New Year's Eve
"Easy does it, a little more this way…" Glen Mackenzie beckoned with his hands before shooting a thumbs up. "Yes, right there's just fine!"
Saber X dropped the large wooden barrel onto the spot with enough care not to damage it. He huffed while glancing up at the clouds in the night sky. "You really sure about doing this now? It'll be brighter tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry, the backyard lights ought to be enough for this," the grandfather assured his guest. "And it's customary to make the rice cakes before New Year's Day anyway."
"Besides," Martha walked out of the house with a tray of white stuff and a smile, "after all the work you did in helping us tidy up the house, it wouldn't be fair for you gents not to have a little fun with us tonight." She set the mochi down on a table her husband had brought out and looked around. "Now, where did we put that mallet…?"
"Here it is!" Rider sauntered out into the yard with his usual grin, waving a wooden mallet in the air. "Ho Ho Ho!"
Qrow rolled his eyes as his partner passed the instrument over to Glen. "Give it a rest, Kandy, it's been a week since the Christmas festival."
The King of Conquerors puffed up his chest proudly while giving his usual laugh. "Ah, but playing this Santa Claus character was so much fun! All the vibrant red in that costume," he stroked his chin, "And I had always wondered how I would look with a white beard! I must say, the results pleased me!" His grin broadened in reminiscence. "And the children certainly enjoyed the Gordius Wheel. We really ought to thank that young lass for her idea!"
Waver Velvet scowled at the degrading memories even as he brought out more food. Much as he liked that energetic girl (especially when she had been showing them her brand-new shinai), he should've known she'd rope them in for another crazy thing. The long-suffering Master had spent the whole of Christmas making sure no one realized the real magical nature of "Santa," his sled and his helpers.
He glared in particular at the smirk Saber X was sporting, the traitorous familiar who had busied himself with the various beverages at that blasted festival and been of no help. "Well, I can't say dressing up as that Jack Frost guy wasn't any fun. And hey," the Huntsman shared a snicker with Rider, "there were worse options."
"Come on, you stupid…" Behind them, Berserker X was wringing his hands around something on his head. Then his arms finally snapped up while he stumbled backwards. "Son of a-!"
Kenpachi straightened up to glare at a smirking Iskandar and Qrow. He waved a set of crushed antlers with some loose strands of black hair at them. "Next time, one of you can be the reindeer."
His fellow dark-haired Servant smirked while holding up something. "Aw, but what will the kiddies say? We don't wear the red nose as good as y-" Thwack!
CRASH!
Waver looked over at what had been a fine wooden fence, a steaming Saber X lying among the planks and splinters, before turning away with a sigh. These Idiots can do whatever they want so long as I never have to wear that degrading elf costume again.
He couldn't remember a time where he had felt such joy as when he had immolated those ri-ridiculous shoes. Watching those bells melting away to slag, ohoho…
Berserker X pulled back his outstretched leg with a satisfied chuckle before eyeing his comrade. "One word outta you, and we're gonna be testing that chimney myth, Santa Bar."
Rider adopted a contemplative look even while laughing. "That does seem like a bit of a challenge… but if enough children believe in it, such a feat may make itself possible…"
"Oh, hush now, both of you, and behave yourselves for dinner!" Martha chided them laughingly as she returned from the kitchen. "The o-zōni should be ready in about ten minutes." She sighed to herself. "Honestly, you really did get too much mochi, Glen…"
"Sorry, dear," the man of the house was helping an unscathed but grumbling Saber X up. "What with Waver and his friends being over, I wanted to make sure we had enough for everyone and got a little carried away." He patted his "grandson's" shoulder while walking by. "Come on, it's time to make some rice cakes. This is honestly one of this country's activities I enjoy the most."
The elder man's enthusiasm was so contagious that Waver couldn't help but smile a little himself. Back home in London, he'd have spent this time of year buried in his studies at Clock Tower, taking maybe a few minutes for a cup of seasonal tea while whistling "Auld Lang Syne" to himself. He certainly wouldn't have any company then.
This little break in the Holy Grail War, though, with the people he'd met … this was fun.
Saber X had brushed off his little flight and was eagerly unpacking the drinks for dinner while Berserker X idly tapped the mallet against his hand, a grin beginning to play along his face. "Been a while since I tried this game…" His eye moved from the usu to the Heroic Spirit standing opposite from it. "Think you boys can give it a stronger whack than me?"
Glen laughed in good nature as he joined them. "Them's fighting words, Kenpachi!"
"And I'll gladly show you what happens when you direct them at a King!" Iskandar roared in laughter before snatching the mallet from his friend.
Waver's anxiety returned as he watched those wooden arms rear back and the competitive glint in his Servants' eyes. But with the Mackenzie's blissfully enjoying themselves, all he could do was pray that this rice cake-making wouldn't be measurable on the Richter Scale…
"I'm telling you to widen the distance, blast you! You're placing them much too closely together!"
"Will you get off my back already and let me handle this?! If there's one thing I know, it's explosives!"
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald scoffed down at the crouching Servant, the usual migraine already making its entry into his head. "I wouldn't trust you with a single of the tiniest bangers, much less these custom-ordered rockets, if I had any other options! But seeing as the Hyatt has no professional to offer on short notice, I must settle for you…"
A growl rumbled from Archer X's helmet as she leaned away from the fireworks. "You want a good bang so badly, I'll be happy to give you one you'll never forget…" she grumbled under her breath while her right hand made to summon the rocket launcher…
Then a familiar green body materialized and stepped gracefully between them. "Greetings, my lord," Lancer bowed his head with a slightly strained smile. "We've returned from our little jaunt, and Lady Sola-Ui has discovered a champagne she believes would be perfect. Perhaps you would like to inspect it for yourself?"
The duo's Master eyed him warily for a moment, then the desire to spend time with his fiancée overwrote any bitterness towards either of his Servants. So, he settled for a proud huff and walked towards where the red-haired woman was setting up flute glasses on the hotel roof.
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne breathed a sigh in quiet relief upon noticing his partner's posture relaxing again. "…Thanks," she murmured while returning to the fireworks' adjustments.
"This is a day for celebration, Archer X. I see no reason to tarnish it with quarrel." He patted her shoulder, not noticing her stiffen just a bit. "And for the record, I have no doubts whatsoever in your expertise."
"I-it's not like I'm doing this for y-your approval, Pretty Boy, I just got tired of hearing our oh-so-special Master complain about not getting what he wanted!" Texas quickly straightened and dusted off her gloved hands, now quickly satisfied with the placements. "Besides, I didn't exactly have a lot of opportunities to celebrate the holidays back home."
Lancer nodded even as she kept her back to him. "Yes, the warrior's life leaves little opportunity for such enjoyments. In my time, though, even we knights were given leave to partake in the revels."
"Even on New Year's, huh? Well, the end of the year's pretty universal, I guess…" And the two Heroic Spirits continued to discuss holidays while threading together the fuses and heading towards the two humans about to have a toast.
Two short legs happily sprinted towards the front as the car outside came to a stop. Turquoise eyes twinkled in excitement. "Father, you made it in time!"
"I believe I promised that, my dear," Tokiomi Tohsaka chuckled while walking towards the Zenjou house, his wife and daughter waiting halfway to the doorstep with bright smiles. "And what have I told you is very important about promises?"
"That you always keep them," Rin recited in as professional a tone as her seven-year-old voice could produce. Aoi giggled while ruffling her hair, then the girl kept glancing around the front yard. "So, is Jade here, too?"
Tokiomi's smile widened just a little more and Aoi quickly put a hand over her mouth. The greedy little rascal, both parents thought in unison.
Rin blushed at the looks she received, her mother's chiding when Uncle Kariya visted coming to mind, when a familiar velvet voice whispered into her ear. "Why don't you turn around and find out?" She spun on her heel, arms stretching out instinctively to meet those of the Servant, hood and mask down to reveal her grinning face. A laugh escaped Jade as she pulled the girl into a big hug. "It's been some time, little sister."
Rin snuggled into her friend's arms, making Tokiomi note in a joking tone. "My, she never hugs me like that."
"Well, we have a special bond," Lancer X teased back before rising to her feet and stepping closer to the parents, Rin nestled securely in her arms. "But I do have to etch out a place of my own in her little heart, seeing as you both cannot be budged from yours. Isn't that right?"
Rin nodded even while covering her giggling mouth. Aoi stroked her daughter's hair gently while giving the Servant a grateful look. "Well for that mission, you're always welcome here, Jade." She still glanced carefully to Tokiomi. "And this meeting is really permitted?"
He smiled in reassurance. "The New Year's Ceasefire is absolute." For today and tomorrow, there would be peace, and even with his many years of loyalty to the Tohsaka family, Father Risei opposed any sort of actions against it. This suited Tokiomi just fine, though, seeing as it gave him this chance to spend some time and peace with these two. And if someone tries to violate it, Lancer X will be happy to set them straight, he left unspoken.
She hadn't even needed to say that, he knew just by watching how tenderly the Edenian held Rin even as she chatted with Aoi. "…we've enjoyed ourselves quite a bit today already, but we're planning on heading to the shrine later," the Tohsaka mother said. "You're welcome to come along if it interests you."
"It certainly does," Jade replied with authentic enthusiasm. "I'm not quite familiar with the traditions this world celebrates, I would be happy to partake."
Rin shifted slightly to stare at her with the curiosity of a cat. "Do you celebrate New Year's where you're from, too, Jade?"
"Of course, Rin. In my culture, this sort of day is one of the most laureate-"
"Celebrated, Rin," Aoi added quickly at seeing her girl's confusion.
Lancer X nodded her thanks before continuing. "-In our calendar. Families were encouraged to spend this time together no matter how big or strained the relationships, and children would enjoy the sweetest of treats imaginable. Some women would even perform a special dance devised by a warrior princess thousands of years ago. She had dedicated its steps to symbolizing the transition of one year into another."
Images flashed before Tokiomi's eyes at the words, glimpses of sitting beside Jade's mother on warm evenings, learning the movements alongside her friend. All of it happened in the blink of an eye as Rin asked, "Can you show us this dance?"
Aoi, ever the diplomat, quickly added, "So long as doing it now doesn't go against your culture."
"Not at all, though…" She set Rin down on the ground before tilting her head at her surroundings. "There ought to be enough space, but I would require more lighting to perform the dance properly, and it cannot be simply one single color but-" She paused.
Multiple little beads of light had appeared to hover around the four, drifting about in the air like dust. Their colors alternated from red to blue to green to yellow and many more, but there was a certain pattern to the changes, coordination. Rin gazed up at them in wonder before turning like Aoi and Jade did to their source.
Tokiomi added a little flourish with his cane, and a few more bulbs wafted out from the jewel. "It's a relatively simple spell, all things considered, but I believe this could suffice?" He noted with a smile noticeably warmer than the ones he gave in public. 'I should be able to time the transitions in color to the right moments,' he added over their link.
The Servant of the Spear blinked in surprise before comprehension dawned on her features, and she smiled warmly back. "Yes, this ought to do the trick nicely. Now I suppose all I need is a long cloth…"
Aoi caught onto the hidden message and didn't hesitate to unravel the dark-blue scarf from her neck. "I hope the color doesn't clash?" She noted while offering it.
"Not in the least," Jade assured her while letting the scarf unfurl as practice in her swings. Her smile widened; she wouldn't have imagined the opportunity to perform her favorite dance in this setting. "Forgive me if I seem a little stunted. It has been some time, I'm afraid."
But as the Servant's first steps began, illuminated by the multicolored lights her Master provided, the three watched in mystified pleasure, from beginning to end even as fireworks began to erupt across the city, and assured her repeatedly afterwards that it had been… beautiful.
Kariya Matou wiped his brow before smiling pleased at the shimekazari in front of him. He wasn't the best at such delicate work, but he had some practice with these wreathes, and both sets had turned out alright in his humble opinion. All that was left was to deliver them.
It enraged him that Zouken wouldn't let them visit Sakura even today, not even on Christmas, not even with the special circumstances, but the old worm hadn't budged. Still, they'd found a way to smuggle in some gifts, and then Gandalf had suggested something for today that was bound to raise the mood.
He nodded to Berserker who had been standing at the ready. "Okay, this one goes to the Matou house," he pointed at one, then the other, "this one to the Zenjou's. They're Aoi's family, that's where they're bound to be." The black knight nodded while picking up the wreathes with impressive gentleness for his gauntlets. "And try to hurry back so you're in time for the show." Another nod, and the knight bounded swiftly up to the rooftops.
Kariya pulled himself up along the wall, wincing at the stiffness in his good leg, but headed all the same to his other Servant busily working away in the other side of the alley. "You ready, Gandalf?"
"Nearly," Caster X assured him with a smile before returning to his delicate work. "These are not quite the same materials I used in Middle-Earth, but I am quite confident in their ability nonetheless." An excited giggle escaped the wizard as he began to enchant the objects in front of him, Kariya shaking his head with a smile of his own. Watching a person so wise and powerful work on such an ordinary project with this enthusiasm was odd but endearing. For maybe the hundredth time, he thought about what lucky star had given him this amazing being as his second Servant.
No less because he was eager himself to see something he had only glimpsed in his dreams up till tonight. This is going to be great.
And what the battered but unbroken Master didn't know was that the Istar had set up a little something special in addition to what his friends were expecting. A small little thing… but maybe it could help.
Inside Fuyuki Church, Asako bowed in gratitude alongside all the other faces of Hassan-i-Sabbah. "Once again, we thank you for offering us this place for our prayer in peace."
"But of course," Risei Kotomine smiled to them. "This is a house of prayer, and it is always open to those who wish for it, even if our faiths differ. Besides, this is a good way to repay you all for assisting with the winter decorations." Setting up the crib by the altar was always a bit of a chore, but many hands had made the process much easier. "Please, take all the time you need." They bowed to him again, and he moved to the back of the church.
Long ago, during the first conceptualization of the Holy Grail Wars, Justeaze von Einzbern had established a rule for this special period of peace: No battles, strategies or meetings between enemy Masters and Servants may occur during Christmas and the beginning of the new year. She argued that in times of such great conflict, there should be an at least brief period of peace for the participants to spend time with their families. An outrageous idea considering what the Founding Families sought, but they ultimately agreed to her terms.
As overseer, Father Risei was expected to enforce the Ceasefire, and he did so with no objections whatsoever in his heart. After all, this was a good chance to spend the evening with his son.
"Ah, Kirei." Speaking of which, the taller priest awaited him in the study. "Have you finally decided?"
Kirei Kotomine nodded with the barest hint of a smile before holding up a dark green bottle. "There were quite a few to choose from, but I believe this champagne is of the right year for this one." He freed the cork with a satisfying Pop, and the father quickly produced twin glasses to hold the sparkling liquid.
"Well then," Risei took one, Kirei the other, and they clinked the glasses together, "to the new year, and the miracle it shall hopefully bring."
"Hear, hear." They took a sip, but Kirei didn't fail notice his father's gaze lingering on a certain set of Command Seals. "Rest assured, father, I am keeping watch on him. I will not let him disturb tonight's peace in any way."
At the same time, a certain silver aircraft streaked above the clouds of Fuyuki.
Rider X adjusted his course slightly and began to ascend. A pity… He had naturally contemplated taking advantage of the New Year's Ceasefire of the Grail War and cut away at the competition, even if Zouken and Kirei at different points had warned him that there would be consequences for any such transgressions. However, he had ultimately decided against any direct actions. The other Servants weren't foolish enough to let their guards down completely, no matter the situation. Megatron had organized a few subtler preparations with his allies, but there would be no battles tonight. He would claim victory in the long run.
Besides, it had been a long, long time since he had enjoyed a little stargazing. Orion had introduced the pastime to Megatronus shortly after they had first met; Kaon's factories and mines produced so much smoke it blotted out the sky regardless of the time in day, but Iacon had always offered a clear, unblemished view of the stars above. One of the city's few aspects he hadn't detested, and even after he rose to his true calling, the lord of the Decepticons would still take to his starship form and rise to the heavens every now and then.
Though this was not the world he called home and never would be, its stars still beckoned to Rider X. Seeing them never failed to invigorate his Spark, and they always inspired him to continue advancing. Soon… every last one of those little lights up there will be mine.
Irisviel von Einzbern couldn't help but giggle while noticing her friend fiddle with her kimono. "Saber, please! You look stunning the way you are!"
The King of Knights released the blue cloth, restraining a sigh. "Apologies, Irisivel. I'm… not used to this sort of dress." She still remembered her charge happily pulling her into a tailor shop upon hearing the news of the Ceasefire, but what came afterwards had been… a bit of a blur. And she was a Servant, mind you. Who knew seamstresses could be so fast?
That said, Saber was beginning to grow fond of the kimono itself. It fit comfortably over her frame but didn't hug it too tightly, and the colors were of a royal blue and white with golden accents. It also worked well with Irisviel's own white and pink variation, and the two had collected a fair number of gazes while walking through the festival (a quick glare from Saber sufficed to scare off those whose eyes lingered a bit too much).
The festival filled with food stalls that made her nose twitch and her stomach purr. She spoke quickly lest the latter be heard. "So, where exactly did Kiritsugu say he and the rest would be meeting up with us?"
"Let's see…" The homunculus looked about the names of the stalls. "It should be right around- Ah!" She pointed out towards a familiar mass of black spiky hair. "There they are!"
The two women walked a little closer, and sure enough, Kiritsugu Emiya stood before them, for once not clad in his suit and trench coat. The blue was a shade different from Saber's, she noted while nodding politely to him. To her slight surprise, he reciprocated before turning to his wife. In that moment, his expressionless face shifted into a small but warm smile. "You look amazing, Iri."
Hers was bigger, but it carried the same love. "Why, thank you, Kiritsugu! This dress is very comfortable, too, I can see the appeal!"
"Well, they certainly look good on the both of you," Assassin X noted as he slipped from out of the masses, giving a last wave to a nice boy with red hair he'd almost bumped into. He'd treat him to some mochi if they crossed paths again, but for now, he settled for trading smiles in greeting with his comrades.
Saber's eyes swept over her friend, noting how the only part of his regular attire that remained was the mask covering his mouth. Too bad, she clicked her tongue before her gaze lingered on the closed left eye, Kakashi's silver hair partially hiding the little scar over it. That may turn a few heads. But out loud, she said, "A kimono suits you as well."
"Ah," he raised a finger playfully, "this here's actually a yukata, not a kimono. You can tell by the collars. See?" He pulled his slightly from the side to show, and even if Saber knew little about tailor business, she saw what he inferred to. His collar was half the width hers was, and there was only one to her two. "A small difference, sure, but well, when you're in the country and don't want to be considered an outsider…"
"Hey, it took me a couple years before I figured out the difference, too," Kiritsugu argued. "It's been a while since I've worn one of these."
Assassin X nodded at that. "Same here, being a full-time shinobi meant I usually kept my field uniform on in case I was called for a last-minute mission."
"I too kept my armor on nearly every waking moment of the day in case of a situation," Saber agreed.
Then a new voice cut in. "I think I prefer my work clothes," Maiya Hisau muttered with a slight frown as she approached. She, too, had conceded to wearing a yukata, and it mostly made her yearn for some solid pants. Besides, hiding a sidearm holster underneath the dress was rather irritating where the straps touched her bare skin, though she didn't mind the sheathe for her dagger.
Then Kakashi gave her an eye smile in greeting. "The color suits you, though."
The woman stiffened ever so slightly at those words, then mumbled a "thank you" before turning her attention to the crowd. Couldn't be too careful, especially during a supposed truce.
Kiritsugu cocked an eyebrow at the barely noticeable coloring of her cheeks before his gaze traveled downward. Both she and Assassin X were wearing darker shades, but while hers were blue with green accents, his was green with blue accents. What's more, neither seemed to have noticed this… or how they continued to drift near each other while keeping watch.
Iri giggled quietly while slipping up to his side. "You noticed it too?"
The right side of his lip curled, but he discreetly held up a single finger. "Let's keep it quiet for a while longer, shall we?" He whispered back as Saber passed them, apparently unaware of the two's behavior as well. "Consider it payback for him talking me into this."
His wife gave him that cute "oh" she'd developed while learning how to be playful. "So, I have him to thank that the man I love is spending his evening with me?" She narrowed her crimson eyes at him. "Or…"
Then she began poking him. With a fair bit of energy, no less.
Inwardly, the Magus Killer sighed in relief. Guess she's not running too quickly out of time. Then he pretended to try and defend herself from her probing. "I'm not a clone, Iri, I swear."
She stopped poking him but didn't look away. "But…?"
He huffed in defeat. "But Assassin X, Maiya and I have dispatched Shadow Clones who are currently watching the other teams." She stared. "They won't do anything overt." She stared. "Unless a golden opportunity presents itself." She stared. "But enjoying the festivities doesn't count as a golden opportunity tonight, I know."
Iri finally relaxed with an exasperated laugh. "And I know that's the best I'm going to get from you." Maybe it was some lingering part of her ancestor inside her blood, but she truly hoped for this Ceasefire to go peacefully. "I know I can count on you, Kiritsugu." She kissed his cheek before adding playfully. "And on Assassin X."
He grunted in irritation. "Silver-tongued, sneaky smartass…" But it couldn't hide his grin.
She giggled at his reaction before glancing up at something that flitted over them. It landed atop a stand where only those who knew of its presence could see it, and the white-haired woman clamped both hands over her mouth to muffle her squeals.
Akino happily waved a paw down at the team, the wind slightly ruffling his doggy-sized kimono. Both Maiya and Saber could only wave back for a second before turning away with flaming cheeks. And it only intensified as they caught wind of the other seven atop the stands. S-so cuuuute…
Irisviel had been so excited about these circumstances she had gone and organized getting kimonos for the whole pack, too. Some of them had been more enthusiastic about the idea than others, Pakkun had shown a particular reluctance towards wearing anything other than his uniform, but… but… but damn him down to all levels of Doggy Hell if those big red eyes couldn't pulverize the last of his resistance!
And whatever reservations had remained with the pug melted away when he and Biscuit trotted discreetly up to the ecstatic woman and she snatched them up in her arms and rubbed her cheek against theirs and aaaahhhh…
Maiya's left eyebrow twitched ever so slightly at the sight of Madam cuddling openly with the two hounds, more so at seeing others coo and take pictures of the sight. Finally, she ducked behind a stand and tried to sigh out the heat in her head when a presence dropped down behind her. Then she heard a low bark and huffed. "Okay, Bull. Let me have it."
The tension inside her did evaporate from the bulldog's nuzzles, though, so… why complain? Madam was happy, Maiya was happy. Very happy when Urushi hopped onto her shoulders. …Damnit, I love these boys so much…
Artoria Pendragon herself had settled for cradling Guruko and giggling from how his whiskers tickled her cheeks, and even Kiritsugu had given Akino a quick pet as they passed each other. Kakashi Hatake simply smiled while it all happened; yes, his pack was actually supposed to be running security, but that didn't mean they couldn't have a little fun in the process. He also made sure Uhei and Shiba received some scratches for their service.
A heavy jingling made Saber look over to where a modest group was standing with their backs to her before a large bell. "What tradition is that?" She asked in curiosity.
"Oh, that's the bell for the Joya no Kane," Guruko whispered into her ear before barking to keep up appearances.
She blinked at the unfamiliar term, then Assassin X walked over with two bowls of toshikoshi soba. "It's a tradition we have on my world, too," he explained while his partner began to snack on the noodles. "Ringing the bell once allows you to make a small prayer, and on New Year's Eve, the bell is rung exactly 108 times."
Irisviel paused in playing with her furry friends to contemplate what he just said. "108…" She turned to her husband. "Didn't you tell me that's the exact number of earthly temptations in Buddhism?"
Kiritsugu nodded while watching the proceedings; he'd never been much of a religious man, but this was common knowledge for anyone in this part of Asia. "They ring the bell 107 times just before midnight to purge us of all the sins we committed in the previous year, and then once on New Year's Day in celebration of the previous one." He sighed. "…If only ringing a bell could be enough to convince people not to harm each other."
Saber said nothing, merely setting down an empty bowl and stroking her cuddly ally in thought. There were times she wanted nothing to do with the man she called Master and there were times she wished she couldn't agree with him. She couldn't even discuss any special traditions Britain had in her time for the new year. King Arthur had been too busy ensuring the people's protection and dismissed such things as frivolities they could work out amongst themselves. She'd never personally organized such festivals. Another of my many mistakes…
But just when the two's mood began to plummet, a third came along to help them back up. "Yes, it would certainly be a weight off all of our shoulders, wouldn't it?" Assassin X nodded towards the bell, his noodles already half gone. "But it's a nice symbol, and it may convince a few people to think about doing good."
Kiritsugu cocked an eyebrow at him, his usual cynicism surfacing. "It may, or just as likely, it won't."
"Sure," the Copy Ninja shrugged conceding, "but there's no exact science to this. Ultimately, though, people need symbols to give meaning to their lives. A bell, a cross, a magic cup…" Even Maiya cracked a tiny smile as she returned to the group. "Or something as simple as a new day. A new chance for opportunity." He spread his arms to encompass the festival even as he continued. "And a new year brings 365 days with it. 365 chances to get up in the morning and try to do something good, help someone, make a difference."
Kiritsugu folded his arms into his yukata sleeves, visibly mulling this over. "…There's still no guarantee any of that will happen." He countered, but not cynically, simply resigned.
He felt something stir at how Saber stepped in. "Yes, but the point my partner is trying to make," she said evenly, "is that there are still possibilities. And even if we believe we must focus on dealing with every crisis before it claims too many lives, even when we prepare-"
They all turned to stare amazed at a particular series of fireworks that carried a distinctly magical sense, a familiar one at that. Kakashi Hatake was so caught up in its splendor he whispered the end to his comrade's statement.
"…There's always another surprise right around the corner."
Inside the Matou manor, the patriarch of the family was sharing a fine champagne with Avenger X, each plotting to commit all sorts of obscenities once the Grail War was back on track again. Zouken insisted that he and his newest Servant respect the Ceasefire out of concern there be some hidden booby trap inside the Greater Grail (and not at all out of any lingering affection towards the greatest Einzbern who had ever existed, nope, not one bit), but that didn't mean they couldn't prepare. Either way, they were enjoying themselves, which couldn't be said for the other denizens of that house. Byakuya Matou had long ago dismissed champagne as too flat for his tastes (and bubbly stuff didn't agree with him, anyway) and was making his way through a sextet of wine in celebration of the new year.
But in another room, a little girl huddled in her bed underneath the blanket, shivering at the many things crawling about inside of her. She knew what today was, the pain hadn't been excruciating enough for her not to notice, but it only made things worse. A whole new year of being in this house, feeling what was going on inside her… knowing that her family wasn't her family anymore.
Teardrops stained her pillow even though she knew crying would do her no good. Something rubbing up along the inside of her neck drew a whimper from her, and she desperately poked her head out from the blanket. But she knew it was a waste of time. Uncle Kariya wasn't allowed to join her for the holidays. She took another tearful look around the dark room and knew there was nobody in this house who would-
She paused. She could've sworn she saw- There. Movement by the window.
She slowly freed herself from the covers and climbed out of the bed, hesitant steps taking her across the room. She didn't know why she bother, it was probably just the wind, but…
There it was, fluttering about right on the other side of the glass.
A moth with grey wings.
Weird… Shouldn't the Bounded Field have kept it out? The girl pondered this over even as her hands were reaching up to the latch. She wasn't even sure why, but… maybe she just wanted to spend time with a living thing that didn't always hurt her.
The window opened, and the moth flapped its wings to circle around her. A giggle escaped the girl before she knew it, so caught up was she in trying to track its flight. She couldn't remember the last time she had giggled, but it felt good. And the moth did distract her from-
Huh. The Crest Worms inside her weren't moving around so much. In fact, they weren't moving at all, not since she'd let the moth in.
Then the moth fluttered back towards the open window, and the girl quickly followed. She knew she couldn't escape the house, but the sweet little thing lifted her spirits so much, and the way its wings twinkled in the moonlight drew her gaze.
Just as she glanced out the window, a heavy Bang! startled her, and then lights danced everywhere.
Violet eyes once turquoise blinked, then another followed and another and another and eventually the girl realized they were fireworks. Of course, she thought, it's New Year's Eve. Well, it was nice to see the sparkles of so many colors again. She was smart enough to know they wouldn't change anything, but it was still fun tracking all the different shots up into the sky and bursting apart. Some came from Miyama, others from Shinto, a few popped up above Mt. Ryuudou, and she could make it out one or two on the city's outskirts.
That's when it happened.
Four separate rockets shot up from somewhere in Shinto, colors of red, green, orange and blue. They curved slightly away from each other, then burst. But it wasn't just sparkles that emerged, but… Birds.
Pockets of light shaped like birds of the color from the rockets they'd originated. She could've sworn they were real with how they flapped and circled and danced about the suddenly clear sky…
Then they converged on each other, forming great arrows that meant in the sky's center… and transformed into bright sparkles outlining the upcoming year's number, four great digits of multiple colors that hung above Fuyuki City.
The girl could hear applause from every single direction. People clapping and cheering and shouting out "Happy New Year!" and praising those big shining numbers… But for her, there was something in the numbers, in the lights, in the magic within them because there was no way it could've been anything but magic with how it had all happened and the Worms were all frozen inside her and she felt new tears running down her cheeks but these were different and happier and and and…
And all she could say was, "Wow…"
For the first time since she had "joined" the Matou family, Sakura had a great big smile on her face.
Hey guys, first of all, Merry Christmas to all of you (or Happy Hanukkah or the best wishes for your personal holidays).
I'm really sorry that I couldn't finish the next chapter before this year was up, I had less time than I thought between the holidays, but I didn't want to leave y'all with nothing. So, I browsed through some pages on the Internet for New Year's traditions and drummed up a little Paradox Carnival skit. Non-canon, of course, and it's really not my best work, I came up with it yesterday and spent today writing it, so sorry if it's not up to standards. However, I hope you enjoyed a couple laughs and had your blessed hearts warmed by certain scenes.
As for the psycho duo we love to hate, they're celebrating New Year's in Hell. Duh.
Well, 2022 had its ups and downs, but I still have a couple of fond memories to take away, a good number of which come from writing this story and reading your reactions to it. Thank you, sincerely all of you, for sticking around.
And I raise my digital glass of champagne to a Happy New Year!
Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, Servant Archer of the Fourth Holy Grail sat atop the Tohsaka manor with a goblet of golden sparkling liquid. He witnessed the dazzling splendor brought forth by the one he'd dubbed "apparition" before shaking his head with a wry chuckle. "A wretched shame he is not of my garden.
"Otherwise, I might have considered commissioning him for a few of those…"