Matou Sakura was a remarkably resilient person. Despite enduring immense suffering, she faced the world with optimism.
Most importantly, she didn't passively accept her fate. Instead, she quietly gathered strength, preparing to resist.
This was the impression Medusa had formed of the young girl after spending days as her Servant.
At home or school, Sakura's smiles were often forced... not out of pain or deceit, but to conceal her true self from those watching her in secret, avoiding any danger.
Now, though, her smile was genuine. Even with the unique bond between Master and Servant, Medusa could sense no falsehood.
This was a true smile, born from Sakura's heart.
"Sakura, you seem happy," Medusa said, unaware that her own voice carried a hint of warmth.
"Of course I'm happy, Medusa," Sakura replied, beaming. "This morning, I came clean with everyone, and Nii-san specifically invited me over tonight. That means he accepts me as part of his team!"
"You called me by my name," Medusa noted.
To avoid exposing their identities and becoming targets, Masters typically referred to Servants by their class. Sakura's shift to using Medusa's name surprised her.
"There's no need to hide anymore. We're all working together now. With Nii-san's abilities, I believe the Grail isn't even that important to him. This Holy Grail War doesn't have much left to worry about."
"You trust him a lot," Medusa observed.
"Of course. Everything I have now, this power to protect myself... it all came from him," Sakura said, her eyes twinkling. "Though, we seem about the same age now, don't we?"
She fell into thought as she spoke. Medusa, watching her, could guess what was on her mind but didn't pry.
Those were Sakura's private matters, not hers to question.
Sakura's magecraft... or rather, magic... was unique. Even with Medusa's own considerable foundation, she couldn't fully grasp it. For a man to grant such power to Sakura, Medusa was willing to try trusting him.
But if he ever betrayed Sakura… Medusa took a deep breath, clenching her fists, ready for anything.
When Sakura and Medusa arrived at the familiar Emiya residence, Sakura's eyes widened slightly as she stepped inside.
There was Morpheus, cooking, with a mysterious woman practically glued to his side.
The mature, twenty-something woman sparked a flicker of wariness in Sakura's heart.
Who is she? Why's she so close to Nii-san? Her attire doesn't fit this era... another Servant? Sakura thought, subtly channeling mana into her eyes to see the woman's spectral aura.
Definitely a Servant, and one with immense magical power!
Must be Caster, Sakura concluded.
"Evening, Morpheus-nii," she greeted aloud.
"Sakura's here! Hang out with the others for a bit... dinner's almost ready," Morpheus replied.
Sakura hung her coat aside and asked, "Need any help?"
"No, it's nearly done." Morpheus set a simmering broth on the table. "Tonight's Rin's idea... Sukiyaki."
Medea tilted her head. "Sukiyaki?"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Sukiyaki!"
"Yeah, Sukiyaki. Veggies, meat, all stewed together. Perfect for eating and chatting... especially chatting!" Morpheus said, bringing over plates of sliced, washed ingredients.
The long table was laden with food, enough for two or three meals if everyone's appetite was normal.
"Sukiyaki's great for eating and talking," Shirou nodded approvingly.
Morpheus grinned, turning to Rin. "But Rin, choosing Sukiyaki... you planning to say something over dinner?"
"No way! I just thought it'd help us discuss the Grail better. I'm a magus, after all!" Rin said, glancing cautiously at Sakura. Seeing her sister watching, she grew nervous and added, "Besides, no one's going to start a fight over dinner, right?"
"Senpai, are you saying we're all irrational?" Sakura teased with a smile, leaving Rin at a loss for words. Morpheus just shrugged.
"No, Sakura, you know those novels or anime where someone's all tsundere... worried or happy inside but acting tough?" he said.
Before Sakura could respond, Rin glared at him. "Who're you talking about?!"
"Did I say anyone?" Morpheus quipped, prompting another glare from Rin as she sat down, puffing her cheeks.
Sakura's eyes softened briefly, though she quickly hid it. Sitting down, she smiled and asked, "By the way, who's this lady?"
She meant Medea.
"Hello, I'm Medea. You can also call me Caster," Medea said, smiling as she greeted Sakura.
She sensed something complex between Sakura and Morpheus. This girl was clearly close to him. While Rin's relationship with Morpheus seemed like teacher and student, Sakura's gaze held a dangerous intensity.
Lovers? But if so, why introduce her only now? What happened between them? Medea wondered, suppressing her curiosity.
She turned to Medusa. "I sense a familiar aura. Are you… from my era?"
Medusa shook her head, then nodded slightly.
***
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