of for many years now.
"Is it really that important? I lead them because I'm capable."
"Clearly, or else whoever's your superior wouldn't have sent you."
Faust frowned. This woman was really scathing.
"I'm not here to cause trouble."
"I've seen your type before. Shirou's just like you."
"What?! Me?" Said boy perked up.
"Goody-two-shoes with a lot of baggage."
Faust blinked.
What?
Sakura giggled at Shirou's reaction.
"Senpai, Rin's right. You cause more trouble than you're worth at times."
"Sakura?! You're also with her on this?"
Faust couldn't help but release a small awkward grin as he watched the trio's antics.
It was…humorous.
Nothing like the Reunion.
"What makes you think I'm good?" Faust asked.
"We saw you talking with Sakura. She doesn't talk to just anybody."
The truth was that Sakura was the most intuitive between the three mages. Her status as a Lesser Grail had exposed her to Angra Mainyu. The curse still lingered, its remnants surviving through her as the host.
With "All The World's Evil" hosted inside her through the Lesser Grail system, a little of the curse filtered down to her. Sakura had gained the ability to read people instinctively.
Evil existed within everybody. Sakura was just able to analyze how much of it existed in a person, and what kind of Evil it was. After all, Evil took many forms.
Faust was evil. Still, his kind of evil was directed at select people and it was for a purpose.
"We know that you and your insurgents want our support. I'll tell you now, we're not interested in getting dragged into your conflict." Rin narrowed her eyes.
It was hard enough staying below the radar with their clinic. Shirou could've picked something less discreet, but no, he wanted to help save the people. Sakura, ever the sweet one, agreed with him.
Forcing Rin to go along with them.
"Then we won't. Instead, I would like to ask for your consent."
Faust closed his eyes and pressed his hands together while bowing at Rin. It was a begging position- a sign of his request.
"I know it would look bad, but please continue treating our members. Most of them have given up on the hope of recovering from Oripathy. The knowledge that we could be healed, even if not permanently, means the world to us."
Rin turned her head sideways while groaning.
Goddamit, why must you play the moral card?!
Truly, Rin was weak to good boys.
Case in point: Shirou Emiya.
It didn't help that he was a young boy in her eyes. For a boy not in his 20s to carry such a burden.
Rin exchanged glances with Shirou and Sakura, a silent conversation taking place in a matter of a few seconds.
"Alright, but we're just doing this because we believe that not all of you are truly evil. If we're associated with whatever crimes you do, then you'll be responsible for taking us away from treating the infected."
"I understand."
Faust would try his damned hardest to make sure the Reunion behaved around the Fuyuki Clinic.
"Now get your men in here and let's get them treated."
Faust jerked up.
Rin was now huffing in another direction while Shirou and Sakura smiled at her.
It wasn't the same as a shit-eating grin, but it was practically the same to Rin.
Dammit you two! Why must I be surrounded by sympathizers!? They're rebels!
Unfortunately, it was just another day in the life of Rin Tohsaka.
The sensation of a warm bath after a long operation was becoming one of Skadi's favourite moments. The feeling of cleaning one's self of dust and blood was second to only that of peaceful sleep- one which the bounty hunter had gone for years without.
The lone operator had been out for two weeks on a contract to hunt down some criminals and had recently returned to Rhodes Island for a short break before going back out to the field.
Skadi emptied her mind of work, drowning herself in the soft relaxing shower of warm water raining on her body. After a few minutes, she turned off the shower and patted herself down with a towel. The cloth was wrapped around her form and the woman headed back to the privacy of her quarters.
As she walked, the Aegir still found herself in thought, idly wondering why the experience of a warm shower brought simple pleasures despite having the memories of the seaborn- particularly of swimming in the depths.
Those thoughts disappeared as she spotted the new object sitting on her table upon returning from the bath.
Nobody should've had access to her dormitory room. Which left Rhodes Island administration as the only suspect.
So…what did they want with her?
The bounty hunter walked over to the desk and deftly picked up the file. It was a mission portfolio. Skadi flipped it open and scanned through the contents.
She was being requested to join a secret operation being put together by Kal'tsit. One team of six operators working as security detail for a trip.
But why her?
Kal'tsit very well knew that Skadi did not work with others. She carried a curse, one that risked the safety of everyone around her.
It was the reason she distanced herself from people.
Yet, the leader of Rhodes Island was asking for her assistance.
Skadi had to know what the mission was.
Luckily for her, Kal'tsit was willing to answer her questions in private.
…
Skadi quietly stared at Kal'tsit inside her office.
"You're wondering why I'm hiring you."
A nod.
"I need someone strong as my bodyguard. The others are there to cover us from the shadows."
"...and if I don't accept? You are better off choosing other operators."
Skadi would decline the mission if she could.
Kal'tsit closed her eyes.
"No, not for this one. I need the best."
This was the first time Skadi was being hired by Rhodes Island, by Kal'tsit herself no less.
It must've been big.
"What is the mission?"
"I would prefer to explain at the meeting privately. Just know that it is something world-changing if proven true."
"I'm not being given another choice am I?"
"No."
Skadi sighed.
"I will attend the meeting."
"Thank you."
.
.
.
The following day, the meeting commenced.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice."
Skadi stood at one corner of the meeting room while she eyed the other Rhodes operatives in the room. None of them were recognizable- as testament of her time spent alone and away from the others.
Kal'tsit stood at the head of the table while holding papers between her hands.
"I'm sure some of you have noticed, but this request is unusual."
"Sure is." The gruff man with shades uttered. "You're not one to assemble a group this strong. All of us for an escort mission?"
Skadi could feel the rest of the group's eyes glance towards her.
"I needed the best."
Kal'tsit started handing out the papers.
"I picked all of you because of the extremity of our operation."
She waved her hand to turn on the hologram projector.
"We are infiltrating Chernobog to confirm that a specific clinic has what it takes to cure Oripathy."
"Pfft- What?!" The black-haired feline sputtered.
She wasn't the only one reacting.
"That makes sense now. Chernobog huh? That's where the Reunion is right now."
Skadi blinked. Now she understood why she was being hired as Kal'tsit's bodyguard.
"You're very adamant about checking it personally. It's likely to be true isn't it?" The grey-haired Liberi coughed.
"I'm coming with the assumption that this is false."
"Then why not send Projekt Red to confirm it instead? Why an entire group?" Mr. Shades waved to the Lupus wearing a red coat.
"Because if it was true, then I'd need to talk with them immediately."
"So we're all banking on this being true?"
"We are also using this opportunity to see the current state of affairs in Chernobog."
"This sounds really ballsy coming from you, Kal'tsit." The feline grinned. "I'm down for this. Sounds exciting, especially when you're organizing this yourself."
"It's not about whether it's fun or not, Blaze."
"You're no fun, Ace."
Ace lightly flicked his junior on the forehead. Blaze retreated while holding the red mark with a pout.
"So…about this clinic. What exactly have they done?" This time, it was the masked man asking a question.
"Good question, Scout. My informant has reported that stage 3 infected have recovered to stage 1 after treatment."
"If that's the case, then the mission is worth it." The Liberi gripped her document tightly. She was studying its contents critically.
"See? Even Pith agrees!" Blaze waved her hands at Ace.
All she received was a deadpan in return.
"Now that I've clarified why this operation is important, let us go over the plans…" Kal'tsit swiped on the hologram.
Ace, Blaze, Scout, Red, and Pith all turned towards the screen.
Skadi looked down on her own document.
It was only going to be one mission.
Let's get this over with quickly.
Two men walked down the corridor inside a warehouse.
"Chernobog is quite unusual, wouldn't you agree?"
Of the two, one was carrying a suitcase. The other, swiping through his phone.
"The city doesn't have much in terms of mining facilities, so it's unusual how much Originium they've been selling the past two months." The man hummed.
Long Yan stayed silent while his employer mulled over the changes in Chernobog.
"Anyway, just leave the suitcase with the stash."
The warehouse was one of the numerous properties Dao owned in Chernobog. As a supplier, he dabbled in many areas- both legal and illegal. Officially, this warehouse was for construction materials. Hiding a small amount of illegally acquired Originium inside was simple enough.
Dao unlocked a small crate labeled fragile at one of the warehouse corners. Inside it, more of the illegal material.
Originium wasn't supposed to be dealt outside corporations and the like, yet like all things, it finds its way into other hands. For a certain price, that is.
Long Yan opened the suitcase and carefully extracted the Originium before slowly putting it in the box. He took his time under the guise that he was being cautious, but in reality was searching for information about the container. His eyes scanned the crate for details, quickly noting the small serial number on the corner. After securing the merchandise, Dao closed the crate and locked it.
"Your payment will arrive at the usual time. If you can find more Originium, buy it and I'll pay you."
Long Yan nodded.
He was escorted outside the warehouse before the agent was left to his own business. Right away, Long Yan slipped into the backstreets. He backtracked and circled around for a quarter of an hour to muddle his trail before setting off towards one of the city plazas. There, he waited for the appointed time.
At the select location for a certain time, a window of opportunity was open.
Long Yan took out the second phone on him. Unlike the first one, an expensive and secure phone with an advanced interface used for contacting clients and his employer, the second one was a cheap flip phone. Long Yan took out a tiny sim card from his chest pocket and inserted it into the cellphone. Once the sim clicked into place, the network signal notified his connection to the system.
Long Yan dialed his identification code in. To use the network, a confirmation in the form of calling one's own contact ID was required.
A voice came from the other side.
"Operative Langyon, update?"
Because he was in a public place, Long Yan had to resort to ambiguous phrases. Ones that had been put into place by the organization.
"Weather is nice in Chernobog today. Feels good."
The weather was not actually great. Cloudy with forecast readings announcing the arrival of rain in an hour. Still, Long Yan's message came through.
Weather- code for situation. Chernobog- mission location. Feels good- healthy operative status.
"Can you do me a favor-" Long Yan kept up the casual dialogue. "Is my delivery here? I need an update on order #ANR5JW6SKI?"
The operator on the other end quickly noted down the request.
"Will update you next week. Thank you for the update."
Long Yan ended the call. Just like that, his report was over in less than a minute. The network was only up during lunch for five minutes, his job was to condense as much information in one update and to get the hell out of the area afterwards.
He took the sim card out of the flip phone and threw the device into the dumpster at the first backstreet he reached.
With his report done, Long Yan returned back to his post as a client for Originium.
.
.
.
The network operator handed the communication transcript to his superior.
"Sir, Agent Langyon has provided us with a clue."
The superior scanned through the document.
"Someone get me details about delivery serial code #ANR5JW6SKI." He barked out.
The Intelligence Arm of the Lungmen Guard Department quickly exercised its might and the shipment was quickly found.
A certain shipment of construction materials- sent to Chernobog from one relatively unknown company headquartered in Lungmen.
"Madame Ch'en will want to know about this…" The second-in-command coughed while reading the intel from behind the department head.
"We're under express orders by Lord Wei to let Madame Ch'en rest. She hasn't had a day off in three months."
"S-Sir?" His subordinate coughed again.
"No buts. Lord Wei's orders."
His lieutenant stayed silent.
"Now, let's forward this over to the planning division so they can come up with some preparations. Once Madame Ch'en returns, they'll have proposals on how to approach this."
The chief turned around.
Oh, no wonder everyone had gone silent.
The nearby intelligence operators were looking straight into their monitors acting like nothing was happening. Still, a few were sneaking glances at the events playing out.
"I see, so that's why everybody has been trying to avoid me today."
Ch'en smiled cheerfully while facing him with her eyes closed.
Despite the bright exterior, he could feel that it was anything but.
The chief officer swallowed quietly.
"Ah! Madame Ch'en! Er- We're just talking about a suspicious shipment…nothing to worry about, just a small one."
"Shipment you say…"
Ch'en's fingers slipped around the report in his hands.
"Luckily for you, I've had this nagging feeling that something was wrong today…everything has been going too smoothly. Almost as if today was perfect."
The paper was tugged out of his hands.
"Tell my father that he can't stop me from doing my job."
The chief intelligence officer sighed.
Lord Wei Yenwu was going to hear about this.
The Reunion Movement leaders met a few days after Faust approached the clinic personnel.
Unlike before, the atmosphere of the meeting felt anxious. With the exception of Mephisto and Talulah, everyone else was fidgeting. Even Patriot, the most experienced of all, seemed slightly off compared to his usual self.
Faust would be too, since the importance of this matter was unprecedented. This wasn't like an attack against a military target- those they were used to. This one was dealing with something more important.
Oripathy treatment.
Something that the Reunion Movement couldn't ignore.
"Faust…how did your meeting go?" Talulah began.
Faust cleared his throat.
"The Fuyuki Clinic will be willing to continue treating our people as long as we do not associate them with our activities. They only wish to continue treating the infected population."
To his surprise, it was Patriot who had the most expressive reaction. The aged veteran sighed deeply, some invisible weight disappearing from his shoulders.
"That is good news."
Even Talulah gave her praise- hard as she was to please.
"Talulah."
Her attention was drawn by Patriot.
"I request we send the worst of our infected for treatment as soon as possible. Slow down our preparations for the time being while we recuperate."
"Very well."
Talulah could not decline such a request. Patriot and his faction were a large part of the Reunion. To keep them happy meant to keep the Reunion stable. The only disadvantages this would bring would be a delay for the invasion in exchange for a healthier armed force.
"Faust, I'm appointing you as our liaison with the Fuyuki Clinic."
Faust blinked.
"They are against the idea of being associated with us…"
"You have met with the personnel. It is only courtesy to inform them when large numbers of our people are coming. Commanders, compile a list of twenty fighters from your ranks and send them to Faust for next week."
It didn't need to be said that those with the most critical conditions would be prioritized. The commanders weren't incapable.
"A hundred for the next week is already large enough. Faust, you'll be in charge of arranging the schedule for their treatments."
Faust nodded. He'll have to sneak them separately to keep it safe.
"Now, on to other matters…"
The rest of the meeting passed by relatively quickly as each commander updated the status of equipment, numbers, and preparations.
.
.
.
The following day, Faust was back at the Fuyuki Clinic.
It was barely past sunrise and a long line of patients had queued up in front of the clinic. New faces had appeared, the recently hired security personnel in charge of keeping the people under control. Many of them were former professionals fired from their jobs once contracting Oripathy. Fortunately for them, the Fuyuki Clinic was happy to hire infected personnel. Though if they were paid adequately, Faust didn't know.
His presence was quickly noticed- Faust signing his hidden squad of guards to calm down when the one of the security- a large Sarkaz- approached him.
"Mr. Faust…what does the Reunion wish with the Fuyuki Clinic?" The muscular veteran- probably a former soldier- asked him.
The trio clearly warned their hired security about him and his position. Faust could read the tenseness of the atmosphere and how some of the guards were relocating behind their superior.
"Some…issues have arised. I only need to inform them and I will be out of your sight. It will only take a few minutes."
The Sarkaz shot a few hand signs to the guards behind him but none of them reacted.
No, it wasn't the others he was signing to.
The clinic door opened and Shirou stepped out. He walked across the street, stopping right in front of Faust.
"Isn't it safer to talk inside?" Faust glanced at the crowds. More than a few were watching Shirou meet up with a stranger.
"The last time you came would've made rounds already since people saw you skip the line. This way, they see that we're not just letting select people in." Shirou crossed his arms. "Besides once they figure out who you are, they'll see this as our stance on the Reunion."
Of course, by not allowing him entry, the clinic couldn't be seen as siding with the revolution.
"So…what does the Reunion want? I doubt they'd send you back for nothing."
Faust cleared his throat.
"The Reunion is sending some of our men for treatment next week. I need to know how many patients the clinic can treat in a day."
"The three of us together can treat roughly 120 each day. Though sometimes one or more of us would have a day off or deal with other matters so it's less on those days."
Faust looked at the line.
"Wait. Then why is the line always so long? Haven't you announced that the clinic can only take a certain amount of patients each day?"
Shirou looked away.
"Not exactly. Most of them are here for food."
"Food?"
"We gave some food once, now they're all just flooding the clinic."
"Can't you control them?"
"Not when they're begging for their children. They still come no matter what."
There was more to it, Faust was sure, but he wasn't going to ask any further.
Was it related to that miracle food from heaven rumor?
Except that the Fuyuki Clinic was already being called heaven. So Faust was uncertain about that piece of information.
"Since the Reunion will begin sending our people for treatment, it has been decided that I will become the representative to inform you when and how many."
"We are to assume their identities will not be shared?" Shirou raised an eyebrow.
"Not like we can hide from your Arts."
Shirou sighed. It's not like they can single out the revolution's members anyway. It would cause too much trouble with all the infected patients. This was just the Reunion's way of taking advantage of the situation.
"Just make sure they behave. Don't cause any trouble for the civillians."
"We won't. If they do, I'll report it to their commanders. Know that they will be punished harshly."
Guess that's one way to keep the Reunion in line. They can't cause any trouble if they want our assistance. Nor can we stop them without causing trouble.
It was give and take, but the Reunion got more out of the deal whereas the Fuyuki Clinic gained nearly nothing.
Not exactly.
The Reunion owed them. That much both sides knew. Perhaps one day, the Fuyuki Clinid could cash in on that favor.
"Anything else?"
"No, that's all for now. Starting next week, we'll be sending our men in."
Faust heard the clinic door open. Both boys turned to see Sakura coming over.
"Shirou, we're nearly opening. You haven't eaten breakfast yet."
"Right." Shirou gave Faust one last glance before returning to the clinic.
"Faust, would you like some food?" Sakura smiled kindly at the small teen.
Said teen blinked as the older girl suddenly talked to him.
"No thanks, I've extended my welcome." Faust turned to leave.
"At least before you go, can you try our cooking? Me and Shirou have been trying to replicate Ursus dishes." Sakura smiled.
He turned back with a puzzled expression.
"Why are you so insistent?" It's not like I've done anything to gain your charity.
"You look thin. Does the Reunion lack food?"
Sympathy then.
"No, I just prefer to eat little."
"Well then, a little more should be fine. Wait right here." Sakura hurried back into the clinic before returning with a small lunchbox.
Faust frowned. For some inexplicable reason, he couldn't turn down the older woman at all. The small object was pushed into his hands while he mouthed his thanks.
"Please tell us how we do ok? We're new to cooking."
Well, more like new to cooking with a whole new world of food. Shirou and Sakura had been experimenting with ingredients since landing in Terra. Recreating familiar dishes was easy, but learning to cook new food was exciting.
"Next time then." Faust pocketed the offered meal and mumbled his thanks before leaving.
Behind Sakura, the clinic's sign flipped. Patients entered and it was back to work for the Matou heir.
.
.
.
Back at the Reunion's acting headquarters, Faust sat over the roof's edge while going over the lists. Upon his return, three of the other commanders had sent messengers to submit their lists to him. The only one left would be from his friend, Mephisto.
After reading, Faust's eyes darted to the lunchbox. He recognized what it was- aside from the unusually aesthetic appearance it had. It was made of wood, looked clean, and new. Surely is must've cost quite a lot. Chernobog imported wood- significantly increasing their prices. For wood to be used for such a mundane role…irked him. Though, it definitely looked pleasant to the eye.
In reality, Shirou had traced it. It was a small action done out of familiarity as the food containers of Terra were uncomfortable for the trio.
With nothing else to do, Faust picked up the meal. The lunchbox came with its own small set of eating utensils, which he was thankful for. The light aroma was getting to him and the idea of eating with his hands felt unusually offensive when faced with something excellent.
Suddenly, his stomach gurgled.
No point delaying.
Faust took his first mouthful-
…
Then found himself being shook awake from a dream.
"Faust? You're not answering me."
Mephisto was lightly nudging his shoulder.
"W-what?" He mumbled.
"I came to give my list."
Said object being waved in front of his face.
"You weren't answering."
Faust blinked.
"O-oh. Sorry, I was lost in thought." He took the file and added it to the others.
What happened?
Oddly enough, his body felt light. More than light- it felt invigorated. Like he had just had a good night's rest after all these years.
"By the way, FrostNova said she was going to accompany you on your next visit to the Fuyuki Clinic."
Faust faced Mephisto.
"What for?"
"Something about making it clear that nobody should step out of line. Having not one- but two commanders overlooking the first few days of treatment should put the message out."
"I see…"
There was more to it than that. FrostNova was part of the second faction within the Reunion. One that was not entirely loyal to Talulah. If this was their method of scouting the clinic, then Faust would not stop it.
The Fuyuki Clinic would prove themselves trustworthy.
"By the way, what did you eat? It smells amazing." Mephisto looked at the empty wooden box in his hands.
"Err…I'm not exactly sure."
Mephisto raised an eyebrow at him.
"It's a new dish, ok. I don't know the name either."
"Since when were you into trying new food? You rarely eat more than the bare minimum."
"It was an in-the-moment thing, ok?"
"Uh-huh, sure."
"Shut up, you."
Author's Note
I really wasn't expecting this fanfic to blow up so fast. 200 followers only from the first chapter?! You people are mad.
Answering some questions.
Err, I guess Shirou, Rin, and Sakura are the only humans in Terra. "Humans" haven't been mentioned once. All species are just humanoid with characteristics of races like angels, devils, dragons, cats, rats, etc. So no, nobody knows that the trio are "homo sapien". I still need to think of a way to deal with that since they don't exist in Terra.
As for Terra's version of "will of the planet", I would say no. The "Planet's Will" does not exist in Arknights (as far as I know). I don't know the cause for Oripathy either so I will continue with the crappy reason that nobody knows.
As much as possible I will be following Arknights lore here since this is Arknights universe. We will still be applying small-scale Fate logic, but only for the trio. So we're going to make sure they fuck around and find out.
No, I'm not shipping Sakura and Faust here. This fic takes place 10 years after the Holy Grail War so the Fuyuki trio's ages (26-27) and mentality are more in line with the Arknights story and characters. If anything, I'm building Sakura into an older sister Faust never had. Gotta get them brownie points. Of course, this has effects on the plot later down the line.