April 2, 1638
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Unfortunately, it appears time has run out. Megumi had passed away due to illness, and duty calls as the Rebellion was coming to a close. I currently reside in the hills not too far away from the region, but hidden away from the other side too. Iori has gotten more curious every day, from its first experience with rain to seeing the flowers bloom. I remember Megumi's words, speaking of Iori. "He likes fire magecraft the most out of all the elemental magic. He says it makes him feel warm."
'Warm...' Homunculi do not feel anything; they don't feel the temperature to know what is blazing hot or freezing cold, they can't feel raw emotions at the start besides a pull of curiosity due to their innocence. What does it know about feeling "warm"? "Master, is there something wrong?" I turn my head to see Iori kneeling behind me, its calm usual expression looking towards me.
"...Everything is alright, Iori. Is there something you wish to ask?" I turn my head back to the paper, writing the days away before I am sent to accompany Shirou in the final push of this Rebellion. "Master is to accompany Lord Amakusa in a few days, am I correct? What is it... you must do?" Upon hearing those words, I put down my papers and turned to Iori. We were now face to face as it turned its head down and bowed slightly.
"That is correct. As for what I have to do, I'm afraid I cannot share that." As soon I was to turn back to my papers, expecting to hear the Homunculus leave, there was silence. I turn back to see it looking sad, an odd worriness filling in the eyes. 'Homunculus are highly intelligent, but it comes to a fault that they are innocent to a fault. Even so, experiencing emotions like love and hatred would be impossible.'
I remember the notes saying that, so why...? Why does Iori feel- "Understood. I will take my leave then, master." As if it was demons taunting me, the Homunculus stood up, bowed, and left. 'Unbelievable'... However, something stirred in my heart; something raw that made my heart ache for the being. I looked over to see items used for to create mystic codes and the like.
Using simple magecraft, I made a statue of a swan taking flight. 'Tomorrow, I set off to fight alongside Shirou and the Rebellion...' There was no time to be beating around the bush like this. But... but something compelled me to give back; to return a blessing to that fabled day. 'Iori...Sadatsugu.'
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"Master, what is it you called me for? Do you need me to fetch anything?" Iori looked up towards the man, his creator. He has learned all types of Western magecraft he could offer, even though he could have benefitted more from the magecraft of the Chinese and Onmyouji. Here he was standing inside of the small wooden house, as his creator looked outside. "Iori, hold out your hand." The young homunculi was confused but did as he was told. In his hands was a statue of a swan taking flight, brimming with magical energy.
"Ah, a gift? Thank you, Master." Iori bowed to the man, before hearing footsteps making their way outside. "This gift is a symbol of our parting. We must now go our separate ways; I cannot tell the outcome of this Rebellion, but for all we know, Shimbara will be engulfed in flames. As a mage and follower of God, I cannot let that stand by."
He looked too serious, too drained of life; from the long, unkempt hair to the dark eye bags. "What do you mean? Shimabara will be engulfed in flames? You cannot stand by... is there something you must do? Why can I not come with?" Iori asked all these questions, his innocent voice filling the dreaded air. "Because you have nothing to do with it. Within the past few months, I have seen you take hold of powerful magecraft like it is nothing. Iori, let these words ring true to you for many years to come: Remember that you must live, but also remember that one day, you must die."
The air filled with silence before the magus turned and walked away. "Goodbye, Iori Sadatsugu." With those final words said, Iori watched his creator leave the small home to a place of no return. Iori could only watch and hold the swan in his hands. "Goodbye... Mori Souiken."
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