Kiritsugu Emiya

The hospital room was a cocoon of quiet, broken only by the beeping of medical equipment and the soft murmur of nurses in the hallway. Shiro lay in the bed, his expression a mask of confusion and weariness. His golden amber eyes reflected the disorientation and turmoil within as he tried to come to terms with the strange reality of his new life.

The door creaked open, and Kiritsugu Emiya entered the room. His rugged face, lined with the weight of his experiences, softened slightly as he looked at Shiro. He moved with a quiet purpose, his gaze sharp yet tinged with concern. Taking a seat beside the bed, Kiritsugu spoke in a tone that was both authoritative and compassionate.

"Hello, Shirou," Kiritsugu began, his voice gentle. "How are you feeling today?"

Shiro turned his head slowly, his eyes meeting Kiritsugu's with a mixture of fatigue and apprehension. "I… I'm okay," he responded quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kiritsugu studied Shiro's expression, noting the subtle signs of distress. "You've been through a lot," he said, his tone sincere. "Waking up after a month-long coma must be overwhelming. I'm here to help you understand what's happening and to support you through this difficult time."

Shiro nodded, his gaze shifting to the ceiling as he tried to absorb Kiritsugu's words. He had to play the role of a confused child perfectly, concealing the depth of his knowledge and experience. His memories of his previous lives were still fresh, and he was determined to maintain his act.

"There's something important I need to tell you," Kiritsugu continued, his voice somber. "Your parents… they're gone. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but they passed away before you were found. It's a difficult thing to accept, especially for someone your age."

The revelation hit Shiro like a sledgehammer, though he was prepared for it. He had accepted the death of his parents, and their memories were now a blurry haze. Despite this, he had to present himself as devastated, overwhelmed, and confused.

Shiro's eyes widened, his expression morphing into one of profound sadness and shock. He sat up slightly, his hands trembling as he clutched the edges of the bed. "They're... gone?" he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. "I… I didn't know…"

Kiritsugu's gaze softened further, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "Yes, I'm afraid so. Losing parents is an incredibly painful experience. It's normal to feel lost and confused. But I want you to know that you're not alone. I'm here for you."

Shiro nodded, his face a portrait of sorrow. "I… I don't know what to do. Everything feels so empty and strange."

Kiritsugu reached out, placing a comforting hand on Shiro's shoulder. "It's okay to feel that way. It's a huge adjustment, and it will take time to come to terms with everything. You're safe here, and I'll do everything I can to help you through this."

The conversation continued, with Kiritsugu explaining the basics of Magecraft and its place in their world. Shiro played the role of the ignorant child flawlessly, listening intently as Kiritsugu detailed the magical arts and their significance.

"Magecraft is a form of magic," Kiritsugu explained. "It involves using magical energy, called 'prana,' to perform various tasks. This energy allows us to cast spells, create protective barriers, and influence reality to a certain extent."

Shiro nodded, feigning curiosity. "I see. So, Magecraft is like… magic?"

Kiritsugu smiled slightly, pleased with Shiro's apparent understanding. "Yes, that's right. It can be used for many purposes—healing, protection, and even combat. It's a powerful tool, but it requires skill and knowledge to use effectively."

Kiritsugu's explanation was thorough, detailing the various aspects of Magecraft, from its historical roots to its modern applications. He spoke about the importance of lineage, the role of prana in spellcasting, and the rigorous training required to master the art.

As Kiritsugu continued to explain, Shiro's mind raced with the implications of his new reality. He had to maintain his act while absorbing the information about Magecraft, knowing that his knowledge of the Nasuverse far surpassed Kiritsugu's understanding. The concept of Magecraft was familiar to him, but he had to play the part of the naïve child, absorbing every detail with wide-eyed wonder.

Kiritsugu's voice grew softer as he addressed the practical aspects of Shiro's new life. "You'll be moving in with me. I've arranged for you to come to my home in Fuyuki. It's a safe environment, and I'll be here to guide you through this transition."

Shiro's eyes widened slightly at the mention of adoption. The prospect of moving in with Kiritsugu was both comforting and unsettling. He nodded slowly, trying to appear as if he was processing the information. "Moving in with you? That… sounds okay."

Kiritsugu nodded reassuringly. "Yes. I want you to feel secure and supported. We'll make sure you have everything you need, and I'll help you adjust to your new surroundings."

The transition from the hospital to Kiritsugu's home was swift and efficient. Shiro packed his few belongings—simple clothes and personal items—under Kiritsugu's supervision. The drive to Fuyuki was quiet, with Shiro sitting in the backseat, his thoughts a blend of anxiety and anticipation.

Kiritsugu's home in Fuyuki was a modest yet well-maintained residence on the outskirts of the city. The house was surrounded by a small garden and tall fences, providing a sense of privacy and security. It was a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the hospital, and Shiro could sense the care that went into maintaining the home.

Upon arrival, Kiritsugu led Shiro inside and showed him to his new room. The space was simple but comfortable, with a bed, a desk, and a few personal touches. Shiro took in the surroundings with a mixture of relief and trepidation.

"This will be your room," Kiritsugu said, gesturing to the space. "I hope you find it to your liking. If there's anything you need, just let me know."

Shiro nodded, his gaze taking in the room. "It's nice. Thank you."

As Kiritsugu left to handle some administrative tasks, Shiro sat on the edge of the bed, his mind a whirl of thoughts. The new reality of his life under Kiritsugu's guardianship was both a daunting challenge and a necessary step in his survival.

Later that evening, Kiritsugu returned to the room to check on Shiro. He found the boy sitting quietly on the bed, staring at the wall with a vacant expression. Kiritsugu's heart ached with a mix of guilt and determination. He knew that taking Shiro in was a significant responsibility, but he also believed it was the right thing to do.

"Are you settling in okay?" Kiritsugu asked gently.

Shiro looked up, his eyes reflecting a fragile sense of adjustment. "It's different, but I think I'll be okay."

Kiritsugu sat down beside Shiro, his expression thoughtful. "I know this is a lot to take in. It's not just about moving to a new place—it's about dealing with a loss and adjusting to a new life. I want you to know that I'm here for you, and you can talk to me about anything."

Shiro nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Thank you. I… I'll try to get used to everything."

As the night wore on, Shiro lay in bed, his thoughts a tumult of emotions and concerns. Despite the comfort of his new surroundings, sleep eluded him. He was acutely aware of the hidden dangers and unpredictable nature of the world he now inhabited. The Nasuverse was a place of constant uncertainty, with threats lurking in every shadow.

Kiritsugu's offer of protection and guidance was a welcome reassurance, but Shiro knew that he had to remain vigilant. His act of being a lost child was perfect, but the reality of his situation required careful management. The knowledge of Magecraft, the intricacies of the Nasuverse, and the unpredictability of his new life were all factors he had to navigate with extreme caution.

As he lay there, Shiro clung to the hope that his new life under Kiritsugu's care would offer him the stability and protection he needed. For now, he could only take things one day at a time, managing his emotions and interactions while keeping his true nature concealed. The weight of his past lives and the responsibility of navigating his new existence were heavy, but he was determined to face them with caution and resolve.