Fate Stay Night: Falling In Circles

by Snarky Miracles

Kurumi Emiya and Shido Takamiya have one thing in common, they both love their little sisters more than anything. When the world itself is threatened by the machinations and conflicts of a god-like being and those who would stop at nothing to obtain its power, how far will they have to go to protect those they hold dear? (With 200% more Len than Ring of Fire)

5. Chapter 5

Chapter Five
April 24th, 2027

Fuyuki, Japan
Emiya Residence

Taiga briefly looked around the dining table during breakfast before settling her eyes on Kurumi who was sipping her coffee. It was amazing to her that Kurumi turned out the way she had. Her father was the single most disciplined and focused person she had ever known in her life. Yet, here was his daughter, his own flesh and blood, and she was nothing like him at all.

Kurumi was a slob, there was no way around that. Her beautiful long black hair which she had inherited from her mother was an utter tangled mess, her plain gray yukata was wrinkled all over, and because the bangs she usually kept covering her missing eye was not properly brushed, it clearly revealed that she wasn't wearing her prosthetic eye even though she had been warned of the potential consequences of not doing so. In short, Kurumi wasn't one who cared about being presentable in her own house unless some external social obligation compelled her to do so.

"So what time is your game tournament today?" Taiga finally asked rather than remark about her appearance which she knew would go in one ear and out the other. If even the presence of her beloved girlfriend staying over at her house couldn't compel Taiga's beloved niece to mind her disheveled state, nothing she said could either.

"I need to be there by ten to register. Then I have to play through the preliminary rounds. Since it's an open tournament, I have to beat all the scrubs first, the actual tournament will just be the survivors of the elimination rounds."

"Are you actually good enough to win? Or are you just doing this for fun?" asked Taiga.

"Can't it be both?" replied Kurumi.

"Seriously, Oba-chan? She never sleeps because she's always playing that stupid game. She'd better be freaking good at it by now!"

"The prize money will go a long way to help fund our trip to the kyudo tournament. I'm not letting the kendo club bring in all the glory this year. So, you had better believe I'm in it to win it," said Kurumi with a grin.

"You do know that you can't actually donate your own funds to the archery club," said a stern Taiga.

"We'd have to integrate the funds through a legitimate school sanctioned fund raising activity," remarked Origami. "But we can't do it the same way we did last year. The Student Council will be scrutinizing us."

"Ahem!" Interjected Taiga. "You do know that as a teacher, I can't actually condone my students laundering money for their club activities… But as your aunt…" she said before she grinned toothily, "How can I help?"

Kurumi turned her head to Taiga with a big grin, "There are times that I really, really love you. First, let's get the money, then we can figure it out. I'll start getting ready since I need to be there first," she said before turning to Origami. "What's your plan for today?"

"I have no specific plans, but I intended to ask Kotori if she would like to go out and do anything," answered Origami.

"Hey! Kotori is sitting right here!" replied the red haired girl. "You could just ask me right now?"

Origami turned to Kotori, "Then is there anything you would like to go out and do?"

"Since Onee-sama is going to be at her tournament during lunch, why don't we go eat out? Then we can just hang out somewhere near the convention center before the tournament?"

Origami nodded, "That is the plan then."

Kurumi stood up from the table. "Then I'll go get cleaned up and dressed," she said before leaving.

The white-haired girl nodded to Kurumi as she departed before turning her head back to Taiga, "Will you be joining us, Sensei?"

Taiga shook her head, "It sounds fun, but I'm afraid I'm just not that interested in video games. Though I did have a boyfriend who really was. He would play a game through, and take notes about his experience with it, and then he'd send his feedback to whomever made the game. Apparently, people in the industry value his opinions on their games. He's even been a consultant on the development of a few even though he's just a random university professor who doesn't teach anything remotely connected to the subject. Fun fact, he's the one who gave Kurumi her first game console,

"I think it was her fifth birthday. Yes, it was! Your parents had a whole lot of their old friends over to celebrate because Kurumi had just gotten out of the hospital after having her eye removed, so they wanted to make it extra special for her. Literally almost everyone they knew was there. That was when Waver and I reconnected and started dating."

"Oh, so we have him to thank for all of Onee-sama's sleepless nights. But he sounds fun. Why'd you break up with him?" asked Kotori.

"A lot of reasons. He wouldn't give up his teaching position to live here, and I wouldn't leave my family here to go live with him there, and he also had some family problems that he couldn't stay away from. So there was just no future."

"Did you love him?" asked Origami.

"Yes. Very much. But, sometimes, love just isn't enough."

"I don't believe that. I think if you love someone, you would go anywhere or do anything to be with them."

Taiga nodded, "That's true enough. But in a relationship, things need to be equal. If one person is making all of the sacrifices, that's not an equal relationship, and it isn't fair to the person making all of the sacrifices. Wouldn't you agree?"

Origami raised her head and pondered that for a long moment. "I would give up anything for Kurumi. Go anywhere for her. Perhaps that is because I simply don't have anything to tie me down to a place."

"There's nothing wrong with that, Origami-chan. You're the only one who can determine what is right for you. For me, I just didn't want to leave my home, my family, or my career. These things have a lot of value to me. Unfortunately, that also meant I couldn't be with the man I loved, and I do not ever settle for second best, which means I'm going to be a spinster for the rest of my life. I've made my peace with that. This family; Shirou, Kurumi, Kotori, they mean the world to me, even you, Origami-chan, and Haru-kun too. Being here for all of you is more important and fulfilling for me than anything else."

Kotori crawled over to Taiga and cuddled up to her. "You mean a lot to us too, Aunt Tiger. I love you."

"Grrr! I'll let that go just because you're too cute!" she said while wrapping her arms around Kotori to give her an affectionate squeeze. "I'll take it out on your sister instead when I get the chance."

---

Taiga silently slid open the bathroom door, eager to execute her plan of revenge against Kurumi's relentless use of her nickname. Beyond the inner door, the sound of a running shower confirmed that her timing was perfect. The way Kurumi was talking told her that not only could she fulfill her mission, but that her niece was occupied with bathing her cat. That only made what she was about to do so much more exciting!

She listened closely as Kurumi's voice resonated through the shower's spray, "Just stay calm, Len. Just breathe easy. You're safe with me. We're almost done…"

"This is perfect," Taiga thought. "That cat is about to get a real reason to fear the water!"

Sneaking to the other side of the bathroom, she pressed the button on the washing machine to start the self-clean cycle, which would divert the flow of cold water.

Behind the textured glass doors, Taiga gleefully anticipated the expected chaos—The feline screeching of Len. However, her excitement turned to confusion as she heard two distinct female voices yelling about how hot the water had suddenly become. Realizing Origami and Kotori were still in the living room, that made no sense to her.

"What is going on here?!" Taiga exclaimed, marching up to the door and furiously sliding it open.

As expected, Kurumi stood naked, holding the showerhead pointed at the empty bathtub. But unexpectedly, there was no cat in sight. Instead, there was a little girl, about Kotori's size, with long pale blue hair, elongated pointy ears, and red eyes. She was seated on the wooden stool in front of the shower area, glaring back at Taiga with a furious intensity that sent shivers down her spine and made her feel like her grip on reality was quickly slipping away.

"What the?! Who the hell is that?!" demanded Taiga.

Len found herself increasingly vexed, a sentiment mirrored by Kurumi. Taiga's uninvited presence had become a recurring issue, invading spaces where Len should be able to feel safe. Despite repeated attempts through lectures, arguments, and even magecraft, Taiga Fujimura seemed impervious to the concept of respecting certain boundaries. Short of the effort intensive nuclear option of placing a Taiga-specific bounded field around every space Len wished to occupy, she had tried everything, and it was not something she should have to do to feel safe in her own house. The bottom line was that Taiga was simply entirely too comfortable in a house that wasn't even her home, causing Len to feel increasingly uncomfortable in what is her home.

The situation had escalated to the point where Len's patience was wearing thin. Taiga's intrusion into Len's private and safe spaces within the house had become particularly egregious. Even the sanctuary of the shower, where Len cherished moments of privacy with her caring Master, had been compromised. Taiga's disregard for this intimate moment, her complete ignorance of Len's vulnerability caused by her feline aversion to water, felt like a blatant violation of the demon's personhood.

"Damn you, Tiger!" exclaimed Kurumi with a strong emphasis on her Aunt's hated nickname. "Why would you do that?! You know how hot this water is!"

"Kuro-chan! Who is that little girl?! How could you be sneaking a strange child around behind my back?" Taiga exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the mysterious child.

Len gazed into Taiga's eyes and quickly began working her magecraft on the woman. Taiga was momentarily entranced by the blood red eyes of the blue haired child, eyes which seemed less like eyes and more like an inscrutable abyss of redness into which Taiga began to fall.

"What are you talking about, Tiger?! This is Len! My cat!" exclaimed Kurumi.

With a confused shake of her head to pull herself out of whatever daydream she'd just been having, Taiga squinted and looked at the stool again where she saw Len, the black cat, shaking water off her fur. She felt strange, as though she'd been angry about something a moment ago but she couldn't remember what it was.

"Huh?" Taiga sighed, now feeling a bit unsatisfied, and muttered, "Well, I finally got you back for all those 'Tiger' remarks!" she said while glaring into the black cat's red eyes, which she could have sworn were glaring back at her with anger and contempt. "And your cat is seriously creeping me out right now. She wants to kill me!"

"She's not the only one. Now do you mind taking your delusions about my cat somewhere else? I'm trying to wash in here!" yelled Kurumi.

"One day, I will find out what secrets this cat is hiding…" replied Taiga.

"Yeah, yeah! Could you get out already! And turn off the washing machine!"

Taiga stepped out and shut the door behind her. "That was very unsatisfying…" she muttered while exiting the bathroom, only stopping to switch off the machine.

Meanwhile, Kurumi reached out and started petting Len's head after she reverted to her human form again. "That was a close call. You're like a western gunslinger when it comes to hypnotizing her. Well done."

Len smiled and puffed up her chest at the praise. She had more than a decade to practice on Taiga, after all. But her face soured again when the water hit her hair.

"We have to retaliate for that," remarked Kurumi in a flat, even, and vengeful tone.

"Yes," said Len in her cold monotone voice.

Len was a woman who prided herself on having cultivated the patience of stone, but even rocks had their breaking points. After more than a decade of this back and forth, Len decided she would take steps, and come up with a plan to settle this once and for all.

While Kurumi rinsed Len's long blue hair, the demon closed her eyes and recalled the day her rivalry with Taiga had truly begun. When Cat and Tiger initiated hostilities which had been escalating ever since…

---

Ten years ago

The soft rustle of pages turning and the faint scratching of a pencil against paper created a rhythmic symphony of study in Kurumi's room. Seated at her desk, the little one-eyed girl diligently attempted to solve the homework questions laid out before her. On the desk beside her, Len, in her feline form, sat as an unspoken tutor observing Kurumi's work. Nothing was difficult, this was a first grader she was tutoring. Len reasoned that even an ordinary adult cat could manage to answer the questions assigned to her young Master.

As Kurumi wrote her next answer, Len intervened, placing a gentle paw on the paper to block her pencil. Kurumi lifted her gaze to the cat, seeking guidance, and Len responded with a shake of her head.

"Are you sure it's wrong?" Kurumi inquired, her trust in Len's silent communication evident.

Len affirmed her judgment with a nod.

With a casual shrug, Kurumi revisited the textbook, seeking the correct answer. She then erased her previous response and replaced it with the correct one. In turn, Len nodded in approval, a silent acknowledgment of a job well done.

Observing this peculiar scene was Taiga Fujimura, a bewildered witness to the black cat actively assisting with its owner's homework.

"Hey, Taiga? Is Kuro-chan doing her homework or playing those games again?" Rin's voice echoed down the corridor as Taiga peered into Kurumi's room.

"Uhh… yes…" Taiga stammered, unable to fully comprehend the situation. "The cat is helping her… the cat is helping her do her homework…"

"That's nice," Rin responded casually. "Shirou says dinner will be ready soon."

Taiga's perplexed expression remained fixed as she watched the cat, with points of its paw, guide Kurumi through the intricacies of a challenging question. Then the cat turned its gaze to the doorway and stared at her. She could have sworn the cat's crimson eyes were mocking her. The look in those eyes had a human quality which seemed to think it was superior to her. Taiga couldn't contain her incredulity.

"What the hell kind of cat is that?!" she exclaimed while stepping into the room. "Kuro-chan? Are you really letting the cat help you find answers to the questions?"

Kurumi turned her head and looked up, "Hi, Oba-chan. And yeah, Len's helping me. She's really smart and she knows all about all sorts of stuff."

Taiga picked up Kurumi's worksheet and examined it carefully, expecting everything to be random and unrelated to the questions being asked but her shock intensified by a whole order of magnitude with the realization that every single question she'd answered so far was correct. Even the ones she'd erased were corrected to the right answers.

Taiga glared down at the cat who looked away from her while making a haughty noise, like a tsundere girl mocking the idiot who just made a fool of themselves in an anime.

"I know cats can be intelligent, but if this thing is really helping you find these answers… It would have to be capable of reading… Cats can't do that!"

"Taiga?" said Rin from the doorway. "What's going on?"

"I want to try a little experiment, could you help me out, Rin?"

"Okaasan? I think Oba-chan is going crazy," stated Kurumi.

"That's not unusual, Kuro-chan…" muttered Rin while walking up to stand beside her daughter and sister-in-law.

Taiga picked up one of Kurumi's notebooks and a pencil, then she drew a circle, square, and triangle on the page. "Alright cat… If you're so smart. Show me which one of these is a square."

Len looked up at Taiga and the woman was certain the expression in the cat's eyes was asking, "Are you stupid?" based on the way one of the cat's brows was raised.

"Come on, cat… Prove yourself!" said Taiga with an angry tone of voice.

Len's response was to turn her head away and close her eyes with a huff of air that seemed very much like a human's dismissive gesture. All she had to do was nothing and let the Tiger of Fuyuki make a fool out of herself without any effort from Len being required. She knew Rin would catch on and do the talking out of this for her.

"Taiga? Can you not see what you're doing here?" inquired Rin. "You're going to lose this fight to a cat, and we're going to laugh at you for the rest of the night for thinking Len has human intelligence."

"This cat does have human intelligence! So far I've seen this cat use the toilet on its own, and even flushed after itself! I've also seen it open sliding doors. Then there's those eyes, I can swear I see real emotions in its eyes! I'm going to prove this cat is a freak of nature with human intelligence!"

Rin put a hand on Taiga's shoulder and smiled at her. "I can assure you, Taiga… If you're going to prove anything right now, it's that she's smarter than you. Even if she could answer the question, all she'd have to do is not answer it to make a fool out of you. This is what we call a 'no-win situation'."

Taiga grumbled while setting the notebook back down on Kurumi's desk along with the pencil before vacating the room in a hurry. Once she was gone Len jumped down off the table and with a quick burst of mana transformed into her human form.

"I'm sorry, Rin. I should be more careful," said Len in a quiet and shameful voice.

"Don't apologize, Len. I appreciate how much you help my daughter and look after her all the time. You're a member of our family now. So let me worry about Taiga," she said before she grinned mischievously. "Besides, that was very entertaining and we're going to have so much fun with her if she keeps this up."

---

While Kurumi busied herself with getting dressed and ready, Len, donned in her elegant black coat and her signature oversized black bow tied to her hair as well as a small purse swinging at her side, discreetly peered into the living room. Her crimson eyes scanned the area for any hints of Taiga Fujimura's presence in the house. She noted the dining table had been cleared, and Taiga's newspaper was gone which meant Taiga was gone and that ensured the coast was clear for her to venture into the household in her human form.

Seeing only Kotori and Origami present, and still dressed in nothing but their usual household yukatas, she gracefully approached the younger Emiya girl, who turned to acknowledge her.

"Hey, Len. What's up?" Kotori inquired.

Len pointed subtly towards the front door, a silent indication of her imminent departure.

"You're going out? Alright. But aren't you going to come with us to Onee-sama's tournament?" Kotori asked, her eyes curious.

Len responded with a nod, her expression composed. "I will meet you there," she uttered softly before casually heading towards the door while checking inside her purse to ensure she had everything she wanted and needed.

Origami, intrigued, followed the demon girl with her azure eyes until she disappeared from view. "Where is she going?"

Kotori nonchalantly shrugged, "Wherever she wants."

"Isn't it dangerous for her out there? What if someone notices she isn't human?" Origami voiced her concerns.

"They'd just think she's a kid doing some cosplay. It's a lot safer for her to wander on her own now than it was hundreds of years ago when people actually thought demons were real."

"But she is a real demon?"

Kotori chuckled, "But who out there knows that?"

"Does Kurumi permit her to go out on her own?" wondered Origami.

"That's not how it works. I know the way she looks makes it easy to forget, but Len's a grown woman and she can do as she pleases."

"I suppose that makes sense," answered Origami.

---

Len passed through the welcoming gates of the Emiya residence, leaving behind the secured confines of the house and its bounded field, stepping into the vibrant world beyond. The scent of freshly mowed grass teased her senses, and the familiar charm of spring enveloped her.

Len found solace in these solitary walks, especially when the nuisances of daily life became too pressing, and lately, Taiga Fujimura was pushing her patience to the limit. Over the past decade, the self-proclaimed Tiger of Fuyuki had become Len's unintentional nemesis. What once amused Len had now become a constant source of irritation.

Taiga was one of those humans incapable of embracing the stark realities that surrounded the Emiya household. Len couldn't help but wonder if a deeper understanding of their situation might have softened the adversarial edge in their relationship.

Yet, every time Taiga stumbled upon something she wasn't meant to witness, chaos ensued. The woman would unravel, losing her sanity in a display that left Len torn between sympathy and frustration. Attempts to gently introduce her to the truths of the Emiya family only resulted in trauma for Taiga, necessitating the rewriting of her memories.

Len grappled with the conflicting emotions. Was it fair to resent Taiga for her inability to cope with the supernatural elements woven into their lives? On the other hand, Len couldn't ignore the strain Taiga's unpredictability placed on her ability to find relaxation and be herself within the confines of her own home. It had become an increasingly frustrating aspect of their dynamic.

As Len strolled along the traditional Japanese street, her hand dipped into her purse, retrieving the sleek black case cradling her wireless earbuds. With practiced grace, she immersed herself in the melodies of her current favorite singer, a new talent who had gained viral popularity in the past year. She felt a kind of kinship to this particular artist thanks to her own misadventure in gaining viral popularity, of course, not on the same scale as someone like Tsukino Yoimachi whose fanbase numbered in the millions compared to her own fan base which numbered in the hundreds of thousands if the website metrics could be believed.

If the numbers were accurate, Len's web novel was blowing up, people were predicting she'd be offered to publish it as a series of light novels soon, or even have an anime adaptation. She briefly tried to imagine what that would be like, working with a studio of professionals in a grand creative collaboration. However, there were simply too many obstacles to that, not the least of which was her child-like appearance, her demonic features, and her inability to communicate effectively.

She decided to set that problem aside, it was highly unlikely that anyone would actually be interested in adapting her work, the genre was too niche for any kind of mainstream appeal. She instead let her mind wander to other places while letting the music intertwine with the ambient sounds of the old road.

Lost in the symphony of music and surroundings, Len's journey took on a poetic cadence to match the lyrics of the song in her ears. The sunlight played through tree branches, casting dappled shadows on the worn and well-trodden sidewalk. The gentle spring breeze whispered secrets, and Len moved with her feline grace, attuned to the rhythms of nature.

The familiar houses stood as silent witnesses to her solitary expedition, their aged roofs and wooden façades imbued with timeless charm. Neighbors paused in their activities to wave at her with bright smiles, and Len graciously reciprocated.

As Len continued her contemplations, she marveled at the vast changes in the centuries since her creation. The freedom to roam the outside world, a luxury unimaginable in the 13th century, now brought her solace. Despite the need for care and mindfulness, she reveled in the zeitgeist of the 21st century, where societal acceptance for someone like her seemed within reach based on the reception of certain fictional characters and concepts in the current popular culture which she very much enjoyed diving into when she had time to spare to help inspire her own creative project.

Despite the suffocating constrictions Taiga Fujimura had unknowingly placed on her, Len actually felt more free than she ever had her entire life up until this point. It was a thought which comforted her. Then her mind inevitably returned to her creator. A profound question lingered—would he be proud of the person she had become?

---

Many centuries ago

In a secluded home hidden deep within the mist-laden forests of a land long lost to time, a magus worked his craft. His motives were as obscure as the swirling mists surrounding his haven.

The air within the house crackled with magical energy as the magus meticulously performed the ritual to create a new form of life. At the center of the room lay a lifeless cat, its eyes forever closed to the world. Beside it, the remnants of a human girl's thoughts, lingering like ethereal whispers, awaited their destiny.

The magus, shrouded in a tattered robe embroidered with long-forgotten symbols, began the intricate process. He chanted ancient incantations, guiding the merging of the feline vessel and the spectral fragments of the departed soul. In the alchemical dance, a new being was born. One neither human nor feline, but given the form of something else entirely. Not quite human, but very near it.

As Len opened her eyes for the first time her mind was a muddled mess of feline and human instincts and feelings, the most prominent of which was fear. The death of both beings which had now come together to create her existence was fresh in her mind causing her to cower in the middle of the magic circle where she came into being.

The magus, her creator, observed with an expressionless face, his emotions locked behind unreadable eyes. Len never came to understand the motive behind her own creation, was he seeking a servant, a companion, or perhaps like God, he simply did it because he could?

In the beginning, he prodded her with questions, but she could not understand them. She knew what words were and what they were for, but she could not understand the concepts behind what was being asked of her and thus whatever it was he wanted to know that day which could offer clues to his motivations would be forever lost to time and memory.

In those early days, Len's existence unfolded against the backdrop of a world where the supernatural was very real in the public consciousness, even though they knew nothing about the actual truth of it. It was a world dominated by religious indoctrination, a world where demons were the cause of all the world's ills, and the knowledge and practice of thaumaturgy was feared. Those who dared to dabble without knowing how to remain unseen by the world around them were condemned to a long and painful death before cheering crowds. This was where the term ascribed to her existence came to be attached to her, a demon. Whether it was true of her nature or simply the only term humans could ascribe to a being such as herself, the word stuck. She was forever labeled the same as actual monsters.

The magus guided Len in the art of survival in a realm teeming with danger. Her days were spent in the shadows, observing the magus at work, her mind absorbing the ancient wisdom being imparted. The magus, whether out of necessity or some deeper bond, allowed her a semblance of autonomy, allowing her to explore the darkened corners of the forest at her leisure, forbidding her only from interaction with other humans. Over time her observations of her creator combined with her innate intelligence allowed her to develop her understanding of language, to learn to read, and to understand abstract concepts.

As the years passed, Len's powers grew, fueled by the latent potential bestowed upon her by the magus. Her knowledge of magecraft increased as she gained the understanding required to comprehend more and more of his books and scrolls. Her creator, however, remained shrouded in a cloak of mystery. Did he perceive Len as a mere tool, a pawn in his grand machinations, an achievement of some sort, or did a spark of paternal care reside within his stoic demeanor? She would never know for certain.

---

The soft chime of a bell announced Len's arrival as she stepped into the quaint library café nestled in the heart of Fuyuki. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hushed whispers of readers enveloped her in an atmosphere of serenity. Len gracefully made her way towards the library section of the cafe, eager to find a book she was curious to read.

One of the reasons she so dearly loved this establishment was the fact that everyone who came here was the sort of person who wanted to be alone with their books and their thoughts. Nobody came here in search of social interaction or conversation. The regular patrons included university students looking for a nice cup of coffee and a quiet place to study, or others in search of an escape from their ordinary lives through works of fiction.

She turned her mind back to the shelves surrounding her which were laden with books of all genres, their spines creating a mesmerizing mosaic of knowledge and entertainment. With an appreciative glance around the cafe with its timeless charm of dark brown woods and emerald marbled floors, Len immersed herself in the vast literary world. The murmurs of fellow patrons became distant echoes as she traced her fingers along the spines, searching for the title she wanted.

Choosing a seat by the window with a clear view of the peaceful street outside, Len set her purse beside her and opened the book she picked up. The chairs and couches were made of a brown faux leather but they were very comfortable for sitting in various reading positions and enjoying the beverages and snacks on offer while contributing to the academia aesthetic of the cafe. The scent of her favorite tea wafted through the air as the attentive barista set a cup down on her table without needing to be asked by the quiet girl. The ambiance of rustling pages and the distant hum of conversations created a cocoon of solace for the ancient succubus.

The book opened before her was a modern classic work of literature, and she delved into its pages with a deep sense of curiosity. It was a story about a journalist conducting an interview with a vampire about his long and storied life. Though the fact that she'd spent literal centuries traveling the world side by side with a being who was very much the real thing made it difficult for the little demon to suspend her disbelief.

"Excuse me?" said a voice to her side.

Len turned her crimson gaze towards the patron addressing her. He was a good looking young man with dark brown eyes and a matching head of unruly hair, clearly a university student judging by his age and appearance. He was haphazardly dressed in what Len could only assume was whatever was clean. His partially open button shirt looked like it should have gone with a suit and tie while his faded blue jeans were probably his daily wear along with his dirty old sneakers. Despite his challenges with being fashionable and presentable, he had a pleasant and innocent looking face with kind eyes and a matching smile.

"I'm sorry to bother you. The librarian said you were waiting for this book to be returned? She said I should bring it straight to you."

Len reached out to accept the proffered tome and examined the cover finding that it was indeed the book she had been searching for during her last visit.

"Thank you," she said with her monotone and emotionless voice.

"Isn't that a little advanced for someone your age? I'm going to school for this kind of thing and I barely understand any of it."

Len gazed at the book and then at the student. If he could barely understand The Prince while studying something related to politics he was in over his head. Part of her wished she could converse with him about it; she had after all actually met Machiavelli back in Florence during one of her adventures alongside Arcueid.

The inability to meaningfully interact with anyone who did not already know all there was to know about her was just one of the unfair aspects of her existence she had no choice but to accept. Even if they had common interests, or were as good looking as this young man was. That was before the matter of her personality was even factored in. Len just couldn't muster up more than a few words at a time.

"Maybe," she started flatly. "I will try," she added after a long and awkward pause.

"Good luck with it. By the way, that's a really cute cosplay. Is it an anime character?" he inquired.

When she said nothing in response except look at him, he walked away and on to whatever he had to do next. Len silently watched him leave without sparing her a second glance, or a second thought.

Len closed her eyes and struggled to suppress her rising anger. All she was, and could ever be in his eyes, was a cute character. Not a cute girl, a beautiful woman, or even just an interesting person. Any attempt she made to show herself as any more than what she appeared to be in his eyes would be an invitation to disaster at best.

Len, a Demon Familiar trapped in the form of a young girl, carried the weight of adult instincts and desires within her immortal being. A dormant ache, an unfulfilled longing, rested beneath her porcelain exterior, aching to break free. Despite the pulsing vitality that coursed through her supernatural veins, she remained bound by an unyielding set of constraints, stifling the very essence of her womanhood.

As her crimson eyes shifted to the window, they fell upon a scene that would forever elude her grasp – a young family, strolling through the street with a baby nestled in their care. The picturesque tableau of domestic bliss acted as a cruel reminder of what she could never attain. A surge of rueful bitterness enveloped her as she envisioned herself in the role of the mother, pushing the stroller with tenderness.

Eternal youth, something humans desperately coveted, now unveiled itself as a malevolent curse. The timeless dance of romance, the tender embrace of love, and the profound connection of bearing life within her womb were all luxuries forever denied to her. She felt the sting of anger rising within her, a fiery rebellion against the fates that conspired to relegate her to perpetual adolescence.

Her body, eternally suspended in the innocence of youth, would never mature to the point where society deemed her a worthy romantic partner. The prospect of experiencing the deep, reciprocated love she observed outside the window taunted her like an elusive mirage. The very essence of life, the ability to create and nurture, was forever beyond her grasp.

In this moment of bitter reflection, Len acknowledged her perpetual role as an adjunct to established families, a perpetual observer, a witness to the intimate joys she could never call her own. She had experienced what it was like to be a daughter to her former master, Shiki Tohno, the man who's surname she'd taken as her own.

With Kurumi Emiya she had the privilege to experience what it was like to have a little sister, but only for as long as Kurumi needed a big sister. The entry of Kotori into their lives provoked Kurumi to mature her personality and assume the role of the big sister to Kotori, and relegated Len to the duties more commonly associated with that of a traditional mage's Familiar. Those being to help her master in any undertaking she engaged in. She didn't resent Kotori for that, far from it. She cherished Kotori just as much as Kurumi did, but it has left her wondering what her place in the family even was anymore beyond being the house pet in front of Taiga.

The pang of solitude, intensified by the radiant familial scene outside, bore witness to the unspoken tragedy woven into the fabric of her immortal existence.

Within the recesses of her thoughts, where she had once pondered whether her creator would take pride in her, now echoed the haunting refrain of curses cast upon the very act of her creation. She railed against the purpose of fashioning a life that remained forever tethered to the periphery, condemned to vicariously partake in the lives of the people around her. What meaning lay in bringing forth a being destined to navigate the world as a mere spectator, forever denied the immersive embrace of a life truly her own?

---

Fuyuki, New City

The American-style diner, nestled in the vibrant heart of Fuyuki's New City, buzzed with the clinking of cutlery and the hum of classic rock 'n' roll tunes. The aroma of sizzling burgers and frying potatoes wafted through the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Origami, dressed in a pristine white sleeveless polo neck jumper and a short blue skirt adorned with delicate white flower outlines, showcased a new necklace gifted by Kurumi. The blue-green diamond-shaped gem gleamed boldly against the crisp white backdrop, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.

Kotori, her vibrant red hair fashioned into her signature twin tails with black ribbons – a cherished gift from her late adoptive mother – radiated a youthful charm in a short maroon skirt paired with black thigh-high stockings and a pristine white button blouse.

Choosing a table with red bench seats, the duo settled in, surrounded by the symphony of sizzling burgers and frying potatoes.

Kotori's eyes scanned the menu as she inquired, "I'm thinking of going for the classic hamburger with a chocolate milkshake and fries. How about you?"

Origami furrowed her brow, studying the extensive selection. "I'm not accustomed to this variety. What would you recommend?"

Pondering for a moment, Kotori suggested, "Well, how do you usually like your burgers? Extra meaty? Lots of greens? Mustard, ketchup, or mayo?"

"I do not have a preference. I have never actually had a burger before," Origami admitted, her curiosity piqued.

"You should try what I'm having then, and if you like it, stick with it, and if you don't, try something else next time," Kotori encouraged, receiving a firm nod from Origami.

"How come you've never had a burger before?" asked Kotori, observing Origami's reaction closely. "Has my sister really never brought you here before?"

Origami shook her head, "I am fairly certain this atmosphere is not something suited to Kurumi's preferences. It lacks a certain elegance one would associate with her."

Kotori giggled, "That's funny. She takes after our mother in so many ways, particularly that 'elegance' you're talking about. But would you be surprised to learn my mom used to bring me here all the time so we could gorge ourselves?"

"That is surprising," remarked Origami. "From what I have been told, your mother was very health conscious."

"She liked to cheat sometimes. It was kinda the thing she and I did alone together most of the time, but Onee-sama would come with us too sometimes, especially when my dad was away. You see, it all started when I first met my mom in the hospital. She snuck me in a burger and fries because she knew hospital food was crap. So it's just something I associate with her I guess."

The waiter arrived to take their orders, and Kotori, with a smile, supplied him with their preferences. As the waiter departed, Kotori asked with a bright smile, "Mind if I ask what your favorite date with my sister was?"

"May I ask why you are suddenly so curious about our dating preferences?" Origami questioned, her eyes revealing a hint of guarded curiosity.

Kotori shrugged, "I don't know. I've never been on a date, and I'm curious what you two like to do together."

"Do you have someone in mind with whom you would like to go on a date?" Origami inquired, raising her eyebrow.

"Uhh… I don't know… Can I answer that question without my sister hearing about it? Or the person I name?" Kotori hesitated, her fingers playing nervously with the menu.

Origami nodded, "In principle, I do not keep secrets from Kurumi. But that only applies to my own secrets. You may trust that I will keep your confidence."

Kotori took a deep breath before she turned as red as the bench seat she sat on. "Haruto…"

"I have long suspected that you had been developing certain feelings towards him. You take an interest in every new artwork he posts, and you make certain he knows you have. I can certainly understand his appeal. Objectively speaking, he is an attractive young man, and he is a dependable, loyal, and honest friend."

"I'm pretty sure he's like you two. He's playing for the home team. There's just no way a guy that good looking could still be single if he was into girls."

"He is not. Matou has occasionally demonstrated an interest in Ai Yamabuki. If you have a serious interest in him, you should speak to your sister about it first and determine how she would feel about the idea. I do not believe for one moment Matou would ever think of you in such a way unless he were assured that it would not endanger his friendship with Kurumi."

Kotori sighed and nodded, "I know you're right. That's why I've kept quiet about it. I'd never do anything to risk damaging their friendship. Losing Haruto as a friend would break her heart. I mean, he's more of a brother to her than I am a sister."

Origami raised her finger to Kotori, "That is untrue. I am uniquely positioned to vouch for the fact that you are the foremost person in Kurumi's mind and heart at all times."

"Does that ever bother you? Be honest with me."

"Never," said Origami with a shake of her head. "I would not accept it if Kurumi ever prioritized anything over you, especially me. You are her sister. That is how it should always be. Anyone who would disregard their own family in favor of anything else is not a person who can be trusted."

"What if that person has a really bad family?" wondered Kotori.

"That would be different. But you do not have a bad family. You all love each other very much and always seek the best for each other. Nothing else should ever come before that."

Kotori nodded, "Yeah. I know you're right. I just want my sister to be happy, and I know you make her happy. So I want the best for you too because if you do marry her one day, you'd be my sister too."

Origami nodded back to her, "Indeed I would be. That is why I will always prioritize what is best for you over what is best for myself. If I cannot prove to Kurumi that I am capable of that, I would not deserve her."

"You're so passionate about her. Even if your tone of voice is totally monotonous just like Len's, I can feel your intensity when it comes to my sister. I really like that about you. You're so straightforward, focused, and determined."

Origami looked to the waiter who was bringing their meals, "If not for her, I would be a very different person now. Possibly someone consumed with hatred and rage for the loss of my parents. But Kurumi gave me something better to focus on, something more. She is my reason for existing. If not for her, I would have nothing good to live for. My only goal in life is to be the best version of myself I can be for her."

"Honestly… If I'm going to date someone, I want to date someone who would think of me the same way you think of my sister. Someone who understands and encourages my values and my ideals. I hope that's Haruto, but if it isn't… I guess I'm just trying to say you really inspire me to set high standards."

"You should have high standards. Whomever you choose to give your heart to will not only have to win over your sister, but your father as well. That is no easy feat to accomplish."

Kotori smiled sadly, "I'll probably be single forever then. Just like Aunt Taiga. My father and my sister can't even agree on the color of an orange."

"I am confident you will find the right person. I did not know it at the time, but Kurumi came into my life exactly when I needed her the most. Not a moment sooner, and not a moment later. It will be the same for you, I fully believe that."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Explaining would mean taking your mind back to a time and place it does not want to go. I think it is best if you simply take my word for it."

Kotori's cherry eyes widened as her mind's eye caught flashes of death, destruction, and fire which she quickly forced out of her mind by reaching into her purse to pick up a lollipop. The mere act of holding the candy treat was immediately able to calm her mind.

Origami curiously observed while Kotori's eyes went from being wide with fear to sharp with confidence as soon as she was holding the stem of her favorite treat.

"Yeah. I get what you're saying," replied Kotori with a stern voice which replaced her previous innocent and youthful tone.

Origami raised a curious eyebrow. "This is not the first time I have witnessed this sudden and drastic change in demeanor from you. May I ask about it?"

Kotori shook her head, "The only explanation I can give in a setting like this is that my mother taught me how to make myself a stronger person in order to be able to do certain things. The lollipops were her reward for me whenever I did good. So you could say they're a kind of trigger I can use to bring out this other side of me when I need to."

"Is that something I could learn as well?" wondered Origami.

"When you're ready, you'll need to. So yes. Ask me more about it the next time we're practicing with my sister."

Origami nodded her understanding. She made a mental note to dig further into this new information related to the world of magecraft. Just who was this other person Kotori could turn herself into? How did this transformation of personality go, and what was its true purpose? Every day with the Emiya family brought up a new mystery for her to uncover, and she had to admit to herself that it very much kept things interesting.

---

Fuyuki Convention Center

The trio of Origami, Kotori, and Len wandered around inside the convention center. Kotori was also holding Len in her arms who seemed lifeless and bored. Kotori couldn't tell if something was bothering Len or if she was just tired after having her own day out. Try as she might, she wasn't as adept at reading Len's more subtle cues as her big sister was.

The lobby was filled to the brim with vendors peddling snacks, video games, and accessories. People were lining up to get their food and try out different game controllers or keyboards and other things neither Kotori nor Origami could comprehend. This was Kurumi's little world after all.

Origami's azure eyes scanned the venue, making mental notes about the crowd. They were mostly male ranging from teenagers to young adults which lined up with the target audience of the video game being played at this tournament. There were a few women around, but most of them were clearly there to work by drawing attention to the various stalls.

There was a distinct lack of the elegance which Origami associated with Kurumi anywhere to be found. The people who were there to see the tournament were all casually dressed, and her olfactory receptors failed to pick up much cologne or deodorant. Just the smells of junk food and sweat which wafted from the crowds.

"Tobiichi! Emiya! Over here!" exclaimed a blonde girl.

Origami turned to where she heard their names being called and spotted her and Kurumi's classmates, the trio of girls consisting of Ai Yamabuki, Mai Hazakura, and Mii Fujibakama. They were all similarly dressed to each other in jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, and coats looking like their usual carefree selves. Their gaze being cast about as if silently mocking the event, which made Origami question what they were doing there in the first place.

"Yamabuki-senpai," replied Kotori while she and Origami walked over to the three girls.

"You all came to see Kurumi in the tournament?" asked Origami. "Why?"

"What do you mean why? She's our friend, and we're here to support her," replied Ai.

"Even if we don't get this whole thing…" muttered Mai. "I never knew there were so many NEETs in this city."

"This is so lame…" said Mii.

"Hey, I didn't know you had a cat!" exclaimed the blonde while rushing up to Kotori. "Why'd you bring her though? Couldn't leave her home alone?"

"Nah, she was already out, but she wanted to come and support my sister. Anyway, this is Len," she replied. "Len, these are my sister and Origami's classmates."

Len lazily raised her paw in greeting.

Ai leaned down and gushed over the little black cat, "Awww! She's so cute! May I pet her?"

"It's up to her if she lets you," replied Kotori with a tone of indifference.

"How will I know if she'll let me?" she asked while tentatively raising her hand towards the cat.

"How would you let someone know if it was alright to touch you?" asked Kotori.

Ai slowly brought her hand back towards herself. "I'd better not then. I'm more of a dog person really."

"Why're you being such a coward, Ai?" asked Mai, the brunette, while moving her hand to pet the cat.

Len raised her paw towards the brunette's hand, claws out and made a growling noise to warn her off, which made Mai stop in her tracks.

"What happened, Mai? Aren't you going to pet the beast?"

"No, I'm good."

"This is so lame…" said Mii, the bespectacled girl, while reaching out to pet the cat.

Len responded by purring and nuzzling against her hand.

Origami narrowed her eyes, "Why am I not surprised."

"Tobiichi? What are you not surprised about?" asked Ai.

"Of the three of you, Len seems to be comfortable with Fujibakama," replied Origami, and then put a hand to her chin, "Perhaps it's because they have much in common?"

"You're comparing Mii to a cat?"

"Len is much more than a cat…" she said cryptically. "So, did you really come here just to see Kurumi? Or do you have an ulterior motive?"

"Tobiichi, Koto-chan!" exclaimed Haruto as he walked up to the group. "Oh. Len's here too!"

Origami observed Ai's face while she looked at Haruto Matou and then nodded understandingly. Her blonde classmate had an obvious crush on the purple haired boy. So her presence this far outside of her element suddenly became logical. Origami had to decide if she would assist Kotori in getting closer to Haruto and this evening could serve to provide insights to help her plan and achieve such a mission, should she choose to accept it.

He then went and carefully returned the cat to Kotori. "You're looking very cute today, Koto-chan."

"Thanks," she replied in a half-hearted voice while blushing profusely.

Origami heard Kotori's disinterested tone, but clearly saw her body language betray her happiness at being complimented by the boy. This was Kotori's first problem which she would have to overcome. If she wanted him to notice her as more than his childhood friend's little sister, she would have to show him she was interested in him as something more than her big sister's childhood friend.

She watched as Haruto turned his attention onto herself, his eyes drifting down to her chest, but since she knew her bust line was not considered impressive enough to enrapture male attention in such a way, she reckoned his eyes were drawn to something else about her, and she would be proven correct.

Haruto leaned down and eyed the jewel hanging over Origami's chest while whistling loudly. "Now that is one impressive hunk of rock!"

It was natural that Haruto would recognize the gem for what it was as someone who knew Kurumi's magecraft inside and out.

"Hey, now that he mentions it. Yeah. That's really a beautiful necklace, Tobiichi! Is it new?" asked Ai while leaning down beside Haruto to examine the gem.

"Yes. It was a gift," Origami answered flatly.

Haruto turned his eyes to his right and smiled into the face of the blonde girl he saw mere inches from him.

"Hello there, Yamabuki."

Ai's cheeks flushed slightly red. "Hey there, Matou-kun…" she said shyly before straightening back up in a hurry. "Uhh, anyway! Who gave you that necklace, Tobiichi? It looks expensive."

"Priceless," she replied while turning to Kotori. "Let's go inside and find good seats."

"Yeah! We gotta make sure she can see us in the audience!" replied an enthusiastic Kotori.

Origami felt a pang of anger and resentment towards Haruto for the way he had just exchanged glances with Yamabuki in a way he never looked at Kotori. Her feelings clearly told her only one thing; she had officially joined Team Kotori in the battle for the heart of Haruto Matou.

Though it would be difficult and complicated, if it were possible at all, she wanted Kotori to be happy. With that decided, she made a mental note that the next step she would have to take was to verify if Haruto Matou was indeed someone who could bring Kotori the happiness she deserved if he were given the opportunity. But even before any of that, Kotori would have to talk to her sister about it, only then would Origami be certain that this endeavor was worth the time and effort it would take.

---

Kotori, Origami, and Haruto all sat down near the front row with Ai, Mai, and Mii taking seats directly behind them. The hall was filling up in a big hurry as the matches were due to begin soon.

"This is probably a stupid time to ask, but has Kurumi even made it through to this round?" asked Haruto.

"Yeah," answered Kotori. "She sent us messages after each win during the elimination rounds. When she said she made it through, she said something about how she should have been getting paid for working in the salt mine all day. Whatever that means."

Haruto started laughing hysterically. "I'd bet!" he remarked before turning to Kotori. "The expression 'mining salt' in video games means she's been pissing people off because she kept beating them and their egos couldn't take it, meaning they're 'salty' about it. Get it?"

"It's dumb, but yeah, I get it," replied Kotori.

"The venue is full," observed Origami. "Is this game that popular?"

Ai leaned forward in her seat until her head was between Origami and Kotori. "Melty Blood is one of the most popular fighting games, yes. But the real reason this place is so full is because who the Emcee is gonna be."

"Who?" asked Kotori while turning to look at Ai.

"Tsukino Yoimachi, how did you not know that?"

"SERIOUSLY?!" squealed Kotori. "I love her! But why would she be here?"

"I guess because she lives in Fukuoka, and it's not very far from us, they could get her here to pack the venue and milk more money out of this tournament."

"Or maybe it was just the only thing she could get. She's been losing gigs left and right," explained Mai after leaning in to join the conversation. "It's been coming out that she's been sleeping around to get stuff. I wonder if she had to do that to get this one?"

"That is so lame!" exclaimed Mii.

"I don't believe that!" yelled Kotori. "Every idol gets accused of something or other once they get famous enough. It's like a rite of passage for them. Jealous people always talk crap about successful people."

"Perhaps when Kurumi wins, you'll have a chance to meet your idol," said Origami to Kotori.

"That would be amazing! Don't worry, Len, if I can, I'll get her to autograph something for both of us," she said to the cat.

"Meow! Meow!" said an excited Len.

"Welcome all to the Fuyuki Melty Blood tournament!" came a girl's voice over the loudspeakers. The audience erupted in cheers and applause.

From behind the stage, emerged a teenage girl with silver eyes and long indigo colored hair in a hime style. She wore dark blue jeans, fresh white sneakers, and a white t-shirt with the logo of the video game prominently emblazoned upon it. She had a voluptuous figure, and long legs. Every boy in the audience was practically drooling over her as she stepped into the spotlight.

"Wow. She's so beautiful," remarked Haruto.

Mai leaned down next to the purple haired boy with a grin, "If Kurumi wins, you could have a chance to talk to her and get lucky. You're a very good looking guy. You could probably date her."

Haruto shook his head, "Her looks kinda remind me too much of my mother. It'd be way too weird."

"Seriously? Your mom must be smoking hot!" exclaimed Ai who now had her head back between Kotori and Haruto. "When can I meet her?"

"She passed away," he replied firmly. "But yes. She was very beautiful."

"Oh… Crap. I'm so sorry, Matou. I didn't know… Are you upset?"

"Why would I be upset? It was a compliment, wasn't it?" he asked her with confusion in his voice.

Ai nodded furiously, "Mhmm! Yeah! Of course it was!"

"Now, with all of that out of the way, it's time to introduce the players for the quarter finals! This young man is an American who's lived in Kitakyushu for most of his life. Say hello to Static!"

A brown haired young man in his early twenties came out onto the stage, waving his hand to the cheering crowds.

Tsukino looked down at a flash card she had before looking up at the audience again, she'd occasionally glance down again as she talked about the contestant.

"Static-san works as an interpreter and translator. When he's not playing games he trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! He made it to the semi-finals at Tokyo Evo last year, and his online ranking is twenty third in the world. How impressive is that? Let's have some cheers if you think that's impressive!"

The crowd cheered loudly for the man in response.

"Next! We have the only female player to make it through to the quarter-finals!"

"ONEE-SAMA!" screamed Kotori loudly just before the rest of the crowd started screaming too.

"Oh! Sounds like her little sister is in the audience too!"

That crowd started cheering for Kotori who quickly sat back down with a big red blush while Haruto playfully ruffled her hair. Meanwhile, Origami turned to Kotori and started clapping for her before sitting back down.

"Now back to our contestant! She's from right here in Fuyuki, and also the only local player to make it this far. Her online ranking in Melty Blood is forty fifth in the world!"

Kurumi stepped out onto the stage dressed in a frilly black and white lolita dress adorned with red ribbons, and white frills at the ends of her sleeves. Matching red ribbons tied her signature twin tails down over her shoulders. In her hands, she was holding her arcade stick. Her face carried what her sister would call her 'yandere smile' as she looked around at the audience cheering for her with that sadistic looking smile which all but screamed 'I have come here to take your souls back with me to hell'.

"Most of you probably either know her as Kruel, or 'That girl that keeps kicking my butt in video games'! Let's hear some applause!"

Tsukino lowered her microphone and looked down at her flashcard for a moment before lifting the microphone back up again to address the crowd.

"Kruel is a second year high school student. Among her hobbies are Bajiquan, Kyūdō, and cooking! How fun does all of that sound?"

Kotori cheered excitedly for her sister.

"So we have two real life martial artists competing right now. How many other fighting game players out there practice martial arts in real life? Make some noise for us!"

Only some cheering came from the audience.

"If ever there was a hint that a lot of you need to get more active, this would be it," said Tsukino with a giggle. "Alright! Let's have our players get started."

---

Later in the evening, Kurumi was seated beside her opponent for the final match of the tournament, having plowed her way through the quarter and semi finals to this moment. The two players had their eyes firmly set on the television monitor in front of them while the gameplay was presented to the audience on the large screen behind them. Commentators who were unseen in the back of the crowd were remarking on the gameplay and the players, mostly for the benefit of whomever was watching the livestream of the event.

The raven-haired girl had her arcade stick set on her lap. One hand moved the joystick and the other danced across the various buttons in a blur of movement as she rapidly executed the combinations required to utilize her chosen character's moves.

The crowds were on the edges of their seats while the action unfolded on the big screen. Kotori watched with wide eyes as Kurumi's character was pummeled with an attack that left her with exactly no health except for a tiny little sliver on the health bar. Any attack would finish her off and cost her the tournament. Even she knew it was over at this point and the crowd seemed to know it as well. The other character lept for her and began a sequence of attacks while someone in the crowd shouted something encouraging to the other player. To Kotori's immense relief, Kurumi was blocking every single attack, but to her immense surprise the audience's cheering grew louder and louder the more she blocked. She looked beside her and even Haruto had stood up and was cheering at the top of his lungs.

Kurumi turned the tables and executed her own character's ultimate move which utterly devastated the other player's character causing the crowd to cheer wildly.

Kotori stood up to be able to see over the heads of the people in front of her while Kurumi's opponent stood up from his seat and dropped his controller before shaking hands with Kurumi. At least he was a good sport about it, even if he looked extremely pissed off about his defeat.

Kurumi was approached by Tsukino Yoimachi amidst the thunderous applause from the crowd. She was handed a cheque for her prize money along with a trophy for her win. After a long moment the cheering died down enough for her to be able to speak.

"So, Kruel, tell us, how does it feel to be the winner?"

Kurumi closed her eye and smiled sweetly towards her sister, girlfriend, and friends in the audience for a moment before speaking into the microphone.

"It feels good. I put a lot of hours into mastering the game and it's nice to have a tangible payoff for all that hard work. I would especially like to thank my little sister for waking me up every morning so I wouldn't be late for school after playing all night long."

The audience all laughed while Ai reached out to rub Kotori's shoulders while Haruto ruffled her hair.

"You and your sister sound like you're close," said Tsukino before holding the microphone back at Kurumi.

"Yes. She's the most special and precious person in my life. But she's not the only one, I have some very dear friends who came out to support me in this, even if none of them have any interest in video games. I feel very lucky to have them in my life."

"I must say, you have impeccable fashion sense. I don't think I've ever met a girl who could pull off the gothic lolita look quite like you can."

"Thank you so much," replied Kurumi with a shy smile.

"That's also a very nice drawing on your control stick. May we see it?"

Kurumi nodded and held up her arcade stick, Tsukino put a hand on the device to help her hold it up and be seen. It had a picture on it of Kurumi as an anime character preparing to fire one of her spells with a maniacal look on her face.

"That's a really cool character on- Wait! Is that you?"

"Yes it is. My little sister gave me this for my birthday last year, she also drew the picture."

"Wow! That is very impressive! Your sister must really see you as a badass if that's how she drew you!"

"I hope so," answered Kurumi. "I try to be the best big sister I can. I just hope she knows how much I rely on her. I wouldn't be that 'badass' person if I didn't have her in my life to support me."

Kotori smiled and blushed while covering her face at being made the center of attention for all the friends of her sister's she was surrounded by while they all gushed and praised her.

"Congratulations on your big win, Em- Oops, I'm supposed to call you by your gamer name."

"It's fine. I came up with that name when I was going through my worst Chunni phase. I just couldn't drop the name because too many people I play with online know me by it. Now everyone here does too."

"Congratulations once again on your victory. Thank you to everyone for attending and making this event so much fun!"

While the crowd was roaring, Tsukino leaned over to whisper to Kurumi. "Could I trouble you to come backstage with me for a little while? I don't have a bodyguard anymore and some of the guys back there are really creepy."

Kurumi nodded and whispered back, "Only if you promise to sign an autograph for my sister and one of my friends. They're big fans of yours."

"Oh? Are you not?" she asked back with genuine surprise in her eyes.

Kurumi shook her head. "Not my genre of music I'm afraid. I can listen to it when my sister has it on, but I like to listen to western music, it helps me maintain my level of English, and German."

"I can't help but like a girl with a talented tongue," she replied with a flirtatious giggle while they both walked off the stage together.

"Don't they have security here at the venue?" asked Kurumi once they were behind the stage.

Tsukino shook her head. "Yes, but, they were the ones with their eyes most firmly glued to my backside or chest. Which is why I just feel safer not being the only girl back here. So thank you for humoring me, I really appreciate it."

"If I can help someone who needs it then-Meh. I'm sounding too much like my father. It's disgusting. Like belly flab, but the emotional kind. Emotional flab. That's what it is."

Tsunkino giggled, "Do you argue with yourself a lot?"

"Yes. Quite a lot. It gets very tiresome, but I just don't know when to back down."

---

Kurumi and Tsukino entered the unassuming dressing room tucked away at the rear of the multi-purpose venue. The room, though modest in size, served as a versatile space with its makeshift design. Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the area, revealing a disorganized arrangement of mirrors, a dresser, and a compact seating area. The walls, adorned only with an emergency escape diagram and a few notes left stuck to the walls regarding things to do with past events. The room smelled of a combination of various perfumes, hair products, and various cleaning chemicals.

A small vanity mirror on the dresser reflected the indigo hues of Tsukino's hair as she gracefully took a seat. In one swift motion, she produced a pen and carefully placed a couple of glossy photographs of herself on the dresser. With an air of practiced ease, she turned her attention to her companion. "So, to whom shall I make these out?"

"Hmm?"

"The autographs you wanted, silly!"

"Oh! The first is to my little sister, Kotori Emiya…"

"How do you write your family name?"

"Oh, with two kanji, like this," she said while holding up her badge.

"Got it," she said while signing her name. "What about the second one?"

"The second is to our dearest friend, Len Tohno."

She started writing and then stopped and seemed to realize something. "Wait… I know that name. Len Tohno… Is she by chance the one who writes 'Fate Stay Night'? Because I love that story!"

Kurumi blinked and then widened her eye. "Fate Stay Night? I didn't know she was a writer… What's it about?"

"It's a web novel I like to read. It's a story about a cat who was adopted by a family of those mythological foxes. Well, she's not really a cat, but it's complicated, you'd have to read it to get it. The best parts of the story are where this tiger tries to pull pranks on them, but the cat always outsmarts her."

Kurumi started laughing hysterically. "That sounds right. So yes. I had no idea she was writing a web novel. Tell me more about this story, who are the other characters?"

"Let's see… There's a few of them, but the most important ones are a father and daughter. They adopted the cat into their family after her father was killed in a battle. The fox father also adopted another fox girl into the family after her parents died in a forest fire… The story is so sweet really, I always feel like I'm going to get diabetes from reading it."

Kurumi smiled while wiping her eye with her sleeve. She was on the verge of tears as she realized Len was writing an autobiography hidden in a fantasy adventure story using mythology and metaphors for the realities of their lives. She felt so proud of Len that she could barely contain it.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm sorry. Without a doubt. It's the same Len Tohno."

"Well, here you go. I left a special message for Tohno-san. Her story really makes me feel happy whenever I read it. We should all have such a loving family as the one in her story."

"It isn't that simple," said Kurumi with a slightly sharp edge to her voice while accepting the autographed pictures. "Is the father a superhero of some sort?"

"Yes actually! He's so wonderful! He's always risking himself to protect the forest from the bad humans and animals. I wish I had a father like that…"

Kurumi nodded, "What about when his daughter needs him to be her hero?" she paused for a breath to maintain her composure, "Is he there for her?"

"She'd never need someone to be her hero. She's the hero of her own story! She's the one who takes care of the family and keeps them all together and safe when he's away. She protects their home territory when nobody else would be around to do it. The funny part is, she grumbles just like you do about wanting to not be like her father while doing exactly what he would do in the situation. The cat character really loves her and does whatever she can to help her get stronger and master her powers so she can be as strong as her parents someday."

Kurumi turned around and took a deep breath. "Damn you, Len."

Tsukino raised a curious eyebrow, "It sounds a bit like the fiction is a little too close to the reality it's based on?"

"Isn't all fiction an idealized or metaphorical version of someone's reality?"

"You might not have a father who's always around for you, but, if the story is really inspired by your family, as I'm guessing it is, I have no reason to doubt that he loves you with all his heart."

Kurumi turned back around and smiled at her. "I know he loves me. I love him too. But sometimes he just makes me so angry. He puts complete strangers above me!" she exclaimed before taking a sharp breath to once again regain her composure. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Is it too selfish of me to want my father to care about me more than his ideals?"

"I think it's normal to be a little selfish and to desire our parents to pay attention to us. I would know, all I am to my parents is a walking ATM machine. They hated that I wanted to be a singer. They made fun of me for my dream. Kept putting me down and telling me it would never, ever, happen. But when it did happen, and when I became successful at it, they had no problem enjoying all the money I brought in. But now… I don't… I'm sorry, I shouldn't be bothering you with my problems."

"Yoimachi-san?" asked Kurumi while stepping closer to the other girl and offering her a supportive smile. "If you have something you want to get off your very well-endowed chest, and you need somebody to listen, I'm happy to give you my ears. I mean, we're not exactly friends, but I feel like we could grow to be."

"Thank you," she responded with a warm smile. "I actually feel the same way," she said before she leaned back in her chair with a heavy sigh. "I guess I could tell you, but it might make you not want to be my friend anymore."

"Would the fox girl in Len's story ever judge someone the way you're afraid of being judged by me right now?"

Tsukino shook her head, "No. Never. If she's based on you, then I guess I can try to trust you," she said before taking a deep breath. "Well, some back story first, since you're not a fan, you wouldn't know about all the rumors being spread about me. It's why I don't have a bodyguard anymore. My agency dropped me. So all the services they provide have been withdrawn. All my gigs have dried up. This was the last one I was booked for. My career is now officially over. It only lasted a year. My parents don't know about any of this yet, but I imagine it won't be very long before they hear all about it,

"The funny thing is that they really liked spending all that money, and since no more is going to be coming in, they're going to have to go back to living how we used to… The agency owns my image, my songs, my name… My parents control my money… Heh… I'm suddenly realizing that nothing I've worked for, created, or earned is my own.

"I grew up in an apartment building that had a communal toilet. That's how broke we were. I used to brush my teeth at school and share lunches with my classmates. Now we have a three bedroom house and I go to one of the best private schools in the country. Rags to riches, and back to rags again. They won't take it well."

Kurumi folded her arms and tried to imagine what that was like for the girl before her, but she just couldn't. "I can't say I know what that's like. I've always had a nice comfortable house and a warm loving family. Never wanted for anything in my life. But, can I ask what the problem is exactly? What exactly happened to get you into this situation? What are these rumors you keep mentioning?"

"Without going into the details I'm not really ready to talk about yet…" started Miku while gathering her thoughts, "It's all because everyone expects me to live up to this perfect image of myself that they build up in their minds. The real me is never seen because I have to live up to that false image, and that image is so fragile that anything can shatter it. Be it true, or untrue. So I can't ever be myself, can't ever make mistakes… everything I wear, everything I say, everywhere I go has to be approved by an image consultant! Can you believe that's a real job?

"But do you want to know what the worst part is? I don't even know who I really am anymore! I've had to put my real self aside for so long that I feel like a total stranger to myself! Even the so-called 'friends' I have were chosen for me to be seen with…"

"That's really unbelievable. How can you live like that?" asked Kurumi with a wide eye.

"Actually, I was wrong. That wasn't even the worst part of it all. The worst part was when the 'Image Consultant' figured out I'm a lesbian! He was lecturing me about how I wasn't allowed to date any boys and that I couldn't ever be photographed in any situation that could potentially be seen as inappropriate… Long story short it got a little heated and I told him I don't even like boys, and then he got even more angry because the only thing worse for my 'image' than being seen that way with a boy was being seen with a girl! So all my 'friends' were chosen for me because they weren't my type!"

Kurumi sighed and took a seat in a chair beside the indigo haired girl. "I can't imagine myself in that situation. I'd lose the will to live…" Kurumi said before her crimson eye took on a sinister glint. "Or accurately, lose the will to allow the people around me to live… Anyway, before we get lost in my dark and twisted mind… I won't pretend to know anything about what it's like to be in your shoes, Yoimachi-san, but-"

"Please… Emiya-san. My real name is Miku Izayoi. Tsukino Yoimachi is just a stupid stage name that I didn't even get to choose. It's a name for a marketing gimmick, not a real person. I want to be the real me with you… If that's alright?"

"Of course it is," Kurumi nodded, "Izayoi-san."

"Just call me Miku," she said with a smile.

"As you wish. Miku. You may call me Kurumi if you want to."

Miku nodded.

"Alright then, Miku. I don't know anything about your exact situation. But believe me when I tell you that I really do know all about having unrealistic expectations heaped upon you by complete strangers… And I know about having to maintain a false image of myself for the benefit of others. I mean, I'm no celebrity, but my mother was, in certain circles. She passed away and left me with this tremendous responsibility that she never had time to fully prepare me for. So I'm trying to navigate being her successor all on my own, and not even my father really has the first clue about what that responsibility really entails. I have so many people from her world watching and judging me, probing for any weakness to exploit so they can come along and take my place."

"That sounds so infuriating. How do you put up with that?"

Kurumi smiled sadistically at Miku. "I don't. I may not have the power to put them all in their places just yet, but I work towards that power, and when I have it, I will not hesitate to use it to get what I want."

"And what is it you want?"

Kurumi's smile became malicious, a deviant gleam shone in her visible crimson eye. "I want to achieve something that's mine and mine alone. I want to take control of my own life and live as I see fit, according to my own expectations of myself and nobody else's! I want to achieve my perfect self."

Miku smiled, "I want exactly the same thing. The way you explained that, is exactly what I feel but couldn't express. Thank you for that. But I have no idea how I'm going to achieve my perfect self, not after all of this. I had no power of my own. I thought I did, but I didn't… I had none at all, and that hurts so bad…"

Kurumi listened but chose not to interject her thoughts, instead waiting to see what else Miku had to add.

"I thought my music could inspire people to want to be better, to be kind to each other, and be honest with themselves… But I guess I'm just a bad songwriter because that message just didn't reach anyone. All you have to do is look at my social media to see the proof of that. I never imagined people who liked the music I made would be capable of saying the vile things they're posting about me right now… I thought my fans were gentle and kind, who wanted to do good and be good in this cruel world. But I was so very wrong."

Kurumi closed her eye for a moment while she absorbed what she'd just been told. Truth be told, she knew very well how two-faced people could be. Unbeknownst to Miku, she wasn't even dealing with the real Kurumi Emiya at this moment, though she could confidently say both versions of herself, her public and mage persona would still stand by her. An Emiya was an Emiya no matter what. So she stood and stepped over to the other teen where she put her hands on her upper arms in a comforting gesture.

"I promise you that isn't completely true. I know two people who have been very much inspired by you. I know Len loves taking walks while listening to your songs to clear her head when she needs to. I know my sister listens to your music when she needs inspiration to draw. For whatever it's worth to you, you've made a difference in my family. Just look at that web novel you love so much. I can just imagine Len listening to your songs while hammering away at her keyboard to write it. Imagine literally being the soundtrack to your favorite story."

Miku took a deep breath and nodded, "You're right. Those are the kinds of connections I wanted to make with my music…"

Kurumi smiled while looking into Miku's eye. "And you have. You just need to be able to see it again. I think I can help you with that. You just need a change in perspective to help you see more clearly…" she said before taking her hands off to retrieve her phone from her purse, she then started typing a text message. "I'm going to help you start to reconnect with your true self."

---

Kotori, Origami, Haruto, Ai, Mai, and Mii discreetly maneuvered to the back of the building, following Kurumi's instructions.

"Emiya? What are we doing here?" asked Ai.

Kotori turned to the blonde girl, "I'm guessing Onee-sama is trying to avoid all the fanfare from her big win by sneaking out the back. If she gets crowded in the lobby, she's gonna get bombarded with questions and selfie requests and whatever from all those creepy guys."

"I agree with her. Suima-san probably just wants to go home and celebrate with us instead of bothering with strangers she'll never want to see again in her life," added Haruto.

"Yes. That sounds like Kurumi," added Origami. "She hates being the center of attention."

A fire escape door creaked open slightly, and Kurumi cautiously poked her head out until she spotted her sister and friends waiting across the street. Once she saw the area was empty except for the people she expected to see, her head disappeared back inside, and a moment later, she re-emerged with another girl in tow.

Kotori, Haruto, Ai, Mai, and Mii all gawked at them with slack jaws, while Origami raised her eyebrow at the peculiar scene. Kurumi was leading the poorly disguised celebrity idol by the hand. The celebrity wore the same jeans but had swapped the T-shirt for a white button-up blouse. She also sported a hat to complete a disguise that wouldn't fool anyone.

"Quickly now!" said Kurumi as they briskly walked across the street to the group.

"Suima-san… Did you kidnap her?" asked Haruto in a deadpan tone.

"Of course not! Why would you think that?!"

Haruto glared at her with a suspicious eye, "With you, who can be sure?"

Kotori, on the other hand, struggled not to start gushing like a rabid fangirl. Kurumi noticed and began to gently pet her little sister's head to calm her down before narrowing her eyes and hardening her tone of voice as she cast her crimson mono-ocular gaze to everyone gathered.

"Let me just be clear, and I'll only say this once, so pay attention. Tsukino Yoimachi doesn't exist tonight. Forget everything you think you know about her. Just imagine this person and I tied her up and ditched her back in the dressing room after the tournament."

"Yeah, I don't have to imagine you doing that…" muttered Haruto.

"Me neither…" added Kotori.

Kurumi then put one hand on Miku's shoulder as she introduced her. "So now, I'd like you all to meet my new friend. Miku Izayoi," she said before she used her other hand to gesture to each person as she introduced them, "Miku, this is my little sister, Kotori. My childhood friend, Haruto Matou. My very special friend, Origami Tobiichi, and my closest school friends since middle school, Ai Yamabuki, Mai Hazakura, and Mii Fujibakama."

"Nice to meet you all," said Miku before she spotted the little cat in Kotori's arms and gently reached out to start petting her. She then took a moment to play with Len's signature oversized black bow. "Aww, this is such a nice cat!"

Len purred against her hand before jumping from Kotori's arms and into the large bosom of her favorite singer. The idol swiftly caught and cradled the purring black cat in her arms.

"Aww, how sweet!" gushed Miku.

For her part, Len felt like she was being embraced by clouds on the girl's chest. It was so soft and comfortable, and the sound of her voice gushing over her cuteness was soothing to her ears. This was the best treatment for her earlier depression.

Kotori and Haruto both widened their eyes.

"Len only ever lets my sister, myself, my father, and Haruto hold her like that. Never anyone else! She must really like you for some reason," explained Kotori with a knowing smirk. She couldn't help but wonder how Miku would react to knowing that it was Len who was her biggest fan in the world, even more than Kotori herself was.

"Len? Like Len Tohno? She must be a really good friend if you named your cat after her," Miku remarked to Kurumi.

Kurumi smirked for a moment, "No, not a good friend, the best friend. Now, let's move before we're spotted."

"Would I get to meet Tohno-san tonight?" wondered Miku. "I'd love to talk to her about Fate Stay Night!"

Len's ears perked up at the mention of her web novel. Then she suddenly recalled the initials of her most prodigious commenter, "M.I." meaning Miku Izayoi, the true name of Tsukino Yoimachi. Len couldn't believe this was reality anymore. The two of them being each other's biggest fans was so unbelievable that she felt like her little fluffy head was about to literally explode!

Kurumi giggled softly, "Kihihihi. You might. We'll have to see how the evening goes."

"What's Fate Stay Night?" asked Kotori.

Kurumi turned to her little sister, "I'll tell you later, you're going to love it."

Len picked up her head from where it rested on Miku's chest and glared at Kurumi. "Meow!"

"Too late, Len. Your secret's out," replied Kurumi with amusement while Len buried her head back into Miku's chest with an embarrassed look in her crimson eyes.

"The way you're talking to your cat makes me imagine that she's actually the real Len Tohno in disguise," remarked Miku with an amused tone and smile. "It's no wonder she's always inspired to write so wonderfully by all of you. You're so much fun!"

The black cat closed her eyes and sighed as she contemplated the amount of explaining she would have to do to the Emiya sisters once they got their eyes on her web novel. She was not looking forward to that. But getting a ride home in the soft bosom of her idol was more than enough to make any awkward conversations she'd have to have about how she had characterized the sisters worth it.