"Are you okay, Alessandro?"
Caesar's question caught the boy off guard. They had camped in a house a few steps from an arena. The moon was dominating the night sky and both Ina and Henry were sleeping upstairs. The room, lit by some torches, held an air of tension and fear.
"I can't sleep... that's all," he replied, lowering his head. "I'd like to be as carefree as you are, you know? You can even use moments like this to try on new clothes."
"You like it?" she asked making a full circle.
"Not bad. Where did you find it?"
"Upstairs. Isn't it strange that there are clothes in my size?"
"Strange, huh? Not the word I was thinking of. By now I know how certain things work... I bet there's something underneath."
"I'm sorry," she said, sitting next to him. "I'm sorry you're forced to fight another war."
The two, in front of that table occupied by the books that Alessandro had brought with him, exchanged embittered glances; she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry," the girl repeated.
"It's not your fault. The fault lies with Vergil. That guy... he's like Yukiko. I told you? I saw it in his eyes the first time I saw him. People like him are evil, true evil."
"Do you have a plan—?"
"A plan? Ah! If I had a plan, I wouldn't be standing here waiting for something."
"So that's why we're here? To 'wait for something'?"
"I'm waiting for a sign... or a miracle... anything that can end this war in an instant."
"Are you serious?" she asked with grave perplexity.
"Have you seen what situation I'm in? Did you see who I have to protect? I'm afraid, Caesar... I'm really afraid of not being able to defend Ina. How can I be a shield to her? How can I protect her in such a war? How can I stop Vergil from killing her? I'm not that strong to—"
"You're too agitated, Comrade. You have to calm down. If you don't, you will make things worse. In times of crisis, you need to stop and think. Come with me."
The girl got up and, taking Alessandro by his arm, took him out of the house.
"No, wait," he exclaimed fearing for Ina's safety.
"We don't go too far, don't worry. I just want to let you breathe some fresh air, it will help you think."
The two began walking around the house. Alessandro and Caesar were surrounded only by a nocturnal silence in which thousands of deserted houses were submerged. Alessandro followed the girl like a disciple who follows the teacher. She was the first to open her mouth:
"One of my hardest battles was the one I fought in Munda, in Hispania. Do you know who I fought against? One of my best legionaries: Titus Labienus. He was, to me, a very good friend and, at times, also a good lover. But fate pitted us against each other and, in that fateful battle in Munda, I was cornered."
"How did it happen?"
"First, he knew my way of conducting a military campaign and he knew how to adapt to my strategies. Plus he had a clear numerical advantage. I had eight legions and he had thirteen. I was afraid, of course." She paused briefly. "I was very afraid of the outcome and, to be honest, I didn't even intend to fight my best friend. You know... that time I honestly thought about killing myself."
"For real?!" he exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, really. We Romans, in this sense, are very similar to the people of Tokugawa."
"Are you talking of the Japanese?"
"Yes, them," she replied, smiling. "Many Romans place a strong emphasis on their own honor and dignity. I've never worried about honor, it's stupid for me to be honorable... but at that moment there, against Labienus, I really thought about putting my ego aside and committing suicide. But I was just scared... and the fear is always brief."
"So you fought your friend in the end."
"I've often been accused of lacking in virtue... Don't get me wrong, I understand the charm of those who are virtuous, it's easier to fall in love with Socrates than with the State that punished him. However, to be honest, I've never understood the practicality of virtue. It's useful only to those who have as their goal to be remembered as a good person, but if your purpose is to change the world..."
"Are you telling me that virtue is useless?"
"Not 'useless' but irrelevant. The virtuous do not change the world, only those who are willing to make sacrifices can really change the state of things. People of virtue are little different from beautiful figurines. They are people born to be admired, but they are unable to change the world—"
"Are you talking about me?" he immediately asked.
Caesar was silent and raised her eyebrows.
"I'm right, am I?"
"You're too sharp, Comrade," she replied with a smirk.
"What are you implying, then? That I should stop protecting Ina? That I should abandon her—?"
"No," she replied gravely. "I would never ask you to do such a thing, you know that... but I know you, Comrade, and I know you don't want to kill. In the previous war you didn't even kill a Master... this time you won't be able to afford this luxury—"
"You don't know what you're saying..."
"Do you think I like this situation? Obviously I don't like to corner you like this, but you have to understand that it's time to make some sacrifices."
"I won't kill, am I clear? I have no intention of killing people, I just want to leave and take Ina to safety... away from all this."
"To protect her, you'll have to make some tough choices, do you understand? You can't save everyone. Some people have to die so that others can live—"
"These are the arguments of a tyrant!" he said aloud.
"Maybe... but that doesn't mean they're wrong."
"But I'm—"
"You only say that because you don't have the courage to admit that, in this war, you will be forced to make difficult choices. Let's not fool ourselves, Comrade, we both know that you cannot save Ina and at the same time prevent the death of all the Masters. Playing the part of the 'good guy' will get you nowhere, you have to be realistic and—"
"I'm not playing, Caesar, I'm trying to do the right thing!"
"I know, I understand..." she said regretfully. "But sometimes the right choices require sacrifices. Protecting Ina is noble, but..."
Then, the girl noticed that Alessandro had wet eyes. His look was sad, yes, but it was also tired.
"I'm sorry, Caesar..." He wiped away his tears. "I know, it's pathetic… but I'm so tired of being forced to fight. I want to live my life... I want to be free... but every time I take a breath, there is always someone who wants to choke me. Why?"
She hugged him. "I'm sorry, Comrade, I know how you feel, by now I know you..."
He hugged her. "I hate all this..."
"I know, but you have to be strong. You managed to survive the previous war and you will be able to get out of this one too. I will stay close to you and I will make you triumph." She stroked his face with a maternal sweetness. "I believe in you, Comrade."
"Thank you... I need to have you by my side until the end."
"I thought you needed Ina," she said wryly.
"Caesar!" He walked away blushing.
"Ah, I was right!" The girl laughed.
"You ruined the atmosphere!"
"But I'm right, yes? You have feelings for her, don't you?"
He said nothing, the blush on his cheeks disappeared and his face was painted with sadness.
"Are you all right, Comrade?"
Alessandro turned to her and, with a pained smile, said: "I can't do it, Caesar, I can't hurt Ina... not like this."
She frowned and asked for explanations with a puzzled expression.
"We must be frank, Caesar, I am the cause of all this. Problems follow me and anyone close to me risks getting hurt. I can not do that. I can't follow my heart and endanger Ina's life."
"It doesn't necessarily happen—"
"Avoid saying it, it sounds like an offense," he exclaimed harshly. "The truth is this: I have feelings for Ina, yes, but it can't work between us. She has to forget about me and live her life."
"You know perfectly well that she will never do it, of course that girl is in love with you. You understand it from the way she looks at you... she has the look of someone who would die for you."
Alessandro sighed. "I know, that's why, when this war is over, I'll erase her memory."
The night was still high when Vergil sat down on an Egyptian-style throne to admire the view of Adocentyn. From the top of the tower he could see how figures, shaped like stars, moved through the streets of the city, while others remained motionless in their homes. He looked at those Adocentyn stars as if they were pawns on a chessboard.
"My lord, I have just tracked down the traitorous homunculus."
Speaking was a tall guy with a scar on his face, he accompanied by a woman shorter than him.
"So you found dear and sweet Alisa. It's unfortunate that one of my works of art has to be destroyed."
"This is the just punishment for all traitors, my lord," the man said making a short bow.
"Far be it from me to deny it. Don't kill her right away, I don't want her death to be as useless as her life. I want you in the shadows, Tao, ready to divide her from her friend and to eliminate her in an altar."
"Under your orders, my lord." The man went away.
The woman, left alone with Vergil, didn't say a word for fear of disturbing him. He stood motionless admiring Adocentyn, it seemed he hadn't realized he wasn't alone. As the woman began to walk away, Vergil's voice hit her mind:
"Flee from me, Hetna? He's not very polite."
"No, I was just—"
"Don't you find it fascinating? This panorama is truly an unparalleled sight. Adocentyn, the City of the Sun." He got up and with his hand he pointed to the landscape. "Admire the circular city made up of seven impregnable walls that divide it into six circles. Contemplate the four cardinal doors and the nine altars of the Pleiades. Can you capture the divine beauty of this perfect city? In a time far from memory, people reached the foot of this tower, after having walked the highest hill in the city, only to be able to receive enlightenment and be blessed with eternal happiness."
"Why are you telling me these things—?"
"If you had to choose between Adocentyn and Yukiko, who would you choose?"
That question was like a bolt from the blue. The girl was unable to respond immediately and she panicked.
"Don't you know what to say, Hetna?"
"I... um..."
"I understand you. After all, it wasn't me who gave you a new existence, it was Yukiko. You see her as if she were a mother, don't you?"
"No... you are wrong. I don't have this affection for her,"she said nervously.
"Good. Glad to hear that from you. I also miss dear and sweet Yukiko very much, but we can't lose concentration, can we?"
"Do I have a mission?"
"Yes. You must eliminate a Master: Raphael Maillard. Kill him, have no mercy."
"It will be done."
With the rising of the sun, Alessandro, Ina and Henry left for the arena which was a few steps away from them. There was no small concern in the air. Ina was the one who trembled the most at the very idea of fighting a Master.
"What's the plan?" Henry asked curiously.
"Go in and fight," Alessandro replied immediately.
"It's not a plan."
"I don't have any better."
"It's not very reassuring..."
"I know, but I'm glad you're helping us. The more, the better," he said, smiling.
"I'm here to kill Vergil, don't forget that. Don't fraternize with me, we're just colleagues."
"Sorry," Ina began shyly, "but how did you become a Mage Hunter?"
Henry glared at the girl with an angry look. Ina's reaction was to run for cover behind Alessandro.
"In fact, I'm curious too," said Alessandro, "how do you become a Mage Hunter? Have you been chosen by someone or...?"
"I was actually like you."
"A magus?"
"Yup. I was studying in the Clock Tower."
"Oh." A profound regret was drawn on Alessandro's face.
"I had left it long before it's fall. I didn't lose any friends in that terrible disaster... let's just say I've been luckier than others."
"Why did you leave the Clock Tower, then? Problems with the institution?"
"In a sense. If by 'institution' you mean 'parents murdered in cold blood' then yes. I had 'problems with the institution'." He paused briefly. "Killers. Sent from T6, I don't know if you know that organization. Most likely they were sent from the Clock Tower to eliminate my parents."
"Why?" Alessandro asked in shock.
"Because my parents wanted to reveal the secrets of Magecraft to the world. So they were killed. I left the Clock Tower and vowed to eliminate those magi, starting with the killer who had murdered my family..."
"Who?"
"Murakawa Tetsuya."
One of the participants of the Holy Grail War of Yggdrasil which was held in London. Alessandro knew him and knew that he had been Lancer's Master.
"You know he's already dead, right?"
Henry nodded.
"Are you happy with this—?"
"No not at all. I would've preferred to kill him myself."
The time finally came. Alessandro, Ina and Henry entered the arena. At the same instant Anna Newton and Alisa crossed the thresholds. The Servants made their appearance later. Alessandro, turning to Caesar, said:
"Okay, let's try to avoid unnecessary deaths. Let's defeat the Servants and move on."
Then the image of Vergil appeared in the center of the arena.
"Son of—!"
Alessandro was already on the point of attacking him, but Vergil immediately interrupted him by raising his hand. He was not there to fight, but to talk to the participants.
"Ladies and gentlemen, before this battle begins I would like to clarify something that perhaps some of you have not yet understood." His gaze aimed at Alessandro Serpi. The boy froze. "You are not here to just fight. You're here to reach the greatest of prizes: the Holy Grail of Yggdrasil. The outcome of this battle will seal your fate in this fantastic war. But you have to know one thing: right now you're locked in here due to a magical barrier. You cannot leave the arena. There is no Magecraft or Noble Phantasm that can save you. So avoid making a bad impression." With his gaze still fixed on Alessandro, he said, showing a demonic grin: "However, there is a way to get out of here."
Caesar's question caught the boy off guard. They had camped in a house a few steps from an arena. The moon was dominating the night sky and both Ina and Henry were sleeping upstairs. The room, lit by some torches, held an air of tension and fear.
"I can't sleep... that's all," he replied, lowering his head. "I'd like to be as carefree as you are, you know? You can even use moments like this to try on new clothes."
"You like it?" she asked making a full circle.
"Not bad. Where did you find it?"
"Upstairs. Isn't it strange that there are clothes in my size?"
"Strange, huh? Not the word I was thinking of. By now I know how certain things work... I bet there's something underneath."
"I'm sorry," she said, sitting next to him. "I'm sorry you're forced to fight another war."
The two, in front of that table occupied by the books that Alessandro had brought with him, exchanged embittered glances; she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry," the girl repeated.
"It's not your fault. The fault lies with Vergil. That guy... he's like Yukiko. I told you? I saw it in his eyes the first time I saw him. People like him are evil, true evil."
"Do you have a plan—?"
"A plan? Ah! If I had a plan, I wouldn't be standing here waiting for something."
"So that's why we're here? To 'wait for something'?"
"I'm waiting for a sign... or a miracle... anything that can end this war in an instant."
"Are you serious?" she asked with grave perplexity.
"Have you seen what situation I'm in? Did you see who I have to protect? I'm afraid, Caesar... I'm really afraid of not being able to defend Ina. How can I be a shield to her? How can I protect her in such a war? How can I stop Vergil from killing her? I'm not that strong to—"
"You're too agitated, Comrade. You have to calm down. If you don't, you will make things worse. In times of crisis, you need to stop and think. Come with me."
The girl got up and, taking Alessandro by his arm, took him out of the house.
"No, wait," he exclaimed fearing for Ina's safety.
"We don't go too far, don't worry. I just want to let you breathe some fresh air, it will help you think."
The two began walking around the house. Alessandro and Caesar were surrounded only by a nocturnal silence in which thousands of deserted houses were submerged. Alessandro followed the girl like a disciple who follows the teacher. She was the first to open her mouth:
"One of my hardest battles was the one I fought in Munda, in Hispania. Do you know who I fought against? One of my best legionaries: Titus Labienus. He was, to me, a very good friend and, at times, also a good lover. But fate pitted us against each other and, in that fateful battle in Munda, I was cornered."
"How did it happen?"
"First, he knew my way of conducting a military campaign and he knew how to adapt to my strategies. Plus he had a clear numerical advantage. I had eight legions and he had thirteen. I was afraid, of course." She paused briefly. "I was very afraid of the outcome and, to be honest, I didn't even intend to fight my best friend. You know... that time I honestly thought about killing myself."
"For real?!" he exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, really. We Romans, in this sense, are very similar to the people of Tokugawa."
"Are you talking of the Japanese?"
"Yes, them," she replied, smiling. "Many Romans place a strong emphasis on their own honor and dignity. I've never worried about honor, it's stupid for me to be honorable... but at that moment there, against Labienus, I really thought about putting my ego aside and committing suicide. But I was just scared... and the fear is always brief."
"So you fought your friend in the end."
"I've often been accused of lacking in virtue... Don't get me wrong, I understand the charm of those who are virtuous, it's easier to fall in love with Socrates than with the State that punished him. However, to be honest, I've never understood the practicality of virtue. It's useful only to those who have as their goal to be remembered as a good person, but if your purpose is to change the world..."
"Are you telling me that virtue is useless?"
"Not 'useless' but irrelevant. The virtuous do not change the world, only those who are willing to make sacrifices can really change the state of things. People of virtue are little different from beautiful figurines. They are people born to be admired, but they are unable to change the world—"
"Are you talking about me?" he immediately asked.
Caesar was silent and raised her eyebrows.
"I'm right, am I?"
"You're too sharp, Comrade," she replied with a smirk.
"What are you implying, then? That I should stop protecting Ina? That I should abandon her—?"
"No," she replied gravely. "I would never ask you to do such a thing, you know that... but I know you, Comrade, and I know you don't want to kill. In the previous war you didn't even kill a Master... this time you won't be able to afford this luxury—"
"You don't know what you're saying..."
"Do you think I like this situation? Obviously I don't like to corner you like this, but you have to understand that it's time to make some sacrifices."
"I won't kill, am I clear? I have no intention of killing people, I just want to leave and take Ina to safety... away from all this."
"To protect her, you'll have to make some tough choices, do you understand? You can't save everyone. Some people have to die so that others can live—"
"These are the arguments of a tyrant!" he said aloud.
"Maybe... but that doesn't mean they're wrong."
"But I'm—"
"You only say that because you don't have the courage to admit that, in this war, you will be forced to make difficult choices. Let's not fool ourselves, Comrade, we both know that you cannot save Ina and at the same time prevent the death of all the Masters. Playing the part of the 'good guy' will get you nowhere, you have to be realistic and—"
"I'm not playing, Caesar, I'm trying to do the right thing!"
"I know, I understand..." she said regretfully. "But sometimes the right choices require sacrifices. Protecting Ina is noble, but..."
Then, the girl noticed that Alessandro had wet eyes. His look was sad, yes, but it was also tired.
"I'm sorry, Caesar..." He wiped away his tears. "I know, it's pathetic… but I'm so tired of being forced to fight. I want to live my life... I want to be free... but every time I take a breath, there is always someone who wants to choke me. Why?"
She hugged him. "I'm sorry, Comrade, I know how you feel, by now I know you..."
He hugged her. "I hate all this..."
"I know, but you have to be strong. You managed to survive the previous war and you will be able to get out of this one too. I will stay close to you and I will make you triumph." She stroked his face with a maternal sweetness. "I believe in you, Comrade."
"Thank you... I need to have you by my side until the end."
"I thought you needed Ina," she said wryly.
"Caesar!" He walked away blushing.
"Ah, I was right!" The girl laughed.
"You ruined the atmosphere!"
"But I'm right, yes? You have feelings for her, don't you?"
He said nothing, the blush on his cheeks disappeared and his face was painted with sadness.
"Are you all right, Comrade?"
Alessandro turned to her and, with a pained smile, said: "I can't do it, Caesar, I can't hurt Ina... not like this."
She frowned and asked for explanations with a puzzled expression.
"We must be frank, Caesar, I am the cause of all this. Problems follow me and anyone close to me risks getting hurt. I can not do that. I can't follow my heart and endanger Ina's life."
"It doesn't necessarily happen—"
"Avoid saying it, it sounds like an offense," he exclaimed harshly. "The truth is this: I have feelings for Ina, yes, but it can't work between us. She has to forget about me and live her life."
"You know perfectly well that she will never do it, of course that girl is in love with you. You understand it from the way she looks at you... she has the look of someone who would die for you."
Alessandro sighed. "I know, that's why, when this war is over, I'll erase her memory."
The night was still high when Vergil sat down on an Egyptian-style throne to admire the view of Adocentyn. From the top of the tower he could see how figures, shaped like stars, moved through the streets of the city, while others remained motionless in their homes. He looked at those Adocentyn stars as if they were pawns on a chessboard.
"My lord, I have just tracked down the traitorous homunculus."
Speaking was a tall guy with a scar on his face, he accompanied by a woman shorter than him.
"So you found dear and sweet Alisa. It's unfortunate that one of my works of art has to be destroyed."
"This is the just punishment for all traitors, my lord," the man said making a short bow.
"Far be it from me to deny it. Don't kill her right away, I don't want her death to be as useless as her life. I want you in the shadows, Tao, ready to divide her from her friend and to eliminate her in an altar."
"Under your orders, my lord." The man went away.
The woman, left alone with Vergil, didn't say a word for fear of disturbing him. He stood motionless admiring Adocentyn, it seemed he hadn't realized he wasn't alone. As the woman began to walk away, Vergil's voice hit her mind:
"Flee from me, Hetna? He's not very polite."
"No, I was just—"
"Don't you find it fascinating? This panorama is truly an unparalleled sight. Adocentyn, the City of the Sun." He got up and with his hand he pointed to the landscape. "Admire the circular city made up of seven impregnable walls that divide it into six circles. Contemplate the four cardinal doors and the nine altars of the Pleiades. Can you capture the divine beauty of this perfect city? In a time far from memory, people reached the foot of this tower, after having walked the highest hill in the city, only to be able to receive enlightenment and be blessed with eternal happiness."
"Why are you telling me these things—?"
"If you had to choose between Adocentyn and Yukiko, who would you choose?"
That question was like a bolt from the blue. The girl was unable to respond immediately and she panicked.
"Don't you know what to say, Hetna?"
"I... um..."
"I understand you. After all, it wasn't me who gave you a new existence, it was Yukiko. You see her as if she were a mother, don't you?"
"No... you are wrong. I don't have this affection for her,"she said nervously.
"Good. Glad to hear that from you. I also miss dear and sweet Yukiko very much, but we can't lose concentration, can we?"
"Do I have a mission?"
"Yes. You must eliminate a Master: Raphael Maillard. Kill him, have no mercy."
"It will be done."
With the rising of the sun, Alessandro, Ina and Henry left for the arena which was a few steps away from them. There was no small concern in the air. Ina was the one who trembled the most at the very idea of fighting a Master.
"What's the plan?" Henry asked curiously.
"Go in and fight," Alessandro replied immediately.
"It's not a plan."
"I don't have any better."
"It's not very reassuring..."
"I know, but I'm glad you're helping us. The more, the better," he said, smiling.
"I'm here to kill Vergil, don't forget that. Don't fraternize with me, we're just colleagues."
"Sorry," Ina began shyly, "but how did you become a Mage Hunter?"
Henry glared at the girl with an angry look. Ina's reaction was to run for cover behind Alessandro.
"In fact, I'm curious too," said Alessandro, "how do you become a Mage Hunter? Have you been chosen by someone or...?"
"I was actually like you."
"A magus?"
"Yup. I was studying in the Clock Tower."
"Oh." A profound regret was drawn on Alessandro's face.
"I had left it long before it's fall. I didn't lose any friends in that terrible disaster... let's just say I've been luckier than others."
"Why did you leave the Clock Tower, then? Problems with the institution?"
"In a sense. If by 'institution' you mean 'parents murdered in cold blood' then yes. I had 'problems with the institution'." He paused briefly. "Killers. Sent from T6, I don't know if you know that organization. Most likely they were sent from the Clock Tower to eliminate my parents."
"Why?" Alessandro asked in shock.
"Because my parents wanted to reveal the secrets of Magecraft to the world. So they were killed. I left the Clock Tower and vowed to eliminate those magi, starting with the killer who had murdered my family..."
"Who?"
"Murakawa Tetsuya."
One of the participants of the Holy Grail War of Yggdrasil which was held in London. Alessandro knew him and knew that he had been Lancer's Master.
"You know he's already dead, right?"
Henry nodded.
"Are you happy with this—?"
"No not at all. I would've preferred to kill him myself."
The time finally came. Alessandro, Ina and Henry entered the arena. At the same instant Anna Newton and Alisa crossed the thresholds. The Servants made their appearance later. Alessandro, turning to Caesar, said:
"Okay, let's try to avoid unnecessary deaths. Let's defeat the Servants and move on."
Then the image of Vergil appeared in the center of the arena.
"Son of—!"
Alessandro was already on the point of attacking him, but Vergil immediately interrupted him by raising his hand. He was not there to fight, but to talk to the participants.
"Ladies and gentlemen, before this battle begins I would like to clarify something that perhaps some of you have not yet understood." His gaze aimed at Alessandro Serpi. The boy froze. "You are not here to just fight. You're here to reach the greatest of prizes: the Holy Grail of Yggdrasil. The outcome of this battle will seal your fate in this fantastic war. But you have to know one thing: right now you're locked in here due to a magical barrier. You cannot leave the arena. There is no Magecraft or Noble Phantasm that can save you. So avoid making a bad impression." With his gaze still fixed on Alessandro, he said, showing a demonic grin: "However, there is a way to get out of here."
 |
| 'Talk at nigh' by BikoWolf |
For Caesar's sake how about reading the Fate/Yggdrasil prequel? Just click here to download the PDF for free! 😝
