The Next Day

The sky was grey. The clouds trailing sluggishly by looked more like smoke. Twisted trees surrounded Sakura; their branches barren save for a black rot across every last jagged part. Not a single leaf that wasn't black. The grass was long, uneven and as unhealthy as the trees and the soil beneath it. The little girl couldn't help but shiver with each step her bare feet took across the ground. She came close to stumbling once or twice because of some rough rocks stuck in the dirt, but she managed to keep her balance without touching the trees.

Every now and then, a cold breeze would sweep through the forest and send a chill through Sakura; her pajamas offered little protection. …Where am I? she wondered as she carefully stepped through the trees. Is this a dream? She jumped a little at a howl that came from the wind slipping through the branches above. O-Or a nightmare…? She looked slightly panicked about, but there weren't any animals. No savage bears or wolves, but no birds or squirrels running about, either. Not even a cricket.

She walked a bit further, hoping to find something alive in this… this broken place… and then there was a patch of land even darker than what she had behind her. Sakura came to a complete stop before she could cross the border, her heart hammering in her chest. The fields were pitch black, and the twisted trees seemed to have something… skittering about inside. They loomed over a path full of dark mist and… whispers the girl couldn't make out.

And she frankly had little interest in discerning what was being whispered or who (or what) was doing the whispering, so she turned on her heel and scampered away. Not that the grey lifeless woods she was returning to had more joy to offer, but it was still better than… that. Still, once she had put a decent amount of distance behind her, Sakura couldn't help but sniffle. What kind of dream was this supposed to be? Just when she'd gotten back home with Mother and Rin… Was it because Father was gone? …Or because she didn't say goodbye to Uncle Kariya? W-why am I dreaming this? Sakura cried silently. Did I do something… bad?

Then, despite the gloomy woods around her… For a second, Sakura thought she heard humming.

She dried her eyes, her eyes perking up. There it was again. Tilting her head, she began to walk in the direction towards the deep, gentle tune. The closer she got, the clearer the humming became. She found herself walking a little faster; there was just something about the sound. She came to a brief stop and looked around to pinpoint it, hair whirling about-

Sakura paused and fingered a few strands, eyeing them confused. Huh. Why were they white?

She prodded and flicked through more of her hair, but each and every strand was white as fresh snow. Weird… It's kind of pretty, though. Sakura almost looked around for a mirror or a stream to see her reflection when she remembered where she was. Her spirit began to sink again… Then the humming returned, and the girl quickly picked up the trail again.

Sakura didn't know how long she searched, minutes or hours or maybe even a whole day, but when she found the source of that soothing melody, she somehow knew her search had been worth it. There in a small clearing was a man in white.

Or maybe it would've been better to call him a man of white. From the long robes almost touching the dead ground to the long stick he was leaning on for support, a pointy shape with pretty arches at the top and a clear crystal inside, to the long hair spilling out from the back of his head… It was so bright, so clean no matter where he stepped.

He was walking about in the clearing, sometimes probing a spot with his staff. His head, back still turned to Sakura, tilted up towards the trees and the bleak sky above, and his humming became all the clearer to hear. Soon, she could make out words, too. "The road goes ever on and on…" Sakura could've spent all day (or night) simply listening to it.

She was so enchanted by the melody she didn't realize she'd begun to walk to the man until a dead branch snapped underneath her foot. The man's humming ceased as he turned around, the sudden motion startling Sakura into darting behind a tree. She winced at the rotten bark crumbling beneath her fingers but tried to keep quiet.

Then a voice called out. "Hello…?" Sakura almost flinched but stopped. "Is someone there?" It was a deep, smooth voice with a kind of rumble to it, she'd heard one or two Englishmen talk like that, guests of Father and Mother. "Would you care to come out? I mean you no harm." There was something… calming in the words. Something that made Sakura relax; scared though she was, she felt she could trust the voice. Besides, it would be nice if she didn't have to walk around this place all alone.

So, she slowly stepped away from her hiding place and out into the open. This allowed her to see the man clearly. "Ah, there you are." And he saw her, too. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to frighten you."

"I-it's okay," Sakura quickly assured him, "I wasn't… really… scared. Just startled." He had a kind face full of wrinkles, a neatly trimmed beard as white as the hair that framed his head and the gentle smile he gave her, and eyes of a bright blue. Sakura returned their gaze and smiled herself; there was something so inviting about them, like a pool of warm water or a clear sky, not the murky soup above them. No, staring at this sky eased her of her worries.

And the longer she stared into the man's eyes, the surer she was that she'd seen them before.

She couldn't remember for the life of her, though, and eventually she remembered her mother's lessons about staring. With an embarrassed blush, the girl stammered, "S-sorry."

If the man's humming had been music to Sakura's ears, the chuckle that rippled from him now was a symphony. Deep and melodious, it swept away her doubts. "No need if that," he assured her through his laughter, "If you seek no apology from me, dear, then I shouldn't demand one from you." He took a step towards her, and when she didn't flinch away, he added another step. "It's a pleasure to meet you, dreary though this meeting place is."

"Mmhm." Sakura nodded a little, stepping a little closer herself to the man. "My name's Sakura M-" She paused, then with a relieved smile, she amended her introduction. "Sakura Tohsaka, it's nice to meet you, too."

"Sakura, eh?" His own smile grew both bigger and kinder as he offered her a hand. "What a beautiful name, and quite fitting, I see."

She felt her cheeks warming at the words. She couldn't stop smiling, either; the hand she took was warm, and the grip gentle as they shook. "Th-thank you. And who are you, mister?"

His brow furrowed, and he frowned in thought. "Who I am…" He stroked his beard while humming to himself, but his eyes remained clouded. "…Dear me. I seem to have forgotten."

"You… don't remember your name?" Sakura's mood sank a little as he shook his head. The more the white man stood there thinking, the more he looked so… lost. A sight like that didn't feel right to the girl; she was growing surer with each second that passed that she had met this nice man somewhere before. His kind face, his relaxing presence… it was so familiar. But she couldn't recall either.

Still, she wanted to help him. "Well, maybe I can help you," Sakura offered, drawing the man's attention back to her. "Do you remember anything, like how you got… here?"

Her face fell a little as she gestured to their surroundings, but the man appeared neutral. "I cannot say that for certain, either. What I do remember is waking up near a fallen tree," he waved his staff towards an opening in the trees opposite from where Sakura had come, "a few paces in that direction. I have been exploring these woods for some time, then I met you." He knelt down so their eyes were almost at equal level. "Would you happen to know where this is?"

"Um, I'm not really sure, but…" Sakura looked away from him. She fidgeted a bit, unsure if she should be completely open with this stranger or how he'd react to her idea. Then again, the white man hadn't laid a finger on her, yet. He was being very patient with her, in fact, even now as he knelt here waiting. So, with a deep breath, she said, "I think we're in my dream. This forest, right now…" She huffed a little. "It sounds crazy, I know, but…"

But the man simply hummed in thought. "Well, if this is your dream, then I suppose I must ask you how you're feeling, Sakura."

The girl looked up at him in shock, prompting him to place his free hand on her shoulder and smile. "I do remember a little of myself. Fragments, really… but from them, I consider your suggestion not so 'crazy' as you may think." His smile faded, though, as he glanced up at the dead trees. "More importantly, dreams are often a reflection of our current state. The deeper parts of our minds conveying a message to us." He faced her again. "So, pardon me for asking, Sakura, but if this forest is truly a product of your mind, then… are you alright?"

"I…" Sakura thought long and hard about the white man's words. It made sense, though; if she really had dreamed this place up, then her mind was probably trying to tell her something. But… did she really want to know what that something was? The forest with no life, that dark part of it… She must've made that too. Or did she…? No… no, that wasn't-

A gentle pressure pulled the scared girl out of her darker thoughts, and she found the white man watching her in concern. He'd been squeezing her shoulder, likely to snap her out of it. "I…" Sakura sighed before giving herself a good push. "I haven't been having… a good year." He said nothing, allowing her to continue. "Last year, I was… sent away from my family. Father…" Her breath hitched at mentioning him, but she pushed on. "He told me I was going to be with a new family, the Matou's."

The white man wordlessly led Sakura over to a fallen tree, its roots sticking sickly out from the soil. He scrubbed some of the moss away and beckoned for Sakura to sit, which she did with a brief but grateful smile. Once both sat down, she continued. "I… I don't remember much of my time with that family, but… I remember being… afraid. H-hurt. A-Alone. The only one who was… there for me was… U-Uncle Kariya." Tears began to gather in her eyes.

"He… he came to the house last night." Somehow, Sakura managed to keep the story going without crying. "Him and… Father. I-I thought Father didn't… want me anymore…" she admitted between her sniffles. "But they both came… Uncle Kariya brought me to my grandparents' house… To Mother a-and… Big Sister… But… F-Father didn't make it back with us…" Her tears finally broke free and trickled down her cheeks. She cupped them, trying to keep her sobs from being heard. Big Sister always made sure no one saw her cry…

A hand began stroking her back gently, and Sakura peered through her fingers and tears to see the white man watching her softly. "Let it out, dear. There is no shame in mourning the loss of your father."

Somehow, his assurance both eased and weighed on Sakura's heart. "B-But… I don't really know… h-how to f-feel…" She sniffled before continuing. "H-he gave me away… then took me back… a year later… I-I just don't… get it." She could hear a dark voice in the back of her head, telling her to hate Father for casting her aside. To hate her family…

But the white man's presence made it feel so distant, and a bigger sadness welled up. "Uncle Kariya… H-he left yesterday… didn't even say goodbye… to Big Sister… or to m-me…" She felt guilty for being so selfish now. "I-I think… he's not… c-coming back either… M-Mother, she was… c-crying… when she tucked me and… Rin… in… told us… a story…"

As she sat weeping on the log, Sakura felt a little pull, then something soft nudging up to her side. She knew it was the man, and even though this should've been too close (Japan had big rules about "public intimacy," as Father had once explained to her and Rin), she buried her head into his robes. The man didn't push her away despite her probably getting her snot all over him, and for a little while, the young girl could just let it out.

Finally, Sakura calmed herself down enough to glance with red eyes up and mumble, "S-sorry, I-I didn't…" Sure enough, there were damp stains in the side of his nice clean robes.

But the white man just kept rubbing her back. "You have nothing to apologize for, Sakura. Nothing at all." She managed to smile a little, her guilt subsiding just a teensy bit. Then he looked away even while still holding her close and sighed. "I can see now why a girl like you would dream of such a dreary place. You must be seeing little color in your life at present."

Sakura wiped away the last of her tears before looking at the forest like he did. "…I guess so. I mean, I still have Big Sister and Mother a-and I'm happy to have them… again… but…" She couldn't find the right words.

"But you are not certain if you have the right to enjoy this happiness when there is such loss around you?" She looked up in shock at the white man who nodded a little. "You are a kind one, Sakura, even after all the sadness that has befallen one so young. You grieve for your father and your uncle because you love them. But you needn't forget that you still have family in your life." He patted her shoulder before standing up. "And the world is far more than the dreary, lifeless place you believe it to be."

He walked over to the center of the clearing and waved his staff towards the ground. Sakura thought she could hear him mumble something, then the tip glowed as a fire sprang out from it. It was a bright, warm thing that burned easily through the dead grass, tiny wisps of smoke curling in the air. Then the man moved his staff to the right, and the flames followed it instantly. Sakura watched in awe as he turned gracefully around in his spot, circles and circles of fire growing around him that… cleaned the ground. "You're… you're a magus?"

"I do seem capable of wielding magic, yes. Instinctively," he replied, not taking his eyes off his work. Before long, a good part of the ground had been turned to ash, and with a tap of his staff, the flames went out just as they would've reached the trees. "But one should always be mindful of their power, lest it grow out of control." The white man began digging about with his staff in one spot, then another, then he stopped and extended his free hand to her.

Sakura hopped off her seat and eagerly walked over to him, admiring the rings burned into the ground. They were so neat, so symmetrical, they reminded her of tricks Father used to show Rin and her on weekends. The ashes didn't burn her feet, either, no matter where she stepped. The man was smiling as she reached him, and she smiled back before looking down like he was.

There in the holes he dug were tiny specks of green. "The old grass grown over had stifled them," the man explained while he crouched down to her level, "but they were still here. My flames merely unearthed them." He held out a hand and whispered something Sakura didn't understand, then she saw little green buds slowly poke out from the black earth.

"Wow…" She touched a freshly grown bud, amazed at how… healthy it felt against her finger. It was alive, really alive.

She beamed up at the white man who chuckled back. "No matter how dark life may appear, you can always find a little color…" He pushed aside some dirt to reveal more greens. "If you make the effort to look for it."

Sakura giggled, marveling at the life before her, the life brought about by magic… Then her spirit sank again. "I… I can't do what you do," she confessed. "I lost my Magic Circuits somehow when… Father and Uncle Kariya came to get me. I can't do magecraft anymore…"

"Are you sure?" She looked up surprised to find a splash of white before realizing the man had set his staff down next to her. She reached up, then hesitated, but he just smiled at her. Encouraged, Sakura slowly wrapped her fingers one by one around the wood; touching it felt cool but… inviting at the same time. She couldn't lift it, the stick was too long and heavy…

But even after the white man took his hand away so only Sakura was holding it, the crystal at the top began to glow.

It wasn't a blinding light, and it didn't go beyond the staff, but Sakura couldn't take her eyes off it, nor could she stop smiling.

The white man's eyes shined with pride at her. "I think you have a little magic in you after all, Sakura." He then reached for his staff, pausing to ask, "May I?" Sakura happily pushed it towards him, making him laugh as he retrieved it. "The ability to use magic is not so important, though, as how you choose to use it." He nodded at their surroundings.

Sakura looked at the many grey trees, the moss covering them, the dead grass by the roots, and the pale sky hovering over it all. When looking at the big picture, this small patch of green was so tiny. And she wasn't even thinking about… that place. Not yet. "…I can't do what you did here," she concluded sadly. "Could you… do it to the whole forest?"

"Not all at once, I'm afraid," the old man in white gave her an apologetic look. "And neither can you, not at the moment, at least."

"Not… at the moment?" Sakura repeated, her eyes widening again. She could feel something inside her, something dancing with excitement and… hope. Yes, hope. The girl saw the budding flowers by her feet, the magic still prickling around them. She then turned back up at the white man, and for just a moment, she felt she could really see him: Someone brimming with magic, maybe with more magic than Father ever did. A man so powerful, so wise…

And here he was, wanting to help a sad little girl in her sad little dream. "Cleaning the forest would be a fair bit of work, yes," the man spoke frankly. "And it will surely take some time, even with the two of us." He smiled. "But what would you rather see: that which stands before you now…" he gestured with his hands to the ravaged forest surrounding them. Then the crown of his staff lit up, brightening the whole world. "…or that which could be?"

Judging by how his smile widened, she didn't need to say her answer out loud. He offered her his hand again, she took it grinning eagerly, then they happily began their work together.

That morning, even despite the many tragedies that had befallen the previous night, Sakura Tohsaka woke up with a content smile on her face and a sense of achievement in her heart.

Everything was exactly the way as she'd remembered it. The sun painting the entire sky crimson as it set; the ground beneath her awash with blood; armored bodies strewn across the hill with broken weapons sticking about like deadly trees. They had all been her subjects once. Some had remained by her side, others had joined the rebellion…

A rebellion formed because of her.

The King of Knights knelt at the peak of Camlann Hill, her hands loosely grasping the hilt of her sword planted in bloodstained soil. Her head was bowed in shame, her eyes crying at the chance she'd lost. Rather than truly return to the Throne of Heroes, here she was again. The moment she had been fatally wounded on this hill, "King Arthur" had voiced a final prayer, a wish that she could somehow undo her mistakes and save her kingdom even as it had crumbled around her. Thus, a pact between her and the world had been formed.

A pact Artoria had failed to uphold. She had come so close, faced so many dangers and experienced so many things the world she had been summoned to as Saber, fought with all of her strength and that of her partner's… "Kakashi…" she wept, the face of her friend appearing before her mind. "Forgive me…"

The Holy Grail was tainted. Artoria didn't know how it had happened, but the moment she saw that darkness bubbling about it, she had recognized how evil it was. She had thought Kiritsugu mad for seeking the Grail's destruction in the moments beforehand; yet another sign of how little she had understood her Master. God knew how events might've transpired between the two had they only each other to rely upon.

As always, it had been Kakashi Hatake who had grabbed the two by the shoulders and pulled them along towards the main goal. Kiritsugu must have told him about the Grail's corrupted state, and in her present state, Artoria couldn't fault him for that. She wouldn't have believed him, and the time it would've taken him to convince her would've cost them all dearly. But Kakashi had understood the situation completely, and as always, he did his best to make the most out of a rotten situation. Artoria could've only destroyed the Grail, rendering all of their efforts and Irisviel's sacrifice in vain, but he tried to salvage it, free it of the evil within.

She should have cut down Archer and unleashed Excalibur on the darkness the moment it tried to slink back into their world. Kakashi had given everything he had to provide them with one last chance to win the Holy Grail… and Artoria hadn't been strong enough.

Her partner and the students he'd sought to help; her Master, a broken man seeking a miracle; an innocent woman who'd placed all of her faith in the trio; her subjects and her knights, all of whom had trusted her with their lives and hopes, one knight twice over now…

And she had let them all down. Again. "Forgive me…" she mumbled again with greater despair. "Forgive me… I… I…" She peered through her tears at her gauntlets, Mordred's blood splashed upon them anew. Mordred, who had sought her throne right to the bitter end. And what a terrible throne it was. As she seemed to hit the very bottom of the pool her despair had become, Artoria Pendragon wondered once again, "Should I have been…?"

"Don't tell yourself you don't deserve to be a King."

Artoria snapped her head up in shock. She glanced about the hilltop, trying not to let her eyes linger on the bodies' faces, but she was alone as ever. And yet, she could still hear Kakashi's voice clear as day. "I think if you had been born in my home, Artoria, you would've made a splendid Hokage. Maybe even as great as the King you were in Britain."

The young girl continued to cry, but a tiny smile managed to creep onto her lips. "Even here, you still find a way to pick me up again..." And that was the truth. The two Servants hadn't agreed on everything, but that had never stopped the Copy Ninja from supporting her during even the hardest of times. He'd fought beside her, given her advice freely and even tried to ensure they could both still make their wishes despite facing a seemingly hopeless crisis.

Their time as comrades may have only been a week and a half, but Kakashi Hatake had been the best friend and comrade Artoria could've asked for in the Holy Grail War.

For that matter, she couldn't claim to have experienced only pain during the War. She had encountered heroes of other lands and times, even worlds different from the one she had called home. And more than a few of them had impressed her in one way or another:

There was Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, a fellow knight and man of honor who had given her one of the finest duels ever and reminded her why she believed so strongly in chivalry.

There was Jade, a woman fierce and noble; though their interactions were few, she'd supported Artoria's way of kingship and earned her respect. A pity they never fought together…

There was Iskandar, King of Conquerors and leader of Qrow Branwen and Kenpachi Zaraki. None of the three had been men she would've seen herself associating with, and she refused to consider her beliefs inferior to those of Iskandar. But that, she knew now, was what he had expected of her. No matter how they differed in their ways, Artoria acknowledged him as a strong rival and a fellow King with loyal and strong comrades.

There was Gandalf the Gray, a wizard whose skill in magic was rivaled by his wisdom… and surpassed by his compassion. He had criticized and encouraged her ideals in the same breath, kept her from being at the other Kings' throats or letting their words break her spirit. And what he had done for his partner, for her… She may never be able to repay him directly, but Artoria would always be grateful to the great wizard of Middle-Earth.

There was Lancelot, her onetime knight and friend turned enemy, then turned friend once again. A little of her old pain had lessened from their meeting in the clearing, even if she'd kick herself until the end of her days for mismanaging the situation with Lancelot and Guinevere so badly. Artoria had been with him in his final moments, unable to save him…

And he had proudly displayed his faith in her even as he died. "You are… and have… always been… the greatest… amongst the Kings… Arthur. All who served you… believed thus."

And even setting the Servants aside, she had seen what people were capable of in the modern era, both succumbing to their worst… and rising to their best:

Waver Velvet, a naïve boy slowly growing into a man through his Servants' guidance.

Kariya Matou and Tokiomi Tohsaka, rivals with no shortage of mutual animosity putting it all aside for the sake of a little girl in danger.

Maiya Hisau, a stoic soldier still capable of feeling empathy, loyalty… and Artoria guessed by her behavior around a certain shinobi, love.

Irisviel von Einzbern, a homunculus who learned to become a woman and insisted on seeing the beauty of the world and her companions even upon being exposed to darkness.

Even Kiritsugu Emiya, a callous, cynical, unscrupulous man she should've utterly despised despite his wish, risking his own life to stop Megatron from attacking Kakashi.

…And here she was, the great King of Knights, wallowing in self-pity. Hadn't this Holy Grail War taught her anything? Could she really just give up her duties after seeing so many take a stand? Was she truly so weak she would let one more failure stop her from trying again? Well, she mused, I suppose there's only one person who can answer these questions.

She wiped away her tears, then pushed herself up by her sword to stand tall. For better or worse, Artoria Pendragon was the King of Knights. The King of Britain. Thus, this field of dead was her responsibility. She could not forsake it or pass it off to another. Forcing the crown and the burdens it carried on a different soul's head was cowardly and disrespectful. Artoria would try to share these burdens as she had been taught, but abandon them? Never.

She would find a way to start anew, correct her mistakes, honor those who had placed her faith in her. And if it meant she had to wait until the end of time for another chance, then so be it. She would never stop fighting for her people and her comrades.

And as King Arthur stood resolute upon Camlann Hill… far, far away, another, lone Heroic Spirit sank deeper in the shadows, lamenting his failures. His mask and forehead protector could only hide so much of his grief.

Five Days Later

Kiritsugu Emiya walked carefully down the clean halls of Fuyuki General Hospital. This was the first time he'd visited since the day that followed what news channels and papers were already calling the Fuyuki Fire; he couldn't help but wince every time he heard of it. It was bad enough that officials were still finding scorched corpses among the wreckages, or that black smoke still seemed to hover over the city every time he glanced up at the sky. The fact that some people had said in interviews how lucky they'd been not to have been home…

He shook his head in an effort not to let his thoughts stray back to the destruction he'd caused. It was already bad enough dealing with how the fallout affected him personally. Kiritsugu had just gotten off his flight back from Germany. He'd placed his last dregs of hope on the chance he could bluff his way past the Einzberns and get to Illya. He was technically the last Master of the Grail War, after all…

But the homunculi wouldn't let him pass if he didn't present the Grail. He'd attempted to barge past them, but between their halberds and the Bounded Field itself barring him, he was blocked. Kiritsugu was still carrying all of the fatigue from the Grail War's ending, too, leaving him with little strength to fight his way through.

His only choice had been to withdraw for the time being. He'd return soon enough and try again, as many times as he needed.

After that temporary setback, there had been little reason to remain in that frosty old country, so he'd used his booked flight and returned here to Fuyuki City. Just without the girl he'd hoped to bring along, shuffling past scores of people trying to catch their flight out in time lest yet another calamity befell the city. Well, what with my track record…

Fortunately, the hospital had once again dodged a bullet. The Fire hadn't spread far enough to reach it. In his first visit here, Kiritsugu had checked up on two people. One of them had been Maiya, dutifully resting in her room as Kakashi's clone had pleaded with her. Even with the Heroic Spirit gone, his hypnosis still seemed to work like a charm; the staff had continued treating their secret patient without issue, all while covering up her personal information.

Maiya had still caught wind of the Fire, of course, having been roused by the sounds of desperate scrambling outside the halls and seeing the great smoke outside her window. She'd kept her head down thankfully, but with every last trauma of the prior night weighing down on him, Kiritsugu had no good news to offer the woman who'd sacrificed so much for him.

And he knew he saw a tear in her eyes when he told her of Kakashi's fate.

Yet Maiya had done the same thing as when they had first met in that god-forsaken country: She pushed aside her own grievances and wanted to know how she could help Kiritsugu. Guilt burning inside him at what he'd done to her in the Grail's test, he'd told her again and again that she didn't owe him a damn thing.

She had nodded and said, "I know. But I want to help you."

Eventually, he'd conceded due to the fact they were currently all either had at the moment. Therefore, Kiritsugu resolved to continue ensuring Maiya's recovery and let her stay at the house once she could leave the hospital safely, for as long as she needed. It was the least he owed her.

And now here he was again, this time checking up on the other soul first. The poor boy he'd found among the ruins… Kiritsugu hadn't actually met the kid again, though truth be told, he had avoided it a little. The nurse Akiko Fukui (a nice young lady, kind of innocent) had assured him that his condition remained stable even five days later, but no one had come to claim him. It seemed as if… he had no living family left. No parents, no siblings, no relatives.

All the staff could find about him was his first name: Shirou.

Kiritsugu read the name again on the little slip of paper Miss Fukui had given him at his first visit. She was here today, too; she'd spotted him immediately upon walking through the front door and waved him over to the front desk. She wasted no time in telling him Shirou's situation hadn't changed, neither physical nor familial. Not a single person had come to pick him up. "Until now," she'd added with a knowing grin before directing Kiritsugu to his room. She'd have probably led him there personally if not for her desk's mountains of paperwork.

The former Mage Killer sighed as he reached his destination. I suppose you'd find something poetic in all of this, wouldn't you, Iri? His wife had been occupying his thoughts for much of these past few days. A bond forming between savior and saved… No doubt that's what the nurse had in mind, too. Why else would she have told him so much about Shirou and what may happen to him if he weren't claimed soon? Before Kiritsugu knew it, his legs had carried him here, to this clean room with occupied beds lining each side and the last one on the right his target.

Well, he had already begun refurbishing the safehouse in Miyama into proper living quarters. Raiga Fujimura had been… little as what one would expect a yakuza leader to be. Oh, he was certainly as dangerous and cunning as any other crime boss Kiritsugu had encountered in his life, but he had also shown an amicable side that actually seemed genuine. Negotiating ownership of the house had gone more smoothly than the fallen mercenary had feared; he hadn't even needed to draw a gun. Raiga also had quite an energetic, playful personality for a man of his age, qualities he'd obviously passed on to his granddaughter.

A bittersweet smile crossed Kiritsugu's lips at the memory of Taiga. A teenaged girl with lively eyes and a brand-new shinai resting on her shoulder who had walked right up to a complete stranger and greeted him with a sunny smile.

Kiritsugu didn't believe in reincarnation, but upon seeing that girl, he could've sworn he was introducing himself to Shirley all over again.

Either way, it made things easier to refurbish what had originally been a simple fallback for the Grail War into a proper home for Kiritsugu, Maiya for however long she wished to stay, and a young child. He'd obviously intended for the third to be Illya, but the house was easily big enough for one more, and Raiga was enthusiastic about sending more stuff over…

So why was Kiritsugu still standing in the hallway?

He made to walk in, but his feet seemed rooted to the floor. Every time he tried to come up with a proper introduction, his words would dry up along with his mouth. His brain was swirling with second thoughts, third and fourth, all of them leading to a single point: Was this really the right decision? Fuyuki's orphanages were pretty responsible, caring institutions based on what Kiritsugu had read about them. They surely wouldn't treat Shirou any worse than if he took him in, and what right did Kiritsugu have to snatch him up? After what he-

"You're not seriously chickening out when you've come this far, are you, Kiritsugu?"

The last Emiya's dark eyes snapped up from staring conflicted at the floor tiles to in front of him. Leaning against the doorframe was Kakashi Hatake just as he remembered him, hands in his pockets, headband pulled down to cover his Sharingan while the other smiled at him. "It's not like you to second-guess yourself this much. …Well, you're usually more covert about it."

Kiritsugu blinked in shock, then closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he noticed a transparence in the ninja's form. You're not really here, are you? He chuckled to himself, knowing the fantasy-Kakashi would hear it. Maybe I'm finally losing what's left of my sanity.

"Maybe you are," "Kakashi" agreed in that annoyingly casual tone of his. "Doesn't make my question any less poignant, though. Who are you and what have you done with Kiritsugu Emiya?"

He's currently submerged in a bottomless pit of despair and self-loathing due to having caused an unspeakable tragedy, Kiritsugu snarked mentally back, some of his tension receding. Besides, if I had done a little more second-guessing, this catastrophe wouldn't have happened. I'm the reason he's sitting in this hospital and his home's nothing but ashes.

There it was, finally put into words. The reason he couldn't walk into that room and face that boy. He had chased blindly after a miracle, cast aside everything that had meant a damn to him, and all he had accomplished was setting the city on fire and ruining hundreds of lives. It's taking everything I've got just to put the pieces of what's left of my life together. How the hell can I think I saved his when I did this to him? What if- He paused, then "said" his worst fear. What if Shirou sees me and realizes that? Kiritsugu wanted to sink into the floor…

But "Kakashi" wasn't about to let him slip away. "The Fire wasn't just your fault, Kiritsugu. But Megatron, Kirei and Angra Mainyu aren't around to share responsibility for it, and let's be honest, they wouldn't even bother." Solid logic as ever. Hallucination or not, Kiritsugu's Servant… turned friend always knew how to slip through the cracks and make him think again. He really should've listened to Kakashi more…

"According to Miss Fukui, the adoption paperwork is pretty simple in these parts, and you don't even need it to take Shirou home, just his consent." "Kakashi" nodded past him to the other wings. "I'm sure Maiya wouldn't mind helping you either. Those two could even look after each other and you. She's a lot kinder than others may think."

A smirk settled halfway onto Kiritsugu's lips. I bet she'd be happy to know you have such a warm opinion of her.

"W-Well, uh, that's, um, b-beside the point!" The Mage Killer really had cracked if he was having this much fun watching a hallucination blush so much his mask couldn't hide it.

Then the humor faded for both of them. "Look, at the end of the day, you have a chance to help a kid who's lost everything. You saved Shirou's life, and you want to make sure he'll be okay. Isn't that the reason why you're standing here and haven't left?"

…It is, Kiritsugu admitted. I…I want to take care of him, but… I have no idea if he'd accept me. It was a selfish, irrational thought, yet he still couldn't banish the idea of Shirou taking one look at him and realizing he was the man who'd destroyed his life.

"Then why don't you let him make the choice?" "Kakashi" pushed himself off the doorway, stepped into the room and gestured toward the bed. Kiritsugu watched him silently, then he nodded and walked in.

The room wasn't that big, so he reached its end in a few steps. Shirou's red hair was all the brighter with the soot and dirt washed out, and his face was just as clean, too. He glanced up upon hearing Kiritsugu approach, brown eyes widening in recognition. He remembers me. Well, it's not like our meeting was something anyone could forget so easily. But there was no anger or condemnation in his stare, only curiosity.

Kiritsugu caught a look of himself in a nearby mirror. Between the flights to and from Germany, his nights being largely sleepless, and the fact he hadn't even stopped to shave; yeah, he really wasn't looking his best at the moment. In another time and place, the boy might've thought him a street bum. Still, he tried to put on a decent smile and said, "You're Shirou, aren't you? My name is Kiritsugu Emiya."

Shirou didn't move or say a word; it was like Miss Fukui had told him. From what Kiritsugu could tell from the charts or the boy himself, there didn't appear to be any physical damage to his throat. "You seem to be doing better. I'm glad," Kiritsugu noted, but still no response. He just… didn't want to open up. I know the feeling.

He knew what Kakashi would say to that. "Guess you have to take the first step, then."

And so, he did. "Well, I'll level with you. You have two options: Would you rather join an orphanage… or would you come home with a man you've just met?" His offer made, Kiritsugu held his breath. All he could do now was let Shirou make his choice… and one way or another, he'd accept all the consequences. No matter what pain they brought.

Shirou sat there silently for a moment, then crossed his arms and scrunched up his face. The sight nearly made Kiritsugu's heart skip a beat; he looked so much like Illya when she was trying to figure something out. Only a child could show such intensity and look so utterly adorable in the same breath. Iri would've snatched him up by now and smothered him with cuddles, but to Kiritsugu, it was a huge relief. I haven't taken everything from him, yet…

Then with a serious frown, Shirou pointed one little index finger at him.

A relieved smile tugged at Kiritsugu's lips followed by a bark of laughter. "Well, there's his answer," Kakashi's voice echoed in his head, and for a moment, he imagined being pushed towards the boy's bed. "What about yours?"

He spared a quick glance behind himself, but nobody was there. Even so, Kiritsugu Emiya knew what his answer was.

"Okay." He promptly set down the bag he'd brought with him and unzipped it. "I'm really… really happy to hear that. Well, first I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Is that okay with you?" A slow nod was his answer. "She's in this hospital, too, but once he's well enough, she'll be coming to live with us for the time being." He quickly moved to pack up what sparse belongings Shirou had, the boy watching him carefully. "Our home needs some cleaning up, but I think you'll like it once all the work's done." The words kept spilling out of Kiritsugu, but he didn't care. A glimmer of hope had reached him, and he didn't want to let go.

Then he paused. "Oh, right. Before we go further… there's one thing I ought to tell you." He considered it, then nodded to himself. He probably wouldn't ever be able to confess to Shirou the full truth, but this much, he ought to know.

Kiritsugu turned and looked his new son in the eye. "Yeah, there's no point keeping this from you… I'm a practitioner of magic."

Silent wonder filled those auburn eyes.

Four Months Later

Maiya squinted as she held the sconce a little closer, then she rubbed its side with her cloth again. Satisfied with the result, she placed it onto a shelf holding similar pieces and walked back to her spot. She eyed the other shelves filled with knick-knacks that others had brought into the store and pawned away. These were just for browsers, of course; valuable items were kept behind the counter Maiya had now reached, and those that could really be considered treasures were locked away in the far back. Though Mr. Watanabe had come to let her try handling customers and evaluating a little over a month ago, that part was still off limits to her. Not that it bothered the retired mercenary. She was content as she was. I better swing by the bakery afterwards. They always make those little cakes today…

The pawn shop was a quiet, decent place just two blocks away from Mount Miyama. Mr. Fujimura had assured her when she decided to apply for its vacancy that its owner and the surrounding neighborhood could be trusted. Best of all, the bus stop was right around the corner, allowing her to travel easily into the Shinto district or return home in little time.

Home… To think Maiya Hisau would ever find herself placing an actual address to that word. It had taken six weeks before the hospital finally allowed her to leave, and even though she still felt a tiny wince in her chest if she breathed too hard after her morning jog, she was back in shape. Kiritsugu had been awaiting her release along with Shirou and a perky young girl who immediately designated Maiya as her new big sister just five minutes after meeting her. What's worse, Maiya still hadn't figured out how to say no to those big brown eyes.

The household was cleaned up for the most part, now; it still lacked some furniture here and there, but with the Fujimura family's help, that problem was well on the way to being solved. Shirou was also recovering step by step. When Kiritsugu had first introduced them, the red-haired boy had been practically a mute even as he had stared so curiously at Maiya. She was familiar with this kind of shock; she'd seen it far too often in her childhood. And in the mirror. Some managed to overcome this "safe mode" they'd retreated to, others didn't.

Maiya sincerely hoped Shirou would prove to be of the former category, and seeing as he'd already begun to speak again (mostly one-syllable words, but progress is progress), her hopes for once weren't for naught. He was a good kid who'd been put through something that would've broken grown men.

All the proof she needed for that conclusion could be found with one glance at Kiritsugu. He had sent another Shadow Clone to Germany yesterday, but aside from trying to reach Illya again and looking after Shirou, there just… wasn't much vigor in his movements these days. Maiya had completely conceded the fight for her savior's heart to Irisivel by now, but her own still ached at watching him go about his days so listlessly.

She shook her head and tried to focus on the books when something trotted silently up to her side. A furry head elevated itself with a pen tucked between its teeth. Maiya's heart grew a little lighter again as she accepted the pen and rubbed the wrinkled head with a little smile. "Thank you, Pakkun." The pug rolled his head appreciatively against her fingers, and she could barely keep herself from cooing. "You're such a sweetheart, yes, you are…"

Pakkun hopped back on all fours and nuzzled against her leg. "Aw, I bet you talk like this to the other boys, too."

"Doesn't mean I'm lying." Both Maiya and Kiritsugu had been very relieved to discover that even with Kakashi… gone, their contract to his hounds still worked. The former had no compunctions for summoning one from the pack whenever she was the only one in the shop, a sort of self-prescribed therapy. Just in case, though, she asked them not to wear their uniforms while in public. The vests and forehead protectors would raise too many questions.

Plus, seeing their leaf symbol or heno-heno-moheji seal reminded her too much of… him.

Maiya ran her pen along the list's side, pausing to jot down a number by some article. Another benefit of her current situation was that she had more time on her hands. Time she used to reach out to some contacts and have them search for someone. She probably wouldn't receive anything solid for a while, but until then, she could enjoy some peace and quiet-

The bell by the door jingled, and Maiya's smile quickly evaporated into a straight line while Pakkun ducked out of sight instantly. The two men walking into the store would never notice his presence. "Good afternoon," she greeted politely as they approached. Her eyes carefully examined the new arrivals: average build, clean shaven, suitable clothing for the weather, no suspicious movements, one carrying a small box still taped up. Most likely just customers.

She eased her grip away from the shotgun beneath the counter as they approached. "Can I help you with anything?"

"Um, yeah," the one with the box said, putting on a nervous smile as he set it down. "I have, uh, a few heirlooms I'd like to offer. And a friend of my wife told me this place is pretty reasonable. Well, uh, not that I think pawn shops are rip-offs or anything!" He hastily added while carefully taking some pieces of jewelry out. "Maybe you could have a look and… tell me if there's anything?"

"Of course." Maiya cast a cursory glance at the goods. A pocket watch with a silver chain, two bracelets, some cufflinks and a silver ring with a gem. "You're welcome to wait here or browse the store if you like, this will take a few minutes." She then looked at the other one. "And you, sir?"

He shrugged with a smile just shy of flirtatious. "Oh, I'm just here as moral support." She nodded, and he just stood there smiling for a moment before coughing into his fist and looking around a bit. His friend just grinned as they both started looking around. Maiya began inspecting the items with care, dully registering their words. "Man, can you believe the stuff that people sell off? What even is half of this?"

A snort from her customer. "That's a candlestick. …From somebody who must've had a fetish for fish."

She set down the ring and moved to the cufflinks; a laugh. "Wow, thanks for putting that image in my head. By the way, Izumi, are you really sure about adding that watch to the stuff? Didn't you say it was an heirloom from your grandma?"

"I need all the money I can get, Shu. The bank's breathing down my family's neck, and with the bakery still having a massive hole in the side, I don't exactly have a surplus of options." The man -Izumi- sighed. "Hell, we got off pretty lucky compared to others."

"You mean Daisuke? Yeah, that sucked. Haven't seen or heard from him since his brother's funeral." Maiya pulled out a magnifying glass and opened the pocket watch. She'd been hearing stories just like this ever since she had started working here. Wrecked homes, injuries, lives lost… All casualties of that damned "Holy" Grail.

Most of the shop's customers were just like Izumi, desperately offering whatever trinkets they had for a little more money. Some offered bigger articles like sewing machines or clocks, others were particularly forceful; Maiya almost got into a fistfight the other day with a woman who felt cheated she was getting so little for (mostly fake) necklaces. But she didn't hold it against her; they were all just trying to put their lives back in order. This is why I told Kiritsugu not to visit me at work, she sighed to herself, running a gloved finger along the chain. Five minutes of listening to this, and he'd probably try to eat a gun.

"…talked with her after mass." Shu's voice brought her mind back to the present. He was fiddling with something in the far corner. "I told her I was going to help you, then we'd catch up for some tea in an hour. You can come along, too, I know Fukui wouldn't mind."

Izumi smiled again, putting a leather belt with engravings back in its place. "Thanks, I might take you up on that. God, it's been a while since I've seen her. Nothing's happened here for four months, and I still feel so gloomy… Father Kotomine seemed in a pretty good mood today, though."

Maiya froze.

Shu was ambling back to the counter with a nod. "Can't say I really get his sermons. I always feel like there's more to them, or he's trying to say something else, but I just can't figure it out. I swear, I think he gets a kick out of it."

"Yeah, you wouldn't be the only one. Kyouko's given up on figuring him out. And have you seen how tall he is? You'd think the guy was a former boxer or something, not a priest."

"I shook hands with him after mass once, thought he was gonna snap my wrist off." The men shared a laugh. "Who knows, maybe he does yoga in his spare time or something."

"Do priests even have spare time? They've got churches to look after, masses, all that stuff." Izumi's good mood flickered just a little as they returned to the counter, but their chatter gave Maiya a chance to recollect herself. "Sorry, do you need any more time?"

She adopted a polite smile. "No, if you're ready to talk business, then by all means. They're all in very well-kept condition," she gestured to the rings before holding up the bracelet, "though this one shows a little wear-and-tear." They then spent about four minutes discussing price range until Izumi accepted the final offer. He then left the shop with an empty box and assurances that the shop would keep his grandmother's watch should he want to buy it back; Shu left without Maiya's phone number.

Once the door jingled, Maiya's hands started shaking.

She braced herself against the counter and took a deep breath, but her mind was reeling. Kirei Kotomine alive?! How's that possible? Kiritsugu shot him dead and blew his body to pieces! Her hand was already drifting back to the shotgun, but she drew it away and spun around. Come to think of it, an old man had pawned off his hunting rifle about a week ago. It was in fine condition aside from a little mileage…

"Maiya, Maiya, calm down!" She almost tripped over Pakkun as the pug put his body in front of her legs. Bracing a hand against the counter to regain her balance, she looked down to find two black little eyes staring worriedly back at her. "You can't just run out and attack him!"

Maiya knelt down with a sigh and cradled his face. "Pakkun, you know how dangerous Kotomine is, and he's out there right now! What if he's still targeting Kiritsugu? What if he goes after Taiga or Shirou? We can't take any chances with him-"

"Which is why we need to be smart about this," Pakkun got up on his hind legs and placed both paws on her cheeks. "Trust me, none of us have forgotten about that bastard. Shiba's still nursing a bruise on his jaw," a scowl briefly flashed across Maiya's face, prompting him to hastily continue, "but we gave as good as we got and paid him back hard for what he did to Irisviel too. If he's still alive and kicking after everything Kiritsugu did to him, though, then something must've happened to him. We can't be reckless."

She gazed into those eyes as they pleaded with her, and her resistance crumbled. Pakkun was right: Kirei Kotomine had been a deadly adversary during the War, and if he had survived it, that could mean he had become even deadlier. They needed more information before assaulting him, and she knew that. What am I, some testosterone-pumped rookie jumping headfirst into danger? Maiya scolded herself rubbing Pakkun's head. "You're right, boy. We have to play this smart."

Pakkun rumbled in relief and retracted his paws. "Exactly. So, if you want, I can sneak out and do a little recon work. Even if that 'holy' man's hiding away in another church, I haven't forgotten his stink." She nodded and stood up to let him trot past her. "I'll let you and Kiritsugu know what I find tonight-"

"No." He stopped and turned around in mild confusion. Maiya didn't realize she'd said the word until it came out, her own thoughts rummaging about. She sighed before elaborating. "I mean… I'm not sure we should tell Kiritsugu about this."

The pug's eyes widened. "What, are you serious? After all the grief that bastard caused him… He has to know about this. Kiritsugu won't stop until he's finished the job."

The Mage Killer's former protégé walked slowly back to the counter, rubbing a hand along its edge. "That's why I think he shouldn't know. At least not now, Pakkun. He's… not the man he was when he joined the Grail War." Her shoulders slumped at the admission. "He mentioned to me he's been having a little trouble with his Magic Circuits. And Akino told me something similar about his od through scent." Pakkun nodded slowly. "And… I can see it in his eyes, his body. He's… defeated." A solitary tear gathered in Maiya's eye, but she quickly thumbed it away. "I don't doubt Kiritsugu would go back to fighting if he learned Kotomine was out there, but I'm not sure he'd survive, let alone win. Not the way he is now.

"Besides, he's barely holding himself together with whatever happiness he can find spending time with Shirou and hoping to get his daughter back. Should we really poke a hole in all that by telling him his worst enemy's still alive in this city?" Maiya Hisau faced her fuzzy little friend, roles of the usual silent pleading reversed for once.

Pakkun dipped his head and whimpered in defeat. "…Then I guess it's up to us, isn't it?" He looked up in time to see her nod. "B-but I can't keep this from the pack, Maiya."

"I'm not asking you to," she assured him before crouching down to pick the little pug up. She straightened and placed him atop the counter so they were at equal eye level. "I'm sorry, Pakkun. I know I'm asking a lot of you and the others; I'd handle this alone if I could-"

He bopped his head against hers. "I know. But you shouldn't have to." They stayed there nuzzling each other for a little while, then Pakkun continued. "Y'know, the last time Kakashi summoned the whole pack, he asked us to keep an eye on you." He snickered a little, clearly noticing how she'd stiffened and earning a mock glare for that. "Now, he did say we should look out for Kiritsugu and… Irisviel, too, but he said your name first. We didn't know if we'd still be around after the War or what would happen, but… we're still here. And we'll always help you." His usual frown became a wide smile. "We're dogs. Loyalty is our defining trait."

Maiya smiled back before pulling the hound into a little hug. The better so he couldn't see her tearing up again. Gone for four months, and you're still making me miss you, she sighed into Pakkun's fur. You're an infuriating man, Kakashi Hatake… Though I should thank you for leaving behind these little darlings. She released him while still stroking his head. "Thank you, Pakkun. We weren't sure the jutsu would work, but… I'm really glad you're still with us. All of you." Another sigh. "I just want to protect Kiritsugu. And Shirou. Taiga, too…"

"So do we," Pakkun replied with a little lick on her nose. Maiya couldn't stop a little giggle from escaping her. "Don't forget, we've got a personal stake in this, too. After everything Kotomine did, especially with his Assassin puppets putting you in the hospital, Bull and Urushi both still think he got off easy in our last encounter. You'd do the same for us."

"Of course," Maiya agreed immediately. She planted a kiss on his snout before swearing with utter solemnity, "I'll annihilate anyone who dares to hurt one hair on my fluffy boys."

Pakkun whined in delight, wagging his stubby little tail. "I love you, too, Maiya."

Sadly, the touching moment between human and hound was cut short when both heard the door's jingle. Pakkun swiftly ducked away again as a delivery woman walked up to an impassive Maiya, small package balanced on one hand. "Package for a Miss Maiya Hisau."

She kept her face straight as she signed the form and exchanged goodbyes with the woman. Once they were alone again, Pakkun hopped back onto the counter as she inspected it. It was wrapped up well, but Maiya could feel something solid in the center, like a box. The address did indeed have her name but listed the shop, but no return address, which bothered her; someone obviously knew this was where she worked and was sure she'd receive it. Maiya had few associates, though, and none of whom she'd shared this address with. Whoever knew about this place… do they know about the house? Where Kiritsugu is?

Pakkun's snout hovered over the package, sniffing it a few times before shaking his head. The boys had received basic bomb squad training, so he'd have known immediately if someone had sent Maiya a bomb. Nevertheless, she grabbed a pair of scissors and carefully pealed it open. No such thing as being too careful in her old line of work…

Something sprang out, narrowly missing her head. Woman and pug heard a splashing sound behind them and whirled around to stare in shock at a crimson liquid splattered all over the wall. It reminded Maiya a little too much of blood for comfort, but neither smelled a hint of iron even while it dripped to the floor. What in the…? Then before their wide eyes, the liquid coalesced and writ itself into legible Japanese letters:

"Café opposite from Yatsushirodai Elementary. Meet there at sixteen-hundred hours, Thursday. Come alone."

For the next few minutes, Maiya just stared at the message that looked like it belonged in a horror movie. Finally, Pakkun asked, "…Who do you think sent this?"

"I… I have no idea." She turned back towards the package, but the only thing inside the wrappings was a little box with a spring in it. No clue or further information no matter how much she rifled about. Finally, she sighed and turned back towards the wall. Good thing I didn't get this while anyone was around, she eyed the "blood" dripping towards the floor. That better clean off easy… "If I ignore this, it might mean trouble… but it feels like a trap."

"Don't need my nose to smell that," Pakkun barked in agreement. He then tilted his head. "Well, the message told you to come alone… but that doesn't mean… you have to go, Maiya."

She eyed him in confusion before the meaning of his words dawned on her. "A Shadow Clone…" Maiya nodded, a plan already forming in her mind. Yatsushirodai Elementary school was just outside the city, Kiritsugu had driven out there to see if Shirou could enroll. Today was Tuesday, so a clone she'd summon had some time to prepare. Maybe set up a sniper's position… "Looks like another thing we can't tell Kiritsugu about. For now…"

That's when they both noticed the "blood" hadn't fully settled yet. In fact, more letters were forming beneath the meeting request. "What in the…?" Pakkun mumbled beside her. "…PS?" Further instructions? A curse activating now that they'd been drawn in? Before she could look away, Maiya's eyes were already reading the new words:

"PS: If you're comparing this message to some written-in-the-victim's-own-blood cliché from a horror story… then you obviously have zero sense of humor. Big Time."

The "blood" stopped, and Maiya turned away, frown still in place. "Where did I put that rifle again?" Pakkun just grunted.

Half A Year Later

It was raining. The sky was filled with grey clouds, and little droplets of rain fell down without end upon the assembled group. They weren't particularly strong, so the umbrellas and thick black coats provided enough protection, yet they lent this occasion the proper lugubriosity.

Rin had been spending a lot of her free time burying her nose in books from the library or her father's workshop these past six months. …Father…

Six months. That was how long it had taken to convince the Magus Association to have Tokiomi's body returned from their "investigations" and the Tohsaka Magic Crest passed on to his heir, as befitting the rules of their society. Rin had already received the first part of said Crest, her left wrist aching from the intricate seal placed there. It was the smallest pain today.

She didn't want to be here. She didn't want to watch what remained of the man she admired above all be lowered into the ground and then be shoveled over with dirt. She didn't want to listen to the priest's endless droning on of words he probably said at every funeral; her time with Kirei hadn't exactly endeared the heir of the Tohsaka family to holy men. She didn't want to see that marker bearing the name, "Tohsaka Tokiomi."

But she made herself face the proceedings, showing no emotion, no grief. Always elegant, such was the creed of her family. Father had schooled her with these words time and again, and she wouldn't let him down. Least of all on today of all days.

A little pressure by her hand reminded Rin of one little consolation: She wasn't facing this alone.

Aoi stood at the front of the gathering, the picture-perfect symbol of dignified mourning. From the black dress she wore to her straight posture to the stoic mien her face wore as she gazed upon the grave; one might've mistaken her for a statue. The only hints of her grief could be found in how tightly she held onto the hands of her daughters on either side.

As the youngest, one would've thought Sakura would struggle the most with keeping her expression neutral. However, she maintained her dignity just about as well as her older sister, having been prepared for this day like her (and receiving a few extra lessons in her dreams). "Not all tears are evil," he'd told her, "And you will know when the time for them has come."

"…I myself will see Him with my own eyes," the priest intoned from his book, an umbrella hovering over to protect the pages, "I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me… Amen."

That final word rippled out among the assembled, hanging in the air for a few seconds. Befitting his high status and the prestige of the Tohsaka's, the final ceremony for Tokiomi had quite a sizable audience. Friends and onetime classmates alike, as well as representatives of the Magus Association simply there to ensure it all went smoothly or take their measure of Tokiomi's successor.

Aoi had warned her girls in advance of the eyes that would be upon them, thus they both kept their composure all the more. No outsider magus would find them sobbing wrecks, and Rin in particular wasn't about to let anyone judge her unfit to take up her father's duties.

The coffin was lowered steadily into the ground and slowly covered with earth, no haste or sloppiness in the entire procedure. Tokiomi would've approved; a sentiment voiced by quite a few who went on to offer their condolences to the woman and two girls he'd left behind. They all went through the motions, nodding and thanking them for the kind words like their mother was doing. At least the rain had stopped for now. Many an umbrella was quickly shut.

The crowd soon began to disperse. By the time the grave was nearly completely filled, only the Tohsaka family and two other men remained. Aoi turned to one of them and asked, "Kirei, could you please ready the car? We will be with you shortly."

"Of course, ma'am." The priest, stoic as ever, inclined his head and turned on his heel to head for the parking area. Rin's demeanor lightened just a little at watching him go.

Aoi graced her husband's grave with one final forlorn look, then nudged her daughters' arms. "Are you ready, Rin? Sakura?" They both nodded, their hands tightening around hers. She then slowly walked away with them in tow, stopping only at another gravestone more rows down. It was nowhere near as extravagant as Tokiomi's, of course, but it remained well-kept enough so anyone could clearly read the name engraved there:

"Zenjou Kariya"

All three spared a moment to offer the grave a brief prayer, Sakura taking the longest. Aoi had to cut hers short upon hearing the footsteps of the one other man. "Curious," he began. "I have no knowledge of there being a Kariya in the Zenjou family. Our records mention a Kariya Matou, though he has not been heard of prior to joining the Holy Grail War."

The daughters picked up on their mother's telling gaze and moved on for the car, leaving the adults behind. "We weren't related by blood, no." Aoi explained calmly, her features softening as she idly traced a finger along the stone. "But I considered him family for a long time, and I encouraged my daughters to do the same. It seemed fitting, considering he had… issues with his own family." Her hand fell away when she shrugged. "The Matou's have made no effort to claim his body, so I imagine I won't be hearing any protests from them."

"I see." The man nodded in understanding, his spectacles bouncing against his nose. He wore a black three-piece suit with a red tie and a polite smile. "We have no intention of interfering with dealings between you and the Matou family, of course."

"The Matou family has not been an ally of the Tohsaka family for some time." Aoi Tohsaka began to walk after her daughters, her eyes locked on those two little black-haired heads. "We do not intend to start a fight with them anytime soon, but they have no place in our affairs." She glanced at the man from the side. "I trust we can continue this discussion at our home?"

"Of course," the pawn of the Magus Association shifted to the smile she'd seen on used-car salesmen and politicians. "If I may, I shall meet you there, Lady Tohsaka."

"I'll be waiting." With that, he walked down a separate path from her, casually treading upon one or two graves as she noted. Aoi allowed herself a quick sigh, then squared her shoulders and increased her walking speed. She'd been steeling herself for this. She couldn't falter now.

The ride back to Tohsaka manor was silent, heavily so. Aoi, Sakura and Rin couldn't think of anything to say; Kirei was content with letting them stew in their own sadness. He figured turning on the radio to a cheery tune would be poking the bear too much. There were other, subtler ways of entertaining himself.

Then they had arrived home, and once she had unlocked the front door, Aoi flashed both of her girls an apologetic smile. "There's a man from the Magus Association who will be arriving soon. We'll be discussing some final details, nothing too troublesome." I hope, she added to herself. "Would you please avoid this man while he is here?"

"Of course, Mother," Rin answered for both of them, her hand in Sakura's. Aoi's heart ached at how composed a face her little girl was still making. Sakura's eyes were downcast, but she was holding herself together rather well. We've made you both grow up far too fast, haven't we? Aoi lamented silently, her eyes drawn to the simple twin tails Rin's hair had returned to.

Her daughters walked hand-in-hand towards the stairs, and Kirei stepped within her sight. "Do you wish for me to be present at this meeting, ma'am?"

"No thank you, Kirei," Aoi declined his offer politely, "though there are a few matters you and I will need to discuss afterwards. You'll be departing soon, correct?" He nodded, prompting her to extend a hand. "Then please make yourself comfortable."

She watched the priest turn on his heel and walk obediently in the direction of the living room, then the sound of a motor made her look towards the garden. A black car was parked outside, and the man from before stepped through the gate, the Bounded Field temporarily deactivated to permit him entry. Yes, better to keep a fighter like Kirei close by should he be needed. Aoi however watched evenly as the representative of the Magus Association approached. Even without magecraft, she refused to be intimidated in her own home.

Pleasantries were exchanged, then she beckoned for the man to follow her to Tokiomi's former office. He offered no name, and truth be told, she couldn't care to ask him for it. The interim head of the Tohsaka family had enough weighing on her mind today.

Once inside the lavish room, Aoi offered him a chair. "Would you care for some tea?"

"If it's no trouble." Fortunately, she had prepared a cooker in advance (thanks heavens she'd convinced Tokiomi to have some electricity outlets installed in this room), so two cups were quickly prepared and to be enjoyed. The magus accepted his with a nod, leaning back slightly in his seat. "Now then, you may already know why my superiors have arranged this meeting on such a day."

Aoi set her tea on the repaired desk; she secretly enjoyed the knowledge that those two handprints that had once been pressed into the wood were of feminine form. You knew how to emphasize your points, Jade… Out loud, she said, "I can imagine." She sat down in Tokiomi's chair and shifted forward. "The Association seeks reassurances of my family's stability."

He flashed her that same smile as in the cemetery. "With respect, Lady Aoi, you were not born of the Tohsaka family, and this is a very important matter. We've managed to clean up most of the Holy Grail War's affairs, but Fuyuki City is still missing a Second Owner. That position cannot be taken lightly, which I'm certain your daughter knows." He bent down to open his briefcase, missing the cold gaze Aoi shot him. He straightened with a file which he passed to her: A copy of Tokiomi's will. "According to his testament, Kirei Kotomine has been declared the official guardian for both of your daughters-"

"Yes, an official guardian whose authority is still second to mine." She interrupted him while flipping through the documents. Finally, she tapped a finger against one sheet. "That is clearly outlined in this paragraph right here."

Truth be told, Aoi was not entirely sure whether she could trust Kirei. Tokiomi had vouched for his student's reliability, but as this whole debacle had revealed, he had been wrong before. Rin certainly didn't seem to like her teacher, though he always treated her with civility even when her mother supposedly wasn't watching. Aoi couldn't simply dismiss him; he knew too much of their family and certainly had his uses. Best to keep an eye on him for now.

Aoi had also taken legal measures to ensure all financial business under the Tohsaka name would be done with her direct supervision. She'd handled it well enough alongside Tokiomi; in fact, she'd taught him a few things.

The Magus Association lapdog was visibly taken back, making her lift an eyebrow. "Do you think I spend my days idly watching my daughters play together and practicing how to look elegant at dinner parties, sir?" Aoi questioned him a little icily. "I cannot practice magecraft myself, but I am well aware of the laws and restrictions of your Association. According to my late husband's testament, I am entrusted with watching over both Rin and Sakura at least as much as Father Kirei is. I therefore have the right to accept or refuse outside aid as I see fit."

"I mean… no disrespect… It's just… the head of the Tohsaka family…"

"Until my eldest daughter is of age, I am the interim head of the Tohsaka family and thereby Fuyuki City's Second Owner. Such is the will of Tokiomi Tohsaka as he has clearly stated." She sipped her tea, no change in her demeanor whatsoever. "I respect your organization's traditions and have complete confidence in your ability to adhere to them as much as my husband and his ancestors have. I will certainly keep them in mind."

The representative shuffled about in his seat. Clearly, he hadn't anticipated such resistance. Had his superiors told him she was some powerless widow? If so, Aoi felt no shame in dissuading him of this notion. "It seems… such is the case." He made an obvious attempt to salvage the situation (and his pride). "But there remains… the matter of your… other daughter. Her situation seems more complex."

Aoi set her tea down with a nod. "I understand there may be some reservations, so allow me to explain in simple terms: Over a year ago, Tokiomi allowed Sakura to be adopted by the Matou family as their heir. During the Grail War, he learned from a member of theirs how she had been affected by her time there." Practicing this speech in advance was the only reason she could recite it now without showing any emotion. "Sakura was recovered and is once again a Tohsaka in blood and name. It's for the best concerning her conversion."

"Conversion," the magus repeated, obviously believing he'd found a foothold. "A rather clinical term for the apparent loss of all her Magic Circuits." He placed his own tea in the desk, some of it splashing it out onto the wood. "Now, you may not know this, Lady Aoi, but Magic Circuits don't simply vanish into thin air. But during today's proceedings, I couldn't detect the slightest trace of magic from her." He spread his arms placatingly. "This needs to be investigated. Clock Tower offers many facilities for research and professional analysts."

"I don't doubt the competence of Clock Tower's facilities or analysts." A slight edge slipped into Aoi's tone before she recomposed herself. She opened a drawer and withdrew a set of papers which the Association's stooge received. "As you yourself stated, though, Sakura is not a magus anymore. Even if she once possessed the potential for magecraft, she is now as normal a person as I am, and that gives me the right to refuse your kind offer."

He inspected the documents, his brow furrowing more with each passing second. Luckily, Tokiomi had been able to research and invoke the proper laws and ensure Sakura's safety before he'd been killed. The Association could surely try to counter this, but Aoi was proving in her current discussion that a legal clash would be lengthy and possibly not worth it.

Thus, he had no chance but to offer her a tight smile. "Well, everything seems in order. Should your daughter recover her Magic Circuits, though…"

Aoi knew a veiled threat when she heard one, so she defused it. "I shall inform your superiors immediately if that proves the case. In the meantime, Sakura will be observed as how I and Kirei Kotomine, if need be, believe best. I don't intend to take chances with her safety or Rin's." She then rose from her chair and offered the magus her hand. "Thank you for your time."

"Thank you for yours… Lady Tohsaka." He bit out while shaking her hand a little more tightly than was polite. His smile only grew stiffer when she showed no sign of pain, but he collected his documents in his little briefcase and made for the door. Opening it revealed Kirei outside, as she'd expected. "Do inform us if you require our aid." Then the magus left.

No sooner did the door click shut than the tears began to flow. Aoi slumped forward against her desk- no, her husband's desk, resting her face in her hands as she wept.

She knew this wouldn't the last "meeting" she'd be in for. Their family's blood had been spilled; the sharks were circling. The Magus Association would only be placated for so long by their own laws, and they were surely searching for loopholes already, excuses to take away the Tohsaka's status as Second Owner and claim Sakura. I can't lose her again… I-I can't… lose either of them… Sakura… R-Rin…

The Magus Association's snooping about had led to the discovery of the Fourth Grail War's incomplete conclusion. According to their analysis, the Fifth Grail War would take place much earlier than usual; their estimate was ten years.

Ten years. Ten years before this happened all over again. Ten years for Rin to prepare before she was to be the Tohsaka family's Master. Worst of all, Aoi knew Rin wanted to step up. She wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and succeed where he failed. And there was no convincing her otherwise; she was too stubborn, and the pain was too fresh. They'd just buried Tokiomi.

Wh-What am I supposed to do…? Aoi fell back into his chair. How long can I keep the Association at bay? How can I convince Rin not to throw her life away? How do I protect Sakura…? What would you do…?

The mother sighed. There was no point in begging the dead for favors. She wasn't even sure who she had asked in this moment. But like it or not, she was all Rin and Sakura had left. Other had laid the groundwork for these two coming together. Tokiomi had bought them time and some breathing room. Jade had opened his eyes in the first place. And Kariya… Kariya had accepted his fate believing she'd keep her promise.

"Promise me, Aoi. Promise me that Sakura and Rin will play together, cry together, and grow up together."

In a way, Aoi hadn't made that promise to just Kariya, but to all three of them. Kariya, Tokiomi, Jade… They, maybe others she didn't even know about, had all given everything to make this miracle reality. She couldn't let their efforts go to waste. She didn't have magecraft, but she refused to be the same helpless housewife who'd stood silently by and let Sakura be dragged off to God knows what.

So, she'd fight for them another way. If she couldn't fight with spells and martial arts, she'd use rules and connections. She'd take up the face of an iron woman with a cold heart. She'd used anything at her disposal, like Kirei. Aoi Tohsaka would do everything it took to protect the two most precious things in her world until they didn't need her protection anymore.

The Grail War has already claimed three people very dear to me. She stood up and stared out the window, tears slowly ebbing. I'll be damned if I let my girls meet the same fate.

Her girls were currently on the same floor of the house as their mother, just in another room. Rin listened from her bedroom's doorway how the downstairs door closed shut, then her eyes drifted towards the hall. She shuddered a little, something that didn't go unnoticed by her current roommate. "You're still not comfortable around Father's office?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah, it's a little silly, but I just…" Rin sighed, the sound tinged with sadness. "I don't like being in there."

Sakura patted her arm. "It's okay, Big Sister. I get it." And she did; she preferred to keep her time in the anteroom as minimal as possible. She couldn't explain why, but the longer she remained in it, the more she felt like curling up into a sobbing ball on the floor.

These last couple months had been… something. Outside, the city had managed to return to somewhat of a normal appearance again, but in this house that just wasn't possible anymore. Rin couldn't even remember much of what happened during the Grail War, mostly the moments with Father and… Jade. She shook her head and stepped out of the room. "I think I'll head down for the workshop if you or Mother need me."

Sakura nodded quietly. Big Sister spent nearly all of her free time in the workshop these days. Mother had even found her sleeping in there a few times. Rin had always been excited about learning magecraft, but now it seemed like it was the most important thing in the world to her. That's not fair, Sakura scolded herself. She still makes time for me.

Her eyes traveled to the book on the nightstand, cursive letters spelling out "The Little Hobbit and her Garden" on the cover. She ran her fingers over it with a sad smile. Uncle Kariya… Mother had begun reading the story to them in the days after the Grail War, and the little tale that was their uncle's last gift gave their young hearts the most comfort besides holding each other. Mother had presented it to them printed and bound as a gift to share.

Sakura loved it, and as much as she said she didn't need bedtime stories anymore, so did Rin. The sisters took turns reading it at least once a week. The way Big Sister's face would always light up when she recited the opening sentence: "In a hole in the ground, surrounded by flowers of many colors, there lived a hobbit." She loved using different voices, too…

Besides, the younger Tohsaka had been quite busy with her own lessons, so getting mad at Rin would've been hypocritical. The forest of her dreams was looking much healthier these days, and Sakura had learned from a few secret tests that she could do her magic in the waking world, too. She had felt a little worried about what others would think, a worry her teacher agreed with, which was why she hadn't shown it to Big Sister or Mother or…

"Ah, returning to your training?"

Rin stopped, a small frown spreading across her face at who was coming up the stairs. Kirei had the same blank look on his face as he usually did, and for a moment, she just wanted to throw something at it. But she swallowed her temper and answered, "Yes, I'm making the most out of the rest of the day." Father may have named this priest her official guardian, but that didn't mean she owed him any affection. She only put up with these arrangements to ease Mother's burden. She already had enough on her plate without Rin making a fuss.

Kirei for his part silently enjoyed the mute irritation in the girl's eyes. Putting up such a strong front despite the depressing atmosphere only an hour ago… It was admirable. And a little annoying. He was a man who derived enjoyment from watching others' pain. But for a young girl to push herself past the losses and shoulder on, that was denying him his reward. And he suspected Rin was doing this partially to spite him. Clever girl…

So much suspicion towards him, and she didn't even know the truth…

His gaze traveled up to where Sakura stood at the top, her own expression more naturally calm, it seemed. She was… a greater puzzle. Kirei wasn't quite sure what the younger sister must've endured inside the Matou house but based on what he'd seen of Kariya and Zouken, it shouldn't have been a pleasant experience. Yet Sakura never rose to any of his subtle baiting or showed a hint of displeasure towards her family. She appeared honestly content with her own arrangements.

Also… the rare moments where she did show pain triggered… a different response from Kirei than what he'd hope for.

Black hair splashed into his line of sight, and he realized Rin had backtracked a little to position herself between him and Sakura. The latter had in turn begun walking down the steps herself. "It's a relief to see you both supporting each other so much, especially today," Kirei noted as they stepped past him together. "I imagine Jade would be proud if she saw you."

Kirei hid his smile at watching that tiny body stiffen. He'd known exactly where to find that old wound he'd made five months ago, when he had made a preliminary report to the Tohsaka's. "Forensic evidence suggests that Jade wasn't by sir Tokiomi when he passed. In fact, she seems to have met her end in a different place only after he met his."

Two sentences which had shaken the poor girl to her core. Everything Kirei had said was true, if missing a few details, of course. And by omitting these details, he had left her free to fill in the blanks herself, come to her own conclusions about what might've happened to the two people he admired so dearly.

For all of her attempts at maturity and the expectations placed upon her, Rin Tohsaka was still a girl seven years of age. Her world still carried wonder and light inside. The world of magecraft she had been born into didn't diminish this joy but increased it. The possibilities were endless to her… and a woman like Jade who wielded weapon and magic so gracefully? How could a girl like Rin have imagined a greater role model?

And yet Jade had failed. Rin's perfect warrior mage of a big sister couldn't bring her perfect father back alive… despite having promised it to Rin. That fact alone had formed the first cracks in Jade's pedestal, and now to learn she hadn't even been in the same room when Tokiomi died-

An adult would've understood. Nothing ever quite goes the way as one expects, and no person is perfect or infallible. Aoi, for example, recognized these bitter truths and had forgiven Lancer X for them. But for a child, something like this was akin to waking up in the morning and finding their lost tooth underneath their pillow, right where they'd left it when the Tooth Fairy should've replaced it with a gift…

Well, there was a reason Rin had stopped braiding her hair since that day. "I don't seek approval for how I care for my family," she replied evenly.

Faith was such a wonderful thing, especially in the young… and yet so easily shattered.

Sakura took her sister's hand and pulled her along, undoubtably realizing the situation. But Kirei wasn't done testing the girls just yet. "I will remain Japan for a little while yet. Is there anything either of you require of me?"

Rin's free hand balled into a fist, but Sakura spoke first. "Nothing at the moment." The priest was taken aback at the friendly smile she shot him. "Thank you for the offer, though, Father Kirei, we appreciate all the help you can give us."

Her head still turned away from the stupid priest, Rin grinned for just a moment. I have the best little sister in the world…

Kirei recognized her hidden expression, though, but kept his cool. Flying into a rage when you were denied what you wanted was juvenile; Megatron and Gilgamesh had taught him that. But they had also taught him persistence.

So, he followed them down the stairs, confident he could come up with an appropriate apology for his delay to Aoi. "Please take of yourself, Rin. The transfer of your family's Crest will continue in six months."

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." The elder sister didn't even look at him.

"I will be busy with other responsibilities in the meantime, unfortunately, hence my offer before I leave. My apologies that you both have such an unreliable guardian."

"That's just the way it is," Rin retorted, having reached the bottom alongside Sakura. "Mother is still here, and we'll take good care of the Tohsaka name between the three of us." Her expression softened at the supportive nod Sakura gave her, then she took on a dismissive tone. "You don't need to worry about us, so feel free to embark on your crusade against heretics or preaching the good word or whatever you do in your free time. Just don't besmirch our name."

Besmirch… quite the educated vocabulary she was developing. Tokiomi would've been surely proud to see what beautiful, pure gems her daughters were slowly developing into. The many pressures were only making them shine brighter, it seemed.

So, how couldn't Kirei try to tarnish it a little? He had just the thing tucked away in his frock. "Thank you for your faith, Rin. It makes me all the more confident that you should have this." Now with all three at the bottom of the stairs, Rin finally turned around to eye her guardian suspiciously. "One day, you will truly be the head of the Tohsaka family. So, in preparation for that special time, I'd like to give you something very special."

He pulled out the Azoth Sword gifted to him by Tokiomi. His teacher's blood lovingly cleaned away, the blade gleamed like the jewel affixed in its hilt. "Your father gifted me this as a token of my apprenticeship to him," Kirei explained keeping his mouth as straight as possible. How could he not carry this precious blade with him on this day? "I feel, though, that he would want you to have it more."

Rin released Sakura's hand and tentatively accepted the Sword with both hands. This might've been a trick, a replica Kirei had made to taunt her, but the craftsmanship was too fine, too… elegant. Touching the metal and the jewel made her feel a familiar presence. "F-Father…" Her vision blurred, but she could just make out her crying reflection in the blade.

Kirei stepped away from her, drinking in the sight of the heiress' walls breaking down to reveal the heartbroken girl within. And the irony of her tearing up over a gift that was in truth the weapon that robbed her of her father… The father who had sentenced to death the hero she admired and then rejected… Oh, what wine could compare in flavor to this…? It just went to prove you didn't need an alien evil pulsing inside your veins to have a little fun.

From the side, Sakura quietly walked towards her crying sister only to stop. For a moment, she thought it was because Father Kirei might come back and try and stop her. But he made no such move, and yet the younger sister remained where she was. Maybe it was because she didn't know if she'd be any comfort to Rin, or maybe she couldn't think of what to say.

Or perhaps you like seeing her like this, a dark voice whispered from the back of her mind. It wasn't the first time, either. It's only fair, after all. She wasn't taken away like you were. She couldn't recall if the voice belonged to someone she knew, but that harsh yet soft whisper, the one that slipped through her cracks and burned her from the inside. She hasn't lost her Magic Circuits like you. Everybody still sees Rin as the golden child, God's gift to the Tohsaka family. Meanwhile, you were discarded and then picked up again on a whim. Why shouldn't she hurt like you do?

Sakura shook her head. She didn't want to think such nasty thoughts, especially about Rin. It wasn't true, she wasn't jealous of Rin, she didn't want her to feel the same pain she did… didn't she?

Then she thought of a certain someone in white and imagined what he might say if he were here in this moment. "You could stand back and leave Rin alone with her grief," his gentle baritone rumbled in her mind, soothing the burns and chasing away the other voice. "You may have every right to. But is that really what you want, Sakura?"

Rin didn't dare to look at Sakura as she stood there crying over the dagger. She couldn't drag Sakura into this, Rin was the big sister, Rin had magecraft, Rin had to handle this-

Two scrawny arms wrapped around her, and a hand nudged the back of her head into a shoulder. Rin whimpered in shock before hearing Sakura whisper in her ear, "We're here for each other… remember, Big Sister?" She felt her own shoulder grow damp.

Kirei watched both amused and bemused as Rin pulled in Sakura with one arm, their sobs barely audible against one another. Well, it wasn't quite what he had expected, but mutual anguish was still anguish. Yes… Sakura may not have forged quite so strong a bond with Tokiomi or Lancer X, but she still cares for Rin. Seeing her in this state, and when she had no power and cannot help her otherwise… Two pure hearts broken by one little gift. The same gift, in fact, that had robbed them of the man who had fathered them. Oh, the sweet irony.

Sated for now, he walked up the stairs to his teacher's former office, leaving the two sisters weeping together in their sorrow.

Shinji Matou stepped warily inside the Matou manor, finding it similar yet different in the same breath. The walls, the floor, the door Father just opened to let him in… It all looked mostly the same as he remembered, but… fresher, too. It wasn't as worn down or even dusty as he remembered. Huh… Did Grandfather do some renovating or something? He could've spruced up the place a little more if he did. Get with the times…

Father nudged him by the shoulder. "Come on, Shinji. This way." The Matou son followed him up the stairs, inwardly wondering why he sounded so broken. He'd been studying abroad for months, come back with top grades, and this was the welcome he got? And I thought he was bad after Mother died, Shinji wrinkled his nose at the alcohol wafting off him, though he fits right in with the gloomy mood of the town. What the heck happened while I was away?

Being raised with no magic in a household of magi wasn't a picnic, Shinji Matou could spend all day telling someone that. He'd heard before leaving for his studies that something called "The Holy Grail War" would be happening, but no one had given him any details. Uncle Kariya had been around, too, at the time, but all Shinji had ever gotten out of him was a pat on the head and the same old advice: "Stay out of the family business." Easy to say for a guy who had magic and could leave to do his own thing. Shinji or Father could never do that.

Well, I'm not gonna just run away or crawl into a bottle, Shinji swore to himself as they walked through the upper floor. Magic or no magic, I was born in this family for a reason. I'll prove that I'm special, no matter what it takes! Father opened the door to Zouken's office just as he made this vow, almost like it was meant to be.

"Come on in, Shinji." Though he shivered a little at Grandfather's voice like always, the boy steeled himself to do as he was told. "You can go, Byakuya." He looked up to Father, unsure if he should sympathetic or smug. Father matched Shinji's gaze with a… weird one. He opened his mouth, then shut it after only a sigh came out, and walked slumping away.

Shinji watched him go, bewildered. What was that about? Then he remembered where he was and that it wasn't a good idea to keep Grandfather waiting, so he hurried inside the office. "Close the door," was the greeting he got, but he did as he was told.

As soon as the door was shut, Shinji turned to where Grandfather was sitting. He wasn't a particularly big man, but from behind that desk, the head of the Matou family seemed to tower over him. His black beady eyes followed Shinji unblinking as he shuffled over to in front of the desk, and he was wearing a little grin. "Welcome back home, my boy."

Those five words rattled Shinji, making him stand all the straighter. "I-It's good to be back, sir." He took a deep breath. "…Has something happened to the house? It feels… different."

"Oh, you may have heard of a series of… incidents that occurred a few months ago," Zouken explained in a casual tone. "Our home took some damage from the events, and a few renovations had been in order for some time anyway. A trivial matter." Shinji nodded quietly, processing the information. He had indeed heard of a lot of things happening inside Fuyuki: kidnappings, strange gases, bombings… And a big fire, all within two weeks. Did these incidents have something to do with-? "Yes, they were connected to the Holy Grail War."

Shinji started, but Zouken's smile only widened. "You've got some sharp eyes there, Shinji. And a sharp mind, too. I'm afraid our family didn't get much success to our name in this Grail War, but from what I can tell, we will be having the next one a little sooner than usual." He threaded his bony fingers together in front of his grin. "And we need a champion for it."

He could feel his eyes lighting up and his heart hammering inside his chest. No way… It took all of Shinji's dignity to keep his voice even. "You… you want me to be it, sir?" He almost whooped in joy at the nod he received; he was finally going to be a magus! After waiting for so long, hearing all the stories about other magus kids, and having to spend time with-

Shinji could almost hear a record scratch in his head. Wait a minute… With a frown, he asked, "…What about Sakura?" Yeah… that little Tohsaka girl who Grandfather had pulled out of nowhere and declared her as Shinji's sister. Always passing him with that blank stare, like he wasn't even worth her time. Being second banana to a girl, an outsider, was so infuriating… Plus, she always looked so gloomy. Made it hard to get mad at her…

Then again, Shinji didn't remember seeing her since he came back. And shouldn't Sakura be here, too, if they were talking about the Matou's future? She was the one with all the talent, after all…

"Yes, Sakura is no longer a part of this family." Is Grandfather a mind reader? Shinji wondered before focusing on the old man's words. "The Tohsaka family insisted… quite strongly on reclaiming her and made a powerful argument." Grandfather's smile briefly slipped into a scowl, but he regained his old expression before his grandson could really see it. "So, given our situation, it now falls on you to make our family shine."

Shinji forced himself to keep smiling. So, that's it. Because you lost your first choice, you have to settle for the runner-up. His hands balled into little fists at the look Grandfather was giving him, but the boy rallied himself. "Well then, I'll be sure to surprise you."

Zouken Matou chuckled at the defiant look his idiot grandson shot him. Ah, to be young again, to believe raw determination can outweigh all of your shortcomings… The loss of the Tohsaka girl was vexing, but as the saying went, "better a weak bulb than a bare one." "I was hoping you'd say that," he placed a wooden box on the desk, "because I have a few things to help you prepare."

This Grail War had been more costly for Zouken Matou than any other, but he had still managed to retain a few special advantages. He eyed the box with the special little Crest Worm tucked away safely inside. This was namely the first one to have feasted on dear little Sakura's virtue. Oh, the potential it carried… She probably wasn't missing it anymore thanks to that thrice-damned Caster X, so that left Zouken free to use his darling as he saw fit.

His "grandson" did possess Magic Circuits, but they were flimsy and closed off. The best way to activate them would be with a massive infusion of Magical Energy, which Zouken didn't have quite so readily. He eyed the battered scorched remains of the Prismatrix Reactor on a nearby shelf. Still, with this precious Worm, it could be possible to give Shinji's Magic Circuits a little jumpstart. Maybe with a few other goodies courtesy of the late El-Melloi…

Shinji for his part felt his enthusiasm burning again. So what if he wasn't the first choice? That just meant he'd have to work a little harder in order to get the respect that was rightfully his. If Sakura had returned to her family, all the better. The Tohsakas are our opponents, so when the time comes, I'll show her how great I really am. I'll show everyone!

The sound of footsteps snapped him from his thoughts, and he turned to find the door swinging open and someone stepping into the office. Meanwhile, Grandfather continued. "We will take great care in finding out just what exactly you're capable of, Shinji. But all talent must be cultivated, and you need someone to help you hone yours. Lucky for you, I know someone capable and eager to assist with the latter." The boy stared up at the newcomer and gulped, having a feeling who said someone was.

He was so tall Shinji had to tilt his head all the way back to see his face. He wore a dark three-piece suit that framed his muscular build pretty nicely, complete with silver buttons and polished boots. His hair was silver and arched down on either side of his face, framing it perfectly to show the wrinkles and narrow cheekbones. A silver eyepatch was affixed with two diagonal straps over his right eye, leaving only the left one visible: a narrow red thing that peered down at Shinji. All in all, the man looked old, but the one eye he had burned with a cold, bright fire. His entire presence seemed to radiate authority and power.

"Shinji, this is your new uncle, Masao Matou. He will be your… instructor from now on."

A new anxiety prickled inside the boy as he met that single red eye. An anxiety that only grew at the sharp smile the man's face sported. "A pleasure to meet you, Shinji. You and I are bound to have a rewarding and delightful time together."

Two Years Later

Waver Velvet's original plan for once the Holy Grail War had ended had been to return to London immediately, best-case scenario, with the eponymous Grail in his luggage and victory to his name. Of course, plans don't always work out the way they're supposed to, and his in particular even less so. In this case, though, he hadn't minded spending an extra two weeks in Fuyuki with the Mackenzie's. The old couple hadn't affected directly by the Fire, thank God, but with the way things had been in the last couple days, they'd needed to spend time with family, even if it wasn't real.

And so did Waver, admittedly. So, he'd delayed his departure and spent his time helping around a little in their house, playing the video games his King had bought, reading, practicing his new party trick, and a few other things. Ultimately, though, the young magus had to leave, and so his foster grandparents had driven him to the airport with teary smiles.

The last thing he did prior to leaving Japanese soil was to arrange the delivery of a few last gifts to Fuyuki.

Waver still had a little bit of money to his name, so he'd taken the chance to travel. He began with walking through the cow-filled streets of India, then followed the route of his King, taking him into Persia, Greece and Macedonia. Oh, there were hardships, of course: thieves, con artists, rival magi and just good old-fashioned bullies. Waver had wanted to curl up and cry on more than a number of occasions, but then remembering three particular faces would drive the tears away and kick him into shouldering on.

It had been an interesting journey. The young man had found himself entangled in various situations like the "Babylon Incident" (The memory of breaking that bastard Barzan's jaw still brought a smile to Waver's lips) or the "Italian Mafia Incident" (he'd honed his Aura and learned how to use a gun there). He had even discovered a knack for giving lessons in Greece through dealings with a Second Owner's sons.

And the less said about the "Colossus of Rhodes Incident," the better.

But returning to Clock Tower was unavoidable, even if he had a pretty good idea what may happen to him. There were no friends or fellow students flicking on the lights to yell "SURPRISE" and reveal a banquet for his triumphant return. No, the second Waver stepped onto the grounds, a pair of magi approached him and "requested" that he come with them.

Now, standing inside a small office, surrounded by representatives of two big-name families, Waver Velvet had already come to one definite conclusion: Vacation's over.

"Would you care for some tea, Mr. Velvet?" A blonde girl asked him from her spot at the side table, teacup hovering away from her smile. Waver declined politely; she was probably eight years old, if that, but she gave off the impression of being at minimum on par with him. Those blue eyes of hers were locked on him with a deadly fire. "I trust you can understand why we asked for you to come here."

Waver nodded in courtesy. "I have some idea, yes." Inwardly, he was relieved the growth spurt he'd gained in his travels had also improved his voice. No more soprano jokes for him. To be fair, he was still on the thin side. "This meeting concerns the Holy Grail War?"

"Indeed," the man sitting at the office's desk rumbled. He had pale dark skin and long white hair spilling out from the top of his head and his chin, the latter in two large stretches. He wore a dark suit with a short cape draped over his shoulders while a cane rested next to him. Cold eyes peered at Waver from behind spectacles. "Do you know why I am, boy?"

"You're…" He swallowed before trying again. "You're Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis. Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation." It took all of Waver's strength to keep his voice even. He could sense a dark presence from the man, a heavy suffocating mana. It made the former Master feel as though death was creeping up on him. The rings on his fingers, the jeweled necklace dangling before his chest, the ornate cane… They all hummed with magic.

This was a magus who could vaporize him quicker than he could blink… Waver couldn't help but tremble in primal fear and elation.

The Brand nodded once, raising a sheet of paper on the deck. "As I understand, you were once a student of the late Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald." He gestured to the much younger girl sipping her tea on the couch. "This is Reines Archisorte, his maternal niece and adoptive younger sister." He set the paper down and steepled his fingers. "Lord El-Melloi was also the fiancé of my daughter Sola-Ui," the younger man behind him stiffened, "and would have been the brother-in-law of my son here, Bram."

"Bram" strode around the desk to lean in front of it, his arms crossed. He was average in height and probably attractive for the average woman, the power of a well-tailored suit. But his mouth was contorted into a haughty sneer, making Waver think of a spoiled red-haired cat. Nowhere near as scary as the little girl on the couch, let alone the literal monsters he had faced. "We've found no trace of my sister in two years, and our patience has run its course."

He seemed ready and eager to say more, but a different voice cut him off. "The Archibald family is hardly in a better state." He shot Reines an irritated look that she didn't even acknowledge. Young though she was, she spoke and sat with decorum befitting a lady. "My brother's body was recovered and found to be in a wretched state. Severe damage to his internal organs, nerves and Magic Circuits. A hole in his head and a perforated brain, most probably the results of a gunshot." A wave of distaste swept through the room, and Waver barely kept himself from rolling his eyes. Magi, proud Luddites one and all…

He knew better than to voice such thoughts aloud, though. Especially seeing as Reines was watching him very attentively despite her sweet smile. "With the original overseer's death, we have little to go on about the losses of our respective families. Therefore, it's in everyone's best interest that you tell us everything you know, Mr. Velvet." Including yours.

Two men were standing on either side of the door behind him. A woman had placed herself in front of the window, casting a shadow on Waver, while a third man was right beside Reines' seat. All physical escape routes had been cut off, and he sensed a Bounded Field of at least two layers encompassing the room. Escape was a pipe dream. Resisting? Less than that, even if Lord Eulyphis wasn't sitting there already eyeing him like the joke of a magus was his next victim. Nothing he could do but comply… But if that was the case, Waver Velvet, vassal of Iskandar, was going to do it his way.

Waver took a breath. Having expected a reckoning like this, he'd given some thought as to what he should say. "First of all, I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to both of your houses." He bowed his full upper body towards the seated magi. "That being said, I had nothing to do with either Lord El-Melloi's death or the disappearance of his bride-to-be. I only learned of the latter's presence in Fuyuki while the War was underway, and as for Lord El-Melloi, I encountered him a single time. And it wasn't even face to face."

"You sound disappointed about that," Reines noted as she set down her teacup. "What was your relationship with my dear brother?"

"I wanted to defeat him." Her tone made it clear she already had an idea of the animosity between the two Masters, so there was little point for Waver to play dumb. "My former teacher dismissed my ideas and made me the laughingstock of his class. So, when I learned of the War, I stole the relic he originally wanted and joined as a Master to… get even."

The confession drew a distasteful sneer from Bram, but the other magi gave no reaction. There was no anger or fear in the young man's words, just a clear statement of facts and a rather surprising sincerity. "Once the Servants were summoned, the battles began in earnest, but I could barely keep up with the other Masters. El-Melloi was killed before I could truly face him."

"How?" Lord Eulyphis adjusted a few files before him, his demeanor obvious.

Still, Waver recognized what was expected of him. "I only heard of it the next night, and from a rival Servant, but it seems that after suffering grievous injuries in battle, Lord El-Melloi was then killed in his bed by one of his own Servants." Reines raised an eyebrow at the last word he'd uttered, so he elaborated. "For some reason, every Master ended up with two Servants at their command in this War. How or why this happened, I have no idea."

That earned him a skeptical laugh from the red-haired heir. "Even you had two Servants?"

"Three, actually." Waver's lip twitched before he got it under control. "Berserker X rebelled early on against his original Master, and… the Servants I summoned convinced him to join their side. The mana cost for each Servant had somehow been reduced to about half that of usual, making it possible for me to sustain all three of them."

The Archisorte daughter made a faux-impressed sound, a teasing glint in her eyes. "To be able to handle three powerful familiars in such a stressful situation… I was under the impression that your magecraft was nothing particularly noteworthy, Waver."

"It isn't." He ignored her suddenly using his name and went on. "I said this Grail War's situation made such a thing possible, but that doesn't mean it was easy. It took all I had to keep the three of them strong enough to fight, and what's worse is that other Servants went rogue as well, such as Archer X who was contracted to Lord Melloi and ended up killing him herself."

He let the return to the main topic sink in, noting how the two main participants of his audience showed no surprise to the multiple Servant business. This clearly wasn't the first they'd heard of it, so he hopefully had some credence of truth to his word. "Things really seemed to begin going off the rails after that. No doubt you all know of the multiple incidents in Fuyuki during the Grail War, heavy property damage and many lives lost. I had lost all of my Servants two nights prior to the Fire. Me surviving at all was a complete fluke."

"Obviously," Lord Eulyphis rumbled from his seat. "So, you know absolutely nothing of Sola-Ui's fate?"

Waver shook his head. "I'm afraid so, my lord. The most I know is that she became the Master of Lord El-Melloi's other Servant, Lancer, and the two sought to kill Archer X and use the Grail to bring Lady Reines' brother back to life. Lancer died before Archer X, I believe, so they most likely failed. But I haven't a clue as to what became of Lady Sola-Ui."

"There's nothing else you have to offer then?" The elder magus leaned forward in his seat, eyes narrowing further at his target. "No theories or overheard utterances of her?"

"No, sir." Somehow, he managed to keep his voice even and his body straight.

Lord Eulyphis returned to his backrest while Reines beckoned for her aide to step closer. Everything Velvet had just said coincided with what information they already had gleaned through the younger Kotomine or their own investigations. This business of twice of many Servants was a different puzzle, one that was making plenty of uninvolved magi gossip about. The rumors surrounding the additional Servants, in particular: did they really come from alternate realities?

Such questions were irrelevant to the matter at hand, though. Neither sensed any hint of deception in Waver Velvet's testimony, even if they both knew he wasn't telling everything. Still, he really didn't seem to have anything to do with the lost pair's circumstances. Not everyone was so ready to accept this, though.

Bram sneered. "Listen, you little runt of a commoner, my sister's probably dead by now, and the man supposed to marry her came back as a mangled corpse while a mouse like you just walked away from that shamble of a War untouched?" He grabbed the boy by the shoulder, mana flickering in his free hand. The Archisorte brat shot him a look, but he ignored it. "I expect some real answers from you, so if you want to keep breathing for a few more-"

A second later, the heir of the Sophia-Ri was tumbling to the floor, hands shooting out barely in time to arrest his fall. He crouched there on all fours, breathing heavily… and with some difficulty, he realized. Prodding his nose told him rather painfully that it had been broken.

Bram slowly looked up in rising indignation to see first Reines Archisorte barely covering her grinning mouth with her hand… and turned to glare at the boy before him, fist outstretched.

"Oh dear." Waver Velvet lowered his right arm, discreetly deactivating his Aura with a tiny prayer they hadn't noticed it, then shrugged slightly. "My apologies, I didn't think a mouse like me could hit that hard." A smile tugged at his lips. "Just another fluke, I assure you."

I'm probably going to pay for that, he noted as the older magus scrambled to his feet, his face redder than his hair. But damn me if it wasn't worth it.

Lord Eulyphis hadn't moved or said anything, but somehow, his demeanor seemed to have sharpened. "You do realize you've just sharply decreased your chances of leaving this room alive, yes?" That whisper of death from before was now a looming omen.

"With all due respect, my lord, I knew my chances were slim from the moment I walked into the room." Waver bowed his head to the superior magus. "It's simply that certain acquaintances of mine would be disappointed in me if I didn't get at least one decent hit in." He eyed the room calmly. "Besides, I've found the worse my odds are, the better I perform."

All four unnamed magi had inched closer to the room's center, ready for battle. The Sophia-Ri aide quickly helped Bram to his feet and offered him a handkerchief before he shoved her away. He wiped his blood away as he took a shaky step towards Velvet. "You… You filthy little-"

"Do stop embarrassing yourself, Bram." He froze and turned haltingly towards his father who met his outraged look with an unimpressed one. "This boy laying a hand on you is one thing, but for you to let a commoner like him bloody your nose is simply pathetic." The senior shook his head with a huff. "What a fool I have for a son." Bram flushed red at his words.

Reines for her part had been trained in etiquette just enough to stifle her giggles. "My, such defiance for one of so young a magus bloodline." She let her amusement flow into a teasing tone towards Waver. "I suppose those rumors of you destroying the Colossus of Rhodes seven months ago aren't exaggerated."

Waver couldn't stop himself from groaning, drawing all attention back to him. "Oh, they are. I didn't actually destroy the Colossus itself, of course. I simply managed to incapacitate the bloody idiot who had called it up, and then it sank by itself back into the sea. Then I wound up trapped on a spit of rock in the water. That incident was an utter mess." The only good that came out of it is that I unlocked my Semblance. But they didn't need to know that.

The future Archisorte heir finally allowed herself to giggle before pointing out one little detail. "That 'bloody idiot,' as you called him, was a renegade member of the Association who'd earned the rank of Fes prior to his Sealing Designation being issued. To think you could incapacitate him…"

"I got lucky," was all Waver offered, further raising her curiosity. An idea was beginning to piece itself together inside her mind…

"It seems the late Lord El-Melloi failed to teach you not to push that luck of yours, boy." Unfortunately, she wasn't the only one in the room, and her senior was rising to his feet. "Fool or not, I cannot have an inferior child strike my son and walk away unpunished. And by your own admission, you have no further information of value for either of our families."

Reines retained her smile despite shifting to her "authority" tone. "I am not yet finished with him, Lord Eulyphis, and for the record, I do not appreciate your insinuations towards a member of my family." She turned towards him even as Bram, visibly eager to see Velvet killed, began talking back to her. The other magi began moving to their respective sides as the bickering increased. Waver remained at his spot, shivering slightly and not taking his eyes off the oldest and most powerful man in the room. But just as the breaking point was reached-

"Now, now, let's not be hasty."

A new voice rang out accompanied by a rhythmic clacking, and the entire room stilled. The door had opened, prompting both guards to turn towards it, but they were met with a sunny smile that seemed to freeze them in their tracks. Thus, they could only let him pass.

The newcomer was around the same height as Waver remembered Qrow, wooden geta providing him with a few extra centimeters. He seemed of Asian heritage with fairly pale skin that matched the messy blonde hair spilling out from under the green-and-white striped bucket hat he wore. The rest of his ensemble consisted of a black coat with a white diamond pattern along the bottom, over dark green Japanese robes. In his right hand, he held a beige cane with a curved handle but obviously didn't need it for mobility; his gait was strong, and the robes exposed some defined muscle by his chest. The left hand snapped a fan closed to reveal an easygoing smile amidst blonde stubble, the hat's shadow obscuring the man's eyes.

All in all, one might've mistaken him for a harmless nutter. But Waver found his limbs frozen in the man's presence. The best he could move was his eyes, and they watched how the other magi, each one more experienced and/or talented than him, stood just as stiffly.

Even Reines' smile had shifted into a straight line. "And what is the meaning of your intrusion? This is a private matter, Mr. Urahara." She sneered out the last words, but Waver could tell her confidence wasn't quite as strong as before.

"Mr. Urahara" for his part snapped his fan open to flap it placatingly, still grinning. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of interfering in the business of your families, milady. Lord Eulyphis." He bowed his head to the apparently elder man who in turn seemed the calmest of them. "I was just passing through and happened to learn about your meeting." He closed his fan again and took on a solemn expression. "My deepest condolences for your losses." That fan reopened to cover his face. "I had heard so much of Lord El-Melloi's abilities, why, he was even entrusted with a prototype of my design, a little while before he left for Japan."

The girl's eyes narrowed. "Do tell…"

"Technically, it was Lord Zeltretch who offered it to him. Behind my back no less, the old rascal." Waver couldn't help but gawk at the man idly tapping the fan against his chin with a chuckle. H-he knows the Lord Wizard Marshall… "Well, I did say he could show it to other magi if he felt it was okay, but to go ahead and let someone else fiddle around with it, oh, that was a teensy bit more than what we agreed upon. But hey, you know how he is." …And is apparently on a familiar basis with him. Waver really, really wanted to sit down now.

"I-I see…" Well, if there was any consolation to the situation, it was that he wasn't the only one struggling to process all this. Reines was visibly struggling to keep her unflappable demeanor; she reached for a fresh cup of tea, the china in her fingers clacking arrhythmically. Bram had propped himself up against his father's desk again, mouth so wide open you could've fit a bus in there. And the nameless magi around them were sweating buckets.

Only Lord Eulyphis appeared to be unfazed, though he had retracted his prior death aura. "How interesting. Now then, at risk of parroting Lady Reines' question, why have you inserted yourself into this discussion? If you wish to be reimbursed for the loss of this 'prototype' of yours, we can surely resolve that matter at a later time."

There was a subtle threat in the elder's tone, but the tension seemed to roll off Mr. Urahara like water off a duck. "No, no," he waved his fan placatingly, "I'm but a humble ruggedly handsome merchant. I have no intention of wasting your time by haggling over one little machine I built on a lazy Saturday." The grin he was sporting would've made the Cheshire Cat turn all shades of green with envy. "Though I'm not one to refuse charity, of course…"

Waver must've been hallucinating from the tension in the atmosphere, for he swore he could see a vein bulging on the Brand's forehead. "I see," he bit out before sighing. "I take it this means you have developed an interest in this boy, haven't you?"

"I think there's a little more to Mr. Velvet here than what his bloodline suggests," Urahara confirmed in a chipper tone. "And as much as Clock Tower is a base of operations for the Association, it's also a haven and a school. A school's duty is to find and nurture talent in the next generations, no?"

Bram snorted, aggravating his nose in the process. He dabbed away more blood and demanded, "Y-you actually mean to sway us with that silly tripe?"

"Why not?" The redhaired heir made to release a belt of mocking laughter, but it caught in his throat as seeing the man's expression. The words should've been naïve and nauseatingly idealistic, but there was no such thing in the smile shot his way or the eyes peering from beneath that silly crime against fashion. Just a calculating, curious gleam that froze his blood.

Waver Velvet found himself on the sidelines somehow, and as much as he enjoyed the chance to catch his breath, his heart wouldn't stop hammering. There was something about this Urahara character, and it wasn't just the familiar sensation he felt every time he looked at him. What's more was that this blonde man in his odd outfit hadn't made a single threatening move; in fact, he was probably the most cordial person to enter this conversation. And even so, he suggested they spare Waver, and no one made a move to challenge him.

Finally, Lord Eulyphis waved his hand in dismissal. "Very well, it is quite clear he is of no use to us in locating my daughter. Do what you want with him, just get him and yourself out of my sight." Bram turned to him in outrage while the blonde man nodded to him in triumph. Before he could turn around, the master necromancer added, "But don't think I won't be watching the both of you. I haven't forgotten our private lessons, Urahara."

He tipped his hat to the patriarch. "You always were a bright student, my Lord."

…Waver really, really, REALLY needed to get out of here before his skull imploded. It was like he was back with the King and those other two bozos. It was a blessing when he let himself be ushered towards the door when Reines spoke up. "N-Not so fast. I still have a thing or two to discuss with Waver, and it may as well be done outside."

"By all means." Urahara shrugged as the young girl exchanged frigidly courteous goodbyes with Lord Eulyphis, including "best wishes" for Sola-Ui's safe return. The door opened and Waver was the first one out, then one of Reines' magi, Reines herself, and her other two escorts, then finally Urahara.

As soon as it clicked shut, Bram rounded outraged on his father who was drawing out files for more leads on Sola-Ui. "What in the name of all that is sane just happened?! How could you let a stranger simply waltz in here and take control of our business-"

"He was in control of this business from the very moment he heard of it," Lord Eulyphis snapped, his foolish son taken aback. He sighed at his blood's ignorance, then began to explain. "That man is… an ally of the Magus Association. He has walked the face of this world for over a century and tends to involve himself in situations which catch his interest for one reason or another. More than a few prominent magi have benefitted from his… advice."

"Like you?" Bram managed to draw the connections between words spoken in the office and those spoken now. "He's a magus, then?"

"He has familiarized himself with many fields of what we classify as magecraft, yes. But he is not some conjurer the Association can reel in easily. He may work with us from time to time, but he is not one of us. And under no circumstances can you underestimate him, Bram." The older man turned to face the younger one with a cold frown. Rufleus took no joy in his next words. "What I am to that lowborn whelp who broke your nose, he is to me."

Bram trembled a little at the grudging surety in that statement, but he tried to mask it with a sneer. "What, should that silly 'merchant' be considered a Grand?"

"Only because our system offers no higher rank." With that, Lord Eulyphis returned to his work, leaving his son with a jaw so slack he nearly had to pick it up from the floor.

Outside his office, the group of six were ambling down the hallway. Waver was in the middle while Reines Archisorte walked on one side with her escort of three, Urahara alone on the other side. Everyone knew one side was hopelessly outnumbered.

Even so, Reines refused to be cowed by anyone, even the man she'd been warned repeatedly about. "While I can believe you played no direct part in my brother's demise, I can't help but wonder if he had fared any better with the Servant he'd first intended to summon." She came to a stop, as did the party around her, and fixed her gaze on her quarry. "This is far from over. I'll be keeping my eye on you, too, Waver. And he can't protect you forever."

"I didn't expect anyone to protect me when I came back to London, and I still don't." Waver drew in a long breath; he'd had a feeling where this would lead the instant he saw the young girl sitting in Lord Eulyphis' office. He recognized her eyes as exactly like Archibald's. "But the next time we meet, I wish to apologize properly for my role in your brother's death."

Reines eyed him carefully, her smile returning but not quite as dangerous as before. Daring, straightforward, a little cheeky… More than what I'd expected of him. "Until then." And so, she walked off with her three escorts, considerably more satisfied than the other family. Which, of course, increased her satisfaction even more.

"A force to be reckoned with, isn't she? To think they start off so young…"

With no other distractions, Waver was finally able to stare in blatant shock at the blonde man. Even though he was no longer a Master, he could still tell with a glance what he really was. "You're… you're a Servant." His eyes drifted to the cane held comfortably in the man's right hand, the subtle power reverberating from it. The hidden edge. "A Saber…?"

Urahara, no, the Servant smiled a little more. "Very good, Mr. Velvet. I was Saber X, to be exact." His other hand removed the bucket hat as he bowed his head a little, allowing Waver to clearly see pale eyes brimming with intelligence. And currently locked onto him.

"Well, if you really want to get technical, I ought to say I was the very first X."

Five Years Later

Kiritsugu Emiya pushed back the door and stepped out onto the front porch. He took a deep breath of the night air, a cool breeze slipping through his sleepwear to make him shiver a little. Winter had arrived, but it wasn't cold enough yet to be unpleasant. And the full moon above was too beautiful not to be admired. So, he sat down, a dull ache traveling through his body at the motions. No wonder Shirou had taken to calling him, "Old Man," nowadays. Kiritsugu certainly felt like one, and he was only thirty-four years old. His Magic Circuits had long since given up the ghost, and he couldn't even perform ninjutsu anymore; Angra Mainyu's curse at work.

He was just grateful that his adoptive son addressed him as "Dad" just as often.

A nigh-silent thud from above caught his attention; something had landed on the roof. But the Bounded Field hadn't been triggered, and the former Mage Killer knew that kind of sound well. Another thud right next to him, and he smiled even while continuing to gaze up at the night sky. "Any irregularities, Biscuit?"

"All clear, Kiritsugu," the tan hound reported, lying down on the wood. "I checked the whole neighborhood. No signs of magus or even street gang activity." He then rumbled in delight at the light scratching atop his fuzzy head. A suitable payment for his services.

As Kiritsugu played with the dog, he thought back to the early weeks after the fire, after adopting Shirou and collecting Maiya. He still wasn't sure what had prompted him to try and summon the ninja hounds one afternoon while the boy had been napping. He had already confirmed that he could still use the other tricks Kakashi had taught him, but the Summoning Jutsu was different because those dogs had been originally contracted to the shinobi. With him no longer walking around on Fuyuki City, there was a strong possibility they couldn't appear. Even as he had bit into his finger and made the signs required, a part of Kiritsugu figured it was a forlorn effort (like so much of his life) but he still went through with it.

Maybe the lingering remnants of the Mage Killer sought potential assets in case any enemies he'd made would try to harm the few remaining people precious to him.

Maybe he just wanted to have some reminder of the man who had become such an unexpectedly dear friend to him and his wife.

Either way, it had been a very pleasant surprise for the broken ex-Master when all eight appeared in a puff of smoke before him.

The contract Kiritsugu had signed in blood still allowed him to call forth Pakkun and the others without issue. The boys had been heartbroken when they heard about their master, Saber and Iri's fates but immediately swore to help him in any way possible. That of course included trying to retrieve Illya from the Einzbern castle, bless their fuzzy little hearts.

Sadly, even with their help, Kiritsugu Emiya never succeeded in seeing his little girl again.

They came so close in their last attempt, a bit over two years ago. Kiritsugu had pinpointed the castle despite its Bounded Field after so many searches, personal or via Shadow Clone, Pakkun, Urushi and Akino were causing a diversion in one spot while Shiba, Guruko and Biscuit did the same in another, giving him a free pass to sneak in…

And then the mercenaries had attacked.

To this day, Kiritsugu didn't know who they were; men of his former profession were regrettably of easy supply in this world, even if most liked to pretend otherwise. But he recognized their professionalism in how they cut him off from the castle and nearly cornered him. If it hadn't been for Ūhei and Bull, Kiritsugu would've died there in the snow.

To think Old Man Acht would be willing to splurge on soldiers just to keep me from Illya, Kiritsugu lamented as he idly stroked Biscuit. Then again, their sponsor might've been someone else, someone who knew how to coordinate them. I've made a lot of enemies…

Still, he'd taken other precautions to protect Illya. He had mapped out the underground of Fuyuki City and set off explosives in carefully calculated spots. The result was an earthquake in about thirty, maybe forty years that would disrupt the leylines heading for Mount Enzou. Nothing too scary or risky for the population above, but it would suffice to collapse the cavern within and seal away the Greater Grail along with the evil dwelling within it.

There would be no Fifth Holy Grail, not in sixty years, not ever. That was the least he could do to keep his children safe.

The hounds nevertheless proved to be a priceless help; seeing as Maiya had added her own name to the collective contract and mastered the jutsu, the two of them would often summon one or more of their furry friends for scouting the city, just in case any of Kiritsugu's old enemies decided to pay a visit. Heck, Maiya had adopted them in all but name; even if she tried to be subtle, he knew she often summoned one of the boys and gave him a big box of doggy treats to share with the rest. Once he could no longer cast magecraft or jutsu, she alone was capable of bringing their canine friends to this world.

And there was always one dog tailing Shirou whenever the boy went out for a walk alone. He wasn't aware of them; Kiritsugu and Maiya couldn't bring themselves to introduce them to his adoptive son because they knew he would ask questions. Questions that would inevitably lead to him learning about the truth behind the Fire and what Kiritsugu had taken from him.

"You okay, Kiritsugu?" He snapped up from his thoughts to look down into Biscuit's highlighted, worried eyes. The concern in them touched him all the more because he knew he didn't deserve it. He had failed this dog's true owner, dragged him and another hero into a mission doomed from the start, and now he had co-opted these loyal creatures into looking after two of the last people that mattered to them.

And yet Biscuit still gazed up at him in concern, expecting an answer. "…I'm alright," Kiritsugu assured him, stroking his fur. "Just a little tired." He looked back up towards the stars and the moon. "…Biscuit. Could you do one more favor for me?"

"Sure, whaddaya need?"

"If you and the others see… your real master or her again," Biscuit perked up, knowing who he was referring to. Coward, Kiritsugu cursed himself. You don't even have the stomach to say your Servants' names out loud. Pathetic.

But then, you don't have the right either. "If you see them, please… give them my thanks. And… my apologies. For everything."

Biscuit whined a bit, obviously not liking the tone at all. "What's going on, Kiritsugu?" Dear god, a hound this skilled as a shinobi should not be so cute. …Ah, Maiya's gonna care for them just fine. She's practically their mommy now. No point for me to be around anymore…

But the man just gave him a sad smile. "You can return to the others, Biscuit. Say goodnight to them for me." He scratched the whimpering dog's head, just above the symbol for shinobi, one last time. "I'll be all right."

One last whine of worry came from Biscuit, but he closed his eyes and disappeared with a familiar Poof! And then Kiritsugu was alone again.

That was bound to change, though. "You're still out here, Old Man?" Shirou's voice pulled the (somewhat) older man from his melancholy. He watched the boy's red hair rustle slightly from another breeze, relieved to see how much stronger he was now from their first meeting.

"Still?" Kiritsugu smiled a little more. "This is the first you've seen of me since dinner." He chuckled at the twelve-year-old's shrug before offering for him to sit down, too. Shirou mulled it over before smiling in agreement. As he made himself comfortable, Kiritsugu glanced back inside the house. "Maiya's gone to bed?"

"I think so, she said she'd be having an early shift at the shop tomorrow." He hummed to himself. The pawn shop had originally been just a way for Maiya to pass the time and help get her life back on track, but it seemed she was genuinely content with her employment there. She had been living under the same roof as Kiritsugu and Shirou for five years, to the point the boy had admitted to seeing her as a surrogate aunt. Taiga, who visited nearly every day, always tried to tackle Maiya into a hug when she saw her "Big Sis." And Maiya accepted it all with a wry comment at the most. Her time with the pack had mellowed her.

Her relationship with Kiritsugu had become completely platonic. He had to admit, though, his abstinence wasn't entirely out of loyalty to Iri's memory, though that was naturally the primary factor. In truth, he had burned into his mind the memory of when he'd "killed" Maiya inside the Grail. That moment his knife had ripped through her throat, blood splashing in the blade's wake, the light fading from her eyes… Even now, Kiritsugu could recall every detail perfectly. So, he never asked her to join him.

And Maiya never offered. They remained perfectly cordial in their interactions, but the infatuation from before the War, the absolute willingness to lay her life for him without hesitation had… dimmed. She didn't say anything out loud, but Kiritsugu guessed her heart now yearned for another.

And he had a good idea who it was, judging by how sometimes, with a member of the pack on her lap, she would idly run a finger along the Hidden Leaf symbol on his headband.

"Hey, dad." Kiritsugu blinked his eyes open; he'd been on autopilot while talking to Shirou the last few minutes, and those golden-brown eyes were fixed on him. What had they been talking about again? Something about exams and what he wanted to be… when he grew up… right. "Maybe you should go to bed, you're already half asleep."

Kiritsugu managed a weak laugh at his teasing; Taiga had been getting on his case about spacing out these last few days. She really acts so much like you, Shirley… "Don't worry, I'm fine." He made an effort to meet Shirou's gaze, hoping he could look reassuring enough. Eventually, those eyes looked away seemingly satisfied.

Kiritsugu had spent enough time with this boy to know how stubborn he could be, though. He put forth a hundred percent in any task he set before himself. A bandage was peeking out of his robe by the shoulder, a reminder of the fights he kept getting into. Shirou never started one, but he didn't hesitate to step in when another kid was being bullied, and Maiya had insisted on giving him a few pointers, so he had a chance of finishing those fights. When it came to cleaning, Shirou pounced on any dust mite he found and climbed the rafters (literally) for spiderwebs.

He was also spending a lot of time in the kitchen, too; more than half the meals were cooked by him every week now. And the boy was talented, too. Kiritsugu couldn't remember a time he'd enjoyed a meal so much as the hamburgers Shirou prepared for him. Even Maiya had been subtly encouraging him to try different dishes, which of course, increased the likelihood of Taiga popping in at mealtime.

Archery was another thing Shirou had a knack for. His adoptive father wouldn't have thought that a toy bow and arrow set as his first gift would've been so prophetic, but Shirou had quickly developed sharp eyes and steady hands for aiming. At this point, he may only miss one shot out of twenty, and he continued to improve.

Magecraft, though, wasn't quite so easy for him. His Magic Circuits were young, probably first generation, making Kiritsugu conclude his… original family hadn't been some prominent magus line. Kiritsugu had to admit, though, he wasn't the best teacher for this sort of thing. Magecraft was what had enabled the Fuyuki Fire, after all. And he didn't want to watch Shirou grow up into a stereotypical cold-hearted fool like all the rest.

However, he had been a little more enthusiastic when it came to teaching Shirou jutsu. Kiritsugu didn't explain the difference between it and magecraft, fearing where such questions of how he knew something like magecraft but not magecraft would lead. The Shadow Clone Jutsu seemed to be a particular favorite for his son. He'd lost count of how many times he'd bumped into two Shirou's sparring in the dojo or cleaning a room together.

Besides, watching Shirou practice molding his od with his hands in the classic Ram sign reminded the foolish ex-killer of Kakashi. It was a ridiculously sentimental thing, but teaching a young soul these techniques… It was like keeping another part of his friend alive.

Kiritsugu sighed quietly. There he went again, reminiscing on the people he'd failed. "You know, when I was a kid…" he began without thinking, and nostalgia soon took over his mouth. "I really wanted to be a Hero of Justice."

Shirou had turned back to him, eyes shining full of interest. It reminded Kiritsugu of when he'd first picked up this squirt from the hospital. "What's that mean?" He sounded so curious. "You wanted to, but not anymore? Are you saying you gave up?"

"I did," Kiritsugu admitted. He thought he'd cast it all away on that boat with the missile launcher, but what if it really hadn't left him? Kakashi had indicated as much, noting how his actions even as the Mage Killer were tinged with his vow to Shirley. Did that mean he had doomed himself from the start? How many lives could've been spared if he'd just left it be? "It seems the older you get… the harder it is to call yourself one. I just wish I'd figured that out sooner…" Maybe if I had, your parents would still be alive, Shirou…

"Huh," the boy was mulling this over with the same intensity as he did everything else, "I guess there's nothing you can do about that, then."

Kiritsugu nodded in defeat. "Guess not…" In an effort to distract himself from his grief, he turned his eyes back up to the sky. "Ah, there's a beautiful moon tonight…" How many times had he looked up at that same moon inside the room he'd come to share with Iri? Was she up there right now, smiling down at the cynical fool who'd fallen for her…?

"Okay, if you couldn't pull it off, I'll do it for you."

He tore his gaze away from the moon to find Shirou giving him a confident smile. "You're an adult now, so it doesn't work for you anymore," he continued in that innocent determination of his, "but I can be a Hero of Justice. You can count on me."

It was a silly, childish promise, and maybe in another time, he would've been horrified. He would've scolded Shirou, tried to explain to him all the reasons trying to be a Hero of Justice wasn't worth it… But in that moment, his heart felt so much lighter. Kiritsugu smiled softly to himself, an old conversation springing to mind. "The Will of Fire…"

"Huh…?" Shirou was giving him a curious look now, making him realize he'd spoken aloud.

But the man simply continued to smile. "Oh, you just reminded of something a friend of mine told me long ago, Shirou." He turned his gaze up to the stars one final time, marveling how they looked like little sparks. "Sparks drifting from an old flame to grow into new fires elsewhere…"

"Carrying on the warmth, right?"

"That's right." Kiritsugu looked down at this boy, the boy he had saved and who had in turn inspired him to keep living just a few more years. "Warmth… and dreams."

He thought he'd become too broken for such sentimentalism, but… "Leave your dream to me, Dad. I'll make it real."

In that moment, Kiritsugu felt his soul rise up out of the darkness that had held it for so many years. "Alright then…" Hope lifted him up and warmed his heart. The man who had been a killer trying to be a machine closed his eyes to enjoy this last gift given to him by the boy he'd saved and who had saved him. "I can sleep soundly now…"

He didn't open his eyes again. But for the last time in his life, he thought back to that night on Alimago Island, that moment Shirley had asked him a question: "Kerry, what kind of man do you want to be when you grow up?"

And after so many years, Kiritsugu Emiya knew now what his answer would be:

"I want to be a Hero of Justice."

And there we go, the bittersweet ending I promised. Some are doing better than in canon, others… less so, and now the wait begins. Once again, I was inspired in the Kiritsugu segments of this chapter by Love Sprung from Winter by adoranymph. I cannot recommend his works enough; they're very engaging.

The timestamps, of course, all have the same "endpoint," I guess you'd call it: 0:00:00 of the end of the final chapter.

Sorry if Waver's final scene has canon characters acting OOC. I haven't seen or read the Case Files, so my knowledge is limited to what I found on the wiki and TvTropes.

I imagine a few of you will wonder what the deal is with Sakura's new… imaginary friend, so I ought to make one thing clear: He's not Caster X, nor is he Gandalf, not really. Rather, he's a "fragment," a piece of the Servant's being that the Flame of Anor carried with it when it restored Sakura's body. Caster X is dead, but a part of him lives on inside her, though neither fully understands it. Gandalf hadn't planned this, either, he couldn't have planned it; these circumstances were a complete and utter accident.

As for what Sakura is and will become, well… a story for another time.

Oh, and to clarify one little thing about Shinji's new… arrangements, "Masao" isn't going to… have his way with him in that sense. And he wouldn't have done that with Sakura, either, if she were still in the Matou family. Not out of any moral qualms, mind you. Masao just considers the concept of organics' "rutting" utterly revolting.

Unfortunately, the ninja hounds won't be able to recognize his scent, either. Being reconstructed from an alien robot into a human being tends to alter a couple of traits, including the way he smells.

And final thing: Thank you, all of you, for sticking with me this long. When I first started writing this story, I was worried no one would bother to read it. Sticking other franchises' characters into a Fate story isn't that original a concept, I'm afraid. But every single one of the comments, reviews, likes, faves, follows and criticism you have all provided me over these three years have inspired me to keep going, rethink some ideas and, above all, enjoy myself. I've had a lot of fun writing Fate/Zero Paradox, and I honestly look forward to writing Fate/Stay Night: Paradoxical Blade Works. The latter won't be for a while, I'm afraid, but I'll do my best to make it happen one day. One day.

Seriously, thanks for everything!

He walked in darkness. He glanced about idly even as his feet continued the same unhurried pace, but no matter where his eyes turned, they found nothing but shadows. Except up ahead, where a tiny light gleamed, becoming him to approach. So, on he walked, and the light grew clearer with each step he took. His smile returned; this was exactly like last time.

The light was coming from a campfire, a warm illumination against the darkness circling him. Three little stumps sat empty around the crackling flames, and a fourth was currently occupied, back facing him. The man who turned to greet him was clad in typical gear befitting a high-ranked shinobi of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, complete with the headband depicting a leaf with a swirl. His expression brightened upon seeing the newcomer, and he promptly stood up. "Welcome back, Kiritsugu," he greeted with an open hand that was accepted. "Visiting again?"

"Not this time," Kiritsugu Emiya shook his hand, smiling sadly. "I'm pretty sure I'm staying for good."

The ninja's long silver ponytail fluttered slightly as he nodded. "Well, the fire's warm, and there's plenty of room." He gestured towards the other logs. "How long's it been since the last time?"

The onetime Mage Killer considered where best to sit. "Two years and thirty-four days."

"You don't say," his friend muttered, scratching his chin. "I wouldn't have guessed it; time seems to flow differently here. I can tell it passes, but how much…" He shook his head before turning to Kiritsugu again. "Did you manage to get your affairs in order before your time came?"

His smile dimmed. "Not all of them. I did my best, but… It wasn't enough. I never saw my Illya again." Kiritsugu dipped his head in defeat before registering a gentle pat on his shoulder. He looked up to see dark eyes gleaming with sympathy. "What about you, Mr. Hatake? Is…" He hesitated, unsure if he deserved to say that name. "…Is your son around?"

"I'm afraid not." A sad sigh. "I've been waiting for this spot all this time, but… I haven't seen Kakashi yet." His fellow father slowly turned on the spot, gazing into the surrounding darkness. "I don't want to worry, but that's probably not a good sign…"

Another sigh, then the Hidden Leaf's White Fang found his smile again. "And I told you last time, Kiritsugu, you don't need to be so formal with me. You know my name's Sakumo."

Kiritsugu chuckled as they headed to their chosen spots. "Sorry, it's just… after the mix-up when I first saw you, it's not that easy slipping to casual terms. Kakashi really looks a lot like you, you know, and he was around my age when I met him."

Sakumo shook his head in good humor. "Yeah, though I'm not sure about how to feel about that. You know how it is." Receiving a nod as his answer, he went on. "But before we dive into that, didn't you mention a son of your own?"

"Shirou's doing well," Kiritsugu's smile softened, "better than in those first days, you know. He's going to grow into a fine lad… hopefully, he'll do better than I did. Maiya will keep an eye on him." He eyed Sakumo curiously. "I told you about Maiya, didn't I? She's… a trusted friend of mine. We have history, but I'm positive she now fancies Kakashi more. For a long while."

"Really?" The shinobi beamed at the news. "I was hoping Kakashi would settle down with someone eventually, every old man's fervent hope for his kids." They shared a laugh before he muttered, "Just wish I could help him with that. If he knew a woman was pining for him, who knows…" Sakumo then sat down. "Now then, I believe you agreed to tell me a tale last time you were here? You can't satisfy me with just bits and pieces, you know."

Kiritsugu Emiya slumped onto his log with a weary chuckle. "Well, it's a bit of a long story."

Sakumo Hatake shrugged, smile still in place. "What better way to pass the time?"