I was feeling lazy, so this chapter is kind of half-assed and rushed. Sorry.
Kotomine Church. Fuyuki city.
Risei POV
A dim light illumanates the basement of the church. A couch and two chairs stand near the wall, and surround the wooden table with a peculiar card on it.
On the card, a man in rags is crucified to a cross.
As the supervisor of the war, I not only receive the knowledge of when a servant is summoned, but what class they belong to as well.
But I never expected for something like this to happen again. Sexteen years ago, during the Third Holy Grail War an unusual servant was summoned by The Einzbern family, under the 'Avenger' class.
The true identity of 'Avenger' being Angra Mainyu a Zoroastrian god made the Einzberns think that they would summon the strongest servant by attempting to subvert the usual summoning system. In truth, they doomed themselves for another loss. 'Avenger' was a servant so weak, that all of his parameters had no rank. He did not even possess a single skill. In my opinion, he was a insult not only to all Heroic Spirts, but to the Grail as well.
Back then I was a regulator of the Third Holy Grail War. My job was to insure that the third war did not turn into a murder spree, like the second war.
The final result of the third war was similar to the second. While the Tohsaka representative was the final master left standing the Lesser Grail was destroyed during the war which meant that the whole war was pointless. Unsurprisingly 'Avenger' was killed instantly. While I was appointed as the future supervisor for the Fourth Holy Grail War.
And now, another unusual servant appeared, and was summoned by my own granddaughter no less.
I met Saver almost immediately after his summoning, when he and Caren came to register for the war. He's appearance was that of a simple youth wearing a school uniform. He had a lean figure, and had his hands in his pockets while walking in a way that made him look lazy. He did not seem like a servant who has a chance of winning the war.
But looks can be deceiving, especially for a servant.
I can only hope that Saver is not only strong enough to help Tokiomi, but to protect Caren as well.
Tohsaka mansion.
Minato POV
It's night time. The moonlight illumanates the kitchen of the mansion.
Almost all of the people residing here are asleep, the only exteptions being me, Kirei and Tokiomi.
Right now I'm staring out through the window and waiting for a certain someone.
It's been a week since I've been summoned by Caren, and since then I've been waiting for the war to start.
The year is 1994, which means I'm in the past, and it's been two years since I was born.
As for my power... well, it was changed for both good and bad. The good part being that I can summon multiple persona at the same time. While I was able to use this power, while I was at the great seal, it's still good to know that I get to keep it while being summoned as a servant.
But there's more negatives then positives. The first one being me losing all connection to the universe arcana. Well, almost all. I still receive the benefit of a greatly increased mana reserve, but it's no longer infinite like it used to be. The second one being the 'confiscation' of every weapon I owned, well, except one-handed swords. This would be a huge problem if I was alive, since it would limit my options during combat. But during my time in the great seal I learned how to 'borrow' the weapons of my persona so this isn't a huge problem.
Well it's nice to know that I was weakened because the Holy Grail considers me "OP" and not because I was summoned by an incompetent master. That would just suck.
"I see you are deep in thought as usual. Is that the reason why you and Caren were not present at the meeting?"
Turning around I see Kirei standing in the kitchen entrance. While I could feel his presence, he made no sound while walking over here. That is kind of scary. As usual, he's still wearing his priest uniform.
"Caren is asleep like every kid her age should be. As for me, I just don't like being around Tokiomi." -I answer turning my head back to the window.
"And why is that?"
"He reminds me of someone." -I answer in an annoyed tone.
"I see." -after he said that, I heard footsteps and the sound of a chair being moved. Which means he's sitting behind the table. "The Archibald master has acquired another catalyst for a servant."
Which means that there is no doubt that he will be one of the masters.
"Is there any information about the catalyst?" -why did I ask this question if I already know the answer?
"No, but if Tokiomi did have any, I was not informed of it."
I sigh.
If Tokiomi somehow manages to get information about who is a master, and when someone receives a catalyst by mail, then why can't he find out about what the catalyst is?
"There is another important piece of information that needs to be mentioned." -he still continues to talk but in a more excited tone, which is unusual for him. "Nine years ago, the Einzbern's allowed a magus to join their family."
After hearing that, I fully turn around and lean against the window while facing Kirei. He is sitting in the 'gendo' pose. Since its dark, I can't make out what kind of facial expression he's making right now.
"Who?" -is the most important question. There is no reason to ask 'why' since I already know the answer. The Einzbern's dedicated themselves to alchemy, and only to alchemy. Which means that they don't stand a chance in direct combat even against a third-rate magus. That's what stopped them from winning the previous wars. While they were well aware of it, their pride of a pure bloodline stood in the way of getting outside help. Looks like the losses of the previous three Holy Grail Wars made them open minded about such things.
"In the Church and the Association he is known as 'the Magus Killer'. Hes a freelancer assassin who specializes in hunting down and killing magi. The methods he uses to eliminate his targets include: sniping, poison, public bombing and so on. He also appeared in war zones all over the world as a mercenary. The word "ruthless" was made for him."
So, he's not only an assassin, but a soldier too, who just happens to specialize in killing magi. And he's going to support the Einzbern's. This won't be as fun as I thought.
His methods remind me a little of Robins. But while Robin did it for the people of his village, this 'Magus Killer' seems to work for his own benefit. He could probably kill Caren without a second thought. I will have to watch out for him, and make sure that Caren is safe at all time.
"What's his real name?"
"Emiya Kiritsugu." -...wait what?
I lower my head and start a conversation that no one but me can hear.
'Did the priest just say Emiya?' -Chulainn is confused. So am I, but who could blame us.
'He did indeed.' -I haven't heard in...well, ever. It sounded like a voice of a dignified young man.
'Who said that?' -Robins status: confused.
'We will figure it out later. First things first, EMIYA, explain.'
'You see, the thing is, I don't remember.'
'Bullshit!' -almost every persona in my head screamed out.
'EMIYA, no one would fall for that excuse.'
'Rin would.' -...why Rin?
'Don't change the subject! Just answer the question you bastard." -Robin's status: annoyed.
'…We're related.'
'And how are you related?'
'It's irrelevant.'
'No, it is relevant! If you're related won't it mean that you will hold back against him?'
'Hold back? Minato, if you doubt me it means you're doubting yourself. And doubt is a one-way ticket to the afterlife.' -after being silent for a few seconds, he continues 'Ok, maybe not the afterlife, but you get my point.'
'Then why won't you just answer?' -this conversation is going in circles.
'It's not because I don't trust you, if that's what you're thinking. It's just an uncomfortable subject for me.'
'Fine, forget it.' -this conversation isn't going anywhere.
When I raise my head I see that Kirei is no longer siting down. Now he's standing a meter away from me. Since he's standing in the light I can see what face he is making. It's still the same emotionless face he is always making, nothing new there.
"...How long have you've been standing there?" -is the only thing I can ask.
"After I revealed the 'Magus Killer's' name you seemed to be lost in your own little world. It would be for the best if you would not drop your guard like that or someone might have already sent you to the afterlife... again." -as usual he says that with a voice that shows no emotion.
"...Are we done for today?"
"Yes, that will be all." -after saying that he walks out of the kitchen in the same way he came. Without making a single sound.
'So about that voi-" -before Robin can finish, I cut him off.
'Not now, I'm not in the mood for this right now.' -it's not the first time I'm hearing a new voice in my head anyway. So it isn't anything special.
...Look at me, thinking that hearing voices in your head is normal.
Einzbern castle. Germany.
Kiritsugu POV
"Let's go over the information we know, Iri."
Sitting behind a table, I open the folder containing the information about the enemy masters. While Iri walks over to my right to get a better view of whats inside the folder.
"Of the seven masters the Grail has chosen, we know four."
On the first page there is a picture of a man with brown hair, green eyes and a red suit. He seems to be attending at some kind of banquet.
"Tohsaka Tokiomi, the Tohsaka family head. A magus of the fire attribute, specializing in Jewel Magic. Very strong."
I will need to make extra precaution against him.
On the next page there is a picture of a man with black hair and eyes, he's wearing a blue hoody jacket. This picture was taken while he was shopping.
"Matou Kariya." -I let out a dry chuckle. "So they took a kid who left the family and made him a master. That old man must be desperate."
He left the Matou family which means he has no training as a magus. Even if he received training for the Holy Grail War it won't change the fact that he will be an easy target. Unless he summons a powerful servant.
After turning the page, there is another picture with a man. He has blue eyes and short blonde hair that is pulled back.
"Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald. He has an affinity for wind and water, and is an expert in Necromancy, Summoning, and Alchemy."
While he is a powerful magus, in the end he's exactly that, a magus. And almost all of them think alike.
After I turn to the final page, I can hear Iri gasp. On the page there is a picture of a girl with long light grey hair and golden eyes. She's wearing something similar to miniature church robes.
I continue to speak in my usual tone.
"And the fourth master, Caren Hortensia. She's the granddaughter of the judge Kotomine Risei and a daughter of a former executioner Kotomine Kirei. Reports also state that she studied under Tohsaka Tokiomi for three years after her command seals appeared. She will most likely be the most dangerous master in the war."
"The most dangerous? Kiritsugu, she's still just a child." -Iri says in a disturbed voice.
After putting down the folder I turn to face my wife. She has a frightened expression. All I can do is to tell her the facts and hope she will understand.
"Iri, she's dangerous because we don't know anything about her skill-wise. Also her teacher is a powerful magus, and we have no idea what he taught her. Her grandfather is the supervisor of the war while her father is a former executioner both of them could work from the background to support her. Not to mention we don't know anything about her servant."
She doesn't reply so I continue to explain my reasoning.
"And since she was chosen by the grail, she must have a wish. A wish that she is prepared to risk her life for."
After I stop talking, I stand up and go over to the window to look at the outside scenery. As usual there is a lot of snow.
Then I can fell something warm pressing against my back and someone wraps their arms around me.
"Don't worry, soon your battle will be over. Great-grandfather gave us the catalyst for the strongest servant. Soon you're ideal will come true." -Iri says those words with a voice that never fails to calm my soul.
Yes, soon the final war in human history will conclude, and there will be only peace.
I will make sure of it.
Outside of Tohsaka mansion.
Minato POV
"This place will do" -I say after stopping while looking around.
It's morning right now, and both me and Caren are outside of the mansion.
"Is it really necessary to leave the mansion? You could have just told me about yourself there." -Caren is now wearing her hat. And has a look of minor annoyance.
"I don't want to take any chances." -I respond while still looking around. When I make sure that no one is around I turn towards Caren. "Well then what do you want for me to explain first."
We are a five minute walk away from the Tohsaka mansion. There are only trees around. And since I don't feel anyone or anything following us, its safe to assume that we haven't been followed.
Caren turns to me and starts talking.
"How about you start with your legend. Every time I tried to ask you always responded with 'I don't feel like it.'
"Lucky for you I'm in a good mood today." -since Tokiomi is planing to summon his servant today, it means that the war is going to start soon. About damn time, I'm getting tired of waiting and my persona are getting excited as well. It's not every day you get to battle legendary heroes from all around the world. Ok let the explanation begin. " Would you believe me if I told you that I'm the Messiah and I come from the future?"
Caren's face started to show surprise and disbelief at the same time.
"What do you mean?" -she asks while not changing her facial expression.
'Well, at least she did't say 'no'.' -Chulainn whispers. I personally just expected her to say that she thinks I'm insane.
Not that I would deny it.
"The grail can summon heroes from the past, present and the future. And I'm a hero from the future. Sort of. My circumstances are a little bit unique. But that's a story for another time." -I stop talking and think what to say next. "As for the Messiah part, it is exactly as it sounds."
"You saved the world?" -while that was a question I could still hear the skepticism in her voice.
"Not the world. The world wasn't in danger. Humanity was, so I sacrificed myself." -we stood in silence until Caren spoke.
"Is that all?"
"What do you mean?" -is all I asked.
"Isn't there more to your legend." -ah, I see what she means.
"Yes, there is much more. But I rather leave that to the dream cycle. I'm not that good at telling stories. As for how powerful I am. I'm the strongest heroic spirit in existence... is what I would say if the grail would have allowed me to be summoned at full power."
"Wait, you're not summoned at full power?" -Caren asks. I can see her face showing disappointment. She's not disappointed in me, but in herself.
"I already said that it's the grail that is stopping me from using my full power, not you!" -I scream out, I hate seeing kids, and especially girls cry. "And even though I'm not at full power I'm still one of the strongest heroic spirit's around. Let me prove it to you."
I pull out my Evoker from my uniform.
"Is that your Noble Phantasm?" -she ask.
"Not really, it's more like a key to it." -I say while I put the Evoker to my head.
"Wait, what are you-" -I just ignore her and pull the trigger.
"Persona."
Then there is a sound of glass breaking. And a small form started to take shape from the broken glass.
I decided to summon Jack Frost since he doesn't drain much of my mana.
Caren seems impressed and shocked.
"Jack, introduce yourself." -I give him an order.
He turns to Caren who still has the same expression on her face. But firs he does a back-flip, classic.
"Hello I'm Jack Frost, hee-ho, it's nice to meet you master's master." -Jack says as he puts his hand out for a handshake.
At first Caren just continued to stare at him, but then she hesitantly started to shake his hand.
"What is he?" -she asked me in a curious voice.
"A snowman... wait that's wrong, he's my persona."
"Persona?"
"Just think that he's a part of my soul." -I'm not sure what persona truly are, but they were always there in my time of need, so it doesn't mater to me.
"Is he strong?"
"Why don't we just show you. Jack, Bufu." -after that I motion to a tree near me with my head. Jack Frost does another back flip. And then the tree froze solid and I weakly punch it. The tree simply falls apart. I turn to Caren
who has her eyes wide open and I unsummon Jack "Did I mention that he's one of the weakest persona I have?"
Caren just keeps looking at the destroyed tree, and then turns to me with a smile.
Well, looks like I managed to impress my master.
I fell like I'm forgetting something. Probably my imagination.
Tohsaka mansion. Basement.
When we came back to the mansion, Tokiomi was already prepared to summon his servant. While any normal servant would pay attention to the summoning ritual, I'm not planning to since I'm bored, and I already know who he is planing to summon. The one he is trying to summon is the 'King of Heroes' Gilgamesh. And while I can tell a guy who's called the 'King of Heroes' is going to be a royal pain in the ass in more ways than one. It still, won't stop me from being bored, and uninterested.
We're standing in the basement. Other people who are here besides me, Caren and Tokiomi are Kirei and Risei. Risei is probably interested in seeing the ceremony, I think. It's hard for me to tell what he is thinking since his eyes are always closed. How is he still alive if he can't even see what's in front of him?
Kirei's like usual, nuff said.
Caren only seems to be interested in seeing the servant. So she and I are standing near the stairs to make a 'tactical' retreat as soon as Caren get's a look at his parameters. Surprisingly it was her idea, not mine.
Tokiomi has already started the ritual. While I can see what he's doing, I can't hear anything he's is saying since my headphones are over my ears and the music is playing at full volume.
The summoning circle starts to shine. I can see Tokiomi's command seal glowing red.
So this is how a summoning ceremony looks like.
Soon the shine from the summoning circle becomes so bright, that you would need to cover your eyes to block the light. Since I'm in spiritual form I can only close them.
After the light fades away, there is a figure standing in the middle of the circle. A man with full golden armor which has something that looks like red capes attached to his torso. He has blonde hair, and blood red eyes. If I could describe his face, the words I would use are "radiant", handsome and elega-
…...what the hell did I just think?
'Caren, we're leaving.' –I say to her using our connection as master and servant.
But even before she gets a chance to ask why, I already started to climb the stairs.
So I was right after all, this 'King of Heroes' is going to be a pain in the ass.
Thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites. If anyone has a suggestion about what I should do to improve myself, please let me know.