returntospring | 4th Petal [video/action for Goldenrod] [fourth wall]

[Action]

[Like many people, Sakura had something special returned to her. But she didn't have any superpowerful weapons, or inhuman features. No, for her, the thing she got back was immense, raw, magical power.

Anyone in Goldenrod who's sensitive to anything unnatural will feel an intense surge, and should they choose to investigate, they'll see Sakura looking a bit winded, leaning against a nearby building as she tries to catch her breath. Surrounding her is her group of pokemon, all looking extremely worried.]

I'm okay... really... [She smiles at the creatures, trying to reassure them.] Don't worry. There are stranger things we have to look into, right?

[She turns, taking in the tall skyscrapers and the bustling crowds.]

Like finding out how we suddenly got here...

[Video]

Um... [Sakura's already seen a bunch of strange posts on the network, so she really feels like she's bothering everyone... but all the posts are so chaotic, it's hard to figure out what's up.] I know something very strange is going on... I woke up in a city I haven't visited yet. One that's at least a couple of days away.

Does anyone know the cause of all this?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... Huh? You mean.... the last thing you remember was something from back home?

Er, yeah. Man, this is just getting more confusing by the second.

It is a little confusing...

[Wait. Wait. He looks like her Shirou. He feels like her Shirou. If he has no memories of this place...]

... Senpai, can I ask one thing?

Sure thing. What is it?

What's the last thing that you remember? Not just going out somewhere, or other normal things... the last big thing?

[She can't hope. It would be so painful to hope, only to have her hopes crushed. But still...]

Um...the four of us went to see the cherry blossoms, and before that...two years ago...

Edited 2012-05-26 01:28 (UTC)

[That... could it really be? The four of us. If this was the same Shirou she had met here, who hadn't known that Rider was her Servant, then he wouldn't have that memory. And the way he hesitated about the event two years ago. That could only be...]

... It... really is you.

[There are tears stinging her eyes as she practically leaps forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Shirou. Her Shirou.]

I -- WHOA!

[Shirou hadn't been expecting that. Luckily he maintains his balance.]

S-Sakura?!

I'm sorry! I'm just... [There may be tears in her eyes, but she's laughing at the same time.] I'm just really happy! Things were so different here...

Different? How were they different?

... How much do you know about the Second Magic?

That's what Tohsaka used in the Great Holy Grail's cavern, right? She explained it to me. Parallel worlds and stuff.

[She nods.] That's exactly it. This place existing is a good example of the Second Magic at work... but there's more than just this world.

There are other worlds where the war played out differently. There are... different versions of you and nee-san here. From a parallel world where you never found out I was a Master, and I guess all that chaos at the end didn't happen.

[It seemed like a blessing, not having to go through all that pain, but...]

And after the war ended, you went with her to England.

...Oh...that's...

[Shirou just tries to imagine it -- he suspects Sakura's in pain, but he can't possibly imagine the extent of it. And she's persevered like this...

Well, no more. As soon as this train of thought finishes, Shirou pulls Sakura into a deep, loving kiss.]

[Oh, there were tears in her eyes again. How she missed this; she was happy for the Shirou that she met here, and she was happy for her sister... but it still hurt.

She wanted this moment to last forever, but sadly, both of them needed to breathe. When they finally parted, there was a warm, content smile on her face.]

I love you. I haven't said that in what seems like forever... but I do. I really do.

[Shirou was smiling, too. When she spoke, he pulled her into another hug.]

And I love you, Sakura. Come hell, high water, or parallel worlds, my love for you will not be severed.

I know. I'm forever thankful for that. [She leaned her head against his shoulder.]

And I feel the same. I was willing to wait however long it took to return home. Even spending time with a you that didn't share these feelings... I never even thought of giving up hope.