I wasn't expecting this to be an entire chapter, but that's how things ended up. Don't worry though, folks. Next chapter, there'll be a bit more action.


"I could not tell you." It was a blunt answer, but one that Ritsuka expected. If it were so easy for her to divulge Chaldea Corp's secrets, then they wouldn't have run away with their tails between their legs. Didn't make it any less annoying though. "You are correct that Mashu Kyrielight should not exist. She is a figment, a fragment of fiction, and yet… she is I. I am a Shielder Class Servant, and my purpose is to support my Master in their endeavours. Of that, I have no doubt. Anything beyond that, however, I cannot recall. Perhaps I was never told in the first place. I don't know what else I can tell you except... My existence is neither a mistake nor malicious. I can swear that much."

"Well… that doesn't help much." Hakuno muttered and rude as it was, Ritsuka couldn't deny it. Was Mashu Kyrielight a proper human individual, or a girl of fiction? Was she merely a manifestation of the tales told by Chaldea Corp, or did Chaldea Corp repurpose a real person? And at the end of the day, what was the point of it all? With such key questions still entirely up in the air, it was no wonder that the rest of the room was disappointed with the response.

"I apologise. If there was anything for me to give, I would."

"Don't worry about it. Can't say we expected much in the first place." Was Hakunon's reply, trying his best to tamper down the frustration on his face. "Still, there's not much we can do for now if we can't get any answers out of you directly. Not unless we start messing with your Spiritual Core and whatever's powering it, but hardware's not exactly my forte."

"Ooh, perhaps I could give it a try!" Irisviel replied with far too much cheer for what was essentially asking to mess with someone's body. "I might not be able to figure out why Mashu's here like this, but I've learned lots about all sorts of materials and their alchemical properties for the sake of my Magecraft. A bit of experimenting and we just might find what that core's built on! Or something close to it at least!"

"Wouldn't that be kind of dangerous though?" Hakuno sheepishly pointed out, wincing at the way Irisviel seemed to deflate at the thought. "To Mashu, I mean. From the way you've talked about it, this 'Spiritual Core' thing is literally the reason she's alive in that toy. Wouldn't experimenting on it cause some major problems for her?"

Indeed, Ritsuka had already witnessed the insanity that wracked Mashu's Spirit Origin just because Hakuno attempted to decompile her. If all that chaos came from something so relatively tame, who was to say whether Mashu could survive something more extreme? Such was why Ritsuka was moments away from agreeing when Kiritsugu's voice cut through the air.

"Do it," Kiritsugu said, the command given without a single care or its consequences. "I'd rather work with hints than nothing, especially considering the implications of this figure's existence. We're probably better off without it anyway."

"What? No, we're not just gonna mess up Mashu for research purposes!" Ritsuka immediately retorted, unfazed by the rising of Kiritsugu's eyebrow. "Look, I get that we need to figure out whatever that Chaldea Corp's doing and why, but we're talking about potentially messing with someone's… I don't know, someone's organs! You can't just talk about killing her-!"

"Ritsuka. She's not even meant to be alive." Kiritsugu's retort cut through Ritsuka's rant with ease, even when spoken with no more strength than asking for the weather. That wasn't to say that Ritsuka agreed with his claim – far from it, and he'd be more than happy to vocalise it at any other time – but the aura that exuded from Kiritsugu left him unable to do more than grit his teeth. Thank goodness he had Hakuno at his side, a gentle grip on his arm doing wonders for his self-control. "She's a fake, brought about by magic we don't understand. Listen to me. So long as whatever's calling itself Mashu is in there, people will be after its secrets. Right now, that means they'll be targeting you. So, it's either chance the death of someone who has no reason to be alive in the first place or chance the death of you and everyone around you. Tell me Ritsuka, which one do you think we should go with?"

Ritsuka wasn't sure which one burned more: that Kiritsugu spoke so callously when Mashu could still hear him or that nobody else dared to speak up. Hakuno, he could understand. Poor girl had her world rocked just as much as Ritsuka did, even without the whole 'supernatural hit squad coming after you' thing. Irisviel and Hakunon though? They should have still had their heads on straight. Even if they agreed with Kiritsugu's answer, they should have at least shown some sort of discomfort at what they suggested putting Mashu through. That they didn't left a bitter taste in Ritsuka's mouth; perhaps the comments of how callous people who used Magecraft could be came from personal experience.

"It's alright, Master. If the study of my Spirit Core would be beneficial, then I'll gladly accept any consequences." Mashu eventually said once it was clear nobody else would, Ritsuka somehow able to feel the smile she gave even when her figure's face was frozen in a battle stance.

"But I won't!" he cried, only to find a harsh grip on his shoulder courtesy of Kiritsugu.

"Then it's good that you don't have a choice. Let's get this started."

"What? No!"

"Whoa, whoa! Let's try to keep things peaceful in here folks! Lots of delicate stuff." Hakunon was quick to intervene, yet it was Irisviel dragging her husband back that got Kiritsugu to relent. Thank goodness she did too – any longer and Ritsuka probably wouldn't have been able to feel his shoulder anymore. "How about this? I've got some people I can contact – Jewel Magi – why don't I give them a ring? It's right up their alley, they'll have a way easier time figuring out what's been done here. All we need to do is keep ahold of Miss Mashu here until they're free to talk. That work for you?"

"…I told you that this is top secret, and your response is to get more people involved?" was Kiritsugu's answer, yet Hakunon's expression remained unperturbed. In fact, it may have gotten even looser, the slightest of smirks forming upon the edge of his lips.

"100% confidentiality, guaranteed," Hakunon explained, undaunted. "They owe me a favour, you see. Fixed up their TV. And their phone. And their fridge – actually, it's probably more like several favours. Either way, there won't be a single leak, I promise you."

From the look on Kiritsugu's face, it was clear what his answer would be. Perhaps it was that knowledge which led to Ritsuka's hand subconsciously reaching out, the boy only turning his head when he felt Hakuno's fingers wrap around his own. After what felt like several aching minutes, that grip tightened once Kiritsugu decided to speak.

"…Get it done." Neither Ritsuka nor Hakuno could believe what they heard at first. It took a thumbs up from Hakunon and the rhythmic tapping of his keyboard before they finally allowed the tension to ease from their bodies. "I want a confirmation date before tonight. Leave the contract to me. I've handled bigger business than you."

"Shocked you, didn't he?" Irisviel remarked, the two youngest unable to give more than a numb nod. "That's how he is, my Kiri. Coldest man you'll ever meet, but he'll melt at the first sign of injustice and burn at the first chance to avoid it."

"Then, he was never going to-?" Hakuno began, yet stopped when Irisviel quickly shook her head.

"Oh no, don't get me wrong. If you two weren't here, then I'd probably be starting my experiments right now." She answered, her gaze secured to the back of her husband. "Sure, I would've fought it, but Kiri's too stubborn for someone like silly old me to stop. Poor little Mashu might've been hurt, but in his head, it'd be a worthy sacrifice – he made that clear enough. You two though? To be blunt, you're victims right now. Young, innocent victims. Kiri might be able to ignore the words of people like me and Hakunon, but when people like you speak? He couldn't possibly ignore you, even if he doesn't show it. Remind him that there can be ways to save everyone as well and there's no way he would've backed down without giving that solution a chance. That's just who he is."

"You speak like he never considered the possibility." Ritsuka pointed out, drawing out a sigh from Irisviel. That he still didn't trust her claims went unsaid. "It's simple, isn't it? What's so hard about understanding that we shouldn't just mess with what makes Mashu, Mashu? It's not like she isn't sentient; we all watched her talk right in front of us."

"…I'll put it this way. He's been through a lot, my Kiri. It's taught him a few bad habits." From the pain that flashed through Irisviel's eyes, there was undoubtedly more to say. Ritsuka didn't see much reason to force it out though, especially when she jumped straight back into her usual chipper self. "Let's not worry about that for now though! Hakunon should make sure that Mashu stays safe and sound, so why don't I drive you home Ritsuka? You've got dinner and school to worry about after all."

"Actually, could I have a chat with Ritsuka first?" Hakuno was the one who answered. "We didn't get much of a chance before… all this happened."

"Sure. Take your time. Just give me a call when you're ready to go, Ritsuka." Irisviel replied, Ritsuka perhaps just a tad too fast in nodding and rising to his feet. To be fair, though, the arms tugging at his own probably helped that along. Such was why Ritsuka could spare little more than a glance in Mashu's direction, welcoming the warm sensation that spread across his body as he did so.

"Thanks for the save. I always need some time to prepare myself when Mrs Emiya drives." Ritsuka joked as they left, yet his words faded away when the troubled expression on Hakuno refused to budge. However, watching as she swung open her brother's door to find nothing more than a normal bedroom on the other side, Ritsuka felt that her reaction was fair enough. "…How are you feeling Hakuno? I imagine it isn't easy to take this kind of thing in."

"…I don't know. It just, it doesn't make sense. None of this makes sense." Hakuno eventually muttered, practically sinking into the sofa the moment they entered the living room. "The idea that there's a whole bunch of people I know dabbling in a world we were completely unaware of… how are you meant to feel? Honestly, you're taking it a bit too well, don't you think?"

"What can I say? I've had some time to digest things." Was all Ritsuka could say in turn, awkwardly scratching at his cheek. He might have appreciated it more if that time didn't involve multiple life-threatening situations, but the point still stood. "That's the reason I'm here after all. To make some sense of things I experienced last night."

"Right. Of course, that's what Mr Emiya said." Hummed Hakuno, though the remark was muffled by the pillow her face was firmly planted into. "…Ritsuka, back then, Mr Emiya said that you were in danger – that you've already been in danger. What happened?"

"Oh, you know. Met a few rude folks and had a bit of an argument is all. Nothing I couldn't handle." Said Ritsuka, punctuated by a flippant gesture. Sadly, it failed to dissipate the emotion in the air, leading to him reaching down so he could flip Hakuno and meet her eyes. "Don't worry about absorbing everything right away. You've got plenty of time from now on-"

"Ritsuka, please!" had Ritsuka ever heard that level of desperation before in Hakuno's voice? Gentle though she was, she was always an optimistic spirit. To hear that kind of emotion from her was a new experience for Ritsuka. "They mentioned killing, this isn't something you can just wave off! This is your life we're talking about!"

Ritsuka started with a sigh. Then, once Hakuno was properly taken aback, he gave a small shrug. Finally, once there were practically question marks floating around her head, he leant back as far into the sofa as he could go and turned his eyes to the sky.

"Chaldea Corp wanted the figure back so badly that they sent a couple of hitmen after it. I woke up to the sight of a pair of girls trying to murder me in my bed. Luckily, Mashu somehow managed to grow to human size, so instead of dying instantly, I ended up in a fight for survival that pretty much destroyed half of my house and a good deal of the road beside it." He casually recounted, making a pointed effort to ignore the plethora of expressions crossing Hakuno's face. It was just a shame that Ritsuka didn't have a camera on him. Once everything was done and dusted, it would make for some excellent blackmail material. "Course, it turns out there was a magical barrier that managed to fix everything and contained everything so that nobody knew what went down, but I'm fairly certain Kiritsugu ended up killing a few people without telling me. I'd really prefer not to think about it right now. That make you feel any better?"

"N-No…" was all Hakuno could muster, Ritsuka responding with a firm nod.

Exactly. You're just more anxious than ever, right?" and props to Hakuno, she was handling it pretty well. If it was Gudako in her place, then Ritsuka was certain she'd be blowing up way more violently than Hakuno did. Hell, she'd rupture their eardrums the moment they learned about Hakunon's weird door. Such was why Ritsuka settled for a sharp rap to Hakuno's forehead, receiving a yelp in return. "Don't act like I don't know you. Look, I'm not saying it was a walk in the park or anything, I'm just saying that things are way bigger than we could ever comprehend right now. Talking toys, magic doors, strange barriers – it's enough to make you short circuit by itself. Add in the thought of people dying because of it and it wouldn't be surprising if you never wanted to touch the damn subject ever again,"

Hakuno found herself subtly nodding, glancing at her brother's door once more before her eyes drifted down to her hands. Hands that, according to Hakunon, would never be able to open that door, would never be able to partake in the craft that ran through the rest of her family's history. Without any sort of mystic ability to call her own, avoiding anything to do with the supernatural would be simple. After all, her parents and brother had been doing a decent enough job up to this point. If Hakuno wanted, it would be easy to dismiss whatever she just heard as an impossibility.

And right now, I can't let that happen." Which is why when Ritsuka continued speaking, she could do nothing but look at him with an unreadable expression.

"You… can't?"

"Nope, 'cause you don't get to make that choice. You're in a family that practices the stuff, there's no escape." He explained, finally lowering his gaze from the ceiling. "Me? I'm fine. I can pass all this off to people who know better, I can go back to normal, no issue. Game nights and mundane meals with Gudako – everything, just like that. You though? Ignoring all this would mean ignoring an entire aspect of your family and now that you know about it, you'll never be able to forget it. That doesn't sit well with me."

Alright, so it was a stressful situation that could possibly become a lethal one. That didn't mean Hakuno had to be traumatised by things that might not even occur, especially when it was so intertwined with her life. Regardless of whether she knew it or not, Hakuno had been raised around Magecraft; trying to ignore it now that she was made aware of it would simply make her miserable.

"So, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna go to our schools tomorrow and dive right in. No weird rooms, no talking toys. Just algebra and a test I'm probably forgetting about, okay?" by this point, Ritsuka was holding onto Hakuno's hand. If you were to ask him, it was to help reassure her. Whether that was the truth would never be answered. "We've got your brother, we've got Mr and Mrs Emiya, we've got Shirou if I'm guessing right – there's plenty of people who can handle things from here."

"…Fine. I'll try not to worry too much." Hakuno had no real choice but to relent. Regardless of how her heart felt about the matter, there was a rationale to Ritsuka's words that she couldn't deny. With the warmth of Ritsuka's hand warding her from her worries, she could acknowledge that much. "Hang on. Wasn't this meant to be me checking on you?"

"Was it? Can't remember, think I've spent too much brain power by now." Now that managed to draw a giggle out from Hakuno, one soon muffled by Ritsuka drawing the girl in for a hug. She'd been comforted by him and heard that excuse so many times now that she couldn't react any other way. "I'll be fine, so make sure you are. Take care of yourself, yeah? I'm just a text away. Or a call, but I can't promise Gudako won't take over."

"Okay. Same here." Hakuno said.

With one final smile, she watched as Ritsuka drew back, making his way back towards Hakunon's bedroom where Irisviel would be waiting. Irisviel, Kiritsugu, Hakunon… and the Mashu figure. That thought alone was enough to make her sigh.

"Great. I'm a teenager being unnerved by a toy."