Disclaimer: I own nothing in this fanfiction.
Chapter XVIII: Balor Birugderc
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Footsteps echoed in the silence of the empty church. The new day came with new problems for the priest named Kotomine Kirei. He didn't expect Saber's Master to actually break the rules on the first night. He knew he would challenge his authority, but not this quickly and blatantly. It was almost rude.
Now the higher ups back in the Holy Lands were alerted, and he did not want them to send anyone over. That would be unfortunate for his plans.
The door of the side passage into the main hall slowly swung open, allowing Kirei's figure to pass through.
"..."
The priest froze in place upon looking ahead into the passage. There was a huge pile of swords, treasures, gold, and even books and stone tablets stacked on the side of the hallway. A visibly frustrated Gilgamesh was rumbling through the piles as if looking for something.
"What are you standing around for, Kirei?" Gilgamesh snapped at the priest, anger clear in his tone, "Don't you have better things to do?"
There was something unusual about the pile of treasures. Kirei could sense the presence of that dark entity which resided within the Grail. He could sense traces of its taint, which would probably be very bad if it leaked into the King's treasury.
Kirei swallowed a thick feeling of danger before extending his arm forward. A murky sound was heard from one of the books before the black liquid which was all too familiar to both the Servant and the priest emerged from between its pages and floated over to the priest. It wasn't much, just about a handful of the murky substance. With a flick of Kirei's finger, it disappeared.
"I shan't ask what caused this, my king. But if you would entertain my curiosity…"
Gilgamesh dismissed the rest of his treasures back into his treasury. Sensing that Gate of Babylon was once again functional.
"All of this is because of you, Kirei." Gilgamesh accused with a frown on his face, "Had you properly killed the Homunculus wife of Saber's Master from the last Holy Grail War, she wouldn't have had the chance to merge with the Grail's curses and survive."
A raised eyebrow, then an amused smile from Kirei. He was certain he had killed that woman, there was no way she survived. So the revelation that she did made him feel some joy, after all. It meant that he wasn't the only one.
"I offer you my humblest apologies. If you want, I can track her down and kill her again."
The golden king only scoffed at his words, "I have no need to track her down. If I wanted to, I could've killed her during our first encounter. I just spared her life because keeping her alive can make this Holy Grail War that much less dull and boring."
Yes indeed. Leaving a wild card like her alive can only be beneficial to their plan. Kotomine understood why the king would allow her to survive.
"As expected of a King's wisdom." Nodded the priest, "Your majesty's foresight knows no bounds."
"Hah, don't waste precious time on empty flattery, fool." Gilgamesh's response came out scoldingly, "You have pawns to manipulate."
Reminded of his true destination, Kotomine only bowed slightly before making his way towards the main hall of the church, withholding an empty smile on his face.
Surely enough, Tohsaka Rin and Bazett Fraga McRemitz were both waiting for him. As he learned, Tohsaka's new 'accomplice' was able to defeat Berserker with their help. It was a shame he wasn't able to make it this morning.
"Kirei!" Rushed the brunette with an impatient expression on her face, "Tell me what's happening, hurry! The Matou mansion was really razed to the ground?"
Kotomine looked at her with his trademark hollow smile, he knew exactly the source of her torment.
"Yes."
He watched amusedly as her expression dropped, as if frozen, she just stood there until Bazett stepped forward and cleared her throat.
"Any casualties?"
Ah, Bazett. Always the joykill. The priest sighed and furrowed his brows before shaking his head, "No bodies were found within the confines of the burnt down residence, but a decomposing human corpse was found halfway between the ruins and the Emiya Mansion. After examining it personally, it seems to belong to Matou Shinji."
That seemed to bring some life back to the frozen Tohsaka. She looked up at the priest, biting on her own tongue.
"I sometimes forget that you're such a twisted bastard." She paused then took a deep breath, "Then? I don't assume you called for us just to tell us this?"
The priest smiled, raising both arms to his sides, "While your comment does hurt my feelings, I will refrain from talking about personal matters at the moment." Earning a couple of rolled eyes, he continued, "It's as both of you might be expecting. Emiya Shirou must be stopped. If he continues wreaking havoc and doing as he pleases, then not only does he threaten to reveal the Moonlit World to the public, but also attract the attention of unwanted forces."
There was a sudden tension in the air. Every word that came out of Kotomine's mouth was emphasized as if he meant it. A far cry from his usual unsettling attitude.
"We'll do it." Announced Rin in response, pure determination on her face, "Me and Shiki I mean. Of course, you're welcome to join us as well, Bazett."
Lancer's Master was quiet. It was unusual of Kirei to act like this, even under such circumstances. She pondered the situation a little before speaking, addressing the younger Master.
"I'll join in. The more we are in numbers, the faster Saber goes down."
"Ah. Allow me to add one further piece of information." Responded the priest, "A little bird told me that Rider and her Master are with Saber and her Master. They still haven't made a move yet, but it is rather suspicious of them to join the Master who broke the rules in his house."
Rin's face paled in shock, "Y-You mean, Sakura is…" her eyes only widened further when the priest nodded back at her, "But that's impossible! Sakura would never—"
She stopped herself. Realizing her behavior doesn't really fit the situation.
"Please calm yourself, Tohsaka-san." The older Master placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, "We'll get to the bottom of this."
A few moments passed while they discussed what happened yesterday. Both the Masters told their version of the events, leaving out some details on purpose not to expose Bazett's ownership of Fragarash or Shiki's Mystic Eyes. Not to even mention the involvement of the Fifth.
The priest furrowed his brows and stared at the two with annoyed curiosity, "If I understood correctly, both of you alongside Archer were fighting off the army of monsters outside, while Tohno Shiki went in with Caster and Lancer to confront Berserker?"
"That's right. He ended up being the one dealing the final blow to Berserker while both Servants created a chance for him and we held off the minions." Responded Rin dismissively, "He'll be passing by soon to get his Command Seal, Kirei. You better keep your end of the bargain."
"How curious." Was Kotomine's response before simply nodding and revealing a smile, "Seems he took my words to heart, Rin."
A tiny blush appeared on the brunette's face before stomping the ground furiously, "Oh you! This has nothing to do with that!"
Visible confusion on Bazett's side as she just sighed, "Can we just focus on the important matters now?"
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Tap, tap, tap…
The glasses-wearing teen descended down the stairs hazily. His mind clouded at his own desires.
My wish… Is it bad?
No, of course it wasn't. It was a natural desire. Caster wasn't some legendary hero who killed dragons or conquered continents. She was just a young woman who didn't get to experience life for herself because her life was cut short. A world where she doesn't get her wish would be messed up.
"Oh Tohno-kun, come, have a seat."
As he stepped into the kitchen, his eyes landed upon the figure of Lancer, wearing an apron over her skintight battlesuit. She glanced at him and smiled as she poured some Miso soup into a bowl and brought it to the table, which was already set up with a proper classic Japanese breakfast. There was steamed rice, steak, and even some boiled eggs.
In short, this breakfast looked like something Archer would prepare. It made Shiki wonder if having culinary skills is one of the requirements of becoming a Servant.
The rumbling of his stomach woke him up from his shock, so the young Master obeyed and sat on the chair by the table.
"Help yourself. I don't exactly remember if I did cook Japanese food during my lifetime or if the knowledge was just given to me by the Grail, but I tried my best. I hope it is to your liking."
Lancer's sweet words made Shiki feel somewhat embarrassed, scooping up some of the rice with his chopsticks, he dug in.
The rice was cooked well, the Miso soup tasted perfect, and the steak was well done. The glasses-wearing teen was honestly surprised at the quality. He continued eating with great hunger, as if he hadn't had a bite in days.
Scáthach watched him dig in with a pleased expression. She had ulterior motives, but seeing her cooking get appreciated made her feel good.
Flashes of hazy memories reflected upon her crimson eyes. Memories of countless lifetimes that she might've lived as an immortal sovereign, a mother, and a wife to many. The memories were like lost fragments of a puzzle with no real answer. As she herself had no idea whether she actually lived those lives or not.
The sound of Shiki placing down the bowl of Miso soup on the table shook her from her dazed state.
"Thank you for the food, Lancer. You really didn't have to go out of your way to make it."
He expressed with sincere gratitude, wiping his mouth with a towel.
Lancer smiled and shook her head.
"You are welcome. Tohno-kun, I hope you enjoyed your food."
Shiki couldn't lie. Sharing a moment like this with Lancer was kind of wholesome, but then the realization that he had to deal with Lancer too at some point stole that from him as well.
"..."
He kept silent as he stared at the empty dishes in front of him. But then, the queen of shadows did the unthinkable.
Feeling something soft wrap around his shoulders, his head leaned back against the warmth of her embrace. Shiki tried to struggle, but he felt different. There was no sense of 'dirtiness' in this strange hug. It was almost motherly if anything.
"You're hurting. Aren't you?"
Lancer asked, but it was more of a statement than anything. Shiki's left ear and cheek were brushed by her soft hair as she spoke.
"..."
No response. He couldn't answer because if he did, it would only come back to bite him later.
Sensing the teen's discomfort, the queen of shadows slowly withdrew herself and turned to face him.
"I took Master's permission to tell you a few things about myself and yourself too."
She stated as she leaned on the table and looked at the silent Shiki, "Why or how doesn't matter. You'll understand once you hear me out. Are you ready?"
All of a sudden, there was a different air about the conversation. It turned from Lancer trying to comfort him, to being somewhat scolding towards him.
Shiki's curiosity was mixed with confusion, but it was curiosity nonetheless. He nodded, still looking at the woman who shared the appearance of the Fifth Magician.
"Very well. Listen carefully."
Lancer's expression grew serious as she spoke, "My True Name is Scáthach. Queen of the Hunt and Ruler of the Land of Shadows. Lost in the pages of history, only a few Celtic legends even mention my name, remembered solely for being the mentor of Ireland's child of light. My deeds during my life were many, I have hunted down and killed gods, the undead, and demonic entities. And during my very long time in this world, I have only heard of eyes as powerful as yours once before."
The young man was just staring at her, his confusion doubled and tripled. He hadn't a clue what she was talking about other than her name was Scáthach, and she was a total badass during her lifetime. The image of Lancer fighting some eldritch horror came to his mind but he shook it off abruptly, trying to focus on what the Servant was telling him.
"You know… about my eyes?"
Of course she did. She was the one who helped fix his glasses when they were starting to give up on him. When he remembered that, he slapped himself figuratively.
"What do you know about my eyes…?" Shiki asked hesitantly, not really knowing where this conversation was going.
The queen of shadows snapped. A hum was heard from the side of the room as a very out of place door just… Spawned in. It seemed ancient, and had runic symbols on its frame.
"Come then." Lancer beckoned him to follow, opening the door and walking into what was, seemingly, the literal manifestation of the abyss.
Shiki just stood there for a moment, contemplating his life choices. Could his time in this world get any more outlandish? Well, if Lancer wanted him dead, she could've killed him a thousand times since they first met, and he was really curious about where this was going… So, he approached the door reluctantly.
It was really pitch black on the other side of the frame, but his contemplation was cut short as Lancer grabbed and pulled the young man into the darkness. The next moment he found himself in an extremely old ruin of what seemed like an underground tomb. There was a nip in the air, but the warmth emitted by the torches battled it well. Despite the decrepit nature of this place, it also seemed well kept somehow, there was no dust on the ground or the countless coffins which walled the area up to the ceiling.
"..." Shiki could only stare in awe at the ancient architecture. Lancer circled around, checking and refilling some of the ritualistic lanterns with oil before approaching the teen with a proud smile on her face.
"Congratulations young man, you're the first living person to have set foot in the land of Shadows and survive for a very long time." Scáthach spoke as if she was praising him, but his confusion prevented him from enjoying her praise.
"Um…" He stammered over his words sheepishly, "What is happening, Lancer…?"
"Nothing much. To demonstrate what I'm going to tell you, I brought you to my Ancestral Tomb in the Land of Shadows. Bear with me for a second and you'll understand everything."
Shiki wasn't really nervous, but this place sent some chills down his spine. It was an uneasy familiarity which he shouldn't feel.
Lancer stepped closer to a wooden chest in the corner of the room. Undoing some runes, she unlocked it and brought forth what looked to be a time-worn scroll. With dexterity, the Queen of Shadows unsealed the scroll and revealed its contents for Shiki's eyes to see.
The scroll contained a drawing that depicted the form of a large humanoid creature looming over a pantheon of other humanoid creatures. Scáthach took a moment to explain, "This is the legend of Balor, the Evil Eye." Pointing at the other creatures in the drawing, Lancer continued, "Evil Eye Balor was the deity of catastrophe. He single-handedly brought the Celtic pantheon to their knees, weakening the gods greatly. Tohno-kun, his eyes were referred to as Demonic Eyes of Direct Death."
"..." The young man kept silent as he gazed upon the scroll and listened to the Servant's words. He vaguely sensed where this conversation was going, but didn't realize the point of it yet.
Unfolding the scroll further revealed the giant god gazing upon a farming village, his eyes burning like a scorching sun in the sky. The next panel showed a depiction of the lines and points Shiki was all too familiar with being forced upon the village, the inhabitants running around in panic as their crops all withered away. Then, the last panel showed only the dead corpses of the villagers, their simple shacks rundown and empty.
"Listen, Tohno-kun. Demonic Eyes of Direct Death are the direct ancestors to your Mystic Eyes of Death Perception." Lancer stated as she rolled up the scroll and sealed it again, "That wouldn't normally matter, but in your case, it's crucial for you to know."
Shiki continued being at a loss for words, although he was following the Queen's lecture closely.
"Your eyes are continuously agitated by some other factor within you." Continued the Servant as she placed the scroll back in the chest and closed it, "They're not static, they're evolving."
"Evolving…" Shiki repeated with wide eyes, "That's why you enchanted my glasses, to stop them from breaking through their restrictions?"
"That's right." Announced Scáthach as she faced the young man and placed a hand on her waist, "But I'm afraid their evolution isn't just an increase in their magical potency, it's more of a metamorphosis."
Something clicked in Shiki's head. Divine Spirit-class Mystic Eyes which were evolving with every use, no wonder he felt like his brain was about to bust each time he used them.
"A metamorphosis…" The young man repeated, "You mean to say they'll eventually become Demonic Eyes of Direct Death?"
The idea was very unsettling. How would his body be able to handle the eyes of a God?
"Yes."
The confirmation only made him more nervous, "The abilities of the Demonic Eyes of Direct Death aren't just limited to perceiving the form of true Death. They actualize it with a mere gaze."
"Wait… You mean…" The idea wasn't unsettling anymore. It was straight up horrifying. "If I look at someone without restricting their abilities, that someone would just… Die?"
"Not just someone." The Queen of Shadows thinned her lips as she spoke, "Anything which you consider to be 'living' would be instantly 'killed'."
"... But… I…"
The shock was too great. However, before he could start to panic, Lancer interrupted him by tapping his chin once with her right palm.
The look on her face didn't say "I'm sorry". It was full of determination and a prideful smile, "Who do you think I am?" Asked the Queen of Shadows sarcastically, "I forged heroes once, helping a charming young man like you control a pair of Mystic Eyes should be child's play."
His cheeks flushed red at the compliment, before he lowered his face in visible conflict.
"Lancer-san…" he whispered, "Why? Why are you helping me? We're going to be enemies the moment the Holy Grail War resumes… And yet—"
"Because I want to." Responded Scáthach sharply and precisely, "Is that not enough reason?"
"..."
The glasses-wearing teen was stunned by her quick response. He could only stare at her as she placed a hand on her hip and brushed her hair over her shoulder.
"It's okay if you don't want to. I'm not going to force you to learn how to control your eyes, but if you do, now's the time. You won't find a better place to obtain mastery over the gaze of death than in the land of the dead." The Queen of Shadows smiled confidently as she spoke, "Make your choice. It'd be better to start now if you don't want to walk around with sealing bandages wrapped around your face for the rest of your life."
"..."
This wasn't even a matter of yes or no. If he doesn't learn to control his eyes, it might cost him dearly. But if he does, if he could regulate their power…
The thought of having Lancer teach him a method to control his eyes would've been very much appreciated earlier yesterday, but now that he knows he has to kill her afterwards. It just… felt wrong…
Sensing his hesitation, Scáthach sighed.
"What's your wish for the Grail?"
Shiki raised his head and looked at her as she crossed her arms over her chest and waited eagerly for his response.
"My wish…?" He repeated to himself, "It's a long story…"
"Well, spare me the details. Time works differently in the reverse side of the world."
To Shiki's surprise, the Queen of Shadows only snapped and two stone thrones emerged from the ground, directly underneath each of them. Shiki found himself sitting in front of her in this strange place. He couldn't lie, even his wildest dreams couldn't have foreseen such a thing to happen. Realizing he really had no other choice, he took a deep breath.
"So basically…"
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"Shirou."
Illya called out with a clearly fake calm expression, behind that face was a mountain of anger ready to be unleashed on her younger brother as she stood facing him, the unconscious Master and the two Servants, "You have a lot to explain."
She was ready to hear him make up some stupid excuse on why he was bringing an enemy Master to their house alongside their Servant, but to everyone's surprise. He simply walked past her and into the mansion proper.
"..."
Illya was speechless. She just froze in place as Saber did the same with minor reluctance, leaving only Rider carrying her Master.
The saint was also estranged by what just transpired, but she couldn't afford to ask questions. Bowing slightly to the albino girl, she followed after Shirou.
Furrowing her brows, Illya turned around and closed the door before scuttling off towards Shirou. |
"Hey." She called out to the redhead with an angry expression, "Wait a minute, what was that just now?"
Shirou finally turned to face her and smiled earnestly, "Sorry Illya! We're just in a hurry right now. Please wait a second."
Again, everyone was caught off-guard by his rapid change in demeanor. Even Saber widened her eyes in confusion. Just what was Shirou even thinking?
The redhead opened the door to the guest room and allowed Rider to take Sakura inside, preparing a futon and everything for the unconscious girl. Illya was left alone with Saber in the hallway.
"I'm going to take a bath." Announced the black knight, dismissing her armor to reveal her naked body underneath, before sliding the door to the bathroom open. Illya's bewilderment only grew further as Saber didn't seem to be the slightest bit ashamed of being naked in front of her, "Tell Shirou to call me if he needs anything."
And just like that, the bathroom's door closed with a thud, leaving only the albino girl in the hallway.
"..."
Blip Blop. A black mucus emerged from between the wooden planks of the floor and formed half a skull-mask on the ground next to Illya.
"Don't worry, Illya-chan. Your little brother has a lot on his mind right now. It's best you avoid talking to him right now."
It was Iri's soft voice that came from the mask on the ground. The girl clenched her fists and nodded in response to her mother's words, "That's right… But… It feels wrong, mama."
"Yes. It must be really painful seeing someone you care about ignore you." Continued the mask with a sympathetic voice, "But don't worry, dear. I have a great idea…"
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She was alone in a room she recognized all too well.
Why was she here? Who brought her here? And why does her body feel heavy?
"Why am I here?" She whispered, a cold breath left her mouth as she spoke. Was she moved here by Zouken? What did he do to her while she was unconscious?
The thought compelled her to leave the place immediately, but when she raised the sheets from above her body, she paused.
Staring at the mana-woven black dress she wore, her mind stopped working for a brief second before it resumed at maximum capacity. Her heartbeat suddenly jumped as conclusions began to draw in her imagination.
The last thing she remembered was meeting Kotomine by the door, then there was pain.
Lots and lots of pain. Her hand raised to her face when she noticed the command seals, or the lack thereof one.
Yes, that's right, she was forced to make Rider obey Shinji with a Command Seal… So, why is the contract back to her again? Did Shinji…
NO!
NONONONO!
She was in the Emiya household, in her senpai's house. Wearing a dress of pure magical energy, her contract with Rider renewed, and one of her Command Seals used up. What could have possibly gone wrong?
The door creaked causing the purple haired girl to jump in place, then it slid open revealing a sight that sent a shiver down her spine. Rider walked in alongside Shirou and a woman she never saw before, although the latter wore an exact copy of the same black dress Sakura was wearing.
"Master! You're awake! Thank the Lord you're alright!" Rider ran to her side as soon as she realized that Sakura was conscious again.
But this was wrong.
Why was Rider with Shirou like it was normal for servants to hang out with normal humans? Who is that new girl? And why is she wearing a dress that looks exactly like the one she's wearing?
"Good morning, Sakura." Shirou said.
No, this is certainly not happening, and he greets me normally like it's the most natural thing to him.
"Sakura? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Rider asked with an expression of worry clear on her face.
"N-No, I'm fine… But… What is going on?" Sakura finally spoke, stammering over her words.
A nightmare is what this is, this can't possibly be happening.
Rider didn't reply instantly, she hesitated before she attempted to speak, "Ah… That's—"
"I saved you." Shirou interrupted Rider with a straight face, causing Saber to snort. She hardly suppressed a laughter that would have burst from her deepest parts.
Rider's eyes widened, feeling betrayed and deceived.
"I'm sorry... What?" Sakura inquired again as blood began escaping her face, her heart beating louder than a drum.
"Yesterday I visited the Matou mansion looking for the Master of Rider. I originally intended to strike an alliance with the Matous, because the war now is too one sided, I expected to meet Shinji if he was still alive but instead, I discovered that the Manor was infested beyond my tolerance for vermin, and as token of our alliance-to-be, I purged it." Shirou explained matter-of-factly. Sakura froze at the explanation, her mind went blank as she listened.
"In the basement, I found you in a really bad shape. Saber got you out as Rider requested beforehand."
And just like that, everything in Sakura's mind shattered like glass.
"Oh, and to ensure that there were no stragglers, I completely removed the Matou Mansion from Miyama, and that black dress you're wearing? It's a gift from Saber here." Shirou pointed at Saber who nodded at her name being mentioned.
Her face paled like the snow, her eyes lost their color, and her shoulders slumped. Rider stared back at Shirou dumbfounded and enraged, to be even further angered by the passive grin on his face.
"...I see…" Sakura replied after a moment's silence.
"Sakura…?" Rider shook the girl with all her might but to no avail, the girl simply broke.
"So what's it gonna be, True Master of Rider?" Shirou broke the silence with his question.
Rider rushed forward to stand up to him but stopped halfway, as the mana burst emanating from Saber alerted her back to her senses.
There was nothing she could do. She already lost to Saber once, and fighting again would only risk Sakura's life.
"It's okay, Rider." Announced Sakura with an unreadable expression, her hair slowly lost its color again after having just regained it moments ago, "If Senpai wants an alliance, an alliance he will get."
The last bit of her words came out emphasized, as if they weren't really her own words. She herself didn't know where she got her resolve from, but there was no questioning it. A dark smile slowly drew across her face as she tilted her head slightly, her eyes slowly turning crimson, "Then, Senpai…" She spoke with a teasing tone that only drove Martha further into despair…
"Shall we begin~?"
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Author's Note:
Hello! Thank you for reading! Again you guys didn't disappoint with the reviews during the last two days. Thank you sm for your support! Let's talk about this chapter now. In Irish mythology, Balor or Balar was a leader of the Fomorians, a group of malevolent supernatural beings. He is often described as a giant with a large eye that wreaks destruction when opened. Balor takes part in the Battle of Mag Tuired, and is primarily known from the tale in which he is killed by his grandson Lugh of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He has been interpreted as a personification of the scorching sun, and has also been likened to figures from other mythologies, such as the Welsh Ysbaddaden and the Greek Cyclops. In fate, The eyes possessed by Balor, the ancient Celtic God of darkness and great-grandfather of Cú Chulainn. It is the predecessor of both the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception and Viy's Mystic Eyes of Clairvoyance, capable of actualizing the death of a target by just glaring at them. It could be considered his Authority. So, funnily enough Shiki Tohno has much more connection to Cú Chulainn than you might think. The Queen of Shadows developing an interest in him would be very much in character, despite what many might think. Anyways, I'm surprised no one tried to guess the Servant residing within Shiki yet, since you guys seem very interested in guessing the ending and everything. In any case, thank you for reading again, and I'll see you around soon hopefully!
Reviews corner!
Guest chapter 19 . Aug 30
I haven't had the opportunity to re-read from the beginning and another chapter is up! Good chap I love the three kingpins here.
Shiki for sure is the highlight for me he is the reason I want to read this fic again.
I don't know how Shirou still giving me goosebumps, I am beginning to think he's creepy. No Shirou! After so many years I am still a giant fan of classic Shirou, plus Tohsaka, madman Kirei and Illya!
Iris is shrouded with question marks not that they really matter if she is truly back for Illya…
Thanks for another post! Yup I enjoy it.
Author: Thank you so much for your encouragement, it helps a lot to keep me from burning up especially with so many things keeping me busy, I try to find the time to write more and improve my style. Thank you!
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Franklen165 chapter 1 . Sep 1
I want the second ending to happen
Author: No. It won't happen. Neither that one or the other ending. I'm not that predictable trust me ;)
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Sugoi chapter 20 . Sep 2
Damn, I really want to see the interactions between Anastasia and Shiki. I wouldn't mind the harem route.
Author: Oh hi! Fancy hearing from you again. Thanks for reading! The interactions that are being ignored right now are for good reason. Let's find out together the next couple of chapters Okay? Cheers!