Fate Coiling Sword Chapter 24: Eerie Future (Patreon)

Beta read by Shigiya and Darklord331

So... Bit of a bad news but I'll have to delay the snafu chapter for a bit more. Just to save time, I've already started the An Archer's Promise Chapter which will be the next update.

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-Fuyuki-


The day commenced with an early, tranquil atmosphere, accompanied by the cool dawn and the melodic chirping of birds, setting the stage for his usual daily routine. His plans were centered around assisting senior students with their projects, a commitment he intended to honor despite all the challenges and broken equipment Issei failed to mention. This on top of the cafe, unfolded into a chaotic scene, with students struggling to maintain order and malfunctioning appliances adding to the frenzy. 


Yet, without warning, he found himself thrust into what felt like an impending battlefield, with Sakura, Rin, and Ayako simultaneously entering the scene. Positioned at the rear, he shot quizzical glances at Rider, attempting to decipher her intentions. The woman had also effectively captured the attention of nearly all the men, intensifying the palpable tension.


"I didn't know you worked here. Then again," Ayako commented with a wry smile, "it suits you."


A deadpan expression adorned Shirou's face as he regarded the girl. "You literally hung out with Tohsaka in Copenhagen; you shouldn't be surprised if I'm working in a similar establishment." His gaze shifted between both girls, noting Rin's subtle glances toward Sakura. The latter, once shy and flustered, now bore an expressionless face.


“...” 


He recognized that face, but unfortunately… this wasn't the best place to ask any questions. “Alright, why don't you come in, there is a table for two at the back there. Don't mind Issei, he's just happy to see you, Tohsaka.”


“Don't put words in my mouth, Emiya!” Came his voice in the background before he returned to handle his duties.


“I'm sure he is, Emiya-kun.” The twin-tailed girl huffed, walking by him with her face preoccupied with something clearly. “You seem very close to Sakura, are you two perhaps…” 


“In a relationship?” He finished her phrase, the blue-haired girl flinching by his side, her behavior further noted by the redhead. Strange, he had known Sakura for years and he'd never seen her interact with Rin previously. But there obviously was some connection between both of them. Perhaps both families were quite close, given they were all from a lineage of magecraft users. Their ancestors were also involved in the creation of the Holy Grail system as well, most likely these two had some possible feud going on between them. 


A bit hard to believe with Sakura given her gentle personality.


“Sakura is a close friend of mine. We've known each other for years, she regularly visits my house and we do spend a lot of time together.” More than just a few years ago, he met the girl soon after being taken by Kiritsugu, and wouldn't be wrong to say he knew her for his entire life so far. “You know each other?” 


“... Kinda.” The girl sighed, not saying anything to the Matou as she passed by her, though he heard her faint voice mutter, “At least it's better than being around that Shinji.” 


“Eh? What's up with the strange tension here?” Ayako commented, taking a couple of pictures of Shirou while he wasn't paying attention, much to his dismay. “Come on, just smile for the picture, it's not every day I see you in such clothes.” 


“Ayako…” 


“Ah, I'm just messing with you, Emiya.” The brunette smirked with a large grin on her face before going over to Sakura. A completely opposite demeanor than what Rin showed, one that made it hard to ignore “Hiya, nice to meet you! I'm Mitsuzuri Ayako, this dense head and I am part of the archery club. What's your name?” 


Sakura was taken aback by the radiance of the strange girl's face, she did not miss how close these two were with each other. Strange, he never heard him talk about her before… though Shirou rarely ever spoke about his day at school and mostly kept things vague. 


“Matou… Sakura.” Despite being taken aback, she answered with a silent voice. 


“Matou?” The name immediately rang a bell within Ayako’s mind. However, it didn't take long for her to draw the lines between the two people, especially with the shade of hair color. “Ah! You're related to Shinji?” Pointing her finger, she exclaimed in shock as Sakura hesitantly nodded her head. 


“Y-Yes… he's my brother.” 


“That sleazebag actually had a sister as cute as you? And you're Emiya's girlfriend? No wonder he's always so cranky, you got good taste, why did you have to hide it from me, Emiya?” As Sakura's face turned red at her teasing, Shirou rubbed his temples. “So you came here to check out this guy, right? Join us for a drink or two, don't worry, I'll cover the bill! Sheesh, you're so shy and the complete opposite of that guy, tell me… any embarrassing story about him I can use as blackm— uh… I mean for teasing? He's been getting on my nerves with how frequently he keeps checking me and the other girls out in the club and I need something better than just beat him up.


“I-I d-don’t think—”


“Ah, you also look to be around my age, so it shouldn't be long before you go to Homurahara High School, so let's take the opportunity to get to know each other.” 


Overwhelmed, that became the sensation she felt while facing the extremely friendly Ayako. So forward that she completely forgot the itching sensation within her heart when she saw how close the girl was with Shirou. 


Without even letting the Matou scioness give an answer, she pulled the girl’s hand and dragged her along towards the table where Rin looked outside the window with a strange expression on her face. Sakura looked back at the boy, her eyes begging for him to do something but the only response she got was a thumbs up similar to what Rider showed her. ‘Not you too, Senpai!’ 


As both of the girls went to their seats with Rin waiting for them, a weird expression on her face as Ayako brought Sakura along. Shirou turned to face Rider and get an explanation of why she brought Sakura here in the first place. 


If it was the latter's decision then he could understand. But much to his surprise, the woman was nowhere in sight nor was she present on the seat she sat on before. “Just where did you go?” 


"I'm right here," a soft, woman's voice whispered sensually behind him, sending a delightful shiver down his spine and tickling his ears with an enchanting melody. The unexpected utterance had the boy on the verge of a startled leap, the sudden intrusion momentarily disrupting the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat.


“Rid—Med!” He exclaimed, giving the woman a squinted glare as felt she did that on purpose. 


Truth be told, he was a bit worried this entire time off whether or not Rider would get along well with Sakura. Those two have never met and Sakura in general not being the warmest person to any strangers in the first place. He just wanted there to be someone who could keep her company and safe just in case he wasn't there—now looking at the table of three girls in the background talking to each other, even though Rin and Sakura hadn't uttered a word to one another afterward and left mostly Ayako to do all the speaking and talking.


“Don't just jump in like that without telling me! You’ll give me a heart attack if you keep it up. “


He patted his chest, calming down his heartbeat as the Servant looked around the shop and him with curiosity. “This place looks very… unique.” She said with the same tone of voice which made him sigh, knowing the intentions behind those words. 


“You don’t have to lie to me, Med. This place falls short in many aspects – the hasty preparation, and the numerous malfunctioning pieces of equipment due to neglectful maintenance. It's nothing short of a miracle that everything has been running smoothly so far.”


He couldn't ignore the lingering gazes from the students still in the midst of serving customers, accompanied by hushed whispers and dazed expressions. The boys, in particular, seemed transfixed by Rider's beauty, perhaps even in disbelief and curiosity at her identity. However it seemed like she noticed and once again took a seat, hiding her figure from prying eyes. Surprisingly, Shirou wasn't bothered by his Servant's presence; instead, it brought a smile to his face, seeing her behave more outgoing and less reserved around him. Though subtle, progress was evident.


“Why did you bring Sakura here?” he inquired, trusting his classmates to man the kitchen while he occupied the counter for a bit.


‘I stay true to my orders to protect her, but I'm also a Servant who needs to be near you at all times, Master. This seemed the best possible solution I could come up with,’ her voice resonated within his mind, and once again, he nearly jumped at the unexpected telepathic communication. 

 

“You're doing this deliberately aren't you…” He mostly stated then asked. Knowing full well this woman is more mischievous then her personality protrays her to be. The only answer he got was a slight nonchalant shrug, acting innocent as if she didn't understand what he was talking about.


There were many details he was still in the dark about the Servants and the abilities they possessed. If the dream he'd seen a couple of days ago had to indicate anything, then it just proved to him they were still much needed to learn to become a proper Master. For now, he added telepathy to the list of special perks available to him.


“By the way, given that Rin is here, aren’t you worried that she might figure out that your a Servant?” As much as he liked how open she was with hanging out with her physical body. He still wanted to be conscious enough for any person versed in Magecraft and potential Master to not catch onto both his real identity and his status as a Master. 


“I know. I'll be careful… but I don't believe she's going to notice anything for now.” She gestured at the trio in the back, Ayako being the life of the group as she tried to create an ambiance between both girls. Rin, while trying to keep a normal face, could not hide the awkwardness along with Sakura having not once looked at anyone but the cup on the table. “That girl is trying too hard.”


“That's the kind of person Ayako is. She won't stop until those two start having fun.” He couldn't help but chuckle, glad to see those three together. Despite Rin's popularity in school with her highly regarded reputation by the general students — she was never actually seen interacting much with anyone than more necessary. From the background he'd seen her come early, attend all classes with near excellent grades, and leave as soon as the bell rang. 


Not that she was particularly cold towards anyone, just that people seemed to be rather intimidated by her for some reason despite her social outlook. Not that he ever understood that kind of mentality, even with the knowledge of her being Magus never really put any sort of caution within him. 


He feared Bazett’s fists far more than any kind of Magecraft Rin wielded. Even remembering  the impact behind those attacks made him turn green and lightheaded. No different from getting slammed by a truck going full speed… that scary gorilla woman. 


“The only friend Rin ever hung out with consistently is Ayako as far as I recall. Sakura I barely know much about her life in school, though from outside observation she's rather reserved — so having someone like Ayako around is good for them.” He said while wiping the glasses at the sink, Rider had sat beside him and observed the girls. 


“What about your relationship with them, Master?” She asked out of the blue. 


He gave her a weird look, “Me? Well, that's easy to answer, Rin and I could barely be called acquaintances as our interactions basically boil down to saying hello every morning. Ayako is just very friendly with everyone, though it's clear she's trying to earn favors from me to bring her along in one of my nightly patrols. And for Sakura, she's a close friend who I'm looking after.” 


“...Friends? Acquaintances?” Even with the blindfold on, he could tell the woman raised her eyebrows, looking at him inquisitively with a small head tilt. 


As for Rider, she knew there were a few loose screws with her Master, but this genuinely made her want to sigh. Even with her vision locked away, she could perceive the many signs and blatantly obvious clues left behind by those girls. That Rin girl though silent threw a few glances on occasions at her Master and other hints of her behavior around him did not paint the attitude of an acquaintance. Of course, it also did not feel like genuine love, at least having not reached that point yet. The brunette on the other hand had been very obvious, she did not seek a mere friendship and held some feelings for him, that she was certain. 


As for Sakura… there only existed a thin line of sanity that prevented her from just taking him. That desire grew rampant whenever he had his guard down, from either sleeping as she came to wake him up or coming out of the shed without his shirt. How he never noticed those signs was as big of a mystery to her as True Magic. 


“You are… very blind, Master.” 


“Said the one with a blindfold.” He replied instantly, throwing a dry gaze at the purple-haired beauty. “And how exactly am I blind?” 


“...” The Servant stayed silent for a few seconds, considering telling him these facts to his face. But unfortunately, the likelihood of him not even taking them seriously was high and she didn't want him to misunderstand Sakura's intentions. Though Rider has no idea why that girl behaved like that, there must have been a reason behind it. So rather than answer him, she brought up another matter that caught her eyes. “Those girls aren't the only Magi in the cafe.” 


“—!” 


Cold sweat started to accumelate on Shirou's forehead at Med's response before he turned around to look around the counter to find a person standing there. It was the hooded figure he had spoken to previously. The same girl that was around his age, who possessed striking features despite half of her face being hidden by the piece of cloth. Shirou nearly felt his heart come to a standstill as he failed to notice the girl approaching the counter without so much as making a sound. As he looked sideways, Rider was once again nowhere to be seen. 


The Heroic Spirit has left him all on his own to interact with this person. 


‘I am still here,’ she said, her voice coming soundly within his mind. Since she mentioned that the other party was a Magus, perhaps this was why she disappeared? Unfortunately, Shirou never got an answer to his question as the young girl kept giving him stern stares. 


‘Don't tell me she found out!’ 


That was the worst-case scenario, the last thing he wanted was for news of a Servant having been already summoned to spread amongst the Magi population in Fuyuki. With the Holy Grail War around the corner, he expected there to be more of them present. Already Bazett was present and this woman's presence just ended up reinforcing that idea.


"How may I assist you?" Despite his stressed state, Shirou maintained a polite demeanor, blending professionalism with courtesy as he scrutinized the girl. Beyond her attire, an unease settled over him, an indescribable sensation lingering beneath the surface.


"A-Ah, sorry to disturb you but… but I was trying to get your attention but you seemed busy so I came here…" she said shyly, her tone completely catching him off guard. “I-I’ll wait, sorry I was impatie—”


“It's fine.” He hastily responded, seeing the girl get more apologetic made him feel really bad. “It's my fault, I was too distracted!” 


“No no, you don't have to apologize! I can see the place is very busy and I understand.” 


“You're too polite.” 


“I'm just stating facts.” 


The two kept going back and forth, having Waver look behind in confusion at what was going on back there. 


Seeing this conversation going nowhere and fearing that it would further make the air between them more awkward, Shirou decided it'd be best to just let it go and ask the girl what she wanted. 


"Ah, yes, I wanted to order another Roarin' Raspberry Macchiato. Tropical Toucan Cheesecake, Meow Mix Matcha Smoothie, and a Zebra Striped Zest cookie," she listed one dessert after another until it dawned on him that she had practically ordered half the menu. His initial worry shifted to a new concern, even Fuji-nee didn't consume so much food and sugar. Either both this person and that man over there had an incredibly sweet tooth or she had a big appetite. 


“…Are you sure you two will be able to eat all of this? Unless you want me to pack them up for you?" His eyes caught a gleam as she eyed some dessert plates leaving the kitchen, predominantly cakes, and pastries he had crafted in abundance earlier on. Despite his offer to pack the excess, she shook her head, her response suggesting an unexpected appetite.


Feeling remorseful for his earlier suspicions, he decided to apologize in his own way. Handing her a box, he placed it on the counter, addressing her with sincerity. "I just remembered, we have too many leftover pieces from our previous service and plenty of cakes that need to be sold or disposed of promptly. You liked my cooking, didn't you?" 


Gray hesitated at first but nodded. "Then how about this: I'll give you a special gift, a few extra pieces of cake, and half of everything you ordered for free. You don't have to feel pressured to eat everything; enjoy them at your leisure." Her widened eyes conveyed disbelief and gratitude, overwhelming him despite her rather stoic exterior. 


‘I know my recipes are good, but I never expected such a reaction from anyone other than Fuji-nee. Does the Clock Tower not have competent bakers?’ This realization dealt a blow to his perception of the organization.


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Gray hadn't anticipated much from this place. Having spent her time in Central London under Waver's guidance, she grew accustomed to the daily tasks of buying groceries and bread every morning at the closest shop. 


Although Japan, particularly Fuyuki, surprised her, she wasintrigued by the cafe's outward appearance. Stepping inside, she remembered witnessing a chaotic scene unfold but chose to leave it to those managing the establishment. The first taste surprised her and left the girl wanting more, though she hesitated to approach the boy initially. Yet the longer she kept getting ignored the more irritated a part of hers became until without even realizing Gray found herself facing the golden brown-eyed boy


Safe to say, he was… kind. It became quickly obvious he wasn't one to take an apology from her side. The knowledge that he was the one who cooked and baked all of this made her impression of him rise even further. 


"I looked away for one minute and you've returned with a tower of boxes,” Waver commented, observing his apprentice's return with a giant smile. "This is the first time I've seen you eat as much.” 


“I got all of this for free,” she said with an unnoticeable upbeat tone. 


“Eh? He just gave it to you like that?” His reaction to her statement made her confirm it once again. “Let me have a look.” 


The man opened the box, looking at the inside with a squint stare as he first smelled some of the pastries and observed it closely. Gray looking at him from her seat first grew speechless at his actions before she realized what he was trying to do. 


“I don't think it's poisoned, Sir.” 


Unfortunately for her, skepticism still showed up on his face. “There might be a bomb inside.” 


“... I don't think he even knows you are a Magus, he might not even be one and just holds the name.” Despite being new to the Supernatural world in general, her tutelage under Waver gave her some basic knowledge of certain individuals from the past. Many of them being the Masters in the fourth Holy Grail War and the Magus Killer specifically. Just hearing some of the actions committed by that person made it hard to associate the kind boy with him in any way. 


“Plus the cake is too small to fit a bomb.” She said while taking a sip of her second glass of smoothie. 


“You never know, technology has come a long way and it doesn't hurt to be cautious.” 


Just how paranoid was her mentor with this boy just because he shared the name Emiya? As the clock ticked and night approached, Waver started to concede as his headache grew from the lingering paranoia. He continued to observe the boy while contemplating whether to open the boxes or save the treat for next time. 


Just like she alluded to, the image of the Magus Killer just did not fit the kid. He was very kind and smiled when interacting with every customer. Not a single aspect reminded him of that cold-blooded assassin, the complete opposite demeanor, and personality that further made him feel like a fool. This trip to Japan made him far too cautious and it impacted his judgment, he needed to cool down. 


“I guess it's time to leave, we shouldn't keep the McKenzie's waiting.” He noticed how the Tohsaka heir engaged in a conversation with a brunette, Waver acknowledged that this wasn't the opportune moment for such discussions, considering the Second Owner hadn't recognized him. 


Approaching the counter, he found Shirou still present, and feeling apologetic, he approached with a small smile. "Good morning. Thanks for the boxes you've given to Gray. That was very kind of you." He replied, feeling the tremor from before having nearly disappeared. His past trauma not showing its ugly head anymore as he conversed with the redhead. 


"It wasn't anything. I just gave it to her since we have plenty in the kitchen, and it would have gone to waste anyway," Shirou replied, “I'm glad she liked it, if you want more in the future then feel free to find me at another place called Copenhagen. I only worked here for a class event today.” 


Gray walked around Waver to face Shirou, an uncharacteristically cute poute on her face, “You told me those pastries you gave me were from leftovers you couldn't sell previously.” 


A cheeky grin formed on his face, he face blushing at the sight. “Heh, sorry about that, I lied.” 


“...” 


The girl shot him a slightly stern glare again, but it made her cuter. 


“You don't need to do that, we'll pay for it next time.” 


“Glad to hear there will be a next time.” He added. “I'll be waiting for you then in Copenhagen. The atmosphere is different and much more relaxing, I'm sure you'll like it.” 


Indeed, the more he spoke the more convinced Waver became of his current judgment. This boy held no similarities with the Magus Killer whatsoever, most likely just someone who shared the same last name. 


"I realized that I was a bit impolite previously and didn't even get to introduce myself. I'm Waver Velvet. Pleased to meet you.” He extended his hand which Shirou gladly shook. “We are new to this town and came to spend some time during our vacation — this is my… disciple, Gray. I'll be sure to stop by the establishment more often; the food is amazing, some of the best I've had,"


{Break}


(An hour later)


"See? It wasn't as bad as you made it out to be and we didn't die.” Outside the cafe, both Waver and Gray bid their goodbyes to the red-headed boy before heading their way back to their destination. 


“I've noticed you've been vouching for him quite a bit. Should I be worried that he managed to earn your trust through food alone? It;s honestly surprising, I must say. But then again, I can't fault you for that. His cooking tastes on par with Reines’s own personal chef,  even better? But I digress. I had fun, and that's all that matters." 


Gray remained silent, not even denying his little joke about her being won over by a few dishes while she munched on one of the treats. The duo made their way through town, passing through old streets that held memories for the man while he observed the many changes around them. Fuyuki had indeed stayed mostly the same, with neighborhoods farther away from the center retaining the same aesthetic. The closer he got to his destination, the more nervous he became. 


The Magus still remembered the first day he met the elderly couple. Informed that they were foreigners from Canada who had established themselves in Japan for a few decades, they had a son who fell out of contact with them and left a void in their hearts — a weakness he took advantage of without hesitation in the past.


"Now that I think about it, I was quite a fool back then. Just to avoid paying for a hotel, I took advantage of these people's misery and brainwashed them into thinking that I was their grandchild who came here to visit. But I am also grateful that I did, as I am sure that I stayed in a hotel, I would have had a bullet in my head within a few hours coming here." He chuckled, a morbid thought but one that made sense when favoring the contestants present during that war. 


"You must be happy to see them again. I've seen you sending quite a few letters to the same address in Fuyuki, so you've kept in touch with them, haven't you, sir?"


"Yes, I have. And to be honest, even with that, I still feel quite nervous. These people have done so much for me, and here I come back again, taking advantage of their generosity once more." 


As he drew closer to the house, Waver came to a stop as he found an elderly gentleman walking through the street. Holding a bag of groceries with a head filled with more white hair than he recalled, a few more wrinkles, and a slightly slanted posture. Time started to catch up to him, and the sight alone made Waver release a dispondent sigh. Despite having seen and experienced countless tragedies and chaotic events as a Magus, this sight alone greatly impacted his emotions. 


Not like he could help them in that regard, best to keep them as far away from any elements to Magecraft and not put them in unwanted trouble.


“Let me help you with those!” before he could announce himself to the older man, someone else beat him to it. “What did I tell you about lifting heavy stuff like these without help, Glen! You want me to drag to the hosipital for dislocating your shoulder again!?” 


A rather rambunctious woman, with brown hair and eyes wearing a black striped yellow shirt with an open vest on top of it. He stood there, his hand extended intending to help the old man but now awkwardly wondering what he should do. Would it be rude for him to intrude? 


“Taiga-chan, I told you that it was an unfortunate accident. I can handle such things on my own. Just because Martha is not feeling well lately doesn't mean I'm sick as well.” 


“Stop being stubborn!” 


She was indeed very persistent in helping the old man, admirable and cute in a way. Not that he would say it out loud at a stranger, even his apprentice would give him a weird look if those words left his mouth. 


“Um,” Still no words left him, Gray observing him and his next course of action, blending with the background as he stood out like a sore thumb. Perhaps it was for the better, from the looks of it they were under good care. Closing his eyes, the man took a deep breath as his outstretched hand came back down. 


“Sir?” 


“Let's go back, let's not disturb th—?” Before he could leave, a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed onto his shoulders. “Eh?” 


“Oi, you've been staring at us for a while… got some business with the old man?” That woman's voice sounded behind him, turning around, Waver came to face the one he heard Glen address as Taiga. Taller than Gray and a face that looked very familiar now that he got a better look. 


‘She looks familiar… not only that, the way she talks…’


“You look familiar.” The woman said, paralleling his thoughts out loud. He gazes at him growing more intense as she looks at him from different angles. “Weird, you don't look Japanese, and I would have remembered meeting someone as tall as you.” 


She wasn't the only one who paid close attention to him. 


“W-Waver?” Glen at the back whispered, the name spoken with disbelief and joy, lips twitching upwards as he stared at the person he had nearly failed to recognize. “Is that… is that really you?” 


Of course, Glen wouldn't recognize him, he realized that his current self looked far too different than his younger self. Other than the hair, his height alone had grown exceptionally. The letters they exchanged with each other he never attached any pictures of himself. On more than one occasion did he consider the option to fly the couple to London and buy them a house in the countryside where they could live peacefully. Almost went with the plan as he heard the news about the upcoming Fifth Holy Grail War and was not willing to put them in danger. But Glen and Martha shot down his suggestions in the letters, stating they were content living in Fuyuki. 


But even now, more so than ever he couldn't exactly let go of that nagging worry. He had to keep them safe.


He extended his hands to Gray, the latter nodding and placing one of the boxes of pastries. “Who else can it be other than me? I kept my promise and came back to visit, and I brought some treats with me. Hope you and Martha will like it.” 


Gesturing to the girl next to him, “This is Gray, she's like my disciple of sorts and assistant.” 


Even though he tried to hold it in, the old man couldn't hide the teary eyes. “Hahaha… for a second I thought that Martha and I became great grandparents.” He chuckled, a laugh shared by Waver as well. “Ah, how rude of me as well, this woman right here is Fujim—”


“Ah! I remember now!” 


Pa!


A rather strong palm struck Waver's back, the force almost sending him tumbling to the ground. His frown broke down into shock as the brunette pointed her finger at him. 


“You're that wimpy kid from before who couldn't run!” 


“Who are you calling wimpy!?” 


For the first time in a while, a flustered expression covered his face as he shouted back at the energetic woman. “—!?” Then it hit him out of nowhere, her face replaced by the ghostly image of a young teenage high school girl with a ponytail he had encountered a long while ago. A stubborn girl who wouldn't stop helping people, dragging him into ridiculous scenarios just to catch a wine thief and save a dog of all things!


He pointed back at her, her grin opposite to his teeth grinding against one another — mostly due to the pain behind her slap. Just how strong was this woman!?


“You!”


“Ah, you also remember me too!” Taiga replied with more energy, her eyes shining to the point that even Gray felt uncomfortable and backed away from the duo to let them have their moment. “Hehehe, would you look at that, you actually learned to speak Japanese this time!” 


The memories continued to flood in, she… she hadn't changed a bit.


{Break}


(Matou Manor)


Within the confines of the walls, the old, worm-infested crypt sprawling with thousands of such creatures stood the lone figure of Zouken. Face devoid of any other emotions than pure concentration on the task that soon reached completion. 


Having remained silent for another few minutes before the worms from the center moved away, showing an intricately designed summoning circle. The same one he used in the past, with little altercation done on his end as it served no other purpose than to summon a Servant without much of an issue. 


“It is unfortunate that a silly boy can't even use it. To hold the name of my family yet unable to even use the most basic of Magecraft… hah, how far have we fallen.” Though his voice sounded dejected, it did not stop a twisted smile that previously sent a chill down Shirou's spine to emerge. “Thankfully I still have that girl. Let's hope she got to enjoy her little vacation, it's time to resume my work once again.” 


She had gotten her little moment of paradise, now it was time to return to reality. The Holy Grail War was right around the corner with half of the Masters already present with only three candidates missing so far. Not that he was willing to wait, playing fair was a fool's game. 


With a tap of his cane, the worms dispersed with some of them returning to his body. His focus trailed to the creature far from his home and heading back to Emiya's house. He sent a simple mental command, his smirk growing as if it was only a matter of time now. 


“I told you, boy, whether you like it or not, you'll be the one to bring her back to my doorstep.”