Over one month.
That's how long it took for some semblance of order to return upon Fuyuki. Not that life was normal by that point either way. The scars and damage haven't been swept away, including the fear and anger.
Thousands died with more bodies being discovered every other day.
Buildings were in ruins, streets completely wrecked, and so many homes were lost in the chaos.
Mount Enzou was also in a similar state, having collapsed in on itself with the temple that once sat atop it gone. The land itself not being in any better condition, withered and dead. Trees and grass once luscious vanished with the former rich soil cracked and dry.
The breaking point for Fuyuki was when people realized that a majority of their electronics had been rendered useless. Order all but collapsed and anarchy took over for some period of time. Without communications, police had difficulty containing the riots, thieves, and opportunists all across the city.
Even after a month, there were still trouble-makers around. The only reason things hadn't gotten worse was because the military had finally come and gave Fuyuki's people much needed aid. It was thanks to this that those normal days from before were slowly coming back.
Still, people were worried. Fearful that another terrorist attack would come again. The memories would not leave them, especially for those that witnessed the attacks upfront. Gazing at mechanical machines that struck like a hammer to an anvil, leaving a devastating mark on them all. Thankfully, no more attacks that had plagued the city on those frightful days had occurred since then.
In fact, aside from one, the other machines were gone. With the largest of them, the same that broke the sky, vanishing into thin air, leaving conspiracy theories abound. Some said it was an alien invasion. Others stated it was an enemy nation that sent it. Another pointed out that maybe it was some hidden organization, recalling the words Spectra spoken by the mecha.
Only one group wasn't taking part in the rumors that everyone spoke of.
If anything, they actually helped spark them. After all, the best lies were those tinged with truth and letting people believe they thought of the answer first. Fooling themselves and everyone around them.
"We're finished here." With a tired expression, another magus returned back to base. Finishing with another group of people known for working with the media and applying simple hypnotism and suggestions in their minds. Nothing special. Just letting their minds believe that it'd be best to claim that the terrorists were on the run.
"Finally." Another muttered, bags under their eyes. "I swear, we better get overtime for this."
"Agreed." The female of the group added. Like her companions, the magus also had a disheveled look, caused by days without proper rest. There was a list of individuals who needed some 'talking to', with no breaks allowed until everyone on that list had been dealt with. "At least we're almost done."
Truthfully, it wasn't just the military here that were aiding the city. If anything, backing the military with mystical might - sent over from London - were the magus of the Clock Tower itself. The events of the fourth war had reached the Lord's ears and none were pleased by what they heard. With a click of their tongue, the Lords simply made a comment that they shouldn't have trusted the Church, let alone the mages of the East, and decided they would need to be involved themselves.
As the saying goes, 'If you want something done right, do it yourself.'.
Or in this situation, have a bunch of lackeys do it for you. Not that it was just the magus getting involved. With cooperation, as reluctant as it may be, the Church had also sent their aid, with all three organizations working alongside one another, not that it was easy. Schedules and orders were passed between them all, with countless objectives that needed to be fulfilled.
It's clear by everyone's expression that none of them liked one another, only tolerated at best. Still, orders were orders, and nobody wished for even a hint of the truth to be released. Even then, it won't be easy. So compromises had to be made.
With a single step, Risei Kotomine sighed.
Gone was the confident, if playful, look on his face. Now, only a simple man of the Church is here. Tired. Weary. Dealing with loss. And Risei wasn't just thinking about his lost arm, either. No, he also meant Tokiomi, his old friend now perished. It seems for all the magus' preparations, everything had come for naught. It wasn't just Tokiomi gone though.
"I don't care what your general says. We're taking this and that's final." Not that Risei could focus on what else was gone, instead, he was dealing with another matter. Just some meters in front of him, those in military uniforms, others in robes or wearing trinkets that revealed their allegiance, were before one another arguing. As for why, well, the answer was obvious.
Deeper in the city, if one was able to get past all the defenses set up, were countless men and women standing across from each other. Military. Magus. Church members. With equipment brought by the first having made a base to hide what was inside from the public eye. Bounded Fields even placed for protection from peering eyes or spies as within this makeshift base, before all, was the instigation of this argument in the first place.
The mechanical monstrosity that first arrived and openly attacked the city. Zeke,
A hand slammed down on a clipboard, one member of the military gnashing their teeth. "And I said, we can't move it yet! We don't know if there are any traps installed."
"As if." One of the arguing magus hissed. "We all know what you stooges want. The technology the Noble Phantasm produces. Must really make you wheeze that a Heroic Spirit has better toys than what you miscreants can ever make in a lifetime."
"Oh! As if we're the only ones who want something." As the soldier growled, beside him a woman stepped over, narrowing her eyes.
Who then spoke, claiming, "From what I recall, according to the reports, this thing is fueled by an unknown secondary source." The woman looked at Zeke before rolling her eyes. "I've noticed that some of your 'people'," Her emphasis on the word left little to the imagination in how she viewed magus. "Have been asking many questions and demands about it. I wonder why?"
"Because they're attempting to take what the Church has ownership of." Now the Church was getting involved. Thankfully, with small blessings, Risei was staying out of it. "We've already identified the object. While a bit different from what is known, the artifact in question was made by the hands of a person who has worshiped the Lord. Therefore, for safekeeping, it goes with us."
Really, that's what the Church's argument was? Then again, it wasn't as if Risei was blind of what the Church would do to get their way. As much as he trusted the organization and dedicated his life for them, the Lord himself, he also knew that some members were more zealous than others. Meaning they would do anything if they believed it was just. Including the nabbing of a custom-made Solomon Holy Grail.
"You little-!" Back and forth they went, the current leaders of this joint, representing their organizations, arguing like children. In spite of the fact they should be working together, that was on paper. Here, everyone had their own agendas. Covering up this public disaster was just about the only thing everyone had in common. Beyond that, everyone's interest here is easily spotted.
For the Clock Tower, the idea of having a Holy Grail was quite tempting. Admittingly, Risei heard that this Holy Grail was different from the one based on Fuyuki, but that hardly mattered. It was still an artifact that could do who knows what, with Risei being in silent agreement with the Church keeping it rather than some opportunist magus. Were his thoughts biased, perhaps a little.
Then, on the other side was the military. Out of the three powers here, calling them a power was a compliment at best. Common knowledge spoke that for the ever changing world, with humanity constantly seeking what they shouldn't seek, it was more than just the media that needed to be under the moonlit world's thumb.
The governments of the world (the trustworthy ones) were also told about the hidden truths of this planet. This did include the military, with all here knowing magecraft on a certain level. But beyond that, everyone, including themselves, knew they didn't hold much influence here, let alone power. Though the fact that this incident being caused by magus has given the military a slightly stronger pull than usual.
'And it's not a surprise what they want.' Risei saw their eyes whenever they looked at the massive machine, Zeke.
It might have been damaged, with torn parts all over and incapable of operating properly, but it was still beyond valuable. Especially from a mechanical perspective. While the Noble Phantasm might have been created by magecraft, it was a machine through and through.
Spies from the Church have already written down that, while a slow process, the military was studiously examining their prize. Including the download of blueprints, as best they can anyway. That must be dealt with later.
"As if we can let the 'help' keep hold of this!"
"Last I checked, you were the idiots who let this ritual happen in a populated city!"
"The Grail cannot be left with the heathens and sinners!"
With the way things were going, Risei was pretty sure a new war was about to start. If he had both hands and a third, he'd smack the so-called 'leaders' of this little group in the face. Instead, all Risei could do was glance at his aching stump and sigh. Thanks to the Church, he was more or less recovered, if a bit tired.
Even then, Risei lost quite a bit. His days as a supervisor may as well be over with his injuries. As such, he needed to do his part here and now if he wished to provide. So, with a loud cough, Risei got everyone's attention. Eyes on him, Risei grunted, "Before we all resume this…'conversation'" Everyone looked at one another and nearly hissed like animals. Honestly Risei thought humans were above that, "For now, I think we should see if we can find ways to limit further spread of the events here."
"Already doing that." The commander gave a smirk, one shot at the magus. "Thanks to the dead-zone here, we're already sending out false news across the network. Now, everyone in Japan and those overseas will believe what we tell them. That it was just a terrorist attack."
"Yes. Because nobody didn't already believe that." The magus snided with an underlying insult, grating the commander. Stepping forward, throwing his own smirk, the magus said, "We, on the other hand, are already ensuring that the public can't spread anything about massive robots."
"How?" The member of the Church asked. "Everyone literally saw that," an accusing finger fell on Zeke. "Attack, followed by that other massive machine breaking the sky!"
"Let's not forget the one bursting from the mountain." Risei muttered quietly.
"Accounted for." The magus grinned. "It was…expensive," A grimace, before the man shook it off. "But at the moment, the Clock Tower has funded a concoction that can be mixed with water. Upon being drunk, a suggestion will be placed onto the mind."
"Memory erasure?" The commander guessed, only to get a scoff.
"No. More of an impulse to simply not speak of the…events."
"I see." Risei understood, already comprehending the true objective here. "You don't plan as much as erasing, but suppressing. Similar to people who don't desire to speak about their traumas."
"Exactly." The magus nodded. "Their memories will be a bit blurred, and they'll enter a state where any questions about the event will make them ignore answering properly." The man looked proud.
However, there was one question that needed to be asked. With an even tone, one of the Church's own questioned aloud, "Do you even have enough for the entire city?"
"No." The magus admitted. "Which is why we'll focus on certain groups. From workplace to age, we must also consider their jobs, how noteworthy they are, and-" By this point, Risei began tuning out. Rubbing his head again, Risei could admit that if he had his way, he would rather deal with this meeting another time. Just because he could move now didn't mean he wasn't mentally exhausted.
Everything had gone so well when this all started. Now, all Risei could question is how everything turned sideways. Plus, he was more worried about something else.
Or someone in this matter.
'Kirei.' His son. His dear son.
He…Risei didn't know where his child was. After waking up, Risei asked those of his organization where his son was once he realized Kirei wasn't around. Made clear when Kirei never came, visited. He was just…gone. Naturally, Risei was worried sick. Anybody he asked couldn't even help.
None of them could claim any knowledge on the whereabouts of his son, as none of them knew. It only got worse when, some days prior, someone brought him a letter delivered for Risei's eyes. One written by Kirei himself that said, "I will be leaving. For after what I saw, when the dark empty void of a sun rose, I must go to find answers. To affirm what only Lancer saw in me and nobody else. And to see if maybe, like the dark sun, I can have meaning."
The letter was many things, but none of the contents had afflicted him more than the part about Lancer.
Written that only Lancer saw in him what others didn't.
What…what did Kirei mean by that? How could a Servant, who had only been around a few days, know more about Kirei than him!? Kirei's own father! Did his son encounter some form of trouble that he didn't know? Risei knew about the suicide from Kirei's wife, b-but his son should have been over that. Or was it something new? If so, why didn't he tell him? Just what was it? And…why did Kirei just leave?
…Why did he trust Lancer more?
Silently, Risei now thought more about the letter, even though he had read it multiple times by this point. Like he hoped it would change, or that he was reading it wrong. A hidden message perhaps, maybe? His son was part of the Holy Grail War, and right now both the Mage Association and Church wanted answers on how things ended up so badly. His son may have been a noble man, but that won't stop either organization from interrogating him.
'Perhaps…he's just going until the heat dies down.' Risei couldn't even believe his own excuses. Whether he liked it or not, no matter how many justifications he attempted for his son, Risei…just couldn't understand it. Couldn't understand Kirei's actions. Any thought that could help Risei understand was popped before it could be considered. Nothing came to mind that could ease his heart.
Kirei was gone.
"..." Everyone in the room continued talking. About finding the other Masters while also dealing with masquerading the disaster. But by that point, Risei had stopped listening. All he could wonder was, just what, what was it that he didn't understand about Kirei? How could Lancer see what he couldn't?
He may never know.
And that's what hurt Risei the most.
Voices were the first thing she heard, with sight being unreliable, at least for a while. With a grunt, discomfort soon made itself known. From how dry her mouth was, to how weak she felt. Her own body refused to move, even as she tried turning her head. With a tiny gasp escaping her breath, the woman momentarily panicked.
She didn't know what was going on. What was happening. For a moment, all she felt was fear. Only for such eyes that symbolized those emotions to blink and change as her consciousness slowly woke up. Memories came back, slow and steady. As the adrenaline faded, it wasn't long before the woman recalled what had happened before.
For the better or worse, it meant she remembered just what happened that ended with her being here. Mouth opening just a little with the smallest of whimpers being released. All while a name left her lips.
"K-Kiri-..." Her memory explained it all.
She had been with him, Kiritsugu. Trying her best, supporting him. Doing all she could so that he may survive and the two could defeat Kayneth and his rampaging Servant. Kill him.
…but they failed.
She failed.
All she could do was watch as the man who took her in be crushed into a pulp and died in the grip of a monster. Nothing she did mattered after that, beyond one thing. Fulfilling Kiritsugu's dream.
Admittingly, deep down there was a part of her that could acknowledge she only did this so she wouldn't face the painful development that had happened then. Just remembering now brought a sharp pain into her chest already. Yet back then, she did her best in ignoring Kiritsugu's death. Focusing on just finding his Servant and then…mearley force Rider into living.
Fingers twitched as feeling came back into her limbs. Muscles finally responded, with Maiya now recognizing just where she was. A hospital.
'...I thought I died?' Maiya had no idea if she should be relieved or not. All she knew was that the second she willingly gave her life force for Rider's needs, Maiya had thought that would be it. That would be her end.
Or maybe…Did she want to die?
"..." Breathing in, Maiya focused on herself. Avoiding any of the more morbid thoughts and instead thought about what was even going on. Bit by bit, she was slowly capable of moving her limbs. It wasn't easy, but progress was progress.
Though that all halted when someone entered her line of sight. A young woman, a nurse who noticed Maiya was awake and then called out to someone. It wasn't long before another person entered and immediately began asking questions.
It's been some time since then, since the doctor had shown up and explained everything that happened to her. Sitting in the cafeteria, eating her food, Maiya couldn't help but think back on that day when she had assumed she was to part with this world.
Looking at her now said otherwise. While Maiya still wore the standard hospital outfit, she was capable of moving and could now speak properly again. Though words from her were limited these days.
Maiya had never been prepared for this, the aftermath. While it might have been cynical to admit it, Maiya had believed she would never get this far. It wasn't as if she looked for death, it was just assumed considering the dangers of the Holy Grail War.
Here she is though. Alive and recovering.
Normally Maiya wouldn't deal with these types of situations. After all, as someone who dealt with the other side of this world, she wouldn't actually be placed in areas like a public hospital so that she couldn't be caught in troubling circumstances. Plus, there was always the risk she could be found by someone that had a grudge against Kiritsugu. While Maiya had been into hospitals before, she always had ways of dealing with doctors who tried asking more personal questions.
Kiritsugu was no longer a factor, however. If anything, ever since she regained feeling in her legs and could move, Maiya hadn't once used hypnotism to make the doctors here forget her so she may move on. No longer was she weak, either physically or mentally, where her own magic circuits no longer felt drained.
That should have been it. She should be gone by this point with any concerns wiped through her power.
"Wha…happ…pen?" Maiya wished she could have done better, thankfully, the doctor was patient and understood. While a nurse was writing stuff down, the doctor spoke.
"You were brought in by someone, who found you in horrible condition." The doctor explained, speaking nice and steady, knowing that even her hearing felt weak. Saying calmly, "You were in some form of coma, with some blood loss as we found." Maiya only paid half-attention, already knowing why she was in the state they found her in.
Truthfully, she was more curious about who brought her here. While it wouldn't be a surprise if the madam, Irisviel, had done so, the doctor said a man took her there. While she tried delving into that mystery, the doctor said something that caught her attention.
"-acuation, we were about to grab you an-"
Although she missed it, she asked again. "H..Huh?"
"Hm? Ah, you need a repeat. Very well." Now paying more attention, Maiya listened closely as the doctor said, "After the terrorist attack, the entire hospital was about to evacuate. Granted, we still might regardless, depending on the…situation." He looked okay, seeming perfectly normal.
He wasn't.
Maiya took a look around the cafeteria. Inside were many people of all sorts, young and old, male and female. All were here with some looking alright while others looked saddened, terrified even. Everyone had been through an ordeal, one the doctor had mentioned as she recovered this past month, with evidence all around.
The cafeteria, despite being perfectly acceptable to eat in, had yellow tape in countless places. Walls were cracked in those areas, with bits of the ceiling gone. Workers came day in and day out, with equipment of all sorts for repairing and fixing things.
The television in the cafeteria spoke of the 'terrorist attacks' investigations that were still ongoing. Explaining that by now, the government had promptly dealt with them and everything was okay. Yes, Maiya supposed everything was okay.
The magus here did a fine job of that.
'If I hadn't been here at the time, if the magus hadn't been so busy focusing on these disasters, I'd probably have been wiped of my memories.' Of course, the magus had eventually come, with Maiya having little time to hide herself. It wasn't easy, but she managed it. Escaped their sight as they wiped memories left and right before they left.
Probably helped that the magus didn't care to put in any more effort than they had to to wipe out the people's memories. Despite being part of the war, given all the work they likely had to do to keep the masquerade up, they could care less about one or two people knowing the truth about this war. It explained why nobody talked about massive machines anymore. Everyone only spoke about the 'terrorists' while, as Maiya noticed, many people like the doctors, claiming they just didn't wish to speak of it. Memory manipulation.
…Maiya found herself wondering if maybe she should have allowed herself the same courtesy as the others. Looking at her food, Maiya ate it slowly, numbly. Her time here offered nothing beyond a place to stay.
She still had some money. Connections. After all, while she figured the Einzberns would want no association with her, if they even knew of her existence in the first place, Maiya could still make it out on her own. The problem was, what was the point?
The war was over. Done soon after she fell into her slumber, with all the participants gone or dead. With Maiya being one of the 'lucky' survivors through it all. Yet no joy was felt for such an occasion. All Maiya felt was an emptiness inside her.
Kiritsugu was dead. Irisviel is gone. All while a continuously lingering question kept popping into her mind. No matter what she did, Maiya would always repeat it in her head. 'If the war is over, then what?'
No answer followed after it.
Her mind went blank. Her eyes became a bit duller, almost empty, even. Without Kiritsugu, there was nothing left for Maiya by this point. No friends, no allies, no family either.
'Or any…I can see again.' A memory of a small child being taken away found itself in her mind before leaving. Her fingers struggled in forming a fist. As much as Maiya tried to avoid any negative thoughts, they poured in when she least expected it.
"..." Taking a look out the window, no light was reflected in Maiya's eyes. As if the future she should have had wasn't illuminated at all. All Maiya saw was nothing. Nothing at all.
For some time, not knowing how long she sat, Maiya only stared out the window as many people came in or left the cafeteria. The occasional voice could be heard, be it a doctor or nurse, or one of the other patients. People pass by the doorway and the sound of the television is heard. All Maiya could do was just sit silently, paying no attention to anything around her.
After everything, what else could she even do?
"Uh." By instinct, Maiya turned her head and saw a small child collapsing on the ground. They stayed where they were for just a bit before standing back up again, someone helping them. Likely having tripped as they rubbed their knees a little. While standing, the child turned and looked at Maiya.
Golden-brown coloured eyes met her dull eyes. A feeling of similarity could be felt, and Maiya knew why. Just by their expression, Maiya could see they lost something precious. Their vacant gaze wasn't any different from someone who lost a friend or family member. A tragedy from the Holy Grail War? The doctor did say many people would likely come into the hospital, this child being one of them.
One who then turned and left silently.
Poor kid. She's seen many like him. Losing those close to their heart and shutting themselves off. He was probably walking without purpose, more like a reflex than any intent on his part. Nothing unusual. At times herself, Maiya would find that she was playing with a pocket knife or touching a weapon when she was doing nothing special. Although in her condition, she couldn't even do that.
Sighing, Maiya looked back out the window. Only this time, she couldn't help but think back on that kid. There was nothing special to it, be it them or even her in the very least. Yet…whether out of boredom or something else, a part of her felt like finding them when she could. Somewhere in her mind, that memory of a young baby played back once again. Taken before she could do one thing. Care for them.
'...I wonder if I could do that?' Maiya thought, watching the blue sky outside the window while delving into these thoughts of hers.
Father had made many preparations before he had left. A second home, adequate money, books and tools, anything that would ensure his family and his legacy would continue on. The right thing that any magus should do when walking alongside death.
Especially when death took them from that border.
Inside the kitchen, Rin could hear her mother on the table, crying. Some people had come a while ago, talking about her father. It was this knowledge that made Rin sneak downstairs, listening to understand what happened while keeping out of sight. She knew bad things had happened outside during the Holy Grail War.
Rin knew that those 'terrorists' weren't even people, but likely Servants. That all the trouble was being caused by them and magus who weren't like father. Who struck without caring for the rules. But that was fine by Rin. Rin believed her dad would be okay, as he followed those rules. He was a brave man. A smart magus. So as scary those explosions were, or the screaming that followed it, Rin still trusted her father would come back safely.
"Tokiomi…" Sniffing, her mom called out to dad. It paralleled whenever Rin wanted her father when going to bed. Only, this time around, father wouldn't be coming to comfort her. Not for bed, not for whenever Rin did a good job, not for anything. Never again.
Head resting on her arms, Rin listened as her mom weeped. She couldn't be blamed. Leaning against the wall, hidden from view, she heard everything when the magus began talking. Telling her mom just what had happened, what was going on. How someone broke the rules. All leading to the part that her dad's body had been found some time ago.
It took two weeks before Rin and her mom heard this news. Two weeks of waiting,worried that something bad had happened when he hadn't sent any word to them. Not even sending that creep Kirei to pass along a message. These feelings intensified with the aftermath of the Holy Grail War that ended with parts of the city being gouged along with the Ryuudou Temple's destruction. Was he hurt, was he somewhere safe, was he all alone somewhere without help?
Eventually they were told, and the news didn't make Rin feel any better. Weeks have passed since then and it's clear that Tokiomi's death has left its mark on the household. For both Aoi and Rin, it was a wound that would never heal.
Holding back her own tears, so her mother didn't discover her, Rin sniffled as quietly as she could. Sitting down on the staircase, many thoughts surged alongside denial. Her dad was a great magus. He knew so much, prepared for so long for the coming war. He even had that creep Kirei with him. She didn't like the jerk, but she knew he would assist her father during the war.
Yet…
First it was Sakura. Now her dad. She even heard mom mention a sob about Uncle Kariya, who Rin realized she hasn't seen in some time. That wasn't even mentioning the fact that her home was gone. Her bed, her clothes, everything! All the stuff her dad had was reduced to a crater. Nothing but rubble now.
If her dad had been alive, maybe Rin could have handled it. As long as he was there, teaching her, hugging her, then she would have been fine.
'But he's gone.' Giving another sniff, the only thought that comforted Rin was that the body would be brought later. Granted, Rin wasn't sure how she should feel, beyond that all she would bear witness is a corpse that was once her dad. While having his body was better than letting it be kept by strangers, it would still hurt just seeing it. As tears rolled off her cheeks, Rin looked at her mom who was still crying.
Turning back, Rin sniffed and then wiped away her tears. S-She had to be strong. Had to accept these facts. These truths. D-Daddy always told her that a magus needed to be brave. Elegant. I-It'd be bad if she was crying like a baby. He wouldn't want that for her. Rin needed to be strong.
Rubbing at her eyes and runny nose, Rin wiped it all away. Not wanting to be sad any longer. Grieving either. A Tohsaka shouldn't do that. She was better than that. That's what father had taught her time and again, and she wouldn't let him down. If anything, Rin should instead start preparing right now.
When she overheard the magus speaking with mommy, they said many things. But what caught her attention the most was that according to them, some energy in the Greater Grail still remained. There were more details, of course. That the land around the Fuyuki Greater Grail had badly deteriorated, caused by a massive drainage. But they explained that the mechanism itself was still fine. Functioning, even.
'Dad would want me to do it.' Came the whisper in her mind. A way that would make her father proud and reclaim the lost pride from this Holy Grail War. Honor him by doing what he was unable to.
Winning.
It'd be some time before the next Holy Grail War came, of course, not that it was a problem. If anything, time is what Rin could use wisely. Before the next war started, Rin would do all she could so she wouldn't fall behind those that joined. Doing so by doing what she did best. Studying. She'd learn and ensure that Rin Tohsaka would be ready as any other magus when the Greater Grail was active again. That's what Rin believed in.
Breathing unsteadily, Rin slowly stood up and quietly walked back upstairs. While many books, including father's workshop, were gone, he had still left Rin with some items so she could study while he was away. Rin should read everything she currently has and, in due time, get more materials to work with. It won't be easy…but as a Tohsaka, Rin would do her best, regardless of the obstacles.
It's what her father would want.
For now, she should let mom grieve. While she was part of father's world, Rin knew that mother wasn't as involved as her and dad. Plus, Rin didn't want to bug her. Her mom would soon be busy with the grown-up stuff that, admittingly, Rin can't say she entirely knew as her dad only taught Rin spells and internal energy control. Nothing about taxes and whatever else he and mom did together. Still, Rin could at least help around with chores in their new apartment once things settled down.
Apparently, Fuyuki was still a mess after the disaster that happened from the Servants. A mess caused by something big according to the magus. In fact, before her mom grabbed her and evacuated with the others, Rin saw what she assumed was the threat in question. Just briefly before being put in a car and driven away, Rin witnessed what can only be described as massive and mechanical. A machine shooting at the sky, breaking it like one would with glass. With two shadows seen on the other side of the portal until a light consumed them.
If this is what a normal Holy Grail War had, then the person she is now won't cut it. If anything, strength would be required alongside knowledge when the next war came.
'I need to learn as best as I can.' Her father was part of a war that released those things and died. She needed to be as strong as him and better for the next one. Otherwise, what else did she have left? In another decade, Rin supposed she'll soon find out. Because by that point, she'll be facing other Masters just as her father did and show her worth. Only then she'll get that answer.
With a cackle, Zouken sipped some wine he had kept for storage. While he may have been less than human when he first started out, relying on human consumption and flesh for new bodies, that didn't mean he couldn't appreciate human drinks. Lifting the cup, Zouken then raised it high and gave a mock salute.
Saying, "A parting, to you, dear Kariya."
Across from him, Sakura said nothing as she ate her food. Like always, she expressed nothing and only focused on eating her food. The most she did was make a grunt before chewing. Zouken smirked.
'Even after all that sacrifice, she doesn't even bother thinking of you, Kariya.' Not that Zouken was any different, seeing as it took over a month for him to make mention of his son. Though that was on purpose, as Zouken wanted to see if Sakura would make some sort of expression or emotion if he just mentioned Kariya at another time.
She ate her food silently. As if the name meant nothing to her.
If Zouken were a lesser man, he would just laugh aloud, regardless of his image. What a shame. His dear boy was gone and dead, having only one left now alongside his grandson.
Snickering, Zouken sipped his wine again. Although, it wasn't as if he held Kariya entirely in contempt. Oh, no. If anything, he was actually impressed with the man. Surviving the pits for a year, along with his iron-clad will. Kariya managed to exceed expectations.
'And your death was undoubtedly the most miserable of them all.' Chuckling, Zouken couldn't deny the intrigue he felt since the closing act of this generation's Holy Grail War. Such a large disaster that uprooted everything. Only by sheer coincidence did people believe it wasn't a 'magical disaster' as many magus would fear, but a technological one instead.
Zouken grinned, whispering to himself, "I suppose this was bound to happen sooner or later."
Honestly, ever since the First Holy Grail War, it was always a matter of when, not if, that the battle between Masters and seven ludicrously powered Servants would cause an open-daylight catastrophe. After all, the second these fights began in a city full of people, it shouldn't have been a surprise.
"Just as much as how disappointing you were in the end." Thinking back on Kariya again, Zouken remembered that lovely scene from before. Taking the scene in as he overviewed every memory he had on that day, when the Holy Grail War ended. Where down from below, where the pits are at, Kariya revealed himself in his agonized state while slowly dying.
As pathetic as that whimpering fool Byakuya is, he knew his place in this household. Kariya on the other hand didn't, attempting to defy Zouken. Act against him. True, Kariya may have had some spine, but it all amounted to one thing when he offered himself to take part in the fourth war. Sakura looking at her dear 'uncle' Kariya silently before commenting on his foolishness as he died.
Haha! The befuddled expression she made when Kariya arrived before her as the man began muttering with a smile on his face after collapsing before her whilst she was chained. Kariya not even realizing he was just hallucinating at the very end while being devoured by the worms both inside him and the pits. The killing point being the lack of sympathy given to him by Sakura at his own death.
Zouken watched it all until the very end, smiling.
Now, back in the present, Zouken giggled.
"I suppose you did have some merit, by dear son." Not sounding the least concerned over his son's death, Zouken continued recalling with glee how Kariya was eaten alive. "You lasted longer than I expected. And I suppose your resolve to save the girl is noteworthy." Sakura, despite being across and hearing him, made no comment. "The fact you managed to crawl your way back home like a lowly worm is a bit astonishing." But more importantly, it was amusing.
Kariya's pathetic death gave the inhumane magus a lovely joy he hadn't felt in a while. It was worth allowing Kariya to join the war since it provided Zouken the rare entertainment of seeing someone reach out for their dream only to stumble at the end. Well, best to forget about Kariya now.
The man wasn't worth thinking about at this point. Entertaining as the pantomime was, Zouken had other matters to attend to. That being, his new lovely little gift. As Sakura kept eating, Zouken put down his glass and looked at what furnished the center of the table.
The Lesser Grail.
"It might be locked from access… but it's fully intact." Throughout the war, Zouken watched from the shadows. His bugs, small and stealthy, observing wherever they could. From his miserable son to any of the Masters he could spot. All had been witnessed before his many eyes. From the way the lapdog of the Church, Kirei, took the Einzbern homunculus into a building where suddenly…That had happened.
Cane tapping the ground, Zouken found his eyes narrowing a bit as he thought of that moment. His bugs feeding him the information, followed by Mount Enzou collapsing when the Lesser Grail had been 'closed off' and Ruler being killed alongside the other Servants she had summoned. He had his suspicions that the Greater Grail had been…changed. The summoning of the unknown Heroic Spirits was a hint, then the Divine-Class Spirit revealing itself practically proved that the Greater Grail had been corrupted long ago.
As for when, he had an idea.
'But none of that matters now.' Because Zouken held a great prize in his hands. It would take time, much of it, but Zouken found it worthwhile since he now held the Lesser Grail with none knowing about it. That could be very useful, more so once he reactivated it. That Divine-Spirit closed it off from the Greater Grail, likely in an attempt at ensuring nobody made a wish on it while it made its own.
Cackling, Zouken lifted the complete Lesser Grail and one of his beautiful bugs took it away for storage. In the meantime, he had other plans at the moment. His schedule is full of it due to the events of the war. Such as examining the Greater Grail in full detail and cooperating with the Mage Association. Amusing as this war was, there was no denying that the masquerade was under threat.
Mount Enzou has collapsed, meaning the Greater Grail itself is exposed. Ripe for the taking. Only he and the other families, the Tohsaka's and Einzberns', knew that's where the Greater Grail rested. Under ordinary circumstances, Zouken wouldn't allow any magus to even look upon it. He certainly didn't want just any two bit fool with delusions of grandeur simply taking it for their own end and would do anything he could to prevent its discovery.
Thankfully, the intact Noble Phantasm of Rider is taking everyone's attention, allowing Zouken to cover up the Greater Grail as best he could. Granted, it technically was hidden still as massive parts of the mountain, after collapsing in on itself, covered the Greater Grail. Zouken just added certain Boundary Fields and had his bugs watch over it twenty-four seven as precautionary measures.
But now…perhaps things should change.
While the idea of any other magus touching the Greater Grail made Zouken frown, his own bugs hissing just at the thought, Zouken found a problem while safeguarding the Greater Grail. As it turns out, the Greater Grail did have some magical energy inside it, quite a bit even. However, the leylines of Fuyuki were practically running on empty. This land was no longer suitable for a war when the next came. That damn Divine-Spirit made it so.
As such, perhaps the contest should change locations. Because of the way things were now, even if another blasted sixty years passed, the leylines of Fuyuki won't provide much and would take much longer. Zouken may be a patient man, but the idea of waiting twice, maybe even three times as long, as before or more wasn't an appealing idea.
Sighing, Zouken shook his head. He had much to think about in the coming days. Some of the cards in his hands must be played if he wanted his dream achieved. Negotiations and compromises would be needed. Including the possibility of letting others touch at what remained of Justi-
Clicking his tongue, Zouken found his mood growing sour. Anyway, it'd be best for Zouken if he rested for a little while. This war has caused the future to become more unforeseeable than expected. Still, with what he salvaged and the knowledge he possessed, Zouken believed he could still come out on top throughout this ordeal.
Just a little longer, then everything would be in his hands. With that in mind, Zouekn left grinning while leaving little Sakura alone, eating her food. The only person that mattered in this household was him after all.
Stepping out of the bus, Waver looked back at the city, knowing that somewhere, if one walked far enough, they'd see the collapse of countless buildings. The appearance of a giant mechanical machine shooting at the sky blowing expectations further.
'And I'm lucky I even survived.' Had fate gone differently, Waver felt he would have been one of the many dead people in this city. From the civilians who knew nothing and were caught up in the war between Servants, to the Masters who participated fully.
As a Master, Waver had put himself at risk of dying. Kayneth, a bastard of a teacher, perished despite being an accomplished magus. So what did that say about Waver, who only entered with little preparations beyond the basics? Thankfully, Wavers' death didn't pass as he feared. If anything, as terrifying as things were, the young man had come out alright.
'And maybe,' Waver thought, thinking back on Saber. Just before he died. 'Maybe he was avenged.' That was all Waver could hope for, for the Servant that stood by and supported him, when he clearly didn't have to. It was then Waver thought back at what he saw, from Saber's fight to the Servant's memories.
Saber once said he had been little better than someone arrogant, only for the world to show otherwise. Changing as he went into different places. From a war field with soldiers and into another realm itself. Meeting foes and allies along the way that further changed Saber as a person.
"Traveling, huh." If Saber changed so much from that arrogant soldier as a result of all his traveling, then could the same apply for Waver? It was a tempting idea. One that can be done, as long as he accepts the risks for it. But if Saber could do it, then why not him.
'Although,' With the devastation here, it won't be surprising if magus came for him. For answers if anything. He'd best leave before that happened. No telling how long they'd keep him cooped up and wring him for what they wanted. As such, until he got some stuff gathered, Waver would be gone before he could be found.
But first-
"Ah, Waver. You ready yet?"
-he didn't mind spending further time with the Mackenzie's.
"I am." Getting off the bus, the Mackenzie's and Waver were already being guided by some people elsewhere. While the 'terrorists' were seemingly gone, the police were still wary and wanted the people safe. It'll probably be a while before Waver and everyone else can go back home. Still, Waver didn't mind.
From his backpack, Waver took out a pack of cards. "When we have time to sit, wanna play?" He shook the little box in his hands.
Glen smiled with Martha doing the same. The former saying, "Well, I wouldn't mind a round or two." Waver grinned. Even if this Holy Grail War didn't pan out as he expected, it was a surreal experience he wouldn't forget. That was for certain.
Of course, Waver wasn't the only one who would forget this experience. Smiling, Kirei was already far enough that he doubted the Church or the Magus sent by the Clock Tower would find him. Not yet, anyway.
Taking a look back at the Fuyuki, one could see and believe that during this time of crisis, everyone in Fuyuki would return back to their days of mediocrity and simple lifestyles. Kirei, however, saw something else.
A voidless being, rising like the sun. Before transforming into something smaller and being struck away.
At that moment Kirei felt he saw something awe-inspiring.
With Lancer dead, Kirei placed himself in a position where he could at least see the final moments of the Holy Grail War. He may not have been a participant at the time, losing Lancer and all, but he wished to see everything end.
What he saw went beyond his own imagination. From Mount Enzou falling apart, all the way to an even greater menace appearing and striking at the sky. It wasn't a normal Heroic Spirit. His body chilled at the sight of it at first glance. A being that could only be described as trouble. Worrisome. Wicked.
'And no doubt it was the wicked being you mentioned, Lancer.' One look told Kirei all he needed to know. That in some way that he couldn't describe, let alone feel, was that he stood before a creature that would bring ruin and catastrophe to the entire world. Its actions proved it as it caused all of Fuyuki's current laments, even now.
Yet it was also a creature that accepted itself for what it was.
'No doubt that people would consider it evil. Perhaps it is just that. Evil.' Still, for all the evidence that proclaimed this creature as that, for some reason, even if nobody believed him, Kirei found himself believing that the creature itself wasn't evil. Or at the least, it wasn't intentionally causing evil.
It's voice was still in his head when it spoke.
Back then, as he watched, Kirei heard it all. It was likely that when speaking for whomever was facing it, the remaining Servants most likely, it didn't mean or care if anybody else overheard it. So while many in Fuyuki heard its voice but ignored it out of fear and confusion, Kirei listened. Took in every word as a thirsty man guzzled on water. Where Kirei found that strange being to be…something he could share his sympathy with.
"You truly meant your words. Your desire in helping humans." That creature was considered evil, yet it bore no evil thoughts for humanity. Yet, despite its intentions, it was then put down, defeated. Kirei could only feel a brief sorrow when it vanished away.
Both for the creature…and himself.
Years he struggled with the hidden distortion inside him. A distortion that he tried hiding, rejecting. Keeping it hidden from anybody that dared tried to look deep inside of him. Whether it was because of shame or fear, Kirei didn't know.
That creature though, as it spoke…all its words were laced with truth. No dishonesty. No omission of fact. True, even Kirei could tell by its very presence that what it spoke may not have been as beneficial as it said. At the same time, it wasn't hiding what its nature was. It revealed itself, spoke with a passion unlike any other he's seen.
It was a wicked being that had no facade whatsoever, not like Kirei. He hid what he was. Lying not just to his father or colleges, but even himself. Acting as if the distortion inside him never existed on his best days, while desperately trying to keep it locked up on his bad ones.
But if a Divine-Spirit could speak so boldly, then why not him?
If that creature accepted itself, even when others proclaimed otherwise… then maybe there was hope for Kirei. Turning around, Kirei resumed his walk. He may return in due time, for whatever reason he didn't know. For now, he wished only for a spiritual journey to see just who he truly was.
The quest may prove fruitless. Perhaps he would find nothing. But ultimately, Kirei would try regardless. Whether he found his fulfillment, all Kirei could do was pray that by the end of this journey, he will find the answer of who he is and if he can accept that - distortion included - by the end of it.
To find his salvation is his great hope.
And while nobody else would do it, Kirei found himself saying a small prayer for the unknown God denied a chance at even living. Hoping that perhaps it too could find salvation. For if God truly loved all, then it must mean his grace extended even to those humans deemed undesirable. For if his grace touched a man who supported his family through work, then surely even a man who stole for the same purpose must be given his love.
'So I pray for you, unknown God.' Were Kirei's final thoughts as he passed the city limits. Being the one and only person in this world who may have offered such words for a being that was nothing but a wicked evil. At the same time, the only gratitude the Wicked God may have ever received in its life.
Then, with that, Kirei was gone.
And we're done. After over a year, the story is at last finished. Where some things have stayed the same and changed. From some dying no different from canon, Kariya, Kayneth, to differences like Kirei leaving and Zouken getting a fully intact Lesser Grail. Yikes.
All things considered, the war ended the way it usually does. With disaster while those in charge clean up. At the very least, some good comes out of it. A boy we all know losing his parents (crushed by a building) will be taken in by someone who survived. Plus, with Kirei gone, maybe things won't get so bad, especially since Gilgamesh isn't around to help him.
All this could lead to a nice sequel I suppose. Though whether I do it or not, I'm not certain. Mainly because I'm gonna take a break for a bit. Still, glad I managed to finish this. Heck, it even got a recommendation, and now all it needs is a trope page. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you all liked it.
Though before I go, I may as well reveal the fate of a certain three Wicked Gods who were banished. As for where they were banished to, well…
Close.
They had been that close.
One had gained full incarnation, the other two nearly freed.
Just a few more seconds and everything would have been perfect. Those who defied them would have been slain, then their purpose can begin anew. In a world away from where their creator came from. A place that would accept them rather than shun them.
Instead, this was their fate.
"Crush! Smash!" With a single swing of his arms, the Wicked Dreadroot easily grappled the unidentified being and tore it apart with his bare hands. "Destroy!" He did so with prejudice.
At the moment, none of the three Wicked Gods knew where they even were. It wasn't the void, that was for certain. There was too much life here along with actual creatures than a blank empty space. An improvement to be sure.
"Ruaghhh!" With an open mouth, the Wicked Eraser shot a beam of devastation, destroying what was in front of it. All that confronted it obliterated.
Even so, this did little in changing the Wicked Gods situation. If anything, it only made them more furious. That fury rising higher when more of these pitiful creatures came to fight them. Then, from nowhere, chains appeared.
"What!?" The Wicked Avatar's patience was already running thin from their new three Wicked Gods had already planned to escape this new realm, one that was filled to the brim with mana. More than enough to fuel Typhon and break open another hole to the human world. Instead, they were soon assaulted by a variety of different beings, from mighty warriors to phantasmal beasts. Now they were forced to deal with these beings and their attacks, or in this case, these chains that, for some confounded reason, were actually capable of affecting them.
That should have been impossible. They were Gods!
"Perhaps you are…but magecraft from the Age of Gods is more than capable of securing you three." Then, from nowhere, they came.
As the three Wicked Gods were taken hold of, countless individuals appeared. They appeared human, some of them. But the three realized they weren't human. If anything, they were like them.
Gods.
"Interesting. So this is why you called me." The one speaking was a young girl, a rather beautiful one at that. Having dark tanned skin, her hair was white and short, her eyes yellow, with black jackal ears and wearing a white dress. "I had to take this girl's body to get here, but now I see it was worth it."
"Correct." Another spoke. An imposing man with some form of divine weapon, having one eye and the other, an eye-patch. "These three have been causing quite a bit of trouble in the world of man. While we may not be capable of interfering with the world at large, many of us were more than capable of seeing their actions."
"Ooof. And it's not everyday three Gods get their asses whooped and are sent to the Reverse Side." A blonde man with glasses wearing a modern outfit spoke smugly. Holding a gun in his right hand. "Hell, one of them's even an Evil of Humanity. Rare."
"Release us!" The Wicked Avatar now knew what was going on. Fuming in its base form, it saw what these pathetic things were. Gods who had lost their bodies and degraded to mere Divine-Spirits. Pitiful.
"I'm afraid we cannot allow that." An elderly yet strong man said. His eyes flashed like lightning, and he gave a familiar feeling that the Wicked Avatar recognized from when he was Typhon. "If anything, you three returning to Earth would be quite troublesome."
"Cannot! Stop! Us!" Dreadroot was right. The chains buckled under their might. Even magecraft from the Age of Gods couldn't hold Gods with true physical bodies forever. Eraser himself was even gaining more power as more of these Divine-Spirits showed themselves. As for the Wicked Avatar, it was already ready for a new form.
"Laaaaa." A young girl stepped forward with entrancing pink star-like eyes. She had massive horns and was petite. By her side, another Divine-Spirit nodded.
"True. I agree with Mother." A girl with twin-tail black hair and red eyes nodded. Wearing a rather skimpy outfit while floating from the ground. "If anything, these guys are way too stubborn to be talked down." Her fists smashed against each other and she grinned. "So a good beat-down is needed."
"Ay! Acordada! If anything, a fight is totally what's going to happen. Si!" Another woman with shark-like teeth came and grinned. Looking rather eager for a fight.
"Very well. I doubt we have a choice." The girl with jackal ears mused as she stared at the three Wicked Gods. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she gazed at them, as if she was seeing more than just their appearances.
The one-eyed God was of the same, whispering to himself, "Interesting. So they come from a world just a bit outside of the Counter Force's purview."
"Enough!" The chains shattered, and at once all three Wicked Gods were free. The Wicked Avatar's form warped as it began transforming. Having had enough of all these delays. "You think inadequate Gods such as yourselves can stop us!"
Dreadroot released his Authority. All power aside from the three were halved. Be it magical or physical.
Eraser was operating at full power. His magical energy had skyrocketed in the presence of so many foes.
As for Avatar, he had chosen a form he found suitable. Stepping out of Eraser's range, the Wicked Avatar transformed. Bones formed all across it, with wings bursting out and black-hazed crystal poking out. Its body was like a skeleton, and despite appearing like a dragon, it was no dragon.
The blonde man with glasses and the woman with shark-teeth both paused and blinked in surprise. The form was a bit different, and they knew it wasn't him. Yet…
"...Mictlāntēcutli?" The woman tilted her head, recognizing that Divinity.
"No." The Wicked Avatar uttered in vile detestation. "Just your death." With a single roar, all three Wicked Gods marched towards the Divine-Spirits of this realm to kill and then escape this world. In turn, the Divine-Spirits of the Reverse Side would gladly face the Wicked Gods to ensure the human world didn't suffer under their presence.
"Hahaha! Finally!" While it's unknown which God said this, it also didn't matter. At that moment, both opposing sides ran towards one another, each with their own goal. Then, like so, they clashed.
As for who would win, that was a story for another time.