Hello everyone, KaleidoMirror here!. I can't believe it's been over two years without updates, but I must say that there came a point in life where I had some goals to complete, and currently, we are making progress and achieving each one of them. So, I'm really glad to be back with you all.
Once again, KaleidoMirror makes an appearance. I'm a passionate and dreamy storyteller who has been weaving tales since time immemorial. Now, with a creative heart that beats to the rhythm of words, I invite you to explore the bounds of imagination and take readers on exciting literary journeys.
With that said, I present my new proposal, and I hope you like it. Without further ado, I'll see you until the next opportunity...
For eons, since the dawn of existence, good and evil have been engaged in an eternal conflict. It's as if they were two titans colliding in a relentless cosmos, these opposing concepts have been portrayed throughout the river of history, amidst legends and myths forgotten by the sands of time. They have been depicted in such an abstract manner, much like yin and yang within the human worldview.
The concept of good represents virtue and innocent altruism, capable of lighting up hearts and guiding souls toward a noble purpose. However, in its blinding radiance, it can never truly separate from the shadow that will always be in dual harmony with its steps.
The concept of evil embodies a voracious and tempting shadow, whispering in minds and luring the lost into darkness. Yet, within its endless abyss, there exists a glimmer of redemption capable of bringing and restoring the balance that we all possess.
In this eternal clash of powers and ideas, the most epic stories and the most transcendent destinies were woven. Good and evil, two sides of the same coin, are the pillars that uphold the moral universe. The lingering question is whether they will ever find equilibrium or continue their eternal struggle on the vast stage of existence.
From a distance, it was difficult to explain what had happened, but the outcome was evident: a deafening chaos. The sky, once starry and serene, had lost its ethereal beauty and was now a whirlwind of colors foretelling horrors that would plunge the world into madness.
The feeble stars barely blinked, like distant fireflies. The moon hid behind a gigantic cubic structure floating above the ruins of Ainsworth Manor. This construction radiated unparalleled divinity and mystery, its origins dating back to a lost era in time; undeniably, it was not the work of human hands. It had been bestowed upon its primordial owner, Pandora, who, driven by her innate curiosity, committed the sin of opening the box that unleashed the worst calamities, plagues never before seen, which infused every human creature with wickedness and despair.
The megalithic edifice, partially concealed among dark clouds, took on a new hue, surrounded by flames and eruptions of pitch and magma, unleashing sinister fires. In that instant, guttural and thunderous roars emerged from the mire, causing the earth to groan in agony. Heart-rending moans and ghostly lamentations pierced the air as the gates of the abyss were shattered.
From the overflowing mire, hordes of creatures in the form of living nightmares emerged. Their twisted and grotesque forms moved with ruthless ferocity, leaving destruction in their wake. Their bloodshot eyes burned with an insatiable thirst for chaos, devoid of humanity. They left belligerent trails, contaminating everything with a nauseating smell of sulfur and decay, a constant reminder of the looming threat over humanity.
The die was cast, the outcome determined, there was no salvation. Amidst overwhelming darkness and relentless chaos, the opening of Pandora's Box had unleashed a storm of destruction that devoured everything that was once beautiful and orderly in the world.
The icy wind whipped against his face, but he hardly noticed. Shirou Emiya, appearing much older than his youthful visage suggested, now bore the weight of profound changes he had undergone in the past few hours. This transformation, so striking in his personality and physique, was difficult to express.
Nevertheless, his will remained unbroken. He pressed forward with determination in a cold and dark world, with hesitant steps that made the snow crunch beneath his feet. The sound barely registered in his mind, eclipsed by the storm of emotions tormenting him.
His thoughts circled in a vicious loop, his unease spreading like an icy cloak. Just hours ago, he had been locked in a desperate battle, an unjust and suicidal confrontation where he had risked his life with every blow. Now, he faced the harsh reality of his defeat, accepting his tragic fate that loomed over him.
The landscape around him mirrored his mood. Twisted trees and the ruins of the Ainsworth mansion rose like specters in the gloom, while the faint moonlight cast sinister shadows that seemed to lurk. The silence was suffocating, broken only by the whisper of the wind and the crunch of his steps.
Shirou could feel death in the air, an ominous presence surrounding him. Each breath reminded him of his fragility and the proximity of madness. His emotions were raw, like an open wound that refused to stop bleeding.
He paused for a moment and looked back, only to find a trail of destruction and despair. The remnants of battle lay scattered in the snow, mute witnesses to his defeat. There was nothing left to fight for; his strength had not been enough. Even with all the power of Archer's Class Card, he had made no difference. His friend Julius had sacrificed his life in a futile attempt to confront Darius Ainsworth, whose power had taken possession of his body. The memory of his sacrifice haunted him, reminding him of his own powerlessness.
The attempt to use the combined power of the Class Cards had been pathetic, and the opening of Pandora's Box had condemned humanity. Still, Shirou held onto hope of finding Miyu alive and saving her.
With a sigh of resignation, Shirou Emiya continued his journey into the darkness that loomed over him. On this last night of humanity, cold and death were his companions, but they were not entirely unfamiliar to the red-haired man. These presences had never left his side for over four years. Their weight in his life had been slightly dissolved when he was rescued by his adoptive father, Kiritsugu Emiya. But the magus killer's attempt to save him had only delayed the inevitable. This reality was reinforced when his path as a "Hero of Justice" was presented to the childlike view of the world.
But cracks had finally emerged between his ideals and the guilt from his past that had never left him. In the midst of this crossroads, the thorns among the roses bled as he had to decide whether to continue with his ideal, tearing apart his dreams, or to persevere, keeping the icy memories intact within his fraternal bond with Miyu, upholding the childish promise between them.
Shirou knew he had to transform himself and follow a different path. Turbulent emotions consumed him, but he could no longer resist. He accepted his imminent fate, knowing that he had come to the edge of his own death, which now lurked alongside a world that had become his personal nightmare.
The darkness of the room enveloped Miyu as she lay in silence, unable to distinguish between wakefulness and sleep. Her captivity had endured for so long that hope had become a distant memory.
She had remained on the sidelines of the brutal battle between Shirou and Darius, a helpless witness on the stage. Despite possessing the power of the Class Cards, she couldn't use it properly to support her brother. Each attempt resulted in an overwhelming confrontation against Beatrice Flowerchild, using the power of the Berserker Class Card. Her expression reflected a mix of emotions as she remembered that confrontation and her own limitations.
"It's all my fault," she whispered with a broken voice. "I was trapped in the middle of all this, but I couldn't do anything to help Shirou. I saw his pain and worry when I was kidnapped. I abandoned him because of my weakness. My brother fought alone against the chaos, but in the end, he couldn't change anything."
Miyu lamented what had happened. She had been cruelly taken away from the battlefield by Beatriz against her will. The girl taunted her, emphasizing her inability to help Shirou. Miyu had risked everything, using all her magical power in a desperate attempt to escape and witness the outcome of the battle. She had seen the intensity of the fight but felt powerless to make any difference.
Amid traces of despair, she couldn't stop tear after tear from streaming down her cheeks, blaming herself and feeling inadequate to offer meaningful support to Shirou. She remembered looking at her brother's back one last time, valiantly fighting for her, attempting to confront Darius but being completely futile. Both she and Shirou were fully aware of the overwhelming levels of power exuded from Julius's body, which now transformed into Darius, threatening to relentlessly increase with each passing second, leaving her brother in a downward spiral of despair.
"Shirou... he's suffering because of me. I shouldn't be here," she murmured, accepting her new reality. "It's all my fault. If only I were stronger."
Miyu clenched her small fists and trembled, trapped in her helplessness. The clash of swords and explosions of energy in the distance still echoed in her ears, intensifying her sense of despair.
"If only I could do something to stop this nightmare," she whispered in anguish. "But I'm so weak, so insignificant."
A lump formed in her throat as she watched Darius taunting Shirou after his victory. From her position, she noticed the wounds on her brother's body, worsening with each attempt to get up.
"Shirou... I gave everything I had, but I couldn't protect you," she sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "How did I let this happen?"
Despair was like a blanket that couldn't be shaken off as she watched Darius boast of his victory. Gives orders to Beatriz to lock her away before disappearing in a swift magical movement, reappearing alongside Pandora. The container of the Gods received him with a robotic nod before accepting the box from Darius.
It was only a fleeting moment, but the cubic artifact began to glow with various shades of a sickening and deep dark tone. Then it exploded with massive amounts of magical energy while simultaneously expanding to gigantic dimensions in the night sky. It became a monolithic monument that shone with strange engravings and ancient runes, representing the end of humanity. Its sides were slowly parted, emanating from its interior the deepest sense of depravity and evil. Miyu struggled within the grip of the Berserker, the prelude to finding herself in the front row and feeling that the world she knew was crumbling around her, and her helplessness became almost unbearable.
Miyu closed her eyes and whispered silently as she recovered in the vast room. She was in complete stillness, with her hands intertwined in an innocent prayer, expressing her devotion and longing for a miracle in this seemingly doomed world. Although her desire to save it was admirable, she knew that salvation was a futile illusion at this point. Miyu was aware that it was all over, and resignation enveloped her.
However, she couldn't give up, nor did she wish to die. As a last will, she thought of her older brother, Shirou. She tried to emulate his decisions, finding some hope in thinking that this is what he would have done for her. Although she sometimes lied to herself, imagining that it was all a bad dream and that she would soon wake up in tears, embraced by Shirou as they prepared a cheerful breakfast and shared childish laughter.
But her thoughts oscillated between despair and resignation until a soft whisper in the distance broke the oppressive silence of the room. It was a name she had heard in her dreams, a name that held deep meaning but was difficult to express.
"Shirou..." she murmured softly, as if mentioning that name could bring him back. She had learned to trust that voice, to wait for it as if it were a beacon in the midst of the storm.
At that moment, the door of her cell creaked open, and a familiar figure entered the room, taking slow and unsteady steps. It was Shirou Emiya, the source of her despair and worry. With his characteristic red hair and golden eyes filled with determination, he appeared as a savior in the darkness, as in most of her dreams. Miyu didn't know how to respond, but it didn't take long for her to get out of bed and run towards him, without caring about her childish appearance.
Despite being six years old, Shirou took her in his arms to comfort her. As if time had stopped for both of them, the sibling bond they shared was unbreakable, and the sense of closeness and permanence was evident. In that moment, they understood the meaning of their long-awaited reunion.
This reunion meant more than a reason to fight.
For Miyu, who had undergone a drastic change since joining the Emiya family, both physically and emotionally, she began to understand the nature of her relationship with Shirou. The sibling bond they shared had been renewed, and memories of their lost past were once again present.
As if the tiny spark of hope that had kept her heart burning all this time of uncertainty exploded with great intensity, refusing to be extinguished despite all the adversities. It was evident that joy and relief deeply permeated her gaze as she looked at Shirou's face, but it also meant carrying a new weight between them, so she made a solemn promise. Miyu decided to bear some of the responsibility for taking care of Shirou, which now rested on her small shoulders.
For Shirou, deep in his mind, he had been contemplating the promise of freedom he had made to his beloved sister. His thoughts were like the flames of a candle on a dark night, shining with the intensity of his commitment. During his journey through the ruins of Ainsworth Castle, he kept remembering the whispered words in a moment of desperation and hope. As her older brother, he had always remained true to his words.
The promise of a world where both of them could be free from the shadows of the past.
At that moment, the promise had become his guide through the darkness and had led him to Miyu. He was more than a brother; he was her savior, willing to risk everything for her.
Promising solemnly to rise as many times as necessary tirelessly to make that shared dream come true because he knew that Miyu's freedom was his reason for being.
Miyu couldn't help but let tears fill her eyes, not of sadness, but of gratitude and love for the man who had rescued her from her prison. Without the need for words, Shirou extended a hand to her, and Miyu took it firmly. It was a simple gesture but laden with meaning, conveying more emotions than words could express.
In that moment, both knew that the path ahead would be difficult and dangerous, but they were willing to face it together. The bond between them had grown even stronger, and they shared a hug as a symbol of their siblinghood. They both understood what they meant to each other: hope, love, and the determination to overcome any challenge that came their way.
In the midst of the night, only the frigid wind and the distant snow were visible. The warm rays of the sun were but a distant memory, but that no longer mattered. Everything had come to an abrupt end. From the dark horizon, a blanket of shadows spread across the land, devouring all-natural and artificial light relentlessly. The descending darkness was not ordinary or man-made, but its malevolent nature was undeniable. That night marked the world's conclusion, the twilight of life on the planet amidst a black abyss that seemed to emerge from humanity's deepest nightmares.
All that was known was lost in the darkness. The streets, once bustling with life, turned into gloomy, abandoned deserts. Buildings rose as monuments to forgetfulness, with broken windows reflecting silent agony. The trees, once green and lush, withered and bent under the weight of darkness.
The shadows writhed and contorted as if they were living entities, dancing to the rhythm of macabre music that could only be heard in the hearts of the straggling survivors. Cries of anguish and desperation filled the air but were drowned out by the roar of a cold, merciless wind.
In the midst of this nightmare, the world seemed to crumble. The ground cracked and tore, releasing sulfurous vapors that poisoned the air, competing with the snow and ice. The sky was completely hidden by a dense layer of black, twisted clouds, as if the gods themselves had abandoned the Earth.
On the horizon, infernal flames emerged, advancing with fury and speed, rising to great heights and consuming everything in their path. Fire devoured entire cities, reducing them to ashes in the blink of an eye. The smell of burning mixed with stifling heat and the stench of organic decay.
In this world on the brink of the abyss, humanity fought for its survival, but darkness was an unrelenting enemy. Hearts were filled with terror and despair as hell unleashed itself on Earth. It was the end of the world, and there was no refuge to hide, no hope to cling to.
The torment of their world's downfall loomed over them like an inescapable nightmare. The wind howled in a whisper, carrying desolation and coldness with it, while the lament of a dying world echoed in the ears of both siblings.
Standing on the ruins of the tallest tower of what was once the Ainsworth mansion, they watched as everything perished before their eyes. They clutched each other's hands tightly, as if that contact could shield them from the inevitable. The siblings were trapped in a vortex of despair as the ominous energy of Pandora's Box enveloped them, inexorably dragging them toward their imminent fate.
The hearts of the siblings beat with fear and anxiety, their fingers interlocked as their last comfort. Shirou felt a heavy burden on his shoulders; the feeling of having failed in his duty to protect Miyu tormented him. Before intervening and attempting to save her, he had decided to give up his ideal of justice and renounce the shadow and legacy of Kiritsugu, his adoptive father.
All memories of his adoptive father had been so important to him, but his promise to Miyu, everything had blended into a mixture of emotions in the midst of the darkness. However, now none of that mattered. He had shifted his perspective on what lay ahead, his present, his self, all his thoughts revolved around protecting his younger sister.
Yet now he realized that his sacrifice might not be enough to face what the end of the world held for them.
"I'm sorry, Miyu," he whispered, his words barely audible amid the chaos's roars. "I couldn't... I couldn't keep my promise."
Miyu, despite her young age, held onto Shirou's hand tightly, conveying calm and hope amidst the chaos. Although both shed tears, they were different tears. Miyu tried to show courage and hope, while Shirou felt helplessness and determination. Both shared an unbreakable bond, a fraternal connection that gave them strength in their darkest hour.
Deep within the hearts and souls of both siblings, a small light held them.
Without the need for words, Shirou held Miyu's hands more tightly, making a silent promise deep within himself. It was a vow to do whatever it took to keep her safe. Miyu, looking into her brother's eyes, could feel the mix of feelings emanating from him. Their connection intensified, strengthening their fraternal bond.
In complete silence, Miyu sought refuge in Shirou's embrace, holding onto each other's hands as they prayed in the midst of their premature end. Even as the world was being consumed by an abyss, she felt happiness, finally understanding her older brother's thoughts about her. She knew that Shirou genuinely wished for her happiness above all else, and that filled her with gratitude. Despite the misfortunes they had suffered, they had found a home in each other, a family that shared a bond stronger than blood.
Wishing there was a chance to start over and begin a new life, she was determined to do her best, with the desire to secure a place for both of them to belong together and call a new home.
In that moment of darkness and fear, they found mutual support that transcended words. Both siblings embraced each other fraternally, expressing their protection and love in the face of their imminent end. It was an embrace filled with promises and the certainty that they would be together, facing whatever challenges awaited them.
At that moment, Pandora's Box unleashed all its power, releasing a wave of destructive energy that threatened to consume everything in its path. The atmosphere subtly changed, and the darkness momentarily dissipated, allowing the siblings to look up, although they didn't fully understand what was happening.
Their mutual, selfless, and profound display of affection allowed their wishes to intertwine in a way that had never been seen since the dawn of humanity. Their connection as siblings and their final act of bravery triggered a response from the power of Elpis. A protective barrier surrounded them, and before them, a translucent figure took shape, radiating a mysterious and divine light.
A strange power emerged in response to their desire.
This strange power responded to their wishes, taking the form of the ancient Goddess, Elpis, the embodiment of hope. She materialized before them, bathing them in a bright and divine light. Although they didn't fully understand what was happening, both siblings were enveloped by the magical presence of this ancient goddess, who welcomed them with maternal love.
Changes in Shirou were subtle, but his hidden Class Card among his clothes intermittently shone, creating a new opportunity in his predetermined destiny. The connection between his past, present, and future intertwined in a unique way, and his bond with Avalon, the symbol of his determination and sacrifice, responded to Elpis's light in a perfect symphony. Finally, the sheath regained some of its former radiance before hiding within Shirou's soul.
Miyu's changes were also subtle, but one of the hidden Class Cards in her clothing shone brightly before intermittently dimming, strengthening her innate and latent powers. Her eyes radiated a serene and fleeting brightness, and her heart beat with a strange and burgeoning power.
Both siblings were unaware of these changes, but the Goddess of Hope looked at them with love and conveyed words of warmth and salvation. She tried to negate the traces of black smoke and malevolent presences that emerged from their souls, restraining and controlling them with her previous actions.
The siblings felt that the origin of their souls resonated in response to the goddess, creating a unique and discordant bond between the three of them. It was as if it were a complex emotional amalgam perceptible only to them, a truth that was revealed from the depths of their hearts.
Every sense of soul, spirit, essence, psyche, sensitivity, feeling, will, intelligence, imagination, memory, consciousness, understanding was visible to each other.
In complete silence, the goddess welcomed them with open arms, conveying a sense of love, permanence, and protection. She represented the ultimate refuge from the world's hardships, with the silent promise to light their way in this life and the next.
"Shirou, your love and sacrifice for your Miyu have not gone unnoticed. You have given everything for her, even your own ideals and legacy. In this moment of darkness, remember that your promise to protect Miyu resonates with the heart of this Goddess. Your determination and the flame of your spirit do not fade; they are more alive than ever. Accept my sincere gift to carry on with courage. Your path still stretches ahead, and together you will find light in the darkness."
"Miyu, a source of light in the face of adversity, your courage and the strength of your heart are admirable. Despite the difficulties, you have understood your older brother's fraternal love. Your desire to find a place to call home is a longing shared by Elpis. The goddess blesses you with the hope of a new beginning. As you awaken to your true power, remember that you are never alone. Your brother Shirou is by your side, and together, you will forge a destiny filled with light and hope."
Unfortunately for both siblings, the words of encouragement from the Goddess of Hope couldn't be understood yet; it wasn't the right time, but they would understand in due course.
Finally, the translucent form of the goddess changed into that of a small golden scale, wavering hesitantly. Ethereal objects appeared and disappeared intermittently on the scale's pans. Two small orbs gleamed before gently entering the siblings' bodies, and the scale also vanished as quickly as it had appeared. This was the Goddess of Hope, Elpis's, last gift before gazing from the world's void and praying for the siblings' destiny.
The power of the Goddess of Hope responded to the wishes of the Emiya siblings in its purest and noblest form, enveloping them in an explosion of divine light that transported them to another world.
Here is KaleidoMirror at the farewell of this prologue. If you have been inspired by the stories of KaleidoMirror and wish to join this exciting creative journey, consider supporting their work through my. Your support will help make new projects and exciting collaborations in the future possible.
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P at reo n, KaleidoMirror.
With nothing more to add, I hope you enjoy this new beginning. Until the next chapter!