Hassan of the Serenity
That's Why I'm Going to Die Here, as Myself
Serenity: Welcome back, Master.
Serenity: Good job on your assignment on the minute Singularity. I'm glad to see you have returned safely.
Serenity: I'm sorry that I'm the one greeting you today. Mash was on standby until the very last minute...
Serenity: But then a staff member came by and wanted to speak with her about Sheba.
Serenity: And so I have come to greet you instead. I'm sorry if I have disappointed you.
Fujimaru 1: Thanks for your greeting, Hassan.
Serenity: Yes. Welcome back.
Fujimaru 2: I'm not disappointed.
Serenity: Thank you...
Serenity: Will you be returning to My Room? Oh, but if you would like to eat...
Serenity: I've already notified the kitchen. Mr. Emiya, Miss Cat, Miss Boudica, and Miss Raikou...
Serenity: ...are all surely anticipating your arrival. What would you like to do?
Fujimaru 1: Yeah, I am a little hungry.
Serenity: Understood. Strength that's been depleted must be restored.
Serenity: Then this way, please. I shall accompany you to the cafeteria.
Fujimaru 2: Maybe head to the cafeteria after I rest a bit.
Serenity: Ah. You must be exhausted. I will notify the kitchen that you will arrive later.
Serenity: Then I will accompany you to My Room.
Serenity: ...Um, I mean...I didn't mean to make it sound like that...
Serenity: I've recently come to reflect on my past actions... The fact that I would sneak into your bed without permission is, well...
Serenity: Miss Raikou told me that such a thing is...indecent. She was wearing a swimsuit when she told me...
Serenity: Of course, I always knew that to be the case in the back of my mind, and I always meant to behave appropriately, as I was raised...
Serenity: But I could not help myself, and that's why I... multiple times... Oh, yes...multiple times...
Serenity: I bothered you so many times... I will be careful from now on.
Fujimaru 1: You don't have to be so formal about it...
Fujimaru 2: All things in moderation. Moderation.
Serenity: ...But if you say that, I might...
Serenity: No... No! Decency is important! We wouldn't want people sneaking into others' beds without permission!
Serenity: Moderation! I will cultivate self-restraint!
Serenity: Master.
Serenity: Chaldea is a strange place. I may not be in any position to say so because I've not traveled the world to learn much about various places...
Serenity: But that's how I feel... Many heroes from different times and parts of the world exist here together...
Serenity: Heroes of the past. Heroic Spirits. Servants.
Serenity: Dead beings, whose purpose isn't to live correctly in the present age...
Fujimaru 1: Um, well...
Fujimaru 2: Aren't they...incarnated temporarily?
Serenity: No.
Serenity: Oh, I mean... Well, I'm not sure how to say this... I suppose that is one way to describe things.
Serenity: We retain our form using our Spirit Origins to stay in Chaldea, and we live like humans.
Serenity: I do not know the details of its system, but this is all thanks to the immense amount of magical energy that is supplied by Chaldea.
Serenity: Perhaps a mage, even a Caster-class Servant...
Serenity: ...would be able to better put into words what I am trying to describe...
Serenity: But I can say this much: this body of mine is made possible through the power of ether.
Serenity: Blood courses through me, and I have a heart and brain. But at the same time, I have a Spirit Core.
Serenity: So unlike you, I am not a being with a proper body.
Serenity: A true incarnation...in other words, to gain existence as a complete living being would likely require the power of a wish-granting vessel like a Holy Grail.
Serenity: But...
Serenity: If I...could possibly...
Serenity: !!!
Arash: Oops.
Arash: Not looking where you were going, huh? Walking distracted isn't a good idea, Miss Serenity.
Arash: Yo, Master. You're safe. How did that last Rayshift go for you?
Fujimaru 1: I'm back, Arash.
Fujimaru 2: Back home safe and sound!
Arash: Haha. Glad to hear it. You've got a nice color to your face too. Oh and you as well, Miss Serenity.
Serenity: ...
Arash: Heh.
Serenity: ...B-but, it can't be!
Arash: Hm?
Serenity: My apologies, Archer Arash. I will take my leave now, Master.
Fujimaru 1: Huh? Hassan?
Fujimaru 2: What's wrong?
Serenity: I'm sorry. I...um...I...
Serenity: ...I'm terribly...sorry. Now's not...no...no...
Serenity: I cannot...no matter what...
Arash: Huh. She went as far as dissipating into thin air. I didn't mean to cause her so much distress.
Fujimaru 1: I wonder what happened...
Arash: Oh, yeah. Well...you know...
Fujimaru 2: Do you have any idea, Arash?
Arash: Sorry. It's probably best if I don't say anything. I think she should tell you personally.
Arash: It's quite the pickle. All you can really do is to brace for it.
Arash: To us Servants, the Master is our foundation. No matter how much magical energy Chaldea supplies...
Arash: And no matter what anchors us for manifestation...a Servant's existence rests on the Master.
Arash: Well, we're not really humans, but that's another story. There's no use lecturing you on that.
Arash: ...Just act naturally. I beg you.
Fujimaru 1: I don't really get it, but...
Fujimaru 2: I'll just try not to get flustered.
Arash: That's the spirit. That's our Master!
--SECTION BREAK--:
Narration: ...In regards to the strange behavior of the Assassin, Hassan of the Serenity.
Narration: Our first witness is Archer, Arash.
Narration: It appears the two of them ran into each other in the hallway.
Narration: Note that she was unable to properly respond to the sudden encounter, as she was focused only on Master.
Narration: ...and as a result, she made skin-to-skin contact with Arash.
Narration: As you all know, the poisonous toxins that course through her body reach a wide range. They can even penetrate special garments made from magical energy.
Narration: While not always fatal, a Servant touching her body will be affected by her poison.
Narration: Paralysis and dizziness are common effects.
Narration: Arash Kamangir, however, is highly resistant to poison. So, he seems to be fine even after this contact.
Narration: But it was around that time when Hassan of the Serenity began to exhibit other strange behavior.
Narration: Second witness: Mash Kyrielight. Third witness: Chaldea Staff J. Doe (name withheld).
Narration: There are multiple witness reports of the subject standing in front of Master's My Room, doing nothing but bowing her head.
Narration: And not just once or twice. Over the past few days, there have been at least five witnesses who have all given similar reports.
Narration: She is clearly disturbed, which must be what is driving her behavior. She is obviously in psychological pain.
Narration: ...The reason is clear.
Narration: She has finally come to realize that there are individuals other than Master to whom her touch is not fatal.
Narration: It was just a matter of time.
Narration: After contact with Arash, it appears she is trying to remain calm...at least around Master.
Narration: But swift action must be taken, or there is a possibility that this could affect her and our activities in our Rayshifting missions.
Narration: 《This concludes the report by Paracelsus.》
--SECTION BREAK--:
Serenity: ...
Serenity: I sense multiple entities with hostile intent. It appears we are surrounded, Master.
Serenity: ...Whether we choose to break through or flee, it appears a fight is inevitable.
Fujimaru 1: It's okay, just stay calm.
Fujimaru 2: Let's just do things as usual.
Serenity: Yes. I await your orders.
Serenity: ...This may only be the simulator, but I will behave as if it were a matter of life and death. Whatever my Master commands...I will do!
--BATTLE--:
Serenity: ...
Serenity: ...I'm sorry, Master.
Serenity: You went out of your way to invite me to join you in the simulator, yet...I was of no help.
Serenity: I didn't expect so many enemies. If I only managed to break through even the slightest...
Fujimaru 1: Well, it seemed like a successive battle program.
Fujimaru 2: It's not your fault, Hassan.
Serenity: ...
Serenity: Thank you, Master. You are always so kind... Our Master...
Serenity: But I...I'm really...
Serenity: Even though I am one of your Servants...though this should never happen...I just...
Serenity: I cannot act...the way I should...
Mash: Welcome back, Senpai! Serenity!
Serenity: ...I'm sorry. Please take care of Master.
Mash: Oh, Serenity...?
Fujimaru 1: She didn't even say “I'm back”...
Fujimaru 2: She just left...
Mash: Yes...
--SECTION BREAK--:
Paracelsus: Good work in the simulator, Hassan of the Serenity.
Paracelsus: I figured whatever was bothering you would have gone away once you accompanied Master into battle.
Paracelsus: Yet you immediately ran back to your own room... This is very serious.
Serenity: ...
Serenity: ...I thought I locked my door.
Paracelsus: You forget that I am a mage.
Paracelsus: ...And a physician as well.
Serenity: Servants have no need for physicians. I ask that you leave.
Paracelsus: ...First, a little parable for you.
Serenity: I don't...
Paracelsus: It's also a sort of fairy tale. Once upon a time, there was a poisonous girl.
Serenity: ...
Paracelsus: The poisonous girl killed many people. As the name suggests, the girl's veins ran black with poison.
Paracelsus: The girl was searching...for someone who would not die from her touch, who would smile back at her.
Paracelsus: For someone whom she could lean against...just like she'd seen so many people doing.
Paracelsus: The girl was searching...for love.
Paracelsus: The first one, a man, ended in failure. He died. He spoke sweet nothings to her, but then died as soon as the two kissed.
Paracelsus: But then...the second one...was a young girl.
Paracelsus: One so very powerful that she managed to touch the poisonous girl's skin as if it were nothing...
Paracelsus: ...and then smile.
Serenity: ...Is that...story true?
Paracelsus: Like I said, it's a parable. Though, of course, there are elements of truth.
Paracelsus: So the poisonous girl thought to herself, “Ah, this maiden is the one. The one I've desired, the one I've been searching for all this time.”
Paracelsus: She was thrilled. She worked herself into a fervor.
Paracelsus: The poisonous girl accepted the powerful girl as her master, and entered her service. She killed many, and collected many souls...
Serenity: ...A soul eater?
Paracelsus: Who knows? That may have been the case. Either way, the poisonous girl killed and killed and killed.
Paracelsus: And then she met a young man.
Paracelsus: He was a kind young man. He possessed a noble soul, and he was even concerned with the poisonous girl's safety when she showed herself in battle.
Paracelsus: Even though...he was destined to die by the girl's hands.
Paracelsus: The girl killed the young man...kissing him with her poisoned lips.
Paracelsus: She did so without mercy, even though she felt only kindness from him.
Paracelsus: And so, the girl continued to work under her powerful master, killing more and more.
Paracelsus: Then one day, the poisonous girl received a gift from a man.
Paracelsus: It was the kind man, animated as one of the living dead by some kind of magecraft.
Serenity: ...A gift...
Paracelsus: The man said to her, “O poisonous girl. You don't care who the person is, as long as they don't die, right?”
Paracelsus: “You only serve your master because your touch does not kill her, not because you love her.”
Paracelsus: “Then this living corpse should satisfy you.”
Serenity: ...
Serenity: ...And what did she say?
Paracelsus: Who knows?
Serenity: Which did the girl love...? The girl, or the young man's corpse?
Paracelsus: I cannot say. The story's ending is the poisonous girl's alone. It is not for you to know.
Paracelsus: At the very least, the girl went into a long slumber, carrying the story's conclusion with her. And she was never to wake up again. Ever.
Serenity: ...Caster Paracelsus.
Paracelsus: Yes?
Serenity: What you are trying to tell me is that my hesitation...this turmoil within me...is...
Serenity: ...not...love...
Paracelsus: I cannot say. I wonder, do you even know what love is?
Serenity: I...
Paracelsus: Hassan of the Serenity.
Paracelsus: Sometimes, getting lost and hesitating is a good thing. That makes it a story all your own.
Paracelsus: You stand before us as a Spirit Origin. Your manifestation in Chaldea is all your own.
Paracelsus: Memories and thoughts do not linger. Just like with humans. If a Heroic Spirit dies, its Spirit Origin simply ends there.
Paracelsus: That's why, Hassan-i Sabbah...should you chose to cling to the reservations that plague your heart...
Paracelsus: ...and continue along your journey with that sentiment...
Paracelsus: I will not stop you. Nor will I tell you that you are wrong.
Serenity: ...!!!
Serenity: ...Then... I... I...
Serenity: Paracelsus, oh, Paracelsus. There's just one thing I must tell Master–
Paracelsus: Then go on. I will not stop you.
Serenity: Thank you, Caster Paracelsus.
Paracelsus: I wish you luck.
Arash: I didn't mean to eavesdrop.
Arash: But I couldn't help but watch. You chose your words...very carefully...
Arash: Memories don't remain, huh?
Paracelsus: I did not wish to lie, so I was, as you say, very careful in my choice of words.
Paracelsus: Hassan of the Serenity. Her Spirit Origin is somewhat different than ours. Even if SHE were to be summoned once again...
Paracelsus: Those records would never be carried over from the Throne.
Paracelsus: Only when she gains love, that is.
Paracelsus: The Hassan of the Serenity who fell in love will never be summoned again. That Hassan shall sleep for eternity, and carry those emotions with her.
Paracelsus: Even if she were summoned using the Holy Grail or through a special magecraft ritual, the checks and balances system should make it so that a different her with a different Spirit Origin would manifest.
Arash: ...Yeah, the one we have now is a great example.
Paracelsus: Yes. She's a completely different person. Different than the girl we know from that distant Holy Grail War in a faraway past.
Arash: Even we're different. Circumstances and their outcomes may differ slightly, but I understand that is the way it is for all Servants.
Paracelsus: Indeed. Just a SLIGHT difference. Heh. And...that should ring true the next time we are summoned as well.
Paracelsus: If it wasn't for the Singularity or the exception that is the Chaldea summoning ritual, fragments of our memories carrying over should not be possible, either.
Arash: What a pain in the ass.
Paracelsus: Yes. For you and me, both.
--SECTION BREAK--:
Serenity: Master!
Serenity: ...U-um...I...I...
Fujimaru 1: You've come back.
Fujimaru 2: It's okay. Take your time.
Serenity: Y-yes...
Serenity: ...Breathe in...breathe out... Calm down...focus...I...
Serenity: I can do this. I've decided that I'll talk. Inhale...exhale...
Serenity: Master. First of all, I apologize for my mishap in battle earlier.
Serenity: I am fine now. I decided I will be fine from now on. Um...
Fujimaru 1: Okay.
Fujimaru 2: Tell me, Hassan-i Sabbah.
Serenity: I will tell you the truth. I have learned that there are others who my touch does not kill. I mean, apart from you, Master.
Serenity: And so...
Serenity: I was hesitant. I wavered.
Serenity: I thought I was determined...that I wouldn't mind even if the First One's evening bell tolled for me...
Serenity: But then I became confused... I panicked, I wandered, and my mind was all a mess...
Serenity: Someone who doesn't die from touching me. Someone who doesn't die from embracing me...
Serenity: The role was so easily filled...the hero Arash was absolutely unfazed even after I touched him!
Serenity: I heard he was strong against toxins, according to his lore and characteristics. But...I never thought that was actually true...
Serenity: The moment I witnessed it for myself...I...I... It felt like my chest was about to burst...
Serenity: And then I couldn't look at you in the eye...
Serenity: ...I...I...
Fujimaru 1: (Nods)
Serenity: No...no, you do not understand, Master.
Serenity: It was true that I hesitated. I'm still confused. But...but I want to think that it's fine...
Serenity: I was the one who decided to be with you. That feeling will never change.
Serenity: After hearing Paracelsus's story, I began to realize...that if this Spirit Origin that is me...does not stay forever...
Serenity: I will no longer avoid the truth. This Spirit Origin shall begin and end here. There is no me beyond that.
Serenity: That's why I'll be fine. I'm fine now. I won't flee...from anybody.
Serenity: ...And not even from my own heart.
Fujimaru 1: Okay. Got it.
Serenity: Yes.
Fujimaru 2: What do you mean?
Serenity: I will stay by your side. That is what I have decided. That's why...th-th-this is a confession.
Serenity: I am unsure whether this feeling is love or not...
Serenity: No! I will try my best! I'm sure I am going to keep agonizing over this, but I'm sure I will eventually come to a conclusion.
Serenity: That's why, until that time...
Serenity: Please...I would like you, Master, to resist any love or affections from anyone who comes your way...
Serenity: And wait...for me... I would...appreciate that...
Serenity: ...Would you be able to forgive me for thinking and wishing this?
Fujimaru 1: I, uh...
Serenity: Thank you very much, Master. I'm going to keep trying my best.
Serenity: I will eventually come to a conclusion. Even before Kiyohime whisks you away.
E：Kiyohime (Ambush): Did you call for me, my dear Anchin!?
Serenity: Eh...uh...um...seriously? Presence Concealment?
Kiyohime: Oh, no. I just slithered my way over here like usual! You just didn't hear me because you were so wound up!
Kiyohime: By the way...what in the world was that all about!? That sounded like some sort of confession...like a bittersweet and tender-sounding confession!
Kiyohime: I-I will not allow such behavior to happen while I'M around! So, I WILL BURN YOU!
Kiyohime: Ah! She's dissipating!
Kiyohime: Hold it right there! I actually didn't hear a word you said...I only SENSED something was going on...so tell me EVERYTHING!
Fujimaru 1: I'm not sure what happened...
Fujimaru 2: This...this can only end badly...
Fou: Fou fooou!