Fate/Stay Cursed: Cursed & Fated (FATE ROUTE)

A lightning-fast attack...

A spike of ice thrust to pierce my heart, like a flash of lightning, the human eye is unable to follow it...

However, a flash of lightning trying to pierce this body of mine, is repelled by the moonlight that comes to my aid...

The sun is a piece of steel. The armor she is wearing is not at all beautiful, it is rough like the cold night, but her appearance... So familiar and sweet, how could I forget...

No... I have never forgotten... I have always remembered you... The girl from Brittany, the knight was as beautiful as the ringing of a bell, charmingly the sound transformed.

The beautiful woman with golden hair, standing right in front of me, looked at me with her emerald green eyes: "I ask you. Are you my Master?" - Her voice illuminates the darkness.

"I have come in answer to your call. From now on my sword will accompany you, and our destinies are intertwined. With this, our contract is concluded." - it seemed like fate, she had chosen me. This time as her master, together again.

My heart was pounding and beating in unimaginable ways, her last words had hurt me in the previous war, but something told me that this was not the end. No... It could not be, I would have to keep fighting, fight by her side once more.

The moonlight still illuminated the darkness. Time stood still, a scene that did not last a single second. A scene that I will never forget... The golden hair shines under the moonlight...

FATE Route. - Cursed & Fated

Five years after the Fourth War of the Holy Grail of Fuyuki...

It was a relatively calm time, my fears and traumas had not completely disappeared, but Sakura always helped me when I had a relapse.

It's that story, actually, it was she who saved me and not me... Choso started living with us, while Kechizu and Eso were always visiting us.

With the appearance of the two, at some point I had to explain to Sakura, Shirou and Kiritsugu about the Jujutsu world. Kiritsugu took advantage of the opportunity to talk about the world of magicians, both of whom seemed to live in the shadows of common society in this universe.

Kiritsugu asked me to train Shirou and maybe teach him something about cursed techniques while he taught him something about "magic circuits" or something like that. In this world there is Jujutsu Tech, I thought about putting Sakura and Shirou there, but thinking about it, it would be a terrible idea.

It's a world that I don't want them to interact with in any way, so they don't even know about the existence of this school. So I put the two of them in a regular school, the school where Taiga started working as a teacher.

Kiritsugu would leave home every now and then for weeks, even months. He probably still worked as a mage assassin. So Taiga always helped at home taking care of Shirou and Sakura.

Kiritsugu had been cursed, just like me... However, it seems that his curse affected him even more, there came a time when he couldn't take it anymore and he... He died.

It wasn't easy, despite everything, losing someone is something I've never been able to get used to. And I feel like it wasn't easy for Shirou, since he considered him his father. I even asked him if he wanted to take my last name to be part of the family, but Shirou decided to keep the last name Emiya. It was his decision and I accepted it, Shirou was still part of the family, so Taiga was the new person responsible for Shirou Emiya.

Five more years after the Fourth Holy Grail War of Fuyuki...

Five more years have passed and I have become a Jujutsu sorcerer again, and I have become a Sensei... I know, it's strange to hear this, but my students are those who were once older than me.

I woke up early, ten years have passed and my appearance is mature both in appearance and posture. My expression is more heavy, now with more marked features after so many years fighting as a Jujutsu sorcerer. Before doing anything, I look at myself in the mirror and see how I have changed in the last few years.

My hair is still short, but with some slight differences and a little messy. Some gray strands have started to appear, which worried me a little... But apparently, only I (and Choso) noticed this.

My physique is still athletic, but now with a more relaxed posture. My memories of Shinjuku have not yet fully returned, so I never knew my desire to fight Sukuna.

As the years went by, some kind of tribal tattoos began to appear on my body, they spread across my shoulders and shoulders, similar to the marks of Sukuna, who has not lived on my body for many years.

I wore my traditional outfit consisting of a black kimono with red details and a sash tied around my waist, I feel that these clothes perfectly evoke my role as a sensei.

As a teacher of the Jujutsu School, I have to carry an imposing posture. On a calm morning, the sun was just beginning to illuminate the horizon.

As I worked silently, enjoying the peace of the morning, I felt a familiar presence approaching. Turning around, it was Sakura, who was now a young woman, with the same deep and gentle eyes, but now more confident and mature. She had grown up under my protection and had developed a strong bond with her.

"Sensei, are you up early again?" Sakura joked, with a smile on her face. She already called me 'sensei', even at home, it was a mix of joking and affection. - "Let me help you with that..."

I laughed softly, my eyes shining with the same warmth as always. - "You know I like to make breakfast, but if you want to help, I won't refuse..." - I moved away a little to give Sakura space, who began to stir the pots and prepare the side dishes.

Shortly after, another figure entered the kitchen. Choso, my older brother in spirit and loyalty, joined us. Choso, who had also changed over time, maintained a more serious appearance, but with an unbreakable bond with me and Sakura. Even with his normally serious expression, there was something warm in the way he interacted with the two of us.

"You guys always wake up so early..." - I said in a slightly exasperated tone, although I was clearly there to help too. Choso picked up a knife and began to help cut the vegetables with the precision one would expect from someone with his skills.

"Is Shirou still sleeping?" - I asked as things in the kitchen unfolded calmly and harmoniously.

Sakura looked at me. - "Shirou stayed up all night messing with those knick-knacks in the warehouse, he must have slept there."

Chosto seemed a little stressed about this. - "He's going to catch a cold at this rate... I've lost count of how many times I've told him that."

For me, this was one of the few parts of the day when I could simply relax and be with the people I loved. After years of struggle and loss, these simple moments of companionship became precious.

Sakura looked at me as she stirred a pot, her eyes reflecting deep admiration. - "You've really become a good teacher, Yuji-sensei. I think the students must feel very lucky to have you as their sensei."

I smiled back, her face softer despite the scars and experience. - "I hope I'm doing a good job... I just want them to be prepared for whatever comes, just like I was."

Chost interrupted with a soft laugh. - "You weren't exactly prepared, Yuji. You survived, which is a little different."

I couldn't help but laugh and it ended up echoing around the kitchen, remembering my own days as a student and how I had truly been thrown into a world of curses and battles without much of a choice. - "That's true, but I hope my students have a slightly smoother path."

As the sunlight began to fill the room, the smell of fresh food and the sound of friendly conversation created a welcoming atmosphere. It was a reflection of the new life they were all building together, even with the challenges that the future could still bring.

I sat down next to the two of them, still enjoying the breakfast we had prepared together. The aroma of fresh food filled the kitchen. I looked around, noticing the calm of the morning and the tranquility that this moment provided, something rare in his life.

As i took the last sip of coffee, a question came to my mind. I looked at Choso, who was still finishing his meal, and asked in a relaxed tone: "Hey, Choso, today is Monday, which means she slept here today. Do you know where Taiga is sleeping?"

Choso, ever practical, answered without looking up from his food: "She's in my room, sleeping like a log."

I smiled and, in a slightly teasing tone, added: "Oh, right. Miss Taiga must be in one of those epic dreams of hers... probably dreaming of defeating some legendary warrior... or maybe just dreaming about food." - I gave a short laugh, imagining the always energetic Taiga in one of those situations, and the light humor infected everyone.

Sakura, who was on the other side of the table, laughed. - "That sounds just like her. Taiga always has energy, even when she's asleep, she looks like she's ready to go into battle at any moment!" - She smiled, reflecting on Taiga Fujimura's flamboyant personality.

Choso, who was always more serious, allowed himself a small smile, but soon returned to focus. As we finished our coffee, the relaxed atmosphere remained, with everyone enjoying the break before the day really began.

As I got up from the table, I began to organize my thoughts about what I needed to do next. I looked at Sakura and gave her a task with a smile on my face: "Sakura, can you please wake up Shirou? You said he's sleeping in the warehouse again, I don't know how he can stand that place..." - my expression was soft, but it carried the tone of a teacher used to giving instructions.

Sakura nodded and smiled back. - "Sure, Yuji-Sensei. I'll wake him up!" - She seemed almost excited about the task, already used to the routine of taking care of others.

Then I turned to Choso. - "And brother, can you wake up Taiga? Make sure you're a safe distance away when she wakes up, in case she tries to do a flying kick while she's still half asleep." - I gave her a playful wink, remembering how impulsive Taiga could be, even at unexpected moments.

Choso nodded calmly, as if he already knew what to expect. - "I'll be ready..." - he replied, getting up from the table with his usual seriousness. But there was a slight gleam in Choso's eyes, as if he was ready to deal with the eccentric Taiga.

As the two prepared to carry out their tasks, I paused, looking around the house for a moment, as if I were recording the tranquility of that place in my memory. I knew that soon, I would have to face again the harsh reality of a frightening future and all that it would entail. But for now, there was comfort in that peaceful morning with my loved ones.

As I left the house, I felt the cool morning breeze on my face. The sun was already beginning to rise on the horizon, bathing the landscape in a soft golden light. I took a deep breath, smelling the earth and grass, and mentally prepared myself for the challenges that lay ahead. Something told me that this would be one of the last moments of peace I would have before being thrown back into the chaos of war... But this time, I would be prepared!

As I walked along the dirt road that stretched out before me, I reflected on everything that had happened in the past ten years. Life as a sensei had given me a new perspective, but the weight of the past and the promise of destroying the Holy Grail kept pulling me back to the battlefield. I wondered how much longer I had before I would need to reunite with my old allies and prepare for battle.

I finally arrived at Jujutsu High School, the place where, ten years earlier, I had begun my journey as a student. Now, I occupied a very different position: that of a sensei. Even with yet another conflict involving the Holy Grail looming, I dedicated myself to my students. My role as a teacher was one of the few aspects of life that brought me a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Entering the school hallways, I found the three students waiting for me: Satoru Gojo, Shoko Ieiri, and Suguru Getou. Each of them presented a unique challenge to me, but I had learned to see the potential and complexities in each one.

First, there was Satoru Gojo, always with a confident smile plastered on his face. Gojo, from the beginning, seemed to carry an almost unbearable arrogance, but at the same time, there was something undeniably fascinating about him. Gojo hasn't changed that much... I thought to myself. Even in my time, he was someone with unshakable confidence. But now, he seems even more irresponsible and arrogant. Gojo often joked around during class, showing an apparent lack of seriousness, but I knew that behind that carefree demeanor lay an unparalleled genius. It was a constant struggle to try to keep Gojo focused, but at the same time, I saw the gleam in his eyes that showed his undeniable potential. He has everything it takes to become the strongest sorcerer, he just needs a little more discipline. Or maybe a lot more.

Next, I turned to Shoko Ieiri. Shoko had always been a more steady and calm presence, and Itadori appreciated that about her. Shoko… she was the same as always. Ever since I started teaching, I had noticed that Shoko had a pragmatic and calm personality, which made her an excellent student of healing and medicine. Even when I had to step away to deal with outside matters, I knew I could count on Shoko to maintain her composure and be the balance between the three of them. She seemed to carry a silent weight, but she never complained, keeping her demeanor reserved. Despite being the same, I feel that she is happier today than she was in my other world… People really do change.

Finally, my eyes settled on Suguru Getou. This was the student I had the hardest time relaxing with. Getou was intelligent, talented, and charismatic, but there was something about his presence that put me on edge. He looks so much like Kenjaku... I thought to myself, remembering the evil that had been an integral part of his past. The hair, the facial features, everything reminded him of the man who had been responsible for so much misfortune. But he doesn't have the scar... That simple difference was what reassured him a little. He's not Kenjaku, but still... I need to be careful.

I always kept a certain emotional distance from Getou, observing him more carefully than the others. I knew Getou was talented and could easily become one of the most powerful sorcerers of his generation. The problem is which side he will choose to follow. That was the question that constantly echoed in my mind. Even though Getou was an exemplary student, there was a sense of danger lurking within him, something that made me wonder if Getou wasn't also battling his own inner demons.

As I approached the three, I forced a smile. - "Good morning, you three. Are you ready for today's training?"

Gojo immediately gave me a carefree look and replied: "Training? Sensei, I'm already the best! I think I should be the one teaching you!" - He laughed at his own joke, but I just shook my head, already used to the idiot prodigy's attitude.

Shoko, on the other hand, just nodded, keeping her cool and looking mentally prepared for any challenge that came her way.

Getou smiled slightly, but there was something in his eyes that still made me uneasy. - "You can rest assured, sensei. I'm ready to learn whatever it takes."

As they walked to the training grounds, I pondered the different paths each of my students could take. I knew the future was uncertain, especially with Kenjaku still a threat lurking. - "If I can help shape their future for the better... maybe this time, we can avoid so many tragedies."

Meanwhile...

As I walked slowly through the hallways of the house, the soft morning light coming through the windows and creating a peaceful atmosphere. I needed to wake Taiga up, a task I considered dangerous. I knew Taiga had an explosive and unpredictable personality, and waking her up was not a task for the weak.

Arriving at the bedroom door, I hesitated for a moment. She has to work today, so I need to wake up. I thought to myself, sighing lightly before knocking on the door.

The answer was a long groan from inside the room, followed by a grunt. I opened the door carefully and found her huddled under the covers, her entire body wrapped in the fabric, leaving only a few strands of messy hair showing.

"Taiga.... Taiga!" - She called calmly, keeping my voice firm but calm. - "It's time to wake up. You have to work today, don't you?"

Taiga just shifted a little, pulling the covers even further over her head. - "Five minutes... just more five minutes..." - She mumbled, her voice muffled by the blanket.

I took a deep breath and approached the bed. - "You'll be late if you stay under the covers all day, and I'm sure you don't want to set a bad example for your students."

Finally, she pushed the covers away from her face, revealing a mischievous smile. Her eyes shone with a mix of sleep and teasing. - "You know I love it when you come wake me up, Choso... It's like destiny brings us together every morning." - She stretched her arms lazily, still lying down, and smiled suggestively.

I kept my composure, even though I felt a slight tension. She's just kidding... I thought, but Taiga's blatant flirting always left me slightly disconcerted. Taiga was direct, and that energy sometimes caught me off guard.

"If this were fate, I'd prefer you wake up on your own." - I replied with a slightly harsh tone, although I tried to hide it.

Taiga laughed softly, clearly amused by my reaction. - "Oh, Choso... you're so serious. That makes you even more irresistible, you know?" - She slowly got up from the bed, her messy hair falling around her face, but her eyes still sparkled with mischief.

I turned around, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. - "You have to get ready. Don't forget it's your day to teach." - I said, standing firm.

She gave a slight dramatic sigh, but finally stood up. - "Okay, okay... But you still owe me a coffee later, since you woke me up so early." - Winking at me lightly, Taiga finally headed to the bathroom, leaving me relieved from the constant teasing.

Meanwhile...

Sakura walked towards the warehouse where I was sleeping. She knew my old habits well and knew that for some reason, I always ended up sleeping in the most unusual places possible. Opening the warehouse door carefully, she found me wrapped in a blanket on the floor, surrounded by tools and boxes, as if that was the most comfortable place in the world.

The soft morning light entered through the dusty warehouse window, touching my face and making me finally start to wake up. I blinked slowly, feeling Sakura's familiar presence before I even fully opened my eyes. She came to wake me up again... I thought, a slight smile forming while I was still half asleep.

Sakura knelt down next to me, her face softened by the sunlight, and spoke softly: "Shirou, it's time to wake up. Coffee is already over, and Yuji-Sensei asked you to get ready."

I turned on my side, half asleep, still not wanting to leave my improvised cocoon. Sakura always seems so gentle when she wakes me up. I thought to myself. She never shook me or rushed me, she always let me wake up slowly, calmly.

"You'll end up getting sick if you keep sleeping in these dirty, dusty places, you know?" - Sakura continued, with an almost maternal tone of voice, although with a touch of humor. - "I think you deserve a better place to sleep... Like in your own bed."

I opened my eyes, blinking slowly as I adjusted my vision to the light of the warehouse, she's right. As I sat up slowly, still wrapped in the blanket. But I always end up coming back here... maybe because here I feel more at peace.

"I'm already awake, Sakura... thank you." - I said, stretching my arms to ward off the sleepiness. I looked at her, who smiled gently at me, and for a brief moment, I felt calm.

"Great." - Sakura replied, standing up. - "I'll wait for you in the kitchen, don't take long." - I was still recovering from the morning laziness.

"Maybe today I'll try to sleep in a more comfortable place... Like my bed." I replied with a slight smile, as I began to get ready for the day.

Sakura looked at me with a smile on her face. - "Breakfast is already ready. Taiga and Choso are waiting for us. I think it would be a good idea for you to get changed."

I noticed that my clothes were all dirty. "If Fuji-nee and Choso-ni saw me like this, I bet they would beat me up."

Sakura just smiled and soon after she left the warehouse and went back home, while I was still inside the warehouse reflecting a little on things.

This warehouse is where I relax and usually tend to not think about anything, it's basically my playground. Ever since I was a child, I would hide here without my father and Yuji-san knowing... And before I knew it, this place had become my hideout.

It's been five years since my father, Emiya Kiritsugu, died. Apparently, he had no living relatives, except for Yuji-san, who seemed to be a long-time friend of my father.

So when he died, all his inheritance went to me, his adopted son. All the complicated things were handed over to the care of old man Fujimura, an acquaintance of my father.

After training for a while, I heard a rather annoying female voice calling me. - "Shirooooou!" - it was Taiga Fujimura. In other words...

"What took so long? Onee-san here was tired of waiting!" - Taiga said as she already had a plate full of rice in her hands.

Chosto looked at Taiga slightly confused. - "But you just ate... Forget about it"

She is another acquaintance of my father. Although she does not live with me, she visits us almost every day and sleeps over sometimes.

Mrs. Fujimura began to curse as she ate. - "Sakura-chan. If you keep spoiling your brother like this, he will start to abuse your good will!"

Sakura added. - "I'm not trying to spoil him, but he just seemed exhausted."

This long-haired man with two pompoms on his head is Choso, and he's one of the people who take care of Sakura and me. I'd say he and Fuji-nee are like my uncles. Since I always see the two of them extremely close together.

Choso-ni lives with us along with Yuji-san. Yuji-san is Sakura's father, and one of my caregivers. Sakura and I aren't blood brothers, but rather brothers by consideration, which wasn't hard to get used to.

But I feel like Choso-ni sees us more as younger brothers than actual nephews, in short, it's not a very conventional family to say the least. But that never bothered me.

"I swore to Kiritsugu-san that I would be like a mother to you, and watch you grow up to be a good man! So it's my responsibility to come here every day and check on you guys!"

Taiga, sitting next to me, took a slice of bread while looking at him with a loving gaze. - "You know, Shirou, I really take this responsibility of taking care of you seriously. That's why I come to visit you almost every day. I think someone needs to make sure you're well fed and sleeping properly!" - she said with a warm smile, which overflowed with a mixture of affection and, in part, a slight concern.

I always appreciated Taiga's attention, I smiled slightly. I knew that, behind her exaggerated behavior, Taiga really cared like an older sister would. Not like a mother... Definitely not.

Before I could answer, Sakura, sitting on the other side of the table, decided to play with the situation. She glanced sideways at Choso, who was focused on his coffee, and launched into a provocation: "Hmm, I think Fujimura-san is here for another reason... maybe someone specific... isn't that right, Fujimura-san?"

The mischievous comment took Taiga by surprise. Her face, which had been relaxed before, began to blush instantly. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words seemed to escape her. - "What? No! I mean... I... I-It's not that! I didn't come because of Choso!" - Taiga began to stutter, visibly embarrassed. Her hands trembled slightly as she tried to deny the suggestion, and her eyes avoided Choso's, who, in turn, remained impassive, although a slight tension could be seen on his face, as if he was deliberately avoiding any reaction.

Sakura laughed lightly. - "But who said I was talking about Choso-Bro, Fujimura-san? Well, if the shoe fits then it's fine."

Chosto just shrugged, getting used to the light and slightly awkward atmosphere that Taiga caused in him.

Sakura just laughed softly, satisfied with the effect of her joke, while I looked between the two of them confused. - "I always thought she was just worried about me." - I thought, not fully understanding the dynamic Sakura was suggesting.

To change the subject and lighten the mood, I spoke while still chewing my last bite of food. - "By the way, the food was really good today, Sakura-chan. You really did a great job."

Sakura, still with a smile on her face, looked at me and replied modestly: "Thank you, Shirou-Bro. But you should thank Choso-Bro too. He helped a lot with the preparation."

Choso, who had been silent, seemed to feel a twinge of pride when he heard the words "Bro". He looked at me and nodded, his expression always reserved. - "I just followed her instructions..." - he said in a calm tone, minimizing his contribution, as he always did.

Taiga, who was starting to calm down due to Sakura's provocation, sat up straight in her chair and looked at the clock on the wall. Her eyes widened in panic when she realized that it was almost time to go to work. - "Oh, no! I'm extremely late!" - she exclaimed, her voice full of desperation. In one swift movement, she got up from the table, knocking over her chair in the process, and began running back and forth across the kitchen, looking for her things.

"Why didn't anyone tell me it was so late?" - she shouted, her voice rising an octave as she searched for her bag and tried to put on her shoes at the same time. It was a chaotic scene, but quite typical of Taiga.

Chost, noticing the chaos that was taking place, maintained his usual calm and stood up to help. He walked over to Taiga and, with one swift movement, grabbed her bag from the couch and handed it to her, who was still trying to balance herself while putting on her other shoe.

"Calm down, Taiga!" - he said in his firm but reassuring voice. - "You still have time if we move quickly." - He took her coat and helped her put it on her shoulders.

Taiga, still a little frantic, looked at Choso with a look of gratitude, but her embarrassment at Sakura's joke was still evident on her rosy cheeks. - "Thank you, Choso... I... I don't know what I would do without you." - Her tone was sincere, although a little embarrassed.

With everything ready, Choso took Taiga's hand and gently pulled her towards the door. - "Come on, I'll take you to school. Don't worry, you won't be late... I'll be right back, kids." - he said to us as he led her out, leaving us alone in the kitchen.

Sakura, watching the scene, laughed lightly to herself. - "They make an interesting pair..." - she commented, looking at Shirou who was still finishing his meal.

Until then, I was completely oblivious to the tension that hung in the air, I just shook my head and commented absently: "Taiga is always so chaotic... But I think Choso can handle it well."

Sakura smiled upon hearing my comment. "He doesn't realize things..." she thought to herself, but kept her tone light. "Yeah, Choso-Bro really does have incredible patience."

After a few moments, while we were washing the dishes, a particular news item was on TV. Something about a gas leak that was affecting the people of the city. Apparently, the cause of this leak was unknown.

At first, I didn't pay much attention to it and we went to school. As we walked, we saw some police cars passing by on the street, some places were closed, with police banners saying: "Do not enter, danger."

"What's going on, Shirou-Bro?" - Sakura said somewhat worried.

"Honestly, I don't know... But don't worry too much about it, Sakura-chan." - I said as I tried to calm her down.

After we arrived at school, we separated and I walked alone through the school hallways, carrying in my hands some tools that I had picked up to help my friend, Issei Ryuudou, with the maintenance of an old device in the student council room.

From an early age, my father and Yuji-san had helped me develop a knack for fixing things, and I knew I could fix the problem quickly, especially with the "Trace-On" up my sleeve.

While Issei was distracted, organizing some papers and worrying about the deadlines for various school activities, I took the opportunity. I approached the damaged device and, in a barely audible whisper, activated his technique: "Trace... On." - My eyes lit up as I saw for a brief moment as I visualized the internal structure of the object and, with precise movements, I quickly restored the problematic part. The device started working again with a slight hum, and I quickly put the tools away before Issei noticed anything.

"Shirou, have you finished checking it? I still think there might be something wrong with the device..." - Issei said, frowning.

"Yes, I have. Everything is fine now. It should work for a while longer, at least..." - I replied with a modest smile.

"Thank you, Shirou! You really have a way with these things!" Issei said gratefully, not suspecting the use of magic.

I said goodbye to Issei and decided to walk around the school a bit before heading home. The hallways were relatively quiet, with few students still walking around. I walked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the silence, when suddenly I bumped into someone as I turned a corner.

The collision was soft, but enough to make him take a step back. I looked up and saw a girl with long, well-groomed black hair, her blue eyes shining brightly for a brief moment as she looked at me with a mix of surprise and disdain. Rin Tohsaka.

Rin was one of the most popular students in the school, known for both her beauty and her academic skills. However, she was also famous for being reserved and somewhat difficult to approach. I had seen her several times in the hallways, but they had never exchanged more than polite words on formal occasions.

"S-sorry!..." - I said politely.

Rin looked at me for a brief moment, her eyes seeming to assess me, but she simply ignored me. Without a word, she continued walking, her expression cold and impassive, as if I were of no importance whatsoever. - "She completely ignored me..." - I thought, feeling a slight frustration mixed with curiosity.

He stood still for a few seconds, watching as she disappeared around the corner, before shrugging and continuing on his way. Rin Tohsaka had always been a mystery to me, but I had other things to worry about. I decided not to pay any more attention to the incident.

At the end of the day, I left school and began my walk back home. The sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky with shades of orange and red, while the streets became quieter. He was enjoying the calm of the walk, but as he approached the most deserted part of the route, something unusual caught his attention.

A figure stood in the distance, a girl with snow-white, almost silver hair, shining in the soft twilight. She stood alone, her body as still as a statue, and she seemed to be staring directly at me. There was something unsettling about her presence, as if she didn't belong here.

I slowed my pace as I approached, my eyes fixed on her. I stopped a few feet away, unsure of what to say or do. The silence between us was palpable, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

"You must summon quickly, or you'll end up dying, little brother..." the white-haired girl said as she walked past me.

"Who... Was that girl?"

Meanwhile...

Elsewhere, atop a building that dominated the cityscape, a solitary figure surveyed the vast landscape before her. The wind blew hard, ruffling her robes as she kept her eyes fixed on the buildings that stood like sentinels of concrete and steel. The night was cold, and the sky was overcast, obscuring the moon, but the figure remained motionless, ignoring her surroundings. Her attention was completely focused on the horizon.

The girl had a somewhat androgynous appearance. She had short, straight, white hair with a few red streaks behind her bangs that covered part of her forehead. Her gaze seemed calm and serene, with slightly drooping eyes. Her attire appeared to be traditional, consisting of a white kimono on top and a black garment over her shoulders, like a cape or cloak. The lower part of the garment was a long purple skirt, and she was wearing traditional Japanese sandals, worn with white socks.

But her face was serene, there was a fury contained in her gaze. In her soul. She was furious, and this anger seemed to burn inside her, growing stronger by the second. The absence of a certain king was something that ate away at her insides like a deep wound that never healed. She couldn't bear the idea that he wasn't there, by her side. For so long, she had been faithful to him, always ready to serve him and follow him, and now, that absence was unbearable. He wasn't with her, and the idea that someone could even try to replace him was simply abominable.

Kenjaku's words echoed in her mind, bringing even more frustration to the surface. He had spoken of a new figure, someone who, according to him, seemed to be replacing him. As if anyone could dare to take the place of the one who was incomparable. The mere suggestion of that possibility made her sick.

"Replace him?" - She murmured to herself, her words filled with contempt. - "No one can replace him."

The anger that pulsed in her chest seemed to radiate out into the surroundings, as if even the air around her was becoming heavier, more tense. Her fists clenched tightly, and she gritted her teeth. There was no forgiveness for anyone who dared to even attempt to take the king's place. No matter who they were or what they had done, they would pay dearly for this affront.

She looked back at the buildings in front of her, her expression growing even darker. "Where is he?" The thought that the king was out of her reach, that he might be somewhere, far away, without her by his side, was almost unbearable. He had been her everything, the master to whom she had devoted her existence.

Kenjaku's words, however, also contained another promise. A promise that this new figure, this person who dared to imitate him, would not be out of her reach for long. She promised herself that she would find him. And when she did, she would show him how insignificant he was in the face of the king's true power. She would hunt him down, and nothing would stop her from doing so.

"I will hunt him down..." She whispered, her voice low but filled with dark determination. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity as she stared into the distance, as if already plotting her next move.

The figure, still standing atop the building, raised his head to the overcast sky. A single promise echoed in her mind as the wind blew around her: she would find him, and he would pay dearly for attempting to usurp the king's place.

"No... I will kill him. I will kill you, Yuji Itadori!"

End of Prologue