Interloper

Orleans: Twin Dragon Idols

After defeating Fafnir, we sneaked out of Lyon just as the French army began to arrive. We hid in the ruins of the buildings until we managed to leave the town. Sometime after, we run into an abandoned fort where everyone decides to stop to rest.

Ritsuka hasn't said a word since we arrived. She still blames herself for EMIYA's death. Mashu and Marie manage to cheer the Last Master, and she joins the rest of the group.

As everyone gets their thoughts in order, I take a step back and excuse myself. I walk up the steps and arrive at the fort's rooftop and watch as the sun slowly sets on the horizon.

For some reason, I can't help but stare as this land enters its Gold Hour, the sun slowly vanishes from sight leaving an orange glow before it too is gone.

[It's beautiful isn't it? To think that in a world so ugly and brittle can still create just a beautiful scene, albeit temporarily]

"Hm." I hummed in response.

[The Dragon Witch seems to have it out for you. I could detect the animosity she held towards you more than towards Jeanne and France in general. Why do you think that is?]

"She may see me as a bigger threat to her plans than Chaldea. Since I've already beaten two of her berserk Servants and killed her dragon, it's possible that she may send her entire army after me." I surmised.

[Was it illogical to interfere in their affairs?]

"It's too early to tell. For now, we will simply let cause and effect take their course." I said.

[I am detecting a presence right behind us]

I turn around to see Semiramis standing by the door. "Is something the matter?"

"You still owe me answers, boy. Do not tell me you have already forgotten." Semiramis sneers.

I stare at her before opening my mouth. "... go ahead."

Semiramis begins to walk towards me. "Who are you?"

I stare up at the twilight sky. "... I don't know."

The ancient queen looks bewildered. "... you must be joking."

"I wish I was. My memory is fractured." I tapped the side of my head. "It's like solving a puzzle with pieces missing. No matter how hard I try to piece it together, nothing fits." I look at her. "Do you have any other questions?"

Semiramis looks at me for a moment. "How are you able to summon those Noble Phantasms on a whim like that? It's like you just bring them to existence out of nothing."

"I don't know. I just do it out of instinct." I replied. "I can create something from nothing. Anything that I want I can make it so long as I believe it exists."

"That sounds exactly like True Magic. Are you a Sorcerer?"

I shake my head. "No I'm not. Only humans who trespass on the forbidden can be Magicians and are thus hated by the world."

"Do you hate Magicians?" Semiramis asked.

My brows furrow at her question. Do I hate Magicians? It was never something I thought about. Origin has information on all active practitioners of True Magic, yet I do not exactly feel any animosity towards them.

"I... am not sure. I suppose I am just... unsure of their existence in the world." I admit. "Humanity has evolved past Gaia's reign and have distanced themselves from the Mystery unlike any other lifeform, becoming its own independent entity. Sure they are not as strong and resilient as their predecessors, but they make up for it with their creativity. Thaumaturgy is the result of such creativity. To be able to use a secondary nervous system in their bodies in order to bend the laws of the world, albeit limited, in their favor is truly an achievement within itself." I sigh. "But like any creature, humans are flawed and greedy beings. Magi are no better. They desire to reach the Root in order to obtain True Magic and thus will go through such painstaking lengths to obtain it no matter the sacrifice." I said. "I just do not understand why they'd go through such lengths. Humanity is well capable of reaching such potential without the Root, yet they intend to take the shortcut out of a bane notion that they're superior to everyone else."