[] It was almost 8 am, you shouldn't let Miyu sleep in. Knock on her door and call her out.
Now that Luvia had dragged Sakura away, it would take a bit for them to return. Miss Kirishima was trying to stay inconspicuous so you decided not to bother her. You instead went to the room next to Luvia's and knock to wake Miyu up.
The door sounded and you heard movement from within. You and Assassin waited before Miyu opened the door in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes having been woken.
"Rise and shine, Miyu. Breakfast is ready," you said with a nod as you stepped aside.
"Mhm," Miyu yawned as she walked past you towards the table. Assassin moved quickly and was able to set down Miyu's meal from the counter.
"Good morning," Miyu finally greeted as she rubbed her eyes. She then turned to you, "Are you okay now?"
"Feeling a little chipper," you said as you sat down and took a sip of your coffee, "Things have been more or less rolling about. What about you, how was last night?"
"I'm... Certain you already heard," Miyu said as she held her cup of hot chocolate.
"I guess it's a question of how you're feeling," you asked as you glanced her way.
"The War is proceeding in a strange direction than what I was told. The appearance of Manaka's Blackened without her around certainly makes things complicated. We may have to stop the war to deal with it," Miyu replied as she continued with her meal.
"That's certainly in the cards. If not handled well, things may blow up out of proportion. I've already reported the danger to Luvia so rest assured there's some semblance of cooperation going on," you said with a shrug.
"I'm more surprised... That you're okay with being with them," Miyu said as she met your gaze.
"I didn't win six wars by being an aggressive Master. I know when to fold especially given my state," you said with a small smile.
Miyu stared at you before frowning. "I suppose some things don't change with you."
You were a little confused by that, "What do you mean?"
"It's moments like this that we're reminded that your not as perfect as you make yourself out to be, Hans," Assassin said as she cleared her throat.
"Right, right," you sighed as you sipped your coffee. You turned towards Miyu as she had a listless expression on her face while she ate.
It seemed that she was fully awake now to start making that face. No one was saying it but it was clear from the tension hanging in the air. It was the calm before the storm.
Once it broke loose, things were going to get truly messy. You recognized it from last year, this suffocating tension. It was enough to make a person gag.
Setting down your mug, you decided to speak up, "Miyu. How about we go visit your Mother."
Miyu blinked in surprise before looking your way, "In this situation? Don't indulge my wishes. My mother knows my duties, we shouldn't-".
"It's a wish then?" You said with a chuckle as she pouted your way.
"If this is your way of currying favor then I want no part of it," Miyu said as she looked to the side.
"You can feel it too. We're reaching the height of the War. There may no time to meet her again. That and we can decide where to hide her in a safer location," you said as you leaned back, "What do you think?"
"D-Do what you want," Miyu said with a frown as she looked to the side.
The door to Luvia's room opened and Sakura had a displeased look on her face. Luvia looked stressed but otherwise kept her expression schooled. The two of them changed expressions when Miyu came into view.
You decided to speak up and greet them, "Welcome back. Everything in order?"
"To a degree," Luvia said before turning to Miyu, "Miss Sakatsuki, good morning."
"Good morning, Miss Luvia," Miyu nodded as she glanced at Sakura.
"I do hope that you had a good night's sleep," Luvia said as she sat down on her seat, "Were you comfortable?"
"As much as I could be," Miyu said with a patient tone, "Nonetheless, Miss Sakura and Lancer proved exceptional on the battle last night."
"Indeed. Mr. Derrinsmith and our group have been discussing ways to... Combat our new foe," Luvia said with a nod.
"Hopefully you had a solution ready?" You smiled her way.
Luvia gave you a sour look but Sakura spoke in turn, "Yes. We will... Have a friend coming to aid us. We simply need to make the call."
She didn't sound happy.
"I see. Well then, I'm glad that's handled. I will be taking Miyu out today," you declared to which both women blinked at you in surprise.
"We're in the middle of the war. It's not wise taking the Grail out for a walk. She can be safe here," Luvia said with a narrowed look.
"But the Grail is also a little girl. A particularly cheeky one with a sharp tongue but a child regardless," You said to which Miyu glared at you, "Which only makes it smart to not let her be cooped up in a single room."
Luvia stared at you before Sakura crossed her arms.
"I'll go with them. I think the risk is worth it to maintain our morale, Luvia," Sakura said as she glanced at her companion, "From a tactical standpoint it makes sense."
Luvia didn't bite back at that which was surprising in itself. She simply crossed her arms and said, "Very well... If Lancer and Sakura are going I suppose it's fine."
It seemed that it was decided what the agenda was for the day.
.....
....
...
You didn't have a suit given to you as outdoor clothes and you couldn't exactly walk out in your shirt only. You had to wear a black parka to ward off the cold as the snow fell from the sky. December 13, almost two weeks since this war began. There were still several servants left and a lot more foes to deal with.
Things weren't going to get any easier, huh?
Moving down the street, you ended up walking alongside the Matou woman. She had her hands in her coat while she watched Miyu and Assassin up ahead.
You were certain that Lancer was nearby, you can feel her gaze at the back of your neck.
The moment you did something, your head would fly off. Assassin may have been watching over Miyu but she was also minding you but you simply waved at her as you all walked. You lowered your hand and glanced at the woman beside you.
"I would assume that not everything is at it seems in your camp?" You guessed with a raised eyebrow.
"You could tell? Of course you could," Sakura said as she met your gaze.
"Well, it's not my place to pry. But isn't it nice, having people to help you?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.
Sakura closed her eyes and shook her head, "Most of my life, I'm the one being helped. When I want to give back, I always end up in this situation. It is... Frustrating."
"But there's a thin line between bravery and being reckless. Perhaps your friends only want you to be wary in your pursuit to be of use to them," you offered as you shrugged your shoulders.
You recalled Jason's words to you and felt like you were just repeating his words.
"I'm being careful. Searching for Senpai, it's all I could do. Even if my big sister told me not to worry... But it just doesn't seem right," Sakura said as her breath smoked from the cold, "I know she's worried too so before things got too bad, I decided to look for Emiya Shirou."
"How noble of you," you noted as you moved forward.
"I disagree. I don't think it's about nobility. I feel like I'm just inserting myself in the lives of others... When I'm afraid of being left behind," Sakura said as she turned her gaze to the ground.
You kept quiet as she perked up on surprise.
"Sorry for rambling," the Matou said as she shook her head.
"If only Miyu was as selfish as you are. Still, that feeling you have isn't necessarily a bad thing. At least that's what I think," you admitted with a shake of your head, "Having fought in these petty fights, people have found and lost themselves through these battles. For good or worse, you'll see for yourself how you'll end up."
Sakura met your gaze and replied, "This isn't my first war either."
"Think you can keep up, Matou?" You taunted her with a smirk.
"No. You keep up with me," Sakura answered in a determined tone.
.......
.....
....
Having arrived at the safehouse, you were greeted by your employees standing guard at the perimeter. They looked relieved to see you while you waved them off to resume their tasks. Things have been okay so far... You were let inside alongside your group into a private apartment your Company bought supposedly for your use.
It seemed that your subordinates wasted no time securing and turning the entire place into a fortress. Minerva wouldn't be so merciful towards them if they found this place and took Hiyoko away. Climbing up the apartment, you reached the floor Hiyoko was staying at and you knocked on the door.
It opened and a weary young man greeted you.
"Sir. You're finally here," he said as he leaned on the door, "Please handle her."
"Okay, what happened," you asked as you steadied the man.
"Hobbies. Mother has numerous hobbies and I can only surmise she dragged your men into them," Miyu guessed in a dry tone as she stepped in.
Your group followed her to find Hiyoko Sakatsuki in the middle of making an origami crane. Your subordinates looked exhausted as numerous origami cranes littered the floor everywhere.
"Someone had free time," Assassin noted as Hiyoko got up.
"Hans! Miyu! It's so great to see you!" Hiyoko said as she walked past the exhausted men and women, moving towards her daughter to drag her into a hug, "Are you all okay? I didn't hear from you for a day."
"Things happened," you replied with a small nod.
Hiyoko glanced at you and gave you a once over, "My, my... What a refreshing style. You look fresh, Hans."
"T-Thank you," you nodded politely while Assassin gave you a sidelong glance.
"Mother please," Miyu coughed.
"Oh! And who are these two beautiful ladies? Hans, don't tell me you've been gathering these flowers to yourself," Hiyoko teased as she glanced at Sakura and Lancer, the latter having disabled her spirit form.
Sakura had an awkward smile while Lancer simply looked annoyed.
"Hello, my name is Sakura Matou. I'm the Master of Lancer. Mr. Derrinsmith is in an alliance with us," Sakura introduced herself.
"What polite young lady you are," Hiyoko said as she giggled. She then moved to your side and her smile widened, "Nice one, Hans."
"Mother please, don't do this," Miyu murmured with a strained look. She looked like she was going to pop a vein.
Assassin was staring a hole through your head now but you ignored her. Maybe if you ignored it, it would go away...
"Miss Matou, Lancer, this is Miyu's mother. She's Hiyoko Sakatsuki," you introduced the cheerful woman as she winked.
"While it was worrying that you didn't call me, Hans, what's this visit about?" Hiyoko asked with a raised eyebrow.
"An introduction to our new allies... And a gesture of trust towards them for letting them be here. I can only hope that they can extend the same until the end of the war," You said as you glanced at Sakura.
Her eyes widened in realization that you managed to lure her in so easily. But what you did say was true. It was an extension of trust... And if she were the woman she seemed to be, she would do the same.
Not accounting on Lancer doing things on her own.
"Yes. It's as he says," Sakura sighed as she smiled towards Hiyoko.
"I see. Well, since Miyu brought her friends over, how about I make you all some snacks. Miyu, would you like to help?" Hiyoko asked her daughter.
"Yes, mother," Miyu nodded and they went to the kitchen.
It was better to get comfortable then...
.....
....
...
You left the others in Hiyoko's room to get some time by yourself. You stood at the rooftop taking in the view of the city as you glanced behind you at a couple of your men walking towards you and stopping.
"Sir, it's good to see that you're safe," the taller and more scarred of the two employees spoke. His fellow employee was the young man from before, both were a part of the group of Magus under your employ.
You smiled and raised your hand, "Sanders, Morrison. I apologize for making you babysit."
"It's nothing compared to what you're going through, sir," Sanders said as he scarred face turned into a grimace.
"Do you have new orders for us?" Morrison asked with a curious look.
"I'm thinking of transporting Hiyoko out of the city. It's only going to get worse from here. I don't want her to get in the way," you said as you glanced at the buildings before you, "Minerva's group will start moving. I want all personnel to evacuate in three days. Pull out the city and get ready to notify both the Association and the Church."
"That bad?" Sanders asked with a narrowed look.
"If I can't get the situation under control, yes. Hopefully it won't come to that. Sorry again for leaving you guys like this," you said with a small smile.
Your employees simply met your gaze. Sanders for his part replied, "We're used to it. Ten years you've taken care of us. We're in your debt, sir."
"Good. Get everything ready. I'm going to speak with the Edelfelt woman this evening and see if she can lend us a hand," you said as your subordinates walked away.
You were left alone once again as the sun traveled through the sky. You blinked and you noticed someone walking out the door your men went through.
Surprisingly, it was Miyu that stepped out.
"What happened?" You asked as you leaned against the railing behind you.
"I left them. Mother is entertaining the others," the girl said as she stopped by your side to peer over the edge of the building.
"Well, that's certainly a cruel fate," you chuckled as you looked up the sky.
Miyu turned towards you and spoke, "Hans, do you mean everything you told me?"
You raised an eyebrow before glancing at the young girl to your side. She was giving you a hard look. You decided to turn her way and crouch down to her level.
"Well, have I ever broken a promise I made to you?" You asked her right back. You saw her narrow her gaze so you raised your hand, "But yes, I do mean everything. Of my goals, of my wish... What's this about?"
"I... Just wanted to be sure," Miyu said as she turned to look down, "I am... A Child of God. I can grant anything you want. I have the potential to match Fuyuki's Grail. But you don't want that, right?"
"That would kill you. Not only that, but I think your mother wouldn't be happy if I did that. She'd be sad," you replied as you met her gaze.
"So far, you haven't let me slip away. Under your protection, I learned a lot of things. I judged you and your cause," Miyu said with a quiet voice, "You insist on me deciding if being the Grail was fine."
"It's our little game after all. Don't tell me you came to a decision," you said as you got up and held on to the railing.
"I wonder, Hans... I wonder if it's all right to decide things on my own. Someone like me... Can I do it?" Miyu asked you with an uncertain tone, "Seeing Mother and everyone else back there. It made me feel envious."
"What about that beautiful Wish you want to see?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow, "Are you giving up on it?"
Miyu shook her head, "If need be, I'll do it. But... This feeling is something that crept up inside me. So... It should be my own. I was born for this purpose but after seeing battle after battle these past few days, I don't know anymore. So I'm asking you."
"Well to me it sounds like you have your own thoughts now," you said with a smirk.
"So is it all right, Hans? For me to decide things on my own? In defiance for everything I was born to do and be?" Miyu asked as she looked up at you.
You stared at her golden eyes long and hard. You eventually shut your own and sighed. You reached out and rubbed her head.
"You're a kid. It's fine to be selfish. It's fine to throw a tantrum. If you do something bad, your mom or someone will scold you. That's just how things are, you know?" You told her with a gentle smile, "So... Do what you want. You're not bound by the expectations adults put upon you. They don't get to decide who or what you'll be. Only you can and that's only if you let them."
"Selfish..." Miyu whispered before meeting your gaze, "Then... I have a Wish."
"The Grail having a Wish... That's a first," you chuckled.
"It's something I don't think even the Grail could grant. But Hans... If anything happens to me, do you think you can erase her memory of my existence?" Miyu asked as she lowered her head, "I... Don't want her to be saddened."
"That's only if something happens to you? Why would you think that?" You asked her.
"This war is unpredictable... Not even you are guaranteed to win. But if you survive, I want you to take care of her," Miyu said as she clenched her fist.
Two Weeks
[] "I'll do you one better... I'll protect you until the very end. I'll win this, I promise."
[] "So much for being selfish. Still, you sure love to prepare for things. All right. Your wish my command."
[] "That won't do at all. You'll make it, Miyu. You, your mom, you'll both make it. I'll make sure of it."
[] Write in...
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Note: Genshin has my soul. Slow updates.
