-Chapter 7-

The night air was cool and crisp, wrapping around Narumi like a gentle embrace as she stood before Gilgamesh. The moonlight bathed him in a silver glow, accentuating the striking features of her husband. But there was something off, something different about him.

As an immortal sage, she could sense energies that normal people—or even Servants—couldn't perceive. Corruption lingered around him like a shadow, reminiscent of the darkness she had sensed in the church and the priest earlier. She had always been skeptical of the Grail, aware of the tainted whispers that echoed through Fuyuki. As she walked its streets, she felt the corruption that clung to so many places like a haunting specter. The Grail must be the source of this corruption. He had fought in the Fourth War, and now, despite everything, he was still here—tainted by its influence.

Narumi's heart pounded in her chest as she searched his face for the warmth she once knew, but all she found was an unsettling chill.

'Gil…' she began, hesitating as her mind raced. 'You have a physical body? You're not a Servant anymore?' She needed to understand what had happened to him in the last war.

Gilgamesh crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips, but his eyes betrayed impatience. "It's our long-awaited reunion, and you're just silent? What's the matter?"

"What happened to you?" Narumi's voice was barely above a whisper, laden with concern.

"Happened to me?" Gilgamesh chuckled, the sound deep and rich, but there was something cruel behind it. "I have simply... ascended beyond the petty concerns of this war. The Grail has granted me a new lease on life." His gaze flickered with amusement, as if the question itself was absurd. "You, of all people, should understand."

Narumi's heart sank at his words. So I was right—the Grail is corrupted, she thought, her mind racing with concern.

Narumi frowned, her heart sinking at his words. "This isn't you. You're... you're different. The Grail... it's corrupted you, hasn't it?"

He waved a hand dismissively, the smirk never leaving his face. "Corrupted? Hah! The Grail is nothing but a tool, Narumi. It cannot corrupt me. But it has given me life, allowing me to return even from the depths of defeat." His eyes narrowed, a possessive gleam flashing within them. "But you... you've been playing around with these mongrels for far too long. It's time to return to my side."

Narumi's breath caught in her throat. His tone was reminiscent of the Gilgamesh she loved, the confident and commanding king she had known, but this was not right. Something had twisted him, and this wasn't the reunion she had dreamed of.

"I can't just—" she started, but Gilgamesh cut her off, stepping forward to close the distance between them.

"You will, Narumi. You belong to me. You always have. And I won't let some... insects bind you." His smile widened, cold and possessive. "Come. Let us rule this world once more. The Grail is already within my grasp, and together, we will cleanse this world of its filth. Humans are not worthy anymore."

The gods were unworthy of worship, and these humans are unworthy of life." He stepped closer, his gaze burning with divine arrogance. "We liberated them once. Now, we must destroy what they have squandered."

Narumi felt a pang in her heart, torn between the love she still held for him and the darkness she sensed clinging to him. "I can't... Gil, I can't abandon the people I've sworn to protect. There's someone I need to save."

Gilgamesh's eyes darkened, the amusement fading into something more dangerous. "That girl... that tainted creature is the reason you've shackled yourself to these mongrels?" His voice dripped with disdain. "I won't allow it, Narumi."

She clenched her fists, her heart pounding in her chest. This was her husband, the man she had loved, but the corruption was clouding him.

"I won't abandon her, Gil. I won't let you dictate who I can and can't save. Not even you."

For a moment, something flickered in Gilgamesh's golden eyes—was it surprise or annoyance? Then, the smirk returned, though it didn't reach his eyes. "We shall see about that, my queen."

Before Narumi could respond, he threw something toward her. It glinted in the moonlight as it spun through the air—a staff.

"You're going to see Caster, aren't you?" he said, his tone suddenly cold. "I can't allow you to beg someone just for that tainted girl."

Narumi's heart sank. "Gil—" she started, but he had already turned away, leaving her standing there, staff in hand.

"Gilgamesh, wait!" She called after him, but he was already fading into the shadows.

He paused briefly, glancing back over his shoulder, his expression softening just a fraction. "You are my queen, Narumi. I will not stand idly by while you beg for assistance from others. You don't need them."

His words echoed in the night, laden with the weight of possessiveness and care, but before she could reach him, he vanished, leaving her alone with her thoughts—and the dagger that felt like a cruel reminder of their fractured bond.


Narumi stood in the stillness of the night, just outside the temple, at the very spot where she had spoken with Gilgamesh only moments ago. The air felt colder now, wrapping around her like a quiet warning. She looked up at the temple, its silhouette looming in the darkness like a guardian, watching over the leyline beneath it. Yet her thoughts were elsewhere—focused on the golden-haired king she once loved.

"So... Gilgamesh is here." She whispered the words aloud as if saying them would help her believe it. And the Grail is corrupted...

Her brows furrowed. The corruption clung to the city like a heavy fog—unnatural, festering in places like the church and temple. And yet, Gilgamesh himself was somehow immune. Or at least, he believed himself to be.

"He thinks he isn't corrupted," Narumi murmured, wrapping her arms around herself. But I can feel it... It's subtle, but it's there.

It was not like a curse or poison; it was a shift—a change that ran deeper. The Gilgamesh she knew, the one she had ruled alongside, was still in there... but something was different now, twisted. His love was now possessive, his confidence colder.

"Is this why I was summoned?" she wondered aloud. "To stop this? To set things right?"

She exhaled slowly, releasing the tension that had gathered in her chest. "It seems I have another goal."

She glanced down at the staff in her hand—the one Gilgamesh had handed to her before disappearing into the night. The staff, Painbreaker, glimmered faintly under the moonlight. Its smooth, dark silver coils wrapped elegantly around the length of the staff, leading up to the circular ring at its top, which shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow. The delicate ring seemed to hum softly in her grip, radiating a strange, soothing energy. It wasn't a weapon meant for battle—it was designed for precision, to dismantle bonds and heal what had been corrupted.

Painbreaker, Narumi thought with a small, ironic smile. His Gate of Babylon, huh?

There was a warmth in her heart as she stared at the staff, knowing that even in his current state, Gilgamesh had cared enough to give her this tool. He hated that she was focused on saving Sakura—he'd made that clear. Sakura isn't worthy, he had said. But even with his arrogance, he had chosen this staff for her, offering her a way to save the girl despite his disdain.

But alongside that warmth was conflict, because Gil was no longer the same. The corruption... it clung to him, altering him in ways she still couldn't fully comprehend.

I can't dwell on this right now, Narumi reminded herself, her gaze sharpening with resolve. I've been given a chance to save Sakura, and after that...

She smirked to herself, gripping the staff tighter.

"I'll save him too," she whispered with quiet determination, gripping the dagger tighter. "After all, I'm the queen."

A small smirk curled her lips, though her gaze remained distant, filled with old memories. "And if the king is no longer fit to rule..."

Her eyes gleamed with quiet resolve. "...Then it's my duty to set him right."


The cool night air hung outside the Emiya residence, but inside the living room, tension simmered between the two Masters and their Servants. Shirou sat with his hands folded on the table, his brows furrowed in frustration, while Saber stood silently by his side. Rin crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair, while Archer lounged near the window, his posture relaxed but his sharp gaze alert.

The quiet hum of the refrigerator filled the silence until Rin spoke, cutting to the point.

"Emiya-kun," Rin said seriously, her fingers tapping against the table, "There have been attacks across the city tonight. Several victims were found with their life force completely drained."

Shirou's hands clenched tightly, his frustration obvious. "So people are getting hurt because of this war." His voice was tight with anger. "We have to do something."

"Calm down," Rin warned, giving him a sharp look. "We can't just rush into things without knowing what we're up against."

"But we can't just sit here doing nothing!" Shirou shot back, his fists trembling.

Archer, still lounging by the window, gave a soft chuckle. "That's the problem with heroes—they never know when to be patient."

Rin ignored him and leaned forward, addressing Shirou. "We need to figure out who's behind these attacks first. We don't even know which Servant is responsible."

Archer chimed in, his tone casual. "Let's go over what we know so far. We've accounted for Saber, Rider, Lancer, Berserker, and me." He shrugged lazily. "And from what we saw at the temple, Caster and Assassin are holed up there."

Saber tilted her head slightly. "They're working together?"

Rin nodded. "Yes. Archer scouted the temple earlier. He saw a Servant guarding the gates—most likely Assassin. And only a Caster could create the bounded field that surrounds the entire mountain."

"The bounded field is intricate," Archer added, a slight edge in his voice. "It's not just a defensive barrier—it's sucking up the mana from the leyline beneath the temple."

Shirou looked confused. "Leyline?"

Rin sighed, rubbing her temples. "A leyline is a pathway of magical energy that flows through the earth. Mages tap into it to draw mana. Think of it like a natural reservoir."

"And Caster's tapped directly into it," Archer explained. "Which means she has as much mana as she needs. She doesn't have to rely on her Master at all."

Shirou frowned, processing the information. "So... if Caster has the leyline, she wouldn't need to drain people's life force, right?"

"Exactly," Rin confirmed. "Which leaves us with Rider."

Saber's fist slammed against the table, the force of the impact startling everyone. "Mother would never hurt innocent people!"

"Calm down," Rin said firmly, though her voice remained level. "I'm not accusing her. But she's the only one who fits."

She glanced at Saber. "She said her Master doesn't know what she's doing. So how is Rider supplying herself with mana?"

Saber's hands clenched in her lap, her knuckles white. She trusted her mother completely, but Rin's logic was hard to argue against.

"We don't even know who she is," Rin continued, leaning forward. "Unless you want to tell us, Saber?"

Shirou interjected, his voice firm. "Wait. But Rider saved us—more than once."

Rin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. But if not Rider, then who?" She narrowed her eyes at Saber. "We need to trust each other if we're going to get through this. So who is Rider, Saber?"

Saber glared. "Then tell us Archer's identity first."

Archer chuckled softly, amused by the exchange. "You're not getting much out of me. I don't even know who I am."

"What?" Saber blinked, genuinely surprised.

Rin groaned, exasperated. "Yes, it's true. Archer has amnesia. All I know is that he's good at projecting weapons, and..." She glanced at Archer with a frown. "...He seems to enjoy being difficult."

Archer smirked. "It's a gift."

Rin rubbed her temples again. "Alright. Fine. If Archer can't tell us, then it's your turn, Saber."

Saber hesitated, then let out a slow, reluctant sigh. "I am King Arthur."

The room fell into stunned silence.

"King Arthur?" Shirou repeated, staring at her in disbelief. "But... you're a woman."

Saber sighed deeply. "Yes. And that's exactly why I didn't want to tell you."

Rin shook her head, trying to process the revelation. "Okay, okay... You're King Arthur. But that still doesn't explain who Rider is. She can't be your mother—Igraine was married to Uther."

Saber shook her head. "Mother is different. Her legend far surpasses mine. She even predates my time."

"How would she know Heracles, then?" Rin asked, her curiosity piqued.

Saber took a deep breath. "Because my mother... is the Immortal Sage."

The weight of Saber's words hung heavy in the air. Rin, Shirou, and Archer stared at her in stunned silence.

"The Immortal Sage?" Rin whispered, almost to herself. "The one from Babylonian legend... and countless others?"

Saber gave a small nod. "Yes. She was also the queen of Gilgamesh."

"That explains everything," Archer muttered, his voice low with amazement. "No wonder she's so powerful."

Rin let out a long sigh, running a hand through her hair. "This changes everything..." She tapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. "If Rider really is the Immortal Sage, just who is her Master?"

"Mother told me she doesn't care about her Master," Saber said quietly. "She's here because she wants to save someone."

"Save someone?" Shirou asked, frowning. "Did she tell you who?"

Saber shook her head. "No. But whoever it is... it's important to her."

Shirou leaned forward, determination shining in his eyes. "Then we should talk to Rider first. If she really is the Immortal Sage, I don't think she's the one hurting people."

Rin sighed, feeling the weight of their situation. "Fine. But we still need to investigate the temple first. Caster and Assassin have fortified it, and it's basically a fortress now. If we're going to fight them, we'll need Saber. Her magic resistance will be crucial."

She stood up, stretching her arms. "Alright. That's enough for tonight. We'll head to the temple tomorrow. Everyone get some rest—we'll need it."

The tension in the room eased slightly, though uncertainty still lingered. The group dispersed, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges—and more questions.


Narumi returned to the Matou residence, her senses immediately assaulted by the overwhelming stench of decay and corruption that clung to the air. The place was a festering wound, more repulsive than even the taint she had sensed from the Grail. She glanced at the dark windows of the mansion, her eyes hardening as she formulated her plan.

This place is beyond saving... she thought grimly. More foul than anything I've ever sensed. It needs to be wiped from existence.

The staff, Painbreaker, felt cool against her hand as she moved silently through the estate. It was the key to destroying the crest worms inside Sakura, to freeing her from Zouken's grasp. But the task wouldn't be easy. Zouken would never let Sakura go willingly, and Narumi knew she had to act quickly and decisively.

He won't give her up without a fight, she thought, her gaze hardening. I need to destroy every single one of those wretched worms. And Zouken himself... he won't be able to escape.

She summoned her clones, watching as they dispersed around the property, weaving through the shadows. Each clone worked swiftly, carefully placing seals to ensure no one could leave once the battle began. Zouken and his foul magic would be trapped within these walls. There would be no escape this time.

Finally... I can save her.

She took a moment to check on the clone she had left with Shinji. As expected, Shinji was the same as always—plotting, arrogant, completely unaware of the impending storm. "What a waste," Narumi thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Always planning, but never seeing the bigger picture."

Finally, she made her way to Sakura's room. The air was still, heavy with the weight of her unspoken plans. Narumi materialized beside Sakura, her presence gentle but firm.

With a shimmer of light, Narumi materialized beside the bed.

Sakura blinked in surprise, her wide eyes meeting Narumi's. "Rider...?"

Narumi knelt down beside her, offering a gentle smile. "It's me, Sakura."

Sakura sat up, her expression wary but hopeful. "Why are you here?"

Narumi reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Sakura's face. "I finally have a way to save you."

Sakura's eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked as though she wanted to believe it—but then fear crept in. "But... my grandfather... he won't let me go. He'll come after you, Rider. He'll... he'll kill you."

Narumi's expression softened, her voice calm but resolute. "I've made preparations, Sakura. Zouken won't be able to stop me. I'll take care of everything. All I need is for you to trust me."

Sakura's lips trembled, her hands clutching the blanket. "I don't... I don't know if I can believe it. He's too powerful."

Narumi moved closer, gently taking Sakura's hand in hers. "You're stronger than you realize, Sakura. You've endured so much, but you've never given up. That strength will carry you through this."

Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes as she gripped Narumi's hand tightly, her knuckles white. "But... but if something happens to you... I can't..."

Narumi smiled softly, her eyes warm despite the gravity of the situation. "Nothing will happen to me," she said, her voice soothing and full of reassurance. "I've been through worse, and I'll make it through this too. For you."

Sakura bit her lip, her shoulders trembling as she tried to hold back her emotions. "Just... don't hurt Shinji," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please, Rider. He's all I have left... even if he—"

Narumi sighed deeply, her heart aching at the request. She could sense Sakura's deep, conflicted emotions—her love for her brother, twisted and stained by the cruelty of the world around them. She could see the pain in Sakura's eyes, the self-loathing and guilt that weighed her down.

"Sakura," Narumi began softly, "I understand. I know it's hard to see the good in Shinji when he's treated you this way. But... I won't hurt him, not unless I absolutely have to. I'll do my best to protect you both."

Sakura's breath hitched, her voice trembling with unshed tears. "I don't deserve this... I'm tainted, Rider. I... I can't be saved."

Narumi's chest tightened, and she reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Sakura's face. "Don't ever say that," she said firmly, her voice filled with a quiet intensity. "You are worth saving, Sakura. No matter what you've been through, or what's been done to you—you are not tainted. You are stronger than you know."

Tears finally spilled over as Sakura shook her head, her voice breaking. "But... I don't want them to know. I don't want Rin or Senpai to find out... They can't know. I don't want them to pity me."

Narumi's heart broke at the words. She could see how deeply Sakura's shame ran, how much she had hidden behind her quiet, broken facade. She pulled Sakura into a gentle embrace, holding her close as she spoke.

"I won't tell them," Narumi whispered, her voice tender but resolute. "If that's your wish, I'll keep it between us. But I promise you this—I will find a way to save you, no matter what it takes."

She hesitated, her next words carrying a gentle warning. "But when I get you out of this place, Rin and Shirou will know you're my Master. They may figure out some things... but not everything. Not the things you want to keep hidden. I'll make sure of that."

Sakura tensed in her arms, fear flickering in her eyes, but Narumi's embrace tightened, offering comfort and reassurance. "I'll protect you, Sakura," she murmured. "Even from the truth you're afraid of."

Sakura clung to Narumi, her body trembling with the weight of her emotions. "Thank you... thank you so much..."

Narumi stroked her hair gently, her eyes softening. "You don't need to thank me, Sakura. You've been through enough. It's time for someone to look after you."

After a moment, Narumi gently pulled away and placed a protective clone by Sakura's side. "This will keep you safe while I deal with what needs to be done," she said quietly. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Sakura looked at the clone, then back at Narumi, her eyes filled with gratitude and fear. "Please... be careful."

Narumi smiled, giving her hand one final squeeze. "I will. Rest now, Sakura. You're safe."

With that, Narumi stood and left the room, her resolve steeled. There was still much to do, and the time for action was drawing near. She would save Sakura, no matter the cost.


The day had passed uneventfully—too uneventfully. They hadn't seen Rider, nor had they learned anything new from their patrol through the district. With no new clues about the attacks, frustration weighed heavily on Shirou's mind as they returned to the Emiya residence.

Later that night, Shirou decided to continue practicing his magecraft. Rin always teased him about his so-called workshop—mocking it as a "pathetic excuse" for a magus's sanctuary—but Shirou didn't care. This was where he tried to grow stronger. It was where he pushed himself, even if he lacked talent.

Inside the cramped space, he stood surrounded by old tools, practice weapons, and scattered notes. Saber was by his side, silently observing.

"Saber, you can go now," Shirou said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I still want to practice a bit longer."

Saber's gaze lingered on him for a moment, her eyes filled with quiet concern. "I can see that my presence here is a distraction." Her voice was gentle, as always. "Please try not to push yourself too hard."

"I won't. Goodnight, Saber."

She gave a slight nod. "Goodnight." With that, Saber turned and left, her quiet footsteps echoing through the hall.

Shirou kept practicing, the steady hum of magical circuits pulsing through his body. But fatigue crept in. He leaned against the wall for just a moment—and before he knew it, sleep took him.

It felt like no time had passed when he woke with a start. His eyes shot open, but instead of his familiar workshop, he was somewhere else entirely.

"What...?" His breath hitched as he scanned his surroundings. The air was cold and still. Stone pillars loomed in the dim light, casting long shadows across the space.

His heart sank. He knew this place.

"Ryudo Temple?"

"Yes, that's right."

A smooth, silken voice answered him, and from the shadows emerged a woman. Her flowing robes shimmered like liquid sapphire, draping elegantly around her slender form. Her pale skin seemed to glow under the faint moonlight, and her midnight-black hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. Long earrings glimmered at her ears, and in her hand, she held a curved staff topped with an intricate design.

Her beauty was undeniable, but it carried an unsettling edge—her eyes gleamed with cold calculation, and her soft smile was laced with cruelty.

Shirou's heart pounded in his chest. "Caster..."

She gave a soft, amused chuckle. "Ah, I see you know me. How flattering."

Shirou tried to move, but his body refused to obey. It felt as though invisible chains bound his limbs, holding him in place. Panic swelled in his chest.

"What's going on? Why can't I move?"

"Because you're in my domain, little magus," Caster said, tilting her head playfully. "You should be honored—I don't often go to the trouble of personally greeting my visitors."

Shirou gritted his teeth, struggling in vain against the unseen bonds. "Are you going to kill me?"

Caster smiled, her expression almost affectionate. "Kill you? No, no. That would be such a waste." She waved her hand dismissively. "If I killed you, I wouldn't be able to drain your mana."

Her tone was casual, as if she were discussing the weather. "I admit, I did kill a few by accident at first—such a pity. But I've since perfected the technique. Now I can drain just enough to keep you alive."

"So it was you," Shirou said, anger bubbling in his voice. "You're the one behind the attacks in the district."

Caster gave a soft, mocking laugh. "Oh, you didn't know?" Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I thought you would have figured it out by now."

Shirou's glare deepened. "You even involved innocent people..."

"Yes, yes, such a tragedy." Caster gave a theatrical sigh, as though mourning a small inconvenience. "But these things happen, don't they?"

Her smile sharpened, and she took a step closer. "Let's not dwell on the details. We've talked long enough, haven't we?"

She lifted her staff, and a sinister gleam flickered in her eyes. "Now... let's get those command spells off you, shall we?"

"What...?!" Shirou's heart raced as he struggled desperately to move. "Caster! Don't—!"

Caster gave a soft, amused hum, as if savoring his fear. "You really are amusing, little magus."

In one smooth motion, she conjured a dagger from thin air. The blade shimmered like liquid silver, its surface etched with strange runes that pulsed with dark magic. The curved hilt felt ancient, almost sacred.

Shirou's blood ran cold.

"This won't hurt much." Caster's voice was soft, almost kind, as she leaned closer.

Without hesitation, Caster plunged the dagger into Shirou's hand, right where the command spells were etched into his skin.

A searing pain shot through him as the runes on his hand glowed fiercely, struggling against the dagger's magic. Shirou gritted his teeth, biting back a scream, but the pain was unlike anything he'd ever felt.

"There we go," Caster murmured as the glowing runes began to unravel, the command spells cracking like shattered glass under the influence of Rule Breaker.

Shirou's vision blurred, the world spinning around him as the last of the magical resistance crumbled.

"Goodnight, little magus," Caster whispered, a smile curving her lips.

The last thing Shirou saw was the faint shimmer of his broken command spells, flickering away into the darkness—before everything went black.


-end-