Fate Coiling Sword

Chapter 25: Alliance

Beta read by Shigiya and Darklord331

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-Fuyuki- 

“Urgh… my head…”

Leaning against the couch in her living room, Rin absent-mindedly gazed at a recently taken picture featuring herself, Ayako, and Sakura, all donning their school uniforms at the park. Ayako had captured the snapshot after they left the café, with her friend opting to spend some leisure time with both of them. It was a novel experience for the young Magus; the first time she had hung out with a friend—well, who was she kidding? Out of everyone in the school, Ayako was easily the only friend she truly enjoyed spending time with. Everyone else was, at best, classmates and acquaintances.

Most of her free time was studying and bettering her magecraft.

“She looks much more lively lately, and it all started ever since she and Shiro started hanging out, I think,” Rin mused aloud, pondering the newfound energy Ayako seemed to possess… at least more so than usual. It was a mystery how that girl and Emiya Shirou managed to get along like that. From Rin's perspective, the two of them barely had anything in common and seemed to be opposites of each other.

“They even banter with one another; Ayako even mentioned that he has a sharp tongue. Seriously…” Rin trailed off, contemplating the unusual behavior she observed with Shirou compared to the one described by the brunette. Despite their limited interaction, Rin believed she had gained a good understanding of the kind of person Shirou was through their occasional interactions whenever they crossed paths. After all, he had a reputation as the school's janitor, often found in club rooms repairing old, broken-down machines and equipment. Not that Rin thought it was appropriate; the school should have been responsible for such maintenance and hired professionals instead of relying on students to save money.

“And what's with him and Sakura?” she added, another piece of information that threw her out of the loop. The fact that he and Sakura seemed rather close was perplexing to say the least, especially considering Sakura's usual quiet demeanor. She couldn't help but feel like she had been missing out on much of what was happening around her. A sensation she did not enjoy the least, making her feel like a fool at how shocked she would be while others behaved as if they already knew about it. 

It wasn't just matters related to those from her school and Sakura… Lounging on the sofa, she mulled over the events of the day, her thoughts wandering to the approaching Holy Grail War and the series of monsters plaguing Fuyuki. The presence of an enforcer searching for whoever was responsible for the incidents only added to her stress.

“But it was nice. I wouldn't mind doing that again in the future,” she mused aloud, casting a final glance at the picture in her hand. Despite her complicated relationship with Sakura, Rin couldn't deny that spending time with her and Ayako had its merits. Deep down, she knew that what had happened in the past was for Sakura's own good, but she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that lingered within the decision made by her father.

Lost in her thoughts, the twin-tailed Magus failed to notice the doorbell ringing until a sharp knock jolted her from her contemplation. 

“Ah!” Startled, she fell off the couch, rubbing her head as she cursed under her breath. "Damn it… Ugh… who could be disturbing me on a Sunday? I bet that it's none other than that Fake Priest, just here to waste my time!" Rin grumbled, annoyed at the interruption. Hastily donning her clothing and slippers, she marched to the door with an irritated expression, swinging it open forcefully.

“You stupid priest, I told you not to disturb me on Sund—!?” However, her words died in her throat as she came face to face with two familiar individuals standing on her doorstep.