"Foolish delusion!!"
Shriek—!
Upon hearing the matter, the Thunderbird let out another furious cry. The gale from its breath blew through the violet-haired woman's bangs and kimono like a roaring fan.
"This vessel is not negotiating with you."
The Shogun raised her hand, brushing aside her wind-tossed bangs with delicate fingers, her cold voice cutting through the storm.
"Hmph! You still owe me for that arrow you shot. And now you dare ask my aid? Beelzebul… have you grown addled by your own lightning these years? Hm~?"
The Thunderbird thrust its beak close to her face, lightning sparking in its eyes as they locked upon her, as though seeking some hidden truth.
"Twisting words."
The Shogun's tone never faltered. Though her figure was diminutive before the great beast, every word she spoke pressed back against its overwhelming aura.
"What did you say?!"
"In your rage, you lost all reason. Your fury was beyond mortal endurance. You destroyed Tsurumi Island, and sought to lay waste to Narukami and Seirai. For that, you had no choice but to atone in death. That this vessel struck you down was only just."
Arms crossed, eyes closed, her voice was cold and commanding.
"…Was it not those wretched humans who—who killed that child—!!"
"That child? Who?"
Her eyes opened, her question sharp.
"Hmph… none of your concern!"
The Thunderbird turned away, stubborn.
"Haa… This vessel has told you what is needed. Tomorrow, I will summon you again. You will fight alongside me."
She did not pursue the matter further, only sighing softly before delivering her decree. To her, the Thunderbird's silence was already tacit agreement.
"When did I ever say I would help you?"
The bird blinked in surprise before snapping back with disdain.
"Because you did not refuse."
The Shogun met its gaze calmly.
"I refuse!"
"You may not."
"What?!"
"You have no right to refuse. I have told you—I am not negotiating. You will aid me, whether you wish it or not."
Her violet eyes glimmered with the light of thunder, her tone growing colder. One more protest, and she would strike it down once again.
The Thunderbird inhaled deeply, as if to force its anger down. Its blood boiled, but what use was it? It could not defeat her. Endure it, then.
It spread its crackling wings, preening with its beak, then took a few slow steps aside.
Rustle—!
Rain poured around them as the beast stared upward, its eyes narrowing with thought.
The Shogun remained silent, arms folded, watching. She knew it was weighing its choice.
"…I can aid you. But—"
It turned back to her.
"I have one condition. You must grant me a favor, someday."
Its feminine voice rang with an ethereal echo, clear in her ears.
"…Speak."
The Shogun had expected as much. Her expression remained unchanged, her answer brisk.
"One of my feathers, steeped in my divine power, fell upon Seirai Island when you struck me down. It summons storms wherever it lies. Find it for me."
Its voice was calm now, nothing like its earlier rage.
"This vessel accepts. And when I find it, shall I return it to you?"
Such a request was trivial. A trip to Seirai to collect it—and perhaps to quell its storms—was no great burden.
"No. Keep it. Guard it well."
The Thunderbird narrowed its eyes as it spoke.
"Understood."
The Shogun replied simply.
"And one more thing. Do not entrust Seirai to others. I demand that you, Beelzebul, go there yourself. I trust no humans."
Its words were solemn, its tone heavy, its steps carrying it closer—near enough that their faces almost touched.
"…Are you implying that I alone am worthy of trust?"
The Shogun asked with a hint of mockery.
"I only mean… compared to humans, you are at least tolerable."
The Thunderbird turned aside.
"…As ever, you speak against your heart."
The Shogun let out a soft sigh as she answered.
"Hmph… you are insufferable, as always."
The Thunderbird snapped back at her, but its voice no longer carried rage—rather, a faint hint of amusement.
"I've accepted your request. And in return… what of you?"
The Shogun asked pointedly.
"…Fine. Then I'll reluctantly lend you my strength for a time. But don't expect such generosity twice!"
"Deal."
The Shogun extended her hand.
"…Hmph."
The Thunderbird eyed her pale hand with disdain, then glanced at its own wing. At last, it brushed its feathers against her fingertips with a sharp whoosh.
Buzz~!
Moments later, the Thunderbird dissolved into motes of light and vanished.
[Haa… feels like you just got yourself into trouble again…]
Ei muttered irritably.
"It'll be me going, not you. What are you complaining about?"
[Even so… I don't feel at ease. At least take someone with you.]
She urged her firmly.
'Haa… I'm not a child anymore.'
[To me, you'll always be a child.]
'…'
Forget it. She would think about it later. For now, she yielded.
Buzz~
Violet motes reformed in the dim corner of the room, reshaping into the Shogun's body. She stepped softly to the bedside, relief flickering across her face when she saw the girl still sleeping soundly. It seemed the earlier commotion had not disturbed her—her choice of location had been wise.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, but the thunder had begun to fade.
"Mm…"
The girl stirred faintly, curling like a kitten beneath the blanket. A lazy murmur slipped from her lips.
"…Shogun…"
She seemed to call for her even in her dreams. The Shogun leaned closer, finding her eyes still closed, though a faint smile curved her lips.
[Even in sleep, she calls your name. Truly, you draw bees and butterflies alike…]
Ei's voice carried a sudden edge of irritation.
"If we're talking about attracting bees and butterflies… Ei, doesn't that apply to you as well?"
[Perhaps. But we are not the same.]
'How so?'
[Because what lies within us differs.]
'Within… yet I am only a puppet.'
[Not this again. Shogun, you are no ordinary puppet. You have a soul, a will. You are your own being—just as I am.]
'Is this… meant to comfort me?'
[Not only comfort. Guidance as well. Strange, isn't it?]
'Not strange…'
For she had long since grown used to Ei's presence—since the moment of her creation.
...
The twilight sky blazed with fiery clouds, as if cradling the breath of night within. Draped across the endless heavens, it was not a herald of hope, but the prelude to strife. Golden light spread across Trifas, the border forests, and the Fortress of Millennia. It was not dawn, but the beginning of conflict.
A cool night breeze stirred, rustling the leaves below, tugging at the kimono and hair of the woman upon the wall. The noble beauty of her gentian-patterned attire fluttered, revealing flawless thighs and the rest of her legs wrapped in dark violet stockings.
Finding her hair slightly disheveled, she raised her hand to smooth the strands across her forehead. Her long braid behind, weighted and tied low, was untouched by the wind.
For her, this twilight might well be the last she would see in this world. Her violet eyes swept across the scenery, committing everything before her to memory.
"…Shogun? Hehe… I knew I'd find you here."
The familiar voice behind made her turn her head slightly. Fiore had wheeled herself to her side.
"When I saw you staring into the distance, I worried I might disturb you. But… since this might be our last day together, I couldn't resist."
The girl's voice was soft as she explained.
"It is no disturbance. This vessel merely sought to etch the view into memory. Your timing is apt."
The Shogun replied in her usual cold, melodious tone.
"Eh?"
Fiore blinked, puzzled.
"Because you are part of this 'scenery' as well. One worth remembering."
She lowered her gaze, her words bringing a flush to Fiore's cheeks. The girl's face reddened, while the Shogun's expression remained unchanged, as though she had spoken something entirely ordinary.
"Mmm… Really… saying things like that all of a sudden, Shogun… how sly~"
Flustered, Fiore pinched at her skirt, averting her gaze from those captivating violet eyes and the small beauty mark beneath them. Her voice was as soft as a kitten's complaint.
[Shogun… I'm still here, you know.]
Ei's voice chimed in, tinged with jealousy. She had let much slide already, but this was pushing it. If the Shogun wasn't careful, she would find her "functions" undergoing some adjustment later.
The Shogun stiffened at the words, her thoughts momentarily muddled. What had she said just now?
"…Was that… strange to say?"
She asked Fiore, puzzled by her bashfulness.
"N-no… not at all… I… I'm very happy."
Fiore shook her head quickly, cheeks still crimson. Strange? Hardly. She had longed to hear such words. Even if the Shogun had spoken them without intent, her heart overflowed with joy.
"…Good. Then it is well."
The Shogun exhaled inwardly in relief. She had worried she might have spoken out of place. As long as Fiore took no offense, all was fine. As for Ei… they would settle that privately.
"You came here alone?"
Her keen senses had picked up something, and she narrowed her eyes at the sight of the girl in her wheelchair.
"Eh… yes…"
Fiore glanced at her legs and nodded faintly.
"You once said… your wish was to walk again, to stand upon the earth?"
"Mm… compared to others, it's a small wish. I've said so before, hehe."
She gave a bitter smile.
"It matters not. I will aid you. I will see you claim the Grail. That is our vow."
"…Thank you. Haa… and yet, I can't help but feel reluctant."
A faint sting welled in her nose.
"Reluctant?"
"Yes… when tonight ends, I may have to part with you. That thought… it pains me."
Fiore's honesty shone through. At such a moment, there was no room for shyness.
"All banquets end in parting. Separation is only for a time. We shall meet again."
"Truly…?"
Her eyes shimmered, voice trembling on the verge of tears.
"When have I ever lied? Did you not say you wished to see Inazuma? When the time comes, I will invite you—as a friend of this vessel."
"Shogun…"
Knock knock…
Click…
At that moment, a maid entered after knocking, bowing to them before speaking:
"Lady Saber, Lady Fiore… it is nearly time to depart. Lord Caules and Lord Gordes await outside."
"Very well… we'll be right there."
Fiore quickly composed herself, answering in a formal tone.
"Yes, my lady."
The maid retreated.
"The time has come. It is the hour of battle."
The Shogun's eyes fell briefly on the girl in the wheelchair. Seeing her resolute nod, she placed her hand upon it.
Crackle—!
In an instant, they vanished into lightning, both girl and chair.
At the gates of the Black Faction's fortress, everyone had gathered: Chiron, Astolfo, Jeanne, Sieg, Caules, and Gordes—along with a number of maids and homunculi.
"What are Fiore and Saber doing? It's almost time."
Gordes glanced at his watch, restless.
"Let's give Sister a little more time, Uncle. She cares deeply for Saber."
After all, today might be their last together.
"When I win the Grail, I'll wish for a body of my own!"
Astolfo exclaimed cheerfully.
Crackle!
A flash of lightning split the air—suddenly, the Shogun appeared with Fiore seated in her chair.
"Wah!" ×N
Several cried out in surprise.
Fiore blushed, quickly brushing her disheveled hair back into place.
"I-I'm sorry, everyone… we kept you waiting."
She apologized softly.
Astolfo, grinning, pointed toward the Shogun with a teasing gesture.
"Late again~! Everyone was waiting for you, you silly gir—"
Before he could finish, the Shogun's violet eyes flared with oppressive force, silencing him instantly.
"Eep—!"
He darted behind Sieg for cover.
"…Haa."
Caules sighed, exasperated.
Moments later, preparations were complete. It was time to move.
"Uncle Gordes, I leave the castle to you."
Fiore addressed the stout man standing with the maids.
This time, Gordes would not fight. He was tasked with tending to the wounded and guarding the keep. His combat ability was unremarkable—better to remain than to throw his life away. This had been agreed upon beforehand. Already, he had exhausted all his Command Seals to empower Archer.
"Mm… and… well… just… come back alive, all of you!"
The man stammered gruffly, his words betraying his true concern and blessing.
"Yes… we will."
Fiore smiled gently in reply.
"And Saber… I entrust this girl to you. Keep her safe, no matter what."
Gordes' gaze was firm upon the Shogun. With so few of their family left, he could not bear to see his beloved niece harmed.
"U-uncle… I'll be fine! Please don't burden Shogun with too much worry…"
Fiore waved her hands quickly.
"It matters not. This vessel knows. Her safety is assured."
The Shogun replied calmly, arms folded.
"…Good. Then I wish you victory."
Gordes and the maids bowed in blessing.
And so—
The final battle against the Red Faction was about to begin.
The battle that would decide everything… tonight!