Chapter Text
The world of magecraft is filled with mysteries and secrets. For every rule, there is often an exception, and each exception raises more questions about the laws of our reality. In the modern age, there are more secrets than answers. Which is why magi continue to practice, study, and hone their abilities—to learn more about this fascinating world.
That is where the Mage's Association comes in. The Mage’s Association plays a crucial role in advancing magecraft, as it is an organization dedicated to the development of the magical arts, equipped with various facilities designed to guide the world of magi toward a greater future. While there are three distinct branches within the Association, the primary focus of our current story is on the Clock Tower. More specifically, a bit of heated sparring is taking place.
“Gah!”
The two girls clash their legs against one another, the green lines of magic circuits flowing through them. They push themselves away to gain some distance, their brown and blonde hair flowing respectively as they skid across the concrete of the training room. It was definitely another day at the Clock Tower if it’s Rin Tohsaka and Luviagelita Edelfelt going at it again. To many of the other students, it was a normality, much to the dismay of some of the teachers. Many students watched as the two squabbled, including a certain young red-haired man. The two women clashed their fists, Rin landing a punch against Luvia’s defensive right arm.
“You’re getting better, Miss Tohsaka!” Luvia giggled.
“Don’t patronize me!” Rin shouted.
Rin forced herself to step back and then aimed a kick at Luvia's abdomen. The blonde caught Rin's kick and flung her away. Using Reinforcement on her legs, Luvia propelled herself forward and reinforced her left fist, landing a clean blow to Rin's face. Dust filled the area after Rin crashed into the ground afterwards. Luvia smirked, but felt her neck tighten as Rin wrapped her legs around it. Placing her hands on the ground, Rin backflips and attempts to launch her away, but Luvia stomps her feet down and grabs Rin’s legs, throwing her down on the ground. Rin quickly used Reinforcement to lessen the damage of the impact.
“I-Is this really okay to let continue, sir?” Gray asked, a little shocked at how intense it was.
El-Melloi sighed. “Just… let them get it out of their system.”
“Is letting us students get away with things really a good idea?” a student chimed in.
Lord El-Melloi II stared daggers at the student, who quietly sat back down and watched the spar. However, after hearing what his student had said, he did make a comment.
“Miss Tohsaka, Miss Edelfelt. I’d advise you two to conclude this matter sooner or later. We don’t have all day,” El-Melloi said.
The two girls glanced at their teacher and then at each other, their eyes locking for a moment. After a brief pause, they sighed and stood up from the ground. They dusted themselves off and returned to their seats. Rin then went over and laid her head down on the lap of Shirou Emiya. Well, until she started smacking her palms against his chest.
“Aughhhh! Why won’t she just go down, Emiya!?” Rin whined.
A drop of sweat appeared on Shirou’s cheek as he slowly caressed her locks of hair. “Well, Luvia is not one to take lightly. The same goes for you.”
Rin paused for a moment, resting her face against his chest and pouting like a little child. It was endearing to see that even at the age of 20, she had not changed at all; she was still the same old Rin Tohsaka that Shirou had come to know and love since the day they first met.
“Sherou!” Luvia called out in a cutesy voice. “How did I do~?”
“Oh, you did—“ Shirou was interrupted by a finger to his mouth.
“Do not finish that,” Rin said lowly.
All of the students giggled at the scene shown in front of them, only stopping at the sound of Lord El-Melloi II clearing his throat.
“As entertaining as this must have been to many of you, it does show something important. You must be able to keep pace with many other magi. Even in something as simple as hand to hand combat. Just like our normal society, the society of magi is full of those who will use their talents for selfish and immoral desires. Do not forget that.”
Silence did fill the air for a moment, but El-Melloi turned around.
“That is it for now,” he said. “We will be taking a break. Everyone run along now.”
The hallway bustled with conversation as everyone made their way out of the classroom. Of course, Shirou and Rin walked alongside one another, although it was obvious Rin was trying to avoid Luvia at all costs. Shirou learned to not dare question it.
“Why did you two insist on sparring anyways?” Shirou asked curiously.
Rin crossed her arms. “Because… she just gets on my nerves! I wanted to show her that she can’t just talk down to me!”
“Funny. I thought you often criticized others, including me.”
“Criticizing is one thing! Her attitude is whole other thing!”
There was a moment of pause before Rin wrapped her right arm around Shirou’s left. A smile bloomed on the young man’s face. Rin’s face was heated, but she couldn’t help but smirk a little.
“So,” Rin began. “What are your plans for later?”
Shirou crossed his arms. “Hmm. Well, I was thinking about improving on my—“
“There you two are! Rin! Onii-chan!”
They both heard a familiar voice yelling from across the hallway in front of them. Shirou squinted is eyes as he saw a figure approaching him. Smaller build, long silver hair, purple outfit. Is that—?
“Illya!” The two said in unison.
“That’s me!” the girl replied gleefully.
It was hard for Shirou to comprehend. Despite the differences in height and build between him and Illya, she was actually the older one. But upon further thought, Illya did mention being a homunculus meant that she aged much more slowly than he did.
“Did you fly here all by yourself?” Rin asked.
“Of course. I am an adult you know. I wonder, do you tend to forget so easily?” Illya teased.
Rin’s face burned red with anger, watching as Illya held back her laughter. The petite girl waved her hand at the magus. Shirou had to hold Rin back from doing something to cause a scene.
“If you’re asking because of my status as a homunculus, traveling is not a problem. I was able to travel to Japan to participate as a Master after all. It was really no issue,” Illya explained.
“I see,” Rin crossed her arms in thought.
“I think she’s making sure you weren’t being mistreated,” Shirou chimed in. “From what I know, homunculi aren’t always treated the best. At least from what Tohsaka told me.”
Illya giggled, putting on a playful smirk. “I’m practically unrecognizable to any other human being, so it’s really no issue. Besides, if such a problem were to arise, I am more than capable of defending myself.”
“That’s for sure… you’re quite the little monster, you know that?” Rin grumbled.
“You’d say that about me? Such an innocent young looking girl?” Illya teased again.
“You’re anything BUT innocent!” Rin scowled.
Before Shirou could say anything to calm them, he felt another presence come from behind him.
“Sherou~!” a feminine voice rang.
His eyes widened, feeling two arms wrap around his stomach as he was pulled into a hug. His head struggled to turn around, his eyes eventually landing on the girl of the hour; Luvia.
“Oh, hey Luvia,” Shirou replied with a smile.
Both Rin and Illya immediately turned their attention to the new source of noise. Shirou looked really shocked. Not at Rin’s less than stellar expression, but at Illya’s! It looked like the two finally had something in common.
“Who is this girl, Onii-chan?” Illya had a dark expression.
Shirou looked rather confused. “This is a friend I made here.”
“Mhm…” Rin and Illya both eyed Luvia.
Luvia released the hug and confidently stepped around Shirou, a triumphant smile on her face.
“I am Luviagelita Edelfelt! Aren’t you adorable!” Luvia’s eyes gleamed in awe. “Are you a friend of Sherou?”
“I am Shirou’s sister,” Illya said bluntly.
Luvia looked taken aback, turning to Shirou. “Your sister?”
“She’s actually my adoptive sister,” Shirou scratched the back of his head.
Illya took a deep breath, her expression returning to normal. Then, she lifted her dress and performed a little bow, a soft smile spreading across her lips.
“I am Illyasviel von Einzbern. It is my honor to make your acquaintance.”
Luvia smiled. “Oh, how proper of you. You should learn a thing or two, Rin.”
Shirou and Illya could practically feel the heat of anger coming off of her, but the girl quickly took a deep breath to calm down.
Luvia pondered to herself. “Hm. Einzbern? Isn’t that—“
“Oh right! How much time do you two have left?” Illya asked.
Rin looked at her watch curiously. “We have about thirty minutes left, why?”
“Because I wanted to go have a walk around with you two. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten to see each other,” Illya said with a bright smile.
Shirou and Rin looked to one another and also smiled. The former turned to Luvia.
“Hey, Luvia. We’re going to head out for a bit. If we’re not back by the time class starts, please tell Lord El-Melloi II that we’re sorry in advance,” Shirou said.
Luvia closed her eyes and put a finger to her chin. She seemed to be in pretty deep thought, which was unusual for Shirou. She jumped at any opportunity to fulfill a request for him, albeit they’re small.
“Very well. On one condition. You and I should go out together tomorrow night, Sherou~,” Luvia said flirtatiously.
“Oh, that sounds like fun. Where did you—“
“Shirou…”
Shirou turned to see Rin and Illya looking very fired up. What did he do NOW?
“Seriously… Onii-chan found someone way too clingy,” Illya said with a scowl.
“I think that’s the first thing me and you could ever agree on,” Rin replied in a similar tone.
Along the outskirts near the Clock Tower, Shirou, Rin, and Illya walked along the grass. It had been a while since Shirou really got to take in the fresh air, let alone the nature around him. The training and studying he had been putting work into had taken much more time than he realized.
Rin walked slightly ahead, hands clasped together behind her back, her eyes scanning the horizon. Illya was swinging her arms slightly and occasionally plucking a flower or pointing out something along the path with childlike curiosity. Shirou didn’t mind it. It had been so long since he really got to see Illya.
“It’s really nice out here,” Shirou murmured.
Rin glanced back with a faint smile. “You’re finally noticing, huh?”
He chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess I’ve been too buried in my studying and working on my Magecraft.”
“You could stand to look up more often,” Rin replied, turning back around. “The world doesn’t stop just because you’re busy.”
Shirou couldn’t tell if she meant it as a jab, but her words lingered, echoing in his mind as they continued walking.
“How’s your time been here, Onii-chan?” Illya asked.
Shirou smiled, a quiet warmth spreading across his face. “It’s been good. Being in Modern Magecraft Theory feels fitting for me.”
“Did our teachings help you get into the more advanced departments?” Illya asked.
“It sure did,” Rin spoke up. “Thanks to us mentoring him, his mind and body got up to speed with the basics. He was allowed to skip it, on the condition that I be his mentor.”
Shirou bent down to inspect a flower, picking it up from the ground. “I really need to thank you two. Even with how better my Projection is, knowing everything else would’ve been so much harder without your help.”
“Someone had to teach you. Kiritsugu only really taught you specifics, not the overall picture,” Rin replied.
Right. Kiritsugu. He hadn’t mentioned it but, Shirou has been thinking about him lately. A lot more. Like, in his dreams kind of more. His mind keeps replaying that last moment the two shared together. Shirou promising that he’d achieve Kiritsugu’s dream of being a hero of justice, that small but meaningful smile he saw on the man’s face. But now, things were different. That dream has shaped in some way overtime.
Was he still…?
Rin and Illya looked over their shoulders, noticing Shirou sitting down in the lush green grass. The two looked at each other in confusion, before making their way over to the young man and taking a seat right beside him.
“Do you think… this is what he would’ve wanted?” Shirou asked somberly.
Rin took a deep breath. “You know, I sometimes wonder the same. After my father died, I tried everything in my power to be the best magus I could be. But I feel like there’s more to us than what we’re expected to be.”
“Maybe,” Shirou replied. “but being here at the Clock Tower, following my own path. I wonder if he’d be okay with it.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you so down, Onii-chan,” Illya said with a somber, but upbeat tone. “I wish we both could have got to know him better. But, even with my limited knowledge, something tells me that he would’ve wanted us to do our best in our own ways.”
Rin smirked. “Since when did Miss Illyasviel von Einzbern turn into such a motivational speaker?”
Illya couldn’t help but let out a squeaky giggle. “Your attempts at flattery are not subtle, yet very much appreciated.”
As if it was on instinct, Shirou’s face couldn’t help but form a happy grin. He watched as Rin simply turned her head away from Illya, the latter still giggling at Rin’s reaction. Shirou was a little surprised to see them getting along so well. Not that they ever hated each other after the war, but they never seemed like the type to be really good friends. He was glad he was wrong. He assumed his smile became noticeable, because the two girls started staring at him.
“Shirou?” Rin said.
“Onii-chan?” Illya spoke.
“Thanks you two. I forget how lucky I am sometimes,” Shirou replied, his face shining.
The two girls glanced at one another and smiled. That’s when they heard a bell ring. Shirou looked toward the Clock Tower and realized it was time for them to head back.
“I guess it’s time we head back to class, Tohsaka,” he said, standing back up.
“Agreed,” Rin did the same. “Will you be okay by yourself, Illya?”
“Of course. I will simply walk around town until you two are done,” Illya said, twirling as she walked.
“Then we’ll see you later.”
Shirou gently patted Illya on the head, making her smile gleefully. After that, he and Rin hurried back toward the Clock Tower to avoid being late.
Shirou knew very little about Magecraft, let alone Magic Circuits, aside from his own. He didn’t even know what a Holy Grail War was before he first summoned Saber a few years ago. It was only through that very war that he learned about his true Magecraft; Projection. He was able to come to understand what made him special and unique. Even with some help, he still made great progress on his own accord.
This class, however, gave him a headache sometimes.
“Types of Magecraft in our modern era have begun to rely on actual science. Some current examples involve borrowing from quantum theory, from bio-electricity, among many others. As such—“
He tried his best to pay attention. Not to be rude to Lord El-Melloi, he certainly got his points across. But Fuji-nee teaching could get Shirou’s attention better than he could. Although that says more about her than it did Lord El-Melloi. It wasn’t even like Shirou wasn’t interested. He had been considering maybe attempting to learn some other type of Magecraft.
“Is there perhaps something you’re thinking about, Mr. Shirou Emiya?”
Shirou snapped out of his thoughts and back to reality. His eyes veered everywhere around him, noticing everyone’s eyes on him. Especially Rin, who had a look of… disappointment? It was hard to read her expressions at times. A bead of sweat ran down his face as he looked toward Lord El-Melloi.
“Not particularly. I am understanding everything pretty fine,” he replied.
Smooth, Emiya. Very smooth.
“Pretty fine?” El-Melloi questioned. “Then could you perhaps tell me this; what was it I was just referring to?”
Shirou cleared his throat. “About the recent examples of Magecraft, which utilize actual scientific theories like quantum theory and nuclear physics, as just a few instances of how people apply Magecraft.”
There was a moment of silence before El-Melloi turned away.
“Very good,” he said mundanely.
‘Why doesn’t it sound like I did very good then?’ Shirou thought.
“That, and how overtime, Magecraft seems to have become less and less potent, seemingly because of our understanding of general science, versus abstract concepts,” El-Melloi continued. “But we shall save that for another day.”
El-Melloi's classes were not particularly long, lasting at most around 40 minutes. It is something Shirou noticed over time, even though he had only been attending the class for a few months. Compared to the classes he had back in Japan, they were about 60% shorter. He suspected it might be due to the nature of the subject, which focuses primarily on learning theory rather than strictly factual material. Regardless, it was a nice change of pace.
“However, before we do end class, I must ask you to come up and face the class, Mr. Emiya,” El-Melloi stated.
Shirou stared at the man, his expression a mix of quiet confusion. He turned to Rin for some guidance, but she merely shrugged her shoulders, leaving him even more perplexed. The young man bluntly facepalmed in exasperation.
‘That sure was helpful, Rin.’
He got up from his chair and made his way to the front. Shirou quickly turned to face the class, which he hadn’t really paid much attention to. There were a few among them he knew. Rin was obvious. Luvia was always taking a glance at him. There was Gray, but she was more or less off to the side of the class. The girl named Yvette seemed nice enough to him. So did everyone else. He just hasn’t had much time to get to know everyone all at once.
El-Melloi cleared his throat. “I am unaware how many of you know this, but assuming you don’t, Shirou Emiya is the prime example of how Magecraft can be shaped by one’s personal affinity or origin.”
“Hm? How so?” one named Verner asked.
“He shall show you,” El-Melloi stated, looking to Shirou. “Go on.”
The young man looked at the sudden audience he had gained. Some of their eyes looked curious, some looked like they didn’t care. Then there was Rin and Luvia, who if he didn’t know any better, looked like they were competing to see who could pay the most attention to what Shirou was about to do. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and lifted a hand in the air. He focused his mind. His body. His soul.
“Trace… On.”
What blade would be the best to project?
He thought. And thought. Then arrived at an idea.
Shirou lifted both hands in the air, his hands glowing with green energy.
Judging the concept of creation.
Hypothesizing the basic structure.
Duplicating the composition material.
Imitating the skill of its making.
Sympathizing with the experience of its growth.
Reproducing the accumulated years.
Excelling every manufacturing process.
From his hands, a flash of green light hits everyone’s eyes. From that light sprouted two blades of equal size, but differing in color and appearance. On both blades, there is a yin and yang symbol on the middle of the hilt. One blade sprouts a white spike from that symbol, with the rest of the blade a deep black color, with red lines to show a hexagon pattern. The other was much the same, but the colors reversed, the spike is black with the rest of the blade being a sleek white. The twin swords; Kanshou and Bakuya.
Immediately most were in awe. Out of the corner of Shirou’s eye, he could spot Rin smiling proudly at him. Then there was an obnoxious laugh.
“Hahaha! Ah, I see, so Projection Magecraft? That’s what you wanted him to demonstrate for us, Professor Charisma?” a young man said.
At a glance, this guy reminded Shirou of the late Shinji Matou, his, well, former best friend you could say. He had a look that screamed “I am of importance”, or “I stand above you”. He wore a fancy blue blazer with many white jewels along the suit, as if they were buttons. The cuffs of the blazer told a similar story, having red gems instead. Along that he wore a black tie with a white shirt underneath. The most noticeable feature was his black, slicked back hair, that looked shinier than a new car.
“Excuse me, Mr. Zellingham?” El-Melloi inquired.
“Seriously Julian?” one of the girls in the class said.
“Sorry, sorry. I just don’t see what’s so impressive? I mean, every magus knows that such Magecraft is utterly and totally useless. Those blades probably wouldn’t last in a battle with one’s familiar, let alone an actual magus,” Julian said high and mighty.
El-Melloi sighed. “I don’t believe you understood what I just said, Mr. Zellingham. Unfortunate, given you’re one of our smartest students.”
Julian sighed. “What do you—“
His eyes widened immediately at the swift puff of air. Around the room flew one of the swords from Shirou’s hand, the white one—Bakuya. He aimed it in such a way that it wouldn’t hit anyone in the class, but properly so it would come right back to his hand, as it is intended to do. Speaking of which, it came right back around and Shirou gripped it.
“W-What…” Julian looked stunned.
“Due to Mr. Emiya’s unique origin and affinity, he can utilize Projection to an unseen potential, not even the higher classed magi can preform. He can recreate the exact materials, composition, and structure of any given blade almost perfectly. Yes, that even includes the Noble Phantasms of Servants of a Holy Grail War,” El-Melloi explained.
Julian’s mouth was shut immediately, his eyes so widened, you’d think he was being tortured.
“That’s where I got these. From my understanding, these two blades are called Kanshou and Bakuya, created by a blacksmith named Gān Jiàng,” Shirou said.
That got everyone up and talking, severely impressed by what they were seeing and hearing. Except for Julian, who might as well might not even be there with how silent he was. Rin was off to the side, but she just kept smiling at Shirou.
‘You’ve really come far, Shirou,’ she thought.
Classes had come and gone rather quickly, with the day slipping into dusk and then night in the blink of an eye. Shirou found himself making his way along the dimly lit street, all by his lonesome. Why was that? Well, part of it was to avoid bothering Rin with the chore of gathering groceries for the week. The other reason was more personal—he craved some time to himself, a chance to reflect. Nothing too deep, really; everyone needs a little self-reflection every so often.
If anything, it’s what Rin had been striving to help him with for a while now. She noticed that he rarely thought about himself compared to others. Putting everyone else before his own needs. A small smile appeared on his lips as he recalled all the times during the Holy Grail War she’d chastise him for his recklessness. Sakura worried about the same thing back at home. Point was; this time to himself was ironically, what Rin’s been telling him to do. Worry about himself. Have his own needs.
“I hope they’re still open at this hour,” Shirou said to himself.
The sound of his footsteps echoed against the pavement as he walked in the dead of night. The only thought on his mind now was making sure he could make Rin and Illya—no, make all three of them happy. Including himself. He should probably buy himself a treat.
Moments passed as Shirou noticed something. It was strange to think about the emptiness around him. Why was there barely anyone out at this hour? It was late, sure, but there would usually be at least several people scattered about at this time. Shirou shook his head, trying to dismiss this weird feeling. He kept walking, step after step, his gaze fixed on the store in the distance. Just then, he felt a cold shiver run through him. Not one of fear, but the chill of the air wrapping around him like an unwelcome embrace.
“Oh, oh, so cold, like a ghost in the night…”
Echoes. A groveling voice. Singing. Bitter sounding.
“Wind rushing in, stealing all of the light…”
Shirou saw a green glint out the corner of his eye, before all the surrounding lights were completely blown out by a gust of air. The pressure was so strong that he had to cover his face.
“Hear the screams, hear the deafening sound…”
A presence. It was ever so small, but he could feel it. This feeling. Dark. It’s a dark sensation.
“The feeling of death, it’s crushing you down…”
…
…
Quiet.
All quiet.
…
…
“Trace on!”
Shirou formed his twin swords, Kanshou and Bakuya, in his hands. With a swift movement, he whipped around, positioning himself just in time to block a strike that was aimed at his neck.
“Crushing you down…” the voice finished singing.
He finally overpowered the attacker with a decisive strike, forcing them back and creating some distance between them. It was hard to see clearly, but they appeared to be much older than Shirou. Any other details about the individual were difficult to discern in the heat of the moment.
‘That glint from before. Was that… a jewel?’ Shirou thought, trying to understand the situation.
“I finally get to meet you face to face, Shirou Emiya,” the man said.
Still gripping his swords tightly, Shirou took a few deep breaths to gather his thoughts. The first question on his mind…
“Who are you?” he asked.
It was a simple enough question, but with his experience as a magus up until now, the answer to any question he has was always hard to come by. Maybe this time would be different?
“Ha… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
The man just laughed. Maniacally. It shook Shirou a little. The man threw something at him. It was… a green jewel! Shirou attempted to block its effects, but he was pushed back by the sudden blast of wind and into a nearby lamp pole. Luckily he wasn’t severely injured.
The man shot a glare that could kill a man. “Shirou Emiya, you don’t get to know who I am or why I’m here. Just know this…”
He pulled out a weapon. A sword.
“You will pay for the blood on Kiritsugu Emiya’s hands.”