Fate / Sacred Fire

Chapter Nine

It's early in the morning. Jun was standing by the front door and was getting ready to leave for school. While he was checking himself to see if hasn't forgotten anything, Zerra comes up to him with a worried expression on her face.

Zerra: Hey, can't you skip school just this once?
Jun: You know I can't do that.
Zerra: But it's not safe! Just the other day, that Zed guy attacked us!
Jun: As long as I'm in school where there are lots of civilians, no one is going to ambush me.
Zerra: Well what about after school huh?!
Jun: I'll be back before it gets too dark. So don't worry about--.
Zerra: But I am worried!!

Jun was startled a little when Zerra unexpectedly raised her voice like that. Jun can see that Zerra was being stubborn about this and sighs as his reply. He then place a hand on her head, much to her surprise.

Zerra: J-Jun...?
Jun: I know you're just trying to protect me but let's face it, you're still too weak. You haven't fully recovered yet. If a Master does attack us, you'll only get yourself killed.
Zerra: But fighting is a Servant's job!
Jun: I know, I know. I have no doubt that you can fight but not in your current condition.

Zerra's expression slowly turns into a depressing one. Jun scratch his head before he continue.

Jun: Sigh. You're so stubborn.
Zerra: Does that mean you'll skip school?
Jun: Nope. I'm still going. However, if you're that worried, you can come and get me when school is over.
Zerra: Really?
Jun: As long as you promise to stay here and get as much rest as possible.
Zerra: I...I understand.
Jun: Good. We'll, I'll be going then. (smiles)
Zerra: R-Right. Be safe, Jun.

Zerra force herself to smile as she waves good bye. As soon as Jun close the door, her smile quickly disappears. She depressingly turns around and walks in the kitchen, where Erica was eating her breakfast. She had just woken up since her hair was still a mess and she was only wearing a shirt and her underwear. She was still sleepy and was spilling most of the cereal she was eating.

Zerra: Erica, you're up already? I thought you had the day off?
Erica: HQ called me and passed an assignment for me. Sigh, this sucks...(yawns)
Zerra: Assignment?
Erica: Oh, it has no connection with this whole Holy Grail War so no need to worry.
Zerra: If you say so.

Zerra goes to the sink and starts to wash some of the dishes. Erica grabs a remote on the table and turns on the television. The program was a News Channel and was talking about a fire that destroyed a local park. Seeing this, Erica's sleepiness slowly disappears. Zerra glances at the television while washing the dishes.

Erica: I'm glad that there were no civilians during that time. The flames were spreading far too quickly, like it had a mind of it's own.
Zerra: Maybe...you're right. Since they're no ordinary flame, maybe they have a will of their own.
Erica: Can't say for sure since I'm no expert when it comes to magic. But what I do know is that as long as you can control them, the same thing won't happen again.
Zerra: I...hope so. I don't want innocent people to get hurt because of me.
Erica: I know that you're not that kind of person. Don't forget that me and Jun are always here, ready to lend a hand.
Zerra: Thanks. (smiles)

Meanwhile, Jun was walking through a residential area along with some other students. He was deep in thought when suddenly, someone comes from behind and place their hand over his eyes. A familiar female voice then calls to him.

Female Voice: Guess who~! (giggles)

It wasn't even hard to guess who it was since the voice gave it away. Jun instantly knows that it was Maya.

Jun: Sigh. It's too early for your jokes, Maya.

Surprise, Maya takes her hands off of Jun's face.