It had all fallen apart in the span of a few days. Shirou, having managed to stop Shinji, was deeply troubled by his failure to save Sakura. Rin, dealing with the death of Sakura, had completely shut herself off. And without her help, Saber had fallen under the sway of Caster due to the use of Rule Breaker.
Slowly rising from his futon, Shirou knew he had to fight. But felt a level of frustration at being unable to confront Caster. Getting dressed, he was going for a long walk to think. Going into the area he knew where Rin lived, he inadvertently passed by the Matou estate.
“Well, now isn’t this an interesting surprise?”
Shirou turned around to see an frail old man walking from the old building. “I’m sorry, but you are-“
“Zouken Matou, my dear boy! Sakura and Shinji told me much about you Shirou Emiya! Such as shame about their ... unfortunate passing, though,” he ended with a frown.
Shirou bowed before the man, manners long since ingrained kicking in. “A pleasure, Zouken-San. I’m sorry about the loss of your family. If I had only been-“
A simple tap of his cane silenced Shirou as Zouken studied the boy. “It was rather unfortunate that they both passed. But worry not, as I don’t hold you responsible for Shinji’s deplorable actions.”
Shirou looked surprised, and slightly suspicious, of Zouken’s response. “I am thankful that you do not hold accountable. But ... shouldn’t you have known about Shinji and his agenda. He is ... was your grandson?”
Zouken gave a false interested thought, then continued. “You are correct. I did try to curb Shinji’s more... disturbing habits. But there is only so much I could do. He ultimately took it upon himself to set about his own plans for the Holy Grail. And he paid for it with his life. The real tragedy was the fate of my dear granddaughter Sakura.”
Looking confused, Shirou had to ask. “Did ... did Sakura know about the moonlit world?” he whispered, assuming that Zouken understood what he implied.
Zouken gave a hoarse laugh. “But of course! And there lies the problem I know face. She was my designated heir for the Matou.” Looking at a shocked Shirou, he continued. “Regrettably, she was not ready to take on the responsibility of heading the Matou. This is why I allowed Shinji to command Rider, since it would ease her burden while giving Shinji a chance to prove himself like always wanted. But alas, with their deaths, I am left without an heir to pass on my knowledge.”
Shirou was saddened by the news of the Matou’s fate. “I’m sorry sir. I know losing Sakura and Shinji must hurt very deeply. If their is anything I can do to help-“
“It’s fine my boy. The Matou will live on in some manner, although to what extent I know not. I’m sorry for wasting your time my boy. Thank you for at least humoring old man.” With that Zouken, turned to walk back to his house.
Shirou, filled with regret and shame, muttered under his breath. “If only I could have saved Sakura, then I would have been able to save everyone.”
Looking back at the boy who had stepped into his web, Zouken gave a mock look of intrigue. “Save Sakura you say? Young man, such things are normally impossible. But with the Holy Grail, the revival of life is trifle as a wish.”
Shirou met Zouken’s gaze. “I would, but my servant Saber was lost to me. An enemy servant took control of her, and I have no allies to rely on.”
Zouken strokes his chin in thought, tempting him further. “That would normally be true. But with another servant, you would at least stand a chance of reclaiming your true servant. And luckily for us, I happen to know of a way to provide you with said servant.”
Shirou was surprised by that remark. “But how?”
“My dear boy! The Matou, formerly Makiri, helped build the system that supports the Grail. My ancestor, Zolgen Makirir, left notes and his personal journal behind. Using this, I managed to save Rider, but at great cost. With the death of Sakura, the former bonds have affected her mind greatly. She is now closer to the Gorgon than she normally would be. But, if someone close to Sakura were to guide her, there is still a chance of her avenging my dearly departed Sakura. But alas, I’m too weak in my old age.”
Shirou immediately stepped up. “I can do it sir. If you allow me to use her, I can use Rider to reclaim Saber. And then, I’ll use my wish to revive Sakura for you. I swear it!”
Zouken looked conflicted, but was cackling on the inside. “I wish I could, but the only way to bond Rider is through the Matou family crest. And only my heir can receive it.” Thinking on it, Zouken drew him in further. “Unless I were to pass on the crest to you. But that would be asking too much of you, my dear boy,” he mused, aware that Shirou was almost caught.
“But sir, I would be more than willing! I know that magic crests are sacred to a family lineage, but at least let me try! If nothing is done, the servant Caster will win the war! And then, she’d be free to reek havoc on the world with the Grail. I’ll do anything you ask of me!” Bowing his head, Shirou pleaded. “Please, just give me a chance!”
With that, Zouken’s plan was sealed. “So you wish to atone and save my granddaughter and Fuyuki from servant Caster, eh? Very well, young Shirou! The transplant you will undergo will be harrowing, but I will try. Come along, we can begin now if you wish.”
Shirou followed the beckoning of the old man, unaware of the hell he’d agreed too. | Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
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