by Blue Gunner » October 15th, 2007, 3:04 am
Wow, no update for a month >.< Sorry about that. Here's the rest of Heavens Feel Backnight I.
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"-- Why, something like this"
There are five corpses in the living room. I was able to tell because of five things that looked like freshly severed heads, sliced from the nose upwards.
... I can't tell by any other method, not in this ghastly trail of massacre.
"Sorry about that. I finished 'em off before you could get here."
said the Servant, while standing in the middle of a pool of fresh blood.
"-----"
(changes to a picture of a talon-like sword)
...grasped in the Servant's hand is a warped dagger.
It has the form of a mixture between an animal's claw and a fang. Is it supposed to be gripped point-down? I've never seen a weapon that looks so hard to use.
So that's his weapon - his symbol as a Heroic Spirit.
(goes black)
"Master, I hate it when you stare at me like that.
How about it, should I explain the situation?"
"There is no need. Your weapon and wounds are sufficient."
(a white shadow appears)
Probably hey, the figure laughs.
I won't make a detailed investigation of it.
I can already see that the cause of this atrocity is that Servant.
"I have on question. Why did you kill them?"
"Why? This was for your sake as well. I was only searching for one of the targets. Looking at people one by one, killing them one by one, there isn't any difference.
The important thing is we don't create witnesses, right? If that's right, if we just smash people like this we'll run into a Master sometime."
"----You-"
This thing, hasn't listened to a single thing I said.
I steeled myself for some sacrifices to continue the war.
I am a magus, that is nothing different to being a murderer.
But, even so - I never wished for this, 'sacrifice' leaving behind no results.
"You, do you enjoy killing people?"
"Huh? Don't be an idiot, it's not as if I like it. From what I gathered, I only did the best I could.
But hey, don't misunderstand me just because I'm in human form. When you think about it, aren't Servants just tools for this anyway?"
(shadow disappears)
"You haven't answered my question.
I asked you, do you enjoy killing people?"
I stare at the Servant.
(shadow appears on the left)
The figure that held the demented sword,
"Not particularly. First, If I kill them I can't enjoy doing various things, can I."
Hehe, he laughed.
As if wanting me to partake in his enjoyment, he directed a disgusting laugh at me.
(blood spreads over the black)
"---You bastard. And you're a 'Heroic Spirit'."
I can't suppress my emotions.
... It's odd. Even though until now I've faced numerous opponents like this, without any reason I remember hatred towards this man's way of existance.
I feel as if, just this man, cannot be forgiven.
"Hey you. If you can't face killing then you shouldn't have become a Master. It's a big wet blanket, actually.
-- You're so boring, you just had to spoil the show I went to such lengths for. And I was expecting you to be so pleased."
"Is that so... I'm sorry, but I don't live up to those expectations. You just convinced me. We do not get along. You are the sort I hate the most."
I direct my hostility at my Servant.
I'm forcing hatred similar to annoyance at the partner whose trust I should be trying my utmost to win.
...This situation is weird.
I should have long ago cast off the immaturities of hating and showing my emotions.
(goes black)
"... Heh. Listen, basically, I don't like anything.
I'd hate it if you carelessly forgave me, so this is just right. Hehe, you could say this is getting along together."
The Servant doesn't seem like he cares.
I hate him, and he doesn't think especially of me.
Neither of us have any intention of becoming intimate, so I guess there'll be no friction even if we hate each other.
"But hey, you're the type I like."
---and.
In spite of all that, he said something odd.
"...Why is that? I thought you didn't care for anything at all.
As a Master, I can comprehend what kind of Servant you are. Your way of thinking is not one that likes humans."
"For the moment, shall we say it's because you're a good woman? I don't like you but you have my approval." (/I think of you favourably)
"---You're saying the reason is because I'm a woman?"
"Not a woman but a good woman. You're something big, and you excite me, you know.
I like you're body too, but the honour student and the protecter of society parts to you are a turn off, I can't even bear to look at them.
Got it? I want you so much that I'm getting to the point that I look for reasons to kill you, not to do a job where I just display my independance and skills." (gee, that sounds awkward...)
(shadow appears)
The figure laughs.
(screen is covered in the word "Die" in red)
Directives almost taking form stream through the connected pass between us.
---This Servant isn't lying.
He, hates everything.
Naturally, without objective or reward, everything he sees is something he looks to kill.
...if it that isn't the reason, it's impossible.
Hatred that takes form just by simply existing, without being set in motion by magic.
(screen goes black)
...only, that gives rise to doubts.
That man carrying so much murderous intent, that time, why didn't he think to kill me?
"...It's about before.
You said you would kill me and there you restrained yourself.
How did you suppress your desire for me, without me using a command spell, you who lusts after me so much?"
"Hm? Ah, that would be because you're a Master. Just then I made a rule that you aren't a human.
Well, in short, I mean that you're the only living thing in this world I don't have the wish to kill.
Looking at you you're a woman, but inside you're no human, so I just categorised you outside of the range of things that I capture."
Well then.
It seems that he replied with the intent of depressing me.
"...You're saying, I'm not going to be treated, as a human...?"
I'm used to being assessed as uninteresting or not cute, but this has to be the first time I've been told I'm not going to be treated as a woman.
Nah, what he said was, he wouldn't think of me as a human, but that's how I heard him.
(shadow appears)
"What's this, you can't trust me? This is the highest concession you know, the first and last exception, realise that?
...shit, don't give me that face. And I'm serious too.
Ok Ok, is that how it is, you cannot see things without form? No matter, if it's like this can you trust me?"
Did he take my silence as suspicion?
Taking a memo pad from the bloodstained desk, the Servant is writing something on it.
"Right, this is yours. Make sure not to give it to anyone."
Written on the pad in excellent Japanese, is "Certificate of exemption from murder. Valid until the end of the Holy Grail War".
"---What, is this?"
"What do you mean, it's proof you aren't human.
With this, if anyone sees you they should understand that you're off limits."
Saying "Great", he gave me the scrap of paper.
(shadow disappears)
...Just as I thought, my previous belief was confirmed.
This Servant and I, are doomed to never get along.
(scene returns to the sky)
We couldn't stay at the murder scene forever.
We immediately put the residence behind us.
I had complaints about the Servant's independant actions, but things that are completed cannot be undone. Continuing to argue would only arouse feelings of suspicion.
...However, I feel that just one thing was strange.
I cannot trust this Servant.
Masters and Servants are connected. Due to that, I can feel that he is the type who agrees with murder, and if there is an enemy he cannot overlook them, killing them completely not matter who or what his opponent is.
He is my complete opposite.
In pursuit of duty I do not get caught up in my feelings and pursue my objective.
But this Servant, he completes his duty with only his feelings.
He moves with only the feeling of "I want to kill humans".
Yet ---
"What, don't you want to go somewhere else, Master?
Or could it be that you want to plug the fool Master who hears something strange here?"
"No, there are no magi who would fall for such a transparent trap, and battle is the second stage.
I told you that we would be starting by investigating."
"Nah, there's bound to be a rookie Master like that.
I guess, one who would patrol at night and conveniently drop dead!
The type thats in such bad condition they wouldn't understand they'd be eaten by other parties. Ah, an incurably good natured person."
"....."
I ignored the Servant's joke and started walking.
---However.
Even with all these detracting factors, I don't feel that this Servant is a bad person.
He is the sort of human that I despise the most. I cannot tolerate any part of him.
...yet, why is it? I cannot completely hate him.
(screen flashes over a hill with a house)
I close my eyes and become aware of the bond between us.
... in exchange for the mana flowing to him, there is sometimes something that is very refreshing.
Nostalgia rubs against my breast, a prayer that is like longing.
...how empty.
That hollowness said to me.
I dont understand the clear reason, but this Servant will never, ever betray me.
In order to grant my wish, the Grail, he will lend me that chaotic will ---
(the sky disappears, goes back to nighttime Shinto)
We resumed our patrol.
We decided thoroughly investigate Shinto tonight.
(background shifts to different scenes in Shinto, ending at the harbour)
We finished our investigation of Shinto in about two hours.
We could find no trace of magi.
In addition, the Servant's words about "a group of strange things" began to take on the cast of truth.
I'm still dubious, but the city of Fuyuki is definately changeing.
I feel odd signs at various places.
It's as if we're being watched at every step.
---all over the town, there are delicate tears.
Even though there are lingering scents of this mana, there are no traces of magic at all.
...it doesn't seem that the gathering of mana is due to the Masters.
I can only think that there is something that is preying on the humans of the town with no relation to the War.
There are no Masters that would benefit from something such as this.
This is because, on the contrary, such a thing would cause the Holy Grail War to be stopped.
"Maybe that's it. If it's an outside magi that heard about the Holy Grail War ---"
It could be a magi who wanted the Grail while he wasn't chosen as a Master.
Is he, with his twisted, vengeful heart attempting to block the ritual? Or --- did he come on the request of another organisation to disrupt the Holy Grail War?
In any case, it's almost certain that there is an eighth magus in the city of Fuyuki.
(changes to the sky)
"An eighth? You're saying there's another hindrance?"
"...I cannot be positive, but the possibility is high.
I'm certain that a magus unknown to me is meaning to interfere in the Fifth Holy Grail War.
I do not understand that magus' objective, but ---"
That magus has started by breaking the rules of the Grail War.
I should think of him as not only mine, but the enemy of all the Masters.
"Heh. What sort of guy is he?"
"He has no confidence in direct combat, but is specialised in creating large scale fields. He is probably of the defensive rather than offensive type.
He hasn't learned the correct paths of sorcery, has he... a mix of black magic and druidic ideology."
"Nah, that's not what I meant. Tell me if he's strong or weak."
"As a magus, his skill is rudimentary. However ---"
The remaining mana were traces of enormous density.
The thing called mana is not above a fuel to activate magic, as a simple substance it has cannot bring forth and results.
However, in special cases, if that particular mana has characteristics close to magic, it can remain and take form.
For example - I hear the Einzberns gave the Holy Grail a personality.
If that personality has mana, then when 'that' is born, it has the magical characteristic of "Wish Granting".
If it's vital activities and it's function as the Grail are connected, then it can probably give the miracle known as "magic" form simply by releasing mana.
The Holy Church's "Incarnated Demons" also fall under this example.
Those created as "demons" rather than living things can use magic of a higher degree than humans.
The magic circuits of we magi are nothing more than fake nerves. An ability that was added after, created around our nervous system.
But --- "demons" do not have fake nerves.
Because to them, all the abilities of their body are for the function of calling magic.
I believe the Church calls these "Natural Demons".
Different from the imposters who take on the concept of humanity to achieve individualism, "Demons" who the Lord manipulated before humans had named them.
"...In any case, it seems he is a troublesome intervener.
We need not heed him if he is a mage with little skill, but we cannot look down on him if he's a freelance hired by the Church.
...saying that,
the one who remained and won the last Holy Grail War was, if I remember correctly"
A freelance magus hired by the Einzberns.
His name was Emiya Kiritsugu.
A weapons magus retired from the front by the time I was assigned to sealing duties, looked after by the Einzberns.
The jobs of the person called Emiya Kiritsugu and mine are at opposites. Had he still been in action, we would likely have crossed swords many times.
(changes to the backstreets)
Even though the situation is beginning to get out of control, I cannot change my tactics because my enemies have increased by one.
I will conduct research so as not to harm the townsfolk, and control all the Masters.
The problem is after that.
That my Servant's abilities are low ranking is obvious.
In a straight out battle where it's a match of powers, he will be defeated.
I have to come up with an order of who to fight, but I already clearly know who I should fight at the end.
The line of Holy Grails, Einzbern.
This time, they say that they've prepared the strongest Master.
In the past, I've fought with a homunculus the Einzberns created.
...as a failure destined to be disposed of, it ran away from the Einzbern territory and managed to survive slurping mud in a city of man.
I was responsible for sorting it out, but the results were bitter.
Even considering I was inexperienced at the time, the Einzbern made homunculus was more powerful than a hundred magi.
The Master trumped by the Einzberns as "the Strongest" will be participating in this battle.
Honestly, I don't see any chance of winning at this stage.
Until I know what tricks the enemies are hiding, to fight the Einzberns is a suicidal action.
(the scren blacks out)
In the forest outside the city lies the ancient castle controlled by the Einzberns.
... the time that I assault that castle will likely be at the end of my Holy Grail War.
(the church appears)
Lastly, I came to the foreigner graveyard at the top of a hill.
It was because the shadow of the Einzberns was in my heart.
Suddenly I started to lose conciousness, and felt weak.
... I don't, really want to come near here.
"What's wrong, Master? Thinking about something?"
My face must have been worried.
Unexpectedly, the Servant honestly worries about my body.
That sudden thoughtfulness confused me,
(changes to the moon)
"...Let me ask you a boring question.
Do you think that I can win...?"
I put into words that weak doubt that I had not had in consciousness.
(changes back to the street)
"-----"
The Servant changed his expression.
With sarcasm playing on his lips, he turned his back to me.
"It's still too early for that worry.
Rather than winning or losing, you have to decide who you're going to defeat first ---"
A tense voice.
Poised bent forward like a beast before it's prey.
"---Damn.
Looks like we don't have time to be worrying right now."
He flashed his teeth.
What was in front of his eyes, was the figures of a Master and Servant.
(changes to church)
"ts...!"
I sense strong mana.
The Command Mantra glowed on my left hand.
She's probably still young, but it seems her genius exceeds my ability by far.
"How do you do, magus of the rural wilderness?
I wonder if there's a need for us to introduce ourselves."
(shows Rin?)
Probably from a high-born house, the eyes that looked down on me were full of derision.
(changes to Sakura?)
To the side of the girl was the shape of another person.
I cannot distinguish which class, but that a Master brought it means that it must be a Servant.
(shows Rin? and Sakura? together)
"-----"
(changes back to the church)
I take out a pair of leather gloves inscribed with runes of protection from my breast pocket.
Something... hard came out as well.
(shows an earring)
Why do I have something like this earring, why did I put it away so safely?
Doubts were rising, but now isn't the time.
I put the gloves on both my fists.
Politely, the girl is waiting for me to move first.
...I regret not bringing the rack. If there is a next time, let's outfit ourselves even if it's for investigation.
It isn't like I'll use my trump too early, but having it rather than not increases the range of my strategies.
(the shadow moves in from the left)
"---I will check the enemy's ability. You will face that Servant."
"Gotcha."
Without any consideration for the situation, he ran to the girl's Servant.
(turns red, then shows the bent sword)
The two shadows clash.
I ran down the side and rushed towards the defenseless enemy Master.
(shows Rin? covered in fire)
"Hah - you really are a peasant not worthy of giving their name! Very well, have the honour of dying at the hands of Edelfelt!"
(shows a spray of Gandr)
She shot a spray of Gandr like a shotgun.
A one-shot spell that disallows approach.
That wasn't a metapor, the girl's magic is exactly like a shotgun blast.
---Edelfelt.
A highborn lineage of Finland, Country of Lakes. The Ore Scales, the Edelfelt that produces many masters of Gandr...!
The current master clearly has the pride of the family, and they've got good reason, with these skills...!
(shows Bazett, then a blast of blue light)
I don't guard against the Gandr spell aimed at both my thighs.
Without stopping my legs, I parry the Gandr aimed at the top half of my body with my left glove.
"---s, you blocked my Gandr with your bare hands ---!?"
I dashed forwards.
My right fist, which had been lowered to the base of my chest, struck out at her right side where her liver is.
(shows some attacks, then returns to the church. a light is in a window)
"gu....!?"
I was blown away.
Something from behind her protected her from the body blow and I was repelled backwards.
(Saber? appears)
"-----"
The figure of a swordsman blocking me.
(zooms in on Saber?)
----- A Servant.
There's no mistaking it, that is a Servant.
"That, then that other girl is---"
(screen goes black)
When I shifted my eyes to see who she was, the outcome was decided.
(a spray of blood)
"Saber, help me...!"
The other girl screamed.
(Dark Saber? appears)
Just as the girl ordered her to, the Servant Saber defeated my Servant.
...what appaling weakness.
Not being able to flash his sword to meet hers even once, she pierced his head and he disappeared.
(returns to Rin? and Sakura?, then to Saber?)
"Well, this is nothing to tell anyone about. I've lost interest.
Saber, clean it up quickly. Then we'll go home and enjoy some hot coffee."
The Saber Servant nods silently.
(shows some strikes, then ends with the image of Saber standing over Bazett, the same one as when she was over Rin in Fate)
"-----"
I was defeated without being able to fully utilize my weapons.
...This is the Servant Saber.
But what on earth is this?
The two girls are using their own, different "Saber".
"It seems your preparation wasn't enough, was it.
I wonder if you've never heard that the Master of Edelfelt is always two sisters?"
(changes to Dark Saber?)
Sisters --- so that is the magical characteristic of their bloodline.
So the normally abhorred "two successors" concept is the origin of their name of the Scales.
That means... that the girls are as one Master, commanding different sides of the same heroic spirit...!
(returns to the girls)
"That's the first one. Bear the honour of being one dispatched by our hands, and the shame of being the first to be defeated.
This means that there are five Masters remaining."
The girl's voice sounds to the moon.
(changes to Saber?)
Silently, and without considering my emotions, the Servant Saber,
(blood spray)
thrusts that sword into this breast.
(screen turns red, then fades to static over the moon)
---my consciousness breaks down.
The moon revolves like a white skull.
My Holy Grail War, is like this, this time as well. (the last in red)
Losing sight of the conclusion, without an end,
those curtains fell ---
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Thus ends the first chapter of Hollow Ataraxia.
0% complete.
