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Fate/novissima Dissonance
Salvation - Moon Gazing
[THREE DAYS LATER…]
4/17/2029 Aalborg, Denmark Daytime - Cloudy
Third Person POV
Three days have passed since Logos has begun his plan to turn most of the people into undead-like beings with lesser intelligence. And with the dark clouds blocking off the sunlight and the whole area has become a bit foggy as a result. All cities in Denmark were thrown into a massive disarray as chaos has driven some people into madness. Looting, surviving, and scavenging whatever they can find. No one cannot contact the outside world now that the magical barrier has been placed. Even people tried to escape by sea but it proved useless as they would get evaporated in the process. So does the bird. And so here in the near desolate city of Aalborg were the group of survivors. Two of them, a wife and child were seen trying to hide in a small store that was barricaded. She was doing her best to take care of the young boy who is trying his best not to make any noise. But they hear the sound of a person who has been affected by the fog's influence. Yet, the fog only affects people whose despair reaches very low. But for them, they were simply trying to survive for a reason.
"Don't worry… It's going to be alright…" The mother said as she comforted him.
"Are… are they gone yet, mother-" The child was interrupted while trying to talk to his mother as they suddenly heard the windows being shattered as the man affected by the influence of the strange fog broke through the barricades as it sensed survivors as it groaned in hostility. "A-AAH!"
"NO! STAY BACK!" The woman shouted in fear as the man groaned once more as it was about to attack with his hands. She had to brace herself while hugging her child the moment he strikes…
[FWOOSH! STAB!]
Suddenly, the man stops as he bleeds out blue motes of prana out of the chest as it was caused by the blade. The blade then pulls out as the man falls to the floor and proceeds to disintegrate into ash. As it was over… the woman and child then looked at what happened where they looked at a young man who sheathed the long-bladed katana on his back. It was Jin, who has been surviving from Logos' machinations for the past three days.
"You alright?" Jin said to the woman as he lends out his hand. She was unsure but took it anyway as he helped her get up.
"T-Thank you, kind sir…" The woman said. "We've… We've been hiding here not too long ago after what happened to the city. Just what happened to these people…"
"We don't have much time to talk before more of the Akashics arrive. I need to take you somewhere safe. There's a lot more survivors hanging around here." Jin said to her as she was confused about what she said.
"The what?" The woman asked with her brows slightly raised in confusion.
"Agh… Me and my mouth running again…" Jin continued as he snapped out of it. "Look, we don't have much time. I'll take you to the church, the priest there will take care of you two. It's… a safe haven."
"The church… Alright, take us there if you know where it is." The woman said as she carried her young child.
"Good. Let's get going. And whatever you do… don't attract any attention." Jin said to her as she nodded as they would get going by leaving the store and finding the safest route back to the church… where the Overseer Karabo is residing.
Church, Aalborg, Denmark Daytime - Clear Skies
First Person POV
As time passed by, I managed to safely bring the woman and her child to the church… The same place where I summoned my Servants there on my first night. So, I opened the gates to allow them to pass on through, closing it soon after. And just as soon we entered inside the large church… I was greeted by tons of people… survivors. They were completely clueless and confused of why these Akashics have been running rampant all over the city… and potentially all over Denmark. And the people that turned into undead-like beings? I call them Akashics. But in truth… Heine was the one to give them a proper name. When we kill an Akashic, the body disintegrates into ash. Mindless, but they still desperately hold onto their humanity. And what caused this to happen was because of Logos. He failed to take control over me and thanks to my Servants, they managed to help me break free from this so-called destiny. And as the people here? They were remaining quiet as they were trying to hold onto this hope. Few were injured but Caster did take a role to help people by healing them. Though we're not allowed to reveal the secrets of magecraft, it's already long gone now that we can't leave this country. I told the woman to hang out here for now as I approached the man who had been looking after them.
"Father Karabo. I'm back." I said to the priest as he turned around to look at me despite his blindfold.
"And welcome back, Jin. I assume there was trouble on your way back?" Karabo asked me as I nodded.
"A bit. Managed to rescue a woman and her child. They were alone so I escorted them. No Akashics followed us on our way back here." I reassured him as he was rather pleased.
"I'm glad to hear it. Again, it has been a while since we last met on your first night. However, I'd like to continue the discussion away from these people. Would want them to know about the existence of magecraft… Aside from your Caster having the liberty to do so, that is." Karabo then looked at Caster who was tending the wounded man whose leg was injured as she was using her healing magic to cure that wound. I simply sighed about it.
"I know. I'll use a magecraft to make them forget this ever happened." I lied. "Let's continue our discussion in the room behind downstairs."
And so, we decided to enter through the door behind and headed downstairs where I first summoned my Servants. The basement here has been redecorated into a decent room with all sorts of furniture where I saw Heine, Rosalind, Yvette, and Saber hanging out here. Along with that mysterious white-haired woman with red eyes. I believed Karabo had introduced her to me before right after we used his church as a safe haven away from the Akashics. Her name is Ioviel. And apparently, she is an Einzbern homunculus destined to become a vessel for the Holy Grail. She's kind to us but still waits patiently ever since Logos stole the Holy Grail for his own ends. Sadly, the Holy Grail is useless without Ioviel since she is meant to sacrifice herself in order for the chalice to work. So perhaps god is aware of it and probably waiting for me… Damn it, this is confusing, my head hurts somehow.
"Master, you've returned." Saber said to me as he was seen using the camping stove to cook up the very same food.
Though it feels nice to be greeted by him again and again. Unfortunately, the home we have got thrashed up when the Akashics tried to attack us. Heine is unable to return to his room at the hotel now that electricity no longer works all throughout Denmark.
"Thanks, Saber." I replied to him as I looked at Heine. "Any progress on finding a way to turn these Akashics back into normal people again?"
"Unfortunately, no." Heine said as he shook his head in disappointment. "While I have asked your Caster to help experiment this theory… She tried to heal an Akashic through means of curing but… turns out it was no use."
"And let me guess, you had to kill it." I asked as he seemingly admitted it.
"Of course, there was no other way. However, my sister is still trying to get used to this place." Heine said as he looked at his sister who was sitting next to him in order to remain calm but afraid despite the atmosphere here in this basement. However, Ioviel would stand up to look at me.
"Father, Karabo? Is it okay if I can talk to Jin?" Ioviel asked him as he sighed but accepted it.
"Very well. Just take your time as much as you need. I will be checking the survivors here to see if they are doing fine." Karabo said to us as he would turn around and head out to the door. Now, it's just us without the priest around. Since he's rather a busy man. So, me and Ioviel would begin our talk of what now.
"Jin, you understand the predicament you're placed in, don't you?" Ioviel said to me as my mood shifted to something more serious…
"Yeah… Logos is holding the Holy Grail hostage. It seems he's waiting for my arrival somewhere in Denmark. He failed to break my will and decided to break others instead in order to lure me out." I continued. "But… don't you know where the Grail is?"
"I do. I can still sense it even if it's far. But this Logos you speak of… that god has not moved for the last three days." Ioviel said as I scratched the back of my head.
"Man, can't believe how generous it is. Yet, he toys with the people because he is entirely focused on me. I don't want to waste time but… I need to know where Logos and the Holy Grail is." I said to her as Ioviel closed her eyes for some reason. Only for me to sigh. "Look, I know your reasons. But this is my mess to clean up because of Logos. If you can tell me where it is. Me and my Servants will go there and-"
"Copenhagen Modern Opera Teater…" Ioviel said as I stopped talking about what she said. I'm honestly confused. "It's in Copenhagen."
"What?" I asked her.
"Do I need to repeat this again, Jin? The Holy Grail is at the opera house called the Copenhagen Modern Opera Teater. Which is in Denmark's capital city of Copenhagen. I assure you that Logos is most likely residing there, awaiting your arrival." Ioviel said as I started to understand what she's referring to. I've never heard of the location before. But the internet for my phone no longer works. Same goes for everyone surviving here.
"I see… If this is the place that I need to go then I'll do it." I continued. "I fear that this will be a one way trip. I won't come out alive if I manage to beat Logos or not."
"Even if it's a one way trip, Jin. We should best pray for your victory should it happen. Sure, you can wait as much as you want but I recommend that you should strike while the irons are hot. A good plan, no?" Heine suggested as I sighed.
"I mean, yeah. I just don't know if I have the strength to do so…" Of course, my doubts begin to slow me down. "All throughout my life. I find myself lost with the sense of purpose. After I managed to get my revenge… My heart still feels empty. Like a knife stabbed within me, leaking out all the worries."
"You have us, Master. You had that ambition to get what you want. And Logos almost tried to take you. But don't forget that we are your allies. We'll help you whenever it takes. And rest assured, we will obtain the grail once we defeat Logos." Saber said as he finished up cooking as he placed it on the table. "Now, I recommend that you eat up. I can't have you run on an empty stomach if you're not careful enough."
"Ahaha… You're right. I suppose you do have my back." I said with a slight chuckle until Caster arrived.
"Ahh, I see you're all having a conversation? I'm glad to see you all getting along with each other. It puts a smile on my face." Caster said with a kind smile and a giggle as I looked at her.
"Geez, you think?" I said sarcastically. "Besides, I've already decided. We'll be taking down Logos and winning the Grail."
"And I'll come with you." Ioviel spoke as we looked at her with both surprise and concerns.
"Lady Ioviel. With all due respect, it'll be dangerous to come with us. Worse, Logos would kill you on the spot. Are you sure this is wise?" Saber asked her as she nodded.
"I am. I'm confident that you, Saber, and Caster are able to pull this off. I cannot allow Logos to use the Grail to obtain his wish. Which is why I'm the final piece." Ioviel said as I spoke.
"Let her, Saber. If she wants to come with us. Then let her. Right now…" I said as I felt my stomach growling… "I'm hungry…"
"I suppose you are…" Ioviel said as she sighed. "But what of your plan? Do you intend to go now?"
"For tonight, yes. I wouldn't want to waste time but I've made my choice. While you can join us. I just need time to prepare before… of course, eating…" I said to her as I decided to sit on the seat. "Alright… time to dig in. By the way, Heine. What do you think of his cooking?"
"Hmm… decent. But it's subpar." Heine said with full on criticism as Saber was aware.
"You wound me, Sir Heine…" Saber didn't like that as he showed disapproval. However, this only caused me to laugh.
"Ahahaha! Feels strange… so this is what it's like to have friends in high places, huh?" I said with a small smile as my Servants looked at me while I was eating.
"More like you're creating bonds. You helped them and they'll help you, Master. That's the joy of having good-minded people like Sir Heine and Lady Rosalind for example." Saber explained shortly as I kind of do agree in some sorts.
"True. The only person whom I'm in a relationship with… is Cerejeira. I fear that I might be ignoring her even though the signal here is absolutely dreadful." I said with some worries and embarrassment. Even though I haven't told her anything of why I'm taking part in the Holy Grail War.
"Is that what you're afraid of?" Heine said to me with his brows raised.
"Of course! I mean, I've been so focused on this Holy Grail War to the point where I've neglected it by complete accident. She works for the Chaldea Foundation in case you don't know." Replying back to him with a straightforward look on my face.
"Chaldea, huh? I've heard about them. Perhaps I should tell you about them. Chaldea isn't your usual 'Foundation' you speak of. They've been a secretive organization for about five years now. I've visited there before and spoke with Director Wodime there. He's rather a pleasant person having his beliefs and ideals on ensuring to make the world a better place." Heine continued. "Oh! Have I ever told you that Chaldea has Servants there as well?"
"What? This is all news to me. I only know some basic information… or rather sometimes my mother would mention them but never speak up about it." I said as Heine would ponder about it but continued.
"Well now. You're in for a treat, Jin. Servants who are summoned are not bound to the Holy Grail but bound to Chaldea itself. I believe they're using one of Atlas Institute's state-of-the-art technologies in order for the Servants to remain in this world as long as they're bounded by a Master. Rosalind here was quite amazed when she was with me that one time before we came to Chaldea three years ago.
"H-Hey! You told me to come with you there!" Rosalind pouted as he laughed.
"Well, the more I know…" I said as I finished eating. "Done. Okay then… Saber, Caster, Ioviel. We're leaving now. As I said, I shouldn't waste time."
I told the three as my Servants nodded as Ioviel felt a bit concerned.
"Jin… I understand your reason for leaving now. Perhaps you need to say your goodbyes?" Ioviel suggested it as I nearly forgot. Might as well do it.
"Right…" I looked at Heine and Rosalind. "Heine… this might be err… this might be my final goodbye. Not sure if I can come back alive since this is my one-way trip. But I'm sure as hell that I'll win the grail."
"We know." Heine continued. "Just do what you need to do. While you are going to confront Logos and claim the Grail… Make sure you save Denmark from its ruin. The people here in this church lost their loved ones."
"Don't worry. I'll try to find a way to get rid of the fog once Logos is dead." I continued as I turned around and readied myself to leave the door. "Alright… We're off."
"Good luck, Jin. I wish you the victory of this Holy Grail War." Heine said as I nodded and proceeded to leave the basement area. And soon we reached the main area where the survivors are taking refuge here. I approached Karabo.
"Father Karabo. Ioviel is coming with me." I continued. "And… We're going to Copenhagen to confront Logos and end this madness. And hopefully claim the grail."
"I see. So you're leaving then?" Karabo said to me.
"Yeah. I won't be coming back since it's a one-way trip." I replied.
"Hmm… Ioviel. Are you sure you want to follow him?" Karabo asked the Einzbern homunculus.
"I do. That is part of my role as the vessel for the Holy Grail. I'm confident that Jin is capable of succeeding." Ioviel said with confidence as the father would sigh.
"Very well… I won't stop you. Jin… Don't die." Karabo said to me.
"I won't. We're going now… Farewell. This may be the last time we meet." I said to him as we made our leave out of the church. And to my surprise… a limousine awaits us. I can tell this belongs to Heine for sure. I let out a chuckle and a small smile. "Heine… You're always one step ahead, huh…"
So, one of his maids then stepped outside and opened the car door for us as we entered. Just as we did, the door closes as the maid would take the wheel and drive us to Copenhagen as it moves. Now this makes me curious…
"Ioviel." I asked her. "Was the last time that the Grail was definitely in Aalborg?"
"…Yes. It was kept hidden by the Syndicate. Logos somehow managed to get it somehow and moved it to the capital. Rest assured that he is awaiting us there at the Opera Theatre." Ioviel said as I remained calm but serious.
I have Rengoku with me and my white cloth wrapped on my arm. My talent in snake-based magecraft hasn't failed me thanks to my mother's teachings. All throughout my journey… my sister Misaya had become the heir of the Adashino family, only for her to fall from the curse set by her deceased father from the fallen Reiroukan family. I remember her words… her wish… and I'm tasked to carry her wish. To have her curse removed for good. I clenched my fist where I still have my Command Seal with me. None were wasted so far. But I intend to use them for my final battle against Logos. So, I responded to her.
"Good. Let's hope he keeps that promise. If it wants me that much. Then I'll defeat Logos with my own hands. However… Saber, Caster… Will you continue to fight along by my side once more?" I asked the two.
"Certainly, Master. We've come this far and there is no way to back out from this." Saber said as Caster nodded in agreement.
"As Saber said, Master. I'll do my best to help you as much as I can." Caster said with a smile on her face as I smiled as well.
"Thank you. Now then… Copenhagen awaits." I said as we waited patiently as the limousine proceeded to drive down the road to avoid these Akashics as we were making our way to the capital… I looked at the moonlight as the clouds were gone but the fog was still there… I'm just glad that the full moon is out tonight. And perhaps the moon itself, would bless me with good luck.
Copenhagen Modern Opera Teater, Copenhagen, Denmark Midnight - Clear Sky
As hours passed by, we arrived at the only place where Logos awaited our arrival. The opera theater lies next to the water's large river. As soon as we got off. I used Rengoku to slice open the glass window instead of using the door as a way to enter through. Surprisingly enough, no alarms went off since the fog has driven its people into chaos. We've begun our way inside to the main area as we continue walking. And just as we entered the door inside the building. A large, vast room filled with seats. And the stage there… Of course… there's the Holy Grail and somehow the spotlight is powering it to shine over it as if it is some shiny object. The moment we took the stairs down carefully…
"And so the anomaly arrives, awaited at this very moment. But it seems you brought me the Grail's vessel. Intriguing." The voice of Logos then appeared behind the Holy Grail as he was floating in the air. "Long have humanity longed for their dying hopes. I tire of humoring myself in order to break you. But it seems that you still resist me once again."
"Shut it." I said. "I'm here for the Grail. But I can already tell that you're not gonna let me do it. So, I'm here just as you asked. I'll defeat you so you can never exist to ruin humanity again."
"Bold words. You cannot threaten me. Yet, you still stand with two feet and arms." Logos said as he looked up to stare at the spotlight. "I've longed to observe this world I've created. I provided you humanity with the knowledge of magecraft and the Holy Grail. Of course, those knowledge are not mine. But from the 'Prime' where it's from."
So… you created this world, created humanity, and gave us information that isn't ours but the Prime? The hell are you talking about? All of this nonsense is giving me a headache again.
"Look, I don't care. You're a god, sure. But I honestly don't give a shit. Which is why I'm going to kill a God such as you!" I retorted as I pointed Rengoku at Logos. Yet, he didn't respond as he is expressionless. However, Ioviel would step in.
"Logos… I cannot allow you to have your hands on the Grail. While I'm the vessel to the Grail, my purpose is not yet done." Ioviel said as she was about to do something.
"Ioviel? What are you doing?" I asked her as her body began to glow as it proceeds to dissolve herself slowly. "H-Hey! Your body!"
"I am well aware of that." Ioviel continued. "The Grail beckons me and I have no choice. However, trust me with this plan. Once I sacrificed myself to be one with the Grail… I'll attempt to transport you all to an area beyond the laws of reality so you can fight Logos. However, I can't support you. Even by means of deciding the victor of this war. I want you to succeed."
"Alright… Then do it." I said to her as she would do so.
And so, her body completely disappears as she would become a mote of white light as it enters inside the Holy Grail. The chalice would respond by glowing brightly and ascending slowly in the air. And just as that, we were swallowed by the great light as we covered our faces from it. And so, the brightness stops as we open our eyes. We were suddenly transported to what appears to be this Reality Marble of its own. The Holy Grail was floating in the air as I looked up. But I looked of what's front of us. A large grassy plains, blue skies, and tons of flowers here… Now this is something for sure.
"Interesting." Logos said. "But it doesn't matter. Now that you are here with me…"
Logos then proceeds to build up prana as he conjures up some sort of power as an armor-like piece materializes on himself of chestplate and a horned helmet appears as he starts to replicate the sword of Rengoku in such a twisted way as it was made from his parts.
"I will ensure that you will die here. You will not survive this fateful encounter, as I hold the power that you cannot comprehend. Let us begin our final duel. I will ensure that my victory is secured and humanity erased." Logos said as it prepared itself as I felt its ominous aura as me, Saber, and Caster readied ourselves to do the same.
"Good. I hate wasting time on you. God or not. You will die here!" I announced as we prepared our final battle here. There's no turning back. I just need to trust my guts and press forward.
Background Music | Final Fantasy XVI OST - Find Your Flame
"Very well. Your existence shall be your mistake. I will use the Grail to reset the world anew. Without you." Logos said as me and Saber already began our attacks as Caster remained in the back to support us.
Caster then slams the ground as large roots rise up as it wraps around Logos' legs, ensnaring it. We proceeded to perform a pincer attack as our blades would nearly reach our enemy but it immediately broke free by propelling itself into the air as our attacks missed. Then, it was behind us…
"Jin!" Rengoku warned as Saber stepped in to block the downward attack.
"You rely on your Servants. What is this? I do not understand." Logos said as if it was confused.
"Perhaps you've not realized this. I have people relying on me, having my backs. And they're counting on me to get this done. And my Servants have been helping me through and through. Which is why we're going to win the war and kill you. You started this mess, Logos. All because of you!" That's right… I have this ambition kept within me for the longest time. People all around me whom I met. Even friends. They're all counting on me.
All of my journey started with my birth, the loss of Hishiri, to participating in the Holy Grail War. Everything I've experienced in life has been a rollercoaster of emotions. To loss, rage, and now… empathy. I feel like I've been beyond this point where I'm myself now. No longer having to run away from my weakness or the darkness taking hold of me. I found my reason, here in my heart. And the flame with me never stops burning… and I found this flame… my flame.
"You continue to live in this delusion. A false reality." Logos said as Saber managed to push it back. But the god would raise up his sword as it begins to gather prana as the blade itself starts to gather this much energy as the Logos was prepared to wipe us out.
"Caster! Wall!" I called out to my Servant as she nodded.
"You will not harm my Master!" Caster said as she uses her staff scythe again as roots from the ground as the roots wrap and tie itself into a curved wall that is sturdy enough to stop it the moment Logos swung down the sword as the blade makes an impact on to the root wall as it was slowly penetrating through as Caster struggled to hold on as the reinforcement of the roots was not sturdy enough. "Ngh…! Master! Saber! Get away from the impact!"
"On it!" Saber said as he grabbed my hand as he dashed the left. Caster then lets it go as the blade crashes onto the floor as she struggled to get up when she kneeled on the floor. Logos are really persistent. "Master! Prepare yourself!"
"What!?" I noticed that Logo was not done yet. Nor was willing to stop. It readied itself to swing down another sword to the side as it was going for Caster. "No you don't…!"
I rushed into my Servant Caster's side as I held Rengoku to block the incoming attack. The force was powerful and it wasn't capable of driving me back. But I stood my ground to push it back against my own human limits.
"H-Hey! I don't think I can resist this much longer. That god means business!" Rengoku said as if he struggled.
"Not now… Everyone's depending on me. If Logos can do this… So can I!" I yelled as I forcefully pushed its sword away into the air as the blade created by the god disappeared out of thin air.
"Impressive. But not good enough. I'm afraid that this game is over." Logos said as he prepared to do something worse… He then created a large portal in front of him as it proceeded to…
"Oh shit!" I cursed as the portal fired out a large beam. Only for Saber to quickly step in.
"Airgetlám!" Saber unleashed his Noble Phantasm from his silver arm as he was cutting the laser beam in half as it was splitting. He then turns his head to look at me. "Master! End it!"
Saber then completely wipes out the laser as I quickly run towards Logos without hesitation.
"Why… Why can't you obey? You were to be my vessel. Yet, you reject me. I created you. Humanity. And still reject me. Do humans truly delude in this fantasy they live in? A soundless dissonance they crave?" Logos said in confusion but was indeed furious from his monotone voice as I managed to reach within his range.
"The fantasy that you've been living in has made you lost. And that shall be your very last! RAAAAAAAAH!" I swung my blade to my right as Rengoku proceeded to slice its torso.
[SLICE! THUD!]
Background Music End
And so… I managed to succeed. It's over… We're free… And we've won. I started to catch breath the moment I sheathed Rengoku until I started to see the prana coming from Logos flowing into my hands and my body as I noticed to see Logos, who is now defeated as it looks at my eyes.
"So… this is humanity's resistance. No longer believing in a god that created this world? Whereas your faith is truly misplaced." Logos continued as the flow of magic continued to surge within me. "You may have defeated me and taken my Genesis of Destruction. You can have it, do whatever you wish to the world that is yours. But soon, my influence will take over your mind throughout the years to come."
"Hmph. Say what you will, Logos. You're just a faithless god who abandoned your own creations for your own selfish benefits." I said to the god with a stern look.
"Then so be it. I will be erased from this world. But you will remain within my memories as long as you and I exist as one… You may be human. Yet you'll never comprehend the powers you've taken from me. Farewell, anomaly. We will meet again. If the future permits it." Logos said as its entire body began to turn into motes of blue particles of light as it proceeded to flow into my body as well. Along with its magic.
"AAAGH! GRRRRRRR!" The moment Logos had faded and flowed into me as I felt this strange pain. I kneeled and fell to the floor as these memories that belonged to someone else started to imprint in my mind as I screamed.
These visions appear in my eyes as I see them… The world where I'm from. Lines connected to other worlds, linked like a triangle. But I begin to view them piece by piece of the worlds I've begun to see. The first one next to it on the right visions this particular world, the one where I see the country of Japan but… it's different. Tokyo was missing as it was somehow a gulf, a mass of blue waters. And what came with it was the disasters of tsunamis and earthquakes that devastated the Japanese land throughout. Then, there was another world up top within the triangle link as my vision began to show me of it. A world that is completely different than the rest, a world remaining in the past. A fantasy. Nations locked in a war against each other and were using Servants as weapons to bring ceaseless destruction. And then… I saw three figures which looked similar to Logos. However, it shows that Logos is erased as two were remaining. However, the bright flash of light shone in my eyes as I snapped out of it. And as I did… I was on the floor as Saber and Caster helped me up. I was shaking…
"Master! Are you okay? What just happened to you… Logos is defeated, gone but… you've consumed him…" Saber said with worry on his face.
"I… I don't know. It showed me something that is beyond human knowledge that I don't understand. I'll be alright…" I said as they let me go, letting me stand on my feet. "What of the Holy Grail?"
"I'm right here." The voice of a woman spoke as we looked up as the Holy Grail descended upon us as we looked at it. Then, a figure begins to appear as if it was none other than Ioviel who now wears a regal white dress and a crown as her eyes gaze upon us. "Logos are no more. Yet, you took its magic and body as a result. The world is yours as the god said. However, that does not. Jin Adashino, Bedivere, Demeter… You are now the victors of this Holy Grail War."
"So we've won… But what about the barrier? The fog? All created by Logos to break humanity's will. Is it gone?" I asked her.
"I'm afraid that it is still in effect even if you defeat it. However, I can offer you three a wish. So tell me. Who shall go first?" Ioviel said as I took a deep breath and took a step back a bit.
"My Servants… They want their wish." I said as the Servants nodded at me since I wanted them to go first. Saber would be the first to step up.
"I know it sounds strange to me but… I wish to bring Excalibur to the Lake proper, to atone for my mistakes that I've committed." Saber said to her as she nodded. Then, she would look at Caster.
"I only wish to reunite Persephone one last time. Without the interference of Zeus this time around. I… I wanted to find peace, that's all…" Caster said her wish as she seemingly understands.
"Your wishes will be accepted. But what of you, Jin Adashino. What if your wish?" Ioviel then looked at me. Well, the moment of truth… Time to finish what I started.
"I don't have a wish." I continued as I placed my hand to my chest. "But, I do have one… It involves my sister. She's bed-ridden from a curse that she can't escape. It's slowly killing her. Which is why she sent me to Denmark to have her wish granted. So I'll say this now, Ioviel. I wish for my sister Misaya Reiroukan Adashino to have her deceased father's curse removed so she can live freely. That's all I have to say."
"…Very well. I will accept that. With all of these three wishes taken to account. The Holy Grail shall now grant these wishes. It has been an honor seeing you achieve this victory. Farewell, everyone…" Ioviel said with a smile as she uses the Holy Grail as the chalice begins to glow brightly as it consumes the whole area. I looked at my Servants as they looked back at me with their smiles. They were about to disappear… but in truth, with their wish granted, they are to return and fix their mistakes once more.
"Master… Thank you for helping me achieve it." Saber said.
"And thank you for allowing me to see my daughter again." Caster said. I started to shed tears from my eyes as I tried to hold it in.
"Thanks… Bedivere… Demeter… I'll remember you two. Farewell!" I bid them a goodbye as the whole area becomes engulfed in a bright light.
And just like that… I was brought back here at the opera theater. The Grail isn't there. My Command Seals are gone. Which means the wish has already taken into effect because of this… I won… I won the Holy Grail War…! Wait, the outside!
I started to rush out of the building and headed straight outside where the barrier is still in place all over Denmark and the fog is still there.
"Great… Even though I won… the damage that Logos has caused is already done… Guess there's no hope, huh…" I said to myself knowing that there is no solution to do so…
"I mean… What are you going to do, then?" Rengoku asked me as I sat on the steps outside of the building as I looked at the night sky where the moonlight was shining on me. Dawn hasn't happened yet but…
"I don't know, Rengoku. Give me time to think… about ten minutes. Give me ten minutes to think." I said to my sword as it sighed.
"Take your time, Jin. Just try to think of something now that you have Logos' power or something. Though, are you sure you're gonna use it?" Rengoku said as I tried to think.
"I dunno. I'll let you know when I've decided." I replied as I decided to grab out my phone as I began to ponder and think of what's next…
[TEN MINUTES LATER…]
And so, ten minutes have passed. I finished something on my phone as I turned it off. I stood up as I walked down the steps on the flat concrete surface as I looked at the pristine large rivers flowing down the city.
"So… Have you decided? It's been ten minutes." Rengoku said as I took the sword off of my back as I held the scabbard sheathed inside it as it noticed. "H-Hey… What are you doing?"
I placed Rengoku and my phone on the ground side from me as I looked up at the moon. You know what I'm going to do…
"I'm going to use this Genesis of Destruction that Logos gave to me. And somehow… I managed to have that god remain within my body. I just don't know when I'll turn into that destructive force of nature if it tries to take over my body. So I've decided." I continued as I took a deep breath and spoke. "I'll sacrifice myself by overloading my magic circuits with it. I cannot allow Logos to exist with me. So it's best if I rid myself in order to stop the god from coming back. I'm… sorry if this has come to this. Chaldea is coming so they're most likely aware about the situation in Denmark. Cerejeira might be involved with them but perhaps… my message would reach her somehow."
"Is that so? Are you sure about this Jin? You'll disappear from this world." Rengoku asked.
"I know. Which is why this is for the sake of humanity's future. I'll give them their salvation to free themselves from the restrictions that bind them. Farewell, Rengoku… and goodbye." I said to the sword as Rengoku didn't respond but knew he'll accept my reasons.
I proceeded to close my eyes and concentrate as I used my right hand to activate my circuits from it. Then, I proceeded to use the Genesis of Destruction to the point where I felt the oversurge of prana flowing out of me as I can feel its intensity and the pain. The strain is too costly to bear but I couldn't give a shit. I cannot allow Logos to exist within me. So I might as well take myself and the god with me in order for us to no longer exist. This is my fate. My choice. My destiny. My role here is done. Misaya is freed. And I'll join the afterlife if I have to… And so, with enough prana from my hand… I finally unleashed it.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I screamed from the top of my lungs as I raised my right hand into the air as it shot out a beam of light that reached the barrier, completely shattering it like glass while also completely removing the fog in the process. The beam shot across the stratosphere and into space the moment I had succeeded in doing so. And after that… my magic circuits begin to malfunction as they become numb. I cannot feel it or move it. I fell to my knees and looked straight to the moon. Yet, I smiled with tears shedding from my eyes. My arms… they're disintegrating… I'm going to be gone. And let's keep it that way. Mother… Misaya… It's done. And this… this is my… "Farewell… my journey… finally ends…"
Third Person POV
Background Music | Tsuki wo Miteita - Moongazing by Kenshi Yonezu
Tsukiakari yanagi ga yureru
Watashi wa robō no tsubute
Omoi haseru anata no sugata
Hitsuji o kazoeru yō ni
And so, with the barrier destroyed and the fog gone… Jin had become disintegrated, leaving only his clothes, white cloth, Rengoku, and his phone on the floor. He is gone from the world. To take himself and Logos with it. Denmark is freed. And so to the world. It was never Jin's or Logos'. But the world now once again, belongs to humanity.
Wakare yuku imi ga arunara
Semete kanashima naide
Shizuma kara hanareta sora e
Hitosuji no ai o komete
And so, the Chaldea's Storm Border finally reaches the airspace of Denmark after the magical barrier is broken. And once that, the foot soldiers of Chaldea arrived on scene where Cerejeira volunteered to join as she wore her usual Chaldea uniform as she and the group arrived at the outside of the area where once Jin stood.
"So this is what happened… Hmm?" Cerejeira noticed something on the floor… a sheathed scabbard and a phone. But she recognized the phone as she approached it when she picked it up. "Wait… this is Jin's phone… Does that mean…?"
And so, she would turn on the phone and see what's on the screen. A recorded video message of Jin. She is unsure of why he would be here in Denmark but all of this was too mysterious for some reason So, she decided to play the video and watched where Jin was seen sitting on the steps, contemplating himself as he looked at the camera.
Don'na yoru datte
Ushinai tsuzuketatte
Tomoni ikite kitarō
Matataku yō ni
Nanika o motomete tsuki o miteita
Arashi ni obieru watashi no mae ni
Arawareta no ga anata de yokatta
Marude nanimokamo ga nakatta ka no yō ni
Kono hi wa kie tari shinai
Kitto
"This… This is a pre-recorded video for Cerejeira Elron… If you're reading this… That means I'm dead. Perhaps you're confused why I'm here in Denmark but… Everything's gone to shit. But, perhaps you deserve to know the truth. Even though I've been hiding things from you about what happened." Jin continued to speak as she watched. "I took part in the Holy Grail War that took place in Aalborg. I went there with a mission. To carry out my sister's wish: to remove her family curse set by her deceased father."
Cerejeira would find out for the first time that he indeed hid the whole Grail War truth from her as she begins to swell up from the tears running down from her eyes.
"Then… there was this god. Who tried to take hold of me. Breaking my will. I had my Servants help me break free from the influence and then… the god would bring forth a despairing calamity onto Denmark. A barrier and a fog. And that fog turned people into undead monsters. I had friends along the way… and defeated enemy Masters who stood in my way. But never in my life… that I would slay a god and take its powers from it. And these clothes on the floor? That came from me. After I defeated a god and took its power or magic… I began to fear that God's influence would take hold of me. So, I had to make the right choice. I sacrificed myself by using the power from God to destroy both the barrier and the fog entirely, allowing you to enter Denmark without any problems. So yeah, that's what happened. I know you're about to cry in grief. I understand that. But I'm sorry for not being good enough for you because of my weakness and fears. I made the right choice to save humanity from ruin and so I did. Now that I'm gone… Here is what I want you to do: When you have free time, take the sword Rengoku back to the Adashino Residence in Japan and bring it back to my sister Misaya. I managed to get her wish granted so she can live freely. I provided you the location with my phone's notes. Use them wisely. And lastly, a personal word from me to you: I want you to keep remembering my name. Keep it etched into your mind. This is Jin Adashino… bidding goodbye."
And so, the video ends with Jin after Cerejeira watched the whole footage of himself. She takes Jin's phone as a way to remember him as she looks at Jin's hoodie. She held it and hugged it tightly as if she was hugging a ghost. But, she started to cry more as the foot soldiers of Chaldea noticed to look at her but made sure not to bother her.
"Jin… Why… Why did you have to go too soon… I… I never knew that you'd take part in this war… and just disappear…" Cerejeira sobbed as the pain she felt was too much. "B-But… I will do it… I'll do it… for the sake of remembering you… I… I won't forget it…"
And so, she sobbed through the moonlight here in the European country freed from its grasp. Yet, in her heart… she loved him. But to see him go has broken her immensely. Yet, the sadness still carries as she now mourns him. Jin Adashino, is dead.
[ONE MONTH LATER…]
5/17/2029 Adashino Residence, Shinjuku, Japan Daytime - Clear Sky
Sono mado o kaze ga tatakeba
Wazukani akehanashite
Tada hitotsu sō tada hitotsu
Katari enu koe de sakebu
Umare kawatta to shite
Omoidasenakutatte
Mitsukete miserudarō anata no sugata
Subete o moyashite tsuki o miteita
Darekaga sore o awaremu to shite mo
Anata ga ireba shiawasedatta nda
Oyoso tadashiku nado nakatta to shite mo
Kie tari shinai
And so a month has passed where Cerejeira who is now holding Rengoku wrapped nicely in a cloth as she had arrived at the temple home-like residence here in Shinjuku. Thanks to Jin's guidance, she knew her way here. So, she took a deep breath and pressed the door buzzer. As she waited… Misaya, freed from the curse, arrived to meet her
"Hmm? Ahh. You must be my brother's girlfriend, yes?" Misaya said as she was aware of it previously but…
"Was… You know why I'm here." Cerejeira said as she handed her Rengoku. "Jin… he told me to bring it back to you."
Misaya then took Rengoku and unfurled it to see it back on her hands.
"My brother, right? If he told you to bring this back to me… Where is he now? I haven't seen him for a month now." Misaya asked her as the latter would frown and lower her head.
"He's… He's dead… Said that he won the war to have your wish granted…" Cerejeira revealed the truth to Jin's brother. Much to her shock… She was aware that he succeeded but never expected like this.
"I see…" Misaya continued as she tried to maintain a good composure. "Thank you for letting me know, Cerejeira. Now, you intend to leave?"
"I do. After all, I was told anyway… And… best take care of yourself." Cerejeira then said goodbye to her as she left. After she left… Misaya then proceeded to shed a tear from her eyes as she looked up to the blue skies and clouds as they were moving along with the wind.
"Thank you, brother… For freeing me from this curse…" Misaya said as a way to thank her beloved brother as she saw the birds flying through the sky within the city's residential area. Yet, it feels familiar to her as the skies mean something for her. But in her heart… she'll remember him.
Istari Residence, Lyon, France Daytime - Clear Sky
Namae o yonde mōichido dake
Yasashiku tsutsumu sono yawai koe de
Tsuki o tayori ni tsukanda eda ga
Anatadatta
Anatadatta
"Brother? Brother! Are you spacing out again?" Rosalind said as her maids were seen providing her the tea where Heine was seen writing something down on his paper.
"Oh? Ahh… Apologies. I was trying to think here… Yvette. Are you sure this is wise? To join the Chaldea Foundation?" Heine asked her as she was reluctant for him to do so.
"It is! I mean, after what happened. Why not start somewhere with Chaldea. I have… friends in high places working there as Master Agents. So perhaps you can see your Servants again if you want to summon them.~" Yvette said to him in order for him to get applied. Ultimately… he sighed and began to crumble the paper. "A-AAAAAH! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?"
"I know you wanted me to join it but… I'll have to kindly refuse. This is something that I don't want to do. Nor for the sake of my family. I intend to start everything over from scratch and earn back the trust from the Clock Tower. Yvette, please respect my decision." Heine kindly asked her of his reasons as she let out a disappointed sigh from her face.
"Alright, alright. It's not like I'm pushing you but… I might as well return to the Clock Tower… Gotta report to Lord El-Melloi II and all to recap this whole craze back in Denmark. I'll try to come back and visit you from time to time if you're okay with it." Yvette continued. "Anyways… I shouldn't miss my flight or else I'd be sleeping at an airport for a couple days! Toodles!~"
And so, Yvette leaves as the Istari would remain peaceful for themselves but Rosalind was worried about what happened.
"Umm… Brother? Did something happen to Mister Jin?" Rosalind asked him as he pondered.
"I don't know. He won the Holy Grail War… but disappeared in the end. I don't understand why but… It has to do something with the barrier and the fog being gone. Father Karabo has returned back to the Church to do his usual reports as usual. For now, we need to focus on the future ahead of us, Rosalind. So let's get to work on restoring our family lineage." Heine said as he was focused on his sole ambition: To restore his family back to its former glory.
Caster's Past, Ancient Greece Morning - Clear Sky
Nanika o motomete tsuki o miteita
Arashi ni obieru watashi no mae ni
Arawareta no ga anata de yokatta
Marude nanimokamo ga nakatta ka no yō ni
Kono hi wa kie tari shinai
Kitto
Meanwhile, back in her past… She has woken up where she finds herself outside of the beautiful cottage home filled with all sorts of plants and a bountiful garden of crops and vegetables. There, Demeter would find her daughter Persephone once again. The wish worked, she got what she wanted. So, she ran up to her and hugged her.
"My dear Persephone…! Oh how I missed you so much…" Demeter said to her happily as she began to shed a tear from her eyes, much to her daughter's surprise.
"M-Mother? Is there something wrong? Are you alright?" Persephone asked her in confusion as she would stop hugging and shook her head with a smile.
"No, nothing's wrong with me, Persephone. I'm just glad to see you again. What has Zeus done to you was truly horrible…" Demeter said to her as it nearly caused her daughter to remember.
"Wait, Mother? What do you mean by… I see… I'm back in the world of the living, aren't I? Is… Is this real?" Persephone asked her about these events regarding her death at the hands of Zeus. The time where she is meant to marry Hades.
"Yes… Perhaps another time. Though, I'm quite interested in this garden you've made. Is it alright for a mother like me to have a look?" Demeter said to her daughter as she would nod in response.
"Of course, mother. Here, come with me. There is something that you'll like the best." Persephone then would lead her mother to the garden where she would show her there. So, the two can finally live a peaceful life without the interference from Zeus himself.
Background Music End
Saber's Past, Britain Sunset - Clear Sky
And finally… Bedivere finds himself here back, at the lake where he was told by his king to toss Excalibur to the lake. He never wanted to make the same mistake ever again. But this time, he intends to do it. He proceeds to give Excalibur back to the lake as the holy sword proceeds to be taken by the mysterious but elusive Lady of the Lake. And so it was done. Bedivere got back on his horse and returned to his King once more where she rested upon the tree.
"My King… It is done. I have given Excalibur back to the Lady of the Lake. You can rest in peace now." Bedivere said to her as she had a smile on her face as her body began to glow.
"So you did it… Thank you, Bedivere… for following my orders… you're free now. Live how you see fit in peace. As for me…" The King continued as she began to fade away into golden motes of light. "I am to return to Avalon. You may not see me again but… Please, keep on remembering me. Farewell, Bedivere…"
And so, The king finally disappears for good. And with it, it leaves Bedivere looking at the sunset sky as he places his hand to his chest and tightly clenches his fist.
"I… I will remember you, My King. Forever and always…" Bedivere said to himself, knowing that the King lived the good life.
Unknown ? - ?
Meanwhile… back here within the prismatic orb where Zelretch was seen sitting on his same throne where the book he was looking finally finished writing on Jin Adashino's journey. To him, this was the most unexpected but seeing what he did was indeed a bold move.
"Interesting… You never ceased to amaze me, Jin Adashino. To sacrifice yourself is to rid Logos from existence, along with this Genesis of Destruction." Zelretch said with interest where Rin would watch him look at the pages.
"So… he has finally done it. Are you sure he made the right call?" Rin asked him.
"He did what had to be done. I'm pleased to say that one of Ultima's alter egos is removed from existence. Which means there are two remaining in their worlds left. But, I believe it is time to close the book on this one." Zelretch said as he uses his hands to gesture as the book closes on itself and floats away as he manages to bring forth another book.
"Master Zelretch. What is this book anyways?" Rin asked.
"Another world. Another story. And this world here? This is where Pneuma resides. Perhaps… this is for another time… when it happens, of course." Zelretch said as he looked at the title of the book. While it hasn't opened… but the title speaks for itself…
Hyalus Decadence
[THE STRANGE GRAIL SAGA IS NOW DONE]
[FIN]
Author's Notes: "And so the saga is officially done. Thank you so much for reading all the way from the beginning to end. This story was made in a span of two months in total (because of writer's block and planings). This final chapter in mind is a sad but bittersweet ending. Jin had to make the right call. Fearing that Logos' influence would take over his body. Thus, he uses the Genesis of Destruction taken from the god in order to sacrifice himself and Logos with it, while succeeding in removing both the barrier and the fog in Denmark. The song from Kenshi Yonezu fits the end well as it depicts the character's lives without Jin at all. Plus, you've seen the tease of Jin taking a glimpse of two other worlds. Of course, these two worlds themselves would be part of a new saga entirely in order to continue the Fate/compliation series. But man, it's finally over. And I'm glad that I got this finished. Even though this story is five chapters maximum. I had to make it as long as possible to make it interesting to read… and sometimes it doesn't make sense to readers but that's alright. Stories like this are meant to be written with inspirations and ideas moving forward. Now, let's talk about the future of the Fate stories. The new Fate story is part of the new "Genesis Requiem Saga", currently in its planning stage. Which means, the Fate story will be going back to its usual Holy Grail War roots. So look forward to that when the time comes. All I can say is that the next Fate story I mentioned will be a 2024 release. And that concludes it. Alright, I know what you're thinking. To make up for this. Here is one last Omake, for you guys. Until then, peace out!
Omake - Congratulations
Jin finds himself sitting in the chair where the spotlight shines on him. After he sacrificed himself for the greater good. He was brought here for questioning.
"Why did you sacrifice yourself?"
"To rid myself and Logos with it. I did what had to be done…" Jin said to the voices.
"So you killed a God."
"Yeah. I did. That bastard caused enough trouble already." Jin replied.
"And why are you here?"
"I assume this is the afterlife, right?" Jin continued as he stood up. "My role is finished. And there's nothing for me left. All I can do is to move on and accept this. I chose this fate. You know me better. I'm not asking for forgiveness. So… I guess you'll accept that?"
[SHATTER!]
And so, the scene around him shattered where he was standing on the endless body of water where everyone was present. The protagonists were seen clapping and cheering Jin for some reason.
"Congratulations." Said Emiya Shirou.
"Congratulations." Said Ayaka Sajyou.
"Congratulations." Said Hakuno Kishinami.
"Congratulations." Said Ritsuka Fujimaru.
"Congratulations! GO GACHA ALREADY!" Said Gudao.
"Congratulations." Said Sieg.
"Congratulations!" Said Jeanne d'Arc.
"Congratulations." Said Kanata Akagi.
"Congratulations." Said Erice Utsumi.
"Congratulations!" Said Voyager.
"Congratulations." Said Hishiri and the unnamed father whose face is obscured.
"Who are you again?" Jin asked.
"I'm your father." Jin's unnamed father said.
"But weren't you dead?" Jin asked him.
"You know what, we're cutting this shit off." Jin's unnamed father would avoid the question and end it anyways.
"Geez… Thanks, everyone." Jin said with a chuckle as he smiled with his eyes closed after being praised. And so, the omake ends.