Chapter 8: Glimmers and Crossed Destinies
The atmosphere in the youngest Emiya's room felt lighter than usual. The air smelled of hope and the faint scent of cherry blossoms drifting through the slightly ajar door.
The room's owner was looking at himself in the full-length mirror he had brought into his room for this particular day.
Approximately four years had passed since the fateful day when he lost everything. The day Shirou died, embraced by the flames. And the day the new and improved Shirou Emiya was reborn from the ashes, like an immortal phoenix.
'Today is a great day… Not only will it be my first day as a proud high school student, but Taiga-nee promised to officially integrate me as a member of the school's Kendo club. She even said if I do well this year, I'll be her successor as club captain. And the best part is… For the first time since I started wielding a sword, I'll be the one doling out the beatings instead of receiving them! Muahahaha!'
Shirou admired himself in the mirror. He smoothed his snow-white hair— slightly dyed to avoid looking like an old man— and struck his best pose, one worthy of a true Joestar. The chuunibyou was strong in this one…
'Gone are the days of sleepless nights from nightmares; my visions, though still there, no longer torment me, I don't allow them to. Gone is the confusion about my identity; I am Shirou Emiya, the one and only. Gone are the sad and melancholy days; I've promised myself to never again wear a sad expression on my face or in my heart, only joy and the desire to help those I care for have a place there. And gone too is the doubt about my path forward; now all that remains is the will to never retreat, no matter the difficulties, nothing in this world can stop me from protecting my loved ones.'
His eyes were serious, but his lips showed a smile of challenge and satisfaction. His gaze shifted from the mirror to the garden in the house's yard.
'Just like the garden I planted all those years ago. I too will remain steadfast, lively, unbreakable…'
— Shirou-chan! I've come for you! Hurry up and come down, we have to go!
Taiga's loud and hurried voice echoed from the front porch. She hadn't stayed overnight at the house for a long time, but she made sure to always come pick up her little brother to go to school together. Besides coming every weekend to practice Kendo with him—the only days they didn't practice at the school dojo after classes—in her own words: "Shirou-chan is the best punching bag… Plus, he's the only one who can keep up with me and help me practice defense sometimes with his miracle strikes."
*'Nonsense. Pure nonsense. I've grown up, lost the baby fat from my face, gotten stronger, I'm even close to her skill with the sword! But nooo, when I manage to land a hit it's 'just luck.' One day… one day I'll beat her so soundly she'll have no choice but to admit I'm the best,'* he thought to himself, imagining the sweet moment of glory: him standing over a completely defeated Taiga waving a white flag of surrender while saying in a pathetic voice: "I admit it, Shirou-chan is better than me. There will never be anyone like him ever again."
— SHIROU!!
— Coming!
Faced with the furious roar of the "Tiger of Fuyuki," Shirou ran at full speed until he met her at the door, ready to leave, and annoyed at his tardiness.
— What's taking so long?! Were you putting on makeup or something?!
— Hehe, forget about that, Taiga-nee. Let's go fast or we'll be late.
— Wait right there, brat! I haven't scolded you enough yet!
— Do it on the way to school!
* * *
— Are you sure about this, Taiga-nee?— Asked Shirou, nervous.
Both of them stood before the sliding door of the Kendo club dojo. The welcome event for new students moving up from elementary to middle school, or middle school to high school, had already passed. Taiga's plan was to introduce the new member, recommended by her and also her successor as the next club captain, to the entire club, both the male and female schedules.
'It's ironic,'* thought Shirou, his smile twisting into a wry grimace. *'I was so excited about this a little while ago, I couldn't wait, but now… now I'm afraid to even open that door… What if they don't like me? What if they think I'm too young to be part of the group? What if they hate me for being popular Taiga-nee's favorite? What if…?'
— What's wrong, Shirou-chan? Getting shy already? Cheer up! You'll be fine!— She said, giving him a slap on the back in an attempt to encourage him.
— I'm not shy, it's just… I'm a little nervous.
— Oh, really~?— Her playful tone sent a shiver down Shirou's spine, his thoughts going to the worst possible places: 'She's not going to…'
A pity for the white-haired boy, his worst fears came true. Taiga slid the door open with a bang, drawing the attention of the small crowd waiting inside.
— Hello, guys! Guess who's here… That's right! Your beautiful and cool captain: Taiga Fujimura!
Shirou froze in place; he hadn't expected her to do this.
— Taiga-buchou, good morning.
— Taiga-buchou, why did you gather us all here? We could be out there kidnapping new members for the club!
— What do you mean kidnapping, idiot?! Obviously, they'll join us of their own free will… they just need a little nudge.
— Right, right. You're absolutely right… they just need the proper motivation~
— Taiga-buchou, you look great today!
— HAHAHA— Laughed the club captain, or tyrant, heartily, returning the greetings and thanking the compliments— Calm down, guys! You don't have to worry about new members anymore. Do you know why? Because today, your beautiful and peerless captain, has brought you the best promise of this generation until the next century!
Shirou's face grew paler with every word that came out of his Onee-chan's mouth. No,… right now it would be more appropriate to call her a demon.
'I think I'd better leave,'* thought Shirou as he began to turn to go. But a hand, incredibly strong, grabbed him by the shoulder, preventing him from taking another step. He looked up to meet Taiga's cruel— amused— eyes looking at him sideways. *'I'm dead… social death, I mean…'
— It's someone some of the female members might have seen training with me outside of club hours! He's someone incredible, who even at the young age of 12 has come very close to my skill with the sword! He's someone I trained personally for 4 years! And the best part!… He will be my successor as club captain next year after I graduate!
Shirou wanted to escape… Oh, he wanted to escape so badly right at this moment. But Taiga's grip was like a hydraulic press as she spun him around to place him in front of her and show him off to the entire dojo, as if he were an item at an auction.
— He's my little brother! His name is…! SHIROU EMIYA!!!
'Well, we've reached this point. I have nowhere to run… Better give the best performance I can: "Fake it till you make it," they say…' Shirou reflected with resignation. Then he put on his best "knight in shining armor" smile— as he himself thought of it— and bowed at a 90-degree angle. But not in the traditional Japanese way, rather like a young noble from the Western Middle Ages.
— It's a pleasure to meet you all. I hope we get along in the years to come. Please, take care of me…
The silence that followed was sepulchral, so much so that you could hear the distant noise of conversations from across the campus.
And then… it erupted.
First, the girls:
— He's so cute! I want to eat him up with kisses!
— Oh, my Kami-! He dyed his hair snow white! Kawaiii!!
— Hasn't he gotten more handsome?! Look at his face, it doesn't look like a baby face anymore! It's almost like a "Young Master" from a romance novel!
— You're right, even though he's 12, he doesn't look like a "Shota" anymore! How sad~!
— Hello, Shirou-chan! We missed you!
Then, the boys:
— Damn "Ikemen."
— So young and already a total "Ikemen." Tsk.
— All "Ikemen" should burn in the deepest circle of hell.
— Guys, guys, even though I agree with our collective hatred for "Ikemen"…
— Tsk x10.
— … didn't you hear what Taiga-buchou said? She said he'll be the next club captain! That's so unfair!
— I say we lynch him! Down with "Ikemen"! Down with nepotism!
Two totally different reactions, but both equally powerful, flooded the dojo. Not even Taiga could stop them in time before they lunged at poor Shirou, some with mortally good and affectionate intentions, and others with clear desires to put him on a pike and display him as an example to their enemies.
— Sorry, Taiga-nee, but it all went wrong! See you at home!— Said Shirou with an amused laugh as he ran down the hallway, escaping before the horde of older students could lay their claws on him.
'And there went my first day… Well, at least it was fun hehehe.'
* * *
'Okay, there's a slight chance I might be lost… Maybe I shouldn't have run in random directions hoping to lose my pursuers.'
Shirou sighed, finally stopping in an alley he didn't recognize. The sun had begun to set, painting Fuyuki's sky with orange and purple hues. He had run so far from the school that he now found himself in an older part of the city, where traditional-style buildings mixed with modern structures in a contrast he found fascinating.
He walked aimlessly for a while longer, enjoying the twilight. The area was unusually quiet, with only the sound of his own footsteps and the whisper of the wind between the buildings. He passed by a Shinto shrine that seemed abandoned, its torii gates painted a faded red by time.
It was while turning a narrow corner, distractedly looking at a half-faded sign, that it happened.
He bumped into something— or someone— with enough force to make him lose his balance. Shirou fell onto his back on the ground, dazed by the impact.
— Insolent! Can't you see where you're walking?
The voice that rose above him was feminine, but held an authority and arrogance so absolute it seemed to resonate in the very air. Shirou looked up.
The woman before him was… dazzling. Not just because of her beauty, which was extraordinary—hair golden like the setting sun, eyes red like rubies, perfectly sculpted features—but because of the presence she emanated. She wore modern but expensive clothes, with a style that spoke of wealth and absolute power. But beyond appearance, there was something in her posture, in her gaze, that said clearly: "I am above all this."
— Well? Have you seen enough, filthy mongrel?— She said, with disgust in her tone.
— I'm sorry— Shirou apologized, getting up— I didn't see you, I was distracted.
The golden woman examined him with a gaze that seemed to weigh and measure every atom of his being. Her eyes narrowed for an instant on his face.
— You…— She murmured, and in her tone, there was a flash of recognition mixed with contempt— You're that… "Faker."
Shirou blinked, confused. 'Faker? What did that mean?'
The woman took a step towards him, and Shirou instinctively stepped back. There was something dangerous about her, something that his senses— honed by years of training with Taiga— screamed at him was a threat on a completely different level.
— I mistook you for another— Said the woman, and now her voice held a thoughtful tone— But no… you are not him. Your scent is different. Your essence is… strange.
She extended a perfect hand— like polished ivory— towards him, not to touch him, but as if she were palpating the air around his body.
— Who… who are you?— Asked Shirou, trying to stay calm.
— I am the one asking questions, not you, creature— She responded, but her curiosity seemed genuine now. Her red eyes fixed on Shirou's, and something changed in her expression— But how interesting… Let me see you
There was no dramatic gesture, nor magical words. But Shirou felt a pressure in his mind, as if something enormous and infinitely ancient were observing him from a place beyond his comprehension. It was Gilgamesh's "Noble Phantasm," Sha Nagba Imuru— "The Omniscient and Omnipotent Star"— though operating at its minimum expression, like a king taking a casual glance at the records of his kingdom.
What she saw— or rather, what she didn't see— made her blink.
She activated the power to a greater level, seeking the lines of this boy's fate, the possible futures unfolding from this moment. In any normal human, she would see a fan of possibilities: some bright paths, others dark, but all clearly defined and subject to the laws of cause and effect.
In Shirou Emiya, she saw none of that.
She did not see a void, like the one she found when trying to look beyond a certain date in the distant future. What she saw was…
Light.
A light so intense, so pure, so dazzling that it burned away any attempt to perceive any destiny. It was not a fixed fate, nor multiple timelines. It was like looking directly at the sun: blinding, impossible to analyze, impossible to contain. Any possible future that tried to attach itself to this existence simply incinerated before it could manifest. Its radiance was such that no matter how much she tried to look, any future related to him was impossible to perceive and constantly changing.
She, Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, who had seen the beginning and end of all things, who knew all destinies because all the treasures of the world belonged to her, found herself facing something completely new… A treasure beyond her comprehension.
She withdrew her "gaze" and observed the child before her with an expression that had lost all its usual arrogance, replaced by genuine astonishment.
— What… what are you?— She asked, and this time there was no contempt in her voice, but something close to reverence.
— I am Shirou Emiya— He responded simply.
— Shirou Emiya…— She repeated, as if savoring the name— No. You are more than a name. You are… an anomaly. An exception to all rules. I have seen many things in my existence, creature. I have seen heroes and gods, prophecies and destinies written in the stars. But you… you have no destiny. You only have… pure possibility.
Shirou didn't fully understand what she was saying, but something in her words resonated with what he himself had felt since that night on the *engawa*, when he decided to create his own path.
The golden woman kept observing him, and now her gaze had completely changed. Where before there was disdain, now there was genuine interest. Where before there was irritation, now there was… admiration?
— Your heart— She said suddenly— Is strangely pure. Not the naive purity of children, but… a purity of purpose. A determination so absolute it has burned away all impurities. And your soul… is beautiful. Not in the aesthetic sense, but in its very essence. It shines with a light I have seen very few times.
Shirou didn't know what to say. He just stood there, under the intense gaze of this mysterious woman who seemed to see him in a way no one else had.
Finally, she smiled. It wasn't a condescending smile, but a genuine smile of discovery.
— I shall no longer call you "Faker"— She declared— Nor "mongrel," as I usually do with common humans. You deserve a more appropriate name…
She thought for a moment, her red eyes gleaming with an inner fire.
— I shall call you… "My Wandering Star." Because, like a star, you shine with your own light that does not follow established paths. And because, like a wandering star, your trajectory is unpredictable, impossible to map on any celestial chart.
Shirou nodded slowly. The name was strange, but there was something about it he liked.
— Now listen to me, my Wandering Star— She continued, regaining some of her regal tone, but without the initial arrogance— The world is a boring and predictable place. Humans follow their little destinies like ants following paths traced by others. But you… you could be different. You could create new paths where there were only dead ends.
She took a step closer, and this time Shirou did not retreat.
— Come with me. Become my subordinate. Not as a servant— She clarified quickly, making a gesture of distaste—, but as… a protected. A personal interest. Under my protection, you will learn things no human of this era could teach you. You will see wonders beyond your imagination. And perhaps, just perhaps, you will come to fully understand what that light you carry inside is.
Shirou stared at her. Every instinct told him this woman was dangerous, powerful, volatile. But there was also something about her that resonated with the deepest part of his being. She saw what he was, or at least glimpsed his potential, in a way that not even Kiritsugu or Taiga could.
— Where… would you take me?— He finally asked.
Gilgamesh smiled, a smile that contained eons of knowledge and the weight of an empire.
— To a place where the world's rules bend and break. To a place where you will see, with your own eyes, what it truly means to defy fate. Come— She extended her hand, not as an order, but as an invitation— I will take you to the church where I am temporarily residing. There is someone… interesting there, whom I want you to meet.
Shirou hesitated for another moment. He looked at the extended hand, then at the red eyes watching him with an intensity he could almost feel physically.
He remembered his promise to himself: never retreat, no matter the difficulties. He remembered his determination to protect his loved ones, and to do that, he needed to be stronger, understand more about the world he lived in.
But… even so.
— I'm sorry, but I cannot accept.
Gilgamesh frowned, confused. But she waited for an explanation; she was sure no one would refuse an offer like this, especially one made by her.
— I feel that if I go with you, I'll drift away from what I know. I'll drift away from my father. From Taiga-nee. From the new friends I still have to make at school… I don't want that. I don't want to be apart from their side, I want to be there for them when they need me… And if your offer implies I distance myself from them, then I'm sorry, but I definitely cannot accept.
Gilgamesh's smile returned and widened more than before, and for an instant, Shirou could see in her eyes not only the power of a king, but the spark of something that had been absent in her for a long time: genuine curiosity.
— Not the answer I expected— She said, and her hand, previously extended before him, moved to his face, caressing it tenderly, like someone holding an incredibly delicate work of art— Nor the one I wanted… But it is fitting for someone like you. Don't worry, my Wandering Star, I will not separate you from the things you love, that might make you lose a bit of your beautiful shine. I simply want you to be mine. You will be able to continue seeing your friends, this Taiga you mention, you can even continue living with your "father" for whatever time he has left.
Upon hearing the golden woman's response, Shirou's smile matched hers and, in an act of bravery— or stupidity— he confidently took the hand that was caressing his face and began to move forward.
— Then let's go! My father once told me not to take candy from strangers, but you are a beautiful girl, the most beautiful I've ever seen, so I guess you won't kidnap me… and even if you do, then I'll be a happily kidnapped Shirou Emiya! Hahaha
— Excellent— She said, and her voice resonated with satisfaction, not feeling the least bit offended as she matched Shirou's pace— Then let us walk, my Wandering Star. The night is still young, and there is much to show someone who, for the first time in countless years, has surprised me.
And so, under Fuyuki's purple twilight, the boy who had no destiny and the king who knew all destinies walked together into the unknown, each step bringing them closer to an encounter that would forever change the course of their lives.
***
Glossary of Terms from the Chapter
"Joestar": Reference to the family of protagonists in the anime JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. The characters often strike comedic and highly exaggerated poses called "JoJo poses" by fans.
"Chuunibyou": A Japanese term that literally means "second-year middle school syndrome." It is used to describe adolescents who have delusions of grandeur or pretentious attitudes, such as believing they have special powers or a unique destiny. It is common in otaku culture and anime for characters who act exaggeratedly or immaturely, trying to appear more important or mysterious than they really are.
"Kendo": A modern Japanese martial art derived from kenjutsu (traditional samurai swordsmanship). It is practiced using bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor. It is both a competitive sport and a discipline to cultivate spirit and swordsmanship technique.
"Dojo": A place or hall where martial arts or disciplines related to meditation and immersive learning are practiced. It literally means "place of the way" and is the traditional space for training in judo, karate, kendo, among others.
"Buchou": A Japanese term meaning "department head" or "section leader." In school or work contexts, it refers to the person responsible for a group or club, with authority and leadership.
"Onee-chan": An affectionate and informal Japanese term for referring to an older sister. It is used among family members or close people to express affection and closeness toward an older sister.
"Shota": A Japanese term referring to young male characters, generally boys or preadolescents, in manga and anime. In some contexts, it can have connotations related to attraction toward young male characters, similar to the term "shotacon."
"Kawaii": A Japanese cultural concept meaning "cute," "adorable," or "lovely." It goes beyond mere appearance, encompassing an aesthetic of innocence, simplicity, and childlike charm reflected in fashion, behavior, design, and pop culture.
"Young Master": A term used in Chinese novels for the son or heir of a wealthy/powerful family or clan. In popular culture, the term has a negative connotation, referring to a person who is extremely arrogant, despicable, and blind to their own weaknesses and/or stupidity.
"Ikemen": A Japanese word describing an attractive, handsome, and stylish man. It refers to men with good physical appearance, often with a fresh and charismatic air.
"Shinto": The indigenous religion of Japan based on the worship of kami, spirits or deities that inhabit nature and sacred objects. It is a polytheistic and animistic religion emphasizing connection with nature and traditional rituals.
"Torii": A traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition between the profane world and the sacred. It is generally vermilion red and has a simple structure of two vertical posts and two horizontal crossbars.
"Mongrel (Mestizo)": In the Fate series, especially in Fate/stay night, the term "mongrel" (often translated as "mestizo" or "bastard" in Spanish) is a derogatory insult frequently used by Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh, as the King of Heroes and considering himself the pinnacle of existence, sees most humans and Servants as inferior to him. He uses "mongrel" to express his contempt for those he considers of impure lineage, low worth, or simply not on his level. It is a way to assert his own superiority and belittle his opponents. When Gilgamesh calls someone "mongrel," he is not only insulting their lineage but also their status, power, and right to exist in his presence. It is a label denoting a lack of nobility and importance.
"Faker (Farsante)": "Faker" in this context refers to someone who pretends or imitates the weapons from Gilgamesh's Treasury without possessing the originality or authentic power. Gilgamesh feels anger and contempt toward these characters because, although they can use similar weapons, they lack the true essence and legitimacy he possesses. More specifically, it refers to Archer EMIYA (or his variants, like Shirou himself), who can replicate weapons and techniques thanks to their reality marble (Unlimited Blade Works), and for that reason, Gilgamesh calls them "Faker."
"Noble Phantasm": In the Fate series (Fate/stay night and derivatives), a Noble Phantasm is a powerful and unique weapon or ability possessed by a Heroic Spirit. It represents the essence or legend of the hero and is usually a technique or artifact with great supernatural power.
"Sha Nagba Imuru": A phrase appearing in the Fate series related to the character Gilgamesh, known as the King of Heroes. "Sha Nagba Imuru" is an expression meaning "He who saw the abyss" and refers to Gilgamesh's omniscient mentality and power, capable of seeing multiple timelines and possibilities.