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

We were walking in silence through the backyard. The night prevailed, but the battlefield was illuminated by the deadly glow of the man in blue's spear and the crimson glow of the blood he manipulated in his hands.

Wasting no time, I began to attack first, moving my hands nimbly as I manipulated the blood, transforming it into sharp projectiles. - "Why are you attacking my brother?" - I demanded firmly even in the middle of the confrontation. - "He has nothing to do with you!"

The man twirled his spear, deflecting the projectiles with irritating ease, without even losing his balance. He smiled, but it was a cold and humorless smile. - "Unfortunately, that is none of your business." - He advanced with impressive speed, attacking me with a direct blow.

I blocked the attack, crossing my arms as the blood around my body solidified to cushion the impact. However, the spearman's strength was undeniable. The blow pushed me back, making me slide across the floor.

"You talk like you have a choice..." - I growled, stepping back and reformulating my strategy. I raised my hand and the blood around his feet expanded into blades, ready to retaliate. - "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"

Lancer jumped into the air, dodging the blood attacks and attacking from above with impeccable precision. His every move was quick and calculated, as if he was enjoying the fight, but without revealing his true intentions.

"The only thing you need to know..." - The man said, his voice impassive. - "is that my job is to eliminate the boy. He shouldn't be involved in this." - The cold smile returned to his face as he prepared the next attack.

I narrowed my eyes, still trying to understand why the man with the spear had targeted Shirou. - "So you're just following orders? Who sent you after him? Answer me!"

The lancer dodged a new blood attack with elegance, his spear glinting in the air as he prepared for a counterattack. - "Order or not, I do my duty. What I was ordered to do is not for you to question."

The silence between us was interrupted by the metallic and bloodthirsty sounds of our weapons clashing. I intensified my skills, increasing my blood pressure, using my own injuries to shape more devastating attacks. I launched a barrage of blood blades towards the lancer who, instead of dodging, decided to face the attack head on.

With an agile movement he dodged at the last second, spinning his spear with lethal precision, cutting through the air and attacking me directly in the flank. The impact was brutal, forcing me to retreat once more, with blood dripping from a new cut on my body.

I looked at my opponent, feeling the pain, but maintaining my focus. I knew I was dealing with someone who wouldn't reveal his motives easily, but I still needed to buy time. Shirou and the others needed more time.

"You won't make it!" - Said breathlessly but determinedly. - "I will protect the boy, no matter who you are or who sent you."

The lancer laughed sarcastically, brushing the dust off his clothes and spinning his spear nonchalantly. "Very noble of you, but useless. Anyone who gets involved in the Holy Grail War must be prepared to die. That includes you."

Finally, after a series of exchanged blows, the lancer stopped for a brief moment, his expression changing to something more serious. The sneer gave way to a cold, deadly look. He steadied his stance and raised his spear, holding it with both hands.

"Enough games…" - The man declared, his voice firm and full of power. - "You were a decent opponent, but now I will end this."

I narrowed my eyes, realizing that something was about to happen. The aura around the spearman changed, becoming heavier, more oppressive. The atmosphere around me seemed to thicken, and I knew instinctively that a devastating attack was coming.

The spearman raised his red spear, pointing it straight at me... Straight at my heart. "This is the end. Your fate has already been sealed."

This spear was capable of piercing its target's heart with absolute certainty, it was a terrifying weapon. I felt the danger immediately, the cursed power that enveloped the spear seemed to make time slow down, as if death itself was about to fall upon me.

I braced myself, trying to gather the remaining energy to block or dodge the attack, but deep down I knew that it would be nearly impossible to escape such a precise attack that was about to hit me. The blow was already destined to hit me.

The spearman smiled as he threw the spear, the air around us distorting with the force of the attack. "Gae Bolg!"

The spear shot out with supernatural speed, flying straight towards my heart. The blood I controlled seemed insufficient to block such power, and the impact would be inevitable.

But just as the spear was about to strike me, a solid barrier appeared in front of it. A giant, shining shield materialized in midair, blocking the blue-robed man's attack with a deafening sound of metal clashing against metal.

"Impossible!" - Lancer exclaimed, surprised to see his spear blocked. His gaze, full of disbelief, turned to the figure that now stood between me and him.

The girl wearing black armor with slight red tones, was there, holding the shield with a firm posture. She was imposing, her black hair fluttering in the wind, and her red eyes shone in the darkness. The shield she held seemed too large for an ordinary person, but to her, it was a natural extension of her body.

"You will not hurt a friend of my master!" - She declared with a firm and controlled voice. Her presence radiated strength and protection, as if she had been made for this sole purpose: to defend.

Lancer took a few steps back, still in disbelief. He knew the power of his spear, and the fact that someone had managed to block his deadly blow was something rare. - "Who are you?" - he asked, his voice full of distrust.

The girl lowered her shield for a moment, without taking her eyes off Lancer. - "I am Shielder, and I will protect my master Shirou at any cost."

Still catching my breath, I looked at the girl named Tachie with gratitude. I didn't fully understand the situation, but I was relieved to have such a powerful ally by my side. I knew that alone I would have difficulty facing this man for much longer, and Tachie's arrival could be the turning point I needed.

Lancer, on the other hand, looked irritated. The arrogant smile had disappeared from his face, and he now saw Tachie as a real threat. He raised his spear again, preparing for another attack, but this time he knew it wouldn't be so easy.

"You may have blocked it once..." - said the man, his voice full of restrained anger. - "But let's see how long you can hold out."

Tachie readied her shield again, her stance unwavering. - "You can try!" - she replied calmly. - "But you won't get past me."

Lancer narrowed his eyes as he watched Tachie with a confused but calculating expression. - "So you're the boy's Servant..." - He muttered, his suspicions confirmed. Shirou had summoned his own Servant? That meant the fifth Holy Grail War had begun.

Tachie, with her enormous shield still in hand, didn't respond immediately. Instead, she adjusted her stance, preparing for the next attack. The shield, which had previously seemed purely defensive, now glowed with intense energy, ready to be used as a weapon.

"If you think you're going to get out of here unscathed, you're sorely mistaken!" - Tachie declared, her firm voice echoing through the dark courtyard. In one swift movement, she advanced towards Lancer, using the shield as an immense mass. The impact of the blow was violent, creating a shock of energy as the metal of the shield collided with Lancer's spear.

Lancer, caught off guard by Tachie's attack, barely had time to defend himself. He swung his spear to block the attack, but the force of the impact made him retreat a few steps. - "Tsk... using a shield as a weapon? It's not something common for a Servant..." - Lancer grumbled, clearly irritated.

While Tachie pressed Lancer with powerful blows, I, who was beside her, wasted no time. Taking advantage of the lancer's distraction, I began to manipulate the blood with more precision, shaping it into sharp, piercing spirals. - "Piercing Blood!" - I shouted, launching a barrage of blood projectiles directly towards the lancer.

Lancer, although skilled, found himself pressured from two sides. On one side, Tachie attacked him with shield blows that could easily break his defenses. On the other, I bombarded him with piercing blood projectiles, forcing him to move quickly to avoid the attacks. Lancer's spear spun in the air, trying to contain both opponents, but even he knew he was starting to get overwhelmed.

Tachie, realizing that I was coordinating her attacks, synchronized her movement with me. She used her shield to deliver quick blows, pushing Lancer back, while I controlled the pace of the fight with my long-range attacks. The combination was formidable, a mix of brute force and precision.

Lancer, realizing the disadvantage, gritted his teeth. - "You two are annoying..." - He stepped back to gain space, but Tachie was relentless, advancing again with her shield.

Each blow from her made the air around us vibrate with the force of the impact. The courtyard of the house, which had previously been silent and empty, was now filled with the sound of clashing metal and battle cries.

"I've seen enough!" - Lancer finally muttered, his eyes growing colder. - "I won't underestimate them anymore."

However, before he could make his next move, one of my blood piercing attacks finally struck, plunging into his side. Lancer let out a grunt of pain, though the wound was not fatal. He looked at the blood dripping from his side and gritted his teeth, now more focused than ever.

But Tachie, seeing the opening, seized the moment. With a war cry, she raised her shield once more and delivered a massive blow, aiming for Lancer's chest. The impact was tremendous, knocking Lancer back, his spear flying from his hand for a brief moment.

Wasting no time, I used the momentum of the situation to launch another series of blood attacks, directing them directly at the now more vulnerable Lancer.

Lancer was clearly at a disadvantage. With two enemies coordinated, the battle he had previously considered simple had become a nightmare. Even so, he remained focused, quickly standing up, but with a visibly more cautious expression.

Tachie and I glanced at each other briefly. We knew that we couldn't let Lancer retreat or buy any more time. The battle was tilting in our favor, but an opponent like Lancer wouldn't go down easily.

"Let's end this!" - Tachie said, raising her shield once more.

Lancer, even with his confidence shaken by Tachie's strength and the precision of my attacks, still had a sharp and calculating look. He was observing Tachie's movements more carefully now, trying to discern her weaknesses. - "You're nothing more than someone who uses the shield as a weapon!" he thought, until the moment when everything changed.

Tachie, who had been attacking with the shield relentlessly, suddenly made an unexpected move. Quickly turning on her heel, she pulled out a weapon that Lancer hadn't noticed before. It was a curved, scarlet-red scythe that gleamed in the dim light of the night. The metal seemed to pulse with a sinister energy, as if it were thirsting for blood.

The sudden change in Tachie's fighting style caught Lancer completely off guard. Instead of continuing to pressure him with heavy shield strikes, she now wielded a nimble and deadly weapon. - "A-A scythe...?" - Lancer barely had time to react before she charged toward him, her red blade glowing.

Tachie moved with a speed and grace he hadn't expected. The swing of her scythe cut through the air with an eerie whistle, as if she were ripping through the wind itself. She delivered a powerful blow, aiming precisely at Lancer's torso. Lancer, driven by pure instinct, twisted his body at the last second, dodging the sharp blade that passed inches from his skin.

Lancer's eyes widened for a brief moment. - "She's not just a defensive fighter... This girl has a lot more tricks than I thought." - he thought, quickly retreating. Tachie's scythe was no ordinary weapon. Every strike she made seemed to have deadly intent, as if the blade was imbued with an ancient malice.

Noticing the change in the pace of the battle, I wasted no time. - "Now!" - I shouted, launching more of her blood projectiles while Tachie kept Lancer busy. The bursts of piercing blood advanced at high speed, forcing Lancer to keep moving to avoid being hit by both sides.

Lancer, feeling pressured, tried a quick offensive, spinning his spear to block Tachie's attack and, at the same time, avoid my projectiles. He was incredibly agile, but the combination of the two of us kept him at a disadvantage. - "If it keeps up like this, I'll end up defeated!..." - he admitted to himself, irritated.

But before he could think of a strategy to fight back, Tachie lashed out again with her scythe. This time, the blade swung downwards, slashing toward Lancer's head. He instinctively raised his spear, blocking the blow at the last second. However, the impact of the force behind the scythe pushed Lancer backwards, forcing him to slide across the ground.

"She… is dangerous..." - Lancer admitted through gritted teeth. He had underestimated this servant, and now he was paying the price. Tachie was not just a shieldmaiden; she was a complete warrior, capable of fighting on both the defensive and offensive fronts. The red scythe in her hands glowed with an aura of danger, and Lancer knew he couldn't keep up this pace for much longer.

However, Tachie and I wouldn't give them a break. Tachie swung her scythe again, swinging the hilt of the weapon swiftly and precisely, while I continued to press in with blood-curdling attacks. Lancer was surrounded, and exhaustion was beginning to set in. Every movement was now slower, every block heavier.

Lancer, realizing his growing disadvantage, made a quick decision. "There's no honor in dying here, and this fight isn't worth it…" he thought. It was rare for someone like him to back down, but he knew that staying in this battle was a death sentence.

With a quick leap backward, Lancer pulled away from Tachie, putting a good distance between them. "That was interesting, Shield girl, and… Blood man..." - he said, a bitter smile on his face. - "But I can't waste my time with you two anymore."

Tachie watched him warily, keeping her scythe ready, but Lancer seemed to be making a different decision now. He swung his spear one last time, blocking yet another blood projectile, before turning on his heel.

"Giving up so soon?" - Tachie teased, her voice firm, but she knew Lancer was simply calculating the value of the battle.

Lancer, now a good distance away, looked back one last time. - "Consider this a gift... next time, I won't be so generous." - He then disappeared into the darkness of the night, moving with supernatural speed.

Tachie maintained her posture for a moment, observing the horizon, I lowered my hands, sighing. - "He... escaped... at least Shirou is safe for now."

Meanwhile...

"Ar... Turia?..."

I was paralyzed when I saw Arturia there, right in front of me, as if time had stopped. I simply couldn't believe what I was seeing. Saber, the same noble warrior I fought alongside in the Fourth Holy Grail War, was there, summoned as my servant this time. The golden shine of her armor, her imposing presence, and her firm posture... all of this transported me back to the past. But there was something different, something I felt immediately: she didn't seem to recognize me. Her gaze was devoid of any familiarity with me.

I tried to say something, but the words simply wouldn't come out. The confusion and whirlwind of emotions kept me trapped. Arturia, on the other hand, stood firm, her piercing blue eyes focused on the battle. It was as if she was always ready for any command, without hesitation, but completely oblivious to what she felt at that moment.

"She… she doesn't remember me?" - I thought, shock overwhelming me. The idea that her memories had been erased or sealed was too painful to process. Why would she, of all people, not remember me? We had fought side by side, shared so many battles, so many deep conversations... But now, none of that seemed to have stayed with her.

Before I could express any confusion, a wave of energy ran through the battlefield. Uraume was still there, watching, his anger growing as he saw me, completely distracted by Saber's presence. - "So you've already summoned your servant..." - she growled, her voice full of disdain.

She charged forward, her hands charged with cursed energy, ready to strike Itadori from behind. Saber, true to her duty as a servant, immediately sensed the danger. Without a single word or hesitation, she placed herself between me and Uraume. Her sacred sword, Excalibur, still invisible, was wielded with precision.

The metallic sound of Excalibur cutting through the air echoed, and Uraume barely had time to react before she was forced to dodge the deadly blow. Saber's attack was so fast and precise that Uraume immediately retreated, surprised by the servant's speed and skill. - "This warrior... she's dangerous!" - Uraume muttered, feeling the power emanating from Saber's sword.

I watched all this still in shock. - "Arturia..." - I muttered but my voice was lost in the battle. Saber was focused, determined to protect her master. Even without remembering me, her loyalty to the one who summoned her remained intact.

Uraume, however, was not willing to back down. - "Such insolence! Do you think you can defeat me just because you summoned a servant?" - Uraume snapped, her fury rising. She summoned a massive amount of cursed energy, causing the ground around her to crack with the pressure of her aura.

I finally regained control of myself, and shouted. - "Watch out, Saber!" - I knew how dangerous Uraume could be. Uraume was no ordinary opponent. She was loyal to Sukuna, and that meant her abilities were beyond the comprehension of many sorcerers.

Saber charged forward with speed, her sword flashing in a perfect arc, delivering quick, lethal blows against Uraume. However, Uraume was not so easily defeated. Using her agility and precise control of her cursed energy, she dodged Saber's attacks with fluid movements, countering with blasts of ice that forced Saber to keep moving.

Uraume, noticing my emotional distraction, took advantage of the moment to concentrate a powerful blast of cursed energy. She launched the blast of ice directly at me, determined to eliminate me while I was still vulnerable.

Saber reacted in an instant. She launched herself in front of me, raising Excalibur high, channeling her own divine energy. The collision between the two energies created a shockwave so intense that it shook the ground. The force of the explosion pushed Uraume back, his frustration growing as he saw his attacks constantly being blocked.

Still stunned, I felt a mixture of gratitude and sadness at seeing Saber sacrifice herself for me, even though she didn't know who I really was. - "Thank you..." - I muttered softly, my emotions finally starting to align with the battlefield. I knew that now was not the time to regret the past.

Saber glanced at me briefly, her expression determined. - "Master, I will protect you at any cost!" - she said firmly.

I took a deep breath, pushing away my conflicting feelings. - "Okay..." - I replied, my voice firmer now. I knew I needed to focus on fighting alongside Saber, just like in the past, even if the circumstances were different now.

"Uraume!" - I finally got her attention, bringing with me the determination I always had in battle. - "I don't know what you're trying to do, but this ends here."

Uraume attacked ferociously, raising walls of ice that extended into sharp spikes, trying to trap and injure Saber in an icy storm. But Saber was not intimidated. With her sharp reflexes, she dodged the ice attacks, dodging with grace and strength. Her sword cut through the spikes that came from all directions, shattering the ice with ease. In a quick counterattack, Saber advanced, striking directly at Uraume's weak point, who barely had time to raise a barrier of ice to protect herself.

Uraume jumped back, raising a hand, and huge pillars of ice erupted from the ground, surrounding Saber and attempting to trap her in a frozen prison. The sound of the ice expanding echoed through the area, like the ominous crackling of an approaching storm. However, Saber, with her invisible sword, struck quickly and accurately. The impact of her blade pierced the ice pillars with inhuman force, shattering them in a burst of sparkling shards that scattered across the battlefield.

Uraume's eyes flashed with frustration. She clenched her fists and, in a sudden movement, summoned a gust of cold wind that covered the field in a blinding blizzard. Snowflakes danced violently around Saber, obscuring her vision and hindering her movement. Ice quickly accumulated around her boots, trying to pin her in place.

At this moment, I, who had been watching the fight closely, finally decided to act. I knew I couldn't stand still, letting Saber fight alone. Taking a deep breath, I ran towards the battlefield, my own cursed energy beginning to vibrate in the air around my body. I couldn't hesitate any longer.

"Saber!" - I shouted in a firm voice as I approached her. - "I'm here! Let's end this here!"

Hearing my voice, Saber gave a slight nod. Her willingness to fight alongside me had awakened in her a sense of unwavering loyalty. She redoubled her efforts, her sword cutting through the blizzard with flawless precision, dispersing the surrounding cold with each strike.

Uraume growled, her narrowed eyes fixed on me now. - "Do you really think you can face me with that pathetic servant? You're nothing!" - she spat with contempt. - "I'll crush you and bring Sukuna back, whether you want me to or not."

I clenched my fists, feeling anger bubbling up inside me. - "Uraume, I'll show you what I'm capable of!"

With a cry of determination, I launched an attack. I combined my cursed energy skill with Saber's precise strikes. Timing the attacks flawlessly. I used my brute strength and ability to control cursed energy to break through Uraume's ice barriers, while Saber focused on direct strikes, advancing further and further to pressure Uraume.

Uraume, now surrounded by the relentless attacks of both of us, was beginning to feel the pressure. She erected more ice barriers, but I broke them with powerful punches, and Saber struck accurately, forcing Uraume to retreat. The battlefield was becoming a landscape of shattered ice and smoke from cursed energy.

"You're going to lose, Uraume!" - I shouted, bracing myself for the final blow. I channeled the cursed energy into a powerful punch, aiming directly at Uraume's ice defense. Saber saw the opening and, with supernatural speed, advanced with Excalibur shining in an arc of light. The invisible blade pierced the last barriers of ice with ease, forcing Uraume to dodge with a desperate leap.

But this time, she couldn't escape unscathed. Excalibur passed dangerously close, cutting a thread of her cloak, and the pressure of my attack sent Uraume staggering back, panting. Sukuna's servant was clearly exhausted, her eyes filled with hatred as she glared at us.

I was no longer just Sukuna's vessel, but a fighter in my own right. Determined to use everything I had, I looked down at my hand and activated my red gauntlet, a powerful relic I kept for critical moments like this.

The gauntlet wrapped around her arm with a scarlet glow, and I felt a wave of power course through my body. My cursed energy was now amplified in a devastating way, as if my own strength had been multiplied several times. The very weight of the energy emanating from me. Saber, upon seeing the transformation, cast a quick glance at me, surprised and awed by my display of strength.

"It seems you are strong too, master." - Saber thought to herself, as she skillfully dodged yet another icy attack from Uraume. - "Perhaps more than I imagined."

With the gauntlet in full operation, I felt more confident, knowing that I could fight on equal terms alongside Saber. We didn't need many words to communicate; time in battle made it easy for both of us to understand each other's movements. Saber kept Uraume busy with constant and precise attacks, using her invisible sword to prevent Sukuna's servant from being able to fully concentrate.

Uraume, on the other hand, was furious. Her ice attacks became more aggressive, with huge blocks of ice and icy blades forming with each movement of her hands. She summoned an icy storm, the wind roaring around us, trying to stifle any advances from either Saber or me.

Even in the blinding blizzard, Saber advanced like a storm, her sword cutting through the ice with ease, while I moved quickly across the battlefield, looking for the perfect moment to strike. I knew I would need surgical precision to catch Uraume off guard, and with Saber distracting her, I had the perfect opportunity.

I leapt from a high vantage point, using the energy from the red gauntlet to increase the strength of my attack. I descended with surprising speed, striking the ground near Uraume with a devastating punch that shattered the ground beneath her feet. The shockwaves of cursed energy spread out, cracking the ice and sending Uraume staggering.

"Now!" - I shouted, taking advantage of the distraction. I moved like a blur, disappearing and appearing right behind Uraume, my fist covered in the red, pulsating energy of the gauntlet. I didn't just intend to hurt her physically, I knew that the real blow would be aimed at her soul, her cursed essence.

Uraume barely had time to react when my punch hit her body. The energy of the gauntlet pierced her defenses, penetrating directly into her cursed soul. A scream of rage and pain escaped Uraume as she felt the powerful impact reverberate through her being. Her body trembled, and for a moment, it seemed like she would collapse under the weight of my attack.

But Uraume was not someone easy to defeat. With a furious scream, she freed herself from the blow, retreating a few steps while her body trembled with fury and pain. Her eyes shone with a rage that seemed uncontrollable. She looked at me and Saber, and for the first time, her cold and calculating posture gave way to pure and uncontrolled emotion.

"This isn't over!..." - Uraume muttered, her voice cold and angry.

With a final blast of ice to cover her escape, Uraume disappeared into the darkness, vanishing from the battle. Saber and I were silent for a moment, observing the empty field before us.

"She'll be back... That's a problem." - He said worriedly with a serious look. I knew Uraume wouldn't give up so easily, but for now, the fight was won. I looked at Saber, who still maintained her combat stance, ready for any eventuality.

"Saber... thank you..." - I said with my voice full of gratitude.

She just nodded slightly, her expression a little neutral, without the familiarity I so desired.

After Uraume's departure, silence enveloped the battlefield, broken only by the sound of Saber's and my heavy breathing. They were alone, the marks of the fight still visible around them. I looked at Saber, trying to find words, but there was something that prevented me from starting to speak. Even after everything we had been through together in the past, it seemed strange that she didn't recognize me. I wanted to say so many things, but I didn't know how to start.

Saber stood firm at her side, her posture still vigilant, but her sword now rested at her side, no need for further combat for now. She looked at me, sensing the tension in the air, and seemed to notice my hesitation. So, without further ado, she took the initiative.

"You are my master, right?" - Arturia's voice was firm and direct, but there was a slight softness in it, perhaps an attempt to ease the tension she felt. - "However, I still do not know your name... What is the name of the one who summoned me?"

I was taken aback by the question, I looked into her eyes, and my heart beat faster. - "My name is Yuji Itadori." - I said with a slight smile, trying to seem more at ease. - "We already... Forget it... Apparently the war has started."

Saber frowned a little, as if she was trying to process the words. There was a strange feeling inside her, something that seemed to echo in my words.

"Yes... But that opponent didn't seem like a servant." - Saber replied, her voice full of respect.

I smiled a little more, feeling relieved to hear that. It wasn't the same Saber I knew before, but that flame of trust and honor was still present, the essence of her that I admired so much was here. Even without the memories, she was still the same warrior I knew.

"I trust you too, Saber." - I replied, taking a step closer to her. - "We will face whatever comes together, just like before."

The comfortable silence returned for a moment, but this time it wasn't one of hesitation, but of understanding. We didn't need to say anything else at that moment. What mattered was that we were together.

"So, where do we go now, master?" - Saber asked, ready for the next battle.

I looked at the horizon, the night still dark, but feeling the calm after the storm. - "We have to go back to our base." - I said with conviction. - "The battle isn't over yet, in fact, this is just the beginning."

We decided to head back home, still catching our breath and processing what had happened. The walk back was silent, each of us wrapped up in our own thoughts. I was relieved to be by Saber's side again, but I knew something was bothering me.

Some time later...

I knew I would have to explain something to everyone at home, that was what worried me. When we got home, something immediately caught my attention. The door was ajar, and the inside of the house seemed disorganized. A bad feeling took over. - "What happened here?..."

"Did something happen, Master?" - Saber said, and without hesitation, I ran inside, with Saberq right behind, already on alert.

"Shirou! Choso!" - I shouted as I walked through the messy room. I could feel the heavy energy that remained, and my heart raced as I thought about what could have happened while I was out.

Choso appeared first, his normally pale and worried face. He was clearly shaken, but when he saw me, he tried to remain calm. I ran to him, grabbing him by the shoulders.

"What happened here, Choso?" - I asked urgently. "What happened here?"

Choso sighed and ran his hand over his face before starting to explain. - "I... I was taking Taiga home, as agreed. When I came back, I felt the presence of something strange here at school, something dangerous. I went straight to look for Shirou, but it was too late. When I found him, he was in the hallway, bleeding. He was attacked by someone... He said he was a servant."

"W-What?!" - My eyes widened. - "A servant? How did that happen?"

Choso nodded, guilt evident in his gaze. - "Yes, you were one once, weren't you... and he was seriously injured. I tried to stop the bleeding and took him back home, but before that, something worse happened. I felt a second, more powerful presence... it was that servant who had attacked Shirou. I fought him... but it was difficult."

I was about to ask more when Shirou appeared, limping slightly, but conscious. Saber watched closely, already in defensive mode, but waited to see what Shirou had to say.

"I... I hid as soon as he appeared..." Shirou began, his voice shaking a little.

Saber turned to me and asked: "Who are they, Master?"

"They are my family..." I said without being able to look him in the eyes.

Shirou continued: "I was cleaning the gym, as Shinji asked, but I heard a strange noise and went to investigate. That's when... that guy in blue armor found me. He... pierced me with his spear. I tried to fight, to use what I learned from you, but my cursed energy was out of control."

I was silent for a moment, trying to absorb Shirou's words. I knew that training with cursed energy was dangerous, but I didn't expect Shirou to be put in a situation like this so soon.

Shirou continued. - "I was losing a lot of blood, and that's when Choso appeared and saved me. But, when I thought it was the end, something strange happened... I think I ended up summoning a girl."

My eyes widened. - "A... Girl?!"

Saber stood on guard. - "Master, feel the presence of another servant here..."

Shirou nodded. - "Yes... her name is Tachie. She appeared and fought this man who used a spear. I don't know how I did it... but she seems to be linked to me now."

I exchanged a quick glance with Saber, surprised by the events. - "Don't worry, Saber. She's probably his servant." -

Shirou looked at me in confusion. - "Servant?..."

I knew that the situation was getting complicated quickly, and the fact that Shirou had managed to summon a servant was significant.

Choso added. - "We managed to drive the man with the spear away, but he escaped before we could defeat him. It was a close call."

He took a deep breath, relieved that Shirou was safe, but worried about what that meant. This Lancer was attacking directly, and Shirou now had a servant, this could only indicate that the war for the Holy Grail was advancing faster than I imagined.

He looked at Choso and Shirou seriously.

I sighed deeply and looked at Shirou. - "I think it's time to explain to you better what's going on. About this war, the Holy Grail, and the servants."

"War?!" - Shirou's expression changed as he spoke these words. He frowned, still processing the recent events. He sat closer, while Choso remained attentive, curious to hear too, even though he already knew part of the story.

I began to speak, with a serious voice. "The Holy Grail is an ancient and powerful artifact, capable of granting any wish. It is the center of a war waged between powerful mages. To compete in this war, each mage, known as a Master, summons a heroic spirit from the past, present and... the future, someone who marked history in some way. These spirits are called 'servants'. They are divided into several classes, such as Saber, Lancer, Archer, among others."

Shirou nodded, still with a confused expression. - "So, Tachie is one of those servants? But... She's just a girl, right?!"

I continued speaking. - "She's no ordinary girl, Shirou, you probably saw that when she fought Lancer. You were involved in this war when you summoned Tachie. Now, you're officially a Master, and she's your servant. And that means that, somehow, you've been dragged into the fight for the Holy Grail."

Choso, who had faced strange things before, just listened in silence, but he was clearly thinking about what this meant for all of us.

I paused briefly before continuing with my gaze softening. - "But you're not alone in this, Shirou. I'm also part of this war, and I'm not competing for the first time. In fact, it's my second time. When this war started, years ago, I was a servant. But now, I'm fighting as a Master."

This surprised even Saber who was beside him. - "Is that true, Master? But how?"

I gestured to Saber, who had been standing next to me in silence until that moment. - "It's a long story, Saber... This is my servant, her name is Arturia, but when we're at war, we can't use our servants' real names, so call her Saber on the battlefield."

"So my master summoned me already knowing my name and my legend... I see you're quite perceptive, Yuji Itadori." - Saber thought. Her armor shone under the soft light of the house, and her invisible sword remained at her side, reinforcing the aura of nobility and power that surrounded her.

Shirou looked at her with admiration and surprise. - "So you're... a heroine from the past?"

Saber nodded, her eyes meeting Shirou's. - "My name is Arturia Pendragon, one of the most powerful classes among servants. It seems I will fight alongside another master in this war of the Chalice."

Shirou seemed even more intrigued. - "That's... A lot, a lot of information for my head to handle..." - more serious than before, realizing the gravity of the situation. - "I understand. And I'll do my best."

Choso, who had been watching everything, approached and patted Shirou on the shoulder. - "You're not alone, kid. We're in this together."

I smiled slightly as I saw the growing bond between them. Suddenly, a girl with black hair tied in two ponytails appeared in the distance. There was something striking about her confident posture that made Tachie jump up and move instinctively.

Wasting no time, Tachie advanced towards the girl with her red scythe in hand, ready to strike. However, before the blow could reach its target, a figure emerged in front of the girl: a man with silver hair and determined eyes, brandishing two swords, one black and one white, each with a strange energy. The man had appeared to protect his Master, blocking Tachie's attack.

The clash of weapons echoed throughout the place, and the tension in the air increased. Tachie did not back down, pressing Archer with quick and precise attacks. But Archer was equally skilled, defending himself effortlessly and counterattacking when possible. The two fought in a frenzy of speed and strength, until a loud voice cut through the air.

"Tachie, stop! We don't need to fight them!" - Shirou shouted, recognizing the black-haired girl. He ran towards the field, trying to mediate the situation. Tachie hesitated for a moment, still maintaining her combat stance, but looked at Shirou and finally stepped back, lowering her scythe.

"Master....." - The girl, who until now had maintained a stern look, relaxed her posture and took a step forward. Shirou recognized her well. She was a student from the same school, but now, much more than that. - "I know who you are... Rin!" - he said, breathless.

"What should we do, Master?" - Saber said hesitantly.

I looked at her a little nervously. - "Let's wait..."

Rin raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, looking at Shirou with an expression of slight curiosity. - "So you're in the middle of this too... it's Emiya, isn't it? That's kind of... unexpected." - She said, in her typical superior tone.

The tall man in red clothing, now relaxed, stood next to Rin, watching Shirou with a wary gaze, but said nothing.

Tachie, still alert, kept her scythe within reach, eyeing the other servant suspiciously. But as Shirou got closer, she lowered her guard completely, understanding that the fight was no longer necessary.

The two groups slowly approached, and the atmosphere, previously full of hostility, began to calm down. Shirou was still a little shaken by the sudden fight, but he knew it would be important to find out more about what Rin was doing there.

Rin looked directly at Shirou, bluntly, and asked: "So, since when do you have a servant, Emiya?"

Shirou scratched the back of his neck, a little disconcerted. - "I... honestly, it happened suddenly. I summoned her kind of by accident, and now I'm stuck in this so-called war."

Rin seemed to think about this for a moment before answering. "Well, it seems we're in a bad situation."

Tachie and the man in red maintained their guard positions, but both knew that, for now, the fight was suspended.

With everyone gathered, Rin took the lead, assuming her role as an expert when it came to the Holy Grail War. She sat around a makeshift table.

After the confrontation calmed down and everyone returned to the room, the atmosphere was filled with tension, but also with curiosity. Rin, vigilant and calculating, sat with a confident posture, ready to explain the situation. However, before sharing anything, she looked around us, her eyes fixed on the others who were in the room with her. She didn't know most of them, and it was crucial for her to understand who she was dealing with.

"First of all..." - Rin said, her voice firm and direct. - "I want to know who you are."

I was the first to step forward. I was still getting used to Saber's presence by my side, but I knew I should start the introductions. - "Yuji Itadori. I'm not exactly a mage in the traditional sense... but I'm involved in something much bigger than I'd like." I exchanged a glance with Saber, who remained silent, maintaining her noble and dignified posture beside him.

Rin looked at Saber with interest. - "So, you're the master..." - she said, analyzing Itadori with a shrewd gaze. - "You seem... different from a regular mage. What about you?" - She directed her attention to Saber.

Saber stepped forward and, in a formal tone, introduced herself: "I am the servant of the Saber class. I'm here to fight this war for my master." - Her voice was firm, and her intense gaze demonstrated her unwavering loyalty to me, but Rin seemed to notice something strange in the way she and I interacted.

Choso, who had been silently observing until then, decided it was his turn. - "I'm Choso..." - he said, with a serious tone. - "I'm not a mage, but I have my own abilities. I'm Itadori's brother, and I'm here to protect him, as well as make sure everyone stays safe." - Rin noticed that Choso was a little different, something more visceral, and this aroused her curiosity.

She looked at Shirou then, with an incisive look. - "And you? I already know a little about you, Emiya, but it seems that you got involved even deeper than I thought."

Shirou, a little uncomfortable with the situation, replied: "I'm not exactly a strong mage, but... I ended up summoning a servant too." - He pointed to Tachie, who was beside him, with her scythe and shield resting on the ground.

Tachie, unlike the others, didn't have the imposing air of a typical servant. There was something more human and tragic in her presence. Even so, she gave a slight nod. - "I'm Tachie, Shirou's servant. And I'm here to protect my master, as well as fight for him in this war." - she said robotically.

Rin assessed each of those present carefully. She noticed the difference between Tachie and the other servants, which intrigued her, but she decided not to comment on it yet. Instead, she took a deep breath and, with a confident look, began to speak: "Now that I know who I'm dealing with, let's get straight to the point. We're all involved in something much bigger than just a war between servants. There are more sinister forces at work, and it seems that you've been caught in the middle of it."

Rin, seeing the seriousness on Shirou's face, continued: "Our first step should be to go after the man overseeing the entire battle. He knows the rules and can give us more information about the Masters and Servants involved. We need to know what we're up against, and the only person who can help us with that is the war supervisor, who is at the church." Shirou, curious, asked: "And who is this man?"

Rin crossed his arms and answered with a serious look: "His name is… Kirei Kotomine. He is the overseer of this war, and as part of the Church, his duty is to ensure that the battle for the Holy Grail is fair. However, do not trust him completely. He has… ulterior motives, even though he claims to be neutral."

Itadori narrowed his eyes. "This guy, Kirei… He is dangerous."

Rin nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is. But he is our only contact with the official side of the war. We have to go to his church if we want to learn more about who our opponents are."

We all knew that, although risky, this visit would be crucial. We needed more information to plan their next actions. Rin, Shirou, Choso, Saber, Tachie, and I prepared ourselves for the walk there. The atmosphere was tense, but there was no other choice.

Some time later...

At dusk, the group left their hiding place and headed through the silent streets of the city. As we approached the church, the atmosphere seemed to grow darker, and a sense of unease grew in each of our chests.

Finally, the church appeared in front of us, an imposing building with its huge wooden doors and a cross on top. Rin stopped in front, looking at the others. - "This is the place. Prepare yourselves for anything."

"I'll stay here..." - With the decision made, Choso was the first to volunteer to keep watch outside the church. He knew that the holy ground offered a sense of security to everyone inside, but that didn't stop him from being suspicious. War was full of uncertainty, and Choso felt that his best position was to keep watch. He said a brief goodbye to the group, saying that he would keep an eye out for anything suspicious, while the others headed inside the church.

Shirou, Saber, Tachie, and Rin walked along the stone path that led to the church entrance. As soon as the gates opened, a thick, heavy feeling hung in the air. The cold, gloomy atmosphere affected us all in different ways, but for me, it had a special weight. I felt my heart race, not out of fear, but out of an old, deeply-rooted hatred that resurfaced as soon as I entered that sanctuary.

In the center of the altar stood Kotomine Kirei, the tall, dark, unholy figure I had known from other times. His presence radiated an unsettling calm, as if he was always in control of the situation, even when everything around him seemed to be falling apart. Upon seeing him, I clenched my fists, hatred overflowing for a moment, but I quickly controlled my expression. I knew this was not the time for impulsive confrontations. Still, the memories of Kirei's past actions tormented me, every word, every action he had taken to bring about ruin and chaos, all of it remained fresh in my mind.

Kirei, in turn, looked at us as we approached with that same enigmatic smile. He crossed his hands in front of him, welcoming them as if they were simple visitors. His eyes stopped on me for a few seconds longer, an almost penetrating look.

"Welcome..." - Kirei said with his deep, cutting voice. - "I was waiting for you."

I kept my gaze steady, containing the explosion of emotions. Saber next to me seemed to notice the subtle change, but did not interfere, something that even Shirou could feel.

Kirei continued, with his characteristic calm: "You came in search of answers, I suppose. And perhaps... guidance."

I couldn't help but sarcasm when I answered. - "We are here out of necessity, Kotomine Kirei. Not because of any trust we may have in you." - The last word came out with a hidden bitterness, but I held it in. The main objective was to obtain information, not to satisfy his desire for revenge.

Kirei just smiled slightly, as if he had expected such an answer. - "Ah, always straightforward, Itadori-san... That's something that never changes, is it?" He paused, his expression briefly changing to something more thoughtful. - "However, the fact that you're here shows that, at least for now, our interests coincide. And I'm curious to know... what exactly is it that you seek?"

I crossed my arms, keeping my appearance calm. I knew Kirei liked mind games, but I had no intention of falling into that trap. - "We came to find out what's behind the recent moves. There are many pieces moving on this board, and you seem to have a good understanding of them."

Kirei tilted his head slightly, his eyes darkening slightly as his smile remained. - "Pieces, of course... The war continues to bring players of all kinds. But I must ask... which pieces do you fear are in play now, Itadori-san?"

The name was spoken with an almost threatening softness, as if Kirei wanted to remind me that he knew much more than he let on.

Saber took a small step forward, her hand almost instinctively going to her invisible sword. She was ready to intervene at any moment, sensing the rising tension.

"Kenjaku." - I replied, cutting straight to the point. -"And I know you know where he's moving."

Kirei's eyes lit up slightly at the name. He paused for a long moment before answering, almost as if he was savoring the anticipation in the room. - "Ah, yes. Kenjaku... not unlike others we've met." - He smiled enigmatically again, clearly referring to himself. - "Indeed, he is on the move... and his influence is growing. But even he is not the only danger you face in this war."

I frowned. - "Speak up, Kirei. What do you know?"

Kirei raised his hand in an almost theatrical gesture. - "Don't worry, Itadori-san. All in good time. The Holy Grail is the true prize, as it always has been. But... it's not just Kenjaku who seeks control this time. There are others playing their cards in subtle ways. And maybe... just maybe... even you are being moved in ways you don't yet understand."

The insinuation was clear, but I didn't take the bait. Instead, I exchanged a glance with Saber, seeking the support I needed. I knew that talking to Kirei wouldn't yield easy answers, but I had to try.

Seeing that the conversation was going in circles and feeling the growing frustration, I decided to silence my emotions and observations. I knew that no matter what I said, Kotomine Kirei would always have evasive answers, hiding crucial information behind cryptic words. So instead of pressing any further, I simply retreated, crossing my arms and staying quiet, allowing another member of the group to take control.

At that moment, Rin stepped forward, clearly irritated by the lack of progress. - "It seems we've been here long enough, Kirei. Now, why don't we stop beating around the bush? You may not want to talk to Itadori, but I'm sure you owe Shirou Emiya at least an explanation, since he barged in here by accident." - Her eyes flashed with determination, which caused the atmosphere in the room to change slightly. Rin was in no mood to joke or prolong this verbal spat. - "Talk about the Holy Grail War."

Kirei gave a subtle, almost predatory smile. He seemed amused by Rin's change in posture, but he didn't offer any immediate resistance. His eyes then fell on Shirou, who was standing in the back, watching with a wary expression. There was something about that name. - "Shirou Emiya!" - The name that clearly brought back memories for Kirei, and he couldn't help but react to it.

"The name Emiya... A name with significant weight in this war..." - Kirei commented, his voice sounding with a mixture of irony and melancholy. - "Are you, Emiya, aware of your heritage? Of the legacy you carry?"

Shirou remained silent for a moment, absorbing the question. He knew some things about the war, about the past of his adoptive father, Kiritsugu Emiya, but there were gaps that even I could not tell him. Truths that he did not yet fully understand. Kirei's watchful gaze did not make things any easier.

Finally, Rin intervened again. - "That is not the question that matters now, Kirei. What Shirou wants to know is what really happened during the Fourth Holy Grail War. And perhaps you could start by explaining what you had to do with it."

Kirei glanced sideways at Rin, clearly appreciating her insistence, before turning his attention back to Shirou. He tilted his head slightly, as if pondering where to begin. - "The Fourth War... was a conflict unlike any other. Your father, Kiritsugu Emiya, was one of the protagonists of that war, along with Itadori Yuji who was one of his servants. A man with a deep desire to save everyone, but who, in the end, lost himself in his own ideal."

He paused, watching Shirou's reaction, who showed little emotion at the mention of Kiritsugu. I watched closely, still silent, but clearly aware that this was Shirou's opportunity to learn more about the true nature of the war and the consequences that might lie ahead.

"Kiritsugu believed that the Holy Grail could grant a miracle, a wish that would save humanity from destruction..." Kirei continued, his voice calm and deliberate.

Shirou remained quiet, absorbing each word carefully. This information was not completely new, but hearing about the corruption directly from Kirei put everything in a new light. He glanced at me briefly, trying to find some kind of confirmation or reaction, but I kept my distance, my gaze fixed on the priest.

Kirei then, with a subtle smile, asked the crucial question. - "Now that you know what this is about, Shirou Emiya, I ask you... do you want to continue in this war? Knowing that the Chalice can consume you, just like it almost did before? Or do you prefer to retreat and let others do the dirty work?"

It was a provocation, no doubt, but Kirei knew he was putting Shirou to the test. The weight of his question hung over everyone in the room, especially me, who was anxiously awaiting Shirou's answer. I knew this decision was critical. There were many risks and, for Itadori, the simple fact of continuing in the war could be a death sentence for the young man.

Shirou, in turn, clenched his fists, reflecting for a long moment. The silence in the room was dense, only the distant echo of breathing could be heard. Rin looked at him, knowing how difficult this decision was. But then, with surprising firmness, Shirou finally broke the silence.

"Many people have died because of the Chalice, haven't they?... I... will continue!..." - he said firmly, his voice ringing with conviction. - "I cannot let this war continue to destroy lives as it did before. Even if this Chalice grants wishes, if it has brought ruin to a large part of Fuyuki City, then it is my responsibility to prevent that from happening again. I... I cannot let others go through the same thing I went through."

This answer took me by surprise. I had not expected Shirou to commit himself so fully, so quickly. Deep down, I had hoped that Shirou would choose a safer path, but I could see now that the young Emiya was determined. This determination, this willpower, reminded me of something I had felt years ago, when I had decided to shoulder all the responsibilities in the world.

Kirei, on the other hand, smiled wider, as if he was genuinely impressed by Shirou's answer. - "Interesting..." - he said with a hint of approval in his voice. - "You have the necessary conviction to follow through... Very well. We will see how that conviction will guide you."

Kirei's gaze briefly turned to me, as if silently questioning whether he shared the same determination. But before anything could be said, Rin finally intervened again, pulling the conversation back to a more pragmatic level.

"Now that this is settled, we can finally leave." - she said, looking at everyone.

Still processing Shirou's decision, I nodded slightly.

Shirou looked at me. - "When we get home, I want to talk about that war that happened in the past..."

After a long and tense conversation with Kirei, we finally decided to leave the church. The air inside was heavy, and it was a relief for all of us to be out in the open again. Me, Shirou, Rin, Saber and Tachie left in silence, each with our own thoughts on what had been discussed.

Choso was already outside, waiting for the group. He spotted us as soon as we left the church and waved at us, walking towards us. - "How was it?" - he asked, with a serious expression, knowing that any conversation with Kirei would hardly end well.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. - "It was... what we expected. I didn't say anything meaningful. Just the obvious..." - I replied, trying to ease the tension a little. However, he quickly became serious again. - "But we have more clarity now. Shirou made a decision."

Choso nodded, looking at the young Emiya. - "Important decision, I imagine... Alright."

As we prepared to leave the church and return to where they were, something strange happened. I felt a slight pressure in the air, a presence that I recognized, but could not immediately identify. We walked a few meters before they noticed a figure ahead, blocking part of the path. A short girl with snow-white hair stood confidently watching us.

Shirou and Choso exchanged glances, both feeling that they somehow knew this girl, but they couldn't associate her with anyone they had ever met before.

I, however, froze. - "N-no..." - My eyes widened as I instantly recognized who was there, standing in front of them. - "It's... not possible..." - My thoughts raced, as I tried to process her presence. This girl wasn't just anyone. It was her. -"Illya?!"

I was paralyzed for a moment, as memories flooded my mind. Irisviel, the woman I had sworn to protect, the master I had failed to save. I remembered her gentle smile, the strength and determination she carried, even in the midst of so many hardships. The guilt and pain came back like an unexpected blow, squeezing my heart. - "....Illya...." - I whispered the name of the girl in front of me, almost like a prayer: "...Illya..."

My eyes began to water, an old and painful weight taking over my chest. I tried to compose myself, but the memories of Irisviel made it impossible to hide the emotion. I had lost her, and now, before me, was her daughter. Another person I could not save... The pain of reliving everything that happened in that war was overwhelming.

Illya, however, did not seem affected by the tension in the air. She continued with that sweet, almost innocent smile, but with something more behind her gaze. Then, suddenly, she spoke, her soft voice cutting through the silence around her:

"You have changed a lot, Yuuji..."

Her words made my world stop. The familiarity... She called me that when I was just a child, before everything fell apart. I never imagined I would hear it again, and the mixture of joy and sadness I felt was overwhelming. I swallowed hard, my body shaking slightly as I tried to process that.

I didn't know what to say. I just looked at her, my mind in a chaos of emotions, as the pain of the past collided with the present.

"Anyway... It's been a long time, Uncle Yuuji!"

End of Chapter 2