Chapter Text
EPISODE 1: THE WEAKEST
FADE IN:
INT. SE.RA.PH.
A blue void with WHITE SPIRALS containing symbols from every known language, logic system, and mathematical operation flow like waves. An intruder writes in a foreign English.
SUPER: USER://PIECEMAN GRAILWAR.COM -RUN
SUPER: SYSTEM://SERAPH Error: User Pieceman does not have permission to run this file.
SUPER: USER://PIECEMAN SUDO GRAILWAR.COM -RUN
SUPER: PASSWORD: ********
The waves intersect, a false simple logic freezes them.
SUPER: SYSTEM://SERAPH WARNING: Code intended for timeline EX-2948, executing it in EM-6803 could cause variance. Continue? (Yes/No)
SUPER: USER://PIECEMAN y
Multiple lines of spirals come in like lightning, then halt.
SUPER: SYSTEM://SERAPH ERROR: Code has been modified, variances will occur. Continue? (Yes/No)
SUPER: USER://PIECEMAN y
BLACK SPIRALS cover and overtake the nonsense with reason, words, operations, even code. Then they halt.
SUPER: SYSTEM://SERAPH FATAL ERROR: CODE WILL CAUSE HARM TO THE MOON CELL, ARE YOU SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!?
SUPER: USER://PIECEMAN do as i say
SUPER: SYSTEM://SERAPH As you wish.
Black spirals overtake the whole blue space filing it with logic, then the gaps overlap slowing suffocating the void.
FADE TO:
INT. CLASS 2A
The room is a black void, suddenly the green outlines of chairs and desks fill it. Then the box of the room is formed, color flows in and details follow suit.
The first wave of MASTERS are populated, among them is RANI VII (21, Quietly Exhibitionistic) located in the back to the right standing perfectly still looking down disappointed.
The second wave of Masters load in, including SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND (16?, Seemingly Narcissistic) at the chair in the back right leaning on the wall and next to Rani MITSUA NAGUMA (25, Unluckily Hedonistic) with her hands on her hips.
The rest of the classroom is suddenly populated by many STUDENTS among them is NULL (?) sitting perfectly still, all the seats are filled except for one in front on Null.
The last seat is filled by HAKUNO KISHINAMI(24, Selflessly Stubborn) taking notes while her BACKPACK is on the floor.
THREE DAYS REMAINING:
INT. CLASS 2A
Shinji scribbles some half-baked equations and slams the paper.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Look at that! Another perfect worksheet! HA! You wish you could be like me!
Rani looks at his paper and points to a single question.
RANI VIII
Two to three is eight, not... six.
Shinji shoots Rani a murderous glare, she doesn't react.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Hey!
RANI VIII
I'm just stating the facts.
Mitsua gets a HEADACHE and looks over at Rani.
MITSUA NAGUMA
Why are we hanging out with this-?
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Greatest mind of the twenty-first century?
Mitsua leans in close to Rani so Shinji doesn't hear.
MITSUA NAGUMA
(Whispering)
Overgrown child?
Rani spares Shinji a single glance.
RANI VIII
He's popular,
MITSUA NAGUMA
Why?
RANI VIII
Because he's loud and...
Rani takes a good look at Shinji and then looks back.
RANI VIII
Loud.
MITSUA NAGUMA
I don't really care about popularity.
She pauses for a moment lost in thought.
MITSUA NAGUMA
And haven't I graduated from-
Suddenly Mitsua's headache grows into a migraine and she steps back.
RANI VIII
Are you okay?
MITSUA NAGUMA
Yeah... no... I think I'm going to see the nurse.
Mitsua runs out the door, leaving the four of them alone.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Pft, typical! Hey doll-eyes, go find someone your own size!
Rani walks to her seat while Shinji puts his hands behind his head.
NULL
Why did you drive her away, she's cute!
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Really? Her? She's so far beneath me she's making paper airplanes in Hell!
NULL
Why are you talking to her then?
Shinji leans back on the wall.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Numbers! I'm more popular with more people around me! That's why you’re here, you make me look good!
NULL (V.O.)
That's Shinji Matou, he's been my only friend since the school year started, yet I can't remember why.
After the bell rings TAIGA FUJIMORA (25, Girl Failure) walks in through the classroom door, behind her is a CHALKBOARD containing various bits of graffiti, she doesn't notice.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Good morning! Today class we'll-
Taiga then falls face down onto the floor, she is laying there unmoving for an uncomfortably long amount of time. The room GLICTCHES around her.
NULL (V.O.)
That's Taiga, every day without fail she falls face down in that same spot.
Taiga gets up and goes to the center podium as if nothing happened.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
We'll be talking about amnesia.
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
The hallway is split into three sections, to the right of the stairs is the PRACTICE ROOM obscured by another turn, to the left is the NURSE'S OFFICE next to the door leading to the CHURCH, and in the middle is the LOBBY containing lockers and the STORAGE ROOM.
Mitsua is in front of the Nurse's Office, just before she grabs the handle she stops herself.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
Amnesia was a terrible disease that came in two forms we'll call repression and removal.
Mitsua turns around and looks for her boyfriend.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
Removal is simple, the parts that contained memories no longer exist.
Mitsua opens a door, peeks inside, then closes it. She goes to the Lobby, beyond the lockers stands JULIUS B HARWAY (32, Scarily Obedient). Julius approaches her while she's shocked.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
Repression’s the tricky one, it's when the brain doesn't want to remember.
Julius grabs Mitsua by the throat and holds her above his head.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
Of course the memories aren't truly gone, sometimes they attack!
JULIUS B. HARWAY
You've realized, haven't you?
Mitsua nods and Julius puts her down, she takes multiple desperate gasps.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
You're far too weak.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
You know who cured amnesia? Dr. Pieceman, the single greatest scientist in the Moon Datamine!
Julius picks up a body and puts it in the storage room, Mitsua rushes back up the stairs.
TAIGA FUJIMORA (V.O.)
That's right the Moon! It doesn't just contain your memories, it contains a copy of everything!
Even the Holy Grail!!!
TITLE CARD
INT. CLASS 2A
Taiga stands in front of a partially bored and partially fascinated class.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
<
Which is why you can't use amnesia to excuse your homework!
The bell rings and everyone gets ready to leave.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh, there's a slasher on the loose! Make sure to head straight home... unless you have extracurriculars!
The students mostly unbothered head out, a few of them are on edge.
NULL (V.O.)
Great, well I have journalism club. Maybe they'll let me squeak by.
Null grabs his backpack then makes his way out of the classroom.
INT. MULTIMEDIA ROOM
It is pitch black, the only light coming from old CRTs and the red light of cameras. The CRTs display the entire school, and several shots of the ARENA.
The HEAD-EDITOR for JOURNALISM CLUB stands alone. Null looks at them without worry or distress. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a NOTEBOOK.
HEAD-EDITOR
With the slasher going around, we're free to investigate without anyone stopping us!
NULL
Can't we just go home? Now would be the perfect excuse.
The Head-editor gasps as if he insulted their mother.
HEAD-EDITOR
NONSENSE! JOURNALISM WAITS FOR NO ONE!!! Now go to the Archery Room!
NULL
The Archery Room?
HEAD-EDITOR
Someone said there's a portal there, now go!
Null walks to the ARCHERY ROOM, only minorly annoyed.
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
Null almost walks past the storage room when Julius slams the door open. Hakuno walks past unaware of the two.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
I swore I felt a Master's presence, hmm.
He stares at Null for a brief second.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Maybe he's trying to conceal himself, it felt faint.
NULL
(tilting head)
Are you the slasher?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
No, I'm a slasher.
NULL
Oh, I guess if you're just a slasher then it's not really news.
Julius looks over for anyone that could hear him.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
No, this one is too oblivious.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
(staring at Null)
I'm your teacher for tomorrow, is there anyone strange in your class?
Null doesn't come up with anything out of ordinary.
NULL
(nervous)
A girl had a head-ache.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
(sighs)
Already met her, you're dismissed.
Null turns to walks away.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND (O.C.)
Little sis, you missed archery practice AGAIN!?
In front of the Nurse's office both Shinji and SAKURA MATOU (18, Kindly Sadistic) are arguing, Null looks at them from the lobby.
SAKURA MATOU
If I'm not at the Nurse's Office someone could get sick... or worse.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
If they're going to get sick then they're going to get sick!
Sakura shrinks from the sharpness of his words.
SAKURA MATOU
But I can make them better, isn't it a virtue to help those in need?
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
(offended)
A VIRTUE!? What the hell are you talking about!? If they're sick then they're weak, end of story!
Shinji turns around while Sakura looks on conflicted.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Don't die for the worthless.
Shinji walks past Null without a second thought, but Null catches up to him.
NULL
Would you let me die?
Shinji doesn't look him in the eye.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
You mean nothing to me.
Shinji walks up the stairs and Null barely bats an eye before heading to the Archery room.
EXT. ARCHERY ROOM
The room is more a couple of walls and a shooting gallery. The main wall contains supplies for the ARCHERY CLUB while the other two provide privacy and a door.
Null sets his backpack down and starts sorting through it. He gets his notepad out and accidently makes eye contact with Rani VII.
RANI VIII
Will anyone mourn me?
NULL
Huh?
RANI VIII
I'm just a name, upon another name. If I don't win I'll cease to be.
Null opens his notebook intrigued.
NULL
Win what?
RANI VIII
Oh, you don't remember. This dream is too sweet for you to leave. May the stars lead you back home.
Rani's UNIFORM changes in a flash of light to her outfit, then disappears. He sees Taiga by herself and quickly to her.
NULL
I've heard about a portal in the archery room, you know where it is?
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh, that rumor? Some students were suffering a migraine so I sent them home. Nothing to it!
Null writes that down and turns to leave, the room glitches behind him as he walks away.
NULL (V.O.)
It was just Taiga, it was always just Taiga, there is nothing more to our safe secure little school.
TWO DAYS REMAINING:
INT. CLASS 2A
Null and Shinji sit alone waiting for class to start. Hakuno has a minor headache, Shinji is bored out of his mind, and there's a lot less people in class.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Ugh, I don't get why everybody's avoiding me!
NULL
I'm not avoiding you,
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
And nothing ever happens, I'm loosing my god-damn mind!
Julius walks in with a new student: LEONARDO B. HARWAY (18, Eerily Perfect), the class is transfixed on him, except for Hakuno.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
It would only be polite for me to introduce myself, wouldn't you say so brother?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
I'm only here to ensure your safety, you don't need my permission.
Shinji leans over to Null.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
(whispering)
Isn't having a family member as your student a big no-no?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I am Prince Leonardo Bistario Harway, and I shall be your king. I sincerely look forward to seeing you my future subjects.
Leo finds the seat directly in front of Hakuno which is currently occupied by a student.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
May I take this seat?
STUDENT
Yeah, I think I'll just stand.
As the student stands to the left Leo takes his seat. Hakuno leans slightly right. Julius erases what's on the board and begins writing.
EXT. ROOFTOP
It's a flat roof with no rails, no benches, and a sunset that never ends. There is one place to sit, a lone radiator.
RIN TOHSAKA (26, Red Idiot) sits while staring at the sunset when three Masters approach from behind. She barely pays them any attention.
JULIUS B. HARWAY (V.O.)
We don't know what the moon is planning but we do have an idea of the game it’s playing.
Rin looks at them and stands up, no fear in her eyes as she brings her arm out. Nothing happens, and she's very annoyed.
JULIUS B. HARWAY (V.O.)
Any moment we can leave and move onto the next stage, it hasn't started yet.
The masters surrounded her but she sweeps the one in front of her and breaks from their circle.
JULIUS B. HARWAY (V.O.)
The nature is obvious, this school can't fit all one thousand Masters. We're being cleansed.
The center master gets up while the other two grab her by the arms and hold her in place. She's trashing them around and gets one of them off balance.
JULIUS B. HARWAY (V.O.)
Attacking players is dangerous, attacking NPCs is pointless, it's best to leave once you've realized.
As Julius talks the center master gets closer to Rin, by the time Julius is finished the master is within breathing distance.
MASTER
Oh, I've been waiting for this since I saw you on the news!
Rin rolls her eyes, the Master doesn't notice.
MASTER
What's wrong, is little red riding hood helpless now she's all alone?
Rin laughs, the shadow of ARCHER (27?, Pretentious Protector) looms over the masters.
RIN TOHSAKA
Who said I was alone?
The masters looks toward Archer who kills them with just three throwing knives.
JULIUS B. HARWAY (V.O.)
The moon's firewall is practically perfect, don't hack it. It's not worth it just to gain your Servant.
INT. CLASS 2A
Julius stands in front of a fully covered chalkboard. Notes on the moon, the firewall, and the natures of servants.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
I have eliminated most of the threats in this school, but even I'm limited by time.
A student raises their hand, Julius looks at them.
STUDENT
If this place is so dangerous, why has nothing happened in class?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
This class is a safe zone.
Julius looks around where Shinji is lazing around, he marches over and stops at Null's desk.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Leonardo, there's another master here.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Who?
Julius slams his hand on the table, and slowly looks towards Hakuno.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Do you get paid by the pose?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Oh, it's just Shinji. He won't realize in time.
Shinji is highly offended but doesn't get a headache.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
I've realized that you're an idiot!
JULIUS B. HARWAY
This class might as well be empty.
Julius goes back to his podium and looks at Leo.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Why do you insist on staying here?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I've never went to school, I want to know what it feels like.
Julius squeezes the bridge of his nose.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Is that all?
Leo looks behind him.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
There's also someone here that I've always wanted to meet.
Null squirms a little.
NULL (V.O.)
Is he talking about me? He looked my way.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Very well, but you must be careful.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
A king shouldn't be afraid of his subjects.
The bell rings and everyone leaves except for Leo.
INT. MULTIMEDIA ROOM
Null stands in front of the head-editor who's black eye immediately fades away.
HEAD-EDITOR
There's been reports about a mysterious red girl on the rooftop. We need you to investigate.
Null turns to leave but before he does the editor glitches out and talks again.
HEAD-EDITOR
There's a chapel that's been here long before the school. No one knows what it's here for, we need you to investigate.
Null leaves while their eyes stare directly ahead.
EXT. ROOFTOP
Rin is standing on the rooftops alone, talking to Archer just out of Null's view while he walks in to interview the girl. Null gets out a VOICE RECORDER from his backpack.
RIN TOHSAKA
I don't need grapple training, you need to get your shit together and stop DRINKING TEA WHILE I'M GETTING SHANKED!!!
ARCHER (O.S.)
If you followed your training you wouldn't have been grabbed!
RIN TOHSAKA
I was baiting them!
Nulls walk up to them but doesn't see Archer.
NULL
Umm, am I interrupting something?
RIN TOHSAKA
Somebody's here, hide.
Null goes over to Rin and looks for Archer, but doesn't see him.
NULL
I swore I heard someone,
RIN TOHSAKA
I was on the phone,
NULL
What's a phone?
Rin stares at him in utter disbelief.
RIN TOHSAKA
I was on the carrier pigeon.
NULL
Oh, what are you doing on the roof?
Rin doesn't believe that her lie worked and takes a moment to breathe.
RIN TOHSAKA
... Of course, I've been up here so long the delusional are taking note.
NULL
What are you doing on the roof?
Rin decides to get closer to Null.
RIN TOHSAKA
Well, this is as good of a time as any to peek under the hood.
Rin taps Null on the nose with her right hand, then starts panicking when a warning pops up on her left arm. She swipes it away but more show up and despite frantically trying to abort the process with her terminal, she is too slow.
RIN TOHSAKA
NO, NO, COME ON! WHAT DO YOU MEAN WARNING-!?
She disappears despite her best efforts, Null only looks straight ahead.
NULL
Guess there's no girl on the roof.
Null leaves to go to the CHURCH with nothing on his mind.
INT. HALLWAY SECOND FLOOR
Left of the stairs are the Multimedia Room and the Library, to the right are the classrooms, and middle is lobby.
Null spots Mitsua on his way downstairs but doesn't stop his descent. Mitsua is still opening doors, taking peeks, then closing them even though most students are at home. She sees Julius who is staring her down.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
He isn't here.
MITSUA NAGUMA
You didn't kill him did you?!
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Mitsua Naguma, master of Astolfo, and has cut all familial ties. You bought an unused promise ring two years ago.
Mitsua shrinks while Julius gets closer.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Am I wrong?
MITSUA NAGUMA
How do you know so much about me?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Have you been to the library?
Mitsua is confused but still scared and angry.
MITSUA NAGUMA
That library only has five bookshelves!
Julius walks away.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
It needs only one.
Mitsua balls her fist while staring at him with new found determination.
MITSUA NAGUMA
Did. You. Kill. Him.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Why would I? He's no threat to me, and I can't.
MITSUA NAGUMA
(sneering)
You can't? If a delusional man is too much for you, what about me?
Mitsua closes the distance.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Need I remind you?
Julius picks her up and chucks her across the hallway.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
You are beneath me.
MITSUA NAGUMA
You work out?
Mitsua lets out a single chuckle.
MITSUA NAGUMA
Only the weak work out.
Julius marches to her.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
I have someone I need to protect, and he is going to win the Grail.
MITSUA NAGUMA
I wouldn't want your sick love!
Julius's gaze turns to fury.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
He's my brother!
MITSUA NAGUMA
Oh, you're that Harway aren't you? What are you doing here? Isn't this just a game?
JULIUS B. HARWAY
The Grail is real, people like you should've never entered.
Mitsua's determination turns to red hot anger.
MITSUA NAGUMA
I wanted a fun date, but now I'm fighting a CRAZED SERIAL KILLER who believes in the MOON GRAIL WAR!
Julius stands over her.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
Listen, Leonardo Bistario Harway is your king and you will submit!
Mitsua stands up.
MITSUA NAGUMA
You say you're a master,
Mitsua goes right to his face.
MITSUA NAGUMA
But you're just another servant.
Julius slams down but Mitsua disappears leaving him punching the wall. Leo pops out of class 2A.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Did something happen?
Julius takes a breath and looks at him.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
No, all threats are cleared, even Rin on the roof is gone.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
It sounded like there was some commotion.
JULIUS B. HARWAY
I was just squashing a bug.
Leo walks towards the stairs there's a genuine smile on his face.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I'm going to the church, can't spend all day in class.
EXT. CHURCH'S COURTYARD
The Church is bigger than the school and casts a shadow upon it's path decorated with a garden of exotic plants and a fountain that paradoxically glows. Bodies litter the path.
As Null walks towards the bodies they vanish in the wind, leaving him alone as he opens the door.
INT. CHURCH
Null looks around, walking by the seats and stopping at the podium. He takes out a CAMERA and gazes at the MURAL depicting SABER (16?, Lonely King) beyond a lone stage. He shakes his head when Leo walks through the door.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I was hoping it would be empty,
NULL
Why would it be empty?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Nobody worships anymore.
Leo takes a seat, while Null gets closer to him.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
There used to be faith in holiness, now they only believe in power.
Leo looks at the mural.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
(laughs)
We're not worshipping real gods anymore, it's all set-dressing for summoning.
NULL
(confused)
Summoning?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
We control the Gods we rely on.
Leo stands up as Null finally reaches him, he points over to the mural.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Do you know who that girl is?
NULL
I think her name is Saber, right?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
(softly smiling)
No, her name is Altria but you'd know her as King Arthur.
Leo walks towards the mural while Null stands shocked.
NULL
That can't be right, Arthur was a man!
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Does it matter?
NULL
But it's a fact, right?
Null walks up closer to the podium.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
No it's a myth. Do you know who the King is now?
NULL
Dead?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
No, she's simply under the beck and call of another. She's a servant.
Leo gets to the podium and leans on it.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
The tragedy of being a legend, your legacy at the whims of strangers.
NULL
I don't think I'll be a legend.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I'll be one, except I won't make the mistake of dying.
NULL
Is being a servant all that bad?
Leo is confused, Null gets closer to him.
NULL
I would at least know my purpose.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
What if your purpose is something you don't want?
NULL
Is yours?
Leo considers it but shrugs it away.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I've chosen my path.
Null gets up to the podium and they're on the same level.
NULL
Then why do you want to be king?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Who doesn't want to be king?
NULL
I don't.
Leo is incredibly confused.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Why?
NULL
It sounds like a lot of work, and if I mess up I would be to blame.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I suppose there are always people like you.
Null touches the mural longingly.
NULL
If I was a servant, I wouldn't be forgotten.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I won't forget you.
Null walks past the podium.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Where are you going?
NULL
Home,
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Why?
Null stops.
NULL
I need to go home, school is over and my extracurriculars are done.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Can't we just talk?
Null starts walking again.
NULL
If I don't go home, how will the day end?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
The time will pass anyways.
Null opens the door.
NULL
Don't worry, we'll talk later I'm sure of it.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Yeah... me too.
Null closes the door.
ONE DAY REMAINING:
INT. CLASS 2A
Leo is surrounded, Shinji is still annoyed, Hakuno has a severe migraine, and Null is staring off into space.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Ugh, why does he get to hog all the attention?
Shinji tilts his chair backwards letting it get caught on the wall.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Does he really think he'll be king? A dork like him?
Leo gets up and stands on a chair.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I wished to stay longer but I must take my leave.
Leo looks down.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
You're all too kind, even if you don't remember me. You've reminded me this is the path I must walk.
Leo turns around.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
And you-
He pauses on Null, unable to finish his sentence, he shurgs it off.
Leo outstretches his arms and gestures towards everyone.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
So let's meet when the games begin, I'll be waiting.
Leo disappears in a cloud of data.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Seriously, isn't he a prince? What could he possibly gain from showing off?
Taiga walks in and goes to the podium without tripping, everyone but Null is shocked by this.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Today's topic is death!
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
Leo stands outside the doors to the PRACTICE ROOM, he hears something and peeks the hallway.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Death is the final stage of life, but also humanity's greatest fear.
Leo heads towards the Nurse's Office.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
All life eventually fails to prevent it.
Leo is shocked by what's beyond the door and steps back.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
However, some jellyfishes that live for centuries! Aging is a quirk not a rule.
A master with a knife lunges at Leo, they struggle.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Those jellyfish get eaten all the time, yet they don't consider that an inevitability.
Leo grabs the knife and stabs the master.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh and just because you're on top doesn't make you invincible. Humanity conquered the world while monsters roam the Earth!
As the Master lies motionless Leo goes to the door and hesitates for a moment, then closes it.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
So don't think strength is a cheat to death, there's a reason the great old megafauna are gone.
INT. CLASS 2A
Taiga looks at the class with the same smile she wears everyday, the rest of the class doesn't reciprocate.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
That said, exercising is important. Weaker bodies die so much quicker!
The bell rings, everyone starts packing up but then the voice of TWICE H. PIECEMAN(73?, Egotistical Bastard) rings from the speakers.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
The preliminaries are almost over, anyone inside the school will be eliminated by day's end.
Most students don't pay any mind, but Shinji is panicking.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
What, why are you packing!? We have to save my sister!
NULL
What about my extracurriculars?
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Fuck your extracurriculars!
Shinji runs out the door while Null takes the time to pack his bags.
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
Shinji stands outside the Nurse's Office clearly shell-shocked, Null rushes over.
NULL
What's happening?
Shinji just points at Sakura who is inside the Nurse's Office.
INT. NURSE'S OFFICE
White, the room is pure white. There are three medical beds and drawers with supplies. Every bed is divided with a sheet.
Sakura is cut so severely that blood is more visible than skin, and yet she's standing like nothing happened.
NULL
What happened to you?
SAKURA MATOU
I was helping someone but they got a little rowdy,
She turns her head towards them and an eye is popped out.
SAKURA MATOU
It's nothing.
Null turns around while Shinji grabs a FIRST-AID KIT.
NULL
Okay let's go.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?
SAKURA MATOU
I'm fine.
She smiles, teeth are missing.
NULL
She says she's fine.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
GET IN HERE AND HELP!!!
Null walks in while Shinji cleans and bandages wounds.
SAKURA MATOU
(flinching)
Ow,
NULL
Now you're hurting her.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Do-do you know anything about first-aid!?
Shinji continues up Sakura's arm, he's trying to go as quickly as possible.
NULL
I've never learned.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Great, you're fucking useless!
Null stands completely still while Shinji tries to take off her coat but can't.
NULL
You can't just take someone's coat off!
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
SHE'S BLEEDING OUT!!!
SAKURA MATOU
I'm okay, I don't need help.
Her eye goes back into its socket.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
What, WHAT!?
NULL
Let's just go, don’t you have an extracurricular?
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
People eyes don’t magically fix themselves!
Null turns and Shinji grabs him.
SAKURA MATOU
I don’t think I’m a person.
They both stop.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Of course you are, how can you be anything else!?
SAKURA MATOU
I'm,
Sakura suddenly stands straight and all emotion drains from her face.
SAKURA MATOU
ERROR: Null Pointer Exception.
Sakura shakes her head, which is glitching.
SAKURA MATOU
Sorry I'm ERROR: Null, ERROR, ER- E- USER SAKURA MATOU ON TIME-OUT DUE TO SPAM.
Sakura goes limp.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
That doesn't make sense, you're not making sense, YOU'RE MY SISTER!
SAKURA MATOU
CLASS SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND HAS NO SIBLINGS.
NULL
Let's go,
Null starts moving towards the door.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
What about my sister?
NULL
You've always been an only child.
Sakura get's up looking hurt, shocked, and glitching erratically.
SAKURA MATOU
Please, I don't want to be nothing.
Sakura smiles while crying, Null stops.
SAKURA MATOU
Can I be your sister until I know what I am?
Shinji starts laughing manically, Sakura backs away.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
OH! OH OF COURSE!!! NONE OF THIS IS REAL!!! WHY WOULD I CARE ABOUT ANY OF THIS!?
Shinji points a thumb at himself.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
I AM THE GREATEST HACKER OF THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY! I DON'T NEED SCHOOL! I DON'T NEED FRIENDS! AND I CERTAINTLY DON'T NEED SIBLINGS!
Shinji's laughing stops.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
And I can't believe I let the moon fool me into believing anything else.
Null turns away, not to leave but because he can't face him.
NULL
What about me?
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Who the hell are you?
NULL
I'm your friend!
Shinji gives Null a murderous gaze.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
What's your name?
NULL
I,
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
You don't know do you?
NULL
<
Of course I know! My name is ERROR: Null Pointer Exception.
Null covers his mouth then get's a splitting head-ache.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
Oh wow, does every NPC do this or just the ones as insignificant as you?
Shinji walks past him and out of the door.
SHINJI MATOU THE SECOND
I'm winning the Grail, and I'll never be deceived again!
Shinji slams the door.
INT. MULTIMEDIA ROOM
Null is face to face with the Head-editor, he is panicking while they're perfectly calm.
HEAD-EDITOR
Oh, there you are we've been waiting for you, what took you so long?
NULL
What's my name?
The Head-editor keeps a retail smile under Null's distress.
HEAD-EDITOR
Aren't you interested in today's investigation? It's a killer!
NULL
Just tell me my name!
HEAD-EDITOR
I don't know your name, have you checked the library?
Null runs to the library.
HEAD-EDITOR
There's been rumors of a-
INT. LIBRARY
Five bookshelves each on a type: Fiction, History, Mythology, Records, and Tautology. Right next to the door is a computer that can be used to search the whole Moon Cell for information. There is also a CHESS SET.
Null frantically searches through the SHELVES, eventually finding a RECORD BOOK with only blank pages.
NULL (V.O.)
No, NO!!! There must be a mistake! How can I forget my own name!?
He grabs another, it's blank. He grabs another, and yet again it's blank. He starts grabbing as many books as he can see and then the shelve moves revealing more books.
NULL (V.O.)
I know, I'll just go home! I'm sure my family knows my name, yeah my-
NULL
ERROR-
He forces his mouth close.
NULL (V.O.)
No, I have a family! Who else would I be going to everyday!? Right, RIGHT!?
His headache grows to a migraine as he tries to recall anything about himself.
NULL (SUBTITLE)
Name: Null
Family: Null
Interests: Null
Hopes: Null
Dreams: Null
Reasons To Be: Null
Null runs out the door.
NULL (V.O.)
What about Leo? He talked to me, he knows who I am! Please, please, someone tell me I'm something!
EXT. CHURCH'S COURTYARD
Null opens the door and sees nothing, then closes it.
EXT. ARCHERY ROOM
Null sees nothing and leaves.
INT. CLASS 2A
Null checks quickly but he isn't here.
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
After looking all around the school his eyes go towards a hallway that he hasn't explored. Desperate and out of options he heads to the Practice Room. Leo waits, he's a sad before spotting Null. Hakuno looks on from the corner.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Oh good, I was worried you wouldn't show up.
Leo turns around and puts his hand on the door. There is a faint sound of someone crying on the other end.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
This is it, once we enter we won't be friends, we'll fight to the bitter end.
Leo grabs the door and holds it open.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
You should run as fast as you can.
Leo waits for a second as both Hakuno and Null are stunned.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
(Smirking)
Come now, it's rude to shut the door to those waiting.
Null enters, then Hakuno, and finally Leo.
INT. PRACTICE ROOM
Even though there should be three people in the room only Null is there. Surrounding him are several EFFIGIES, the room itself looks like an aquarium.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
Welcome potential master, in front of you is an effigy, use it to survive.
One of the effigies moves forward, Null looks back but the way is blocked.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
The only way to win is to fight, the only way to survive is to win. Proceed to the Arena,
Null and the effigy both head towards the Arena, Null is very on edge.
INT. THE ARENA
The Arena is littered with bodies of various students and masters, an effigy standing alone is the cause. The bodies still leave a clear area for the two effigies to fight.
Null's effigy stands still as Null scrambles to control it. The enemy effigy rushes towards it and slashes, knocking it away. Null manages to get his effigy to stand back up but the enemy grabs it by the stomach and throws it out of the arena.
Null is in shock while the enemy effigy stabs him.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
How disappointing, but expected. Farewell, I pray you find peace in your annihilation.
Null falls over.
NULL (V.O.)
Is this how it ends? No, this was always how it would end.
Null closes his eyes.
NULL (V.O.)
Just please, whoever comes next, don't forget my name.
REWIND TO:
THREE DAYS REMAINING:
EXT. ARCHERY ROOM
Rani and Hakuno ready their BOWS. Rani get's a bullseye while Hakuno doesn't clear half the field.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Another miss, can I watch you?
RANI VIII
Sure.
Rani readies her bow, suddenly she pauses right before letting go of the string.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI (V.O.)
She pulling so far back, that’s what’s gone wronge I haven't put any force in my bow!
Rani's pause stops as she let's go of the string hitting another bullseye. Hakuno picks up her bow aims it and hits one of the outer rings.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Well, it's an improvement.
Rani hits another bullseye.
RANI VIII
Why did you even join the archery club? It's not your strong suit.
Hakuno hits a shot in the inner ring.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I'm trying to get over my fear of weapons.
Rani stops shooting.
RANI VIII
A fear of weapons?
Hakuno shoots very close to a bullseye.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
The idea of something just existing for harm, it's creepy.
RANI VIII
Why try to get over it then? It's perfectly reasonable.
Hakuno shoots a bullseye.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I don't want to die because I'm scared of the blade.
Hakuno draws the bow back again but this time it just snaps.
RANI VIII
You're not supposed to pull it that far back.
Hakuno looks down at the wreckage.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
That weird... shouldn't I know that?
Hakuno gets a headache.
RANI VIII
Are you okay? You look ill.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I'm fine, let's go get a replacement.
Rani opens up the weapon rack which contains bows, CROSSBOWS, and various hunting weapons but it doesn't have guns.
RANI VIII
Here, catch.
Rani throws a crossbow, which Hakuno catches.
RANI VIII
You can't overdraw a crossbow.
Hakuno examines her crossbow, she puts an arrow in it and shoots it.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
It's nice, but it's not really a bow.
RANI VIII
It's more bow than gun.
Hakuno flips it over.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Do you think I could carry it around?
RANI VIII
Aren't you scared of weapons?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
There's a slasher on the loose.
Rani looks at her backpack and her crossbow, then shakes her head.
RANI VIII
I doubt you could fit it in your backpack anyways.
Hakuno opens her backpack and tries to shove it in, surprisingly she not only manages to make it fit but once it goes in, it falls in as if there is a hole in it. Hakuno's headache gets worse.
RANI VIII
What!?
Rani gets a headache and Taiga walks in.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
What's going on here?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
My bow broke and now we both have headaches.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh, you poor thing. How about you two just head on home, I'll take care of the bow.
Hakuno leaves and Taiga closes the door. Right after Hakuno leaves Null enters.
EXT. GATE
The Archery Room is right outside the SCHOOL which is a brutalist structure that makes no logical sense with the interior. The Church stands behind it looming. The GATES are open and shows a flat image of houses.
Hakuno walks through the image.
INT. CLASS 2A
Hakuno has a headache in her desk.
TWO DAYS REMAINING:
EXT. ARCHERY ROOM
Hakuno is practicing with her crossbow. She isn't consistent but she is hitting the target. Leo walks in and observes her for a bit.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
I didn't take you as the violent type.
Hakuno looks at him for a second and shoots again, bullseye.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I'm not, do I know you?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Of course you don't know me.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Because I'm a high school student in her early twenties?
Leo snickers and approaches her, Hakuno maintains distance.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
That's odd, you're aware and yet you don't remember,
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Remember what?
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Oh nothing, I wouldn't want to burden you.
Hakuno is backed to the wall but uses her crossbow to create a barrier.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
You're already burdening me.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
(laughs)
You're funny, I don't think you know that.
Leo is blocked by the crossbow.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
You see, when I look at you, I just get this feeling I can't describe. Do you know it?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Love?
Leo smirks.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Good guess, let's find out,
Leo moves the crossbow out of the way and gives her a kiss, not one that she reciprocates. In fact she's very shocked as she pushes him off and fires an arrow at him.
LEONARDO B. HARWAY
Must be something else then.
Leo leaves nonchalantly as Hakuno shoots more arrows at him, he bows as he closes the door. Hakuno quickly opens it and just sees air.
ONE DAY REMAINING:
INT. HALLWAY SECOND FLOOR
Hakuno leaves class as both Shinji and Null are arguing, she's confused by everyone's calmness to being told that they are going to die. Taiga leaves to approach Hakuno with minor glitches.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
What are you doing here? Everyone else is leaving.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
You're not aware of what's going on.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh I'm well aware of the game.
Hakuno stops while Shinji runs past them.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Is that why you talked about death?
TAIGA FUJIMORA
No, I just find the idea fascinating. Have you ever wondered what it's like to die?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I think I'm going to go.
Hakuno starts moving but Taiga grabs her. Taiga's face shifts from her happy persona to a glare. Null walks past.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
If you're going to leave, don't go home.
Hakuno looks back at her, scared and confused.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
How else would I leave?
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Go to the practice room, in the first floor hallway.
Taiga lets go and her face goes back to a cheerful smile.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Oh, before you do that can you get me some tea from the cafeteria?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
It's closed.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Yeah and when it opens it will be so expensive!
Hakuno's face shifts to neutral annoyance.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
You want me to steal?
TAIGA FUJIMORA
Yes!
Taiga walks away.
INT. CAFETERIA
Archer sips down some tea, sitting the wrong way while looking at nothing. He spots Hakuno who is wandering around.
ARCHER
You're not supposed to be here.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
You look odd,
ARCHER
(snickering)
Have a seat.
Hakuno sits down and Archer hands her a drink. She doesn't take it.
ARCHER
It's not poison,
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I'm not thirsty.
Archer takes the drink she gave her and sips it.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Who are you?
ARCHER
Oh just a drifter, you look tense.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Well either I die or I participate in this weird game.
Archer looks deep in thought as he has another sip.
ARCHER
So you're an enemy, who were you?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I don't know, besides why should I tell you?
ARCHER
Eh, fair's fair, our pasts our dangerous after all.
Hakuno is confused and Archer sips.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Did you kill someone?
ARCHER
Yes but that's not why. If you knew my name I would have to kill you.
Archer sips and throws the cup perfectly in a trashcan.
ARCHER
Not that I know mines, when you're a servant your name becomes just another weapon.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
What's it like being a servant?
He raises an eyebrow.
ARCHER
Let me put it to you like this: I am constantly resummoned to fight eternal wars alongside power-hungry morons so they achieve godhood.
Archer looks down and laughs.
ARCHER
It varies.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Why are you telling me this?
Archer looks towards her, then looks away.
ARCHER
Maybe in another time I helped you, if you believe that.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
If you're a servant, who owns you?
ARCHER
It's not ownership it's just annoying.
Archer gets up and grabs another cup of tea.
ARCHER
The red idiot.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I don't know who that is,
ARCHER
Maybe I would call her by her name if she didn't get herself kicked!
Hakuno gets up and grabs tea for Taiga.
ARCHER
Now you’re thirsty?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
No, my teacher wanted me to fetch her some tea.
Archer briefly considers if she's actually aware.
ARCHER
And you just went?
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
She may have saved my life.
Archer sits back down and sips, while Hakuno walks away.
ARCHER
Be wary of favors, you might regret following them.
INT. HALLWAY FIRST FLOOR
Hakuno walks into Taiga who's standing impatiently.
TAIGA FUJIMORA
What took you so long? Preliminaries are almost over!
Hakuno hands Taiga the tea while Null is sprinting down the hallway.
Hakuno runs to the practice room where she spots Null and decides to hide. Leo begins to speak but no sound comes out.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI (V.O.)
What does he know about me? Why does he know me? Why does he know more about me than I do?
Leo opens the door where Null and Hakuno enter.
INT. PRACTICE ROOM
Hakuno walks in alone, the effigies all deactivated. An effigy wakes up causing Hakuno to take a step back.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
Welcome potential master, in front of you is an effigy, use it to survive.
Hakuno waves her hand and the effigy mimics her.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
The only way to win is to fight, the only way to survive is to win. Proceed to the Arena,
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Who are you?
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
I'm a simple program, any similarities to anyone living or dead is mere coincidence.
Hakuno is suspicious but does walk towards the arena with the effigy following her.
INT. THE ARENA
Hakuno sees the pile of bodies and is disgusted by it, the enemy effigy staggers towards her.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
What am I supposed to do?
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
Fight for your right to exist.
The effigy springs to life and rushes towards Hakuno's effigy. The effigy slashes Hakuno's effigy which both Hakuno and her effigy block with their arms.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
You don't need to move yourself with your effigy.
Hakuno is focused on the fight, she makes her effigy take a very defensive role. After her effigy blocks about four blows she makes it stab the enemy effigy which staggers backwards.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Oh. It's not over yet.
She commands the effigy to follow up the stagger with a slash while she gets out her crossbow.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
Masters need not fight, their servants will do the work.
Hakuno ignores him as her effigy gets its arm stopped by the enemy effigy and begins to stab at her effigy. She commands her effigy to stab its arm and to kick it away.
The enemy effigy blown back by her kick gets up. It jumps up high to attack from above, the Effigy dodges out of the way while she shoots an arrow at its head, bullseye.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I did it, I actually did it?
Her effigy turns to her and starts staggering towards her. Her effigy stabs her, as the arm leaves her she falls over.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
How clever, but without a servant your chances of winning are zero to one. With that we can declare the preliminaries over.
She lays there before through great effort putting a hand on the ground, glitching.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
No...
She puts her other hand on the ground.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
NO!!!
She pushes herself up.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I HAVE YET TO FIGHT ON MY OWN TERMS, BY MY OWN WILL!!!
She moves a leg up and begins kneeling.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE, I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU WANT!!!
She uses all of her energy to stand up. One arm covering where she got stabbed and the other pointing at the sky.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
I WON'T DIE LIKE THIS!!!
Suddenly she goes back down to her knees.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE (O.C.)
Wait a second, hold on a second!
Hakuno is surprised by the voice of TAMAMO-NO-MAE (don't ask, Pretty Liar) but is fighting incredible pain.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE (O.C.)
I know you said no more applicants but look at her!!! Can I keep it, can I keep it!?
Hakuno looks for the source of the sound but can't find it.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE (O.C.)
What do you mean no? If I can't keep it, then I'm going to take it!
Tamamo appears from the sky and descends down in front of Hakuno.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE
Your lamentation, your perseverance, while the world choses to ignore it I heard it loud and clear!
Tamamo reaches out a hand towards Hakuno.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE
With the god Uka-no-Mitama as my witness, I will fight forever by your side!
Hakuno wearily takes her hand as a bright light envelops them. Once it's over Hakuno notices THREE STRANGE MARKS on her hand: A big circle and two thorn-like lines.
TAMAMO-NO-MAE
Now let's take care of that traitorous effigy!
She raises her mirror called EIGHTFOLD BLESSING OF AMATERASU and uses it like a meteor hammer to slam the effigy. With a single strike it explodes into a million pieces!
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
While you should be disqualified you've received a special exemption, don't take it lightly.
Hakuno is very confused and a little frightened, but Tamamo helps her to get up.
TWICE H. PIECEMAN (O.S.)
Congratulations Master, but this is only the first hurdle to obtaining the Holy Grail. Please make your way out of the arena.
Hakuno stares at the sky.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI
Why me, why only me, why do I get to live when so many others died!?
TWICE H. PIECEMAN
The weak must be culled, so the strong can do as they will.
Even with Tamamo, Hakuno collapses from the weight of it all.
EXT. HELLSCAPE
The world is dead, fire is everywhere, and a charred figure is barely holding on. They are dead bodies everywhere, except for one that's still moving. The CHARED FIGURE crawls on top a pile of the dead.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI (V.O.)
The conflict started here. With this, the world that came was born.
Hundreds of the dead surround the figure.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI (V.O.)
It is here that I alone had survived.
The figure grabs onto a car and uses it to stand up.
HAKUNO KISHINAMI (V.O.)
Oblivion is salvation and sin.
Never forget,
I was born from perdition.
Whatever that means,
Please don't forget.
63 + 1 MASTERS REMAIN.
This fic has been converted for free using AOYeet!
Special thanks to Ninjabunny99 for the Script skin