Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

—Frigid air with darkness surrounds..

The sound of creaking chains being tied very clearly in my ears.

I can see that person again present in my dreams.

Only pain that keeps spinning every time I tried to read her truth, without remembering the true identity. No smile and compassion apart from insults and curses. Wounds and blood of an unappreciated struggle from a body. The soul was empty, the feeling of sorrow and regret clearly depicted in her jade irises. How she had surrendered to the reality that she had to accept. Her eyes did not show the sparkle of bright hope and future, but only the desire to die without being reborn as a nameless hero. Unfortunately she had to swallow the bitter pill that it would continue to spin in a circle of contracts that no one knew when they would end. No one knew.

One fact that I accepted when she came into my dream.

The sun has gone out even on the pure soul.

It was truly a misfortune to know the bitterness of a human's worldly desires and passions. Giving up all sanity just for something too big of a sacrifice although knowing what price must be paid.

The world is really cruel to you, isn't it?

There is no black or white, the world is only filled with grey and uncertainty driven by desire. 

The madness culminated into rage, from the mounting insults and the death that continued to haunt. The blood rose into an uncontrollable form, which knew nothing of itself other than hatred and fear. 

If only I could tell her.

That she is not a stranger. If I have ever actually met her in my life, there is one thing I want.

I want to help her to gain freedom.

•*•

Present time.

Japan.

The day was still very young but the successor of the Imai family never failed to immediately head to the pavilion next to the main building of her house. The summer she always waited for was something she always remembered. Since her mother's death, Lisa tried to move forward to find what she liked. Her father had forbidden her from using her talents as a magus, but the fact that skills can never be hidden was more prominent. Even her own father gave up to overcome the stubbornness of Lisa.

Lisa Imai. Born as the last child of a family that had participated in the Holy Grail War more than three decades ago. 

Unlike most children from other great magus families, Lisa always found herself getting along well with commoners. Making herself more famous in the eyes of the public and the high maguses who noticed her potential. 

She successfully embodies the rare image between the noble magus and the common citizen.

Unfortunately, not everything will go according to her wishes.

Morning, eight o'clock.

The girl sat at the window with a book and a quill in her hand, gazing at the beauty of the small lake that was within the scope of her big house. Daily writing became a regular exercise to improve her skills. Small details like spells became sharper under her observation. Her eyes focused on reading every word that he wrote on the sheet of paper while her lips curved slightly to show how much Lisa enjoyed it. Letting out feelings became an ordinary thing to comfort herself after losing her mother.

Unfortunately, the silent moment had to end with a polite knock on the door.

"Lisa, may I come in?" A deep voice accompanied by tall stature with neat hair and a formal suit that always shows a great image. Lisa's father.

"Of course. What do you need, father? You don't usually come here." 

The many photos displayed radiate doubt in the father's eyes to convey his intentions. About to put the photo back, Lisa was now standing next to him. Gazing at him with tenderness behind her steadfastness in everything. Building her daughter into a more mature person a few years earlier.

“Is this about the grail war?” she asked as her eyes focused on the picture.

Lisa knew that her father never wanted her as the next successor to interfere in the grail war. The risk of losing was greater than the chance of winning, making a fear of losing the beloved always creep in. Moreover, she had lost her mother. Losing Lisa would bring even more weight to Imai's name and what father could bear to see his daughter die because of a rule that could take anyone's life.

His arm wrapped around Lisa’s shoulder to pull her closer, “You're sharp just like your mother, always able to read my movements before I can convey them.”

His daughter smiled. Getting a family photo with completeness that was untouched by death. Perfect and complete. No grief or loss, only pure happiness.

“I am you and mom's daughter, shouldn't I be similar to her?” her olive eyes sparkled with a smile that was always almost perfect to cover all the sadness she was going through.

They both chuckled and it felt like her father's heart had softened a little.

“I don't think I can hide it anymore.” Lisa's father sighed as his head slowly looked up at the large Imai crest displayed on the pavilion wall. “They asked you to participate in the Grail War. Of course, if you don't want to, I can tell Priest Minato to refuse.”

“Oh? Is Yukina going to be a judge again?” Lisa chuckled when she heard her childhood friend's name mentioned. “She must have had a tough day!~”

“Yes, that's how it is. It is a tradition that the priest will be a witness, but it is possible that she could follow if a candidate terminates the contract.”

Her eyes were closed. Straightening her body back up as she touched her own chest with conviction. An opportunity that will not come twice even though Lisa herself does not know for sure what she will face. She doesn't even know what desire she always longs for.

If the holy grail is able to grant wishes, then is it able to bring the dead back to life?

A bitter laugh hit her.

No miracle would be able to do that, she shook her head. Only time will tell what she wants most. For now, she can only try.

“Do you have the catalyst yet?” 

“I do. Let me get it.”

Without such an important item, no one would be able to perform a summoning. Among the seven classes listed, Lisa hoped that she would not get a heavy class like berserker. Even though she is a magus, it still difficult for Lisa to maintain her mana while berserkers are the type who will fight fiercely and wildly so they are difficult to control.

So she could only hope to get a saber or an archer.

After a while, her father returned carrying a box covered in white cloth tied with a special rope. There was no special writing on it making the box look ordinary as a catalyst. Lisa's first guess was that it was a sword that was old enough to need a place to keep it..A slight sense of calm enveloped Lisa. The chances of getting the class she wanted seemed to have increased. Accepting it and Lisa prepared the summoning when all the necessary items were ready. She did not forget about the circle that was engraved with the spell now ready.

The catalyst was placed in the middle and Lisa stood there channeling all her power into her summoning technique. Light began to appear as the spell was read.

“Let silver and steel be the essence.

Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation.

Let white the colour I pay tribute to.

Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall..”

Lisa's voice almost broke off as a memory of her dream began to emerge. Oddity. It was as if she was trembling to continue but the hope of not disappointing her father raised her once more. Her hands were in the air and she continued.

Her breath was strong with her voice returning to where it should be.

“Let the four cardinal gates close.

Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate.

I hereby declare. 

Your body shall serve under me. 

My fate shall be your sword.

Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail 

If you will submit to this will and this reason…Then answer!

An oath shall be sworn here!”

However, a spell that should not have been uttered. Now it was conveyed even though it was in her mind.

Yet, though serves with thine eyes clouded in chaos

Thou, bound in the cage of madness.

I am who commands this chaos.

“From the Seventh Heaven, attended to by three greet words of power,

Come forth from the ring of restraints,

Protector of the Holy Balance!”

The red light shone brighter and brighter and when the spell was finished, Lisa was thrown backwards and couldn't see what was happening. It was too bright when she tried to open her eyes. The pain also attacked her a little.

However, one voice brought her back to reality.

“The catalyst is gone!”

Frozen in place. Lisa's pupils were completely shocked by what she heard. How could that be? She had made the summons and it was in accordance with the procedure. There was no sign of the servant appearing and disappointment began to creep up on her. Failure. The sacred object was lost because of one mistake she thought about, a spell that shouldn't have been uttered made her remember the mistake she made. 

Lisa sat down weakly. Her arms hugged herself in anxiety. Her father was not one to vocally blame her, but Lisa still felt guilty.

“Sorry.. father.” The hoarse words were swallowed in silent cries. “I failed.”

“Get up, my daughter.” He put his arm around Lisa and helped her up. "I'll consult with the church. They should know better what to do.”

Moments after leaving the disorganized pavilion, Lisa accidentally dropped the necklace she was wearing and left the place in the darkness. Without knowing that there was a step that picked up the item. A nameless figure whose historical background no one even knows.

A form that always comes to Lisa's dreams.

•*•

Evening.

Church on the hill.

The church, empty of visitors, only provided space for two people to sit and have a conversation. Yukina Minato, a priest who witnessed the Grail War long before the church appointed her as a judge. Her words were cold and cruel, but Lisa always knew that Yukina was not good at conveying what she meant. The two were childhood friends, but there wasn't much that Lisa knew about Yukina who had grown up very differently from her.

Their conversation now reached the point of Lisa's failed summons. For some reason, Yukina had cold golden eyes as if judging even though she didn't say anything.

“So that's the story.” Lisa's body arched slightly, melting her disappointment with herself. 

Yukina looked at Lisa for a moment before taking a cigarette from her pocket. 

“Are you seriously still smoking at this age?” Lisa's olive eyes narrowed.

“Shouldn't a priest take care of health?”

The sound of the lighter and the smell of cigarettes spread in sequence. Along with Yukina taking a puff. 

“You don't have to worry about me. Besides, isn't it more important for you to know whether you really failed or not?”

“Honestly, I don't feel anything different. It might seem a bit strange that I myself am unable to feel the presence of my servant.” Lisa chuckled, “I guess this is a new case for you too?”

Yukina's nod was accompanied by the whistling sound of the night wind. 

“I don't think it's a failure. It's just that your servant hasn't found the right momentum to appear.” Yukina's eyes suddenly sharpened and looked at Lisa with one expression. “Or do you really not have the seriousness to participate?” 

Lisa immediately averted her gaze but Yukina brushed it aside.

“So it's true—”

“Hey wait! Aren't you jumping to conclusions too quickly? I don't know exactly what I want yet, but I want to fully participate.” She intertwined her fingers nervously. “Although it's not certain, I have one thing I want.”

Even though the two of them have been together for a long time, Lisa is not someone whose mind Yukina can quickly understand. Her gaze was unconfident. Yukina knew that Lisa still had half-hearted intentions.

“If you are not taking it seriously, it is better to end the contract or give up before you die. This is not a game you can take lightly, Lisa.” Yukina's words were aimed directly at Lisa. It was enough to open a wound for someone who had been with her for a long time. “I can't help much if that happens.”

Nodding after hearing the silver haired, Lisa had no intention of asking many questions or just making small talk to calm the atmosphere. She had no interest in anything else and the decision to leave felt right. Somehow continuing would be pointless, Lisa thought. Besides, there would be more to take care of and Lisa didn't want to make things difficult for Yukina. She quickly said goodbye and left the empty church.

Being used to being alone has become Lisa's daily life. There was no guard or protection for her even though now a master (which she herself has not yet known). Encouraging herself that she would be okay, failure means a process and there might be something wrong with the ritual. 

However, in the midst of her hesitation, an attack almost hit, cutting off a little of her light auburn hair after she evaded.

Lisa's pupils dilated knowing the source of the attack. Her body didn't move as she wanted as one person stood in the distance in the darkness of the night. The hill was the perfect place to launch a surprise attack and Lisa wasn't completely alert. More precisely, the servant was no match for her.

A little trepidation as her fists shook slightly. Lisa took a deep breath, her teeth clenched. However, this was not the ending she wanted. She would not forget that she was a magus. Defeat by surrendering would only humiliate her family pride.

Lisa raised her hands as she opened the spell, her eyes gleaming in the embers of defiance.

“Fight me, I won't give in to you.” Her voice was firm. Something rare from Lisa.

A reply came from the darkness, blending in with the swift, undetected movement. It was clearly a woman's voice, perhaps the same age as Lisa herself.

“Do you think that humans can win against servants?” Gentle but there was a bloody instinct behind every word.

Lisa twisted her body to adjust where the real shadow was. The moonlight was not enough to help her tonight. It was really hard for her to rely on instincts which were not well trained in close combat. The servant must have snuck behind the dense trees. Lisa's only chance was to bring her out into the open and reveal who she is.

That's the plan. Lisa linked it in her memory and quickly took her steps back down the hill while distancing herself from the trees. Every minute dragged on for so long and drained her energy. So wanting it to pass quickly, unknowingly tripped over a rock which made her elbow graze and bleed. However, it will not be worth the struggle to escape. She got up without thinking about the pain. 

Running and running. Until she arrived at a large area of land far from the trees.

But, this time it was a mistake.

A chain was thrown at her and stabbed Lisa right in the stomach from behind. The sharp tip was seen piercing through and blood immediately seeped through her clothes. Lisa coughed up the scarlet colored liquid from her mouth. The pain was beyond comparison. 

“That's enough playing around, Lisa Imai.” The sound of footsteps approached and loosened the chains into nothingness. Vanished into the air as Lisa turned to see who it was. However, the girl was quicker to push her to the ground and lock her movement with a stomp. Not hard but enough to make Lisa have trouble with the wound she had. 

“Y—You are…” It felt familiar. But, once again Lisa was having trouble with her wound being pressed.

“It's a shame that your servant wasn't there to help you. You must have had a hard time.” A soft voice accompanied by laughter that was like a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

“Who is your master..”

“I don't think it matters, right?”

Smiling a little at the opportunity. Staring at the black-haired girl who now seemed loose with her defense, Lisa fired one attack.

“Horus!” 

Lisa's spiritual eagle managed to outwit her enemy. Ignoring her wound, Lisa bit her thumb and wrote a spell in blood.

“Amber—”

“Die.”

Once again, her opponent's speed was no match.

The dagger was already swinging quickly before she was able to finish her words.

One attack was about to strike Lisa's neck and a clang was heard to block it. Echoing with strangeness. Feels like a jumble of hundreds of words to describe it. Everyone was surprised by the presence.

“Assassin, huh?”

 A form appeared before her with long hair fluttering along with a robe. The same figure as what she saw in her dream.

“—!?” The raven-haired took a cautious step back. But her amethyst eyes seemed curious to try her luck. “Who are you..”

The figure only took a breath with a firm sound, her long sword raised in the air.

“I am… nobody.” 

The slash struck the ground and divided its attack into nine parts that shattered the ground and blew away the dense trees at the end. One attack hit the assassin's body and destroyed the mask covering her face, revealing a beautiful face under the night sky with blood scarring her body. Forcing her to step down first for her bad luck.

The assassin's escape brought relief and also a bit of shock to Lisa when the back of Lisa's hand which now has a red mark that almost looks like a tattoo. It is shaped like a slash with a strange image in the middle divided into three.

Not knowing how to respond, Lisa stared at the person who helped her but was even more shocked when the tip of the sword was pointed at her under the light of the moonlight. 

A woman with one eye patch and horn that look like they've been corrupted. Pale skin. Fierce gaze from a face that was scarred with many scars and one slash mark on her neck. She was dressed in ancient Japanese clothing and had two wakizashi swords at her waist. Her irises were the same color as the forest, the same shade even though something was hidden. Not radiate the spirit of life. Only the soul essence of sorrow and sadness inside the empty body. The exhaustion of finding glory in war.

Her eyes kept staring at Lisa with the moon now fully showing its face.

“Let me ask you, are you my master?”

Chapter Text

I saw something from behind the glint of the blade she was holding.

Flash by flash.

The memories flows like a river.

Blood stained the sword. Thousands of souls had become one, merging and awakening the madness embedded in her. Her face is the same, only the wounds and bloodstains are different from each version of her.

How long have you been miserable?

How many betrayals have you received?

How many people are using you for their own gain?

I myself don't know the exact number, and neither do you who never want to remember the wounds you always get from each betrayal. The chains that always bind you, never make your soul calm.

Why they did this to you?

You had a will to die for your master, fighting to fulfill your oath to become the master's sword.

But no one understood what you wanted.

Your sorrow, wounds and grief are so deep, O nameless hero.

•*•

The pale moonlight captured everything including the sacred moment of a master and servant.

“Let me ask you, are you my master?”

The firmness of the woman's voice blended with the silence of the night. Her eyes were so sharp almost like the blade that she pointed at her master. Her tone was the same as Yukina's, full of coldness, Lisa was used to hearing it. But the fragility in the teal-haired woman's eyes shook her. 

Lisa's throat felt so dry that she could barely make a sound. Sweat dripped down her temples.

“Yes, I.. Am.”

The sharp blade was lowered with a stiff and serious gaze. Her pupils reflected only her master like a mirror.

The sword was sheathed back to its place.

One hand on the chest with a slight bow.

“Berserker. I have come to pick up your summons.” She lifted her face. 

Lisa's body felt incredibly shocked. Whatever the form that exists in front her eyes very much not seen as a depiction of the typical berserker traits. Only the mysterious horn that doesn't help much in identifying it.

Not to mention the results of the fight, the pain struck Lisa again. Realizing that she was now covered in crimson red, Lisa's legs went limp. No matter how many times she tried, she was not a magus who was used to wounds and blood.

“Ah.. Looks like I'll have to make things difficult for Yukina again.” Lisa could already guess some of Yukina's scenarios and nagging just from her speculation. 

But Lisa still Lisa.

It wouldn't be her if she wasn't an obstinate person.

“Sorry Berserker, may I ask you to take me to the church on the hill?”

"Yes, master."

The woman nodded and quickly held Lisa in a tight grip, lifting her as if it were just a light breeze.

“Please hold on to me tightly, master.”

“Huh?”

So fast, the servant's movement only left a trail of bright blue flash with the grass blowing in its wake. Lisa's life and soul almost flew from her body.

That's how Lisa Imai's holy grail war began. Along with a berserker who is far different from most, it raises many branches of questions that continue to grow in the endless mystery.

~

Hikawa Estate.

Young heir's room.

The sound stopped. Lot of steps stopped as the door closed again. Leaving only an atmosphere was dim with a yellowish light slightly illuminating the room. That person seemed to be giving something very valuable to a woman who was sitting at the table with a glass of wine in her hand. Her lips curved in anticipation of a satisfactory answer from the informant.

The darkness of night was always the perfect setting for a magus like her.

Hina Hikawa.

No one doubts her ability. Born as a genius equipped with the dexterity of everything. Hidden behind her name which can be interpreted as day and light, but perfect in the silence of the night too. Everyone liked the business with the Hikawa clan and always wanted them in the alliance, including those who wanted the excitement of the holy grail war.

Including splinter factions and group.

This time, one from the police.

“You didn't come here empty-handed, did you?” The teal haired took a sip of her wine with her eyes as sharp as a hawk.

“You always know how I do business with you, Hikawa-san.” The interlocutor smiled slyly, tossing something at her.

“It's a bit dangerous knowing that you're a traitor to them right now. You always know my track record, right?” Hina laughed as she caught the item.

“Business is still business. Besides, I wasn't the one appointed as a master candidate. None of the representatives chose me, so I was free as an agent now.” Leaning against the wall with a proud face. The all-black outfit she wore was good enough to keep her from being kicked out of the place where she was gathering information.

Hina's face looked satisfied after reading it and smiled mischievously. “I assume you know the risks of doing this, Umiri Yahata.”

“Hmph. I know and I assure you the police department will not sniff me out.”

“Yeah yeah whatever!~ I think this war is very interesting. I didn't expect Lisachi to join in. This is totally boppin'!!” Hina's expression was filled with excitement, there had never been a single thing that made someone like her like this in the matter of the grail war.

However, if it concerns Lisa's name... Then this was the point where Hina comes in. After years of waiting, what she wants has come true.

Hina's heart was beating fast and she couldn't hold it in anymore. Her enthusiasm was so burning. Get down from her desk and loudly exclaimed, 

“I will join this war.. Definitely! For that person!” 

~

Togawa's private jet.

In the luxurious nuances, the Togawa heir sat receiving messages broadcast from her trusted allies. Not all of it, she just considered it an advantage of the alliance formed by Sadaharu Togawa. Unlike her grandfather, his granddaughter prefers to move in her own way. Nobody can control her.

Because she is Sakiko Togawa.

The broadcast ended and Sakiko put the remote on her desk with a soft sigh. The leather sofa she was reclining on did little to lessen her fatigue after the continuous flight. Her head rested on her own hands, resting on the desk as her eyes stared at the night sky from the round glass of the jet plane. Even though Sakiko was not a type of pushover who will follow her grandfather's will, she still carries the Togawa name. There will be no room for tolerance if she loses, especially with Saber as her servant. 

“I don't think we have much time.” The amber colored eyes glanced at the figure sitting across from her with patience.

Saber. Blonde with amethyst eyes, her entire servant appearance was hidden in modern clothing. Perfect in covering up even the existence of mana that even expert magus cannot read.

Everyone knows that her clan never plays around. If there is one clan that having most prepared for all things related to the Grail War, Togawa will be the champion.

Saber (Uika) looked at Sakiko gently. Her words were soft as she calms down a disheveled Sakiko after the maid gives her a letter, “If so, I am ready to give up everything for you.. Saki-chan. I dedicate it to you even if it's my life.”

Sakiko remained serious with a look in her eyes that would not forgive even the slightest mistake. Never letting her guard down. “It's a must. I carry your life with me, I don't want this to go one way.” She said. “More than a number from the seven classes have been called, indicating that when we arrive there will be no time to laze around. Prepare yourselves, this will be a long war.”

“You can always count on me, Saki-chan.” 

The night sky penetrated at an ever-increasing speed, the moving hour. Danger lurks for every master and all servants are on guard to protect all their masters. Hiding behind the darkness or silence, there is still no single omen whether the war will be carried out openly or hidden behind natural phenomena.

But, the statement has been delivered.

•*•

Back to the church on the hill.

It's been four hours since Lisa passed out.

Yukina was still standing with the potion in her hand. Face looked tired with nagging which seemed to have been prepared like a template. Even though it's cold, Yukina was still worried about Lisa.

Her eyes stared at Berserker (Sayo) with a flat expression.

“So you're Lisa's servant?” Yukina asked curtly as she pulled out a chair without looking.

“You seem to know my master better than I do.” Sayo returned her gaze, “Sorry for my delay in answering my master's call.”

Yukina still looked annoyed, “I know you are a servant and it is your duty to fight and protect the master from all attacks. So, I won't forgive you if you let your master get hurt again.”

“You're quite the caring priest even though you were rude to her earlier.” 

This time Yukina didn't fight back and looked back at Lisa, replacing the water as she took back the poison with her ability. The Assassin's attack earlier endangered Lisa in various ways and Yukina felt guilty because she actually knew something. Not a single second passed, the priest's face still showed a worried expression.

“She still insisted on coming along with the war even though she didn't know what she wanted.” Yukina embraced the silence that was between herself and the servant in front of her.

“.....”

It was enough for Yukina to know that the servant was now looking at her.

“Lisa is not a master who is very good at many things, but I hope you will still cooperate with her. She has sacrificed a lot. Without her, it would not be possible for you to manifest.” 

“What do you really want to say, priest?”

“Don't make her regret her choice to join this war.”

The sound of the clock seemed to be what was left there, both of them stopped talking. Pulling herself back from her cares, Yukina took up her business again with the bible in her hands. While the servant was still staring at the silver haired in confusion. Yukina's words should not be complicated, but somehow it was much more complex for Sayo.

Both of them were so comfortable with the silence. Everything was getting better and Lisa finally slowly regained consciousness.

She groaned softly. Knowing the pain had returned again. Staring at her body which was now wrapped in bandages. Not impressed because this was the first time Lisa has suffered such a serious injury. Never a good sign when blood appears on her.

Scratching her own head with a small chuckle.

“Oya~ It seems like you two are getting along?”

Yukina's flat face was enough to express her disapproval. It was quite the same with Sayo who kept a distance of several meters from her.

“Don't expect it.” Yukina frowned.

“Oh come on? I'm still alive, safe and sound—” Before she could try all her body movements, the pain had already spread back to Lisa's spine. 

AAAAAAAHHH!????

Lisa screamed deeply from the bottom of her heart. Although it seemed that both of them could hear her without making a single sound.

“I'm really surprised they would graduate you as a magus.”

“Mou! Yukina is cruel!”

“I’m just telling the truth. Accept reality, Lisa.”

Turning from Yukina with a sullen face, Lisa looked at her servant who was standing firm. Giving her an unspoken thank you with a sweet smile. Although she would state it in words shortly after.

“Thank you, berserker. You saved me just in time.”

Sayo glanced and nodded silently.

“It might take me sometime to figure out who you really are. But I hope we can continue to work together. I may not be perfect like most other masters, but please don't hesitate if you need anything.”

Sayo's eyes focused again on Lisa. Her mouth made a slight gesture of movement even though she refused to say anything.

“Is there something you want to say?”

Pressing herself, Sayo shook her head. “Nothing. Please rest, I will take guard until you recover.” Raising her sword, Sayo quietly left the room, leaving Yukina with Lisa again.

“Why am I really not sure she's a berserker?” Lisa put her hand on her chin in thought. “It feels too calm for someone with that type of class..”

“What reason makes you doubt her specifications, she already told you right?” Yukina furrowed her eyebrows with a bad mood that seemed to accompany her. “That's supposed to be enough.”

“It's just making me thinking hard. According to some of what I've read and what I know, generally they're quite explosive in their emotions, but this time it feels too calm and that's a bit suspicious, you know?”

Yukina sighed and put the bible in Lisa's hands. Giving up on her best friend who kept grilling her with questions that made the priest sick and dizzy. Even Yukina seems to make holy water to stop Lisa from her endless questions.

“Just give me breath or I'll kick you out of my church.”

“Meanie!”

•*•

Far away in the city, under the Rainbow bridge.

Almost midnight.

Very fast as the footsteps chase one. There weren't many people around that night, making things even more difficult for her. The girl's breath was labored. Her legs were tired from the long run she had made. But it wasn't time for her to give up on the situation. Her body kept forcing itself to find a place. Hiding. Whatever it was that made her so scared, she was hurt.

The dripping blood could barely cover the traces that made it easy to detect. 

She was cornered.

Hiding under the iron bars that often swayed as vehicles passed over them, she curled up and moved. 

I don't want to die.

I want to live even though this body keeps getting hurt.

Again and again.

Her body was almost at its limit. Coughing up blood made her stop.

“There she is! Catch her!” Unfortunately there was one person who noticed her presence.

"N.. No way." She tried to run again but stumbled after her legs losing it strength.

Her eyes were blurry as she stared, her body already staggered as her grip loosened and body started to fall into the water below.

“I call you.. Holy Protector..” The words came out in a weak voice.

The answer came just in time.

One hand managed to catch it just right with a signature expression. Long brown hair and violet eyes. With a spear stabs on the bridge wall, she know the person wasn't just a normal human.

But a servant.

“Hang in there, master!”

Chapter Text

Covered in so much fog but you still always stand there. Alone staring at the emptiness that I myself am unable to understand. 

What did you see?

All I see here is emptiness and there is nothing I can say clearly.

Your origins are... gray.

Every time I try to focus on my gaze, you always change as if you were showing me how everything happened. Your path to becoming a heroic spirit who never gets what you seek. 

Continue to be tortured behind the laughter and revelry of those who won the war. Cruelly discarded by them when no longer needed. You become more and more bloodthirsty every time you win a holy grail, the sword grows stronger every time a servant dies by your hand.

That sword..

Your noble phantasm.

•*•

Under the bridge.

Still holding on tightly to the hand that helped her. The rose gold orbs was covered in tears when she mustered her last strength to get up. The reflections of the two were bathed in moonlight as the servant called out her name in the sound of flowing water. Overlapping but clear to the master's ears.

One important detail that does not limit the space between the master and the servant. No time to waste in disbelief.

Just honesty and trust from behind the first meeting.

The hand grew warmer. 

So strong and dazzling.

Trust grew into a bond and a mark appeared on her hand forming a symbol.

Taki Shiina, Lancer.

I answer your call.

The servant's lips moved with a reassuring curve that gave a new rhythm to the life of a young girl who had almost lost hope in life. Pulling her master so hard along with the spear she threw into the air, the chain that continued to lengthen tied to the railing.

“Let's go, master!”

The sound of the spear tip hitting the concrete. Two bodies had arrived above. One raised her spear again and placed it behind her own head while looking around. Vigilance remains with them.

Sure enough, the group of people reappeared.

“That's Takamatsu! Hurry, don't let her run away!” The voice of the hunting chased them again.

Of course the servant will not remain silent and stay to watch.

“Tsk, they are annoying.” Taki spun her spear, held the handle tightly waiting for the command. “What should we do?”

Tomori feels short of breath. She lowered her head in desperation when the body she felt on the heart ached so much. Too erratic, the mind goes into chaos. Something was attacking her from within. No one knows the backstory of someone like her. Just chasing after something uncertain, always considering herself a danger.

Always alone, hurt with no one ever helping her.

Behind it all, she keeps something.

The secret that she had been carrying all this time until she chose to embrace it alone.

It was called as blessing and a curse at the same time.

The power of distortion.

“Step back.. Taki-chan.” Slowly as her feet move forward step by step. Hands were still on her heart but there was a glimmer emanating from the eyes. Mixed colors. Like heaven and hell mixed into one.

“Wait that's dangerous—”

Those words could never be fully conveyed. The entire structure of the building shook violently followed by cracks appearing very quickly. Panic struck, destroying the hidden intentions. 

If Tomori is capable of doing all that, why.. doesn't she fight back?

The shivers send and spread to Taki. As a servant, her master's power was too unique and the first time someone like her had seen it directly. Of the many summons, this was the only time she saw a mystic eye user not as a magus.

Just ordinary people that were targeted because of the gifts Tomori possessed.

Not long after one second passed, Tomori collapsed with her last strength holding onto the ground. Blood dripped from the corners of both her eyes. She didn't know how much longer her body could withstand her own injuries.

She looked up at Taki.

“I... I can't stay here.” Reaching for her. Tomori's scarred hand gently touches Taki. Awash in hope from behind almost lost hope.

Holding each other tightly, the two of them left from there. Still leaving a trace that can be sniffed out by those who know the potential.

Twenty minutes after the incident.

Two people got out of the black sedan, the night wind blowing the bluish hair. The figure next to her just showed a stare before turning into an amazed smile that was depicted as praise. Her hands were hidden in the pockets, knowing that her master had already received a sign of the war starting.

Her hands are crossed, with an unbroken gaze from the scars of battle.

“It feels like someone is causing trouble without an invitation, huh?” Uika felt a heat radiating from Sakiko. Perfectly hidden from others, but obvious to her.

“Someone started it without inviting us, how disrespectful.” She turned back, walking back to her car. The door opened and the one sentence Uika was waiting for, “Don't let anyone get in the way. We must win, do you understand?”

“I understand. Your wish is my honor. Shall we start the stage?”

“Yes. You are allowed.”

A single snap of her fingers changed her entire appearance. Clad in magnificent clothing and a sword attached to her waist, Uika revealed her true form as a servant. The golden light shimmered like an aura, the mask she wore covered her face perfectly like a masquerade. A mysterious impression covered by a stunning appearance.

“My sword serves you, Saki-chan.” Offering her hand for her master to greet, Uika flashed a charming smile. 

“My knight, Doloris.. Free yourself from the shackles, do not let sorrow and sadness hinder your strength.”

Sakiko greeted Uika with her hands touching each other. Feeling the blazing mana overflowing from the direction of the bridge. How strong it was that it could be called an invitation to all masters.

Sure enough, one enemy had been summoned.

“Oh my, the heir of Togawa huh? Looks like the game is going to get more interesting here.”

“I didn't expect you to be here…” Sakiko's glance was truly like a snake the way her eyes looked at the person. The threat was so real between them. Two people from big clans clashed with their own unique charisma.

In the distance, the mist that hid her opponent began to part, revealing a grinning face with a servant behind her. Her iconic teal hair with black suit appearance now stands without flinching.

“Hina Hikawa.”

•*•

Back to Tomori.

Tomori crouched down, enduring the pain that was still felt throughout her body. The bleeding in her eyes that had previously not stopped was now starting to subside. She said nothing but gasped for breath from the long escape. Trembled. 

“Taki-chan..” She called in a low voice between breaths.

The call brought Taki back to her full form, standing beside Tomori with concern. “Are you sure you're okay with this wound?”

Tomori shook her head.

“It's better this way.”

Taki raised an eyebrow in confusion. After all, her master's mind was unreadable. Giving up with the mind reading session, she handed Tomori the fur cloak she was wearing.

“Put it on. At least it will reduce your danger even if it's not much.” Averting her face away, a slight blush colored Taki's cheeks.

“T—Thank you.” Tomori pulled the fur cloak tighter as its hoodie covered her head. “Taki-chan, You're a good person.”

“I—It's obvious... you're my master, it's obvious I'll protect you at all costs.” Taki's voice rose slightly in response to Tomori's praise. “Besides... Why are they targeting you? Did you do something wrong?”

Taki stared expectantly.

Tomori's hand rested on her other arm. Not strong enough to hurt herself. The rose gold eyes were downcast though it felt like sorrow was opening up again from her. Taki gave herself up to listen to Tomori, even telling her that if she wasn't able to do it, there was no need to say anything.

But, Tomori was not going to take it anymore. Her hand went up to chest and eyes gleamed in conviction. The sound came out not that loud, clear enough to reach the ears.

“I ran away from where they caught me. They seemed to come... After my eyes.” Tomori's voice began to crack. “I don't know where to go back to.”

“Tomori doesn't have a home?”

She shook her head.

“I don't remember.”

“What do you mean you don't remember.. Wait.. Don't tell me you are new around here?”

The gray-haired girl gave her answer with a single nod of her head. Of course this time Taki's expression was more confused about what to do. She leaned her body against the wall next to Tomori and used hand as a headrest.

“Well I guess there's nothing to do now except find a place for you to treat your wounds first.”

Suddenly, Tomori's hand pointed to a building on a hill that was visible from between the shops. The light was barely bright but Taki could see some details of the building from its shape.

“Church?”

~

Rainbow Bridge.

The mist blew harder but the two masters and their two servants stood opposite each other with enough distance. Able to escape and fight at the same time. Giving two choices that of course both of them choose the same.

The night with the moon still shining, Uika placed her sword in a ready position. Her bangs blew to the left as the strong wind swept them aside. Her amethyst eyes flared with courage just like her master's.

“I never thought I'd meet you, Rider.” Uika threw an inviting smile. 

“So do I. It's an honor to be able to meet a saber as beautiful as you, ah how fleeting!~” Dismounting from her white horse. The musketeer hat was removed in a greeting of respect to her enemies. Still, the mask she wore did not show the full face apart from her purple hair and red eyes like blood. 

As for her two masters, Sakiko did not let go of anything but the calmness in maintaining her tone of voice. There is no panic or anxiety. Giving an impression of elegance that sticks even though the conditions could change when facing her opponent this time.

Sakiko crossed her arms with a hidden wary look. “You're quite bold in challenging me here, Hikawa-san.” She added, “I must admit, the servant you summoned is quite classy.”

“I don't think I'll be the only one coming here if you release that much mana. Plus your saber-chan looks boppin’. It's sooo true, the Togawa clan is quite unrivaled!” Hina shrugged with her usual radiant, enthusiastic smile. However, her jade eyes soon revealed her true appearance as an assassin magus. 

Saki responded by closing her eyes and smiling back.

“Your compliments always have an ulterior motive. There's no way you came here without a purpose, very typical of Hikawa.” Sakiko opened her arms and continued her words,

“Let's start the stage under this full moon.”

Soon the sound of swords followed in a clang. Step by step, attacks and dodges. Stabs and slashes fulfilling the stage started by the two. Swordsmanship is a skill. Anyone can master it, including riders. Even without her horse, the rider was still able to keep up with the incoming attacks and turn the tables with a counterattack.

Saber can't be underestimated. Uika's ingenuity and the width of the sword are able to withstand Kaoru's bayonet attack. She swung her sword and forced Kaoru to retreat into a defensive position. A grin appeared and Uika released a burst of mana from the blow of her sword. Causing damage to the structure of the bridge's street.

Hina scowled from a distance. 

“Hey, that's a state facility!”

“Are you serious? Still thinking about state facilities in a war that risks your life. I don't understand how your brain works, Hikawa-san.” Sakiko gave a small laugh. 

Uika jumped from the top of the fence and slammed her sword into the ground but was blocked by Kaoru with a block followed by a flash of light. 

“Sorry, kitten~” Looking up with charisma, the light exploded three times. Causing Uika to retreat, avoiding it while doing backflips repeatedly. 

The fun had just begun when the sound of police sirens from a distance ruined everything. The two masters just closed their eyes and sighed. Disturbed by the arrival of the uninvited guests, they agreed that the meeting was not the end. In the distance their servants returned to their respective sides and the mist enveloped them again.

“It's a shame it has to end here. The fun has just begun.” Hina complained with her arms spread out. “I hope we meet again, Sakiko-chan!”

“I don't think this is the end, Hikawa-san. Let's hope time brings us together again on the same stage.” Sakiko bowed respectfully along with Hina who slowly disappeared in the mist. Her steps returned to the sedan and continued on the way home before the police reached their location.

Only leaving the damage caused by Tomori to the bridge

“What do you think of the rider's strength, Uika?” Sakiko asked as she sipped her tea.

Uika smiled and showed a small crack in the Doloris mask she had been wearing earlier.

“It can't be denied, the master is quite strong. I think if we really go all out, the bridge might collapse. It didn't seem like she was serious either.” 

“I see. Then let's close it for today and continue later. Get some rest, Uika. in the morning we will continue to the church.”

“Yes, Saki-chan.”

•*•

Police department office.

The atmosphere became increasingly unconducive when news began to spread about the incident on the Rainbow Bridge that was unacceptable to logic. Some of the demands from group who do not agree with the holding of the Holy Grail War are starting to assert their protests. Adding to the problems for the police chief on duty at the time.

Misaki Okusawa.

Who knows how many guests she had received that day. The sound of the door opening and closing was the sound that filled her room all day long. The expression of emotion to the point of conflict almost made her head explode, responding with a cool head was never as easy as turning over the palm of a hand. Honestly, holding on any longer would diminish Misaki's mentality.

But felt like submitting a resignation letter at a time like that would only make things worse.

Misaki sighed seeing a report that had just arrived. Still fresh like warm bread from the oven. Her entire computer screen was now filled with images of the Rainbow Bridge and its damage, reporters had arrived and were coming just to cover the news about the abnormality there.

Not only reporters but also several parties who are accused of having interests also began to appear. The magus who wanted to find out about the clues to this war did not hesitate to appear in public. All the recordings collected experienced something strange when the evidence they were looking for seemed to have disappeared and left no trace. 

Oddities were also found in several street recordings from other cameras which experienced glitches as if someone was covering them. The police were really cornered and Misaki was already going crazy with the situation at that time.

“To be honest, if this continues, we won't be able to cover up the lies any further. I certainly wouldn't believe this was a natural phenomenon. Whoever the person.. That's not just anyone from commoners.”

Misaki's sea blue eyes glanced towards a photo that was in the special investigation records. There was one thing that caught her attention fully. Seeing the face in the photo made Misaki's stomach acid rise a little and she growled.

“Tch.. that cheeky brat. Where is she now when we need her?” One palm cupped her own eyes, her assistant always knew who she meant.

“Since her break time, Yahata-san has been seen in town frequently. Would you like me to contact her?”

“You better do it now. Tell her to come back here as soon as possible before breakfast time.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

~

Her clothes fluttered in her suit and Umiri left the parking lot in her signature style. Her favorite all-black outfit always accompanied her with an energy drink in her hand. The car driven by Umiri heads to the bridge that was used as a crime scene for the fake natural phenomenon. Still in her usual moves, the woman raised her cigarette and leaned against the car when she saw something she really liked to observe. There was no one but the silence that was slowly being replaced by the hustle and bustle of the city. As if coming back to life from darkness to light. 

Exhaling smoke from her cigarette as the clock struck dawn. The morning star began to appear on the eastern side of the horizon.

The sunlight began to penetrate the dark clouds and reveal more clearly the scars of the battle. Touching it and with one certainty of answer, she looked down and smiled. All the damaged structures were read by Umiri without missing a single small detail. Being meticulous in digging up information was a basic skill of a former church member.

If it wasn't for that, maybe Umiri would still be a part of it today.

Suddenly the phone rang and disturbed Umiri from her observation. Quickly the hands reached for her suit pockets, and then facial expression frowned grimly when she saw the contact name listed.

A few seconds passed and she decided to pick up the call.

“Yahata here. What's wrong?”

Embracing the call that came so as not to miss any important points. Umiri's gloomy face slowly changed. Her cigarette was dropped and extinguished under her shoe. Umiri's talent has been recognized for handling many cases at the same time quickly without error. Making herself famous even though no one was able to dig up her true intentions despite repeated attempts.

Umiri able to play many roles if she wants. Even if it means betrayal. She doesn't care as long as all her wishes don't end up hurting herself.

“Togawa huh. It's been a while since I've been there.” Umiri smiled slightly and got into her car. The roar of the engine returned and her gas pedal sped up so fast. “Don't worry, I will arrive there before six. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly.” 

One thing was forgotten,

“These seven days are going to be long days that will make me almost throw up. So you better prepare what I want as soon as possible.”

Chapter Text

The curtain had completely risen.

I can't take my eyes off it and run away from it all. You stand beside me as my sword and raise it to the enemies. Not much talk but ability proves that you are worthy.

Under the moon, your shadow is reflected. A form different from you. 

I glimpsed you laughing without wounds. So free as if untouched by pain. So beautiful is your smile in precious memories. Your beauty is hidden behind deep war wounds, I feel a strange thing growing in me.

Why does my heart feel so warm?

I'm falling into a sea of words I can't understand. The hand you reached out to me, I hold so tightly and won't let go.

I heard in the faint sound of the surroundings you mentioned your name.

Such a beautiful name.

Sayo.

•*•

Dawn of the day.

Lisa was shocked when she woke up from her sleep. Realizing that time had passed since she came. Even though it was only to see Yukina looking relaxed sipping her coffee while reading the Bible in silence. The priest liked the silence and Lisa couldn't blame Yukina for not waking her up. It was a bit annoying but protesting for a long time was useless because the silver haired would definitely bring out her trump card. Lisa relaxed her shoulders and took a breath then released it in a sigh.

“It was kind of mean that you didn't wake me up.” A brief complaint. Lisa sat up slowly from the bed.

Even if it was just to see Yukina silence her for a moment and choose her cup of coffee over talking.

“It's not my fault. You went back to sleep after I threatened to kick you out of my church.”

The brunette choked with muffled laughter. “Alright, head priest. Thank you for your help.” She looked around and realized her servant had not returned to the room. “By the way.. Where is she?”

Yukina's one eyebrow raised, she asked as if she didn't know who the person was talking about. “Your Servant?”

“Yeah. Is she still standing guard outside?”

“It seems so. You can meet her outside. Your wound should be better now.”

With a smile Lisa put her coat back on and walked out. But before she left she poked Yukina's cheek. “Thank you kind priest!~”

“T—That’s enough! Go away!” Sure enough, Yukina had prepared a bottle of holy water in her hand.

“Wait! You're not having any fun playing with that!”

But soon there was a knock on the door and Sayo came in with her face as blank as before. Her eyes looked around before finally a sound followed to come out of her mouth. Morning report, that's what Lisa thought. The servant was indeed stiff and too professional in every way. 

“Master, are you okay now?” She asked politely.

Lisa raised one arm and pumped her fist into the air. “Much better than before!”

Sayo was a little surprised but her expression slowly softened. She approached her master and stood beside her, “There's something I want to talk about outside.”

“Ah before you continue, I want you to call me by name!” Lisa scratched her cheek gently, “It feels quite strange that you keep calling me master. I can't get used to it ahaha.” Her voice was cheerful with a gleaming reflection.

Sayo was silent for a moment with her eyes looking at Lisa. As if asking what her name was without having to speak. 

“Okay, my name is Lisa Imai. You can call me Lisa if you want.” A bright smile like the sun spread across her lips. “So please don't call me master because it feels so heavy!”

“I.. Imai.. Okay, I understand.” Sayo exhaled, her tongue continued to adapt. 

“So what are you—”

There was another knock on the door before Lisa could finish her sentence. All eyes were on the door but Yukina was the first to stand up and followed by Sayo that was already alert with her hand on the hilt of her sword. The priest opened the door and saw two people there.

Tomori and Taki.

“A.. Another master!?”

The presence of another servant made both of them immediately really alert with their weapons ready. Sayo with her sword and Taki with her spear, both of their eyes seemed to emit hot sparks. Not letting the church to get destroyed, Lisa and Tomori immediately stepped in front of them and stopped the almost happening bloodshed on the church building.

“Wait!”

“Hold your attacks!”

The servants stopped.

But, The grip on their weapons slowly loosened. Although the eyes did not lie and the mouths clicked with annoyance. They lowered their weapons, still on alert. Lisa sees Tomori and the same as her. 

The gray haired nervously looked towards Lisa and Yukina, her hands seeming fidgeting to show hesitation in asking for help. Her body still has scars that are more prominent than for her to hide. Because of it, the existing atmosphere made it hard for Tomori to convey the purpose of her arrival.

For Lisa, wounds are still wounds. Her instincts couldn't hide that she was worried about anyone, including her own opponent. She doesn't care about danger. Reaching out her hand no matter if her opponent pushed it away. At least she had the intention to help and get close.

“Are you okay?” Her olive eyes met Tomori's rose gold ones. So soft with tenderness. There was a softness embedded in her friendly welcoming voice.

Feeling her chest release from the strangling tightness, Tomori nodded slowly. "I... want to ask for help.”

Lisa curved a cat-like smile. She glanced at the priest with the same hope.

"Not again.. Lisa.."

"Please?" She winked to the priest.

Tomori let out a shaky breath as Yukina stared at her for a long time. Rejection was common. If she couldn't find a place to rest, the forest was the only option.

But, Yukina was not that cruel to reject injured people.

She sighed, "Fine, come in."

Her hand signaled to enter. Telling her to lie down on the bed that Lisa had previously occupied as the priest brought first aid. She obeyed. 

“How long are you going to stay here?” Yukina disrupted Lisa's thoughts as she stared blankly at the girl who had just arrived.

“Ah that..”

The golden orbs seemed to chase her away from there. Too many people just made the room cramped and Yukina did nothing wrong. It was as it should be.

Suddenly, Tomori held them back from stepping aside.

The smell of alcohol mixed into the room. Soft chirps of birds slightly covered the awkwardness. 

“Ano! W.. Will you... form an alliance with me?”

"Eh?"

The hoarse voice that continued added. As if swallowing her bitterness if it really had to go wrong like she wanted. But it was okay. At least she had tried.

“If you can't.. it's okay..” The wrinkles on the blanket were visible enough. She clenched fists with head bowed.

Leaving that question for Lisa to answer. This makes Lisa feel like she was being bombarded with crucial questions. The decision will be very meaningful for the future and one mistake could bring her to the point of loss.

Once again, Lisa.. not someone who has the heart to leave someone who was hurt.

“Imai-san, consider this again.” Sayo held her wrist back. Her grip tightened, “You can't always follow your conscience. It will all be in vain if you choose wrongly.”

“I know you're worried but isn't she unable to fight right now? If we can make a deal, why not?” Chanting pleading eyes, the servant was caught off guard.

“Imai-san…”

Her head turned back to see Yukina who was still bandaging the girl's wound. “Besides, Yukina doesn't want her church to be destroyed because of the battle, right?”

Sayo got silent. Her breath hitched and she released the grip. Crossing arms as if head was spinning. 

“You are stubborn..”

Laughing softly, Lisa jumped a step and took Sayo's hand in hers. Her eyes were closed in a sweet, optimistic smile that was very different from the tealette. Indescribable but Sayo's firm determination feels eroded.

“I have you as my servant. I'm sure we won't lose! I believe in you.” 

Slightly losing her cool composure, Sayo turned her face away. “Fine.. Whatever.”

•*•

Togawa Residence.

Tight security covers the entire residence with weapons ready to fire at any time. The Togawa family demands that everything goes perfect and vigilant as if there will be no chance for their opponent to win. Not playing around with his achievement, Sadaharu had previously won the holy grail and brought the desire for wealth and power to infinite perfection. Passing it on to the only grandchild who has the same special qualities as him, forcing Sakiko to be the way he wanted her to be.

Dining room. 

Breakfast was served with waiters all around. Too much food was served for only two hosts. The servant did not eat even though the plate was also given to her.

They all fell silent without anyone starting anything.

Until, Sadaharu starts it.

“I heard you met Rider in person, is that true?” The fork was still holding the slice of meat as Sadaharu pressed his tone.

“That's right, grandfather. The master is no ordinary person.” Sakiko's calmness was able to calm him down. “Hikawa is involved here. Although it seems they only have the youngest.”

The old man nodded and the meat entered his mouth. “If they've sent one then you better be careful. There can't be any mistake that will cause you to lose your saber.”

A small fire that Sakiko didn't know about began to grow within her. She finished her food quickly in manners and immediately returned to her room as Uika followed her behind. Accompanying her like a knight and a princess trapped in a castle rule.

“He controls my life too much.” It wasn't the first time Uika had heard Sakiko complain about her grandfather. Leaning against the wall facing the window, her golden eyes looked at the trellis that separated the outside and inside. “It's really like a bird in a cage. I'm imprisoned.”

Saber just patiently listened to her. Her eyes did not leave Sakiko even though it showed something else hidden. Waiting for the time. 

“If Saki-chan could be free.. What would you want?” She gives a friendly smile and leans next to her.

There are time for both of their eyes to met against each other.

The calm amethyst and the burning amber.

“I want to forget all those bitter memories. Everything is too heavy when I feel the loss, like your wings are broken.” She looked at Uika. “I'm not like you who is not afraid of grief and sorrow.”

“I see..” Uika's hand reached for the mask that appeared in her hand, “Hearing you say that, makes me not want to disappoint you.”

Slowly getting down from where she was leaning, Sakiko reached for Uika's hair. Combing it gently as she channeled a bit of her mana through her touch. Uika leaned into the touch and her amethyst orbs started to blur with comfort.

“I give my life for you.. only for you and always.”

Then suddenly..

“Pardon my rudeness, Miss Sakiko. Miss Yahata is waiting for you in the living room, she said she has important business.” One of her maids knocked.

Sakiko's hand stopped, making Uika a little disappointed. “The police?”

“Yeah. I haven't seen her for a long time.”

“Let's meet her." Slowly standing up, Uika took Sakiko's hand and lifted it kindly. 

Descending the grand staircase, the black-haired woman in her suit stood facing the dolls neatly displayed in the billiard room next to her. Distracted even though it's a lie. No need to turn around to know, Umiri had already prepared her words well.

“What a coincidence. Long time no see, Togawa-san.”

Keeping her distance, as polite as any other classy noble, Sakiko replied, “It's been a while, Yahata-san. What made them send you here?”

There was a little disappointed laugh from Umiri, "I got caught." She turned around, "Then there's no need for small talk.”

“Good then.”

Umiri had already turned around completely. Her body was bowed respectfully with one hand on her chest showing politeness. But, Sakiko was not that easy to believe and to be deceived.

“I was asked by the police to guard you. Mr. Sadaharu has also agreed to this request. Therefore, they sent me as someone you can trust.”

Sakiko didn't leave a single word. But her body slowly turned away from Umiri and one of her shoes was already up the stairs.

“How could grandfather send someone like you for me to trust?”

Startled, Umiri gaped slightly.

“What does it mean?”

“Don't play dirty with me. I know you're taking sides, hiding behind a mask. But you're also afraid of being betrayed. It's so easy to guess, are you going to act here? In front of my eyes?” There was no doubt but the satisfaction of unveiling Umiri, Sakiko's elegant smile strangled her opponent to speechless.

She got stunned but a satisfied smile was thrown at Sakiko.

“What can I do for you to believe me?” 

The bluish haired turned to the person standing straight beside, touching her jaw like a masterpiece porcelain doll. The blonde didn't resist her master's touch and remained silent under a spell. Giving Umiri gulped after a show of an example in her own way. 

Sakiko then stepped closer and made the woman in the suit kneel down and be unable to move. Can't face anywhere but her.

Having fallen into a trap, the Togawa heir has now given a sign that no other games are allowed.

“Swear to be loyal only to me and I will give you what you want.” Sakiko adjusted Umiri’s collar and looked at her with a gaze as venomous as a snake. Whispered beside her ear after approached.

“Be my knight, Umiri Yahata. If you do it, I will not betray you and your fears. Simple, right?”

Now, Umiri has to make a choice and there was no other move she can make. Trapped under the stage that Sakiko made, she must now accept her defeat. Falling to be her knight, Umiri vows. 

“How amazing of you, Togawa-san. That was my intention from the start when I came here.” Injuring herself, Umiri drew blood. “My blood is my promise.”

It wasn't an insult to her. 

Sakiko appreciates the result.

The welcoming party has already started with the mastermind playing with her puppets. 

The stage was increasingly rife with bloodshed and beliefs that don't know where they are.

They are all at zero point.

•*•

Town theater stage.

The sound of the music echoed in the large and magnificent room as all eyes were focused on the beauty of the melody. The holiness of the angels' voices, solemnity filled the room. Among the strains are violins, of which there is one that stands out.

Her beautiful voice unites all the diversity of voices there. Calm but has the essence of spirit that captivates the soul. Everyone sees her as talented. Popular among those who know her accomplishments.

All the games are perfect and even more than that.

But this time it's different.

At first everything was fine until one mistake happened at a crucial moment.

Suddenly her hand slipped from where it should be, not the rhythm. Her eyes were fixed for a moment, there was a moment of horror that appeared.

Someone saw her from a distance, staring at her continuously. If it was a stalker, then the security guard should have chased it away.

She had felt followed for days. But this was the peak.

There was an unrecognizable whisper that called her name over and over until she could barely sleep. Making everything fall apart. She didn't want this.

When she blinked. Suddenly the shadow she saw disappeared.

“Are you okay, Yashio-san?” one of them asked. Handing the violinist a bottle of water.

“I'm fine.” Lie. At least it made her still believe in her position instead of superstition.

She returned to the position with the violin, trying to ignore all the distractions that were meant to distract her further. Still trying to maintain her professionalism amidst the constant shocks. The melody continues, with the same figure still haunting the visitors' benches. The stage continued despite strange questions about what happened to Rui Yashio that usually performed perfectly. Chaos even happened backstage. Everyone was busy fixing what was there and that situation was making things even harder for her. She stepped out in a hurry. The voice kept echoing in her head until it made her want to scream for the sake of her sanity. Circumstances force Rui to take a breath of fresh air and crash out in front of the toilet mirror.

In a ragged breath, she blames herself.

Feeling like she had failed made the voice continue to grow stronger.

“Rui.. Yashio..”

“Stop it..”

“You are my master..”

“I said stop!”

Then the sound stopped. Rui's jaw clenched when she already prepared to scream.

But..

The situation now reversed.

The lights slowly turned on and off erratically, shadows formed behind her body and reflected from the glass. There was a soft giggles hidden in the darkness. It moved so fast that no one realized it was behind them.

“Rui Yashio.. is this really what you want?” The whispering voice was heard again.

“Please stop bothering me..” Rui's voice became hoarse with pleading. “You destroyed me..”

“Wasn't it you who asked me to come?”

“I don't even know who you are! So please..”

“Is that so?”

The harder she covered her ears, the stronger the figure appeared. This time the shadow hugged her from behind with a lot of hands resting on her neck.

The shocked response made Rui jump in surprise and accidentally threw the vase with force. Breaking the glass which made everyone immediately rush towards her. But time passed so slowly, held back by that person.

Long black with her amethyst eyes clouded in shades of blood.

She looked so embarrassed even though she had scared Rui quite a bit before. Her skin was pale but the shadowy hand behind it was lurking as if ready to find an enemy.

“Who.. are you..” Continuing to back away from her, Rui found herself stuck at a dead end.

Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes slowly peeked out from behind her bangs. The time going back to her instincts, the woman approached Rui and lifted her chin. Forcing her to make eye contact.

“I am.. Assassin. Your Servant.”

Chapter Text

I can hear it..

The sound of the waves crashing so peacefully and the sound of light footsteps moving from place to place. Your soft little laugh escaped your stiff face.

How beautiful your precious smile is, Sayo.

You stare at the reflection of the moon on the water. So big and safe in its scope. Your eyes are so serene and somehow this feeling keeps growing strangely.

I don't understand how to conclude it.

I don't think so.

I just want to help you break free from the shackles. The deep-seated sorrow and the emptiness that continues to haunt you. 

We are just master and servant, nothing more, right?

•*•

The next morning.

“The latest investigation into the explosion and damage to Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge has yet to yield any results. Police are still working to investigate—”

The television was turned off. The person sitting down began to get up from her couch, the rosary in her hand was put back to neck.

A series of events that took place in less than a week, even three days, inevitably brought new problems. Events that are not logical should not be revealed further. How it caused the church to have to send other envoys to find out more about what was there.

A voice box placed on the fireplace sounds as a command from the center.

“It can't be denied that we are a little late in making our move. However, this action cannot be tolerated, I am counting on you Ran.”

The priest put her hand on the box. Her eyes radiated something fiery, not anger but a return to the sacred meaning of the grail war. The actions of the master who should be responsible have tarnished the sanctity of war itself. 

“Don't worry, I'll finish this as soon as possible.”

A click ended the conversation. 

“Oh I guess the person gave you the details?” There was another voice from behind the kitchen. It comes from the pale ivory haired girl bringing Ran a glass of hot chocolate. Her face was showing a content smile almost like a cat. “Finally, you can go out on duty~”

“Hey, I haven't been unemployed for that long, you know.”

“I was just kidding~ Take this before you go.”

Ran sighed and took the glass offered, taking a sip of the hot chocolate which made her calm down a little.

“Thank you, Moca.”

“Always welcome for you~”

For the magus who see it as the fruit of war will consider the events that occur as a blessing or a sign of a show between the masters. But not for those who do not know anything. The incident that happened was the result of a disaster from something that could have been inevitable. 

Two opposing points of view will provide two very conflicting differences. If the number of victims continues to increase, other actions will be more dangerous in the future. 

Ran must deal with it immediately.

A loud sound seemed to hit Lisa's head so hard that it woke her from her deep sleep. The previous day had passed so quickly that it was replaced by the beginning again. The remnants of the dream still remained in her head.

Lisa was silent with her hands still on her head, slowly stroking her auburn hair. Lips slowly opened after finding her servant standing at the end of the room watching her. 

“Ah..” That's all from Lisa.

“Sorry, I think I woke you up.” Sayo's arms were still crossed even though her eyes were now trying to shift to the other. “You were delirious last night, so I thought being here might help.”

That sentence made Lisa panic a little, it would definitely be embarrassing if other people heard it. Doubting herself for asking, Lisa's voice stuck and wouldn't come out of her lips. 

How frustrated she was that morning.

“What was I talking about in the dream?” 

The teal girl paused and put her hand on her chin, “You mentioned the beach and someone. You didn't mention a name that I remember but it seemed like a woman.”

“Oh really?” Lisa's pupils sparkled with curiosity. “If so, I want to know.”

“I heard your sincere intentions when you spoke in your dream. Helping someone to be free. You are truly kind, Imai-san.” 

Lisa's cheeks turned red. “Isn't that a must?”

“There are times when you should and times when you shouldn't. Being too naive makes you careless in many things.” Suddenly Sayo's voice and tone changed from soft to stiff and firm again.

She calmed her down and came closer to Sayo. Brushing her hands softly with a gentle touch. “I get it, okay. So what else do you remember?”

“You seem confused about your feelings.”

Silence filled again. One likes it and one doesn't, only the faint sound of classical music from another room could be heard faintly.

Sayo coughed and cleared her throat in order to melt out the situation but leaving a hint of faint blush in her cheeks, her master looked at her with an embarrassed face after realizing it. 

“Don't worry. I'll pretend I didn't hear anything.”

“T.. That doesn't even solve the problem..” Lisa gripped Sayo's sleeve tightly with an equally red face. Turning her face away to be covered by her own bangs.  

“If you ask me I don't know the answer either, Imai-san.”

“Damn.. Sayo.. You are.. stupid..”

“.... How did you know that name..?”

Compared to curiosity, all that was on Sayo's face was fear. She was so scared that Lisa could describe one thing she recognized just from the mention. Her stiff body slowly took a step back until it met the cold wall. Her mouth whispered words that Lisa couldn't hear clearly other than the word 'death'. 

“Imai-san.. Thank you.”

“Eh, Sayo.. Wait what.?”

Her hands freeing the ties that locked the eye patch of her left eye, releasing it slowly until she saw the same jade pupils with a different glimmer. 

“I finally remember... the name that had been forsaken.”

•*•

The screeching of tires left marks on the road, the car door opened as the woman took off the sunglasses she was wearing. The atmosphere of the pier was not so crowded but there was still something left for what was being served. The wind blew, tossing the hair as her expression remained flat as before. 

“I didn't expect you to come here this quick.”

“Is it wrong if I miss you after you call me?”

“Disgusting.”

Standing tall with short, soft purple hair. Her lips pursed in the spoken word. Her shoulders tensed slightly as the shorter woman approached. 

Staying alert, the woman leaned against the c pillar of her car. Crossing her arms with eyes still watching Umiri's movements like a cat watching its enemy.

“I heard something bad happened to you?”

“That's it, it's beyond my control. They said I could ask you about it, but I chose not. Although I don't believe it is a bit connected to this nonsense war.” Playing with her own fingers while touching her nails, Nyamu acts like a bored cat. “But there's a doubt. It's hard for me to trust you, Umiko.”

Umiri laughed bitterly, “If you really don't believe it, that's fine. Besides those you contacted recommended you to contact me didn't they?”

“Straight to the point. How much do you want?” Clapping hands on hips, eyes never breaking. Nyamu was in control to get Umiri in her grasp.

“At least enough to keep me fed for a month that will be no problem.”

“No wonder you can afford such luxurious items. Togawa really got you into their game, huh?”

“Oops.. that's an offside talk, Yuutenji-san. Now take me and focus on your problems first.”

The person she was talking to became even more sullen. Her body turned when she opened the door and grabbed a thing on the car seat. Throwing it in a brown package towards Umiri.

“I don't know if this is enough but at least help me get the trouble off.”

Umiri let out a chuckle and opened the contents when she realized a pile of money had been neatly arranged. Wrapping it back up and throwing the package back into her car, the woman in the suit immediately gave her hand to Nyamu.

“More than enough. So, where's your servant?”

Giving a sign through a glance, Umiri followed her and saw a person standing behind the container. Hiding but her ears seemed to be eavesdropping. Her skin was pale like a doll with greenish hair, neatly covered in white translucent shirt with red lapels and black ruff. Her head was wearing a red beret, covering the face from Umiri's sharp gaze.

Her hands slightly gripped the iron container, “Don’t come any closer.” 

Mortis's eyes looked so menacing. She stood with mana condensed into a floating weapon flying above her, spinning as if ready to shoot. A Caster with two personalities was a new problem and a move that has been thought out even though the chances of losing are as big as winning.

Hearing the command, Umiri followed the game.

“Okay, I won't come closer.” Instead she gave Nyamu the opportunity to ask the servant's name. But before Nyamu asked, the answer had already come before the question.

“Mortis.”

In the blink of an eye, Mortis' movement became unpredictable in Umiri's calculation circle. It happened so quickly when Umiri's stomach was touched by Mortis' attack. It made her heart beat faster as the almost real illusion surprised someone as trained as her. The air was almost unbearable for her, Umiri immediately took a few steps back and was surprised when the second illusion appeared in front of her again. 

“What's wrong? You look so scared?” 

The voice echoed. Cold sweat poured from the lone wolf's temple. Umiri was able to come to her decision calmly when she saw Mortis' sudden change in character.

“Don't, Mortis. Don't hurt her.” The voice was soft and gentle.

“Stop pitying your opponent! She'll separate us! If there's no master, we'll die!" The other one was stronger. “Understand it, Mutsumi-chan... this is for both of our good.”

Wiping away the traces of sweat and raising her hands in surrender. Umiri relaxed her shoulders and looked at the two, “I understand. I will not let you go from your master. But, I want us to have one condition.”

In a close whisper to Caster, Umiri stated her playing chances. 

“Wait wait! What the heck is this, Umiko!?”

“I want you and your servant to make a temporary alliance with Togawa. That will at least keep you safe for a while.” 

Nyamu approached Umiri and looked at her with an annoyed face, her palms raised and face red in boiling anger. Her patience was running out. “You are indeed unbelievable, I shouldn't have—” She grabbed Umiri's collar, words coming out in high pitch noise.

“Togawa is the only reliable alliance for the current time, please listen to me." Umiri tried to move out from Nyamu's grasp but only to be pushed away by her again, “Wait Yuutenji-san!”

“I came to you to help me out of this problem. But it seems like you are not trustworthy.” Turning around with her hair blown away by the sea breeze, Nyamu walked away from Umiri. “I'm not a crazy person who can play with fire like you, if you really can't do it, you better say so from the start. Let's go, Morty.”

With a single nod and back in spirit form, Mortis disappeared. “Yes, Nyamu.”

Step by step, Umiri was left behind by them and the vehicle left her alone. The rejection that occurred made her have to rack her brains again to carry out her plan, no matter how dangerous or reckless it is she will do it. But no one would have thought that what she planned would sow gunpowder ready to ignite a bigger fire.

•*•

Two hours later.

The messenger arrived carrying a pocket watch in her hand, the loafer shoes leaving a steady sound wherever she goes. Arrived there alone. Staring at the large building that looked more like a classic old Japanese house.

Ran took a deep breath as the scent of Tokyo's leyline filled her chest. During her time working at the church, that was the first time she had felt the shivers spreading throughout her body. 

"Damn it. What is this scent of disaster?"

Ran continued to feel the darkness growing and thickening. The land that should have been pure and untainted was now filled with darkness and the metallic scent of blood. At the same time the sound of the gate opening. An old guard let the young priest in.

“Are you Miss Mitake?” The guard extended his hand to greet the guest. “Miss Shirasagi has been expecting you.”

“Ah yes, that's right. Sorry for the wait.”

Passing through the almost endless corridors of the house, the entire view Ran saw provides a classic touch as the sound of trickling water from the bamboo fountain continues. As the final stop almost reached, there was a large heron painting marking a room to be entered. Ran took a deep breath and she knew what kind of person she would face that day.

The guard entered first, making up for the few seconds that had passed for Ran to prepare herself mentally.

“Please come in.” 

One step into a large room with a wooden table right in the middle and several classic decorations to shade the silence of the room. The lady who was going to be the conversation partner seemed tired of the situation. Still, she did not forget to give her guest a welcome and a glass of tea to accompany them.

“I never thought a lord would call me here.” Ran's eyes were still staring seriously at the sheets of paper and the nearly empty ink bottle on the table. “It seems like there's a really big problem going on where you work?”

“If there wasn't a problem then you shouldn't be here.” Chisato chuckled, her tone laced with sarcasm. “You know how the leylines feel in this land. Then you should know what's going on here.”

“Too many people are starting to disrupt the activities here. Most of the magus are starting to gather and perform summoning rituals. But it seems that the number of contracts has reached its limit, if it continues like this then Tokyo could collapse.”

Chisato huffed with clenched hands and turned her face towards the garden where rain was starting to fall from the sky. “Worst case could happen, there will be nothing left here.”

“I have already coordinated with Minato and several other church factions. However, I will definitely need your connections to take a closer look at who is involved.”

With her keen eyes, Chisato was able to quickly find the paper she had separated from the many piles. Containing names and important details, she handed it to Ran.

Some names made Ran laugh but face soon turned flat.

“Seriously..”

“Surprised, right?” Taking a sip of the tea in her hand, Chisato smiled a little. “Your reaction is the same as mine the first time I saw this list of names.”

“If it's like this, the war will be impossible to cover up.”

Suddenly there was another knock on the door and Chisato excused herself for a moment.

“Wait a minute, please..”

“Sure.”

Whether it was because of the silence or her extremely sharp sense of hearing, Ran's ears accidentally caught a conversation between Chisato and one of the guests who seemed to be from where she worked. There was panic from the guests and Chisato's face changed drastically. Ran guessed that the more chaotic things were adding to the burden on the mind of a blonde who seemed to be working so hard without giving up.

"I'd better not interfere.."

Ran said in her mind while biting into the soft mochi that was served. Letting the soft taste filling her mouth with chewy texture from the mochi itself.

…

Not even two minutes had passed, Chisato returned with a gloomy face. Her hand on her head and the other hand propped up on the table. The bad sign was quite clear from her face which was almost full of darkness as well as the leyline Ran had seen before.

One word that left Ran shocked finally arrived.

“Fuck..”

“I didn't think a lord would say something like that... Well, it can't be helped.”

“One of my comrades... Brought one of the sacred catalysts I kept in the clock tower.” Chisato's voice was mixed with annoyance and resignation. For some reason Ran's feelings started to drift towards one person.

“If I may ask, who?”

“Tsurumaki. Yes, that one is indeed famous for her actions, but... I didn't expect… ” Chisato let out a long sigh, giving up now that her dictionary was so thick it was almost as thick as the great wall.

The mochi in her hand slipped from her grasp and Ran immediately turned into the same gloomy Chisato. Hands on head with maximum pouting face. Basically, both of them have the same mess.

“This time, whether you like it or not... I ask for your help, Ran-san.”

“Wait, I haven't even agreed yet!?”

•*•

Road on the hill, near the church.

Tomori and Taki walk away from the church they had stopped at earlier in better condition. The priest who had been caring for Tomori earlier had already returned to her church and the sound of the gate closing seemed to be a momentary farewell. Her servant, Lancer, was already holding the spear in her hand. Her body leaned against a tree that was about fifty meters away from where her master was standing.

“Tomori, are you sure you want to form an alliance with... Berserker?” Taki's doubts were voiced when she stared at Tomori for a long time. “You know, we're in a grail war…”

Tomori's hand was stuck in its position, she did not immediately reply to Taki's words. Instead, she stared at the gate handle like she had received guidance.

“Somehow... I believe them.” Slowly Tomori's head turned to Taki. Her eyes gave a slight touch of emotion that was almost glassy.

Taki was confused by her master's words. Tomori didn't give an answer that she definitely knew the answer to, but she would let time tell. But, Taki didn't know how long she had to wait to understand the answer.

“I don't really understand what you're thinking. But, you know the price if they betray you.. Tomori.” Getting up from where she was leaning, the brown-haired girl smiled at Tomori coolly.

Suddenly.. the calm ended when a voice broke through between the two of them.

There was applause three times.

“You two are really interesting. Lancer and her master..” The gentle voice resembling the nobles, Sakiko has returned. “Long time no see, Tomori.”

The rose gold orbs grew larger as her lips fell open in shock. Tomori turned around and her body instantly stopped working.

“Saki-chan.. Why?”

“There's nothing you need to know.”

“Oi! What did you do to Tomo— Kh!?” 

Just before she could step forward, a sword had served and was placed a few millimeters away from Taki's neck.

“Don't bother the conversation of our master, Lancer.” The mask once again covers Uika's face and her soul now resides with another version of herself, Doloris. “Cutting in is rude.”

“Damn you, Saber..”

“Rather than waiting in emptiness, wouldn't it be better to show off our skills?” Uika pressed her strength into her sword, “Or... will you just shut up and give up like a good dog?”

“Don't expect me to give up!” Leaning closer with strength and bumping her forehead against Uika hardly, the sword she was holding loosened. Taki immediately stepped on one of the grips of her spear and grabbed it while she spun it around and making them having more distance. “You will regret this.”

Uika's mask almost fell off, but she quickly grabbed it before her face was fully visible.

“I think.. This is a meeting that has a long ending.”

“Shut up.”

Sakiko slowly approached and stopped when one meter was right in front of her eyes. The blowing wind hit them both and Tomori slowly dared to look at Sakiko. There was a single drop that fell from the rose gold left eye and the face that had long held a wound.

“It's over, Tomori. Face the truth.”

“No, I won't stop and I will face this fate again!”

Chapter Text

—Light that moves along with dark death

When the eyes are opened, their brilliance emits something that living creatures fear. Including humans.

Is that death?

Or is it a curse that accompanies it?

Spreading throughout your body and embracing you in darkness. You always avoid looking at someone's face when their eyes are open, it seems you are afraid that death will bring evil and misery. 

You who are afraid of losing others.

Sacrificing yourself to be used as a tool of hatred. Continuing the destiny of endless suffering, marking every moment that continues to hurt you. 

You forget your real name and all you remember is the symbol of your opponent's fear and the depiction of the weapons of those who use you.

Berserker.

•*•

The feud between Tomori and Sakiko still ongoing.

The sound of the tip of the blade between the sword and the spear clinked loudly and created a great vibration followed by the rush of wind. The grass testifies to what destroyed them there. The trees that covered the entire road to the church seemed to be pulled back as the clash continued. The sun is still not too high. Two servants showed no signs of retreating or giving up when their master still had words to say to each other.

Taki jumped into the air and threw her spear at the ground, but Uika successfully avoided it just in time. Ground tore apart the air as the spear struck. The stuck blade shattered the ground and created deep cracks on the surface with sparks of lightning around it.

“Not bad at all.” Uika praises Taki. The greetings became dry, Taki didn't like talking to her.

“....” Lancer just clicked her tongue. She hates that and it was a good boost to her fighting soul.

It didn't stop there, when full speed was reached by Taki. She grabs her weapon again and creates a new clash. Such a fast attack was always perfectly blocked by Uika. She precisely calculated each one that came and when she knew the end of Taki's attack, Uika released a powerful slash that repelled Taki.

Taki heard Uika humming. Each lyric she muttered slowly changed the color of the bright sword into something dark. Uika's painful singing seemed to be etched into her melodious voice.

Taki was thrown but once again the chain on her spear held her back from hitting the trees. The blade was firmly embedded in the ground, able to withstand heavy pressure.

“What the hell is that sword..” Taki's voice was low in pain.

She let out a trail of blood that leaked from the corner of her lips, wiped it away and stood back up. Witnessing the sword that was a complete contrast to the form of the Saber in front of her. Taki laughed deep down, the battle that continues to heat up becomes embers for her spirit.

To be honest, Taki loved the fight.

“How my sword of sorrow feels for you, Lancer?”

…

..

.

“Just keep your damn sorrow to yourself.” Taki smiled when she felt something resonate with her strongly. “It doesn't bother me at all!”

Pounce forward quickly. Her steps slammed into the place she stepped on, the spear girl shot faster than lightning. Moving without a shadow, Taki blends in. The calmness on Taki's face removed her previous aggression, a change that quickly dispelled Uika's estimation.

“What—!?”

Not expecting Lancer to put up any obvious counterattack, Uika let her guard down and ruined the stance she had previously maintained. Fending off Taki's sudden attack, she was knocked back but still able to keep her body from hitting the ground. The purple lightning trail remained and the spear returned to Taki's hand. Throwing the spear behind Uika, she teleported again.

Continuous attacks. A Lancer's specialty was deadly single target attacks. 

A fast thrust like a wolf pouncing on its prey illustrates every point of Taki's precise attack at one point.

“How could that be... my attack earlier should have been…” The evasion plan was read, Uika completely underestimated it. 

“I believe in Tomori. That's all.” Taki's cool smile appeared. The spear struck hard with a roar of thunder, Uika's body hit the ground and Taki didn't let it stop again.

After all her consecutive spear attacks ended, Taki sent her flying and kicked hard with a roundhouse kick at the sword that was protecting Uika's defense.

Makes Uika to step back and return to Sakiko immediately. A quick flash returned the two servants to their master.

“You're back, Doloris.” Sakiko wasn't surprised. Instead, she gave her servant an appraising expression with pride. Not ignoring the presence of her opponent's servant who also appeared behind Tomori.

Doloris replied back to her master with equal pride, a charming smile even though she also has a few bruises on her face. “Lancer put up a captivating fight. She was a worthy opponent.”

Slowly, the mask she was wearing earlier broke like shattered glass and finally revealed her true form, smiling with satisfaction when her true face shown. The restraints that had been holding her back seemed to have been broken free from limiting her true strength.

“Should I continue, Saki-chan?” She got more excited, the unsheathed sword was still ready to be drawn to her opponent. 

“Get a hold of yourself, Doloris. This time it should be our turn to fight, right... Tomori?” Sakiko's blue hair fluttered in the air and her charming smile was shown along with her amber orbs. The shine that changes in an instant.

“I don't want to hurt you, Saki-chan.” Tomori held her shirt tightly until it wrinkled. However, Sakiko gave her no other choice than a fight to prove. “But, I will not remain silent.”

“I would be very happy if you would welcome me here and now.”

Maintaining her breath. Time seemed to slow down as they went in the direction they were going. Her heart ached again and blood fell from corner eyes again. Tomori slowly looked up, there arrived the same eyes appeared just like the incident on the Rainbow Bridge. Eyes that kept her hunted for her entire life.

Mystic Eyes of Distortion.

•*•

Roof of the building.

The binoculars were still held in her hand, eyes gazing into the distance from the battle on the hill. Her teal hair did not resist the strong gusts of wind above. Her servant still faithfully stood behind her with a chill face.

“Too bad I wasn't invited to join in,” Hina complained jokingly. “The Togawa really love direct confrontation, I don't understand how they make out a strategy.”

“Ah master, you don't seem to know what they are like. Besides, wouldn't it be better if we watch their show now?” Kaoru crossed her arms and laughed, “It would be better if one of them falls first, that would be epic. How fleeting~”

“That's how it should be. I'm so looking forward to that boppin' moment!” Putting down her binoculars like she was seeing something, Hina stood up on the building's railing. “I think I have a new mission now!”

“Just jump master, Silver will catch you before you land—” Before the command was finished, Hina had already jumped and her servant's face immediately turned blue. “Master, I'm not finished talking yet!”

“Oh man this is so boppin'!!!”

Full of speed, the light gray horse managed to catch the reckless tealette. Accompanied by a white horse ridden by Kaoru behind her, the two of them maneuvered in the air. All her actions were recorded by the public who witnessed it, including those who don't like explicit grail wars.

…

The table was slammed.

The feeling of annoyance was channeled from the blow, making everyone in the room silent. Afraid and reluctant to comment when they saw the person like that. The person took a deep breath, trying to calm herself who would never find peace until the grail war was over.

“That person never thinks about the consequences of her actions..” Growling in annoyance, Misaki pinched her bridge of nose. “Look for Hikawa until we finds her, if possible without violence.”

“Yes, Chief Okusawa!”

“You don't need to look, she is easy to find.” Leaning against the door frame, Chisato was there with Ran.

“Who are you—”

Chisato's stern gaze silenced Misaki from speaking further. The symbol on her clothes was enough to let her know who she was and the person behind her was clearly from the church.

“Chisato Shirasagi. I think you know who I am, don't you, Chief?”

Misaki swallowed hard. “Say what you want to say here? I don't think a clock tower lord coming here for nothing is not very of you.”

Receiving Misaki's answer, Chisato politely put her fingers on her chin and gave a faint smile. Respect the formalities and procedures given by the police chief, the blonde approached and gently touched the report sheet on the table.

“So this is my intention and purpose for coming here.” Staring coldly, the aura of a lord was released. “I'm sure you have a mission and I don't want to get in the way of your business. I just need you to capture Hina Hikawa and Sakiko Togawa, the rest is up to you.”

Chisato's request hits Misaki to the core. A request that will not be an easy job and will have a big impact if there is a rejection. Misaki turned around to face the Tokyo view. 

“Give us time to answer. I can catch Hikawa, but I don't think I can for Togawa. Indeed, the violations they committed were quite serious, the person I sent has not returned. They are always immune from problems or everything related to law.”

“So, can you or can't you?” Chisato's gaze did not change and remained sharp, full of threat and answer for certainty.

“I'll try, if I can't I'll let you know.”

After all the guest and her men left, Misaki sat down weakly holding her head that was almost exploding. Pressure from all sides thwarted all her plans and she felt she had no choice but to choose one. She loves the land where she lives at and betraying Japan would certainly tarnish her name. Taking something out of her drawer, Misaki pulled out the item and tucked it into her back. Fully covered by her cloak.

“Find the seven, catch Togawa and Hikawa as soon as possible and bring them before me. If necessary, deploy the special forces.”

…

“Bad news has hit Tokyo again. There was an explosion from an unknown source that destroyed the forest yard, according to several sources..” 

The sound of the television continued and Lisa listened. Listening continuously made her hands forget to bring food to her mouth to eat. The omurice had become cold. Lisa put her chopsticks back to her side and her eyes stared listlessly at the served food in front of her. 

“Is Yukina okay?” There was a sense of worry about her childhood friend.

“I think the priest will be fine, wouldn't it be better if you finish your food first so we can visit?” Sayo's voice that didn't show her physical form surprised Lisa. It felt like a ghost to Lisa.

Lisa's decreased appetite made her shake her head. The feeling of hunger was gone and replaced with deep worry. “This war feels like it's getting more and more chaotic, maybe that's why father forbade me from joining. We can't even guess who will win or lose.”

“That's already a risk if a war breaks out. You won't be able to count the exact number of survivors and deaths. The cruelty of war will take away everything, including the people you love.” The coldness in Sayo's tone was very sharp, colder than ice. What the servant said was true, she was far more experienced from the many scars she had.

Lisa already believes in.

“But I didn't expect it to happen this fast. It hasn't even been a week and all these strange things just started like that. Without warning and... it doesn't make sense.”

“If you were afraid from the start then why did you come along?”

“That's…”

The question repeated itself in Lisa's empty heart. Until now, she has not even found what she really wants from herself. Lisa felt like she was swallowing a very bitter pill. What she did was just to help others, neglecting herself without realizing it.

“I don't even know what I want. How could I possibly ask for a request that would definitely violate the rule of life?” Lisa continued as her hand slowly traced her late mother's scarf. Feeling the remnants of the lingering scent there, she shed tears without realizing it. “If I had a wish... Wouldn't it be wrong to bring the dead back to life?”

“Imai-san..” Sayo understood that feeling. The grief that had been with her for so long, she could tell just by seeing how fragile her master was.

“I can't possibly ask for that. I don't know, I can't even guess what I want.”

She embraced her master from behind and gave her a hug that almost felt foreign and a mix between warmth and coldness. The doubt from the touch slowly disappeared and was replaced by a strange feeling that began to grow.

“Am I wrong.. Sayo?”

“.... No. I understand how you feel. I will be with you until the end, Imai-san.”

“Thank you. Thank you for staying with me.”

~

Tomori dodge Sakiko's rapid and continuous attacks. Avoiding all ranged attack patterns that forced her to retreat. An hour had passed, the blood that continued to drip under her eyes had already colored Tomori's eyeballs to red. Her mind had started to become eroded and scattered, the effect of using the mystic eyes which gave excruciating pain like an electric shock. Tomori's muscles felt numb as she felt her mana start to run out.

Tomori's breath was labored with her hand holding her chest, eyes glancing from behind the trees where she was hiding. Observing Sakiko from a distance who was still able to attack her even from a blind spot.

“Now!” Tomori jumped from her hiding, moving from one bush to another quickly. 

Sakiko continued to bombard Tomori with attacks. The minerals, filled with power, exploded every time they touched the ground. 

“Sorry Tomori, but you shouldn't be here.”

“No, I won't give up and run away again! I found you!” Throwing dust from the ground she was holding for a decoy, Tomori succeeded in doing it and threw it at Sakiko, blocking her view and making her step back.

“We're not kids anymore, Tomori!” Bouncing off a green stone, it prevented Tomori from getting close to her. “Know that we are different and we are already on two opposing sides!”

“I don't mind..” Tomori said lowly. 

She forced her strength and let herself be hit by the rock explosion, quickly her hand reached for Sakiko. Pulling her gently as they both fell together.

“You're my friend.. When I met you again, I remembered that you were Saki-chan from that time. The same person I know!” She hugged Sakiko tightly, the wounds she had hidden and gotten before reopened. Tomori's hoarse voice echoed in Sakiko's ears from a close distance, the same voice as that time.

Both of their pasts.

•*•

Suburbs.

Narrow alley.

The noise from the remaining sounds of the fight still lingered in the air. The physical impact of the fists held something that worked beneath the law. The cloak she wore was stained with blood, every splash made her disgusted. Grabbing the base of her opponent's neck when they lay helplessly, Misaki threw them to the other side.

The face was cynical, her tongue clicking when she found her opponent's badge.

“They keep coming..huh.” Misaki's voice echoed in the empty hallway, the fallen body of her enemy the only sight left of her fight. She looked back when she felt a pair of eyes staring at her, making her body shudder.

“What are you doing here?” A woman with long black hair and amethyst eyes looked at Misaki with a shy face as her disguise.

“Don't disturb my work, go away.” Misaki chased her away without knowing who it was. More precisely, she forgot.

“Misaki Okusawa. Chief of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Am I right?”

“Oh crap?” 

Turning completely around, what was in front of her was a charge.

Along with the assassin's movement, Misaki pulled out the gun she had hidden on her back. Firing a shot that she aimed at the woman. Assassin was ready and gave a thin smile that was almost like a spark for Misaki. The bullet was shot again from the trigger and then hit her opponent's body with a constant speed. Misaki was relieved for a moment before the servant broke all her expectations.

The assassin's body curved like a shadow and burst into smoke as the hot lead hit her body. After the bullet hit the concrete, the shadow returned and chased after Misaki.

Misaki blinked in surprise, but her confidence was still high to draw.

“I'm not afraid of you. Go forward!”

“Those words... I think they're enough.”

Rinko stopped chasing and her feet slowly became one with her shadow, her head tilted slightly with her hand covering her thin lips. There was a smile that was a little sweet and mischievous. Misaki was cornered as she now felt the cold wall.

“Poor police chief, shouldn't you be working behind a desk?” The dagger appeared and Rinko held it in her hand. “It seems that our presence is disrupting all your actions. Then please forgive me if I have to end you here.”

“Hahaha.” Misaki laughed out loud. Her hands grabbed her tangled hair and fell limply. “You think wrong about me.”

“Really? Then I will listen to your complaints over your dead body. See you again, Okusawa-san.” 

Stab!

Seconds passed and the sound of flesh being torn apart blurred Misaki's vision. Fresh blood flowed from the crimson-covered dagger, continuously dripping drop by drop. Misaki caught her breath which was already on the verge of extinction. Hurts filling the mind when her eyes can no longer see clearly. Everything became a weird sight when her body fell slowly.

Not sure that she would survive the slash wounds that the assassin had made across the body, Misaki still crawled with the remaining hope.

Racing against the remaining time, suddenly there was a person standing and blocking the direction of the light exit. Her eyes stared at Misaki wide like a scope from a world she had read about long ago.

Eyes full of innocence from a dark world. She crouched down and looked at Misaki with her lips forming an O shape full of curiosity.

“You good, bro?”

Chapter Text

—That warmth.. Makes me remember something so long ago.

A glimpse of sunlight penetrated through the gaps in my closed eyes, it felt like forcing me but I couldn't refuse. Warm. I feel like I'm back in the days when calm filled my days. Without any meaningless gloom that made my days fall into a dark vortex. Too comfortable for me that I almost feel numb to feeling. I want to keep feeling it, I don't want to forget.

When my eyes fully opened, I saw her looking at me with a sincere smile. Together we are in the embrace of the blooming cosmos.

Her lips moved in a chant of words that I could understand without hearing. She presented me with bright eyes. Wrapping my scarred hands with the touch of her warm fingers, I reminisce about that time.

I told myself that I didn't want to leave. Even though I knew that thinking back here would only open the dried wound to bleed again.

But all that will make me forget where I am standing now.

If I keep lingering here... Shouldn't I know that there are other people waiting for me to come back?

Someone fought for me, risked her life for me and yet I'm here remembering the past. How evil of me. I can't go on like this.

Ah, that's right..

I have to keep moving forward.

•*•

Sakiko pushed Tomori hard. All the tight grip she had given was released, causing the short-haired girl to slip and hit the grass. Rolling from the ground, Sakiko's jaw clenched tightly to hold back her feelings that were starting to surface. She had already lost her cool to a great extent when Tomori managed to touch her feelings with talk of the past. 

“Stop talking,” Sakiko said clearly. “You should have known that we can't go back to that time!”

“We can do it! Both of you and me, trying again.” Tomori charged again with all her remaining strength. Bouncing off from the hard rock she was standing on, she shot forward. “It doesn't have to be exactly the same, because... We are in different times.”

“How many times have I told you..”

“Do.. Saki-chan happy?”

The question hung in the air. Stiff in the chest, heavy to answer. But it would leave a mark in the recesses of Sakiko's heart. 

That's how much the person in front of her thought about her. But for Sakiko it felt too wrong. The memories of the past shouldn't come back when she meets Tomori again as an enemy. She wanted to keep it, bury it so that no one knows.

Sakiko raised her face, she was sick of the old memories playing around. 

“If you came just to remind me about that, I'm sorry but this is no longer your place.”

Sensing the sudden danger, Taki's instincts kicked in as she flung herself closer to protect her master. Still, Sakiko had already read her movements and made another move.

Her release became blind with the threads she played like a puppeteer. An invisible attack made from mana-coated threads. Another skill Sakiko possesses to cut through the enemy's defense.

“Tsk! That person..” Shielding herself with her arms, she took cover.

The attack forced Taki to retreat after realizing the impact it had caused. Starting to count every side she could reach, Taki threw her spear towards Tomori and released her last strength to teleport.

“Tomori! Let's get out of here!” The servant lunged and grabbed her master's hand to escape. Her body that was starting to become transparent also indicated that Tomori was very exhausted to the point that her mana was drained.

“Y.. Yeah..” Tomori's voice was starting to drop weakly. Holding the bleeding she received on her waist.

“Let's retreat first. The situation is no longer conducive, so hold on!”

If it keeps continuing, Taki could disappear.

Jumping from one tree branch to another, they disappeared into the dense foliage. 

Uika was about to chase after her with a lunge, but was held back by Sakiko with both hands. Her face was still lowered and her eyes were red from the previous emotions still lingering.

“Doloris, stop.” She orders.

“.... Saki-chan..” Uika turned to her, her eyebrows lowered slightly in concern. But it soon turned into a small smile. “If you say so, I will do it.”

Sakiko stared at her for a few seconds until she returned to her normal self. The snake-like pupils disappeared and returned to the respectful gaze that many admired. Brushing off the remaining dust from her clothes, the young Togawa heir looked up at the damage she created and turned away with her phone in hand. Then, tossing aside her slightly messy hair, she signaled her servant to leave the area immediately before the other magus were coming.

Calling whoever could help fix the damage.

She also knew the moment encountered that day would chase her back again without giving up. 

Which would continue to remind Sakiko of the Cosmos flower from that day.

A few moments after they left the hill..

Uika stole several glances at Sakiko, there was doubt in the eyes that usually looked brave and confident. She waited patiently. The master was not at all bothered by the glances she gave towards her, the mind seemingly busy without recognizing the world. Just by that glance, Uika realized her master was uneasy with what was happening.

Uika's hands were intertwined with her own as her face still showed her hesitation. Linked and separated as if she was calculating her decision.

“Uhm, Saki-chan.. Are you okay?”

Saki glanced once, then went back to her path. 

“I'm fine. Focus on our main goal. Grandfather won't like it if we slack off and let our enemies escape.”

“I know.. But seeing Saki-chan like this.. It feels strange.” Uika's voice was muffled with her eyes widening as she saw Sakiko stop suddenly. 

“You are my sword aren't you?” Sakiko looked and covered Uika's lips with one of her fingers on her lips. “If so then do what you have to do.”

Silenced, she lowered her head. Uika knows her limits, but her curiosity about what happened to her master and Tomori makes her act recklessly to dig up the truth. 

Doloris has become personally attached to her master. Not as master and servant.. but more than that.

“Saki-chan, I want to know what makes you want to forget everything. You who want an oblivion..”

•*•

Old building..

Hiding behind the rubble of the building, Tomori's body collapsed against the building. Her breathing was erratic and the blood continued to flow from her temples and eyes. For the glimmer of light and hope that she found, Tomori did not show any despair. Enduring until the end of time, she suppressed her pain.

Her hands clenched into fists slowly as she placed them on her own chest, her lips pursed. 

“I don't want to give up. I've come this far.”

Taki shook her head, but her eyes were fixed on Tomori. It's been more than a day since her summoning, Taki feels her master's strong determination increasing. That person was not the first time she had seen being afraid in a battle.

Starting to understand Tomori, Taki asked.

“What makes you want to meet that person again so much, Tomori?”

Tomori's eyes slowly focused on her bandaged palms. It stretched out then she clenched it again. Like pain in every word from her lips. “Saki-chan is my friend. My first friend when I was in the village where I was born.”

“Oh, I see..” Leaning on her spear, Taki's eyes were still watching her master's movements. “So what happened between you two? However, that person's reaction seemed to indicate reluctance to answer your question. It feels like she doesn't want to open up about that time with you.”

Tomori's face hung down, pouring out the feelings she had experienced into words when the past happened.

…

..

.

That day, thirteen years ago.

Tomori was still ten years old at that time.

An island far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the fresh sea breeze blows gently accompanied by seagulls flying freely in the air. The sound of waves and bells from fishing boats carrying their catch, the bustling harbor when the market opens.

The little girl sat on a bench as her parents started to open a stall selling fresh fish. Her father had just returned carrying two baskets, wiping the sweat from his temples with a smile to greet his daughter.

“Tomori, you don't play?” He said kindly.

Tomori shook her head slowly with slightly red cheeks, “No… Nobody wants to play with me.” Tears gathered slightly in the bags of her eyes. “They said I was a weird kid.” a sobs of grimace.

Tomori's father approached slowly as he took off his gloves and patted his daughter's head gently. Giving her a little encouragement to make her feel better.

“There's nothing strange about you. Tomori is special, you don't need to listen to what they say. I'm sure you'll find friends who understand how special you are.”

Tomori let go of the stone shaped doll she was holding and jumped to hug her father. After feeling that sense of calm, Tomori finally dared to leave the market area and walk as far as she could. Towards a hill that she always liked to visit. A little secret that she had and a treasure that was left over from her solitude all this time.

Cosmos flowers bloom in summer behind an unfamiliar hill.

Laughing with happiness, Tomori threw herself down onto the expanse of flowers. The sound of crickets and insects appearing was a precious thing for the little girl. 

“The horned beetle..Crickets.. Grasshopper..” Tomori named them one by one as she woke up from her fall, eyes widened with enthusiasm as she lit up the insects she recognized. She loves being in her own world. A world that not everyone can understand.

In the midst of her busyness, suddenly there was a sound of footsteps not far from her. Stopping in place, a white hat and a light blue dress that was similar to her hair.

The summer wind blew past them, causing Tomori to immediately look back after she felt a pair of eyes gazing at her.

“You seem to really like insects, huh?” The little girl's gentle greeting made Tomori immediately scratch her cheek and avert her gaze.

“U.. Um.” Tomori nodded with awkwardness.

“Nice to meet you, I'm Sakiko Togawa.” She walked slowly along the path that cut through the expanse of cosmos flowers. “Can I get to know you?”

Curiosity in Sakiko's eyes was so dazzling to Tomori. The words from her father earlier gave Tomori strength to greet her new friend. At least be able to make a new conversation.

“I.. I'm.. Tomori Takamatsu. Nice to meet you too.." She was nervous. “Are.. you new here?”

Shining light in those amber eyes, Sakiko was excited. A beautiful voice that sticks in the memory as a first friend.

“I just moved here about two days ago. But I was only able to leave the house today because I was so tired yesterday!”

“I see.. Where are.. you from before?”

“I'm from Tokyo. During the summer I'll be on this island. Oh! If you want to come, I can show you where I live!”

“Eh?”

Tomori's hand was quickly pulled away while the horned beetle was still stuck to her clothes. But, Tomori didn't hold back and let the rush of enthusiasm carry her. Her first friend who opened her eyes wide, Tomori smiled widely for the first time.

The two of them walked happily along a path full of cosmos. The slowing down of time added to the happiness that made Tomori grateful that someone accepted her in a different way.

Cosmos flower, witness of the day.

A week has passed, the two of them are getting closer.

Tomori walked in front with her hand holding Sakiko tightly. The two girls passed through a dense forest rarely touched by humans. Animals did not scare either of them. Tomori had become a friend to those who have lived in the forest for a long time. Up and down, the adventure was unforgettable.

Descending the gentle hill, the two returned to where the cosmos flowers were. Lying on them, they gazed at the beautiful blue sky and white clouds that were the essence of summer.

Sakiko spoke first.

“Living here is nice. It's not noisy and it feels free.” Sakiko raised her arms in the air, trying to reach the clouds with her tiny hands.

Tomori turned her head and eyes followed where Sakiko's hand was. The sunlight showed that the dark forest had now brightened up a bit.

“What kind of place is Tokyo?” Tomori asked curiously.

“It's a crowded and bustling place! My parents say it's the heart of the city. Everyone has their own busy lives, including my parents who are rarely at home because of their work.” A sadness filled but soon smile spread across her face. “But when they are here.. It's really different, I like being here than there.”

Tomori frowned and then turned to her own gaze. Staring at the clouds moving slowly accompanied by the rustling sound of the trees.

“So.. Saki-chan is happy when you are here?”

The wind blew again. The two eyes exchanged a glance which was immediately caught by Tomori. Sakiko's hand gripped Tomori's hand tightly and she nodded in agreement.

“Yes, I'm happy.”

.

..

…

Back to the present.

Taki crossed her arms and sighed when she scratched her hair. Listening to her master's complicated story for the conclusion. Her purple eyes were alertly peering through the gaps in the building. 

“So you two used to be friends?” 

“Yes. Saki-chan was very happy back then. But now... she's different. I see her now.. constrained and grieving.” 

“Time changes a person. That person has experienced it.” Lancer got up and seeing that the situation was safe, she took Tomori again. “The situation is finally good now, hold on.”

•*•

Togawa Residence

Sakiko's return brings unpleasant news for Sadaharu. The old man was already waiting in the living room, his arms crossed and face sullen. Sakiko had expected it and was sure that there would be some pretty hurtful ranting.

“I’m home.” Standing for a moment, Sakiko felt her grandfather's gaze so sharp. A little anger could be felt.

“I've heard the news.” Sadaharu closed his eyes and sipped his coffee.

“Your ears are everywhere, aren't they, grandfather?” Responding calmly, Sakiko kept her tone calm.

“Your mistake could have led to disaster. You should have been able to finish off Lancer and the master. But you let them escape.”

“I won't let that happen again.”

“I don't want you to get involved by feelings in this war. You promised from the start about the deal we made.”

“I know. I'll make sure they won't get away if I meet them again.” The heated conversation with the feud made Sakiko choose to leave the room and return to her private room.

But, Sadaharu stops Saber before she reaches Sakiko.

“I want you to investigate what happened. That kid seems to be holding herself back from reaching her full potential. I didn't teach Sakiko to give in like this, besides I don't want her to waste her chance to win.” Standing up from the sofa, Sadaharu was facing the window overlooking the garden. His hands were behind his waist. “You're coming with me tomorrow.”

“But what about Saki-chan—” A clearing sound and a threatening stare stopped Uika.

“Her behavior just now tarnished Togawa's image. That kid should be taught a lesson for her actions. She must stay until she understands the actions she made.”

Uika held her wrist and agreed. Although, she knew Sakiko must have her reasons. She knew Sadaharu also had power over Sakiko and if Uika refused then Sakiko could get hurt. Therefore, Uika had no other choice but to obey his orders.

“I understand, sir. I won't disappoint you.”

Finished with Sadaharu, Uika slowly climbed the stairs to Sakiko's room. Seeing her master staring blankly into the garden. The Servant could see firsthand the immense emptiness that filled Sakiko. Pale as a doll, her soul was imprisoned in a world restricted by her grandfather. 

Uika couldn't tell the difference between pain and sorrow. Both of them were equally present within the princess.

“Saki-chan, why don't you take a break?” Uika walked over to her, touching Sakiko's shoulder which was as cold as an ice floor.

“Uika..” She lifted her face. Tears fell from her left eye with a sob that was so painful.

The pain spread through Uika. What her master felt suddenly became real to her. “I'm here.. Saki-chan. It's okay..” Pulling Sakiko closer, Uika caught Sakiko's hand. “I will protect you. Be by your side until my duty is over.”

Sakiko never shown her weakness, but this time... especially after meeting that person. Everything shattered like a glass unable to withstand the weight. Uika couldn't accept that her master was hurt like that, she hugged Sakiko tighter to calm her down and find out what she wanted to know.

“Do.. you want to know, what really happened between Tomori and I?”

Biting the inside of her cheek, Uika gave a reassuring nod. Her eyes remained focused as Sakiko's reflection was reflected in her amethyst irises. 

“If that will make you feel more at ease, then go ahead. As long as Saki-chan doesn't feel forced to do it.” Giving a faint smile, Uika gently stroked Sakiko's cheek with her fingers. Kneeling before her master.

“So what really happened between me and her was..”

•*•

A home restaurant on the side of the alley.

Despite what happened, someone seemed to be leisurely enjoying a satisfying meal for lunch. The restaurant's atmosphere was not so crowded, making her immediately aware that there were other people who had been waiting impatiently for her. Before the person could get any closer, she stopped. While putting down her half-empty glass of green tea, she guessed without a need to look back.

“You really can't wait until I finish my lunch, don't you?”

Face to face, the person grinned.

Chisato Shirasagi.

“Your lunch was delicious, wasn't it?” Taking off her glasses that covered her beautiful face, her blonde hair fluttered. “Master of Rider, Hina Hikawa.”

Neither dodging nor running away, instead of doing all that, Hina chose to return her face to the dining table and raised her hands with a joyful voice. 

“The menu, please!”

“Hey wait—”

Chisato was immediately shocked when Hina appeared in a flash step, stopping in front of her with a knife pointed at her neck. She touched it lightly, causing blood to stain the blade.

“Come on, it's my treat. Besides, how can I let you come with an empty stomach while I'm full?” As the blade drew closer, Hina whispered, “Please accept it, because I don't want to cause a scene here.”

Taking a step back and pushing Hina away from her, Chisato's eyes shown her annoyance. She took off her coat and quickly cleaned the bloodstains on her neck.

The waiter that brought the menu immediately asked what happened.

“Uhm.. Are you guys okay?”

Hina replied, “We're fine! Just a normal lover's quarrel!”

A gentle slap hit Hina's head. Along with a wanted poster that was arriving to be presented to Hina's face by Chisato to silence her talkative and loud mouth.

“You are a fugitive now, stop your ridiculous actions.”

“Auch.. So grumpy..”

Finishing her food order and letting the waiter leave, Hina used her narrowed eyes to peek at Chisato who was quietly drinking tea.

“So~ You came here just to catch me?”

The blonde sighed, “You never think about the risks of your own actions, do you?” Cup was placed. “What you have done has directly declared a grail war openly and explicitly to the public.”

“Don't just blame me. Togawa knows that too!” Her lips pouted. “Moreover, a silent war is difficult, especially since it will certainly give rise to phenomena that are beyond reason!”

“In act, with the actions you take, people are increasingly confused by the actions that servants take. We live side by side with commoners, Hina-chan.”

Hina whistled innocently.

“Most of them think servants are just people with costume parties. Besides, your voice is really loud now.”

Holding back her emotions that were about to explode, Chisato stroked her chest to be patient. Taking a deep breath to try to keep up with the tealette that kept her racking her brains.

“Like it or not, you have to take responsibility for your actions if you don't want the clock tower to send you a verdict and revoke your rights. You work with me or you get it all.”

Chisato's caramel pudding arrived but, before she could eat it, Hina had already snatched it.

The spoon was in her mouth, “None of your choices are good for me. They're all bad. Come on, is this what the Lord of the clock tower did to offer me?”

Negotiations are getting tougher, Chisato frowned.

“What do you want?”

“Oh come on this is pathetic if you forgot, you're my old friend. You must already know what I've always wanted!~”

“Sorry. I don't remember everything. It's been ten years since we last met. So that's not my fault.” 

Hina's fingers could be heard tapping on the table, as if counting each beat of the passing seconds. Time was up, she didn't want to wait any longer and stopped Chisato from remembering what she had in the past. Not wanting to waste her time, she pulled Chisato's hand and quickly got up from her chair. Coinciding with Ran who came bringing two police officers in disguise.

"Oh man! They coming for you!" Instead of panic, she chill out. "Let's get out of here and I'll make you remember it!" Hina grinned and she quickly ran past the benches and narrow aisles. She called out to the restaurant owner and threw a card with money on it. “I've paid! I'll go through the back door, thank you!”

After they exited the alley, a classic car was parked alone in a dark place.

Hina opened the door with her hand inviting the Lord to enter. “Here you go, mademoiselle~”

Once again before she entered, Chisato looked at Hina eye to eye.

“This is not a joke.”

“Oh come on!”

She sighed and quickly pushed Chisato into her car without warning. Hina silenced her with her index finger to prevent her from screaming and giving her a wink to follow her plan, “I'll show you, the reason behind me joining this war. So just stay there and be patient!~”

But, Chisato also put up a fight back with her fingers which had touched Hina's neck where her carotid artery was located. Her eyes were full of menace with their dark color.

“If you mess around, you know the consequences.”

“Okay okay~ I won't mess with you, but just this once you listen to me and come along. After that, I'll be in your care.”

The car sped off and left the restaurant area without a trace. Ran, too late, failed to find Chisato, who had been taken away by Hina somewhere. She also threw away Hina's wanted poster which had become a crumpled piece of paper.

“Hikawa doesn't know who she's dealing with.. Quickly track them, their trace shouldn't be far from here!”

The sound of police sirens immediately sounded and a dangerous chase began between Hina and the police and secret members of the church. However, Hina took it as another challenge and she made a plan that no one had thought of.

“Hold on tight, Chisato-chan. I'm gonna do something boppin' from here.”

“Do it and we both meet in hell! For god sake, Hina-chan!?!?”

Chapter Text

The beast side of living creatures. Whether animal or human, this similarity has existed since ancient times.

Fangs are a symbol of strength and dominance. That's what they say from generation to generation

If two wild carnivore creatures meet and each shows its fangs then it can only mean one thing right?

•*•

She pulled the transmission hard until the strong jolt from each gear change was clearly felt, clutch snapped in beat. Sensing the already heated chase from the numerous police cars following, the tealette accelerated even further. No disappointment or regret for her actions, there was no hope of seeing Hina Hikawa give up. That's what Chisato was thinking, she has raised a white flag on one person who can continue to torture her soul.

“Are you sure that's for the best?” Chisato voiced her final plea before Hina could have taken her to hell to die together at high speed.

After Chisato finished speaking, voice of the heart. The person beside her wasn't even planning on slowing down the classic car they are using, she stepped the gas pedal even harder like it was a booster for a ticket to hell.

A wry smile that was a bit gloomy hinted at the lord who didn't seem as happy when they were young.

“Since when did the woman I knew to be brave in so many ways become such a clown?” Hina furrowed her eyebrows with her lips pursed.

“After graduating, I started to appreciate my life more. Unlike you, genius.”

“Oh my, life needs a challenge!” Laughing heartily, teal-haired loosened her collar and turned on the radio that was airing about the report of their case. With a satisfied smile Hina winked her eye with one hand to Chisato. “Want to be with me?”

Her hand reached for Hina's. But before she could grasp it, Chisato pulled Hina's ear. Not hard enough, but Hina would pretend it hurt.

“I swear this is the last time you can act arbitrarily towards me. Next time I will cut you down.”

“I do not think so.”

The blonde got even more annoyed and pulled Hina even harder against her.

“Gwahh???” Hina complained, “W- Wait!! We'll crash and die together! Do you really want that?”

“Then explain what?”

“Because I will conquer your heart, Miss Lioness!”

“What the hell—”

Suddenly, the very strange situation was replaced by something more serious when tear gas was thrown through the open car window. Both of them immediately looked at each other towards the small storage drawer near the transmission in the middle, then looked eye to eye.

Seconds seemed to make their brains stop working.

“What are you waiting for, Chisato-chan!?”

“Why don't you just throw it away!?”

“I drive! You can throw it outside anyway!" Then whispered, “Ah, even though I'll be fined by the police later.”

As if her mind was working again, Chisato threw the tear gas out the window and saw several special police officers who were already serious with the armored car. Pale as a sheet, she sat back in the car and held forehead. She slapped herself.

“The verdict will definitely end up on me too.”

Entertaining with her characteristic cheerful laugh, Hina changed the radio channel to a classical song that somehow made her more energetic. 

“First time being chased by an armored car?”

Chisato looked at Hina with a cold yet stern face, the violet eyes she has now even more furious than before, “Look at our condition. Tell me, who's the crazier one here?”

Whistling again, eyes averted. Her waving hand clearly towards Chisato with face still facing the road, magical energy began to spread with something ready wrapped to Hina. Warmth and cheerfulness were replaced by the strong, cold instinct of hunting.

Hina Hikawa has shown the spurs of her fangs. A beast has awoken.

“Can you please get my gun over there?” She ordered with eyes already gleaming with bright green.

Chisato never doubts Hina for her skills, she knows her for years and the magus in front of her already proves herself. But before she fully surrenders to an existence that could endanger both of their lives… 

She leaned against the car door pillar with a warm tone. Playing elegant as always.

“Throughout my life after we graduated, out of all the various magus I met... You're the only one who always made me think this hard.”

At Chisato's words, Hina's expression became calmer than before. Seemed to suggest that she was interested in what Chisato was thinking. Still enough to balance with the movements she has.

“Then?”

“I think I would agree with you.”

“Fair enough.”

Suddenly, the police rammed into her car and made Hina struggling to escape. Her steps weren't meant to stop there and surrender to people who made her a bounty of a wanted poster. Not relying on her servant, Hina did it herself.

“Sure about the murder?” A teasing tone that Hina responded to playfully.

“My blood is made for that.” Loaded the magazine and opened the lock, Hina grinned. “Besides, A Hikawa would never make peace with the police!”

“Yeah, I already suspect that it will come from you.”

Finding a gap from the impact that had damaged almost the entire exterior of the damaged Aston Martin she was using, braked slowly and let the two armored trucks pass her. It kept moving forward l, that was where Hina turned her chance higher for escape.

Pulling the gear lever back again and letting off the handbrake, she pulled the car backwards until the tires screeched with burnt marks. Smell of burning rubber was quite strong in the smoke she successfully produced. Creating strong force threw the vehicle into a small alley. A smart move that no one thought she would do. Luring her opponents for following her into the alley with steady moves, successfully airs her gun and drives while facing her opponents.

“So this time you're a street racer?”

Hina giggled and wink to Chisato, “You probably didn't think that I could do street smarts too, did you?”

She aimed. Pulling the trigger off to tear apart her enemy's body together with the music in harmony. Every strong part moved together and ended on the perfect target. Bloodshed, crimson color splattered from the silhouettes stained the walls between the buildings. One by one, they fell to the ground with the sound of classical music that finally reaching its final part in Hina's car.

She blew on the tip from the remnants, “It's a shame the show must ends here.”

“Thank you. Now I finally got it clear you never learn from your actions.” Close her eyes for a moment in response to the teal, “I assume my kidnapping case was your plan.”

“Interesting escape for your tiring jobs, isn't it?” Hina glanced at the indicators on her vehicle and sighed. “Oh man.I guess I'll have to change plans too.”

“Your plan always ends up crazy.”

“Oh, thank you!~ That makes my life longer than busying yourself behind those parchments!”

Observing the vehicles were starting to become uncooperative, they stopped at one place on the alley and switched vehicles inside an abandoned garage that had barely been touched. However, no one ever thought that the garage contained such a treasure from the big name of Hikawa.

From a classic car, they now had a sports motorcycle.

“How insolent the police.. Look at this beautiful Bond now lying limp.” Taking off her black suit, she wears it on Chisato. “Pardon me, Chisato-chan. But this time, could you please hold on to me tightly?”

“I will do it as long as you don't kill me.”

“Okay!~ I guess that person is also tired of waiting for me to wander around aimlessly.” She laughed happily as the motorbike continued to roar.

Before leaving, Hina looked up at the building and gave a thumbs up in the air. “Kaoru-chan, please watch over us!”

…

The failure of catching Hina makes the church's envoy more upset.

Her raven came back from the sky with a letter on its beak. An order and news. Without knowing it was the order that will bring together the three parts for a clash in future. 

“The mission from thirteen years ago..”

•*•

Full blooded alley 

The police chief felt her body just receive a weird but huge shock. Pain in the bones and flesh. A strange, unknown feeling arose after the bloody incident she experienced from meeting an Assassin servant. Trusting herself she was safe, eyes opened. Rather than the peace she expected, there were two people already waiting for her patiently. No ask of questions, just a moment of reassurance about the situation.

One of them she had seen before and was familiar with. But another one really shocked her to the point where she rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

“Wow! She's awake!” said the blonde haired. Her eyes were so big until Misaki tried not gazing at that bright color of irises.

She looked at the other person that made her flabbergasted.

“Hikawa?” She stared.

The sound of a wheelchair coming closer, the shadows covering started to reveal the person. Same teal hair, a steady tone replied with wisdom.

“I don't blame you for not being surprised, Head Chief Okusawa.” 

After finishing her words with a thin smile, she placed her hand for a low bow as a symbol of respect.

The chief looked at the person from head to toe again, making sure she wasn't dreaming about the murder she had just experienced a moment ago into a shocking daydream for a trip to the afterlife.

“All I know Hikawa never had any kind of siblings.”

The woman in the wheelchair took a breath and sighed in acceptance. A soft, yet bitter laugh. “That's as it should be. I think she has given you a lot of trouble, isn't that right?”

Bending down and looking at her body, Misaki raised both hands into the air. There are no more wounds and blood flowing, she was back to a condition of safe and sound. “I suppose there's a trade for saving this body that I never expected?”

Those jade-colored eyes glanced at her, sharp and not surprised by the incoming words. Offering a deal between the two of them with something that they only know in the dark. Despite her physical disability, the woman possessed a charisma that made Misaki feel forced.

“Just name it already.”

“Withdraw all your men no matter what from chasing Hina Hikawa. I'll consider it a draw.”

Misaki repeated her actions and raised her hand with a sarcastic laugh, “It seems like the police have no self-respect here? I don't even know what fuckin’ happened to my men.”

“Depends on how you take it. If you refuse, then I will not hesitate to send you back to hell again.” 

“You should have just let me die without getting yourself involved, You know once the poster is made there is no way back.”

The woman kept her tone calm. She moved her wrist and looked at the watch she used, “Tsurumaki-san.”

Unexpectedly, the platinum-haired almost hit Misaki in the guts. 

“Wait!!!”

“...” 

“At least give me an explanation for these weird and nonsense actions!”

“That's exactly what I want to show you.”

“You mean?”

She turned to the woman beside her and gave her a gun from her suit. An order that the police chief couldn't hear or know.

“Shoot her.”

“For the god— Holy shit!?”

Gunfire echoed again through the narrow alley, and Misaki was already cursing herself for the double death she had suffered again. Instead of the death realm, it only made her gasp in shock.

The wound healed like instant magic and closed perfectly the flesh that had been perforated by hot lead, leaving the shooting incident had never happened.

“W.. What the hell..”

The teal haired smiled and propped her head on the armrest of her wheelchair.

“That's the guarantee. You know what the risk is for a betrayal. I will make sure it is more painful than what happened today.”

Still catching her breath, Misaki gripped her clothes tightly. Almost like a humiliation for her pride as a leader. Swallowing it alone to prevent others from knowing what happened. Bring up justice by herself and love for the land she stands for.

“I will take my men for the meantime.”

“Good. Then it was a pleasure working with you.”

Before the woman could take any more, an exclamation shouted to her in the ears. She can't stay in the game of nobles, the nonsense war that took her life and brought her back like a toy for the magus. Misaki spit out at them.

“You can escape from my men, but not from me who will hunt you down with my own hands.”

Nevertheless, Hikawa in front of her doesn't fear the exclamation. In her eyes, the words are not more than bluffs. 

“Sayo Hikawa. It would be an honor if you remember my name.”

..

Underground basement of a shopping center.

Since the time of her servant summoning, Nyamu's life has never been the same. Lots of eyes watching her moves. As if her life was a show for those who were interested. Indeed she has a career in entertainment, people know about her for the content she made and some of the movies she took role with. She has the popularity, everyone must be asked what she actually wants from joining the bloodbath war. Should be enough, she has everything on her grasp.

No one knows except herself.

Lots of shopping bags, Nyamu walks like usual to spend her money on some new branded stuff. Bags, pouches, or some cute style clothes set. Umiri has told her about the taste she has, but she doesn't give a single care. Nyamu was still Nyamu, she's the one who living her life not like the pathetic woman in a suit that always acts pretending to be cool. At some point, Nyamu admits but on the other hand she really needs to spin her brain for that person.

An hour before, she got a message from that person to tell herself to be aware. She was not expecting much about what to be aware of than a sudden attack from a servant.

Right at that point, what Umiri said comes true.

“Nyamu, be alert. Something is coming.” Said her servant from the shadows. 

The dangers lure in the dark, since the day of her agreement to join. Nyamu can't live on the same path.

“I know.” Hand on the waist, she stopped moving. Her eyes watching on the one spot, to someone standing across from her.

A car passed and the silhouette went in second. Mingling with the air in fast movement.

“Nyamu!” 

Caster finally reveals herself in a clash. Eye to eye, two servants in the same place.

“I thought I was met with something else, but it seems you are scared to show yourself?” Putting on a mocking, she was too big-headed.

“This is not the time to be proud, Nyamu!” Her servant voice changed from soft to the strident one, “We can get attacked anytime!”

But once again Nyamu doesn't give her care.

“It shouldn't be a problem, Umiko already told me that she will come soon or later.” The cat eyes gazing towards the prey, she already knows from the start who's her enemy is. “No wonder you are rarely seen on some big events. So you are joining this war too silently, Rui Yashio-san?”

She comes from her hiding, step by step at a slow pace. In the end, everything will be revealed. Truths are undeniable. Two of them, famous among their respective circles and having to gamble their fate on the war, don't know what kind of enemies they are facing with.

“You already found me.” Under the light, Rui standing with a command spell mark shown in her back of hand.

Nyamu praises her bravery to show herself with applause.

“I watch your shows quite often. It's such a shame that you just disappeared like it was swallowed up by the earth.”

“You know a lot. But this war is not what I want.”

“Oh really? I thought you came along because you knew what you wanted. If that's the case then shouldn't you just give up?”

A quick second, a slash rips some of Nyamu's purple hair and luckily she evades it at the right time. Assassin's not giving manners in fight, enough to push Nyamu to stay off from talking with the master. The glance from the eyes, Nyamu got the intentions right from its source right before another slash from her.

In the other moment, Mortis utilises her capabilities as a caster to create her clones from the window's reflection. Distracting Assassin's special attribute to solo kill single target enemy.

“I told you to stay back!” The true Mortis protests, “Do that again and I won't protect you.”

Instead of listening to her servant, Nyamu put down her shopping bags and crossed her arms.

“Now what?” Throwing off, she doesn't want to follow Mortis's advice. Both of them are not in the same path, recklessly Nyamu did her own moves. The same goes to Mortis.

“I don't like you! I hate Nyamu!” 

“Enough Mortis, go off now.” She tried to use the command spell, but her servant was more tricky than her expectations. Mortis immediately switched her personality back to Mutsumi, thwarting the work of force. Giving a teasing reaction to her master with tongue.

"You can't do it, Nyamu. That's futile."

"Tch, do whatever. I don't care anymore." Not caring about her servant for being difficult to tell, Nyamu left the area even though she still kept trying with the command spell.

How does my servant's brain work???

Turning around her eyes from her sight, Mortis went back to the fight with a mirror on her hand. Lips muttering her words towards Nyamu that stepping away from the fight. Annoyed but not having another choice to leave the fight.

“Fufu.. Your master wants to escape our fight, Caster?” Assassin taking off her mask and putting the knife down. Giving a gentle laugh as she walked closer.

“She is always like that.” 

Awareness always amazes Assassin when Mortis's personality suddenly changes into Mutsumi again, fastly snapping off herself from Rinko’s hand right before she can land a touch to her collar with an illusion from Mortis's doll. 

“I'm glad you are serious now.”

“The moon.. Already high. And we have an uninvited guest.”

 A mana burst, combination between dark and light. Landed on a place that wasn't supposed to be used for a fight, many eyes are watching them and the shows for three servants are started.

As the two looked in the other direction, someone appeared behind the darkness of the area that was still under construction. A servant that hasn't yet been introduced.

Archer has summoned.

The fangs from seven classes already gathered. The masters are allowed to unleash their beasts to beat others. 

“Three on three. What a surprise.”

•*•

The rush was over for the heir of Hikawa to arrive at the place she was meant to. Not a big mansion nor an apartment like Chisato was expected.

It was a small shop. Selling fritters with fries as the top, best seller there. Doesn't make any suspicion since they have enough customers who buy their products everyday. The guests who were there were also ordinary people, Hikawa set a perfect trap for disguising their business and nests.

“Bold movement. You break my expectations.” She looked around, following Hina from behind.

Replied to her, Hina pointing to the selling board. Showing the numbers how they can maintain the place for years without being tracked by the authorities.

“Onee-chan handle it perfectly. She is really good at this. Maybe she can change your mind too about being a lord of the clock tower. Maybe retirement suggestions?”

“Say that again and I will make sure of your tongue— Wait, Onee-chan?”

“Oh, did you forget? I think I said that ten years ago. Whatever, I didn't hope you still remember.” Taking up the stairs, both of them finally reach the top floor. Sweeping the access card, a room opened.

“She’s still alive? Didn't you say she should be..” What Chisato remembers on that day when Hina told her was recalled. The person told her about the sister, but she really forgot the important details.

“You think she already left me, right?” Hina said with a tone that wasn't meant to be answered. “Fortunately not.”

A small room.

Decorated neatly like a cozy bedroom for one person. All of it was set clean and had a strong smell of medicine. A wheelchair was placed on the corner, but no one was there. Room left empty. Slowly, Hina lowered herself. Sitting on the carpet while back leaning to the wall. Signing to Chisato she only wanted to take a break and use the short time to tell what she wanted from the start.

Obeying the wish from her old friend, she stayed beside her. Seeing the younger Hikawa taking a snack from the table and sharing it with her.

“Mind if we take a break first?” Ask Hina softly while munching the cookies.

Instead of blaming, Chisato just gives her a nod for a reply. 

Room getting colder with the air conditioning temperature now slightly piercing the skin. The distance between them not too far but enough to call the memories back then.

“So, you still do everything for your sister?” With a gentle tone, Chisato took a picture from the bedside table.

“Uhm yeah. I heard her life.. won't be long now. Everyone keeps it hidden, including the clock tower and church.”

“That's why you told it to me back then? But why?”

Hina curled, hugging down her knees. Her eyes longing for hope that not everyone can see it clear from her cheerful and reckless actions she made. Calm yet she was a vulnerable when talking about her personal life.

Hikawa, A clan that always had everything. But that time Chisato saw it differently.

Even wealth cannot guarantee definite health.

“You can hide everything behind that cheerful mask of yours, huh? I envy you.”

Hina shakes her head, smiling bitterly with body slowly leaning to Chisato’s shoulder.

“Envy for what? I would end alone if I can't win this grail war. Or maybe no future if I died and I failed to save her.”

“At least you already tried.”

Shrugged herself and looked at Chisato's hand that was smaller than hers. Hina said words in low tone, “Sorry, you have to go along with my stupid plan. If I knew how to help you, you carry the heavy burden of many magus alone in your hands.”

Feeling a pain in her chest when she heard Hina say that, Chisato elbowed her lightly.

“Stop that. You sound like someone who is about to die.”

But, that was precisely what made Hina not let go of Chisato. In her fragility she hoped.

“I trust you.. Chisato-chan. Same like back then.”

Who knows what will happen at that time, suddenly Chisato's cell phone rang and startled the two of them from their moment together. There were some loud scoldings telling Chisato to reveal the news and of course Hina could only keep her distance before Chisato killed her.

“You need to get out of here immediately.”

“But, Kaoru-chan says the police and that damn priest are still around in this area, okay? Not a good option if we came out now.” 

“The police wants you, not me.”

“Of course they want you too, look you are also a fugitive now. Aw, they put a high price on your head too.” Turning on the TV and raising the volume, news about their chase with cops was playing. 

Chisato's face also displayed together with Hina's next to each other. 

Now the cookies shattered into crumbs.

“Uh oh..” she gulped. “Instead of using violence why not listen to mine first?” Trying her luck, Hina glanced at Chisato's phone which was now filled with new questions and messages that made her shudder.

Feeling the intense gaze towards her phone, the blonde staring back to Hina. Caught her red-handed from reading her privacy.

“Hina-chan.”

“Y.. Yes?”

My.. She is like a tiger..

I'm just a cat, please forgive me..

What Hina expected was granted, now she can hear the inner monologue Chisato made inside her mind. Same with the face, the exact form of scary face that scares her.

“I just know you are the one who ordered Tsurumaki to steal the catalyst from the clock tower. Am I right now?”

“Well.. it's a long story okay!” Losing her words, Hina cursed her tongue for not being able to speak in the emergency and depressing situation like that.

“I can listen to you for hours, now better to explain it to me and I could give you leniency for your foolish actions.”

“B.. But I can't tell!”

“You give me no other choice than speak in jail then.”

“Ehhhh??”

Shivering from the impact on the wall after Chisato punched it, Hina was already on the dead end. Not long after it, someone took them to the police station with tight supervision from both institutions.

One of them was Ran joining Chisato to interrogate Hina.

“Finally I can see your face again Hina Hikawa.” Knuckles being prepared for the proper interrogation, Ran already giving her cold judgment before it starts. “So you dare to cause troubles by stealing a sacred catalyst, kidnapping the lord of the clock tower, and now involved in murdering with cops pursuits?”

Scratching her cheeks without feeling guilt, Hina chuckled and keep chill with her puppy eyes.

“Err.. Well, you are correct! But that doesn't mean you are right!”

Chapter Text

The day was really grey with the raindrops continuing to fall in the afternoon.

Walking with their umbrellas, they avoid the water. which every time only gets heavier and floods the sidewalk with its wetness.

There were two missed calls on my phone. I didn't have time to pick them up.

It must be from Yukina.

For some reason, I felt strange.. An uneasy feeling in my heart, like something was wrong. I couldn't put my finger on it. Because I didn't understand it myself.

I hope it's just a normal feeling of worry.

•*•

The tram stop passed in the right place, gaps between the steps she went on. From the sky it looks like the city has been raining heavily for the past few hours, no sign of it stopping.

If it weren't for the promise they made, maybe Lisa wouldn't be there for it.

A message from her childhood friend entered her inbox a while ago, wasn't strange. Just feels wrong for her.

—At the usual place.—

That's all the message contains. No opening, just the main stuff.

Yukina wasn't one to type at length and send emotes or emojis like her. Precisely for Yukina, she's totally a type that would speak briefly and concisely, but still clearly convey what she wanted in short words. However, right at that time there was almost no clarity for her reason to ask Lisa for a meeting. She didn't even reply to Lisa's last message, making the brunette even more worried towards her.

“She'll be fine,” her servant said flatly without eyes looking at her master. Almost seemed used to the condition. “You better worry about yourself, Imai-san. There are many magus presences right now.”

A familiar bird passed in front of her face and immediately sent Lisa back to the reality, “You're right. I guess I'm overreacting my senses.” she chuckled, dismissing her worries after realizing what her servant said was true.

Putting her phone back down quickly and gazing back, someone was already standing at the end of the road with a sword and a red crescent moon mark on her cheek.

Doloris.

There was no proper introduction between the two, heavy rain did not seem to disturb the person from her waiting for the enemy.

“The last daughter of the Imai line, master of Berserker.” At the same time, the black sedan door opened.

A bodyguard handed the umbrella over to an old man. None other than Sadaharu Togawa. Pride covered his face, too exaggerated than his granddaughter that was wiser than him for maintaining the servant.

“Do your job, Saber.” 

Sayo’s full form stepped forward with the glares between servants. Moving slowly with awareness and ready on the hilt of their weapons. “Saber class. I'm not surprised.” 

“You look cool headed for a berserker. That surprised me.”

The welcome became hotter even though it was raining. Weapons pulled from its sheath with clanking. The phone call went unanswered, her umbrella flew into the air after the momentum of the clash happened. As the two servants met their swords, Saber's mask was no longer there. Any spark of fighting spirit she had was gone, eyes were dark with grief. The sorrow of her getting thicker.

Steps broke into a sword dance. Swift motions cutting the air. Each blade that meets will be deflected in a graceful throw. Sayo pulled herself up, still alert in a ready position with blade stay beside her face. Uika jumped back, eyes staring at her opponent in cold instinct and blade upon her grip.

“Fascinating.” Sadaharu gave his only comment to Uika. Unpredictable for the servant when the master pushed her to continue the fight in force. A command spell used. “But, it's still not enough for you to not finish berserker. As a servant, I command you to be able to use your noble phantasm!”

Those amethyst eyes resisted. In vain, her body moves on its own following the absolute commands of her master. Her lips were slightly closed with a muffled voice blended with the rain. A flow of mana started to fill Uika's sword and body, purple color and shade of darkness. The crescent mark glows its light.

“Got it..” The mourning knight gripped her sword tightly, hair limp in the wet rain unable to hide her pent-up anger. She barged. Dashing in heavy yet firm steps, she raised her sword.

Responding to her opponent's imbalance moves, Sayo drew another weapon of hers and stepped back to defend. A wakizashi from her waist that she never used before. Maintaining a strong position to hold a noble phantasm, she strengthened herself and parried the attacks with all her strength.

The two equally light-deprived eyes met.

“I am her knight. I served under her command. My goddess...” In a faint growl her voice was heard. Either a chant or a poet, the voice she gave was broken.

Sayo knew her position from the chance she had, bursting her mana to make Uika step back in force. Not a destructive rage, just enough to show its power.

She pointed her tachi, tip of the sword still glistening even when wet by the rain. 

“As a knight, show me what you have got.”

There was only a moment of calm between the rain and them. The two of them returned to the true fight of each other. Impact was truly serious towards the surrounding area. The fight was unable to cover the truth about what had happened.

After that, there were no more sentences.

The endless fight, without negotiation pestered the berserker until her wakizashi was thrown away to the other side. Blood from the scratch on cheek dripped, creating a new scar as a collection to her. She wiped it away like nothing, calmly looking back at her.

Uika already standing like a bloodthirsty wolf filled with hunger for more blood, her eyes gleamed with rage that wanted another intense fight. Flared up than before.

“You hold yourself like a coward, berserker.” The intense stare was a bit irritating for the berserker that was still maintaining her calm mind.

“You haven't shown me the worth of your fight as a true knight from your own lore, saber.” Sayo put her tachi back in its sheath, not for a resignation. Her face gave a faint smile that mingled with her less facial expression.

Feeling Sayo's words mocking her emotions, Uika becomes more vicious in attacking. 

“You better watch your tone to not regret it.”

“I won't regret it.” Welcoming the sword, the berserker held the blade with her hand with full intent. The pain of the wound doesn't matter to her, she let it bleed more. “Show me more.”

“Shut up!” She pulled the sword again and just before it hit Sayo, a spear shot out and broke up the fight. 

The pleasure of the fight was suddenly shattered with another guest coming to join in.

“You'd better shut your ranting, pathetic dog. Our business is not done yet.”

•*•

The basement.

The arrow has been shot as it turned into a bullet and landed to the ground with an explosion towards the basement.

Assassin and Caster avoid it right on time, with their speed they return to their master's side.

Mortis spoke her disappoinment and accused Nyamu as a loser for not fighting seriously. She holds Nyamu's hand and casts a spell to prevent her from running away.

“Do you really want to run away like a loser, Nyamu?”

“Then what? Are you not letting me go now?” Nyamu gave her a bored cat expression at first, which soon ended into an effortless move after she tried to continue her walk to escape. The thread Mortis made doesn't let her leave.

“You are not a loser right?”

Muttering words in grumbling for her servant, the plan on her head had turned into ashes.

“I really don't understand how your brain works. Right now you are not giving me another chance.” she complained, “Now tell me what to do, Muuko.”

The golden eyes widened and lips smiled widely for the sudden trust Nyamu gave to her. She pointed a hand to her, right on the heart as Mortis switched her personality back to Mutsumi. With the gentleness her hand placed by, saying words whispered to Nyamu like a hidden meaning of chant.

“There is nothing to fear from death. Because I'm the death itself.”

Nyamu's heart stopped from the moment Mutsumi said it, nothing she could do. Her body doesn't move. Moreover, she looked down and the view she got was more shocking than a horror movie she ever watched.

Her heart was already in Mutsumi’s hands. 

No blood, no wound.

If Nyamu could faint she would have done it already. But sadly the girl in front of her won't let it happen. What Caster truly wanted was her eyes to watch and trust. 

“Well done.” She smiled, cupped Nyamu's cheek with one hand. “Now, leave it to me.”

The purple-haired was left helpless, unable to move after all what happened in the shocking past of a few minutes. Almost like a statue. Her heart on Mutsumi now placed in the mirror she used, hands dived into the surface. Fused with Mortis's noble phantasm.

“Welcome to the world of mine, Nyamu.”

…

In the gap between Caster and her master, Archer and Assassin fight face to face.

Puffs of smoke slowly faded, Assassin putting herself in luck to throw some of her poisoned knives. Testing how much Archer was able to defend herself from the deadly tricks.

Unexpectedly, Archer was worth her expectations. Her blade returned to the ground, still covered in poison as if it never touched the target.

None of her knives hurt her, cheap tricks from the little test she did.

“You are agile. Truly deserve to be called the moon-shaded assassin.” The cape fluttered to reveal the true face of Archer. “You have enough guts to show yourself toward me, lowly opponent.”

The appreciation brought Assassin to smile with warm cheeks after the mask she used vanished. She fell quiet but nothing more she wanted than a serious fight.

“Oh? I thought you'd run away cowardly.” Her eyes moved to the left side where Mortis finally returned to the fight. 

“As an Archer, you can't keep your mouth shut.” Mortis looked annoyed. 

Counting from five to one, three of them showcasing their skills. Different skills, different weapons. More importantly, the worth of their master has different intentions.

The master of archer finally shows herself with gentle stopping. She was not weighed by how impudent her servant was, the manner perfectly suited her. Adjusted the clothes she was wearing, a smile completing the greeting.

“Sorry for the lateness. I hope I didn't mess up the fun.”

Nyamu felt her jaw drop from its place, the person standing in front of her was someone she knew from a few years ago where she was a new name from the world of actresses. On the other hand, Rui doesn't seem to lose it. She stood up, making out new differences from how she behaved before. Her face was filled with questions that she would never be able to speak about. But she knows, she won't just stay anymore and walk out of the debris.

“I don't know you are into the grail war, Wakana-san.”

“The same question to you, Yashio-san and.. Nyamu-chan.”

Just a short introduction from the new master, her servant already being impatient for the fight. Break in the words with a long-barreled rifle she summoned.

“Come on! Enough with the small talk, you are wasting the time.”

Rei giggled, then returning her sight to Rui and Nyamu. Handing a statement barely discussed for a side.

“Alright, the boss just said.”

Loud sound of the rifle echoed in the basement. Mercilessly to not letting Caster and Assassin have any chance to cast their skills. Troubled with the presence of the incoming attack, Assassin uses her card of agility and hides first. Leaving Mortis to face Archer alone while the Assassin can attack her anytime from the disguise.

“It's really a pity you're left alone.” Archer laughed loud, and a gun was pointed towards Mortis. 

Mortis left a grunt. Ignoring the possibility of Assassin's attack. First bullet, she dodged. The second time, Mortis creates a decoy of herself and makes more copies. Filling the surrounding area in a disguise that wipes out the reckless Archer's bullets.

Her emotion getting more burst after ran out of bullets, Archer threw her rifle away.

“What a challenge!” Clicking her tongue and picking her finger, she creates another rifle. Bigger than before.

Mortis didn't flinch, instead she smirked. Hands coated in red strings. The plan she made seemed to fit the scenario perfectly.

“Are you serious, this servant is an archer…” Rui and Nyamu said in unison.

Only to made the master laugh.

“Have you never seen a servant using a cannon?”

•*•

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Office.

Interrogation room (Special cell).

It's been two hours since the interrogation of her arrest. Luckily, a break was still given so Hina already had time to think.

Lot of guards were placed both inside and outside the room. No room for mistakes for letting the most dangerous fugitive to run away again. All the eyes watching her that seemed to be bored with the cold room and stares she got. Both of her hands were handcuffed. Head bent over the table.

Treated like a poor puppy. 

The bread and water on the table were untouched.

The sound of the automatic door opening with the blonde coming into the room with a folder full of paper was the only thing catching her ears. Hina already guessed it all contained her criminal record but she was patiently waiting for her.

“You took too long!” said Hina whined when she resignedly raised her head to look at Chisato.

Chisato only stared back without answer, then returned her gaze to Ran.

The secret code between the two adds to the calculations for Hina's mysterious, mischievous mind. Her fingers tapped on the table.

Her voice stridently started counting numbers.

“One.. Two..”

“Stop that. What are you planning?” Ran half-heartedly watched over her. Rolling her eyes again after that. Trusting the security of the building won't make the tealette able to escape.

But Hina did not stop.

“Three.. Four..”

“I said stop.” The face already in front of her, Hina doesn't regret her act. Instead she raised herself to sit properly and extend her handcuffed hands to Ran and Chisato.

“Did you guys believe I can escape this place?” In a teasing tone, showing her confidence to the two.

Instead of listening seriously to her sentence, Chisato returned her focus to the report while Ran lowered Hina's hand back onto the table. 

How boring they are, said Hina to her inner self.

“Come on.. I'm serious.” Said Hina while trying her another chance. 

“Your silly actions will only be futile. Just try it, we'll see if you can do it.” Chisato was still busy flipping through the report without paying attention to Hikawa who was trying her attempt in front of her.

"Oh! Really!?" Her eyes sparkled but soon it changed into boredom. "Come on, you are not even giving me a single glance!"

Tired of being disturbed while reading her report, the blonde tried to listen to Hina by leaving a glance at her. Greeted with Hina's signature smile and still handcuffed position. Nothing strange.

“Good. Now come to see it so you will believe me.”

Ran huffed, “Don't listen to her, Shirasagi-san.”

“Mou.. Stop being the devil.”

“Pardon??”

Before a more heated argument could occur, Chisato stopped Ran. Letting Hina do the magic trick which she had been sure of all the time.

She turned her hand and revealed the handcuffs still locked tightly. Convinced that she did nothing.

“Hurry up, you're taking too long.”

“Be patient! You get old quickly if you're always grumpy.” Hina laughed heartily, while hand started to work the job.

She keeps continuing the trick by turning her hand back to its previous position. Did it three times until the third time. Waiting for the two people to be too focused. Then she snapped her fingers. 

And boom, without words she's gone.

After ten seconds had passed, everyone in the room realized that Hina Hikawa had disappeared from the room. Everyone started to panic and made emergency moves to catch her.

“What the!?”

“Find her! She's definitely not far away!”

While everyone was frantically searching for her in hurry, Hina walked casually without any worries. Changing her clothes and blend in with the other guards. She even had time to ask about what was happened to one of the new police officers named Tsugumi Hazawa without being suspected. Leaving no trace, she successfully tricked many eyes to look for her. The underestimation immediately increased the feeling of mocking and insult to the police and the church. The feeling of being toyed with by a fugitive.

Before she left the office, she put a card in Chisato's bag. 

“If you want to arrest me, next time bring a more experienced guard!”

…

Togawa Residence.

Sakiko’s room

The girl remained silent, her hands no longer bearing any sign of ownership of her saber. Had been taken forcefully in a ritual for punishment because of her inability to finish off her opponent. Doloris was no longer by her side. Simultaneously in the rain, disappointment flowed with every drop that fell to the ground.

Her grandfather had interfered too much. Even in her desire to only want for her own wish, her grandfather took it all away without permission. Sakiko was sick with that.

Togawa this, Togawa that.

Her life seemed worthless apart from her grandfather's game that made her into a pawn.

Luckily, someone came along at the right time.

“Togawa-san, may I come in?” The serious voice was behind the thick wooden door. Waiting for confirmation to be answered.

“Go ahead.”

Sakiko wiped away her disappointment in an elegant way, covering it up as perfectly as she always did.

Umiri appears before her, giving the loyalty she always promised for her. Becoming Sakiko's sword like Uika did. The wolf-like woman bowed respectfully.

“I heard you needed help, Togawa-san. I'm here completely listening to your words.” 

Sakiko let Umiri have a seat in front of her, and a cup of tea was prepared just for the two of them. Warm tea for the cold topic of conversation.

The Togawa heir.. already blinded by the desire to take back what was rightfully belongs to her. Her betrayed will and sword were snatched by force. The decision darkened her mind, Sakiko had something she needed to do and she was right to choose Umiri.

“Yahata-san, if you want me to admit you fully. Now it's time for you to prove your loyalty to me.” 

Sakiko took a sip of her tea, the eyes that are similar to the sun now have turned colder than the winter. Words without doubt. Even an Umiri could understand immediately. If there was a goddess who could be both merciful and cruel at the same time, then the person in front of her was it.

“Get rid of Sadaharu Togawa and bring back my Doloris safely."

Chapter Text

The midnight when the rain poured down.

Lantern placed right on the table, illuminates the room although leaving a hint of dimness. No one was there, only the servant alone in a separate warehouse.

Faintly falling into an unconsciousness. A call through a memory.

…

“You promise that we will meet again?”

“I promise you. Now and ever.”

•*•

Many years ago..

Boisterous gallop from the horses on the muddy roads. Torches raised among the riders, voice calling for the danger they faced. Warning the villagers to leave quickly before the disaster comes to devour their souls.

“Move! Get away from here!” Said those who used the armor. The katanas are already on their guard, but the fear doesn't resemble the heart of a true warrior. 

“Crap! They should have arrived here already, why are they taking so long?”

“I don't know. Even the messenger wasn't here.”

Mumbling out their gripes instead of realizing the danger already came to hit them, someone arrived with a horse. Alone without anything else except bravery and faith she had. Carrying a long sword from nowhere on her back, the eyes she had carried hope on the glimmer.

“Take me with you!” Her strident voice shout brushed the complaints. She was too young yet naive. “You're all going to face that yokai right!?”

The adult remains unmoved from the courage of the young kid. Judging her from silence of their disapproval.

“Little girl like you shouldn't have to join us, let us the adults handle it.” One of them mocking her.

While the other adding words, “Just go home already. Your parents must be waiting—”

“They are no longer here!” Spurring her horse to come closer, the moonlight revealed her face. “I'm Sayo Hikawa. I beg you, please let me join in!”

They laughed. Putting another face of unbelieving her, they throw a challenge for a kid who seeks revenge. A harsh one. As they clapped in mock for the will, a hand pointed toward the thick smoke from the village under the hill.

“If you can kill all the yokai under there, we will think about accepting you.”

Nothing else from the way she accepted without knowing the long and bloody road that awaited her on the end of path.

The horse passed like a strong wind, she down through the hill alone. Only a long sword on back she pulled from the sheath, inexperienced and covered in anger. Steps getting closer to the smokes, the more she heard about groans and painful moans left from the rest of the alives. The grip didn't flinch or scared her, instead braced herself with the strength she held for the time.

Jumping off the horse, the first yokai appeared.

Hiss answered with a slash. Cut into two, it turned to ashes. Believing in herself she was able to fight them behind the smokes, her feet moving forward. Deeper, deeper into darkness. Facing the incoming enemies until she knows the table has turned, outnumbered. 

Cornered after her body thumped into an old tree. Ribs broken. Severe injuries bruised her physical body. Hands basking in her own blood, she kneeled down with panting.

“Not yet.. I still not yet.. qualified. The challenge is still undone.” Not giving a single care towards herself, the weak hands pushing itself to stand up again and facing them again. Wiping the blood out from her lips.

Gathering back the strength and will for not fall, she looked up with pride. Her soul roared, awakened the eyes to see the path of death.

Mystic eyes of Death Perception.

…

Smoke slowly dispersed with the light of dawn peeking through. Long night already over together with the yokai started to vanish with the darkness. Ashes as the remains.

Her small body heavily breathing in despair and the blood already pouring from her temple did not stop her from standing straight on her long sword. Stumbling towards the rising sun. There was something strange about her own body, the sunlight hurt her skin. Sayo doesn't know what was happened to her.

Looked up with hope when the group of people she saw before showing themselves from the top.

With the last strength she had, she waved.

“I beat.. them. All.”

But, the proof she fought for was met with insults. Face of disgust and hatred was plastered on her.

“Go away you filthy devil!”

“Look at you, you must be one of them!”

“Yokai must be dead! We will send you back to hell!”

A rock started to hit her right in the face, from one became two.. and more. Sending her back to fall to the ground, bleeding more. Continously with them throwing curses for disbelief. Little Sayo touched herself on the head and felt something that shouldn't be there growing on her. A horn of the yokai. Her face scrunched up in shock and fear, her lips gaped with tears shed blood.

“Why did this happen to me?” In desperation scratched the ground with her bloody nails. 

Not finished with the torture they did before, another rock was thrown. Bigger one, and hit the helpless girl's head. Leading her in half consciousness. Sayo lay covered in blood but her soul never found any peace after what they did. Piled anger and feelings stacked into her, Uncountable disappointment made her chaotic in the shackling hands of darkness. 

“I.. I don't want.. die.” Her small scarred hand raised in the air trying to reach something that only she could see.

But the suffering not yet ended, a katana stabbed back into the back of her hand, forcefully into the ground.

“Too bad, we can't let a cursed yokai like you live. Face your fate.”

She winced. The bloody tears dropped into the ground as furious gaze from her jade eyes turned into a gleam of biased seven colors of rainbow.

“Drop dead, morons.”

“What the—”

The hand lifted with the blade still hung onto it, she crashed against them with sudden strength. Pulled the katana from her flesh and swirled the rest of blood to a new grown flower beside her. She tainted it. The flowing blood and wounds suddenly stopped, healed like it never happened. Steam came from her lips as she exhaled.

“God.. Forgive me.”

As fast as lightning with blood-stained katanas, their heads rolled on the ground. Blood flooding like sins, the white flower turned into red, slowly dried with indelible marks. The reality she had, now forced her to grow in the never-ending violence.

Until…

A few years after the incident.

Walking into a town under disguise, the cape she used suddenly blown by the wind. Revealing her horn to the daylight. Unfortunately, a guard immediately landed a fight on her. Sayo doesn't have any more chances than facing them by dragging them outside.

Escaping the town with her agile moves, tealette successfully hides after realizing her back got shots from arrows.

She pulled it and her eyes caught into a girl that landed eyes watching her taking off the things.

Her feet said to run but the person in front her prevented her from it.

“Follow me, I know a place where you can't be found by them.” She said in a whisper that Sayo only can hear.

Looking at the situation, she doesn't attempt to fight or argue. Following the girl's steps, her long sword ready anytime if the girl wants to trap her.

Fortunately, fate sided with Sayo.

The girl brought her to a safe place from an underground tunnel and arrived at a place on top of a hill. Far from the sights of the guards where she can run safely.

The girl who helped her just sighed while stretching her body as if she had just enjoyed part of the adventure. Smile in the shape of a cat.

“Oh my gosh, that was such an adventure!~” she said excitedly.

Sayo furrowed, “What do you mean by exciting.. You could have died!” Her tone rose in annoyance when she saw the girl was more relaxed.

“Okay, I understand why you're angry. But, wouldn't that be how you could escape safely?” She gives her hand with a peach to Sayo. “Come on, eat, you must be hungry.”

She didn't immediately accept the peach. Remained silent, with her brow furrowed, and at an equal distance.

“Why are you helping me?”

“Me?” The girl pointed to herself and immediately chuckled and took another bite of a peach from her basket. “I enjoy helping people in need. Besides, you look like someone who doesn't want to cause trouble in the city.”

“They say I'm a criminal. Then if that's true why are you helping me?”

The girl crossed her arms behind her back and smiled widely as her auburn hair blew in the wind carried by the large tree.

“Isn't it obvious that I trust you because I want to?” Then she scratched her own cheek sheepishly, “Even if you betrayed my trust, that's your business. I did what I should have done.”

Increasingly dizzy with the complexities before her, Sayo scratched the back of her neck and averted her gaze from the girl. “Thank you for helping me. I owe you one.”

The girl laughed and threw Sayo the peach. “What's your name?”

“Sayo Hikawa. You?”

Their eyes met and their hands shook.

“Lisa Imai. It's nice to meet you, Sayo!”

Sayo's eyes widened at the smile and their journey began. Reducing the violence she lived with while being with the girl, avoided the possibility of frequent encounters. Keeping life a part of her journey that gives her happiness.

…

Only for a brief of moment.

…

That day.

In their safe cottage in the forest, Sayo as usual will go hunting. Leaving Lisa to take care of some things like shopping for ingredients in town. 

Staring at the brunette for a moment before she left, unease and doubt. “Are you sure you're going to town today?”

Lisa smiled slightly and teased Sayo, “It's rare for you to be this worried. Don't worry, nothing will happen today. I'm sure it's safe!~” Her smile was still as bright as the sun, the warmth washing away Sayo's worries.

“Well if you say so.” Sayo pulled off her robe and put it on as she covered her head with the hood. 

Lisa smiled and patted Sayo's head lovingly, “You promise that we will meet again?”

With a firm nod, Sayo looked at Lisa gently. Letting the seconds pass like a heavy burden on her heart. 

“I promise you. Now and ever.”

“Alright, now you may go!” Lisa cheered her and pat Sayo's shoulders many times. Letting the tealette leave the cottage while her eyes still looking at her in worry.

“Then... I'm leaving.”

“Take care!”

…

A loud commotion erupted in the middle of the day, the townspeople gathered around as someone was carried away with a stake. Riotous as they give insults and curses.

“Kill that woman!”

“She must have been possessed by that yokai!”

“Don't let her tarnish our great land!”

All the rocks were thrown at the girl who was being shackled in the middle of the town. Her hands and feet were tied as she was judged in violence. Paraded around the town as rocks endlessly hit her face and blood continued to flow. Her body couldn't react, the ropes bound her tightly that they only cut into her skin. The brunette lowered her head in resignation, her eyes glancing away from the person she was waiting for.

Wait until the time almost up.

Her eyes gradually lost their light after the wounds she received. A cold night when she was left wounded in the open to die in agony.

The sound of footsteps she had been waiting for finally came. 

Sayo was there with her legs weak, the prey she was carrying had fallen from her hands. Her eyes froze, stared at Lisa who had lost the light in her eyes. Deep unspoken sorrow. 

“Why.. You..”

“Sayo.” Lisa called Sayo's name with all her remaining strength, gently and lovingly behind her already helpless body.

“Why did they do this to you too..”

Lisa looked at Sayo and smiled slightly with a shake of her head. “Sayo, it's okay.”

“This is not okay!” Sayo screamed, tears falling from the corners of her eyes that had long since dried. “You are innocent, if they really wanted me.. They took me, not you!”

“Listen to me.”

Sayo's hands clenched tightly as her nails cut into her own palms.

“Sayo Hikawa.” She called her again. Forcing the tealette to look up at her all the way so she wouldn't ignore her. “I've been happy to be with you all this time. You're not as bad as they say and I'll continue to defend you. No matter how painful the road is.”

“Lisa..”

She smiled at Sayo, “I'm proud to have known you and had an adventure with you. Even though we don't have much time.” Slowly the fire started to ignite from under the pole and burned the wood that was holding her. 

Sayo tried to get up as many katanas were drawn on her, blocking her from Lisa. The wielding blades slowly scratched her flesh whenever she moved. “No! Let off her! If you want me just take me!” 

In the flames, Lisa sees Sayo for the last time and gives her a farewell look that leads Sayo to become a nameless heroic spirit.

“After my death, I hope you can continue to help many people with the power you possess. Until then, let's meet again.. Sayo.”

Merging with the fire, the soft voice faded into silence. Only the sound of the crackling flames burning and scorching the innocent girl's body. 

The emptiness that continues to haunt her with guilt, creates new traces of a nameless person. Even death refuses to let her be in the depths of hell.

•*•

The voice that played in her sleep, woke the Berserker back to earth. Her consciousness returned intact although her head was experiencing severe dizziness. 

Looking around at the still burning lantern, she blew it out and walked out. Holding the same long sword (tachi) that carries the story of her life.

From a distance, someone waved at her. The same gentle smile with the person she saw back then.

“Sayo!~ You took so long!”

Putting her weapon back on waist, she looked at her with a slightly calmer face.

“Sorry to keep you waiting so long, Imai-san.” Stopping two steps away from her master, Sayo noticed Lisa's hand holding a blanket for her.

“It's okay!~ It looks like you were asleep earlier anyway?” She left a gentle smile, and a giggle. “I just found out servants can sleep.”

The berserker took the blanket and wrap it on the master instead of her. Following with a firm and serious tone she always used to talk.

“I think you need it more than me, Imai-san.” She coughed, “Let's solve the problem that's bothering your mind.”

“I never knew you could read my mind. But yes, I agree with you!” She pulled her hand, “I'm glad I summoned you, Sayo!”

Chapter Text

Still on the same page.

Saber's will roared on the sky, as if showing her true emotions. She wasn't a berserker. But her soul was the same. Untamed. A knight worshipped a goddess in her true story far away ago. Perhaps before she fully turned into a game of the knights. The bloody game without any clarity of its victory.

The goddess lives in the heart of her. Where the shrine lives in the veins and breath of Doloris.

Lingering in her memories. Calling her in longing like a sacred prayer.

Oblivionis.

•*•

Chain from the spear lashed out to the ground separating the fight between the two sword wielders. Saber looked up with fury displayed on the beautiful face she had, while the aches on her guts kicked to flared more. A deep invitation to burning herself into ashes. If only there's one who chases her until the end of the world, there would be no one than Taki Shiina. The one and only Lancer she anchors the hatred very much for the master who made Sakiko bear years of misery. She bites her inner cheeks, mustering her strength again for wielding the sword into a dash to Lancer.

Responding to the madness of Saber, Taki speaks out above the low-slope roof after her landing.

“Such a disgrace, your Sakiko wasn't here.” 

“Quiet talking.” The humiliation and mocking grin from her made Uika growl.

“Stay back, Saber!” At the same time, Sadaharu tried to cut a plan to retreat from the unpredicted fight. But, the heat of the fight creates a rampage. He has no right, doesn't match with the freewill and connection the Saber has from the true master. Uika doesn't let her ears listen to her fake master anymore. She totally lost control and Sadaharu has nothing to do except watch.

“You dare to come again.” Her amethyst eye glinted in despair. Tip of her sword not dancing in excitement like the time when Sakiko was still around her and being her master, not the same anymore. Only left an emptiness for every strike she unleash, Uika was nothing more than a servant who only knew how to attack with madness, not a high control and calculations. A puppet that has been cut off from the puppeteer's string.

Crashing with Uika's sword, Taki smirked with cheekiness spread among her face. Spear she used ripping the ground every time it clashed. Knowing she got the side to crash against the defence amidst words and rules saying about Lancer weakness towards Saber.

“I dare because I have the bravery to finish the undone things between us, you blonde dog.” Taki swung her spear heavily to the clash and created bright sparks from two blades meeting. 

“Settle this, you show-off.” Uika doesn't want to lose in the Clash, she did the same and parted it while slashing the sword at Taki's hand by leaving the grip to loose. Her swift movement said action, she kicked it and threw the spear off from Taki’s sight. Then pointing her sword towards the enemy along with the moon mark on her cheek left to gleam with red. 

Realizing the condition she was cornered, Taki let out a sarcastic smile yet not showing signs of panic. “Well, as I expected.. This dog doesn't know how to surrender.”

“I thought this game was over so quickly after you talked?”

“Expecting much?” Spitting on the blonde, Taki played with her feet and dragged the chain bound to her left hand, letting it ignite in a purple flame. The creaking chains swept across the ground with heavy force.

Uika clicked her tongue and immediately jumped up. 

“This is just the beginning, after all.” Fixing her messy hair, Taki's fangs were visible in her still cool face.

“....” Uika remained silent but she kept herself to not get provoked more. “Why don't you try inviting the person there?”

“Ha?”

Letting go of her sword by stabbing it to ground and turning her slightly stiff wrist, Uika directed her eyes in guidance towards the Berserker that was preparing to leave without a word.

“It's a bit of a shame that she's leaving.”

“What the hell are you talking to..”

The blonde Saber still stared at Taki with her eyes that continued to glow more purple, over time. The Lancer became agitated and had no other choice but to look in the same direction Uika had been gazing at.

She sighed, “Seriously?”

…

Bothered by the sudden income from Taki, Sayo exhaled her breath while almost putting back her weapon to sheath before intuitively breaking a sudden attack from Taki. 

“—!?”

The sound of metal clanging with both weapons bounced off the meeting. Sayo slashed and the other end of the chain was pulled by its owner.

Rend apart the high-speed impact from the chains in front of her master's eyes. Not only one, another comes. Berserker not letting every second fall into futile steps. Choosing her way to slash all of it, shredding it into small pieces almost into particles just from the speed she has. Her face raised into a building, eyes colored in seven colors of rainbow.

The mystic eye has activated.

“Stay behind my back, Imai—”

She had no time for explanation, Taki had jumped from the place where she should stay at. Greeting tealette in a charge with sharp spearheads aimed at her. Taking time to set a plan, and help from berserker. Followed by the chain dragged after her spear, bound in the spear end to the left arm. Taki had an initiative for a duet that was almost like a boomerang for anyone she asked to be on the same team. Lashed like a fiery dance, it soaring from ground to sky. 

Getting herself in distemper with almost lack of patience from her supporting face, berserker exhaled.

“You really need to mind your action if you want to ask for help, Lancer.” Sayo caught the spear strike and pulled on the hilt as the tip of her sword struck the ground to bind the chain. Dropping the Lancer in failure to draw her weapon to go further from its maximum range.

Taki grunted without words. Enough to see how disturbed her mood was just from berserker's words. Swung her spear in full power to create strong force at the chain, whipping the ground where Sayo was. Berserker calmly drew her tachi again and carried herself to safety.

“This is what that damn blonde asked for, you know!” She grumbled like a mad dog.

Sayo shrugged herself and lifted her tachi to shoulder with another hand. The berserker put an almost thin smile on the invitation of the challenge. Packing her steps with firm stances as she put from the hiding.

“You have courage to do what that Saber said.” Staring into the distance, she narrowed her jade eyes. “I thought you preferred working alone?”

Clicked tongue while averting face, a small blush on cheeks of the Lancer.

“This is for Tomori.”

“Well then.”

•*•

One hour before…

A minimarket.

Sound of water from the heater being poured over the instant noodle. Join in the rush of the rainy day. She brought it to the table to eat under the light in front of the glass surface facing the street. Unconsciously, her reflection formed in. She stood there alone, not knowing where to go.. A lost Tomori.

“I don't want it..” Eyes looking at the noodle she had poured with water before. Throat feels dry, heart tight with feelings she never wanted to exist. “I feel like I want to disappear. Everyone, now out of my grasp.”

In time, Taki appeared behind her. She stood firmly leaning against a white wall pillar.

“Then why are you following all this?” Question coming from Taki firmly.

“Because..”

If I do.. Everyone gets hurt..

She gripped her own mantle, biting her lower lip almost left a bleed before Taki said another word to her master. The buzzing sound got a little louder, roaring before finally fading away with Taki's hand on her shoulder.

“I don't know what's on your mind, but I can clearly hear Tomori's voice screaming to live on when you summoned me for the first time.” Taking a breath after saying that, she turned to face the other side facing the busy street with people walking under their umbrellas. “I feel like I see my own ego in you, maybe it's selfish of me to want to continue this. But, this is not the time for you to give up.”

Tomori choked from the cold air inside the minimarket, pondering Taki's words. Her rose gold eyes became faintly teary. Some truth to it. Seeing the despairing part of herself and Taki, lost together without an objective for the war. Something crossed her mind.

“Despair.. and lost.. Human feelings.”

Warm hands that welcomed me. Leading me to the light from the darkness.. Saki-chan…

Ah.. right.

I have to try again, even if it hurts.. I can't be afraid.

“Tomori?”

Her irises widened in an unknown glint. Getting brighter, reminding to light was start to creep in with hope. 

“I can't give up here!” The chair she was sitting on pushed back, turned back to stand firmly facing Taki. Reaching to her hand. “Let's meet Saki-chan and Saber again!”

“W.. Wait, Tomori!?”

Before she could take a step forward, someone had appeared a meter away, dressed in full church attire. With the same rosary Tomori had seen years ago, long before the tragedy had happened. Her silvery hair. Cold tone but warm colored irises.

Yukina Minato.

“Finally I found you.”

“Eh?”

“Wait, you're that priest..”

Looking left and right, Yukina paused for a moment, examining Tomori from head to toe. Her face never left Tomori's. Her hand took something from behind her bag. Handing over something that Tomori accidentally left behind while she was at Yukina's care.

“This is the thing you left behind yesterday.” The hand reached out, handing over a notebook. “I already know who you are. Would you mind talking to me for a moment?”

Taki intercepted.

“What do you want?” Her face frowned. “Rude to read someone's book without their permission.”

Yukina didn't respond and glanced at Taki in silent judgment. “The connection between your master and the person you are looking for, and I can help Tomori control her power.”

Gaping with a mysterious question mark in head, Taki's words rang out loudly. “Ha?”

“Stop that or flies might get into your mouth.”

“Wait, you can't—”

“Taki-chan.” Tomori shook head confidently, encouraging Taki to release her hold on Yukina. “That's okay.”

“Are you serious..?” Taki's purple eyes softened when met Tomori's, distracted as the priest cleared her throat. Breaking the tranquility for Lancer. 

“It's okay. This priest has helped me before and I believe she is completely trustworthy.” Tomori turned around and saw Yukina still standing in her position with her eyes that said they were moving with the seconds of time.

“I don't have much time, moreover…” A sense of weird feeling passed Yukina, shuddering the priest to look at Lancer. “There are two servants fighting not far from here.”

Taki understood Yukina's intentions. She then removed her disguise and transformed into her full servant form. Carrying her spear with lightning fast steps. Before leaving she had patted Yukina on the shoulder and she answered her with faith.

“I entrust Tomori to you.”

“You can trust me.”

After Taki left, Yukina tried calling someone who didn't pick up as she let Tomori finish the bowl of noodles she ordered. Face showed worry clearly visible from the veins. Tomori just watched like a child watching someone she once knew in the past.

“Please pick up the phone..”

I beg you.. answer my call…

The eyes continued to watch like marbles that saw everything through their clear glass. Playing with memory and thoughts, slowly expanding and melting with the present time.

Five minutes passed, Yukina was already curled up with her face resting on her own arms facing the surface of the table. The phone was still ringing calling Lisa Imai's contact name. Tomori continued to pay attention to the silver haired while sipping the less than half left coffee drink she bought before.

“Umm.. I.. don't know your name yet..” A nervous voice slowly emerged from Tomori's lips. 

Yukina moved her eyes to the short-haired girl. The lips she had were still pursed in the unanswered call from her friend. “Yukina Minato. Call me whatever you like.”

Her eyes widened slightly when she heard that name.

“Minato?”

Nodding slowly, the weary priest gathered her strength to support her head with arm, looking out at the still-rained street.

“Yes. I am sure you have heard that name before. Because I'm the daughter of a priest who came to your island thirteen years ago and he never returned.” She reached for her rosary and touched it with fingertips. “This rosary was his, and I was surprised to see it with your notebook. I'm sorry I opened it without permission earlier.” Yukina took a sip of her coffee. The bitterness of it did not cover her increasingly shady with sadness face.

Tomori opened the sheet and saw the writing she had written. “T.. That's fine. Minato-san has helped me before.. it's like it was meant to be for the path we met.”

“Perhaps. I know what kind of tragedy happened there, and I'm deeply sorry.” The conversation stopped for a moment, Yukina swirled her drink with a teaspoon. “I heard you are a mystic eyes user. You really have good eyes control, I admire you for surviving with that much bleeding in your eyes.”

Tomori's head was bowed. Her lips opened before she closed them again with an unspoken word. Hand was on chest, as if to silence all the things that wanted to explode in her head. 

"I am."

“You're friends with Togawa, right?”

That made Tomori lower her head even more.

“So it's true.” The golden eyes glanced at her before returning to the drink she was sipping.

Hand returned to the clothes, a tight grip marked the wrinkles in the fabric. The suppressed voice could no longer be held. It spilled out along with the pent-up demand. 

“Please teach me how to become stronger. I want to see Saki-chan once again!” 

There were tears of hope in her eyes as the thunder cut off the electricity. A dark shadow descended over the entire city.

"O—Okay, that's fast." The coffee burned the priest's throat luckily she didn't choke.

"Uhm.. Can I say something?"

"Sure?"

"Can I call you Yukina-neesan..?"

She coughed but soon got blush.

"W.. Whatever you like.."

Yukina took quick action after her eyes opened completely and pulled Tomori out of there into the darkness before someone came to the place.

The sound of neat and firm footsteps stopped a minute later, approaching the minimarket where Tomori and Yukina had been staying for a moment. Another person in suit sniffed the remaining air of the minimarket with hands in the pockets of her long coat. Her sunglasses slightly lowered while her sea blue eyes scanning over the area and stopped after the emergency door that was already wide open.

Her smile was simple, yet full of plans.

“I think we were a little late getting to them.” She looked back to the one who ordered her. “Do you want me to chase them or do we go back to our main destination, Togawa-san?”

The blue-haired princess tossed her long hair, letting it fall back elegantly. The darkness of the place made her eyes shine brighter when she saw the Umiri in front of her. Her hands played in smooth, graceful movements, reaching for the spot where Tomori had last been. Complete with a note that made Sakiko destroy it in one go.

Do you happy with your life, Saki-chan?

“No need. Sooner or later she will come back to look us. Let's go back, Yahata-san.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

•*•

Saber slammed herself towards Lancer, delivering a powerful blow to Taki's breastplate. The heavy rain did not stop the heated fight. Ground bore the marks of destruction from the knight of sorrow, the red moon on her cheeks shone more and clearly. The sword was pulled from the ground with the gaze of amethyst full of whispers. 

Sayo wields her tachi in the typical fighting style of a samurai. Staring. Lurking. All the words of the hunting and fighting instincts of a wild animal. The remaining distance between them facing each other, steps moving slowly clockwise with swords on their hands.

Sayo's eyes are sharp and she uses quick attack tactics. Meanwhile, Uika moves according to her whims and anger.

“What do you see there, berserker?” Her words were calm but full of pain. Repeating her sentences emphasizing feelings when one of her hand reaches the left side of her face. Grasping the air. “What do you see in my eyes?”

Berserker saw the pain yet she didn't flinch. Her pupils sharpened even more with the strong voice.

“I see a lot of things in you.”

Her eyes were raised, filled with nothing but hope.

“Tell me, what stands out the most among them all?.”

“Sorrow. But there's more to it than that..”

“Say it.”

“Oblivion.”

The distancing was over. The fight began again after Uika attacked quickly and silently, forcing Sayo to release her stance. The tight grip on their swords was too strong that it trembled. Saber brings out her best potential with bursts of mana, forcing her fake master to drain the mana he had. 

“Saber stop it!” Sadaharu yelled at her. Uika sneered at him deliberately, letting her sword glow with a golden light mixed with a dark red hue.

Unleashing the power imbued in the sword, Uika raised her sword upwards and sent a slash to Sayo. Landed the berserker to hit and fall down in the after-impact rubble. Staring for a long time at the reaction that never came, Uika turned back to Sadaharu and swung her blade next to his face.

Her face looked cold along with the atmosphere after the rain. “You're not my master, you'd better keep your mouth shut.” 

Something hit Uika after that words spoken to the man.

“I may not be your master, but you know your actions now could affect Sakiko.” The old man walked over. Continously firing something other than a command spell from behind his neat suit sleeve. “You should have known that from the start, the risk of you neglecting my order.”

“Kh—!?”

A sharp pain coursed through her body, and the knight clung to sword. Her breath hitched as she held on to the ever-increasing intensity. She growled like a wolf, but Sadaharu played cunningly and she could never fight it in her current condition.

“You— Argh!?”

“I'm sorry but I guess I have no other choice but to do this to you. Know your current condition, Saber. Your obstinateness for that kid will be in vain if you don't obey.” Sadaharu was already beside her facing the damage his servant had done.

“You old bastard!” As Saber tried to move, another jolt forced her to fall.

“I have been victorious in this war before for the name of Togawa. A disobedient servant like you will not last long here.”

“Do you feel like you're the greatest, huh?”

“Watch your words, Saber. Do you know what I do if a servant like you keeps barking?” 

The amethyst eyes grew darker with the body still forcing itself to look at its master. Gaze she had did not turn away from the figure who was now cruel to her.

“I will torture them until they scream in despair, barking like helpless dogs.”

“You never deserve to be called as winner after what you did. Sakiko will end all your cruelty even if I have to die.”

“An innocent girl like her wouldn't survive in such a life. She had already failed to complete her mission to kill Lancer.”

“Sakiko isn't that weak.” Sadaharu again activates another spell which makes Uika return to the pain. Intending to stop the impudence from her lips, but the blonde didn't stop there. “You've misjudged her, old man.”

“How can a servant who has not lived with her for long judge my opinion of my own granddaughter?”

Uika grabbed the necklace around her neck and pulled it off so forcefully that it fell from her grasp. Crushing it into dust. Tightening the collar of her clothes which had been slightly pulled from grip just now. Her face looked like an angel ready to take a life, she was not the Death but everyone thinks that there was a resemblance to it.

“Because she is the one and only goddess whom I worship with, my Oblivionis.”

Chapter Text

Urgh.. Damnit.

That fucking blonde dog hit me so hard, let me guess bleeding internally again for the umpteenth time?

Is this my end?

But it doesn't feel like hell or heaven. 

I can still feel the ground..

Still alive, huh.

How humiliating. I was still lost after berserker joined me to help. If I let her continue like this, she will definitely get to be an airhead. Shit! it just makes me even more fucked up to be defeated in one attack like that.

I can't lose here. Tomori is counting on me.

Get up!

I must not continue to bring down their hopes!

Come on! 

Are you going to betray my own body!?

Huff.. Huff..

If only I knew how to break the seal on my left hand.. maybe everything could change.

•*•

The gray clouds dissolve. Sun appeared slowly peeking out from behind, bright light shone on Lancer that had been lying half-conscious. Behind the ruins, her hands gripped the ground. 

Murmured. Her dark eyes seemed to express disappointment toward herself.

Seeing the conditions that have been reversed was accompanied by a feeling of shame that peaks at the top of the chain. Taki squealed to her inner self.

Seeing another self lying weak while her heroic soul struggles. Having two sides that act like the sides of a coin.

“Is this what you want!?”

She yelled to her body.

“Lose to that blonde and disappoint Tomori!?”

She was disappointed beyond belief only to find herself utterly defeated in one blow. The eyes of the lying one slowly moved to look at the wailing soul. Showing the contradiction from her fighting will part.

“There's nothing to be done.”

“Ha? What do you mean?”

The chain on her left hand was moving to getting it tighter. Torturing the body to endless pain when bone slowly crushed.

“I'm not the only one bound by this chain.”

Taki grimaced as she tried to break free from the shackles that were holding her, but it ended in vain. “Kh! This is not the time to talk like that.. Everything depends on today, the way Tomori believes!”

“Then?” Her physical body stared at Taki's soul arrogantly.

The chain coils stronger. Taki was pulled to kneel down forcefully beside the lying body, staring at the empty eyes open with a feeling she had always disliked. 

“How can you live up to other people's expectations when yourself want to run away from your own problems?” The body touched the cold chains that wrapped around it like a hidden carving. A punishment for Taki Shiina that considered a coward in her own life.

“Now.. Tell me Taki Shiina, what makes you keep wanting to force your ego on others?”

“I..”

Cold sweat dripped one by one as Taki continued to try to maintain her consciousness. Voice hesitated to come out. “That's because..” Same with tongue felt stiff as her desires were held back and couldn't come out.

“Or are you just looking for an escape from the living in an unsatisfying past life?”

“Shut up!”

“Perhaps I should say.. Harbinger of bad luck?”

“Please.. Stop.. it.”

“Ah! I almost forgot that you killed your own sister for that covenant?”

“I said stop!!!”

Taki has reached her limit. No more words she can hold, the insults has deepened to stabs her soul. Her almost ghost form hand tried to pull at the scarf the body was wearing. Unfortunately, luck wasn't going on the same path with her. Binding chains prevented her from acting beyond and pulled her back in a drag like prisoner. The longer the cold object wrapped around her, the more it strangled her neck. Darkness increasingly enveloped Taki when she almost lost hope, transformed into a person that made Taki unable to turn away from what she feared the most. Making her weakness getting to the prominent side, slowly overcome by the deep-seated misery she always regrets in life.

The cold skin touch made Taki shiver, a hint of avoiding but impossible to act. Weakness only makes her give up to lean onto the hands. A touch that she deeply missed, but always felt guilty every time she remembered who it came from.

“Good, keep your head down.. Taki-chan.” 

“I missed you..”

“If so, shouldn't you be a good girl and stay under me?”

Without realizing the hands that were hugging Taki slowly turned into sharp nails that were ready to take the remaining of her steadfast and strength.

“Why.. Maki-neesan?”

•*•

Sayo got up from where she was been hit, the rubble of the wall that had fallen on her seemed like nothing after she lifted it up and let it fall to the other side with a heavy bump. Her robe was torn like fire gush but it didn't bother the Berserker from walking solemnly. Saber in front of her was the culprit from everything that happened to her including rage. She glanced at Lancer, only to get a view of her still hadn't gotten up from position, taking a brief break for a moment before fully returning to her main focus.

“Sayo! Oh my gosh, are you okay?” In a rush from another side, her master approached in a worried tone, ignoring her own slight injury from Uika's massive attacks.

Sayo's pride got a scar. Once again she was expert at hiding it behind eyes and seemed to move like a scanner, from top to bottom, no side was missed.

“I appreciate your worries. But, I do more aware about your presence here, Imai-san. You should hide a little further away.” Sayo turned away after taking off her robe for Lisa to wear. “If connections are the thing that makes you worry.. I have the ability to stay connected with you even from far away, so don't mind about it.”

“Wait! I'm not even saying anything to you. Hey—”

Before Lisa could do her job by letting her in by Sayo's permission, the servant already slashed the ground and released a turquoise flame from the rift after. Separating the two for the safety she could do. In the shadow of the flames, she could see the silhouette of her servant keeping form.

“Seriously, you have to change your bad habits by cutting people's words.”

“If I let you die here, I don't deserve to be your servant.” Along with the sound of the blade clanging from the sheath, Sayo had disappeared like thunderclap. 

“Mou..”

Her speed of bolt and flawless movements caught Uika unawares before a blaze of fire shot out from her sword in serene dance. The sudden attack was greeted by the knight with the crescent on her cheek in elegant steps like the true master did, deflecting it strongly with one hand gripping sword before being separated by the explosion. Eyes made persistent contact from the scarred pride.

Jumped at a distance above the debris, the two of them pointed the tip of the blade. Sword was saying everything.

“I must admit your attacks are quite destructive. No wonder they named you after that.” Cool act always winning Saber head. Caught by cleaning the dust on her clothes, blowing it like nothing but crumbs.

“Impressive. But that's not what I came here for.” Sayo huffed and replied while twisting her long sword to the perfect position.

Uika's eyes darkened with a different kind of desire. Sayo's words came back to her like a thread being pulled again after loosening on a skin. Adding insult to injury to a wet wound that cannot be healed.

“You deserve to die rotten!” Her feet left the ground, the fast dash was powerful like a carnivore's lunge.

Uika pounced. 

The time turned the blonde to hit the ground and tore it to the depths. With a sudden came back, together in dust that gathered like smoke, she pushed hard and slashed randomly into air and ground mercilessly. The sword was thrown from one hand to the other while she was launching a spinning flying kick to Sayo.

The Berserker held her position with a sharp blade staying hidden. Her arms in guard kept her balance until she found the right place to put out her joints. A click comes from the mouth.

“Goodbye, berserker.” One final tornado kick ended the chained attack, Uika was already pointing her sword in the air with the tip facing the sky shrouded with gold and red blaze, then black lightning.

The sky gathered again with grey clouds and thunder starting to rumble.

But..

—!?

Instead of slashing the half charged attack at Sayo, Uika’s eyes twitched and ended by her choosing to throw it to the ground and let herself return to where she had come from facing the yokai-horned berserker. A gust of wind crossed to leave a mark on Uika, blowing her bangs hard enough like a disguise move. Although, she didn't seem surprised by what she saw and didn't take it seriously. While moments give her a chance to smile a little mischievously once she knows what was behind it.

“Lucky for me, I didn't slash it.” She touched hair only to checking the red gloves were stained with something darker than the colors she wore.

Blood.

“Good that you noticed.”

Berserker had already drawn another, shorter sword in her left hand. Her eyes were fully open, the whole soft and gentle green blended together like a stream of wind. 

“Perception of death..” Uika wiped away the trail of blood dripping from her forehead. Looking at her reflection in her sword, she said, “It reminds me of someone.”

“Is it important?”

“Not really.” 

Her hilt of sword spun back and caught it with a perfect grip, unleashing a powerful slash accompanied by a golden spark. Uika's glinted purple flame and trail.

Sayo lifted both of the swords she had and unleashed a cross slash that shattered the light. Berserker's face was calm but more alert which made the blonde Saber careful in her steps, making one wrong step meant she knew a risk. 

Uika unleashes an eight-pronged sword attack, creating an octagram with Sayo at its center. A wonderful dance technique she had that leaves clones resembling her as shadows, attacked Sayo quickly in heavy slashes. Blood splashed from the mouth and the berserker's body made the main area of the stage become sacred like Doloris wanted. Her sword reunited with its sheath, her technique ended with a beautiful finish.

Moon and gear.

“Octagram dance.”

It was the beginning. The showcasing between saber and berserker was not over yet, the scars that were created on the skin are now completely closed with a thorn mark started to spread on her neck.

“What a tough defense.” Uika didn't waste any time in her chance until the berserker was fully recovered. Fully aware of the healing ability, she bit her thumb and created a triangle symbol in the air then dipped her sword into it.

“What kind surprise did you give me this time.. Saber?”

“I don't know. Maybe something that could send you to hell?”

Both of them laughed and Sayo quickly ran into Uika, targeting head from above with her tachi. Knowing she only had a small chance of beating the blonde without magecraft, Sayo used her muscles and delivered a powerful hook kick accompanied by furious swords attack.

Despite being hit by Sayo in several areas including her ribs, Uika successfully pulled and make her sword covered in a fiery red from the fire she created.

“Symbol I.. ∆ (Fire).”

“Besides being a knight... so you're also an alchemist?”

“I will show it to you. How far I can keep up with you.”

Fire meets fire, blazing high into the sky. A fiery slash was released mixing the two flames into the dividing wall the berserker had created as a border. The longer the two fought like a dance, the wider the area engulfed in the turquoise flames became.

A powerful fire that will make Lancer awake of what she has to be. Sayo and Uika will be the embers to revive her.

•*•

On the other side, the place where Yukina took Tomori away from Umiri.

Both of them were panting. Trying to catch their breath among thin air, which felt like they were almost at the end of their rope. The priest was more breathless than anything, she looked at Tomori then back to herself. One of her hands clenched into a fist on the other side covering something she didn't want Tomori to see.

“W.. Why are we running?” Tomori asked with sweat still on her face.

Yukina glanced at her and eyes fell on the white wall in front of her, a bit of struggling to explain. “The person you are looking for.. She is carrying one of the most dangerous members of the church.”

“You meant.. The one that looks like a wolf?”

“Yeah.” She said with low tone. Yukina's stomach started to feel unwell, immediately bent down feeling nauseous with sweat that wouldn't stop. “Damn, it was just a little bit more.”

As soon as Tomori saw what Yukina had said to her, it turned into something she hadn't expected. Plenty of fresh scar marks with fresh blood still pouring from the silver-haired priest. Yukina pushed Tomori away from her.

“Go, take your notebook to Priest Mitake. She should be with the clock tower lady and walking not far from here.”

“No! I won't leave you!” Tomori shook her head forcefully, and took something from under her clothes. A medicine box she had from Yukina's church.

She stared at the box for a minute before Yukina surprised her.

“I admit I can be an airhead. So do you. I guess what you say is the only option.” Yukina chuckled softly, holding back her pain, “At least you have something to protect yourself with.” She leaned against the wall and took some alcohol to pour on the wound. Biting a cloth that Tomori had prepared for her.

“... Why didn't you tell me..?” Tomori shown her worry.

But, Yukina was silent.

“... Is it because you don't trust me?”

“No. It's not like that.”

All the question marks that Tomori had put forward were miraculously clearly depicted in Yukina's view.

“It's just... I really didn't want you to worry about me. But it turns out I was wrong.” Yukina sighed with burden, “Indirectly, I have now become your sister and I must protect you no matter what. Moreover, Yahata was known for her chasing technique. Her Cerberus pet will search for the people with their mark.”

Time passed slowly as the most painful moment passed, Tomori bandaged Yukina's wound. Clearly implied her eyes and mind were filled with questions. Still with silence, she knows her limits don't have the courage to be presumptuous. Unless the priest actually allows it.

“If there's anything you want to ask, you should say it now.” The silver-haired’s breath slowly calmed down, but hands were already preparing something.

Tomori felt like her face had been hit.

“Um.. Honestly I still don't understand. Why did your father come to my island?”

Yukina's head was lowered to the rosary she was wearing. She smiled bitterly when the question was finished.

“Because my father wanted to stop the actions carried out by Sadaharu Togawa on the island you came from.” 

A coin was taken from the pocket and Yukina prepared it under her clenched fingers. 

“Saki-chan's family..?” Her head tilted in confusion. “But what are they looking for?”

“The leylines are the source of magical energy life. What brings them there are because.. on that island the leylines are still very pure, almost to infinity. If someone has the strong ambition to mine them all, then it is not impossible that they could possess extraordinary magical energy. It's possible they can create something that can create unlimited command spells.” She looked at Tomori with such serious eyes, “What he did was the reason why the people on the island did not survive. All the energy that was extracted was used up resulting in everyone's life force being sucked out until they were empty.”

“So what I saw that day…”

“Yes. Everyone who runs out of mana at that time will turn into something like a zombie. Including both your parents and Sakiko Togawa's parents.” Yukina held her head again and breathed heavily, “My father saved you because you were the last hope that the church and the people of your island had. That you will be the one to complete what they cannot do.”

After saying that, the priest lost consciousness and collapsed on Tomori's shoulder. Her fever left Tomori at a loss for where else to take her, until…

“Hang in there, Tomori Takamatsu-san!”

Three people were standing not far from her, at the entrance of the small alley where she was hiding with the unconscious Yukina.

“We are on the same team.”

•*•

Caster, Assassin, and Archer.

Mortis hid behind the last remaining pillar wall, the red thread she was playing with had already formed a perfect formation. Archer's cannon attack was almost over. She had one left, and about to replace it with another. That's where Mortis stood ready.

The doll on her shoulder immediately jumped up, its two black eyes staring at its human body.

“Wait until it's over, then we'll finish off the ugly one!” Said the doll (Mortis) to Mutsumi, with a tone of mocking.

Mutsumi nodded. Right at the last shot, the two exchanged souls again. Finally, red thread was pulled and the trap area she had created collapsed onto Archer. Not letting the weapon change happen, Assassin stepped in to help.

"Don't bother me!" Mortis shouted at her even though Rinko gave her a small laugh.

“If you don't hurry, she'll rise up again, you know.”

Scowling at the Assassin, she was preceded by the raven-haired. Rinko had already reached for her dagger wrapped in crystal. The slashes she made were fast as lightning with shade of purple color radiating from each cut she made.

Rinko's quick move leaves Mortis stunned and no chance than choosing a path to move backwards after realizing the result of the attack would be exploded.

“That woman is so agile!” Mortis' golden eyes lit up. “Mutsumi-chan you need to see this!”

“I saw it.” Mutsumi replied from the doll.

“It might be fun if we could use the same technique—”

A bullet from an ancient rifle shot through Mortis' body. The golden shogunate logo marks the origin of the bullet that hit her shoulder.

Chu-chu threw away the remaining burnt jerky from Rinko's attack before. Still with her cheeky grin, she pointed the rifle up.

“That was nothing!” No scope, no magnifying glass, all natural from hunting instinct. The young Archer fired fiercely at the Assassin. Canceling her stealth mode, Rinko escapes into the other side.

The three masters were in the safe area. Stared at each other heatedly even though Rei was a bit more cool-headed.

“What the hell is that, Rei-san!” Nyamu shouted at the person in the middle.

“Y.. Yeah.. How should I say it.." Rei scratched her cheek sheepishly, “She's the boss.”

“What kind of boss... You're the master! You should control—” Rui was almost overcome with emotion before the flames from Archer's blind yet rampaging attack forced them to move further away.

“What else is that! What kind of archer carries a flamethrower!”

“That's why I said she's the boss, you saw it yourself, right?” Rei raised her hand, shrugged after it then slowly walked away.

“Wait! Don't run!”

“Our problems are not over yet!”

…

“—rtis! Mortis!” The doll's small hands shook Mortis' body. Mutsumi's weak voice tried to reach out to the consciousness. 

“Mutsumi-chan..?”

Blood had soaked her clothes, the slightest movement Mortis could make made her surrender for a moment.

“This won't last long.” Mutsumi held out her hand to Mortis. “If Archer shoots us one more time, it's over.”

The look given by Mortis felt a little doubtful, but Mutsumi has gained another bond to convince Mortis to trust her decision.

“So what do you have as our ace card..?”

“Two moons.” The doll's fingers gave a sign that couldn't be fulfilled but at least Mutsumi had tried. “Then we play our rhapsody.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Mortis smiled broadly, oblivious to the pain in her shoulder. She then raised her hand to Mutsumi, that was already had been supportive from the start. “Let's get back at that noisy Archer and make her remember!”

Two souls reunited, with the doll and mirror in each hand. The wounds on Mortis's body vanished like the doll's stitches, made with her own red thread. Her face pale like a doll, the game of hunting was played again.

Archer had already aimed her rifle, ready with a powerful cocking of the bullet. “Damn! That was scary, you know!”

No longer running away from the situation, Mortis' head tilted slightly to the side with a blank smile. First glance conveyed a slight creepiness.

“Tell me, do you remember it..? Reflect on it?”

“Come on just stop your blabbering.” The bullet was released from the trigger and aimed straight at Mortis.

Smile broke into a crescent arc. Dark shadows spread around until it was pitch black. The bullet was absorbed until it was crushed.

They whispered to Chu-chu from the shadows,

“Memento Mori.”

Chapter Text

Of the many journeys I have been through, there is one thing that always haunts every living creature. 

Death.

I could never understand why everyone was so afraid of it. But then, they still choose to pursue worldly desires even though they know the rewards.

Love and affection. 

I envy everyone for those feelings. But not to me. Everyone is avoiding me, I can't say anything other than the mistakes I will always make in the end. 

I want to feel what life is, but the coldness of my hands when one thing continues to greet me..

I am the death itself.

•*•

The heavy shots from the machine gun continued to roar endlessly with empty bullets scattered on the ground. Fire sparks from the gun tip did not find the way to end, strong smell of gunpowder spreading increasingly thicker and clearly attacking the senses. Archer's movements were haphazard with madness of rampage, feeling frenzied by shooting at something untouchable and fearful.

“Get rid of my head!” She shouted in a loud, slightly hoarse cry of begging it to come out of mind.

“No.” Mortis replied in the black shadow beneath Archer's feet. Binding her shadow to prevent any incoming dangerous movement. “Night is coming.”

With her opponent locked under her control, it was easy for Mortis to form after the black shadow ended with her physical body shown. Slowly floating above to the surface with a cold, yet expressionless gaze of emptiness. Despite the bright colors she had inside the beautiful eyes, there was no hope left but loneliness and jaded faith.

Chu-chu gaped until she lost her strength by making the weapon fall from her hand. There was no intention of feeling almost hypnotized for a moment, an archer felt her arrogance being pushed back a little. Caster left nothing for her to know what she was about to plan, glanced at the fallen weapon but returned to Archer without a word.

“Why at night..” She had brilliant guts staring at the Caster that was weakening her without caring she can beat her anytime in that state.

“Because our story will begin when the moon is high.” said Mortis shortly while her hands tracing the thread that hold Archer's neck. Blowing her ears colder than a winter storm.

“I guess that's what witches are supposed to be like..” Chu-chu chuckled, looking down with her hands clenched. “Then I just need to finish you off before night falls, right?”

Mortis never flinched from the question, she never was scared by just a bluff. Even if that means to be true, she just did what she had in mind. Nothing than a step back from the shadow, pulling her red thread to keep the gun out of Chu-chu's sight and grasp.

“Tsk!” Archer got her own cursing. In a crouched position ready to charge, her hands fluently to summon another weapon from the gate she had created. “You're quite good at making me a little shiver, but it's not enough to knock an emperor off the throne!”

Chu-chu's smile widened with plenty of red gates formed behind her back with flame, and guns ready to be pointed at Mortis. Making the enemy have trouble seems to be a pleasure in itself for someone like her, a bit unfair but that's the reality for both of them fighting.

“Don't you dare to avert your gaze from mine and watch this.. My Soul Soldier!”

War broke out into massive aggression. All the bullets hit the spot, no hiding place was safe with the emperor's large number of guns. Everything was blown away, all the debris left behind with a barrage of bullet holes and dust blown by the wind when it was all done for a reload.

The emperor's sturdy shoes walked on stepping of her masterpiece she just made, her robes blowing in the wind and the hat bearing the shogunate's symbol still firmly on the head. Fixated on ambition. As strong as her arrogance, Chu-chu was a tough opponent that Mortis should admit for all of her uniqueness.

She adjusted the hat which slightly shifted from usual position and lips curved into smile with fangs.

“Tell me which one you choose, ‘Hell!’ or ‘Hell?’?” Her self-confidence spreads wider like a fire that continues to burn.

The question was left hanging in the air, unsatisfying. No answer from Mortis. What she was waiting for, became a hidden disappointment.

Chu-chu laughed with a huff after it.

“Well, I think both would suit you!” She looked up, perfectly aimed at where her gun had pointed and Mortis's red thread met. Attack and defense between the two like heaven and earth.

The mana blast exploded, both of their eyes flashed with a light.

As the bullet tip and thread were further eroded to shattered into seven parts, the first quick move was made by Mortis rolling from top to bottom cutting Chu-chu's bullet with another thread. Even though there was a cost after a full-risk counterattack, it didn't matter that blood was dripping from her nails and fingertips.

“You had a bold move.” A burst of applause came from Chu-chu, raising her head while her other hand tossed away the robe which immediately ripped apart. “What other entertainment do you have?”

“Memento Mori.” 

“Come on, you've said that twice.” Her hand went back to head and ruffled her hair at the same words from Mortis which she meant as riddles. 

“Remember about death.”

“You keep talking about death, do you really want to go to hell that much?” Chu-chu felt her patience finally reached the limit. She finally lifted an arm while snapping her fingers towards the sky, and a larger gate appeared. Within the minutes passed by, crackles of burning from the building slowly being swallowed up towards the base of the flames of the remaining bullets and dust from the attack made by her.

The powerful surge in mana has formed from Chu-chu, spreading across the area and then flowing into the sky. Splitting the sky like a heavenly arrow. So brilliant and powerful, that everyone there fell silent as if time had stopped.

Her opponent opened her eyes completely and smiled slightly while her hands were wide open to welcome the final patience of the archer to her.

“Come into me, Archer. I'll show you a new world where you can see the answers.” Mortis' voice became soft, with a shady gaze that never leaves her calmness.

“How cocky, even with this you can still smile?” 

She just let the sentence walk and passed by like a flow of water, while the sun was perfectly replaced by the darkness of night. Moonlight peeking out from behind the clouds, Mortis's warnings were fully ignored and then there was no turning back.

“Any last words?” One final preparation has come, with all the light gathered on Chu-chu's weapon, she was exposing a nameless catalyst from a noble phantasm that Mortis never knew its name. A long-heavy barreled rifle with a blade at the end was ready to unleash the destructive launch, anyone who sees it will know that the weapon used by Chu-chu was an anti-defense type. Exactly the same as the shogunate of the past had.

“Playtime.. over.”

The last uttered sentence finally unleashes a huge wave of bursting mana between the servants that unleashed their best attacks: Noble Phantasms.

Chu-chu grinned after her first step stomped the ground into strong cracks, her lips chanting the lines of what she was about to release. 

“I will calm the overcome madness with my own hands. Now, obey me and heed my words out!” 

Shogunate crest formed behind the emperor with flames blazing around it. Devouring her with embers in keeping with her determination, the emperor was in the midst of inflaming her morale. She still displayed a face that was not the least bit reduced from her arrogance and pride of unwavering victories for fighting against enemies.

“Crush this ridiculous nonsense, and mark my words!” The shot was pulled off the trigger, expanding slowly from a bullet into a large sphere that capable of swallowing the entire land. 

“Expose anything and everything!”

Flames engulfed Archer's entire body the moment she was released the chant, with the screams of her Noble Phantasm name rang in the air as loud as the soul of a leader leaving behind a legacy of the downfall.

“EXPOSE.. Burn Out!!!”

Light appeared to blind the eyesight with its brightness, transforming the entire view with a bright color that the eyes could not see. The sphere moves like a black hole and rolls the remains of the building into the blast even before it hits the ground. Destroys areas passed by many people in a short time, the land passed through turned into a disaster.

—

Before the worsening situation as a result from Chu-chu's attack could hit her, Mortis did not leave herself empty without preparation. Everything went as she and Mutsumi thought of the no way back plan. 

The long night had arrived like she had waiting, crescent moon was rising high and the wind was blowing hard enough.

Mortis had already merged into herself, manifesting for a merging into one of two souls. All the requirements to unlock her noble phantasm were already in grasp.

Mortis’ doll, mirror, and Nyamu's heart.

Embracing the things with words softly out from lips, letting the red thread make its own knot and tie itself around her blood-stained fingers.

“We don't understand, we just can't understand. Not even a single thing.”

Everything melted in Mortis' hands. Her hand was washed by something familiar, a green light flowed from her palm. Spilled onto the ground and turned it into a realm of death from a single drop.

The moon turned red, the sound of crows began to be heard loudly in response. 

Something stood behind her bigger than the shadow that always stayed within, following her whenever she chose to step into another world. Mortis carried it with her all along, with all eyes staring at her behind the shadows. 

“It seems to exist, but it doesn't, or is it the other way around?”

Her footsteps reached a field that had never existed in the world, filled with the bones of nameless bodies. The bones that are above the ground, wilted white lilies and an empty throne waiting for her. She touched it, the place where she would sit on top of a mountain of those who already died. 

“Those who try to move on, and those who stay. They all have their own justice, fate, and coin toss.”

Once she took it when she sat there, placing it on top of her hands. Her following shadow slowly turned into a large skull protecting her on the throne. Alongside Nyamu's heart that appeared in her other self to be offered, filled with blood that colored her hands.

“When love will break this. Say, what am I supposed to hate?”

Both of them smiled at each other, raising high what they had brought on their palms.

The skeleton's arm swept away everything in the path. Hit hard against the attack coming from Archer.

“God, you're an idiot.”

…

The unavoidable impact caused extensive damage from the after-impact, resembling a crater in the center of the city with buildings destroyed to the ground . The loss of life was undeniable. Even though there were no corpses visible around, all the magus in vicinity were already feeling the tension from the game. 

They cannot lie that the fall of victims disrupts the systematic leylines on the ground.

That day, more than a hundred people became victims of the fight between two noble phantasm.

The rain that fell brought what was said to be a calamity to what had happened. Instead of raindrops of water or the falling snow, a rain of blood bore witness to the fall of the first servant. 

The fire still blazed from Archer's remains, saying her resolve was still strong and would not be crushed by the rain of blood.

The crest of the proud symbol fell to the ground to be burned by her own fire, consumed with the end. Final moment was taken seriously by her, Chu-chu stood firm holding her gun while the blade tip stabbed the ground. Steady, unwavering, and with a same smile on her face until her final moments.

Undaunted. Showing the capability as an emperor to fight until her death without surrender.

Her eyes were not clearly visible after her bangs covered her, but her posture made no one dared to ask about how it ended.

“So.. This is my downfall?”

She glanced at Mortis. Watching the eyes that had been showing what death meant in that crucial moment. Staying there on her throne with another exact same person side by side, sitting even with heavy wounds that marked her face with a red mark of their after-impact clash. The large skeleton on it, opening the sight for Chu-chu to realize she was the Death.

The greatest enemy of all living things.

There was never any regret for Archer, the fight had satisfied the emperor by letting out the full power. She closed the doors of her empire with a burst of laughter before flames consumed her fully into ashes.

“So this is heaven's punishment towards me. Even something so divine, can be blamed by humans like me.” Chu-chu closed her eyes and opened her arms wide like she was embracing death that was about to tear her apart. Before her end came, she glanced at Rei for last words and mustered the strength to shout at her.

“Rei Wakana!” She called, “I will never forget your determination. Even if this is my downfall, you will always carry my ambition!”

Rei listened to her servant for the last time, her clenched fists resting over her heart.

“I know!” Rei tried to wipe away her tears. Her voice slowly became brittle from what she was trying to hide. “I will always remember you, boss.”

The grin became a light, soul turned into fragments and the air carried Archer home to the sky.

“Goodbye.. Archer.”

•*•

Three people stood before Tomori, none of them had the characteristics mentioned by the priest before she fainted. She started to count with fear and continued to hover around the silver-haired, her thoughts racing if she were discovered by the wolf-like person. Then her life would be over in a second, Umiri would finish her by taking the heart out from flesh. Thinking about it made her skin start to crawl, Tomori immediately shook her head repeatedly to get rid of all the bad thoughts that kept coming to her mind.

“We are friends!” Said one of them who was in the middle.

Tomori back to replied with a frown of confusion as she stared at the person with a doubtful face.

The person responded quickly but still panicked, not sure which one that she could say as the most but both combined. She took out an ID card from her dark blue suit. She chuckled softly while scratching her head which was barely itchy, only to cover up her maximum embarrassment.

“Let me introduce myself, I'm Anon Chihaya!” She pointed to herself. “I am a new police staff. I've come here for.. Uh..”

“Police?” Tomori getting more doubt, her steps slowly walking back.

“Wait! Please don't go yet, we are not bad people.” She tried to persuade Tomori, never wanting her to give more warning.

But, a hand was soon on Anon's shoulder.

The woman next to Anon immediately took over, “Step aside, Anon-chan. You didn't help to gain her trust in us, really.”

“Soyorin!” Anon didn't accept the words from the one named Soyo that were enough to pinch her tiny heart. “You know that Tomori can't just accept anyone?”

Soyo just looked more and more blankly at the pink-haired face and turned away while crossing arms. 

“Nobody asked for the presence of a rookie who doesn't even know what to talk about here.”

“Hey, listen! Even though I'm a rookie, I'm still a holder of the top graduate from the clock tower academy!”

Tomori just looked at them with an increasingly gloomy expression after their suddenly neglecting behavior, her hands stroking at Yukina's skin that was slowly getting colder than before.

“Ano..” She wanted to speak, but couldn't be heard from the two people fighting about their argument.

“If you're the best, then you shouldn't have the same position for years, especially rookie Anon-chan." Soyo flew away her hair and smiled almost like a grin of a fox. “And please stop calling me Soyorin, your taste in choosing names is bad.”

“Do you know that I have my own problem right? I also want to get promoted quickly!” Her voice grew higher as the brown-haired left, whining like a kid sulking. “Besides, the name Soyorin is cute. I also didn't expect someone like you to work with Tsurumaki-san.”

No matter how much Anon's eyes sparkled saying her name, Soyo didn't seem to care. Her eyebrows furrowed with lips pouted. 

“Whatever.”

Taking turns with Soyo, another person other than them walked up to Tomori with a cat in her arms. Her walking movement resembles a gentleness and elegance, like a cat observing its surroundings. The sound was small, but it went straight into the ears.

“Interesting woman.”

It says Raana Kaname on her clothes. Her short white hair flew by wind, but the color in her eyes gives her a unique touch. The color was beautiful, accidentally making Tomori momentarily stunned by staring into her eyes until Raana regained her consciousness.

“Fight.”

“Uh?”

“Want to fight.” Raana pointed at Tomori and herself, while her head tilted. “Raana wants to join.”

“Raana-chan, you can't just invite people to join in the fight…” Anon became dizzy, holding head which was about to explode for the uncooperative teammates.

“Let me introduce her to you, Tomori-chan. Her name is Raana. One of Shirasagi-san's students from the clock tower. She was so eager to come with us when we talked about you. Even though she rarely talks, you can trust her.” Soyo gently patted Raana's head three times, making her purr like a cat as she continued. 

A loud, booming noise didn't escape their ears. Raana's ears caught all the sounds that made her immediately turn her head without further ado. It was so close that the ground shook enough to distract them from their feet. Tomori was a bit surprised, although the others were different from her.

Soyo gave a serious face with her hand resting on her chin and narrowed eyes, as if she had already clearly felt what was really happening.

Likewise, Anon immediately turned her head towards the source of the sound and her ears clearly caught it, leading instinctively to the source.

“That noise and impact were unmistakable..” Soyo put her hands on hips soon, face flat when she stared at the black smoke billowing in the sky.

“Yeah, no doubt it's a noble phantasm.” Still reeling from the questions in her head, Anon couldn't find an answer. “If they fought, who would they be?” 

“Not one. Two.” Raana added to them.

Feeling that words weren't enough to find an answer, Raana had already stepped quickly past them all and pulled Tomori's hand quickly in a strong grip and with her signature cat smile.

“Let's go.”

“B.. But, Yukina..”

Raana shook her head slightly so that Tomori looked back and all her gaze was on Anon.

“W.. Wait wait.. What do you mean I'm the one carrying her??” she replied in a whined tone.

“We have no other choice, you have to take her Anon-chan.” Soyo also passed the pink-haired and followed Raana while waving her hand as if teasing Anon to do the job.

“This isn't fair, you know! Soyorin!”

“Sulking is no use, it's not far anyway.” Scrolling through her phone to look at the map, Soyo put her hands back in pockets. Ignoring Anon calling her name desperately. “So are you coming to check on things, Tomori-chan?”

The tight doubts in Tomori's chest slowly disappeared like broken glass, she nodded and grabbed Raana again tightly. On her side, the white haired responded with a satisfied welcome.

“Yeah! Let's go.”

•*•

After what happened to Archer from the noble phantasm clash, somehow Nyamu and Caster finally were able to get themselves away from the crowd of people. Nyamu was reluctant to look back and asked Caster to do the same to blend in.

Until..

A hand grabbed Nyamu's wrist so hard that she was pulled to the other side where the hand was. Unable to see what had taken her, Nyamu took the time to protest.

“Can you be more gentle when you are pulling a woman?”

“Pardon of my rudeness, Yuutenji-san.”

A familiar voice that she had heard before immediately opened her ears to fully hear. Once the crowd had ended, she saw Umiri fully with the same attire she always used when they met on the docks.

“Umiko??”

“Finally you realize it. Togawa-san wants to meet you.”

“Togawa you mean is Sakiko Togawa!?”

Umiri's grip loosened after their escape from the crowd was more than ten meters away. She stood aside for Sakiko to let her see the new guest she wanted to meet.

Under the shade of the lamp, the darkness disappeared to reveal her charming bluish hair. The gold in her eyes has bewitched Nyamu to remain frozen in place without saying what her intentions are.

“Good evening, Nyamu Yuutenji.” She greeted politely, slightly bowing in a noble manner. A smile that Nyamu knew would contain a number of traps waiting for her behind questions.

She swallowed, her legs trembling slightly just looking at the depth of how Sakiko read herself just from her gaze.

“Well.. I think you already know who I am from Umiko..”

“Of course. Caster's Master, Yahata-san has already told me everything.” Sakiko stepped closer although she left some space between herself and Nyamu. 

“What do you want from me?” 

Sakiko giggled softly, “Shouldn't she have said that already?” 

“What's so funny.. You want me to work with you?” Nyamu's face became more serious as Sakiko returned her face back, still with a gentle smile.

“Yes, kind of like that.”

“Listen, okay?” Letting her arms cross while talking to Sakiko, Nyamu doesn't care anymore. “I'm not willing to work with you if you don't even give me any benefits. I don't want to die a ridiculous death.”

Eyes meet eyes, reacting to Nyamu's seriousness was just a small part of a hard challenge from her life experience. Sakiko didn't have high hopes for it and she wasn't disappointed.

“Well then, please forgive me for my behavior.” She turned around with a step that was almost a movement before Nyamu's words crossed in to interrupt the silence afterwards.

“What are you really looking for from me?”

Sakiko glanced up only slightly before returning, was clearly an expression no one could decipher. Except for Nyamu's servant.

“She's just looking for who's worthy.. There is something that relates to all of us..”

Noticing Caster's presence behind Nyamu, Sakiko heaps praise on the truth conveyed.

“That’s right. I admit that your caster is indeed interesting, I am amazed how well she can read my mind. It seems like you and her have a deep connection?” 

“That's none of your business.” A soft growl emerged from annoyed Nyamu after being pelted with questions like balls.

“It's rare for a master to survive this long after a massive explosion created by your own servant. If it weren't for a certain level of trust, there's no way she could have let you escape so cleanly. Should have been at least a scratch or a minor damage.”

“Then..?”

“You seem to have a large enough mana reserve for a Caster to unleash such a powerful force that it nearly wiped out half of this city.” Sakiko stared at Nyamu more deeply, almost like a snake eyeing its target.

“I'm not a magus or anything, stop suspecting me that I'm one of you. I've already explained to Umiko my reasons, which is probably because I'm lucky to have that much capacity.”

“There is no luck, it's all fate.” This time the gaze fell on Mutsumi and Mortis behind Nyamu. “Whatever your reasons are, your Caster chose you for one thing.”

“Okay, lady Togawa. You really know a lot about my caster, huh? Now tell me, are you interested in me or my Caster? I'm quite uncomfortable being dragged like this.”

Sakiko hung her up again with trapping words.

“I'll tell you, only if you accept my invitation.. Yuutenji-san.” 

Sakiko's hand was left outstretched like an open invitation for Nyamu to accept it with all the grayness of a Togawa heir's answer.

“Enough. You better not disappoint me.” She reached for it, grabbing it with a handshake.

“I promise you this will be different, so surrender your whole life to me.”

Chapter Text

Please.. Don't go away again.

I just want to talk, I'm not what you think.

Everything they told you, it's wrong. If only you'd give me the chance, I'd tell you everything. Everything you want or never wanted to hear, I'd tell you!

I can't stand it like this.

You know.. I'm tired of running again. I don't want to be a coward. I stumbled many times to get to you, hurt, but that's okay. Because I believe we'll meet again.

I see the light in you fading, and I don't want that to happen. You're now wrapped in a darkness that isn't really you.

You're not happy, are you?

It was you who told me that day, that I should be able to voice my heart so that everyone can hear. You were the first to hear my voice.

So this time, I want you to listen to it again.

•*•

They all pacing up faster, entire crowd was wiped out with Raana opening the way while holding Tomori's hand behind her. Her senses led her so far to the place where the outcome of the great battle had found its finish line. Faint steam from the panting breaths slightly blended with the night, Tomori's eyes witnessed the oddity of the large crater with something she only can sense.

Her hand instinctively pointed to one side, eyes had found in emptiness. “I.. I see traces.” Her head turned to the three new friends who couldn't see what she just saw.

“Err... I didn't see anything.” Anon sighed, scratching her head again just to be elbowed by Soyo right in the guts. 

“Don't get distracted, if you keep your mind focused, clearly you would be able to feel.” assertiveness in her tone, a small notebook she took out made her frown even more. 

“Soyorin? Are you okay?” Anon peeked overcuriously to see what had made Soyo stay silent. Catching a bad signal from her friend, Anon would be the first to worry about the way Soyo had acted.

Soyo didn't say anything but held her arm with face covering something that only she knew. She didn't want Anon to see her end too fixated on her and dragging another question, a thought to change the topic was chosen.

“These mana residues are unmistakably related to the case you are handling.” She immediately made Tomori immediately react to her. “The traces are still fresh and not old, they probably haven't gone far yet.”

“Saki-chan..?” Tomori's footsteps moved by themselves, slowly until finally she sped up ahead of everyone. She continued to run after a path she had never explored, the confidence that emerged from Tomori made Soyo slightly off guard.

“Tomori!” Everyone shouted for her at the same time, but it was too late, Tomori was no longer there.

Soyo folded her arms even further, clutching a sudden headache. All of the complications she already faced in life after joining Tsurumaki were now getting more compounded by the problem of matching in a team and finding someone.

Everyone had their legs to move, following Tomori but not Raana. Something has made her stop, eyes gleaming while she stared at something in the distance. Ensuring that any irregularities that exist are dealt with at her own pace.

The separation of paths was chosen. 

…

Tomori's legs were getting heavier for her to move forward, steps hindered her like holding back a chain that locked her ankles she had to drag. Forcing herself to continue towards the end of the road by pushing her mana, no matter the risk of hurting herself again. The strong determination finally defeated the barrier, torn to pieces. The wind disappeared and Tomori never took her eyes off what she had always been waiting for and seeking.

Her voice gathered in a rumble in throat, always wanting to say it out loud after years. There were tears that fell after, looking at the blue hair that she always recognized no matter how many years passed or the days when Sakiko rejected Tomori's presence again.

“Saki-chan!”

Far across from Tomori, she didn't even flinch to look back. Remaining in position with her blue hair half covered by the darkness of the road.

“Yuutenji-san, you can go now.”

“Eh? But didn't you just—” 

“Yuutenji-san.”

Nyamu wondered about the sudden expulsion. But seeing the trembling in Sakiko's voice that carried emotion, she chose to follow her request. 

“Fine.” Turning her gaze from the deal maker, Nyamu's hand had signed Mortis to leave the place immediately. “We're leaving.”

Mortis said no words to her master, with a single nod they were gone in dimness.

The strident voice mixed with fragility called out to her, moving like a hand trying to reach for the light that had long fallen. A ray of light that Tomori will always remember for the rest of her life.

“Please, Saki-chan!”

She begged, so desperately in the shattered feelings.

Sakiko always knew that Tomori would always chase her even if it meant death, although what she felt for everything that happened was much faster than she predicted. Her decision was made. Sakiko turned her head slightly, hiding all the fragility she had after the begging. Not revealing her entire face, to face Tomori.

“You look good, Tomori.” No smiles, but bitter memories whenever Sakiko lets out her voice. 

“Saki-chan.. I want you to listen to me..” Both of them were hurt when they looked at each other, the rose gold and pure gold. It always Sakiko to be the one looked away after eye contact.

“What kind of words do I hear from you?” Sakiko's hands gripped her clothes tightly in a tight fist. Crumpling it like her emotion. “It's obvious you are the one. You can't deny it with any reason coming from your mouth.”

“This isn't about reason.”

“But you killed them didn't you?”

Sakiko's question moved like a spark on a dry wick, catching fire so quickly after it ignited with fire.

“I didn't kill them!” Tomori shouted it out, anchoring a deep disappointment in the way Sakiko still considered her as the same person. She lowered her head. “I didn't kill them, trust me. Please..”

Sakiko took a breath, calming herself for getting herself almost on the verge of shouting along.

“Then what words do you have to tell me how you got those eyes?”

“I.. I don't know. At that time, I just jumped to protect you. Saki-chan screamed for help.. and I..” Tomori's fingers were intertwined with her own, slightly stuttering about the words she was stumbling to say. “I don't remember anything, my head hurts after that..”

Blood came out of Sakiko's lips, the teeth had bitten quite hard. Her feelings could no longer be contained with stability. 

“That means you're not knowing what's happening at that time, right?”

“I—It is not like that!” Tomori's feet unconsciously took a single step forward following her feelings. Her hands opened to reach, but it was always a futile way for Tomori. “I'm not a murderer of them—”

“Yahata-san.” 

One name was called from her lips.

Light was quickly engulfed by shadow. Only for the wolf-like person appeared in front of Tomori's face with her hands ready to stab Tomori on the neck with her bare hand. 

“That's enough for now. Togawa-san doesn't want to talk to you anymore.” Umiri's blue eyes are menacing whenever they are directed at the enemy.

“N.. No!”

Tomori pressed on, all the strength almost pushed forward before Soyo’s hand pulled her back and took her place. Letting Umiri's hand be an inch away from her neck, but also a gun had directed on her forehead. Protecting the gray-haired from the scary wolf.

“She came here in peace, just wanted to talk.” Soyo's voice came out so cold, a welcome that Umiri always received well from everyone she called them ‘enemy’.

Umiri stared back at her with a gaze as cold as the sea water. “An order is an order. You have no right to command me.”

“You really her dog, aren't you?” Soyo let out a soft but sarcastic laugh that soon changed into a heated situation.

Umiri considered the sentence as something unpleasant for her. Her eyes had narrowed with lips turning into a small gap. She immediately brought her hand closer to Soyo, trying to pin her for tossing the gun.

“Say it again, I'll make sure you can't talk anymore.”

Soyo squinted, her fox smile returned and whispered.

“You're such a good dog, so loyal to her.”

The first attack was initiated by Umiri with a slash from her bare hand targeting the cheeks. Soyo pulled herself up with graceful, unflinching steps, while giving silent instructions for Tomori to retreat from her fight. Towards a place that was quite a distance away, that's where Soyo went.

Umiri's hand met by Soyo with a grab through the arm, bringing in a dance-like attack from Soyo's footwork. Her left hand pulled onto the order, and her right elbow finally slammed into Umiri's jaw. Letting Umiri stay in the air for a second before getting bumped again with a heavy kick from Soyo's boots. She was almost grounded and forced to savor the feeling of direct pain, and on the other movement Soyo had prepared. Her hand tied it in a shoulder lock for a throw. Umiri was thrown to the ground so easily.

Soyo looked, cleaning herself by patting dust off of her coat. Before she finally knew that her opponent was still conscious and ready for the second round. Soyo had one choice and seemed didn't like it much to require her to use all the energy she precisely wanted to save.

She exhaled, shrugged her coat and folded it to Tomori’s hand. Leaving her clad only in all black clothes.

“You guys can go ahead and catch up with Saki-chan. I'll deal with her here.” Her stiffness in body was slowly replaced by flexibility from the warm-up. Her long, slender fingers were released from her gloves. 

“Don't lose to her, Soyorin!” Anon shouted her voice after joining in pulling Tomori after Sakiko.

“Don’t worry, this is just a small problem.”

…

Soyo wiped her bangs after they were soaked in sweat.

“Umiri Yahata. Your face hasn't changed much, don't you?”

“I never thought you would still remember me, Soyo Ichinose.”

Soyo giggled in the softness of her voice, and heard Umiri huffed as the two exchanged words.

“I'm a bit uncomfortable with you calling me with that name again, Nagasaki is enough.”

“Nagasaki.” Umiri repeated the name twice before she laughed, “I didn’t think someone like you would be here. After being adopted by that family you completely forgot your true surname.”

“I can't say the same to you. It's just your instinct to be here, isn't it?” Soyo looked at her hands, slowly tossed her hair that she had tied up in a ponytail.

“As someone who grew up in that place, you should already know. At least now we got what we needed.”

"Ah, that orphanage... I never forgot it. It's just that it's quite hard to remember it now, you can't blame me for that."

"Stop pretending when yourself want something from it. You and I, both waiting for the moment when we can avenge what that old man did to us."

Umiri was impatient, the glint in her eyes was filled with the fire of battle. Must be fulfilled or both will be equally crazy. Soyo took out a strong stance, positioned with her right hand pointed like a pendulum ready to strike. On the other hand, Umiri folded one hand she hid behind her back while the other was pointed out for inviting.

"I'm not pretending."

Soyo attacked quickly to be the first, her left hand moving in the opposite direction of the preparation she had just made. Her left hand was filled with power after her first lunge, fist catching Umiri's block and sending her into a pile of cardboard boxes.

Soyo's hands were red with a faint smoke. Her knuckles hurt a little, but she didn't mind. She swishes her hand, eliminating unnoticeable pain.

“Get up, I know you're not serious.” 

Umiri still remained in her position lying on a pile of cardboard boxes that had lost its strength. Laughter that never feels regret.

“It's been a long time since someone wanted me to be serious. I'm glad you asked.”

“...”

Soyo's eyes widened when a second before she saw Umiri still lying down, now the person was in front of her with a punch aimed. A flash of lightning struck her so hard with a force that Soyo didn't expect, blood came out of her mouth and she was thrown several meters hitting the wall hardly. All the bricks had collapsed onto the ground near where Soyo's body had landed.

The blood fell on the ground, although Soyo prove she was not a weak with herself still trying to get up again.

“Not bad at all. You are still the same in strength but now slightly slower than you are before, Nagasaki-san. Did something make you like this?” Umiri walked slowly towards her, still covering the hand she had used to hit Soyo earlier.

Leaving a bitter smile after wiping the blood from the corner of her lips, Soyo replied to Umiri back like a fox.

“More or less what I feel, maybe it's different from you.”

"As a result of Sadaharu Togawa's experiments, I think we both took different paths. I'm quite glad to know you're still alive. It's quite difficult to survive from place to place. Especially with the feud between the church and the magus association." Umiri let out a smile. She rolled up her sleeve, showing bright red tattoos connected with her mana circuits. "Even though we were created for the same purpose, you have chosen another path when it was right in front of your eyes."

"Don't compare me to you, Yahata-san. It's clear here."

Soyo kept herself calm and cold headed with her usual gentle gaze. Carefully opening the sleeve and bandage covering her left arm, following Umiri after she showed a tattoo with some similar mark. 

“The last time we fought, we both broke our arms. Now, what's going to happen?”

“It's unlikely to be a hospital, but it's more likely to be a death.”

•*•

Waiting at the end of the road, she was still playing with the cats happily surrounding her. The abandoned and neglected empty building was so attractive to the eyes of Raana Kaname. Until what she had been waiting for all this time paid off.

Nyamu and Mortis.

Raana's eyes gleamed brightly as her body faced Mortis fully, and saw something interesting between the two colors of her eyes.

“Two.” She pointed her finger at Mortis, her pupils widened followed by a cat's smile.

“What is this..” Nyamu was confused, she immediately looked at her servant to see how they reacted. Mutsumi and Mortis take their human form at the same time, the shocking sight that Nyamu witnessed.

“Those eyes..” Mutsumi spoke in a low voice, only for Mortis to pick up on the same line with her.

“Mystic eyes of Clairvoyance.”

Raana blinked and then picked up a three-striped cat to pet, still looking from a distance. 

“I don't know you, but you look quite like a cat.” Nyamu tried to extract as much information as she could even though Raana wouldn't give her any full word she wanted. “You can see them, then you are a magus.”

Raana tilted her head.

Pointing at herself with eyes still wide. “Raana. Raana Kaname.”

“Okay, Raana. I'll just say that I'm pretty tired of this game, so that's enough for now.” Before Nyamu could advance, Mutsumi held out her hand to prevent her master from walking closer.

“Don't move,” Mortis said. “She can read our movements.”

“Hah!?” Nyamu's voice rose, the fatigue in her body more than she could bear. She longed to collapse onto a soft mattress after a hard day that nearly sent her to the afterlife. “How much longer do I have to wait?”

“Until she leaves us alone.”

Raana's face slowly became flat, her eyes no longer sparkling after seeing Caster staying in place where they stayed at first.

“Boring.”

She slowly stood up, placing the almost liquid-like cats gently on the ground while ordering them in silent language to leave. The cats obeyed her, leaving the surrounding area empty. It was only the beginning to see about Raana's seriousness, the first stage began to be seen from how she opened her mana flow.

Nyamu immediately lowered her head and body knelt down. Her breath was ragged, the aura gripping Nyamu like a tiger's claws locking its opponent down.

Behind Raana's cat-like nature, lies the ferocity of a tiger from its strength.

The slow phrase of the invitation was played, fingers still pointed at Caster. Raana's body that Nyamu saw at that time was like a spiral shadow with her eyes as the remaining part of the light that she could see.

“Caster. Fight.” The tone was clear, like a stern warning.

Mutsumi glanced at speechless Nyamu, a sentence asked by Mutsumi. Gently placed her hand, touched her shoulder, then slowly to her cheek with a whisper.

“I will drain two-thirds of your remaining mana, after this take your time for rest.” 

The red thread was pulled again by Mutsumi after she getting herself reattached to Mortis, Raana was waiting for them with her hands still at her side. 

A little conversation before Raana joining Anon's team..

Anon was in the living room of the Shirasagi residence with the clan leader sitting in front of her with tea which she was sipping. Calmness did not leave her face even though the clock tower lady had other things on her mind after a few warm patches were on her head. In one breath, a letter of recommendation was handed over to Anon.

“I entrust my student to you, she may be a little difficult to control. But trust me she is nothing to worry about.” The lady put down her cup with a smile behind an iron mask filled with many unspoken monologues behind it. “She doesn't like to cause much trouble, but make sure you keep an eye on her or she might get out of your sight.”

Anon chuckled softly with her side hair curled, “That means she's still causing trouble, right?”

“That's how it is.” Chisato finished with the recommendation letter and slowly stood up before the sound of the door opening revealed what Raana looked like to Anon.

“I heard she's a special child, is that true?”

With a smile after a tap on her chin, Chisato faced Anon gracefully.

“Yes. She's a barehanded magus.”

Anon was so stunned by those words that she truly didn't hear for the lady to say her a goodbye and simply disappeared from her sight, leaving the pink-haired alone to lose herself in thought.

I think this will be a long mission…

Conversation ends.

Back to the present, Raana met Caster's attack with a quick response. All of the red threads she saw were gathered together when she pulled hard until Mortis was forcefully dragged to the strong pull. 

The strong pull was successfully shut off by Mortis when she cut the thread with the use of Mortis’ doll controlled by Mutsumi. Feeling a bit of tension because of the unexpected attack from a unique human, another opponent had to be added to Mortis' memory list. Their hopes did not stop there, there were still many steps they had not yet taken and the night was still long with the moon still shining brightly. Taking advantage of the situation, Mortis exchanged again with Mutsumi to throw all sorts of things at Raana through her puppets and strings. She even used other magic she could manipulate based on her voice. 

A size-manipulated teddy bear slammed into Raana and seemed to swallow her inside. A poor bear doll that was thrown away on the side of a quiet road, when it reached the hands of these two, it would become something useful. Mutsumi drew strength from Nyamu's diminishing mana, making the purple-haired unable to move herself. Not stopping there, the Mortis doll wrapped its thread around the bear's body before exploding in a shimmer of fantasy.

“Blow it up!” The doll seemed to point to her work. Mutsumi channeled her power, and a powerful explosion scattered the doll's inside.

The explosion of the cotton filling blocked the view for a moment, both of them continued to observe from a distance to ensure the defeat of their opponent. Neither of them could see clearly until Raana took her chance to shoot so powerfully by pouncing on the Mortis doll with her magecraft to suppress Nyamu's mana supply. No trace of damage on her clothes, she still smiled mischievously like a cat had seen through all of their tricks.

All Raana did was roll everything up and catch Mortis before giving her a palm strike that separates Mutsumi and Mortis souls after.

“Mutsumi-chan!”

“Mortis..”

Nyamu's eyes never leave the moment it happened, when she saw Mutsumi's soul thrown from Mortis' body in front of her own eyes, physical body empty like a shell. The two souls separated with Mortis still able to move while Mutsumi lay unconscious. Buzzing noise spun in Nyamu's head, her body shivering while she had watched Mortis desperately call out Mutsumi's name. Her fingers tried to shake the body that didn't respond to her call.

“This is a lie..” Looking in shock at Raana that was standing still, with a face that still wanted more than that. “That shouldn't be possible..”

The stray cat glanced at Nyamu before finally moving her feet towards Caster to stand in front of her while lowering down and poking her cheek.

“Not enough. More.”

Her eyes were already know about the truth from two souls she saw being separated, but Raana still wanted more challenges. 

There was no violence, the attack that Raana carried out did not cause physical injuries. For the first time, the true difficulties now had appeared and needed to be faced by Nyamu and Caster were far more dangerous than just fighting.

“What the hell, kind of human is this?”

Raana remained there like a silhouette wanting to play with her new target, moving like a dance whose movements could not be read. No one understood, so they named it as ‘unique child’.

Silhouette dance.

Chapter Text

It feels strange to see someone who should be dead.. continue to live to be my fear.

So wrong..

I have to bear the consequences as I should. Come on, open.. my eyes.. 

Be aware of the illusion that continues to trap you. Break, crush all those fears. I am not her, and she is not me either.

I will carry what you left for me until the end..

For the future sake!

•*•

Taki's hand immediately found the shadow's source she had sought deeply in mind after the burial of her painful memories, while opening her eyes in a gentle exhale of gasping breath. No longer obscured by the lingering fear she always had in a nightmare that made her unable to sleep for the rest of her life. She held it, seeing the shadow starting to tremble and crushed into ashes, realizing the look in its eyes coming so different from the time where she got mentally down.

“To be honest.. I can't lie, I miss you, sis.” Taki noticed the shadow that was the one who kept trying to run away from her. But she never lets it go before her sentence comes to be fully spoken. “But, I don't want to continue to be trapped in this kind of fear. I want to move forward, even if I don't win... that's okay. At least I can help that person find their light.”

“Taki…” A shaky voice became unclear, yet still audible to her ears. Shadows wrapped around her slowly unraveled into a warm clutch of embrace of light.

“So please, let me use all my potential to protect Tomori and her hopes.” Said her seriously, together with the chain on her left hand loosening to the ground, no longer strangled the Lancer to suffer without being able to find her end. Taki pulled herself away from it all and her hands moved to grab her sister's shoulders.

“It’s been a while, right?” She started to talk, and knew Taki would always remember it no matter what. No longer a shadow, but as her warm light that always been missed for the time after her loss. 

“Yeah. Sorry to bother you all this time, Sis.” A smile followed by tears, wiping away all the feelings that were starting to be freed from the chains of fear. “I must have been a trouble even after your peace.”

“You've become this strong, do you still have to be afraid of yourself?”

“I.. Just feel like a human like me doesn't deserve to live.” She tried not to cry anymore, even though her tears were telling a lie that she would never be able to not cry during that state.

“Is it true?” A soft, melodious voice, her sister giggled softly and caressed her hair. 

Taki received a pat on the head, a gentle rub as if she was getting a reward for her feelings of always being indecisive in choosing a path. Making her walking on a pathless, lost in finding life meaning. Including her fear that held her back from unleashing full power.

“I always pretend to be able to do everything on my own, when in reality I can't. I wouldn't be like you, if only that day hadn't happened.” 

“Ah, you mean that time?” Maki hugged Taki closer, holding her hand with a gentle stroke on the back of her hand. “It's not all your fault, they chose you because they believed in your abilities.”

“Is that really so?” The purple color in her irises indicated Taki didn't think the same as her, she became puzzled enough to believe in herself. “These burdens.. all of it feels heavier than I can think.”

“Then tell me what is the reason for you to win?”

Taki was deeply thinking, staring at the ground that was black like a whirlpool and she was above it like glass.

“I want to try for a chance at redemption, so that my life can still have meaning.” She looked up with a look of determination in her violet eyes, somehow it was as if Tomori was there standing in her dark vision becoming a small, warm glimmer of light. “I want to know if someone like me is valuable in life.”

Maki let go of herself and smiled in satisfaction.

“Then show me what you can do to prove that way.”

•*•

The chains in Taki's hands finally radiated in purple blaze, the light covering her arms now completely blending with the dark blue carving out a new power for her. Her thrown spear pulled back only by the binding that was connected to it. When she looked up, only for her to see a fight between Saber and Berserker that purposely gave her time to come to her senses. Taki knew how strong Saber was from the time she was hit in one attack, always for her to remember it as a battle plan. At the new time given by Sayo, she had decided on putting herself to a different game. 

Upon her landing, her spear could not hold her power anymore and scraped the ground. A strong wind blew as she took a stance for a lunge. Eyes fixated on the only one target, always be a clear that she wanted the exact blonde Saber.

Taki exhaled, words shrouded in mana.

“Nameless voice.. (Namonaki).” Wrapped in new strength in a single jump, she launched herself and shouted out her name as the throw landed on Uika.

“SABER!!!”

So fast. Before Uika knew it, she was surprised by the spear thrown at her. Powerful speed caused Uika's concentration to break on the spot. Her sword was forced to give way and was brought down for a strong parry. But, Taki was still not satisfied with that one attack. The chain wrapped around her arm back the connected spear and grabbed it in a solid.

The bloody scratch reached Uika's cheek, the sparkle in her eyes growing more intense when she wiped it away with inner calm.

“So this is what you mean.. Berserker.”

She smiled wryly, the sword that was still clad in flames continued to burn. 

Sayo let go of herself to look around while silently taking her strategy to Taki, surroundings were still like a sea of fire with many damages from sword cuts. Looks from the face she wasn't proud of it, racing against time was just a matter of who could survive.

Deeply knew Saber still had a lot of power after her new master showed no resolve to lose there.

“We don't have much time.” One glance, Sayo hoped Taki understood what she was talking about. “Her master's mana hasn't decreased in the slightest. This person is still trying to burn out what her master has.”

Luckily, Taki understood.

The spear and old tachi moved together under the moon, pressing to a clash for the knight's sword again throwing fire in its spinning slash. One by one faced with patience, Uika's collapse of concentration becomes something to be accepted with gratitude.

They restrained her. Saber was locked onto the berserker's tachi, Lancer found a chance was created when she got a time to strike Uika back with the spear's handle right in the temple. The powerful attack almost made Uika lose her balance for falling, but part of her refused to allow it.

“Symbol II : 🜁 (Air)” 

Her hands played with speed as the carved symbols appeared from beneath her feet. She changed the density of elements into an invisible blade of wind. Pushing the two away from her as she stood back up, Uika finally can mark herself to annihilate Lancer and Berserker. Something different felt so intense that the two opponents were able to feel the different pressure.

One of Taki's eyebrows raised. Tongue clicked about Uika, not knowing how much grunts Lancer had collected. One thing they should know.. She was fed up to that durability.

“Come on blonde dog, how many more secrets do you have left to keep?” The spear was behind her head, along the chains neatly arranged.

“I don't care if tonight has to be a myth for me.. this feeling of torture is nothing compared to her.”

“Tsk, what a bard.”

One step, two weapons drawn in a riot dance.

Uika charged with sword facing Taki, surrounded by the five elements she cast, moving counterclockwise to slow the time. As the distance between the two gets closer, the four primary elements break down into one final element. 

“Ether.”

Uika's sword spun, aligned to hit Taki's head after the plan she had already calculated was within striking distance. Putting all her confidence, she learned it all out.

However, Taki had already seen through the prediction. A small smile, accompanied by an inaudible sneer, shattered Saber's confidence to pieces. Her joints flexed with precise aim, hitting Uika in the middle of her beautiful face.

The barrier saber had created now has been ripped, with Taki dodged by a tilt of her head. Met the incoming sword with a quick twirl of her spear behind hand action. Uika's wrist was knocked down but she remained steady with her sword kept on grip, maintaining her balance as her body was forced to dive. Boots squeaking, wide move from a leg following Uika's spinning body. A kick hit Taki's chin.

The time never cares, Uika smiled a little smugly. All the sneer had turned against Taki. Another kick was added and Uika switched positions. A nosebleed was not a problem, she wiped it with a single try to taste of her own blood.

“Ah.. how despicable..”

A strong sense of warning after the void behind Uika, Taki had seen it before. Sayo was already behind Lancer and grabbed her scarf just in time with godspeed. Dodging just before the iron stakes were slammed right on top of their heads.

“She's going to cast a noble phantasm. In your current condition, can you do it?” Sayo didn't turn around, she continued to stare at her opponent in the distance. Observing what she can.

“I don't know. Tomori was already quite far out of reach, I felt like she was also exerting her mana.” Taki's eyes were met with a view and a strong iron smell after seeing the blood on Sayo's wound, the hakama cloth she was wearing was torn before she knew when it happened. “That wound..”

Emerald color met her, for a moment. Then leaves.

“I ask you once again. Now, is it possible?”

Taki raised her spear, staring at it before she gripped the handle tightly as if receiving encouragement. She nodded and watched Sayo's wound slowly heal with a thin smoke moving along with the new tissue grown from her skin.

“I said I'm not sure. But I can try as long as you buy me time again. By the way.. What the heck is that healing ability?”

Sayo smiled bitterly before spinning her tachi and slashing through the wind.

“If I were you, I wouldn't expect this ability to be considered as fortune.” Taki was stunned after Sayo left her first. No guidelines, if she was her enemy.. She would be the second person Taki hated after Uika.

“At least tell me what you're planning!”

“Don't you already know what's planned?”

“Ha!?”

•*•

Moving further away from her servant, Lisa hid herself amidst the crowd of people who were staring at the wall of fire created by her Berserker and Sadaharu Togawa's Saber. She didn't know how far her steps had taken her, but she couldn't count for sure. Her main plan had gone way off track, Yukina hadn't said a word to her other than the rest of missed calls a few hours ago. Not escaping her ability to detect danger, Lisa felt a pair of eyes watching her from somewhere.

A person who always seems to be able to blend in, but that doesn't guarantee Lisa will be safe from the clutches of the magus who wants her servant. She had summoned the contract magic of a white owl and flown it to assess the situation a few minutes ago. 

For that person, her carelessness was seen through. What Lisa had hoped for never returned, right in front of her eyes it was crushed.

The returning owl was destroyed in a single attack, three layers of magic that were trained and classified in a different class.

“How—”

The only one who understands the technique of destruction, are them.. The assassin magus.

Someone hit her nape hard before she could see who's the one who did that cruel crime, consciousness paralyzed in blurred vision while Lisa slowly dropped onto the ground. Although the faint senses that caught her ear belonged to her old friend, the explanation that Lisa will question when she returns all her senses.

“Sorry, Lisachi. I don't really want to do this either.”

The same hair as her servant was the last thing Lisa saw when the culprit carried her in arms.

Only a question that will always be there.

Why?

…

Too bright. Was a thing Lisa can realize from the light in the room immediately that brought her back to consciousness. The headache she got hadn't gone away and stayed to linger for proof she was beaten and kidnapped, her vision was still a little blurry, but the person who had hit her earlier was the first thing she noticed.

About to touch the nape which she was sure was bruised, all of her movements stopped when she realized that a pair of handcuffs had locked both of her hands on the table like an investigative case that needed to restrain the culprits.

She glanced, implying an expression that Hina never wanted to see.

“What does this mean, Hina?”

The person in question was already standing. Taking time to easily do things innocently by adjusting her tie and remained as usual, always wearing a cheerful face while answering the questions.

“Your greeting is not pleasant to hear for me. I can say, I need your help. Maybe if I tell you directly without doing this, your Berserker will definitely go berserk on me.” Taking the empty chair in front of Lisa, she sat up straight while her hands were on the same table.

“Wait, since when did you know—”

A threatening look behind a smile that has a thousand disguises. Hina Hikawa was an upper class assassin who had killed many names of her prey.

Lisa wished she had been better off being crossed off that list.

“Do I need to explain?” Her eyes fixated at Lisa's hand, still had a complete command spell without being used at all.

“I'd rather you be honest and direct than act recklessly like this.” Lisa took a breath and tried to calm herself after Hina almost made her heart stop working by taking out her stuff without permission in a single snap. 

“I've been honest. I hope you'll forgive me for my actions earlier.”

“Ah I forgot, I don't forgive you for that ambush.”

Instead of regretting, Hina laughed and put her hand to stay under her chin. Words come from her lips to say an unnecessary sentence that she called a joke, “It doesn't matter to me if Lisachi doesn't forgive me. I can take it from hell later.” The joke never got through to Lisa, so Hina quickly kicked it away and moved on with the topic after seeing Lisa just getting more gloom on face. “Whether you're lucky or not, I'm going to ask you to do one thing for me. That's all.”

“Absolutely must?”

Hina kept smiling even though the atmosphere turned cold. Her eyes no longer gave off a brilliance, instead a darkness as dark as the green of jade without the reflected lights. 

“Berserker, Sayo Hikawa.”

Lisa's heartbeat stopped, her eyes widened in surprise with her face now pale. 

How did she know about that? 

Since when?

“Oh wait, so that's really her name, huh?” Hina widened her laughter when she saw Lisa frozen without a word.

The reality was swallowed bitterly, Lisa had no cards to hide. Never forgetting about the lies was something that Hina hates, making her release a curse right at the throat.

“As I expected, I already knew your expression would be like that.” Hina got up and approached while touching Lisa's chin and making her look up at the eye contact. “I've tried it many times, but it doesn't work. But you….” She sighed as she leaned head to head against Lisa's. Pulling her head closer to rest on shoulder.

“How can you know that.. and what kind of truth are you hiding from me, Hina?” Putting up her insistence on Hina, Lisa emphasized her voice. “This is not a joke you can play around with!”

Losing her temper, Hina pulled Lisa from her seat and pinned her down on the table hard. Silence entered the conversation, more than twenty seconds before Hina pulled away to take herself back to seat. Legs were crossed, followed by her hands and eyes closed. 

“My onee-chan.” 

As before, Lisa was speechless in the same condition. Still trying to catch her breath after that extreme side almost killed her on the spot.

 “O.. Onee-chan?”

“Where do you think your father got that catalyst from?” Hina's smirk put even more pressure on Lisa, her face returned to normal as if nothing had happened in the past second. “My Onee-chan gave it to him. Of course, it wasn't for free. I'm sure your father had spending his money for that.”

“Catalyst and your sister?”

"Oh, you forgot?" The longer Lisa dragged it out, the less reluctant Hina became. “I think I told you about it.”

"About what?" To be honest, Lisa actually forgot about that.

Hina knows. She then held Lisa more by putting her hand gently placed to Lisa's and she whispered to blow her ear.

“I have a sister.. hmm, I can say a twin. Same age as me, but..” She pulled Lisa closer and brushed aside her auburn hair a bit. “Her fate depends on this war and you.”

“What does all this have to do with me?”

“She wants to talk to you. More precisely in a good way. Non-violence is better. Onee-chan doesn't like to get her hands dirty.”

“If so, you can contact me in a friendly manner. Where is she now?”

Still in place, Hina didn't let go of Lisa's hand. Mind focused to continue her time playing with Lisa's hair while paying attention to the signs of her command spell to understand the pattern. Uncomfortable with the situation, Lisa thought twice to use the command spell. Seemed to have been anticipated by Hina for her actions.

“Just use it, it will be a damn waste of choice!” Giggling at Lisa's restrained face, the younger tealette simply kissed the back of her hand. “Your scared face is quite cute hehe.”

Hell seemed to be before her eyes, the Hina she knew now felt different from what she had experienced and thought during the decade they had known each other. Time passed by slowly as they kept waiting until the heavy door creaked. A pair of footsteps and the sound of a wheelchair approached Hina who had her back turned and Lisa whose view of her sight was blocked.

“How many times have I told you to welcome guests in a polite manner?” 

“Sorry, but I don't like your way of beating around the bush.” Hina left her place with firm steps while both of her hands were in her pockets. Whispering softly to Lisa, “She's here now.”

Turning away from Lisa, everything was now visible to her olive irises. 

No lie about what she told Lisa, the person was exactly the same with her servant.

Taking herself a few meters of distance. She smiled kindly, with a polite bow of her head. “I've heard all about you from Hina. Nice to meet you, Imai-san.”

•*•

The slash rested on the tip of the spear, the clang crashed with a roar of unwillingness to give in to a losing match. Blazing fire was beginning to fade from the time where it ignited, their embers almost extinguished like the after rain. But not with them. Taki's rage was already showing in her movements which were starting to overwhelm Uika's planning.

The blonde saber was cornered to approach the fire of her own creation.

“Why are you holding back!?” Taki said angrily with the spear almost slicing the flesh on Uika's collarbone.

“Is it that important to know whether I'm serious or not?” Uika's purple eyes began to emit a different light. She cast out a smile that started to make Taki even refuse to give in.

“It doesn't matter as long as you live.”

Depicting another symbol from her hand with her lips mumbled followed by a red crescent light on cheeks that shone brightly without hesitation. 

Taki almost hits her before Uika takes over her guard.

“Look, you can't escape.” A writing was successfully carved in the air, said as 'XII' which Taki didn't understand other than it was a spell for something she didn't consider good. “I confine you as you weaken.”

“Lancer! Pull yourself out.” A shout was uttered by Sayo to her. Taki listened, immediately jumping to free herself from the strangeness as the ground began to play like an iron cage on a burning land.

“With these cold hands, I bury what I should love.” Uika walked, spreading her palms as she turned herself towards the moon. “Please accept me.”

“This is serious, Oi! berserker-san what should we—”

Sayo looked calmer and handed over the control completely to Taki.

“Right now, how much strength can you muster?”

Taki wiped a bead of sweat from forehead and looked at Uika who had already created her own domain.

“Less than seventy percent. At least I still have fifty more.”

“That's more than enough.”

“What's wrong with that?”

“Out of seven classes, we have a betrayal here.”

“What do you mean..”

“You don't understand? … She's just someone pretending to be a saber.”

It looks like paradise after the noble phantasm saber was fully released, but the true reality will be different from what was seen. An optical illusion was played by the mastermind, with sorrow and sadness continuing to haunt. The masterpiece of the knight of sorrow has been presented as either a truth or just an endless game for her own noble phantasm.

“Imprisoned XII.”

Chapter Text

Twins. A birth considered a disaster by those who wield great power in this world.

Like yin and yang, some facts cannot be denied that there will be one as a taboo shame. Disability becomes a symbol that continues to be hidden behind the brilliance of the other twin. Born with a physical disability, yet blessed with the ability to create a sacred catalyst that no one has ever been able to do so perfectly. I play with a fire that I cannot extinguish.

I know. I knew from the start.

All this was done to get rid of all the bad things that were embedded in me. Even if I have to sacrifice those who love me. She is the only one left for me.

Whether grateful or not, I am still glad she did not reject my presence above all of my weaknesses. She was even willing to throw away everything just to cure me, though had to get involved in a gambling where both of us could not calculate the chances of winning. 

•*•

She smiled, to a wary lips that never wavered. A few faint eye bags were a prominent feature of the older twin's face. Not releasing herself from the wheelchair to holding her body weight, the right palm provided warmth for a handshake.

“Sorry for her impudence, I told her to be gentler with our guest of honor.”

Lisa hesitated. Letting the hand to keep on the air instead taking it with her grasp, feeling of disbelief still clinging tightly whenever she looked at the jade eyes.

“Why now?” Lisa muttered. How she trembled slightly with fear instead of making a move.

Sayo stopped along with her eyebrows furrowed, quickly her hand stopped Hina from getting closer to Lisa after no voice came for seconds.

“Pardon?”

“When everything started to go wrong, why were you in the middle of all this chaos?” Her clothes were wrinkled, Lisa clenched her fists tightly and leaving scratches were no problem on her skin. A little bit of her feelings involved asking. “Hina said that you depend on the servant I have, what does that mean?”

The woman in the wheelchair exhaled and slowly tried to stand up after being helped by her sister to sit properly. Asking Hina and the other person behind her to give Sayo and Lisa a chance to talk to each other.

“I want to have a talk with her, can you give me some space?” Leaving something on Hina's hand, Sayo patted her sister's shoulder twice.

“Mou, I was just wondering..”

“Please?”

Even though she had to accept the harsh decision with an unhappy face, Hina still respected it. Obeying her eldest sister, she finally stepped back a little further. Suppressing her curiosity to eavesdrop rather than her sister's anger, which would be far more problematic than she could handle.

After sensing the presence of the other two people had disappeared from her radar, the eldest twin began. That same calm almost tricked Lisa into taking a step straight away.

“I know my presence here is not what you expected. Especially if the look is among people you know.” She crossed her legs and took a cigarette that had been placed on the table beforehand.

“Enough of the long talk. Get to the point, Sayo. Or whatever your true name is.”

Throwing away the smoke and the burnt part of her cigarette on the ashtray, Sayo chuckled.

“Alright, Imai-san. I know you've been involved in the world of magic for quite some time before you decided to withdraw. Is there one thing that comes to mind with the words pseudo-servant or demi-servant in your head?” 

Keeping her gaze still for watching Lisa with her deep jade eyes, listening to her. She took another drag of her cigarette as her vision came to be fixed by looking at the clock, almost late.

“Even if there were people from the clock tower, it should have taken care of all of that. This is an illegal practice that should not exist.” While she was getting brave again to look at Sayo who kept staring at her, Lisa didn't want herself to go wavering from how intense the gaze was. 

“There shouldn't be any...” The half-finished cigarette was stuck out, extinguished by the cool glass surface of the ashtray. A bitter smile. 

“You don't mean to say you are one of them, don't you?”

Sayo remained silent, folding her arms over her chest. Her eyes focused on the back of Lisa's hand while her lips kept in place by a single line.

“No one ever knew about this except our clan head. Although I'm sure Hina let it slip at some point without me knowing. But my existence of this was always kept secret as the rules in force, that the birth of twins was a disaster.” Carefully raising and voice slowly reaching a firm point, Sayo cleared her throat. “However, our father refused to follow strict rules. He still raised me for my abilities. Not caring about the cost asked for me to still be alive and to do that was not a small deal.”

Lisa sat up straighter in her chair and started to feel goosebumps creep up her spine upon the truth.

“It would be a mistake to do that, what he actually did. Isn't that the same as sacrificing you to something uncertain?”

“He was indeed betting on something big. But that was precisely what made him want me to still live.” Sayo patted her feet and tried to stand up with a stick that Hina had brought her earlier and tried it, “I was born with a bad condition that makes it difficult for me to move. However, I have something that Hina doesn't. Our father wanted us to complement each other, that's all.”

“Is that why he had the heart to do such a cruel thing to you?”

“I don't think it's cruel, I just know the reason. Father made a saint graph in my name, looking for matches and similarities in everything about me. Of the many servants' graphs, only one matched. I'm sure you already knew it before you guessed it.” Making sure she didn't look away, darker the night enveloped her. A call in her eyes came when she started to recall her memories. “A name was engraved in the exact place of my true graph. Wasn't come to be perfect, as everything failed shortly after my father entered the previous Holy Grail War and died before winning it.”

Her answer began to spark above Lisa's mind, she turned to Sayo after her thinking session began to find a bright spot. “So that's the reason why my berserker has the same manifestation as you? Then why do you want me to be the one thing that is hanging for your fate?”

“A servant who cannot remember all of their past will never be able to find a way back, making it difficult for them to use noble phantasms in times of crisis. Unfortunately, most of her noble phantasm memories reside in a part of me. Besides that, I have nothing but the little part of her that is left. Her insane regeneration was not shared with me.” Her hand slowly thrust out a piece of paper, written among the notes on it that Lisa couldn't just believe.

She read it, then lowered her gaze with strong doubt. “If you are a small part of it, why don't you want your sister to win it while you favor me to do it?”

“We can't. Because only you can do it. My sister will only follow this as a form of great obligation from the main clan. Even if she wins, the only thing she wants is to give it for my sake, which I won't be able to accept.”

“So if the berserker loses…”

“You know the answer.”

Kicking the sore on her throat. Sayo had finished saying all her needs, Lisa's thoughts drifted to her Berserker who was fighting desperately to hold back Saber who never gave up. Even though she believed her servant was strong, Lisa still wouldn't stay silent for long.

The handcuffs on her hands gripped Lisa so tightly, but the determination in the brunette's eyes burned even stronger in a blaze of determination.

“Then let me go, if I stay here too long it will be more dangerous for her.”

But, as a member of the Hikawa clan, Sayo still wanted a fair exchange for all of the discussion.

“I won't let you go so easily before our deal, Imai-san.”

“If it's a trade, tell me now. Don't make this any further after what you did.”

“I just want her to meet me, just between us. Without any spying or other eyes, as soon as possible if you want your servant to remember her memories.”

“If she doesn't want to?”

“She definitely will. You have my words.”

…

Going through the chaos of the room full of vigilance, Lisa could finally breathe a sigh of relief after Hina brought her out of the mansion. Took steps towards her gray Aston Martin. Hina paused with her hand still on the doorknob before her body turned to stare at Lisa from the remaining distance.

“Are you really going to do it?” Her voice was soft, different from when she threatened Lisa earlier.

“I guess so.” Lisa turned to follow where the wind blew her hair in the night. “Besides, she already asked me for help.”

“Onee-chan has high hopes for you, even though she knows you might lose. But she still wants to. Whether it's because of your berserker memories or something else I don't know, she's quite stubborn about it.” Hina laughed as she stroked the roof of her car, hiding the worry she had.

“You love her more than anything. I know that.” Lisa returned Hina's smile and gave her a warm pat on the head, "Even so, she also wants you not to be in vain. You also deserve what you want as yourself.”

The reflection of light in Hina's eyes was like a marble. Realizing that Lisa was aware of her, she diverted it by opening the car door. Wiping away the few tears that had gathered in her eyes.

“I'm glad to hear that, you're absolutely boppin', Lisachi!”

Those words, I haven't heard for a long time. 

Lisa said to herself.

“Your behavior suddenly became like this, I still have suspicions about you, you know.”

“Eeeh?? But didn't onee-chan said that you can trust me?”

“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation earlier?”

She whistled. Close the door before pretending to be busy with things in the trunk. Avoiding Lisa after she came down and put her hands on her hips with a teasing face before flicking the young twin's forehead.

“Just a little—Ouch!?”

“I think with this I can know more about you than when I was a teenager.” Lisa laughed then took Hina back into her car and swapped seats. “This time I'm driving.”

“Wait! Bond just got fixed, don't be rough with—Lisachi!!!???”

That night, even the speed cameras couldn't keep up with Lisa's crazy driving. She drove through the entire stretch of road just to get it back to her servant. Of course, with Rider and her master who will also be part of the alliance.