Chapter 82. A place to take a step forward
Dudley Dursley sat in the living room of Sirius Black's house, where he had come for Christmas vacation at Harry Potter's invitation. He felt out of place, surrounded by wizards and Servants, who were unfamiliar and dangerous beings to him. He knew that the Servants were great heroes of the past, summoned by wizards to participate in the Sacred War for the Holy Grail. He also knew that each of his friends from Hogwarts had their own Servant, but he and Harry did not. Ron had a Saber-class Servant, a female version of Mordred, a villain and traitor to King Arthur. She was rude, insolent, and stubborn, but Ron somehow managed to get along with her. Hermione had a Caster-class Servant, Nikola Tesla, a great inventor and physicist who created the alternating current power system. He was intelligent, inspired, and eccentric, and Hermione discussed various scientific topics with him. Sam Brightwood, whom Dudley befriended at Hogwarts, had a Rider-class Servant, the knight Astolfo, one of Charlemagne's paladins. He was cheerful, brave, and generous, and Sam shared his love for adventure with him.
But Dudley and Harry did not have any Servants. Harry did not want to summon a Servant out of noble motives. He believed it was unfair to use heroes of the past for his own purposes and that he should fight for his own destiny. Dudley, on the other hand, could not summon a Servant for some unknown reason. Perhaps his time had simply not come yet. He felt weak and vulnerable in the face of Voldemort and the Death Eaters, as well as their Servants. He thought that if he had a Servant, he could protect his parents who remained in the Muggle world and himself if they had to deal with a Servant.
Dudley decided to go for a walk to sort things out. He put on a warm jacket and hat and went outside. It was a cold winter evening, with snow covering roofs and trees. Dudley walked along a narrow lit street. He thought about his life and how he had changed since discovering he was a wizard. He remembered his childhood when he was a spoiled and cruel boy who bullied Harry and others. He felt ashamed of his past behavior and wanted to make amends. He recalled his education at Hogwarts, where he learned to befriend, study, and play Quidditch. He was proud of his achievements and worked hard to prove he was not inferior to others. He remembered his adventures when he, along with Harry and others, learned to fight against Voldemort and his followers. He feared for his life and wanted to survive.
Dudley carefully made his way through the snow-covered park, where a majestic Christmas tree stood before him. The long branches of this wonderful holiday tree, adorned with playful garlands and gleaming ornaments that seemed to be illuminated with tears of joy, heralded the fun and happiness of this greatest holiday - Christmas. Dudley stopped, staring at his reflection in one of the frozen ornaments, which seemed to bear witness to the passage of time but also carried a captivating refreshing breeze.
And there, within his own features, he began to notice a soft imprint of sadness mixed with fear and the hope that curious feelings seek to convey. It was his eyes - the windows through which he looked and sought answers, gleaned from years of reflecting on his life. He realized that happiness, freedom, and purpose were the signposts that shed light on his true nature. Dudley felt that he wanted to not only be a friend to Harry and the others, but he yearned to support them, help them in their pursuit of greatness, and be an example of a wizard, as well as kindness and fairness. Rejecting a Servant was now not just a simple conscious decision for him, but a complete realization of his own power, laid in his hands. He began to understand that he could be the master of his own destiny, and thus he experienced great relief.
An easy smile formed on his lips, and he felt a spark of joy ignite in his chest. Now he knew for certain that he wasn't alone, that he had friends who valued him and accepted him for who he was, despite all his mistakes. He felt a surge of strength within him, capable of overcoming any difficulties and making the impossible possible. The sun, casting its rays upon his cheeks, transmitted its tranquility and confidence in tomorrow to him. He turned his back to the Christmas tree, almost as if saying "thank you" to it, and headed back home, where Sirius Black and his friends would welcome him with open arms. Within his heart, only light and joy reigned, and he couldn't wait to share this newfound energy with those who made him happy. Regardless of how difficult and complex the path may be, he knew he would always have a dream guiding him in the direction he would venture into and succeed in brilliantly.
But he didn't know that his life would soon change forever. He didn't know that his desires had been heard not only by his friends, but by something else. He didn't know that when he smiled at his reflection, he activated the Summoning Circle hidden within one of the ornaments on the Christmas tree. He didn't know that this Summoning Circle had been created by Fujimaru, who wished to give him a Servant who would align with his true desire. He didn't know that this Servant was Koyanskaya, a woman who wished to be his Servant in order to use him for her own purposes.
As Dudley distanced himself from the tree, he felt a whirlwind envelop him. He looked back and saw the tree burst into bright light. He saw a column of flame erupt from the ornament he had seen his reflection in. He saw a figure emerge from the flames, wrapped in a black cloak. He saw the figure remove the cloak and reveal her face. He saw that it was Koyanskaya. Koyanskaya was an Alter Ego, one of the seven divided aspects of Tamamo-no-Mae, the legendary fox spirit, who was a Caster-class Servant. Koyanskaya was the most ambitious and ruthless of all the Alter Egos. She wanted to obtain the Holy Grail and use it for her own purposes. She knew that Dudley wanted to become a Master but failed to summon a Servant. She decided that she would be his Servant and force him to serve her. She had been monitoring him since the moment he attempted to use the Summoning Circle. She waited for the opportune moment to appear before him and form a contract.
She was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair and amber eyes. She dressed in a red dress and a black coat. She appeared to be a wealthy and refined lady. In reality, she was a cunning and dangerous fox spirit.
Unbeknownst to Dudley, he was destined to learn all of this, as he met the eyes of the mysterious figure rising from the dying flames. The dense black cloak danced with the serene glow of candlelight, and her flowing hair seemed like a raging wave woven from sunbeams and crimson sunset clouds. This was Koyanskaya, the true distortion of the enchanting Tamamo-no-Mae, merciless and deceitful in her Zoroastrian heart. She had chosen an alluring facade – a bright red dress and a black coat – as if to charm her target and drown him in the sticky chains of her treacherous plans.
Dudley's heart constricted with a grimace of sudden fire, heavy with both admiration and anxious thoughts. Carefully, holding his breath, he stared into the depths of her golden eyes, as if touching the hand of a divine force ready to subdue his will and control his destiny. Though beauty faithfully served her with truth and loyalty, within the elegantly contorting fox hid lies and betrayal, disguised as noble plans to obtain the Holy Grail. She harbored boundless ambitions, a thirst for power and control, and in her callousness, she was prepared to manipulate Dudley with the power of her enchanting voice.
She picked up her cloak, like an enchanted cape engulfing the underworld, and revealed her true nature - a fox-woman, cunning and calculated. Her fox-like eyes, like windows to the world of ancient magical secrets, contrasted with her pale face, where the black depths of her intentions loomed. She looked at Dudley, with a benevolent gaze, offering him a tempting deal - she would become his Mistress, and he would be her loyal servant. She was the guardian of otherworldly knowledge, a lively creature thirsty for life and desires, but in this revealing form of attractiveness and chilling sinister glow, all hopes covered by a cloud of darkness melted away for Dudley.
When he met Koyanskaya, he was struck by her appearance, sparkling like a mirror of the most secret desires. Her voice penetrated the air, causing shivers and vibrations that only true mages could feel. He couldn't resist the temptation to unravel the mystery of this enigmatic woman. When she pronounced her name, Koyanskaya, softened like reading an ecstatic poem reflecting the secrets of forgotten times.
Koyanskaya's words, full of promises and doubts, touched his heart, making it tremble and seek his own truth. She offered him an intriguing opportunity, implanting a thought that filled his mind. But questions engulfed him like a whirlwind, forcing him to seek truth in the murky waters of deception.
"Who are you really?" he asked, his voice filled with caution and fear, as if he felt genuine tremors before the keeper of impure secrets.
A sinister smile played on her lips, on the verge between secrecy and deceit, when she calmly replied, "You imagine shattered desires, and I am the Alter Ego created for manipulation. I have seen the future, my dear, and it is filled with absolute destruction. And I want to have my place in the history of this demise. I belong to an organization that threatens the still innocent fates of people, and my ambition consumes me. It is you who will be the key to unlocking my goals."
Dudley extinguished the fire ignited in his heart by these sinister words and, hesitating, responded, "I refuse to be a pawn in your cunning games. Your motives are filled with cruelty and betrayal. I will not be your master and accomplice. I don't believe that even a drop of humanity lies in this dark enigma. You can go far away from me!"
Taken aback by his determination and firmness, Koyanskaya inhaled to let her words penetrate his consciousness and whispered the revelation he had yet to learn, "Despite your words, fool, you know nothing of the consequences. I am your true destiny. You cannot escape from me now that fate has bound us together. We must be together as an acknowledgment of the nightmarish finiteness that surrounds us. You will make your choice, Dudley Dursley, and the consequences will embrace you. Welcome to my world... or the curse of expectations."
Koyanskaya stared at Dudley, her deep amber eyes piercing his soul, like the yawn of eternity ready to devour him. She clenched her fists tightly, feeling the forces of ambition tormenting her interior. Their dialogue became a confrontation of two geniuses, two minds that refused to yield to each other.
Dudley raised his voice, sounding deep and ruthless:
"Koyanskaya, you talk about great plans and changing the world, but all you bring is destruction and darkness. You're turning into a monster that is indifferent to human suffering. Instead of creating true transformation, you consume the world, drawing only from your own power."
Koyanskaya replied, her voice bitter and piercing:
"Dudley, you're beautiful in your naivety. Your trusting view of the world only strengthens my convictions. You believe in the potential of people, but you fail to see that revolutions stem from predatory ambitions. I want to create a new future where power lies with those who can use it for good."
Dudley stood straight, his eyes shining brightly:
"But you're mistaken, Koyanskaya. Power without humanity and compassion is just an emptiness that destroys the foundations of our existence. True transformative power lies in the ability to see the true essence of each person, their hopes and needs. We must strive for justice and equality, even if it seems impossible."
Koyanskaya stepped back as if struck by an invisible force:
"Dudley, your idealistic rhetoric sounds beautiful, but it's doomed to fail. Humanity is weak and imperfect. I accept that and am ready to use any means to succeed."
When Dudley raised his hand, his eyes lit up with passion. He looked into Koyanskaya's deep eyes as if calling her to change:
"We must not compromise, for it is doomed to fail. Our strength comes from cooperation, from our unwavering determination to fight for those who cannot protect themselves."
Koyanskaya stepped back, her voice trembling with confusion:
"I'm impressed by your strength. Your determination and faith simply drive me crazy. I see potential in you that I never dreamed of. Maybe I've made some mistake."
Dudley approached her but didn't hold her:
"True transformation is only possible through kindness, compassion, and cooperation. Together, we can conquer everything that is scary and unknown. Let's find common ground and unite our efforts for the good of the world."
Koyanskaya smiled, her gaze was strange, perhaps even mysterious:
"Dudley Dursley, you amaze me. Your determination and confidence make you great. I'm willing to try to unravel the true values you offer in this dialogue. Maybe together, we can achieve real change."
Their gazes merged in a moment of agreement, opening the doors to new possibilities. Their dialogue echoed the foundation of a new era, where the battle between good and evil is not just a fight, but also a path to great masterpieces of rebirth and transformation. Hope permeated every word, evoking an unforgettable rush of emotions.
Dudley and Koyanskaya locked eyes, and in that moment, something extraordinary and powerful awakened within them. Like two stars shining in the sky, they revealed themselves to each other, drawn together by a magic that allowed them to see more vividly than others. A fire burned in their hearts, separating them and delving into the depths of their emotions and thoughts.
The glimmer in Dudley's eyes almost formed burns on Koyanskaya's skin, scorching like thousands of little stars. She felt a strange shock as his determination and invincibility blossomed, like flowers at the source of life. Inside her, matter dissolved, blending with an unfathomable energy in which she was immersed.
An attraction arose between them, like two components of fate finally finding each other in this frozen eternity. They felt a sharp sense of unity, powerful and alluring, like a song calling and rising from the sea. Their hearts beat to an incredible rhythm, shaping a new order in the shaken world.
In their eyes, turned to each other, insight and mystery were reflected, as if ten thousand years of wisdom shone through the patterns of time. They traveled together through space and enjoyed their differences, trying to understand what it meant. Every movement, every breath filled the room with a penetrating sound, like a melody interwoven with the chords of Carmen's soul.
There was something special in their dialogue, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those who heard it. Within each word was a fiery spark that dissolved doubts and divisions, leaving only harmony and the impulses of great power. Hope adorned the mantle of their conversation, allowing even the saddest hearts to find a path to light.
A moment of agreement enveloped them with a sacred halo, and each of their words soared upward, like a bird ascending to the heavens. Their voices blended, creating a magical sound that connected souls and sparkled with the sparks of great art.
"So, what brought you here?" Harry asked Kurisu when they were already sitting at the table and drinking tea. Grum had cast a spell of many languages on the guests, so they could freely communicate in English.
"This." Kurisu handed Harry a note from Moriarty.
He quickly scanned the lines in the note and passed it to Hermione. She also read the note quickly. For some time, the note passed from hand to hand, and everyone read its contents thoughtfully. Only one person expressed their thoughts about it without touching it.
"Who gave you this note?" asked Nikola Tesla.
"That person identified themselves as a scientist." Kurisu replied. "A strange guy in old-fashioned clothing. He claimed to be seen as a pawn in this game, but he wants to be the king. And he's so strange... you know, he can jump like thirty meters! I've never seen anything like it before..."
"Oh, I see..." Tesla smiled pensively.
"Do you... do you know him?" Kurisu was puzzled.
"Don't you find my face vaguely familiar?" Tesla asked.
"Well, actually..." Kurisu pondered. "You do remind me of someone..."
Harry glanced at the board held by Okabe. Harry shook his head.
"This Moriarty is obviously insane. He wants you to get into trouble. Do you understand that this board is an insult to everyone who opposes the Dark Lord?" she asked, pointing at the board.
"No, we don't understand," Okabe replied. "We don't know who this Dark Lord is and why he is so dark. We thought it was just a joke. We didn't mean to offend or anger anyone. We just wanted to find a way back to our world line."
"Your world line?" Ron asked, who had also read the note. "You're from another world? How is that possible?"
"It's a long story," Suzuha said. "We ended up here through a time machine invented by Okabe. But something went wrong, and we ended up not only in a different time but also in a different world. A world with magic and wizardry, the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix, and where you exist."
"A time machine?" Fred exclaimed. "That sounds interesting. How does it work?"
"That's a secret," Okabe said. "I can't reveal my secrets." He struck a theatrical pose and made a few dramatic hand gestures. "I am a mad scientist fighting against an evil organization that wants to take over the world. I am Hōin Kyōma!"
"Hōin Kyōma?" George queried. "Is that a name or a nickname?"
"That's my scientific name," Okabe explained. "I use it when conducting experiments or talking to my associates. It instills fear and respect. It's a name that will be remembered by everyone who hears it. It's a name that will become a legend!"
He chuckled in the end, mimicking the laughter of the mad scientists he had seen in movies and cartoons.
"Well, well..." Sirius smirked. "Aren't you a bit too self-assured, kid? You think you're so smart and great, but in reality, you're just a lost child playing with science. You don't know what you've gotten yourself into. You don't know who you're dealing with. You don't know what the Dark Lord is capable of and what he can do to you and your friends. You don't know the real danger and true fear. You know nothing."
"And do you know?" Okabe asked, not hiding his annoyance. "Do you know who I am and what I'm capable of? Do you know that I'm a genius who has transcended space and time? Do you know that I am the master of my own destiny and no one can dictate to me? Do you know that I am Hōin Kyōma and I fear no one and nothing?"
"That's enough!" intervened Professor McGonagall, who had also read the note. "Both of you are behaving like children. You don't understand the seriousness of the situation you're in. You weren't supposed to come here. You weren't supposed to show this board. You weren't supposed to talk about the time machine. You've broken numerous laws of the magical world, and you may pay for it. You must leave immediately and forget everything you've seen and heard. Otherwise, you're risking not only your lives but also the lives of everyone present here."
"Professor, please, don't drive them away," Harry pleaded. "They're not to blame for what happened to them. They just want to go back home. Maybe we can help them. Maybe we can find a way to send them back to their world. Maybe we can negotiate with Moriarty to cancel his plan."
"It's interesting why he brought you here to get our attention," Harry continued, addressing Kurisu.
"I'm not sure. In the note, he mentioned the Order of the Phoenix and the Dark Lord, but it wasn't clear what he wants from us" Kurisu replied, lowering her head in thought. "It seemed like he wanted us to take cover here."
"Take cover! Ha!" Moody growled. "Did you expect him to get a photo of the house himself! This was bound to happen! I bet he planned it for a purpose we know nothing about!" He slammed his fist on the table with force, causing everyone to jump. "Sorry. I hate being fooled."
"It could be a reconnaissance operation" Snape suggested, staring intently at Tesla.
"But we didn't find anything" Moody reacted. "They're clean."
"Or he's seeking allies for his sinister plans" Lupin added, leaning forward slightly.
"You shouldn't trust him too much until we know his true intentions" McGonagall warned, her stern gaze fixed on everyone.
"I'm ready to take this challenge and unravel his plans" Rintaro declared, rising from his chair and staring insistently at everyone present. "If he wants a fight, I'm prepared to give him a real battle."
"I'm with you! He's extremely dangerous" Suzuha cautioned, looking at Okabe with concern. "We need to stick together and not fall into his game."
"Exactly, we need to join forces and understand what he's up to" Harry agreed, looking at all his friends and new acquaintances. "If he's a Servant, you stand no chance against him."
"A Servant?" Okabe didn't understand. "What does it mean a Servant?"
"I am a Servant!" Jeanne stood up from her seat and aimed her sword at him, causing the three friends to startle in surprise.
Okabe looked in horror at the blade of the sword pointed at his chin and then, gathering himself, cautiously felt it.
"Sharp..."
"Servants are great heroes from all times." Hermione began to explain. "We summon them to battle for a mysterious artifact called the Holy Grail. We don't know what it is or what it looks like, but we know it possesses great power and can grant wishes."
"I see..." Makise gasped. "So, it wasn't just my imagination..." She glanced at Tesla. "Then who is she?"
Kurisu nodded towards Jeanne.
"Jeanne d'Arc... " Hermione stumbled. "An alternate version."
Kurisu's eyebrows shot up. Her mind wasn't ready for such an encounter. The three time travelers stood behind the table in a state of utter bewilderment and shock, until Okabe broke the hanging silence with an exclamation addressed to everyone.
"What horror is happening here?"
Emiya Kiritsugu stood in a dark room surrounded by candles and runes. In his hand, he held a dagger on which contract symbols were engraved. He gripped it tighter, feeling the blood dripping from his palm. He knew he needed a Servant who could stand against Voldemort and his allies, as well as King Arthur and his knights. He knew he needed a Servant who could kill anyone in their path. He knew he needed a Servant who would be loyal to him until the end. He knew he needed a Servant who would be a great assassin.
He recited the incantation that was supposed to summon his Servant. He hoped it would be someone from the legendary assassins, like Zoroaster, Scheherazade, or Jack the Ripper. He did not expect it to be someone he had never heard of.
A bright light erupted in the center of the circle, and from it emerged a figure in a black cloak and hood. They were tall and imposing, but their face was hidden in shadow. They held a large sword in their hand, radiating cold and death. They did not speak a word, but their presence filled the room with fear and awe.
Kiritsugu felt his heart stop. He didn't know who this was, but he felt that they surpassed all other assassins. He felt that they were closer to death than life. He felt that they were more than human, but less than a deity.
He tried to speak to them, but no sound came out. He understood that this was his Servant and that he had to bow and serve them. He understood that this was Hassan-i Sabbāh, the greatest of all assassins, and that he had no right to look into his eyes.
He fell to his knees, bowing his head. He felt the blade of his Servant's sword touch his neck and heard his voice, thunderous in the silence.
"You must understand that in my presence, you must choose your words carefully. I am Hassan-i Sabbāh, the great Servant of the Assassin class. I grow within the shadows and kill those who dare to live contrary to the grand Creator's plan. My mission is to fulfill the higher will, to be the harbinger of death for the disobedient. And I do all this without hesitation or fear. The executor of fate and executioner of the universe – that is who I am. And you, mortal, tell me about yourself. What meaningless dissatisfaction drives you in your soul? Open up your essence and purpose before me, so I can judge if your life is worthy of continuing."
Kiritsugu felt sweat trickle down his spine. He knew he couldn't lie or evade the answer. He knew he had to tell the truth, or he would die.
Summoning all his courage, he replied:
"It is I, Emiya Kiritsugu, a Master of the Assassins, a fighter for the Holy Grail. I need to stop Voldemort and his allies, to save the world from evil and chaos. I am willing to make any sacrifice for my mission, and I need your help, your support. I ask you to become my Servant."
For a moment, Hassan-i Sabbāh fell silent. He weighed Kiritsugu's words and decided that they were sincere and deserving of respect. He removed his sword from Kiritsugu's neck and said:
"So, you have chosen to accept me into your ranks. Very well, I agree to this contract, but know that if you lose faith in your purpose, a curse will befall you. Remember, I am neither your friend nor your ally. I am merely a tool, ready to obey and judge. If you show weakness or deviate from your principles, I will not hesitate to use my skills and end your existence. Once you ask me to do something that contradicts my faith or code, I will outright refuse without any regret. If you become an obstacle to my mission, I will dispose of you without hesitation, as it is the only way I affirm my steadfastness. These are the rules of the game, have you understood them all?"
Kiritsugu nodded. He understood that he had entered into a dangerous game, and that he needed to be cautious and resolute. He understood that he had obtained a great Servant, but also great responsibility. He understood that he needed to prove his worthiness, or he would perish.
He stood up and looked at his Servant. He saw how the blue flames in his eyes shone beneath the skull mask, hidden by the hood, and how his smile gleamed like a sharpened blade. He felt his soul tremble with fear and admiration. He said,
"Yes, I understand. I thank you for your choice and promise to be a faithful Master. I hope that we can achieve our goal and obtain the Holy Grail. I hope that we can collaborate and respect each other. I hope that we can be worthy of each other."
King Hassan silently nodded. Kiritsugu understood with relief - their contract was sealed.